《Blimey, My Kid's the Heir to the Billionaire Boss!》


 Chapter 1 Triplets

    Sadie Roth felt like a lost soul in the desert, yearning for the man''s tender kiss. Those thin lips of his brought her freshness and sweetness, relieving her lust. The light was dim, so Sadie couldn''t make out his face.


    In the silent night, only their heavy breathing sounded...


    The next day, the sunlight flooded in, waking Sadie from her slumber. Sensing the man getting up, she opened her eyes. Through her blurred vision, she only caught a glimpse of his tall, straight figure, along with the vivid tattoo on his lower back. It was a ferocious wolf opening its bloody mouth as if it was about to devour her.


    As she stared at it, fear spread over her body. She wanted to look closer, but sleep held her back.


    When Sadie woke up again, she couldn''t remember a thing aboutst night. It all felt like a dream, only the pain telling her she was wrong.


    Clutching her throbbing head, Sadie sat up and surveyed the messy bed and a torn shirt on the carpet. She froze as memories from the previous night shed through her mind: her fianc¨¦, Ronan Potter, abruptly calling off their engagement at thest minute; her cousin, Leah White, ushering her to a nightclub for sce and drinks; having gotten drunk, she iming to take revenge on Ronan; Leah arranging a male escort for her...


    Overwhelmed and panicked, Sadie gasped and clutched her chest.


    ''Oh my God!'' she gasped inwardly at the realization that she had lost her virginity to a bouncer. And she didn''t even get a clear view of his face! Filled with regret, Sadie grabbed her hair before she quickly got dressed and left, only to be stopped by a group of journalists at the hotel entrance. The cameras shed incessantly as unpleasant questions bombarded her.


    "Miss Roth, we heard that you spent a night with a male escort right after Ronan Potter dumped you. Is that true?"


    "Miss Roth, we heard that the escort you slept with is transsexual. Did you know that?"


    "Miss Roth, do you know about your father''s bankruptcy?"


    "Miss Roth, we just received news that your father jumped off the building in the corporate headquarters."


    These shocking revtions caught Sadie off guard.


    The next morning, the headlines sshed across major media outlets, exposing her personal life and her father''s tragic demise.


    #Edmond Roth, the Richest Man in the City, Goes Bust and Commits Suicide by Jumping off a Building#


    #Sadie Roth, Daughter of Edmond Roth, Drowns Her Sorrows at a Bar and Spends a Wild Night with a Transgender Bouncer After Getting Dumped#


    Overnight, Sadie went from being the admired heiress of a prestigious family to a slut, condemned and despised by society. She had lost everything. Her wealth, her father, her fianc¨¦...


    ***


    Ten monthster, in a humble clinic, the loud cries of a baby filled the air.


    Brenda, the family''s trusted maid, walked up to the weak and exhausted Sadie, thrilled. "Congrats, miss! You''re blessed with triplets! Two boys and a girl!"


    ***


    Four yearster, at Newark Train Station.


    Sadie returned to the city she once called home, apanied by her three babies and Brenda.


    Brenda was dragging tworge suitcases with her plump body, panting heavily as she walked.


    Carrying a faded denim backpack, Sadie held onto the three babies as she struggled to make her way out of the crowded train station.


    To those passengers, they were like a family of five seeking refuge.


    "Fuck off, paupers!" As Sadie and her children navigated through the station, a woman in a fur coat forcefully shoved Brenda aside and hurled insults.


    Before Sadie could intervene, a convoy of luxury cars pulled up and a group of bodyguards emerged in rows, bowing respectfully at her. "Wee back, Mrs. Potter!" They eximed in unison.

 Chapter 2 Collide With a Rolls-Royce

    Sadie immediately recognized the emblem on the car. It was the Potter''s convoy.


    She couldn''t help but feel excited. ''Are they here for me? Could it be that Ronan never betrayed me? Was he forced to call off our engagement? Is he here to pick me up after he knew I wasing back?'' "Miss Roth, is Mr. Potter here to pick us up?"


    Brenda was about to step forward in excitement when two bodyguards rudely pushed them aside.


    Amid the crowd, a familiar face approached gracefully.


    Sadie looked at her face and couldn''t help but be stunned it was Leah!


    Exuding an air of nobility and elegance, Leah was dressed in designer clothes. Her facial features were more refined than they were four years ago.


    Leah was also holding a boy''s hand, who was about the same age as Sadie''s three babies.


    The bodyguards warmly greeted, "Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter, please!"


    Leah covered her nose with a handkerchief, her face full of disgust. "I will never travel on amercial airline again. It''s dirty and full of lower-ss people."


    "Sure, sure! If it weren''t for the weather, Mr. Potter wouldn''t have allowed you and Mr. Potter to suffer..."


    Under the protection of the bodyguards, Leah led the little boy into the luxury car, both proud and oblivious to the people around them. Thus, certainly, they didn''t notice Sadie in the crowd.


    "How could it be?" Brenda was astonished upon recognizing Leah. "Was that Ms. White just now? Did she marry Mr. Potter?"


    "Perhaps, yes..."


    As Sadie watched the Potter convoy depart, tears welled up in her eyes. Ronan had promised her that he would only marry her in this lifetime. But now, it seemed he had married Leah, and they even had a child. "Mommy, what happened?" the children asked, surrounding Sadie with concern.


    "Mommy''s fine." Sadie wiped the corner of her eyes, squatting down to embrace the three kids.


    "Don''t be sad, Mommy. When I make money, I''ll buy you a luxury car, so you won''t have to suffer so much anymore."


    Noah thought Sadie was upset because someone had bullied her.


    "Mommy, who bullied you? I''ll beat them up." Nathan waved his little fists, his small face filled with anger.


    Mia gently rubbed Sadie''s face with her tender pink face andforted her with her sweet voice. "Please don''t cry, Mommy!"


    "There, there. Please don''t cry!"


    From Mia''s pocket, a fluffy green head suddenly poked out. It was a parrot with big, round eyes, looking around curiously. "Mommy''s not crying." Sadie took a deep breath and smiled. "Let''s go to our new home!" "Yeah, let''s go home!"


    Sadie kissed the three children, gathered her belongings again, and took them to hail a taxi.


    The former Sadie was a pampered heiress in a prestigious family, always apanied by luxury cars with servants all around.


    But now, she could only queue up for a taxi, with Brenda and the three children, carrying all her luggage.


    A taxi couldn''t contain all five of them, so Sadie had to separate from Brenda and take a different taxi.


    As dark clouds filled the sky, signaling an impending storm, the taxi driver nervously sped ahead. Suddenly, with a loud bang, the taxi collided with a Rolls-Royce at the intersection! The driver''s face turned pale with fear as he got out of the car, trembling.


    Sadie sat in the front passenger seat, frowning as she looked outside.


    This car was a limited-edition Rolls-Royce Phantom, one of the seven of its kind. Even a scratch on the paint would be enough to bankrupt this taxi driver!

 Chapter 3 The Tattoo

    The sky was gloomy, threatening to unleash heavy rain any minute.


    Sadie didn''t want the children to get wet, especially Mia, who had always been susceptible to illness. She would catch a cold every time it rained.


    "Stay in the car and don''t move around. I''ll go take a look." With that, Sadie opened the door and got out.


    "Mommy, take care!" the three kids reminded her in unison.


    Mia''s pet parrot, Coco, popped out of her pocket, looking around curiously.


    Mia pulled out a pack of snacks and fed it into Coco''s little beak. She gently rubbed its fluffy head and said, "Coco, hold on a little longer. We''ll be home soon!"


    "Sir, I''m really sorry! I never meant to!" The taxi driver anxiously exined, "It''s all because of that woman. With her three kids and luggage, my car was overloaded. That''s why the ident happened!"


    As the taxi driver spoke, he saw Sadie approach and hurried to shift the me to her. "You should take responsibility for this!"


    "Why would I" Sadie was about to argue when the window of the Rolls-Royce suddenly rolled down.


    "Forget about it. Boss has an emergency now." A young man in the passenger seat said coldly, ncing briefly at Sadie''s face.


    "I see."


    The suited man nodded in response, telling the taxi driver to be more careful next time before he swiftly got back into the car.


    Sadie instinctively turned her head and noticed a man in the back seat of the Rolls-Royce. His back was mostly exposed, revealing a terrifying cut that was bleeding profusely. Surprisingly, his blood ran down and stained his tattoo of... a wolf''s head!


    A wolf''s head!


    Sadie widened her eyes in astonishment, staring nkly at the tattoo. Her heart almost stopped beating...


    It was him!


    It was that man!


    "Don''t block the way! Move aside!"


    Without warning, the taxi driver pushed Sadie.


    She stumbled and fell to the ground. When she looked up, the Rolls-Royce had already driven away.


    As Sadie watched the car disappear, her head was buzzing.


    Questions popped up one after another.


    ''Is he the father of my babies? But isn''t he just a bouncer at the nightclub? How could he afford such an expensive car? How did he get injured?''


    Seeing Sadie fall to the ground, Nathan immediately jumped out of the car and rushed over. He looked like an angry little lion, clenching his little fists and questioning the driver, "Hey! Why did you push my mommy?"


    The driver grumbled, "How dare you yell at me? If it weren''t for you guys, I wouldn''t have had such bad luck!"


    "It was your own fault for overtaking and bumping into the car in the front. It''s none of our business," Noah reasoned in his young voice. "You are the driver. You were driving too fast! We should report you!"


    "That''s right! And you pushed my mommy! I''ll have the police arrest you!" Mia pouted and angrily pointed toward the center of the road, saying, "There''s a traffic officer right over there!"


    Coco, perching on her shoulder, pped its wings and squawked, ''Traffic officer! Traffic officer!''


    "You bunch of troublemakers! Get out of my car right now! I don''t wanna take you any further!"


    The taxi driver opened the trunk and threw Sadie''s luggage on the ground before driving away. "Hey, how could you? That''s too much!"


    Sadie hurriedly picked up her belongings off the ground and huddled by the roadside with her children. Inside the speeding Rolls-Royce, Micah Clemens cast a nce at the rearview mirror.


    Somehow, he found Sadie familiar, yet he couldn''t recall where he met her before.


    "Mr. Clemens, I''m going to give you something for the pain." A doctor was tending to Micah''s wounds.


    "That won''t be necessary." Micah was handling the documents in his hands. He was bleeding, yet he remained still and unaffected.


    "Well, then, please do hold on. I''m going to stitch up your wound now."


    The doctor snitched his wound with a frown. He was even more nervous as Micah refused the anesthetic.


    Micah''s bronzed skin emitted a cold glow under the lights. His muscles trembled slightly due to intense pain, yet he didn''t seem to be bothered by the pain at all. Suddenly, he seemed to remember something and nced at the rearview mirror.

 Chapter 4 First Encounter With Micah Clemens

    On the early Monday morning, Sadie took the three children to the new kindergarten with Brenda before she hurriedly headed to the VIC Group.


    In the past few days, Sadie had sent out 35 resumes and went to 17 interviews.


    Despite being rejected almost every time, either directly or indirectly, she finally got a job offer.


    It was from the VIC Group. Yes, the legendarypany that candidates would kill for!


    Excited, Sadie found it weird at the same time. ''How could the VIC take the initiative to call me when even the less famedpanies rejected me? The VIC is the top of its kind!''


    It wasn''t until she arrived at the VIC Group''s HR Department that she figured out the reason.


    "It''s you!"


    "It''s been a while!" Samuel Brown greeted her with a grin while his eyes showed evil designs. "After all these years, you haven''t changed a bit. You look just as gorgeous as before!" "Samuel! When Dad kicked you out of the Roth Group years ago, he banished you from Newark! How dare youe back?"


    Sadie remembered him. Samuel used to be the Deputy CEO of the Roth Group. Edmond drove him out of thepany because he was having some man thoughts on Sadie. She never expected to meet Samuel at the VIC Group after all these years.


    "The Roth family is down! Do you still think you''re the little princess you used to be?" Samuel sneered mockingly. "You are nothing! You got the offer at my mercy!"


    Sadie red at him in anger and walked away.


    Samuel''s arrogant voice echoed from behind. "Sadie, this is yourst chance. Once you walk out that door, I guarantee that you won''t be able to find a job in Newark again unless you be Mr. Clemens'' sex toy!" Sadie felt a surge of anger and quickened her pace to leave.


    She would never ever yield to such a jerk!


    As she arrived at the reception, Sadie was surprised to see the entrance crowded with people.


    A middle-aged man was holding a handgun, threatening the people around him. "Don''te any closer! I want to see Micah. Tell him to see me! Now!"


    No one dared to approach, and the security guards stood by, ready to take him down at any minute.


    Several senior executives tried to calm him down.


    "Darian, calm down. We can still talk!"


    "Calm down? I never meant to offend him! Yet what did he do? He made me go bust overnight! And look at me now! I''m homeless and jobless! How the fuck can I calm down?" Darian got worked up. That reminded Sadie of Edmond.


    Back then, the Roth Group went bankrupt overnight, but she never understood why. After all, thepany seemed to be doing well all the time.


    Yet all of a sudden, she was told that Edmond died. She was not even there for him when he passed away.


    She couldn''t help but thought to herself, ''Could it be that someone else took Dad down?''


    "Mr. Clemens is here!" someone suddenly shouted.


    Sadie looked up and saw a Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly approaching.


    The security guards immediately cleared the way while the onlookers quickly stepped back.


    The man with the gun rushed forward to block the car and shouted, "Micah! You owe me an exnation!"


    Holding their breaths, the surrounding people watched the ck Rolls-Royce nervously.


    The man in the car could rock the whole city.


    Through the half-blocked window, Sadie seemed to have seen a well-dressed figure in the back seat. He was checking his phone, unaffected by whatever was going on out there. The driver and the bodyguard in the front seat were waiting for his instructions. Even the air turned solemn and cold.


    With a single gesture from him, the car sped up to rush towards Darian.


    Everyone was shocked, especially Darian. He stood frozen in ce,pletely unprepared for such ruthlessness.


    Just as the car was about to crash into him, Sadie rushed forward and pulled him away.


    Micah looked over from the car. The moment his gaze fell on Sadie''s face, his eyes showed a flicker ofplex emotions.

 Chapter 5 The Legendary Devil

    Sadie and Darian fell to the ground together, causing a stir around them.


    Her arm was numb from the fall, and as Sadie regained her senses, she realized that the Rolls-Royce Phantom had already sped away.


    In the blink of an eye, the security guards approached and apprehended Darian.


    "Micah, you won''t get away with this! Even if I died, my soul wouldn''t let you go-" Darian eximed but was quickly silenced and taken away forcefully.


    Sadie turned her head to Darian, feeling utterly deste. Her father had once told her that the business world was like a battlefield.


    The scene felt more like hell than a battlefield...


    One misstep could plunge her into an irreversible abyss!


    And the mysterious man in the Phantom car was the devil in control.


    The sad thing was that the poor had to work for the devil in trade for bread.


    Sadie had just started walking away from the VIC Group offices when she received a notification from her bank-30,000 dors for kindergarten tuition, leaving only 664 dors in her ount!


    Kindergartens nowadays were so expensive. The tuition fee and meals for three kids would cost 30,000 dors a year.


    She couldn''t help but feel worried. ''With such little money, I won''t even be able to support our lives. What should I do?''


    Though not reluctant, Sadie finally decided to go back to the VIC Group.


    She thought to herself, ''I can''t let Samuel block my way. After all, he won''t have gone too far in the office, right? Besides, he made a fair point. It''s true that I''m no longer that little princess I used to be. The priority is to support my family and raise my babies. Wake up, Sadie! Wee to the real world!"


    Sadie was waiting for the elevator in the lobby when she saw a group of bodyguards escorting a man toward the VIP elevator not far away.


    Wherever he went, all the staff lowered their heads and respectfully greeted him, "Mr. Clemens, good morning!"


    From where she stood, she couldn''t see his face, but she knew he must have been Micah Clemens from the VIC Group!


    Yet, why did she find that tall, slender figure somehow familiar?


    She shook her head,ughing at herself secretly, ''Hey, Sadie! There are many tall and slender men out there! He can''t be the bouncer back then! He''s Micah Clemens, girl! He''s not your guy!''


    Andrew reported, "Mr. Clemens, the woman who saved Darian at thest moment is Sadie Roth. She''s just a bystander... Oops, no. She justpleted her employment procedures five minutes ago. She is now working as a secretary on the 13th floor."


    Micah''s defined face remained expressionless, his gaze as cold as frost. He didn''t pause in signing the documents before him. Only once his task waspleted did he respond with a simple hum.


    In her probationary period, her monthly sry was 1,300 dors, with benefits such as insurance and IRA. After bing a full-time employee, she could get 1,500 dors a month.


    As Sadiepleted her employment procedures, she was still calcting in her mind whether the money would be enough to cover her family''s expenses. ''1,300 dors for the baby form, and the living expenses...''


    Just as she was fretting, some senior employees gathered around and greeted her, "Sadie, wee to the administration department!"


    "Thank you so much! I''m d to be here!"


    Sadie warmly shook hands with them. She knew exactly how important it was to get along with her co-workers. That was Principle No.1 in the workce.


    "We''re gonna through a wee party for the neers. Youe?"


    "Certainly. Beer''s on me!" Though Sadie was short of money, she couldn''t get away.


    "That''s our girl! Let''s go after work then!" "Alright!"


    ***


    When it was time to clock off, Sadie was left in the office alone, finishing up. All her co-workers were done with work, and they were waiting for her downstairs. Right after she was done, Sadie grabbed her bag and rushed to catch the elevator, but the doors closed right before she reached it.


    At the same time, the VIP elevator doors on the other side opened. Without thinking, she rushed inside.


    "This is Mr. Clemens'' exclusive elevator! Please get out," the bodyguard scolded her.


    "What?" Even before Sadie could react, Micah eyed the bodyguard to give way to her. The bodyguard understood at once and let Sadie in.


    Sadie nced back, then quickly turned her head, feeling flustered.


    It was Micah, Micah the Devil!

 Chapter 6 In Trouble

    The air in the elevator seemed to freeze all of a sudden. Sadie even had goosebumps from coldness.


    Micah''s slender, godlike figure stood tall, exuding a dominant aura.


    Biting her lip, Sadie held her breath. From the mirror, she could see Micah staring at her. His eyes were sharp and piercing, showing an unfathomable coldness! It felt like a lion looking down at its prey!


    ''Faster, faster, please...'' Sadie was more than eager to see the doors open again.


    Sadie gazed as the number on the panel slowly changed: 12, 11, 10...


    Her body got stiff when she realized that Micah was getting closer and closer to her from behind.


    With a ding sound, the elevator finally arrived.


    Sadie rushed out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened. Unfortunately, in her desperation to flee, she stumbled and fell with a loud thud right at the doors. She then sprawled out on the floor!


    A group of colleagues who had just exited the staff elevator witnessed this scene and let out a burst of exmations, with many of them stifling theirughter. Sadie wished she could be invisible at that moment. She quickly stood up, covering her face, and ran away.


    Micah''s gaze had been following her silhouette when they were in the same space. He watched as she fled, and a mischievous curve formed at the corner of his lips.


    ***


    Sadie thought the wee party would be at a restaurant, yet it turned out that they gathered at a nightclub! What was worse, Samuel was there, too!


    It was for staff members in the Administrative Department, but why did Samuel from the HR departmente here?


    Sadie was irked, yet she couldn''t just drive Samuel out on such an asion.


    Samuel had bonded with all of Sadie''s co-workers. They seemed to be getting along. And the table was filled with expensive drinks he ordered.


    One of the male colleagues there couldn''t help but whisper, "Mr. Brown, this wine costs over 750 dors per bottle. It doesn''t seem right to treat a new colleague like this."


    "You guys don''t know about her." Samuelughed. "Sadie is from a wealthy family and has plenty of money. In the past, when she hit the nightclubs, not to mention a few bottles of wine, she could easily foot the bill for the whole ce!" "Really?" Several female colleagues were immediately drawn in by the juicy gossip, swarming around Sadie and talking non-stop.


    "Sadie, you''re the heiress of a wealthy family? I couldn''t tell! You seem so low-key."


    "It''s not like what he said..." Sadie replied.


    "It''s not?" Samuel cut her off,ughing coldly. "I''m sure you all know about Edmond''s only daughter, right? Edmond Roth, the richest man in Newark!"


    "Are you referring to that Edmond, whomitted suicide by jumping off a building four years ago?" A male colleague suddenly chimed in. "No wonder her surname seemed familiar..."


    "I think I remember seeing that on the news. It was said that the same day Ronan Potter dumped Miss Roth, she hooked up with a transexual escort at the nightclub. Is that true?"


    All of Sadie''s colleagues stared at her with curiosity, excitement, and anticipation, waiting for her answer.


    Their curious gazes pierced through Sadie''s face like sharp edges. Unable to bear it any longer, she stood up and walked away.


    Malcolm, the Administrative Department''s manager, hurriedly grabbed her and rebuked some of the jeering colleagues. "What''s wrong with all of you? How can you treat a new colleague like this? You''re going to be working together. Stop your stupid questions!"


    "You''re right. We''re so sorry..."


    The colleagues quickly apologized to Sadie.


    Sadie looked at Samuel''s smirking face and hurriedly left the private room as if trying to run for her life.


    All she had wanted was to leave her past behind and start a new life. Yet, the shadows from the past always seemed to follow her. It was impossible to shake them off.


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie tried hard to calm herself down.


    "What? Can''t handle this already?" Samuel followed her out, mockingly sneering. "Then how are you going to survive in the future?"


    "You did it on purpose," Sadie red at him. "You lured me into joining thepany and incited my colleagues to throw a party for me and let me pay the bill! All you want is to embarrass me! You''re seeking revenge, aren''t you?" "That''s right." Samuel nodded and smiled. "The bill exceeds 20,000 dors now. I think that''s enough to show how much you''re wee."

 Chapter 7 Run Into Him Again

    "How could you..." Sadie was seething with anger. She only had a few hundred in her ount. How could she pay for such a bill?


    "Are you telling me that you don''t have the money to pay?" Samuel maliciously approached her. "You can beg me. As long as you''re willing to spend a night with me, I''ll handle the bill. In the future, I''ll shelter you at thepany, too. No one will dare to bully you-" Before Samuel could finish his sentence, Sadie pped him in the face and angrily eximed through clenched teeth, "Shameless!"


    Samuel touched his face. Instead of getting angry, he chuckled in a lewd manner. "That''s the first time you''ve touched me. Your hand feels so tender!"


    "You make me feel sick!" Sadie turned around and walked away in anger.


    "If you run away from this bill tonight, I''m sure you''re gonna have a hard time in the future. All your colleagues will look down on you and you''ll be isted..." Samuel shouted from behind, "Do you wanna lose your job?"


    Sadie walked forward in a daze, feeling incredibly down.


    ''Surely I can''t afford to lose this job, but I can''t afford to foot the bill, either. What should I do?''


    Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly saw a familiar figure in the private room next to hers.


    A tall man sat on the sofa with his back turned towards her. His white shirt hung loosely below his waist, revealing a fierce wolf tattoo and a long scar...


    It was him!


    Sadie stood frozen, her heart racing as if it was about to burst from her chest. Thest time she spotted him on the street, she had been so taken aback that she couldn''t utter a single word before he left. Now, the man who had ruined her life stood right in front of her!


    As she gazed at his back, memories shed through her mind...


    Waking up in the hospital without saying goodbye to her father, only to see his cold, lifeless body at the funeralter...


    All her rtives and friends judging and admonishing her during the funeral, even trying to kick her out...


    Getting pregnant before marriage and enduring judgmental nces at the shabby clinic...


    Almost bleeding to death during childbirth...


    In Sadie''s eyes, all her suffering stemmed from that man!


    As Sadie reminisced, a surge of anger overwhelmed her. Her fists clenched tightly as she charged in.


    The man in ck in the corner scolded, "Hey! You can''t just barge into a private room. Get out!"


    Micah made a gesture, and the person in ck immediately retreated in silence.


    Sadie was dumbfounded. Even bouncers could hire bodyguards nowadays?! Weren''t they bodyguards themselves? It seemed like he had been living quite a well-off life these years! Suppressing her fury, Sadie cautiously approached. "Is it you?"


    Micah finished buttoning his shirt and slowly turned around, wearing a ck half-mask on his face.


    The mask covered half of his face, only revealing his thin lips and a pair of deep, dark eyes with a cryptic gleam.


    On the right side of the mask, there was a hollow golden me emblem in the shape of fire, exuding dominance and wildness.


    Sadie couldn''t help but take a step back. How could a bouncer possess such a powerful presence? She thought to herself, ''Is he really the one?''


    Just as she hedged, she saw the tattoo again. ''He must be the one! I can''t be wrong with the tattoo!''


    "So, you don''t remember me at all?" Sadie further confirmed. "Four years ago, I was drinking in Room K13 and my friend hired you to apany me. Then we went to the Cloud Hotel..." "You have a mole on your chest!" Micah squinted and gazed at Sadie. "That night, we had sex... seven times..."


    "I''m gonna kill you!" Sadie rushed forward, raising her hand to p him.


    In a sh, Micah grabbed her wrist and pushed her onto the sofa. "How dare you?"


    "You son of a bitch!" Sadie pounced on him like a wildcat.


    She wildly scratched and wed at him, roaring, "It''s all your fault! You ruined my life! Look at how pathetic I am now! It''s all because of you!"

 Chapter 8 Sadies Lie

    Micah blocked Sadie with a single hand so that no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn''t reach him.


    Staring at her coldly, he said, "But it was you who hired me in the first ce, right? It was a fair transaction. Please don''t make it sound like I raped you."


    Sadie cursed and wed at him furiously, "You had no professional ethics! How could you remove protection while serving your clients? You ruined my life! I''m gonna kill you!" "What did you say?" Micah squinted, fixing his gaze on her. "Were you... pregnant?"


    Sadie suddenly froze as she thought of her three babies.


    She cursed fiercely in her heart, ''Yes! I got pregnant. I''ve given birth to three babies for you, yet you''ve never fulfilled your responsibility as a father!'' "Answer it!" Micah shouted coldly.


    "Yes... I got pregnant then!" Sadie blurted out the truth but she then changed her wording. "But... I had an abortionter. I would never have a child with a douche like you!" She didn''t want her babies to be rted to the bouncer in any way.


    She must keep the secret from him.


    "Good to know." Micah nodded as he reached into his suit pocket to fetch something.


    "How dare you continue to work as an escort here? How many more innocent women do you want to harm? I''m going toin to your manager right now!" Sadie left angrily.


    His hand froze halfway in the air. He frowned slightly and put the check back into his pocket.


    Just as Sadie reached the door, she received a call from Samuel. "Sadie, if you don''te soon, your colleagues will leave. In that case, you don''t have to go to work tomorrow." "Go to hell!" Sadie angrily hung up the phone, trembling with anger.


    Why were there so many despicable men out there? One inside and another outside!


    ''Wait a minute!'' she suddenly thought. ''How could I let him get away after he ruined my life? Why does he get to live such a wonderful life while all I''ve got is to suffer with my babies?''


    With that thought in mind, Sadie barged back into the private room, snarling through her gritted teeth, "Bastard! You''ve ruined my life! You must be responsible for it!"


    Micah was drinking when Sadie broke in. Upon hearing her words, he coldly turned to her and asked, "And how would you like me to be responsible?"


    "You have topensate me!" Sadie barked, standing her ground. "If it weren''t for you, my life wouldn''t have turned out like this."


    ''If it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t have missed Dad''sst moments; if it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t have lost my reputation and been looked upon as a despised slut; if it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t have be an unmarried mother... Well, the babies are cute, though. Anyway, I deserve the money!''


    "How much do you want?"


    Micah sat proudly on the sofa, elegantly fastening his shirt buttons. His chest muscles and eight-pack abs exuded a sexy and wild allure, glistening under the dim lights with a captivating luster.


    Sadie looked at his chest, distracted for a moment.


    She quickly regained herposure, cleared her throat, and raised all her fingers.


    Micah arched an eyebrow. "50 million?"


    "50 million? That would be way too demanding for you!" Sadie sneered mockingly. "Listen up, douche! I''m talking about your ie for five months! From today on, you''re gonna split each cent you make in theing five months with me!" Now she couldn''t even afford the baby form for her kids...


    Just when she didn''t know what to do, she met the bastard! How could she seize such a good chance?


    After all, her babies deserved the money she asked for.


    Five months would be enough for her to get through the current difficulties. Once her probationary period was over and she became a full employee, she''d have a monthly sry of 1,500 dors, which would be enough to cover all her expenses.


    By then, she would sever all ties with him and never have any interaction again.

 Chapter 9 Work Harder, Toy Boy!

    "How much do you think I can earn each night?" Leaning back on the sofa, Micah swirled his wine ss and leisurely looked at her. "What if I get no luck?" "Given how you look, I don''t think that''s gonna happen."


    Sadie scrutinized him from head to toe and her gaze somehow fell between his legs.


    "I heard that even an average''s gonna earn seven or eight hundred bucks each time, and about 2 grand for a whole night. As for you, I would say at least 2 grands each night, right?"


    "So, you''re suggesting I give you one grand every night?" A deeper smirk curled up at the corner of Micah''s lips. "You''re easily satisfied."


    "I didn''t say that!" Sadie snapped back. "I mean... you owe me a minimum of 5,000 dors every night. To make up for your past mistakes, you need to work harder and bring in more money for me. Got it?" "Money is not a problem." Micah seemed quite generous. He then asked in confusion, "But how did you recognize me just now?"


    "I saw your tattoo. The wolf''s head." Sadie was afraid that he would deny it.


    Micah looked deeply into her eyes. "So, you didn''t actually know what I looked like?"


    "Who knows what you look like?" Sadie said irritably, "That night I was drunk and couldn''t see your face at all."


    Micah took a sip of his wine, smiled, and remained silent.


    "Don''t even think about dishonoring the agreement, or I''llin to the nightclub manager." Sadie quickly warned, "And I heard that you''re transexual. If that''s discovered, you won''t be able to work here anymore." Micah froze, his eyes narrowing with annoyance. "Transexual?"


    "Scared, no?" Sadie quickly took out a pen and paper from her bag and filled out a simple contract.


    "From today on, you must pay me half of your daily ie within the next five months aspensation for what happened in the past. Sign the agreement and we''ll have a deal." As Sadie spoke, she handed the pen to him.


    "Am I the only escort you''ve slept with?" Micah raised an eyebrow, looking at her scribble on the contract. "You must have a whole stack of this kind of contract, right?"


    "Do you think I enjoy sleeping with escorts? It was an ident back then! You''re the only man I''ve ever slept with!"


    The corners of Micah''s lips curled into a slight smile. Seeming to be in a good mood, he signed the agreement, yet Sadie couldn''t recognize what his name was. Feeling that a signature wasn''t enough, Sadie grabbed his hand and fiercely bit his thumb. As the blood flowed, she forcefully pressed his thumb onto the paper.


    "Well done" Sadie smirked as the contract was signed, feeling triumphant. "It''s a deal now, no backing out. Why don''t we start right now? Where''s the money you earned today?" "It''s not my lucky day. No money for now."


    Suddenly, Micah pulled her into his embrace and held her waist tightly. His seductive lips brushed against her cheek as he whispered in her ear, "Why don''t you ce an order? I''ll give you a 50% discount..." "Nice try!" Sadie got rid of him at once. She grabbed the contract in a panic and pushed him aside. "Don''t ever think about tricking me! From now on, you''ll have to work as hard as possible and repay the debt!" Micah narrowed his eyes, looking deeply into hers. "Are you that generous to see me sleep with other women?"


    "Why not? You''re my cash cow!" Sadie took out her phone. "Let''s exchange phone numbers."


    Micah took her phone and entered his number. As he was about to save his name, Sadie took it back and entered "Toy Boy in Debt" instead!


    Micah frowned, clearly unhappy about the title.

 Chapter 10 Toy Boy in Debt

    "I''ll send you my bank ount number. You must send me the money before midnight every night, understood?" Sadie instructed while typing on her phone.


    As soon as she was done speaking, a ding sound came from Micah''s phone.


    Seeing Sadie''s bank ount in the text, Micah smiled slightly.


    ''Interesting!'' Micah thought to himself.


    At that moment, Sadie''s phone rang again.


    Seeing that it was Samuel calling, Sadie answered the call irritably and barked into the phone, "Leave me alone! I don''t have money to pay the bill, and I don''t want that job at the VIC Group anymore! Got it?" With that, she hung up directly, her face turning crimson with anger.


    Feeling upset about losing the job she had just got, she slumped on the sofa, gulped down the drink in front of Micah, and belched.


    "It''s all because of you. Now I can''t even have a job. Actually, I did get one, yet I was then ckmailed by another jerk, so I think I''ve just crewed it," sheined.


    "Well." Micah asked, "Is someone from the VIC Group ckmailing you?"


    "You wouldn''t understand even if I told you." Originally, Sadie didn''t wanna waste her time on him anymore, yet a thought just came to her mind. "By the way, can you foot the bill for a private room? It''s about 20,000 dors!" "Sure!" "Great!"


    Sadie asked Micah to help her pay for the private room. The total came to over 20,000 dors. That was burning money. Sadie felt as if her heart was bleeding, yet it was apparently more important to keep her job. After all, she had to support her babies.


    "You just repaid part of your debt!" With that, she then left to greet her colleagues.


    ***


    "I''ve already paid the bill. Are you all having fun?"


    "Yes, we had a great time. Thank you, Sadie," her colleagues replied one after another.


    "You really paid for it? It''s said to be over 20,000 dors." A colleague couldn''t believe it.


    "Yes, it''s really expensive. I maxed out a few credit cards, and I''mpletely broke now," Sadie replied with a bitter smile. "But as long as you''re all happy and enjoyed yourselves, it was all worth it!" Some colleagues felt back for Sadie and turned to Samuel.


    "Sadie is just being modest. The money is not even enough for her to buy a bag. How could she use her credit card?" Samuel sneered. "But thank you anyway. Next time, I''ll treat you!"


    Sadie cursed Samuel secretly, but she didn''t say anything for the sake of her job. Instead, she chose to ignore him and bid her colleagues farewell.


    "Sadie, I have a car. Let me give you a ride," someone offered.


    "That won''t be necessary. I''ll hail a taxi. Thanks." Sadie walked out of the private room and looked back at the next door. ''He should already be gone, probably attending to his clients,'' thought Sadie. Sadie texted him.


    Sadie: [I''m leaving now. Work harder and earn more clients. Pay off your debts sooner and set yourself free!]


    Inside the private room...


    Micah saw the message and smirked. ''What an adorable fool!''


    "Mr. Clemens, Panther turned up!" Andrew came in to report. "We have someone on his watch. We''ll see who he''s meeting with." "Don''t tip him off!"


    "Understood."


    ***


    Sadie didn''t receive a reply and couldn''t help but feel uneasy. ''Could he be nning to cheat me?''


    Sadie decided to catch up with him before she could no longer reach him. Thus, she immediately called him.


    Micah was about to leave the private room when his phone rang.


    Seeing the number, he couldn''t help but smile and answer the call. "Hello?"


    "Why didn''t you reply to my text? Are you trying to run away?" Sadie questioned.


    Micah seemed to have epted his role as an escort. "I''m busy making money to pay off my debts."

 Chapter 11 Im Getting Rich

    "You got a deal?" Sadie asked excitedly. "A one-time deal or for the whole night? How much?"


    "You''re quite a yer, aren''t you?" Micah sneered. "You must be a regr."


    "Not true. You''re the only one," Sadie blurted out.


    She then coughed a few times before saying seriously, "Don''t change the subject. Answer my question. How much?"


    Micah raised an eyebrow. "1,500 dors for a night!"


    He, the ruler in the business world, the one at the top of his game, had long lost interest in everything. Yet now, the seemingly silly woman somehow brought color to his insipid life.


    Andrew waspletely confused. He wondered, ''Sounds like Mr. Clemens is discussing business with a new partner. What for a night? And what costs 1,500 dors? Are they talking in code?'' "Great! Transfer me 750 dors!"


    Thrilled, Sadie thought, ''I''m getting rich! Yay!''


    "You''re not supposed to get paid before you keep your end up. Everything can wait till the morning," Micah said and hung up.


    Upon hearing the busy tone, Sadie was annoyed. ''He hung up just like that? What is he, a bilk?


    ''Wait. That can''t be it. He has signed already, and he picked up. Besides, he reported to me about how he''s doing in business. I don''t think he''s a bilk.


    ''Maybe I should be patient. Might as well go back to sleep. Who knows? Perhaps the money will turn up by the time I wake up.''


    ***


    Sadie tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep. From time to time, she took out her phone to check. Yet to her disappointment, she didn''t receive any transfer notice at all. Sheforted herself, ''It''s just two in the morning. Be patient...''


    At 6 a.m., she had just fallen asleep when her phone suddenly rang. She immediately grabbed her phone from under the pillow and checked.


    She received 750 dors!


    She sprang up in excitement. ''Awesome! Finally, I received my first payment!''


    After calming down, she texted Micah right away.


    Sadie: [Money received. Well done. Keep up the good work tonight!]


    Micah: [I closed a deal worth 30 thousand dorsst night. You promised that you''d take it out of what I owed you. Remember?]


    Sadie: [I''m just trying to stop you from being a big spender. You ought to save some for a rainy day. You know what? Just make sure you give me the money every day in time. I''ll deduct the 30 thousand dors for sure. Promise.] Micah: [OK.]


    Sadie: [Keep bringing out your best tonight. If I''m satisfied, I''ll get you some nutritious supplements.]


    This time, Micah only sent her an emoji showing how speechless he was.


    Sadie didn''t care, as she was so thrilled with the money. Right now, she wasn''t sleepy at all.


    She had just moved from the countryside along with her kids and Brenda, and of course, they needed a lot of necessities. It happened to be the weekend, and she wanted to take the chance to take them to the mall. Life went on in a mysterious way. Edmond doted on her ever since she was a little girl, wanting her to be his precious princess forever. Yet fate treated them cruelly.


    Things went south, and Sadie was no longer that pampered princess. Now, she was the mother of three.


    Women always turned tough when they became mothers, and Sadie was no exception. The current she always had a keen eye for malls with promotions as well as cost-effective products for her babies'' sake.


    She took Brenda and the kids to Ruby za.


    Wearing a casual denim outfit, Sadie put her phone in her fanny pack and rolled up her sleeves, all geared up for the uing "battle".


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia, I''m going shopping. Stay at the children''s ying area with Brenda. Don''t go anywhere. I''lle pick you up after I''m done shopping. Got it?"


    "Yeah!" the triplets said in unison.


    At the same time, some passersby took out their phones to take photos and record videos of the triplets.


    A few young women discussed excitedly.


    "My, my! Are they triplets? They''re so cute!"


    "They make my heart melt! See their curly hair and shiny eyes? They''re like fairy talese true! I''ve never seen such beautiful kids..."


    "See the yawning parrot on that little princess'' shoulder? Gosh! How sweet..."


    The triplets always caught everyone''s eye wherever they went. Therefore, Sadie always put masks and hats on them especially when they went to crowded ces like the train station.

 Chapter 12 Mysterious Men in Black

    "Stop taking photos of us, or you''ll vite our portrait rights," Noah reminded the passersby coldly.


    "Prettydies can take photos with me. Men may step aside," Nathan grinned mischievously. "Hear me? Prettydies only!"


    Mia reached out her chubby hand to make a gesture to everyone. "Quiet! Or you may wake Coco up!"


    Coco was napping on Mia''s shoulder with her head bobbing up and down, looking cute.


    "So adorable! Kids, mind if I take a photo with you?"


    A few girls gathered around them.


    "Sorry. No." Noah was as cold as always.


    Meanwhile, Brenda had bought the tickets. "Guys,e here. I''ve got the tickets, and we can go in now."


    At the same time, Sadie was upstairs shopping. Noticing that a small boutique for children''s clothing on the third floor was having a sale, she rushed over at once, made her way into the crowd, and started to select discounted clothes from the racks.


    In the next second, a group of tall men in suits and ties came over orderly. Everyone stepped aside to make way for them.


    Noticing the men, some young mothers selecting clothes stopped involuntarily and looked over, discussing.


    "Who are they? What great pomp."


    "None of them are less than 6 feet tall. See how handsome they are in suits? Any one of them can be the most popr male escort at Night Club!"


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat especially when she heard the words "Night Club" and "male escort."


    She thought, ''Do these men have anything to do with that male escort?''


    "You''re all wrong. They are bodyguards of the VIC Group''s CEO," a young mother with a straight bang saidcently. "My husband works there. The group''s CEO has 18 bodyguards, each with a golden ''S'' emblem on theirpels, symbolizing their status!"


    After a pause, she added, "They''re practically all here. Seems like the CEO is here, too!"


    "Gosh!" another young woman eximed, daydreaming like a fangirl. "Having those handsome men as his bodyguards? He must be perfect."


    "Sorry to burst your bubble, but pretty bodyguards usually work for ugly employers." "Seconded..."


    Micah''s handsome face emerged in Sadie''s mind as she heard the women discuss. She thought, ''Ugly? Nah. He''s not ugly at all.''


    The men in ck set up a perimeter at a restaurant opposite the store and stationed at the door.


    In the next second, a tall, slender man with an aloof temperament entered.


    Sadie saw his figure from afar, realizing that he was the VIC Group''s CEO indeed.


    Puzzled, she pondered, ''Weird. Deja vu all over again. Where exactly have I seen him before?''


    ***


    The kids were having a great time at the children''s ying area.


    As Brenda was aside keeping an eye on them, a few parents approached and struck up a conversation with her. Then she started to chat happily with them. Nathan had just finished doing his business in the bathroom. As he walked out with hands in his pockets, he suddenly noticed a ring bloodstain on the floor. He widened his eyes in astonishment. ''Blood? Howe there''s blood here?''


    Curious, he followed the blood and found a wounded man in ck lying in the utility room.


    He stopped cautiously.


    The man in ck had a mask and a cap that covered his entire face. Blood was flowing from his wound.


    Hearing footsteps approaching, he immediately raised the knife in his hand, looking fierce. Yet in the next second, he put his guard down, as he saw that it was just a four-year-old kid. "Need help?" Nathan asked cutely.


    "Piss off!" the man snapped.


    Nathan pouted, but he didn''t go away. Instead, he took out a cartoon band-aid from his pocket and handed it to the man. "Here. Take this."


    The man rolled his eyes, thinking, ''I''m bleeding like hell! Is this some sick joke? Well, I''m notughing!''


    "You''ll die from bleeding too much. Go see a doctor," Nathan advised before turning around to leave. "Nathan! Nathan!"


    Coco flew over to Nathan, pping wings.


    Nathan extended his hand, and Coconded steadily on the back of it. They walked out together, attracting great attention instantly.


    "Wow! That little boy is such a cutie pie!"


    "And so is the parrot on his hand!"

 Chapter 13 The Mysterious Chip

    A man d in ck darted into the stairwell, with a cadre of suited men on his heels.


    Nathan''s adorable face was now a canvas of astonishment. ''Is this for a movie? That''s so cool!''


    Shaking off his amazement, Nathan slowly took something out of his pocket.


    The small, delicate box creaked open, unveiling a golden chip, norger than a soybean.


    Nathan scrutinized it, pondering its purpose. It bore little resemnce to gold, and more to the electronicponents that Noah often fiddled with. "Sunflower seeds!" Coco, mistaking the chip for a treat, opened its beak and swallowed the chip.


    Nathan was thrown into a panic, patting Coco''s little green head and shouting, "Coco, spit it out! Spit it out!"


    Startled, Coco swallowed the chip instead.


    "Ah!" In desperation, Nathan grabbed Coco by its tail feathers and shook it upside down. "You can''t eat this! Spit it out!"


    Coco, shaken so vigorously it saw stars, rolled its eyes in distress.


    "Nathan! What are you doing?" Mia rushed over, snatching Coco away.


    She cradled the bird protectively against her chest and confronted Nathan with indignation, "Why are you hurting my Coco? I''m going to tell Mommy!" "No, Mia! It''s not like that..."


    Noah, in his role as the elder brother, reprimanded Nathan sternly, "Nathan, how can you do this to Coco?"


    Nathan gestured between himself and Coco. "I... it..."


    Coco, now unconscious from the shaking, copsed in Mia''s arms, tongue lolling out and panting heavily.


    Nathan was left with no choice but to keep this secret to himself; exining it to his siblings seemed impossible now.


    In the private room of the Italian restaurant...


    Micah, his back to the door, sipped on red wine with an air of elegance. His silhouette, bathed in the dance of light and shadow, exuded an aura of regality. Andrew hurried in to report, "Mr. Clemens, Panther has escaped!"


    The swirling of wine in Micah''s ss halted, and his voice turned as cold as frost. "Useless!"


    "Sorry, sir!" Andrew bowed his head, barely daring to breathe.


    "The X chip''s got all the inside scoop on thepany''s newest gadgets. If it gets out, it''ll be a total disaster. We gotta get it back ASAP!"


    "Yes." Andrew epted the order with a bowed head. "We''re nailing Panther in three days max!"


    Micah rose and left, his silhouette even more resplendent in the light, his formidable presence casting an oppressive shadow.


    Everyone in the vicinity held their breath cautiously.


    They arrived at the underground parking lot and got into a Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    The driver was just about to turn the key when Micah suddenly snapped, "Hold up!"


    The driver mmed on the brakes right away.


    Following Micah''s stare, Andrew spotted a tiny figure sprinting from the shadows. The kid had nearly dashed under the wheels, but Andrew hopped out of the car to make sure everything was okay. "Hey, kiddo, what are you doing here all by yourself?"


    "My Coco just got in there, and I was trying to catch it... Coco, stop buzzing around and get back here!" Mia was about to pounce and snatch Coco, but then she hesitated, not quite sure what to do.


    Suddenly, Coco darted into the car.


    Mia didn''t waste a second and scrambled in after it, looking up and meeting a pair of intense, chilling eyes that sent a shiver down her spine.


    ''This guy looks really intimidating! Could he be one of the shady characters Mom warned me about?''


    She nced at Micah with a hint of fear and instinctively edged away.


    Micah was studying her too. Normally as unfeeling as a block of ice, he seemed to be thawing, his gaze growing warmer.


    Mia was adorable, with a face as sweet as a porcin doll''s and eyes as bright as twin beacons.


    He felt a strange pull towards her. As he watched her, his cold heart began to melt.


    Coco fluttered around the car, squawking in a shrill voice, "Mia, Mia!"


    "Get over here, quick!" Miamanded as she reached out, her little brow furrowed in mock seriousness. "If you don''t listen, I''m going to be mad!"


    But instead of flying to her, Coco perched on Micah''s shoulder.


    Micah''s brow furrowed and he reached up to snatch Coco.


    Coco let out a startled chirp and pped its wings, struggling to get free. A few feathers fluttered down, and a tiny dropping fell from the bird,nding square on Micah''s jacket.

 Chapter 14 A Lump of Bird Poop

    Andrew''s face was etched with terror, his features seemingly frozen in ce.


    The bodyguards, witnessing the unfolding scene, turned ashen in an instant. Micah was a clean freak... This bird was doomed!


    As expected, Micah''s expression darkened, his eyes chilling with displeasure. His grip on Coco tightened...


    Sensing the danger, Coco reacted instinctively, its neck stiffening, eyes rolling, and tongue poking out.


    "Ah! Let go of Coco!" Mia charged forward, her chubby little hands forcefully prying Micah''s grip away. "Let it go! Let it go!"


    "Hey, little girl..." Andrew intervened, pulling Mia away from the tense situation.


    Mia''s eyes, red-rimmed and brimming with tears, met Micah''s. The fury in his gaze inexplicably dissipated, and he released his hold on Coco. Coco, with a flurry of panicked wingbeats, soared into Mia''s embrace.


    She cradled Coco protectively, casting a defiant re at Micah before descending from the car and dashing towards the entrance of the mall. "Hey! Little one!" Andrew shouted, but Mia ignored him.


    Worried, he instructed a bodyguard, "Stay close to her, ensure her safe return to her guardian''s side."


    The bodyguard acknowledged with a nod. "Got it!"


    The car slowly pulled away.


    Micah took off his jacket, dusted off any stray feather remnants, and carefully wiped his hands with antiseptic wipes.


    Taking note of Micah''s expression, Andrew observed theck of the expected anger and was surprised to find him quiteposed. Andrew couldn''t resistmenting, "That little girl is really cute."


    "Her eyes, so clear and bright," Micah added with a softened tone, surprising Andrew.


    "Indeed. I wonder who could have raised such an adorable girl," Andrew echoed.


    "She''s like a delightful little princess..."


    ***


    Just as Mia reached the esctor, she heard Sadie''s calling out, "Mia! Mia!"


    "Mommy, here!" Mia responded, rushing towards Sadie with Coco in her arms, nearly toppling Sadie over in the process.


    "You had me so worried!" Sadie held Mia tightly, stroking her hair, and anxiously asked, "Are you hurt? Did you meet any unkind people?"


    "I''m fine, but..."


    Mia hesitated, her thoughts flickering back to the man in the car. "Was he a bad person?


    "He looked the part, but when Coco pooped on his jacket, he was angry yet still let Coco go free. So, perhaps he shouldn''t be considered bad, right?" "But what, dear?" Sadie asked, her voiceced with urgency.


    "Coco... it pooped on a man''s jacket," Mia exined, her chubby hands animatedly reenacting the scene, "But that man, he didn''t hurt Coco..." "That''s fine. No more running off like that, understood?"


    "Understood."


    The bodyguard, not far away, breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Mia leave hand in hand with her mother.


    Due to the distance, he only caught a glimpse of Sadie''s back, d in a faded denim outfit, unable to discern her features clearly.

 Chapter 15 Strike Back

    Monday was a whirlwind, and Sadie was running on fumes by the time she hit the office. It wasn''t until the lunch bell rang that she could finally kick back and take a breather. She headed up to the 21st floor for a bite with her peeps from the admin crew and ran smack into Micah the moment the elevator doors slid open.


    A lean silhouette radiated a vibe so intense it was like a force field, making the air crackle with tension.


    The staff scurried out of the way, heads down, eyes glued to the floor, not daring to make eye contact.


    Sadie couldn''t resist a sneak peek and bam! She locked eyes with Micah''s deep, piercing gaze. Heart pounding, she ducked her head, thinking, ''Did the devil himself just give me the stink eye?'' Micah''s voice cut through the silence. "No need to be so formal. Loosen up, everyone."


    The staff exchanged nces, their faces lighting up with surprise. It was the first time they''d heard Micah''s voice, and it was like music to their ears.


    He settled by the window, nked by his goons, while Andrew went to fetch his grub.


    Sadie took another peek, the sun bouncing off him like he was a Hollywood heartthrob.


    ''Imagine if this guy was the dad to my kids,'' she thought before quickly shaking the notion away and joining her colleagues at the table, ready to dig in. Just as she was about to tuck in, the pesky Samuel squeezed in next to her. "Hey there!"


    Sadie gave him the stink eye and scooted away, keeping a safe distance.


    "Why so little on your te?" Samuel teased, "Chow down. Our cafeteria''s got a spread that could rival a five-star hotel''s, and it''s all on the house." Sadie didn''t bite, kept her head down, and chewed in silence.


    Lily, one of thedies, whispered, "What''s the asion? Why''s Mr. Clemens eating with themon folk?"


    "I was wondering the same thing," Alice chimed in, peeking at the table across the room. "Ever since Mr. Clemens showed up, it''s like we''re all walking on eggshells."


    "Don''t be so uptight," Samuel reassured them, ying it cool. "Mr. Clemens might seem frosty, but he''s a real softie at heart."


    "Mr. Brown, you seem to know Mr. Clemens pretty well," a curious coworker piped up. "I saw you two all buddy-buddyst time."


    "Absolutely," Samuel said with a sly grin, hinting at some secret, and then trailing off into silence.


    "No wonder you shot up three levels in half a year," one of the guys remarked, "You''ve got Mr. Clemens in your corner."


    The guys were quick to butter Samuel up.


    "Mr. Brown, looking out for us in the future, right?"


    "As long as you put in the work at VIC Group, the opportunities are endless," Samuel boasted.


    Sadie couldn''t take it anymore and got up with her tray, ready to bounce.


    Samuel was right on her heels. "Sadie, hold up!"


    She was ticked off and quickened her step.


    But Samuel was faster, cutting her off and blocking her path. "What''s the hurry? Let''s walk and chew the fat."


    "Mr. Brown, we''re not exactly BFFs-" Sadie started, but her words were cut short as someone bumped into her from behind.


    She lurched forward, and her te of half-eaten pasta went flying, stering Samuel''s face like a sloppy mask. "Ah!" the onlookers gasped.


    Samuel was momentarily stunned and then fury took over. He went into clown mode, frantically wiping the pasta off his face.


    Sadie couldn''t suppress a giggle, but then felt rude and quickly apologized, "Sorry ''bout that. Didn''t mean to. Someone just nudged me. That''s all..." As she spoke, she turned to see who it was, and to her shock, it was Micah!

 Chapter 16 Nathans Secret

    Micah''s face was a mask of ice as he turned on his heel and walked away without a word.


    Sadie watched him go, her mind a whirl. ''Did he just bump into me? In a crowd this size, with his four bodyguards glued to his side, how could that be? Was it on purpose?'' "Watch where you''re going!" Samuel snapped.


    "I''m so sorry!" Sadie''s voice was barely a whisper as she pointed in the direction Micah had gone, trying to make sense of it. "Just now, Mr. Clemens...he bumped into me. It was an ident..." "You''re still trying to pass the buck¡ª"


    "Mr. Brown," Andrew cut Samuel off mid-sentence, his tone as cold as steel. "Are you using Mr. Clemens?"


    "No, no, no! I wouldn''t dare..." Samuel stammered, his face a picture of panic. "I meant her... No, I meant myself. I wasn''t watching where I was going."


    "That''s more like it." Andrew nodded, a satisfied look on his face. Then he added sternly, "Be mindful of your steps, especially in the cafeteria. And don''t waste food!"


    "Yes, sir!" Samuel bobbed his head like a puppet on strings.


    Sadie couldn''t help but feel a little thrill of delight at Samuel''s groveling.


    Finally, this despicable man had met his match. Maybe now he''d leave her alone!


    As he saw Sadie''s secret glee, Micah''s lips twitched in a barely-there smirk.


    As the elevator doors slid shut, his phone buzzed to life. He answered curtly, "Talk."


    "Mr. Clemens, we''ve apprehended Panther, but he''s not carrying the chip. It''s likely stashed elsewhere. No matter how hard I press him, he''s not giving up a word. It looks like we''ll have to resort to some extreme measures!" "These people are devil-trained. Torture won''t crack them," Micah instructed. "Check the surveince at Ruby za. See if he passed it to another aplice."


    "Yes, sir. On it!"


    ***


    Back at home, Sadie was delighted to find that Brenda had whipped up a delicious dinner, and the family of five was happily digging in.


    Coco fluttered onto Mia''s shoulder, nuzzling her cheek with its tiny head.


    Mia offered it a sunflower seed, but instead of nibbling happily as usual, Coco just shook its head and hupped incessantly.


    Mia noticed Coco''s food dish was barely touched.


    "Mom, Coco hasn''t eaten sincest night and it keeps hupping. Is it sick?" Mia hurriedly said.


    "What''s going on?" Sadie stroked Coco''s fluffy little head, noting how it hung low, looking lethargic.


    "Maybe it''s still shaken up from that scare at the mall the other day," Brenda suggested. "Let''s take it to the vet right away."


    Sadie nodded in agreement. "Yes, let''s get it checked out."


    Nathan looked at Coco, his brow furrowing for a moment before he finally spoke up. "Mom, actually, Coco swallowed a piece of gold. That''s why it''s not feeling well."


    "Gold?" Sadie was taken aback.


    "Yeah, a big piece...about the size of my pinky nail," Nathan demonstrated with his fingers.


    Sadie was puzzled. "We don''t have anything like that, do we?"


    "Not from home. When we were at the mall, a man in ck gave it to me..." Nathan recounted.


    "Have you been watching too many cartoons?"


    Noah looked at Nathan skeptically. "Are you serious?"


    Nathan quickly retold the story of that day, leaving everyone speechless.


    "Hahaha!" Brendaughed. "Nathan, you weave quite the tale."


    "I told you, too many cartoons," Noah teased, burying his face in his food.


    "Why don''t you believe me?" Nathan asked, his face flushing with frustration. "Mom, do you believe me?"


    "Yes, of course," Sadie said, cing a chicken wing on his te. "After dinner, we''ll take Coco to the doctor together."


    "Yes! Let''s take Coco to the doctor first," Mia chimed in, more concerned about Coco than the truth.


    Nathan pouted, feeling misunderstood.


    ***


    After dinner, Sadie and the triplets took Coco to the vet.


    The vet diagnosed indigestion from eating something it shouldn''t have and prescribed medicine to aid digestion.


    Nathan pursed his lips, thinking, ''Just wait until Coco drops that gold nugget, then you''ll see I was right!'' Back home...


    They administered the medicine to Coco.


    By the time the kids were tucked in, it was already 9:30 p.m.


    Sadie, fresh from her shower,y in bed, texting the male escort to check how his night of debt repayment was going. He replied that business was slow, with no bookings yet. Worried, Sadie drafted a detailed message, coaching him on how to charm wealthy women and close deals.


    Sadie: [You shouldn''t always hide behind a mask and y the cold card. While some might dig the mysterious vibe, others go for the warm and friendly type. If you''re striking out, switch it up!]


    Sadie: [When you''re in with the richdies, show off that charm by peeling off your shirt, unting those abs and that chest, then give them a little wiggle of that perfect butt. They''ll be drooling in no time.] Sadie: [And then, you''ve got to brag about your exceptional stamina and marathon performance...]


    Toy Boy in Debt: [Exceptional stamina and marathon performance... Sounds like you''re speaking from experience!]

 Chapter 17 The Art of Repayment

    Sadie''s cheeks flushed as she fired back a stern emoji.


    Sadie: [I''m giving you business advice here, and you''re cracking jokes. You didn''t hit your target tonight, so you''ll have to make it up tomorrow. Remember, you need to clear at least 5,000 dors daily...] Micah responded with a sweating emoji.


    Sadie: [Double down, put in the extra mile. It''s still early. You might close another dealte into the night. Don''t be picky, no matter the size of the wealthy woman. If she shows interest, seize the opportunity...] Micah was left speechless.


    Sadie: [Never mind! I''ming to the nightclub now to bring you some boosters. Plus, I''ll share some tricks of the trade!]


    ''A boss has to invest in their employees, not just use them up and spit them out.''


    Recalling the business wisdom her father had imparted, Sadie resolved to treat the male escort with a bit more consideration.


    After filling Brenda in, Sadie changed into something suitable and set off.


    She made her way to the local pharmacy, approached the counter, and in a hushed tone asked, "Excuse me, do you have any...supplements for...um, male drive?"


    "For him or her?" the pharmacist inquired.


    Sadie dropped her voice even lower. "Him."


    "We''ve got a few options here. See which one you like." The pharmacist gestured toward a shelf lined with choices.


    "The most cost-effective," Sadie replied without a moment''s hesitation.


    "Here you go." The pharmacist handed her a box. "And it''s on special right now..."


    "How much with the discount?"


    "Thirty bucks after the cut."


    "That''s steep. Just give me the multivitamins."


    Exiting the pharmacy, Sadie hailed a taxi and headed straight for the nightclub where the male escort worked, making a beeline for the private room where they''d met before.


    And there he was, draped over the sofa in all ck, that enigmatic mask giving him an air of authority as if daring anyone to approach.


    "Will you look at you! No wonder you''re not getting any takers," Sadie chided as she entered. "Rich womene for a good time, not a cold shoulder. Who are you trying to impress with that poker face?" "Take it or leave it," Micah retorted, swirling the wine in his ss.


    "Drifting through life won''t get you anywhere," Sadie sighed. "You should have goals, aspirations to make a better life for yourself."


    "But as a male escort, should I have aspirations too?" Micah shot back.


    "Absolutely! Don''t escorts have their ranks?" Sadie lectured earnestly, "Excel and you could be the top pick. While others charge ten grand for the night, you couldmand fifty. Work hard for a couple of years, then retire. You''re all young now, but what will you do when age catches up if you don''t strive?"


    "You have a point," Micah conceded with a nod.


    "So, step up your game." Sadie pulled out the multivitamins from her bag. "Here''s your new secret weapon. Take one and go charm a high-roller tonight..."


    "My libido''s just fine. I don''t need any potions." Micah nced at the vitamins, a mischievous grin ying on his lips. "Or did you have a personal experience with it?"


    "It was fine back then, but after all these years, surely there''s some... decline, right?" Sadie looked at him sympathetically. "Hard work is key. Especially for..." Her gaze drifted downward, a sigh escaping her lips.


    Micah''s eyes narrowed to slits, his grip firm on her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Are you questioning my capabilities?"


    His eyes held a natural dominance that sent a shiver down her spine.


    Sadie stepped back, maintaining a safe distance. "I''m looking out for you, even went out of my way to get these... Show some gratitude for what I''ve done." Micah closed the gap, his voice low and seductive. "And how should I repay you?"

 Chapter 18 The Legendary Male Escort

    Micah exuded an aggressiveness akin to a wild beast closing in on its prey.


    "N-Naturally, it''s about earning more money..."


    Sadie stammered nervously, "And also..."


    Suddenly she pointed to the expensive bottle of wine on the table, trying to change the subject. "No wasting money! No falsifying ounts!" "This is from a client," Micah casually replied.


    "I see! I just wondered how you could afford such an expensive wine." Sadie stepped back. "Was that client tryna hook on you?"


    "I refused," Micah teased, "58 years old and 300 pounds. I''m not up for that challenge!"


    Sadie burst intoughter and pinched his arm, saying, "Look! You''re such a hunk. You can handle a lot!"


    Micah grabbed her audacious hand and pulled her into his arms, saying, "Let''s have a test first!" "No..." Sadie stammered in fear, "What are you doing?! If you dare touch me, I''ll report you!"


    "Report me then..." Micah lightly nibbled her earlobe. "If I get fired, I won''t have money to pay you back!"


    "You..." Sadie was at a loss for words.


    Micah kept kissing her, and his thin lips gently grazed her corbone, biting on her shirt buttons.


    "Don''t..." Sadie panicked and struggled, but she couldn''t break free.


    Micah was quite satisfied with her reaction and was about to continue when a woman''s domineering voice came from outside. "I''m tired of those guys. Any fresh meat? Get me the hottest man. I have plenty of money!" Then, with a loud bang, the door was kicked open.


    Three plump, drunken, and rich women barged in and froze upon seeing the unfamiliar private room.


    "Where are the 18 guys we ordered?"


    "It''s so quiet here. Did we go to the wrong ce?"


    "You''ve got the wrong room. Yours is down the hallway!" Outside the door, the bodyguards Micah had dismissed were ready to deal with it.


    Micah made a wink, and they immediately backed off.


    Sadie got up and turned her back to the door, straightening her clothes.


    "Wow! A handsome guy''s here!"


    The three rich women spotted Micah and excitedly approached, leering at him...


    "His body! His face! Such a hottie!"


    "A man of great vigor!"


    "Are you working here? Name your price! We''ve got quite a wad!"


    Micah just kept drinking, ignoring their talks.


    Nheless, this domineering and icy aura only made the three rich women more eager. Spotting a great opportunity to make money, Sadie teased, "Ladies, you''re too old for him!" "Who''s talking?" The three rich women red at Sadie with hostility. "Do you know who we are?"


    "I don''t care." Sadie wrapped her arm around Micah''s shoulder. "I''ve got dibs on him!"


    Micah raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest.


    One of the wealthy women tossed a stack of cash on the table. "There are plenty of young men outside. This is enough for you to hire eight of them. Leave this one to us!"


    "No way!" Sadie lifted Micah''s chin and passionately kissed his cold, thin lips. Then she hugged him and said, "I spent 15 thousand dors to get this legendary man today. No one''s gonna take him away. Get lost!" Micah raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips, eager for more kisses.


    But was this an upgraded service?

 Chapter 19 Become a Qualified Debtor

    "15 thousand dors? How can you afford it?" one of the women questioned, looking narrowly at Sadie.


    Sadie wanted to refute it angrily but quickly held it back. "I''ve been saving up. I took out my annual sry just to spend a night with this man!"


    "Only 15 thousand dors for a year?" mocked those women, "You''re so poor yet still want to y with escorts. What a shame!"


    "Well, what does it matter? He''s mine, anyway." Sadie touched Micah''s muscr chest provocatively. "Look at this figure. I''d be willing to spend 150 thousand dors, let alone 15 thousand!" The richdies even drooled at the sight of Micah''s body.


    Micah fixed his gaze on Sadie, steely sparks flickering in his eyes!


    Sadie evaded his nce and was very flustered. She was willing to go all out for the money.


    "150 thousand dors. Deal!" Onedy smirked and threw a check to Sadie, "Now you can get lost!"


    "Ten times the amount," another sneered, "Girls like you from the lower ss don''t know how long it would take to earn 150 thousand dors. You hit the jackpot! So get out now." "Yeah, Okay. Take the money on the table and go!"


    They urged Sadie to leave immediately and not ruin their fun, their patience wearing thin.


    Sadie examined the check-no problem. Then she put it away and quickly grabbed the money on the table inside her bag. "I''ll leave pronto! Have fun,dies!"


    With that, Sadie got up and prepared to leave...


    But someone grabbed her clothes from behind. She turned around and found Toy Boy in Debt staring at her. "If you dare to leave, you''re dead!"


    "Behave and do your job!" Sadie pulled away his hand and ran off with her bulging bag.


    Micah''s gaze gradually became gloomy as he watched her fleeing, his hand gripping the ss tighter.


    Sadie leaned against the door after running out of the private room, a slight twinge of guilt hitting her. She wondered, ''Thosedies are so overweight. Can Toy Boy in Debt deal with it? ''I should have got him more tonics.''


    Sadie opened the door on the sly. Those women were approaching Micah like hungry wolves.


    Their formidable figures blocked Sadie''s line of sight, so she couldn''t see Micah''s face.


    She imagined Micah trembling on the sofa, begging for mercy, "Please spare me!" "s..."


    Sighing, Sadie closed the door and hurriedly left against her conscience.


    ***


    "We''reing! Ahahaha!"


    Thosedies excitedly pounced on Micah.


    Micah showed no reaction, but as he lowered his gaze, the trio plummeted to the ground as if an earthquake happened, almost smashing the coffee table.


    A ck-d bodyguard entered, cautiously asking, "Mr. Clemens, are you alright?"


    "Take them away," Micah ordered as he stepped across the coffee table, unwilling to touch the three women.


    ***


    Sadie walked out of the nightclub and hailed a taxi.


    Feeling guilty, she sent a text message to Micah: [You okay?]


    No response.


    Then she sent another message: [If you can''t handle it, just run away. Don''t force yourself!] Still no response.


    Sadie made a call, but no one answered...


    Waves of anxiety wormed in. She thought, ''Oh no! Could something have happened to him?


    ''It''s also possible that he''s with the clients. So dedicated!''


    Somehow, Sadie felt a bit ufortable thinking about that.


    After all, he was her first man, and now he ended up like this. It was really miserable!


    But then she thought, ''This is his job. He serves wealthydies every day.


    ''Stop showing sympathy. Be a qualified creditor!''


    ***

 Chapter 20 The Capricious Devil

    Early the next morning, Sadie sent the children off to catch the school bus and hurriedly rushed to thepany.


    Because she was runningte, she carried her high heels and ran non-stop. When she arrived at the building, a Rolls-Royce Phantom suddenly drove past without slowing down. Sadie couldn''t avoid it and was frightened, falling to the ground.


    But the car stopped just an inch away from her.


    She was just about to meet her Maker.


    Her heart was pounding from the fright, while the person in the car remained indifferent.


    A security guard helped Sadie up and reprimanded her, "Be careful. That was close to a serious ident with Mr. Clemens'' car."


    "They''re the ones almost hitting me!"


    Sadie fumed, ring at the person in the car.


    The bodyguards had their poker faces on, showing no expression.


    And in the back seat...


    Micah stared coldly at Sadie, his gaze carrying a chilling coldness!


    Sadie was stunned. What was happening?


    Obviously, she was the victim here!


    Micah made a gesture, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom drove past Sadie.


    Furious, Sadie could only pat her bruised wrist and numb bottom, limping her way into the building.


    In the elevator, she was confused at the thought of Micah''s gaze. What did she do to offend this devil?


    Since joining thepany, she had been diligent and well-behaved, without making any mistakes.


    Their only interaction was at the cafeteria, where Micah had bumped into Sadie, causing her to spill her spaghetti on Samuel''s face.


    She thought that he had intentionally helped her deal with Samuel, but it seemed she was wrong.


    A few moments ago, his driver nearly ran her over, leading to her falling and getting scraped. Still, she held no grudge. Yet, he had stared at her with terrifying eyes.


    How strange!


    Perhaps he was just naturally capricious, without reason!


    With this thought, Sadie felt a little more rxed. It was better to get some mild wounds than to offend that devil. Or the days ahead would be suffering. Unfortunately, Sadie hadn''t realized that her misfortune had only just begun...


    Upon arriving on the 13th floor, before Sadie could even sit down, Malcolm suddenly scolded, "How dare you arrivete! Who do you think you are?" "I..."


    "Mr. Clemens just investigated attendance for all departments, and our department was severely criticized because of you. As a result, we lost our bonus for this quarter!" Sadie tried to exin, "I''m sorry! I..."


    "Don''t give me excuses!" Malcolm interrupted her, angrily shouting, "Drop whatever you''re doing right now and go clean the swimming pool on the 68th floor!" Sadie was stunned. "What? Clean the swimming pool? Why?"


    "Don''t ask," Malcolm said with a stern face, "This is your punishment. Do you want a pay cut?"


    "No, no, I don''t." Sadiepromised when she was threatened with a pay cut. "I''ll go and clean the swimming pool."


    ***


    On the 68th floor, there was a luxurious pool on the rooftop. Swimming there must feel like flying in the sky.


    Obviously, this was exclusively for Micah!


    It was extremely clean, with tiles so shiny they could be used as mirrors. Sadie didn''t understand why she had to clean it.


    However, as long as her sry wasn''t deducted, she would do it.


    Three hours passed in the blink of an eye. The floor was clean again, with the pool filled with fresh water.


    Sadie was about to pack up and go downstairs when she saw a person on the ivory-colored lounge chair. Startled, she eximed, "Mr. Clemens, when did you arrive?" Micah, wearing sunsses and a beige casual suit, exuded an air of aloofness and arrogance.


    Instead of replying, he removed the ck gold ring from his index finger and threw it into the pool,manding with dominance, "Pick it up!"

 Chapter 21 Shameless and Despicable

    "What?" Sadie was both shocked and confused, not understanding why Micah would do such a thing. "What are you waiting for?" Micah raised his eyebrow.


    "Mr. Clemens, did I upset you somehow?" Sadie asked nervously, "If so, I sincerely apologize for that!"


    "Pick it up, will you?" Micah''s answer was concise but cold.


    "I..." Sadie wanted to add something, but the fear of losing her job made her swallow her words. Though feeling wronged, she took off her shoes and went into the pool to search for the ring.


    She shivered from the cold the moment she entered the water. It was early winter, and the pool water was chilling to the bone. With each gust of wind, it felt even more piercing.


    Sadie trembled, but she could only bear the torture. Clenching her teeth, she buried her head in the pool to search for the ring.


    Micah watched this scene on the sun lounger with a smug, satisfied smirk.


    He thought, ''It was like finding a needle in a haystack.''


    Sadie crossed her arms, shivering from the cold. After nearly half an hour, she finally spotted the ring.


    She dove to the bottom of the pool to get the ring as quickly as she could. When she got out, she was soaked to the skin. Tossing her hair behind, she wiped the water off her face and happily eximed, with the ring held high in hand, "Found it!"


    The ring shined under the sun, giving off a dazzling brilliance. Sadie smiled, bright and refreshing.


    Micah raised his lips slightly and beckoned her with a curl of his finger.


    Sadie hurriedly climbed ashore and handed him the ring, saying, "Mr. Clemens, here is your ring!"


    Micah looked at her, with his gaze turning fiery.


    Even without makeup, her natural beauty, as well as her innate nobility, could not be hidden.


    The soaked white shirt and ck skirt clung to her body, entuating her perfect curves, which shimmered alluringly in the sunlight.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Sadie called. Shivering from the cold, Sadie didn''t even notice the change in his eyes.


    Hearing that, Micah averted his gaze. He took the ring and left, with only a single order. "Change the pool water and clean up here before you leave!" Watching him leave, Sadie clenched her teeth in anger.


    She cursed to herself, ''What does this devil mean? Did he throw the ring into the pool just to torment me? When have I ever done to offend him?'' Then a gust of wind came, making her shiver and sneeze a few times.


    All she could do now was to follow his instructions. Change the pool water, and do the cleaning work.


    Afterpleting her tasks, she hastily grabbed a bathrobe from the sun lounger to wrap her already frozen body and hurriedly went downstairs.


    She was dripping wet and continuously sneezing when in the elevator. She wished to get in the restroom in a sh and dry her clothes.


    Unexpectedly, in the next moment, she ran into Samuel at the elevator entrance.


    Samuel was waiting for the elevator with a document in hand. When he saw Sadiepletely soaked, his eyes widened in surprise. "What happened to you?"


    Ignoring him, Sadie quickly walked towards the restroom.


    Samuel just followed her step.


    The restroom was small and rarely used.


    Just as Sadie was about to close the door, Samuel barged in and locked the door behind him.


    Sadie demanded defensively, "What are you doing?"


    "Sadie," Samuel looked at her bathrobe and said mockingly. "I never knew you were so ambitious. Your target is Mr. Clemens?"


    "What?" Sadie found his words shocking.


    He continued, "You came down from the 68th floor in his bathrobe. Look at you, what an alluring outfit! Are you trying to seduce him?" Hearing his words, she red at him viciously, with smoldering fire in her eyes.

 Chapter 22 Prey of the Lion

    "You should give it up," Samuel said, "Mr. Clemens won''t fancy a second-hand item like you."


    "You jerk!" Sadie didn''t want to deal with such a despicable person. "Get out!"


    "Ronan had already been tired of you. Drop the act, why so prudish?" Samuel unbuttoned his shirt and approached her with a leering smile. "Stop chasing after Mr. Clemens. Be mine. I''m at the top of VIC and with a hefty sry. You should be grateful that I''m into you!" "You''re disgusting!" Sadie red at him with resentment. "If youe any closer, I''ll call for help."


    "Go ahead." Samuel chuckled arrogantly. "Everyone on this floor has already left. Here are only the two of us now. Even if I take you right here, you can do nothing!"


    After saying that, he took off his shirt and pounced on Sadie.


    "Get away!" Sadie screamed. She waved her hands to prevent Samuel from getting any closer.


    Still, Samuel pinned her on the sink and was about to tear off her bathrobe...


    Suddenly came a phone ring from her pocket.


    Immediately after, the door of the locker room was kicked open.


    The next second, Samuel was kicked away, crashing into the wall before falling to the floor. Samuel pressed his stomach, grimacing in pain and screaming.


    Before Sadie could do anything, someone forcefully grabbed her cheeks and lifted her head.


    She was stunned, as Micah''s gloomy yet handsome face was right in front of her. "Mr. Clemens..."


    Micah stared at her fiercely, his voice cold. "Office affairs? You wanna get fired?"


    "No! It''s not..." Sadie quickly exined, "I came here just to dry my clothes, but Mr. Brown forced in and even tried to assault me... If you don''t believe me, you can check the footage outside."


    "She''s lying, Mr. Clemens! That bitch seduced me..." Samuel hurriedly got up and exined, "You don''t know about her. She''s a slut. Four years ago, she was disowned, and then she turned to a bar to y with a male escort. Her father jumped off a building for this. Everyone knows about it¡ª"


    Before he could finish the sentence, he was kicked to the ground by Micah again and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Then Micah wiped his shoe on the carpet, feeling disgusted that his shoe got dirtied.


    "Listen to me..." Samuel struggled, covering his chest, and said, "I''ve known this woman for five years, and she''s always been trying to seduce me..."


    "If this guy makes any noise again, cut off his tongue!" Micah didn''t respond to Samuel butmanded with a murderous look in his eyes. "Yes!" Andrew pulled Samuel up and pressed him against the wall, grasping his neck.


    Samuel felt the suffocation of impending death, his eyes widened in shock, and he trembled in fear.


    Sadie was also taken aback. She didn''t expect Micah to be so ruthless, nor did she expect him to believe her.


    Micah approached Sadie suddenly, enveloping her in his embrace, like a lion imprisoning its prey with its ws.


    Sadie widened her eyes in astonishment, her heart pounding.


    She dared not move.


    Slowly, he leaned closer. His cold, thin lips were on the verge of touching her forehead. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, trembling with nervousness. Unexpectedly, he didn''t touch her. Instead, he took something out of the pocket of her bathrobe.


    She opened her eyes and was stunned. It was a customized phone in his hand.


    ''So, he is here for his phone!'' she thought.


    His phone was in the pocket of her bathrobe, and she had unintentionally brought it down. The ring came from his phone.

 Chapter 23 Tearful Repentance

    "Take him to the parking lot. He''s a guard now!" Micah said as he held the phone and turned around to leave.


    "Got it!" Andrew patted Samuel''s face. "You should thank Mr. Clemens for his kindness. Being a guard with such a high sry is unique!"


    "Yes, yes! Thank you, Mr. Clemens. Thank you, Andrew!" Samuel, with blood all over his face, still managed to smile and nod.


    Sadie felt extremely disgusted with that face. At the same time, she couldn''t help but marvel at the punishment.


    She thought, ''In this way, Samuel will be ever looked down upon from now on. That''s how he does it. What a devil!''


    Sadie reminded herself to stay away from this devil. Now she realized that her "Toy Boy in Debt" was so nice he was obedient and well-behaved, earning her over 150 thousand dors in just two nights. Thinking about that, Sadie quickly dried her clothes and headed to the bank. Time was pressing, so she ran all the way, finally rushing into the bank before it closed to cash the check.


    However, the bank teller informed her that the check had been canceled early in the morning.


    Sadie froze. The three wealthy women had bought the "Toy Boy in Debt" from her for 150 thousand dors.


    ''They canceled the check after having their fun with him? Are all the richdies nowadays so shameless?!'' Sadie screamed inwardly.


    Immediately, she called the "Toy Boy in Debt", but no one answered.


    She called three times, but still no response. Panicking, she sent him a text message.


    Sadie: [Call me back immediately, urgent matter!]


    There was no reply either.


    Holding her phone, Sadie pondered whether something had happened the previous night.


    She wondered, ''Maybe he couldn''t bear the torture from thosedies and escaped at thest moment? So, the richdies, feeling angry and embarrassed, canceled the check? Quite reasonable! It must be!''


    With that in mind, Sadie quickly hailed a taxi and headed to the nightclub.


    On her way to the club, she started sneezing and had a runny nose. She must have caught a cold when cleaning the swimming pool in the afternoon. But she couldn''t care less-she just wanted to find that fellow as soon as possible! Soon, she arrived at the nightclub. It was still early, and it hadn''t opened yet, so outsiders were not allowed in.


    Sadie snuck in through the back door and made her way to that guy''s private room.


    Strangely, the room was empty-the sofa, coffee table, liquor cab, and even the carpet were all gone. Several waiters were doing the cleaning, while the manager was taking measurements, saying that they needed to customize new furniture.


    Sadie pulled a waitress aside and asked in a low voice, "What happened here? It was fine yesterday."


    "I''m not sure either. The manager told me to clean up here, so I am doing my job," she replied impatiently. "How did you get in? Please leave..."


    "I''m just curious about it. It won''t be long. Can you please tell me?" Sadie took out 50 dors and handed it to her.


    The waitress took the money and put it in her pocket without hesitation. She nced around and leaned closer to Sadie, whispering, "When I came in today, there was a lot of blood on the carpet. I think someone got killed. You know how it is..."


    "What?!" Sadie''s eyes widened. Her mind went nk when hearing the words "someone got killed"!


    She remembered that Toy Boy in Debt saying before, "58 years old, 300 pounds. I''m not up for that challenge!"


    There was a 300-pound wealthy woman who had wanted an overnight booking, and he had refused. Last night, there were three of them-three! He couldn''t possibly have sumbed to exhaustion, could he?!


    ''No! If there were casualties, the wealthydies might cancel the check to distance themselves from the situation...''


    Sadie was extremely anxious. She med herself, for her greed causing someone''s death. And that ''someone'' happened to be the father of her children.


    She could even imagine that decadester, her grown-up children ask her about their father''s identity.


    At that time, she would only remorsefully tell them, "Your father was a male escort, whom I sold for 150 thousand dors to three wealthy women with a total weight of about 800 pounds. After that, his fate has been uncertain, and there hasn''t been any news!"

 Chapter 24 Dear Male Escort

    A shiver ran down Sadie''s spine at the thought of what she''d done, and she quickly messaged Micah.


    Sadie: [Hey, are you still alive?]


    Sadie: [Sorry. I was too greedy. It was wrong of me to sell you to those richdies. I''ve realized my mistake, and I sincerely apologize. Please forgive me...]


    She sent dozens of messages in a row, but there was no reply from Micah''s end.


    Sadie tried making several phone calls, but none was picked up.


    She waited from dusk till midnight, but Micah''s message never came. With a body weakened by a cold, she had no choice but to head to the nightclub to look for Micah. The club''s PR team was decked out in all sorts of sexy masks to add an air of mystery.


    However, most of their masks were exaggerated andpletely different from Micah''s, which exuded a mysterious, icy aura, so it was still rtively easy to recognize it. After a thorough search, though, Micah was nowhere to be found.


    Sadie''s cold had gotten worse, with a runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision. Her already stifling difort was exacerbated by the inadequately ventted space.


    Just as she was about to leave and push her way through the crowd, she spotted a guy in a booth wearing a ck half-mask. His build, attire, and mask all seemed to match... Without a second thought, Sadie dashed over and grabbed him. "I''ve been looking all over for you, and here you are."


    The man looked at her in puzzlement, about to say something, when a woman with a woman with a surgically-altered face roared, "What the hell do you think you''re doing? I''ve got dibs on him!" "He is mine!" Sadie pulled the man over. "No business tonight. Let''s go."


    Sadie was about to make her exit when the woman leaped off the couch, clutching the man''s arm.


    The woman angrily barked, "I paid for two hours with you! You''re not going anywhere!"


    The man tried to interject, "I wasn''t nning to leave. It''s her..."


    Sadie froze when she heard his ented voice¡ªit wasn''t him!


    "I... I think I''ve made a mistake..."


    "You bitch! How dare youy a finger on the person I reserved? I''ll make you pay for this!"


    Before Sadie could get a word in, the woman lunged, grabbing Sadie by the cor and mming her onto the sofa.


    Sadie iled and wrestled, but the woman''s threepanions were quick to join in, pulling and tugging at Sadie.


    Sadie cowered, clutching her head with both hands as if trying to shield herself like a turtle retreating into its shell. Still, she took quite a beating, losing a few strands of hair. The man next to them shouted anxiously, "Stop! Stop it! Don''t fight over me..."


    "Let''s strip this bitch and see what filth lies beneath, daring to snatch my man..."


    "


    Those women screeched, tearing at Sadie''s clothes, one even going for her neck, ready to p her.


    Sadie instinctively closed her eyes, but the p nevernded. The women who had been mauling her were suddenly gone.


    Following that, a few miserable screams echoed in her ears.


    She blinked open her eyes to see the man she''d mistaken for Micah sprawled on the ground, having taken out the women in a domino effect.


    And then, a pair of exquisite shoes appeared in front of her.


    It was her "Toy Boy in Debt," d in a mysterious half-mask, his tall and lean figuremanding attention under the dazzling lights.


    Those deep-set eyes, as fathomless as the ocean, shone brightly even in the dim club!


    He reached out his hand to her, and she froze in shock.


    Before Sadie could react, a strong hand hauled her up and into a protective embrace. Her cheek pressed against his solid chest, the rhythmic thump of his heart filling her ears. She looked up and met a pair of deep, sea-like eyes, reflecting her own shocked face.


    Micah tapped her head, his tone dripping with disdain. "You can''t even recognize your debtor. What''s the matter with you?"


    "You''re here! Are you alright?" Sadie''s gaze darted from his face down to his lower regions, concern etched on her face. "Are you really okay down there?"


    Micah pinched her chin, tilting her face up. "Why don''t you check yourself?"

 Chapter 25 My Sadistic Boss

    "Stop fooling around!" Sadie clung to him, her voiceced with worry. "I went to your private room, and they said there was a deathst night. I thought it was you. And that wealthy woman''s check bounced. What really happenedst night?"


    "Let''s get out of here first."


    Micah ushered her out through a back exit.


    Just as the bodyguards of those wealthy women were closing in, Andrew sent them flying with a well-ced kick.


    As they stepped out of the club, the thumping bass of the club gradually faded away, reced by the soothing quiet of the evening.


    "I was wrong yesterday," Sadie rushed to apologize. "I shouldn''t have left you with those rich women. Are you all right?"


    Without a word, Micah simply made a gesture towards the approaching bodyguards.


    They promptly retreated.


    "Are you still mad at me? I promise I won''t treat you like that again..." Sadie pleaded, tugging at his sleeve. "Mr. Male Escort, you''ll forgive me, right?"


    Micah''s brow furrowed. "Change the address!"


    "I don''t even know your real name though," Sadie protested. As he propelled her forward, she inquired, "Where are you taking me?"


    With a flick of his wrist, Micah signaled Andrew, who tossed the keys of the Aston Martin his way.


    Micah caught it with a backhand, then opened the car door and let Sadie in.


    "Is this your car?" Sadie gasped. "This beauty must be worth a fortune! How on earth can you afford such a luxury? Don''t tell me you''re some bored trust fund baby moonlighting as a male escort for kicks." Micah shot her a withering look. "You really do have an overactive imagination."


    "So, what''s the story?" Sadie''s curiosity was piqued. "Is it from a client?"


    "Yeah, you could say that," Micah muttered, struggling toe up with a usible exnation, but she was already filling in the gaps.


    "So, aside from your male escort gig, you''ve also got rich sugar mamas lined up?" Sadie was convinced by her deduction. "No wonderst time..."


    She trailed off, biting her lip to prevent herself from blurting out the sight of him stepping out of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    The triplets had been with her that day, and although he probably hadn''t noticed them, it was best not to risk revealing the secret. "Hmm?" Micah started the car, pulling away from the curb.


    "How many sugar mamas do you have?" Sadie inquired.


    Micah arched an eyebrow. "One is more than enough work, and you want me to juggle several?"


    ''Seems like a very wealthy one,'' Sadie thought. ''With a Rolls-Royce Phantom and an Aston Martin, this sugar mama must be quite the catch!'' "What''s with you?" Micah''s voice wasced with condescension as he cast a dismissive look at Sadie''s tousled hair and reddened eyes.


    "Well, sorry," Sadie sniffled, swiping at her tears with a crumpled tissue. Frustration edged into her tone as she replied. "I''ve had the worst day. Almost got run over on my way to work, fell and got a bruise on my butt, and scraped my hand." "Then I got punished with cleaning the swimming pool on the top floor and ended up soaked. What''s more, some creep tried to harass me, and now I''ve got my hair yanked from the scuffle tonight..."


    "Ah, that''s just divine retribution for your wrongdoings," Micah gloated, reveling in the idea that Sadie''s misfortune was a just punishment for her misdeeds the previous night.


    "What?!" Sadie bristled, indignation ring. "It''s all because of my sadistic boss! You have no idea how deranged he is. His driver nearly mowed me down, and instead of an apology, I got a re that could freezeva.


    "And when I was cleaning the pool, he tossed his ring in on purpose and made me fetch it. The water was so cold that I was almost frozen.


    "I''ve done nothing to him! I can''t figure out why he''s treating me this way. I swear the man must have had a miserable childhood and has psychological issues. That''s the only exnation for his cruelty..." Upon hearing these words, Micah''s expression darkened. He took a sharp turn, elerating the car.


    The car executed a sudden swerve, catching Sadie off guard. With a loud sound, her head banged against the car window...

 Chapter 26 Greedy and Lustful

    "Ah!" Sadie cradled her head, tears streaming from the throbbing pain.


    Micah''s lips twisted into a triumphant smirk. "Go on. What''s next with your boss?"


    "It hurts so much! It''s killing me..." Sadie choked back her sobs, her voice quivering with distress. "Are you getting back at me forst night? I know I was wrong..."


    "Where exactly did you go wrong?" Micah inquired, his tone detached.


    "I shouldn''t have handed you over to those richdies," Sadie confessed. "Thankfully, you managed to escape. Otherwise, you could have really been crushed under their weight. That would have been tragic!" "Not to that extreme," Micah shot back, his tone icy and sharp.


    "Not extreme? The three of them together could have ttened you with theirbined weight," Sadie said as if a newfound sense of morality had dawned on her. "If you were gone, who would help me share in their wealth? From now on, I won''t force you into such situations. We''ll save up gradually, little by little..."


    "d to see you have a shred of conscience left!" Micah remarked, a hint of approval in his icy demeanor.


    "How much does your sugar mamavish on you each month?" Sadie pried, her curiosity getting the better of her. "She''s even letting you drive such a fancy car. She must be very generous to you, right?" Micah felt a sense of foreboding. "Why do you ask?"


    "Just curious," Sadie said, her voice tinged with hesitancy. "Is it in the thousands?"


    Micah chose to ignore her.


    "10,000 dors?" Sadie ventured another guess.


    Micah''s frown deepened.


    "1,000 dors?" Sadie''s anxiety was palpable. "She can''t be that stingy, can she?"


    "What do you want?"


    "Remember our contract?" Sadie inched closer, a sly smile ying on her lips. "It stiptes that you have to give me half of your earnings for the first three months. And those earnings aren''t just from the nightclub..." "I should have known it!" Micah''s eyes narrowed into slits. "You''re greedy and lustful! It''s in your blood..."


    He shouldn''t have let his guard down with her.


    When she sold him out to those women, he''d been filled with loathing, vowing to teach her a harsh lesson this very morning.


    But her messages throughout the night had been brimming with what seemed like genuine remorse. And the nightclub manager had informed him that she''d been waiting for him from dusk till dawn.


    So, he found himself going to the nightclub to see the truth for himself. He''d witnessed her in a tussle with several women, all vying for "him," and once again, he''d intervened to save her.


    He had thought she had truly repented, but it turned out she was just angling for him to keep making money for her, endlessly.


    "This is what our agreement says," Sadie panicked, sensing his rising anger. She quickly clutched his arm and wheedled, "Actually, having a sugar mama isn''t so bad. Financial security is better than toiling away at the nightclub... But if you do both, you could rake in even more money..."


    She rambled on,pletely unaware that Micah''s expression was growing darker by the second.


    "You could get a few rich women to sponsor you. If one gives you 50,000 dors a month, then with ten, that''s half a million dors. That means I could get 50,000 dors a month, then with ten, that''s half a million. That means I could get 250,000 dors-"


    Before she could finish, Micah suddenly reached out, gripping the back of her head. He pulled her towards him, his voice as cold as the abyss. "Doesn''t it hurt?"


    "Huh?" Sadie was taken aback, her nerves jangling. They were barely an inch apart, and she could feel his breath, sense the predatory intensity radiating from him.


    The air between them crackled with tension, and the atmosphere turned dangerous.


    Sadie had a sinking feeling and hastily apologized, "Don''t be mad. I was just making a suggestion. If you think my request is too steep, we could go 40% and 60%. I''ll take the smaller cut, and you keep the bigger share..." Micah pinched her chin, his thumb stroking her lips, his eyes shing with danger. "Looks like you''re not having enough bad luck today!"


    "30% and 70%?" Sadie blurted out, desperation creeping into her voice. "Certainly not 20% and 80%!"


    "What? Get lost!" Micah''s voice was a snarl.


    She quickly shut her mouth, her heart racing as she wondered if she had angered him.


    The Aston Martin sped down the road at high speed, and the cold wind sted into the car.


    Sadie was on the verge of tears and almost reaching her breaking point. The chill in the air only added to her growing sense of despair. ''It is so cold!'' she thought to herself. ''Why are men so cruel?! ''From the sadistic boss during the day to the ruthless male escort at night, they''re all the same!''


    "Don''t be angry..." Sadie tried to plead for mercy.


    Micah coldly let go of her, tossing her out of the car, and sped away without so much as a backward nce, leaving her standing amidst a swirling cloud of dust.

 Chapter 27 The City-Wide Search for the Child

    That night, Sadie was out like a light, her cold weighing her down into a deep slumber, and she slept right through her rm.


    It was Brenda who finally roused her from bed.


    Sadie heaved herself up, her body feeling like a lead weight, and went through her morning routine, feeling out of sorts.


    Upon learning of Sadie''s cold, Brenda promptly brewed a pot of ginger tea, its warmth a smallfort.


    Noah rummaged through the medicine cab for some cold medicine and then poured a ss of steaming water. "Mommy, after breakfast, you have to take your medicine like a good girl," he instructed, his young face earnest. Sadie, her nose stuffed up, held a tissue to her face. "Thank you, sweetheart. I overslept today, so I''m pressed for time. I''ll have Brenda take you to the bus stopter."


    "Don''t worry, Mommy. I can handle both of them," Noah assured her, his demeanor surprisingly mature for his age, his handsome features set with determination.


    "Mommy, please don''t go to work today. Take a sick day and see a doctor," Mia pleaded, her chubby hand reaching up to dab at Sadie''s runny nose, her expression pinched with concern.


    "It''s just a cold. I''ll be fine once I take some medicine," Sadie croaked, her throat raw, her voice a dry rasp as she reached for more water.


    "I''ll get you some more water, Mommy," Mia said, noticing the empty ss and quickly refilling it for her.


    "And here''s the cold medicine I prepared for you. Don''t forget to take it to the office," Noah added, carefully packing the medicine into a small box and tucking it into Sadie''s handbag. "Thank you," Sadie smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude and pride at how sensible her children were, even at just over four years old.


    Just then, she noticed Nathan was missing and asked with a hint of worry, "Where''s Nathan?"


    "Nathan''s keeping watch over Coco as it does its business," Mia exined, pointing a chubby finger towards the balcony.


    Nathan was perched on a small stool, his eyes glued to Coco in its cage, a small stick in hand as if on standby for an important mission.


    Coco stood stock-still, its eyes darting around nervously as it strained to do its business.


    "He was up twicest night to check if Coco had done the deed, and he''s been out there again this morning," Brenda chuckled. "I think he''s really hoping for that gold nugget to appear!"


    "I''m starting to believe Nathan''s story," Noah said, his brow furrowed in thought. "It might actually be true."


    "Nathan,e have your breakfast!" Brenda called out.


    Nathan tottered over, his short legs carrying him slowly. "Mommy, Coco did the doo-doo."


    "And? Was there gold?" Mia asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.


    "Not yet. I checked with the stick," Nathan replied, still hopeful. "Maybe next time."


    Then, he turned to Brenda with a serious expression. "Can you check if Coco pooped out gold today while you''re at home?"


    "Of course, I will. If there''s gold, I''ll save it for you!" Brendaughed, ushering everyone back to the table. "Now, let''s eat before it gets cold."


    After breakfast, Brenda saw the children off to the bus stop, and Sadie rushed to catch a taxi to the office, feeling under the weather the entire ride, her nose running and a sneeze threatening with every breath.


    Thinking back on the trials she''d faced yesterday, she gritted her teeth and silently cursed Micah and the male escort she''d crossed paths with, wishing them a lifetime of impotence!


    ***


    In the plush confines of the Rolls-Royce Phantom...


    Micah let out a series of sneezes, each one more explosive than thest, and an image of Sadie shed through his mind. ''Damnit! Could I have caught a cold from that woman?'' Andrew broke into his thoughts with an update. "Mr. Clemens, we''ve received the findings from Rn."


    "Go on," Micahmanded, his gaze still fixed on the documents in front of him.


    "Panther passed the chip to a young child at Ruby za," Andrew reported, his brow furrowed. "Based on the surveince footage, the child appears to be no older than three or four years old..." "Launch a city-wide search for that child!" Micah ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.


    "Yes, sir!"

 Chapter 28Four years later, reunited with Ronan

    Sadie arrived at the office and noticed that everyone looked at her differently today. Her previously enthusiastic colleagues were all avoiding her today.


    She felt uneasy. ''The incident with Samuel has been exposed? Do they have some misunderstanding about me?''


    Just as she was thinking about this, Malcolm informed her that she had been transferred to a new department. And she needed to report to the HR Department right away. Surprised, Sadie asked Malcolm why. But he said nothing, just turned and left.


    Even more puzzled, she wanted to ask other colleagues, but everyone avoided her.


    Sadie had no choice but to go to the HR Department.


    There she received the transfer notice and was stunned when she saw the new position on it a security guard!?


    She screamed silently, ''What the hell?''


    Yesterday, Samuel had attempted to rape her. Micah had beaten him up and made him a parking lot guard.


    She didn''t expect it would have any impact on her job. After all, she was the victim!


    But now, this sudden blowpletely stunned her.


    She couldn''t understand. ''What is he thinking about? The victim should be punished as well!? It''s so unfair!''


    Furious, she shouted, "I''m going to ask Mr. Clemens for an exnation!"


    Hearing that, the new manager of the HR Department said contemptuously, "You''ve made a big mistake, but you just got your position transferred, and your sry remained the same. You should be grateful for that, get it?" "What mistake have I made?" Sadie roared.


    The manager snapped, "Enough! Just do your job, or get out!"


    "How could you..." Sadie was speechless. ''Fine, that devil owns thepany, so he can do whatever he wants. I''m just his employee. No way I could disobey him,'' she thought to herself.


    So she managed hold back her anger. Quickly, she took the security guard''s uniform and then went on to report to the security station.


    A group of security guards surrounded her as she arrived, all tall and strong. After all, she was a new female security guard. They joked, "Who said that our VIC security will always be an all-male team? Look what we got. A girl!" "A pretty one," another agreed.


    Some asked, "Why such a beautifuldy is relegated to here?"


    "For offending an evil boss," Sadie answered.


    She was very frustrated. She could almost decide that Micah was indeed a devil. ''Otherwise, why would he punish me over and over again?''


    "No more chatting. All go back to your work."


    The security captain scolded the fellows who were just loitering. Then he told Sadie, "Your uniform is oversized, but it''ll have to work for today. The HR Department is already customizing your new clothes. They''ll arrive next week." "Thank you!" Sadie said before sneezing yet again.


    "Have you caught a cold?" The security captain was very friendly. "Today is your first day at work. Go patrol the parking lot with David. There''s less work over there." "Thank you!" Sadie was very grateful.


    "Let''s go!" David handed the security cap to Sadie and took her to the parking lot.


    Sadie was like a child ying dress-up in oversized adult clothes, appearing notably awkward in her security uniform. But for her belt, her pants could have sagged down. Just as the two arrived at the parking lot, a white Bentley arrived.


    David quickly pulled Sadie forward to greet those in the car.


    Sadie whispered, "Why do security have to do these things? There should be doormen at the parking lot?"


    "The doormen are only responsible for the door, not greeting."


    Sadie was utterly speechless. But she could only follow David and walk over.


    David opened the door of the Bentley. A pair of slender legs gracefully emerged from the car, followed by a handsome face that left Sadie breathless!


    ''It''s him!'' she eximed inwardly.


    "Thank you!" the man responded.


    It was Ronan, and he was as gentle and elegant as he had been four years ago. His lean frame looked effortlessly distinguished in his crisp white suit! Sadie quickly turned around, fearing that Ronan would recognize her.


    "Make way!" The Potter bodyguard pushed Sadie aside, protecting Ronan as they walked towards the elevator.


    Sadie lowered her cap and hid behind a nearby pir, quietly stealing nces at Ronan."

 Chapter 29 Hes Really Despisable

    Ronan still wore his silver-rimmed sses, and a gentle smile always graced his lips.


    But his figure appeared thinner than before.


    Sadie wondered how he had been doing all these years.


    Those innocent and beautiful memories popped into her mind.


    Sadie felt a pang of sadness, and her eyes welled up with tears. After all, he was once the man she loved most.


    She had totally fallen for him in her youth. He had said that she was the love of his life and had protected her at all costs, giving her the warmest love in this world. But now it was water under the bridge.


    Seems like telepathy. Ronan turned around, and Sadie quickly hid behind the pir, her heart pounding.


    She wondered, ''Did he really see me?''


    Hearing footsteps approaching from behind, Sadie felt anxiety gripping her. She desperately hoped he wouldn''t catch sight of her in such a miserable state.


    The footsteps grew closer, and Sadie''s heart raced faster. When the footsteps were right behind her, she panicked and ran right away.


    "Why are you running?" David called from behind.


    Sadie stopped and turned around, realizing it was David.


    Ronan had already entered the elevator, and the disy showed the 66th floor, Micah''s conference room.


    Sadie heaved in relief but also felt a bit disappointed.


    Ronan hadn''t recognized her. It seemed like he hadpletely forgotten her.


    "This is what it''s like to meet an important figure for the first time. I was even more nervous than you back then, but you''ll get used to it," David said, thinking Sadie was nervous because she had never seen the grand asion. "Thank you," Sadie expressed her gratitude. Her fellow security guards were at least friendly and helpful.


    "Let''s go patrol over there." David led Sadie to another area while exining the details of the job.


    As they were talking, a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up.


    "It''s Mr. Clemens'' car!" David hurried over and shouted to Sadie, "Follow me!"


    Thinking that her current miserable situation was caused by Mr. Clemens, Sadie couldn''t suppress her anger anymore, wanting to tear him apart.


    But now that they were about to encounter, she really wanted to find out what she had done to offend him. Otherwise, the days ahead would be even tougher. With that in mind, Sadie followed along.


    David opened the car door and respectfully greeted, "Good morning!"


    ''It is already 10:30 a.m.!'' Sadieined in her mind.


    Micah stepped out of the car, his ck suit and striking face showing amanding atmosphere.


    "It seems you''re not quite suited for security duty," Micah remarked coldly, seeing Sadie''s eyes filled with resentment. "Perhaps cleaning would be more suitable."


    Taken aback for a moment, Sadie immediately stood up straight and saluted, "Good morning! Mr. Clemens. You''ve personallye to thepany. It must have been exhausting... Have you had breakfast? Should I go buy it for you?" "Sure," Micah smirked and signaled to Andrew.


    Andrew immediately approached Sadie and said, "Perse''s oysters, Le Bernardin''s tuna ceviche, Eleven Madison Park''s maple Dijon BLT sliders, Ginza''s hand-ground coffee... Let''s keep it simple with just these today!"


    "Ah..." Sadie''s eyes widened, listening attentively.


    "Alright. Thank you!" Micah nced at her, with an ambiguous smile, then turned around to leave. Several bodyguards followed closely.


    "Deliver them to the meeting room on the 66th floor within half an hour," Andrew instructed before swiftly catching up with Micah.


    Sadie was dumbfounded. She had only casually made a polite remark, and Mr. Clemens actually made her go buy breakfast, with such demanding requirements..."

 Chapter 30 Delivering food, encountered Ronan

    The restaurants on the list were the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of Newark''s culinary scene, the kind where one needed to book a table a month in advance. How on earth was she supposed to get her hands on their specialties in just thirty minutes? Micah was clearly ying a prank on her, trying to make a fool out of her!


    "By the way..." Andrew added, turning back with a sly smile, "If breakfast isn''t delivered within half an hour, you''ll be scrubbing toilets in the Cleaning Department tomorrow." Sadie itched to ball her fists and shout, "I quit!"


    The words were on the tip of her tongue, but they remained stuck in her throat.


    Just then, Micah glided into the elevator, spun around with an effortless grace, and a mischievous smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "I..." Sadie could barely squeeze out a word before the elevator doors slid shut. She squeezed her eyes shut, gritted her teeth, and cursed her ownck of backbone. "Sadie, Sadie!" David''s voice cut through her frustrated thoughts. "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Sadie replied, her face a canvas of distress. "I shouldn''t have agreed to fetch breakfast for that evil man."


    "Evil man? You mean Mr. Clemens?" David''s tone turned anxious. "Watch what you say; you don''t want others to hear that. You''re finished if they do. Don''t ever call him that again."


    "What do I do now?" Sadie was at her wit''s end, teetering on the brink of tears. "Getting those items within half an hour is an impossibility."


    "I''ve never even heard of those dishes." David sympathized, looking at her with kind eyes. "I''ve never dined at such high-end ces either. We usually eat at the restaurant on the 7th floor."


    "There''s a restaurant on the seventh floor too?" Surprise colored Sadie''s voice. "I used to eat at the employee cafeteria on the 21st floor."


    "The 7th floor has a French restaurant, while the 21st floor''s cafeteria offers Italian cuisine. You all prefer the 21st floor for the view. I don''t mind; the 7th floor is closer..."


    "I know what to do," Sadie said, rushing toward the elevator-she had only half an hour, and every second counted.


    She beelined to the 7th floor and asked the chef there to prepare oysters and tuna ceviche. Then, she dashed to the 21st floor for maple Dijon BLT sliders and coffee.


    She had managed to get everything on Andrew''s list, and she was sure that evil man wouldn''t be able to tell the difference!


    With 21 minutes gone and only nine remaining, Sadie sprinted towards the elevator with the food. As she pressed the button, she realized her security badge didn''t grant ess to the 66th floor. She recalled how Malcolm had helped her swipe his card when she was sent to clean the pool on the 68th floor yesterday.


    What should she do now?


    There had been plenty of time, but now she was running behind.


    Sadie wanted to ask Malcolm for help, but remembering how he had been avoiding her, she feared it would be futile.


    She tried pressing other buttons and discovered her card could only reach the 48th floor.


    Quickly, she swiped her card for the 48th floor, then, with the breakfast in hand, she took to the stairs, unwilling to waste another moment.


    From the 48th to the 66th floor-eighteen floors in all.


    Despite her cold, Sadie gritted her teeth and climbed, her legs shaking and sweat dripping from her forehead. With sheer determination, she made it to the 66th floor with only a minute to spare.


    As she emerged from the stairwell into the hallway, her legs nearly buckled, and she nearly stumbled at the entrance to the meeting room.


    Fortunately, a pair of strong, steady hands caught her from behind at that critical moment.


    "Thank you..." Gasping for breath, the utterly spent Sadie turned around and came face to face with a familiar visage.


    Her heart skipped a beat, and she stood there, rooted to the spot.


    Ronan was taken aback the moment he saw Sadie. His normally graceful smile froze on his handsome face.


    "Mr. Potter!" the bodyguard behind him whispered urgently.


    Only then did Ronan snap out of it, quickly releasing her and taking a half-step back.


    The gesture cut Sadie deeply. Her mind raced, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes.


    Feeling Ronan''s gaze on her, Sadie became flustered and awkward. She clutched the takeout bag tightly in one hand, frantically wiping her face with the other, and tried to tidy her disheveled hair.

 Chapter 31 Thirty-One: Im Done

    "Mr. Potter, we need to go. There''s a meeting at one o''clock," the bodyguard reminded him once more.


    .Without uttering a single word, Ronan gave Sadie a quick nce, ignored her, and left immediately.


    Sadie stood there, listening to Ronan''s fading footsteps. She felt heartboken.


    Did he not recognize her? Or did he not want to recognize her? Perhaps, in his heart, she was just a shadow, a stain he did not wish to recall or have any further connection with. Thinking of this, Sadie''s heart ached deeply. "You''rete!"came the voice of Micah from behind, like a devil''s warning.


    Sadie, disheartened, carried the takeout box into the conference room.


    "Is this the breakfast you bought?"Andrew took the breakfast from her hands and set the table with care, cing each item in its ce. Indeed, it was all the food he had mentioned. However, something was off. "Where did you buy this?" Andrew questioned.


    Thepany cafeteria, Sadie replied expressionlessly, her thoughts still lingering on Ronan. She had imagined countless times how she and Ronan would meet again, but she never expected it to be like this. Ronan had seen her at her most disheveled, probably despising her. His aloof eyes,aas if he had never known her!


    "How can this be?"Andrew reprimanded sternly. "I told you long ago, Mr. Clemens wants it from that specific ce..."


    "It''s the same people, the same mouths. If we can eat it, why can''t he?"Sadie could no longer hold back, her resentment pouring out without any disguise. If it weren''t for Micah making her buy breakfast and bring it up, she wouldn''t have encountered Ronan at this time.


    Micah, sitting in his swivel leather chair, lifted his gaze from the document and stared at Sadie dangerously.


    "How dare you speak to Mr. Clemens like that?" Andrew scolded in a low voice.


    Sadie ignored him and turned to leave.


    "You''re reassigned to the cleaning department tomorrow," Andrew announced from behind.


    Sadie paused, turned back, taking off her work badge and mming it on the table. "I''m done!"


    This time, she finally said it, without mustering courage or considering the consequences.


    Andrew was stunned.


    "What did you say?" Micah squinted his eyes, looking at her deeply.


    "I said, I''m done!"Sadie raised her head, meeting his gaze, and shouted angrily, "I''m not putting up with your unpredictable, flighty boss antics anymore!" Micah, instead of getting angry, had a faint smile on his lips, looking at her with interest.


    Andrew and the other bodyguards were all shocked. This was the first time someone dared to speak to Micah like this. Was this woman crazy?


    "I suggest you see a psychiatrist. Get treated early if you''re sick!" Sadie red at him furiously and walked out with her head held high. At that moment, she felt incredibly cool!


    Just as she walked out of the conference room, Sadie received a call from Brenda rk. "Miss, something big has happened."


    "What is it?" Sadie asked urgently.


    "The kindergarten teacher called and said Noah got into a fight and smashed someone''s car window. They want us to pay eight thousand dors."


    "What? Eight thousand dors?" Sadie''s heart skipped a beat. "Are they trying to extort us? I''ll be right there."


    "I''m on my way. Let''s meet at the school."


    Hanging up the phone, Sadie immediately went back to the security department to change clothes and then hurried to Rainbow Kindergarten. She called Mia''s teacher, who told her to go to the principal''s office. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sadie rushed to the principal''s office.


    Just as she reached, she heard an arrogant voice: "These two kids didn''t just rough up my Billy, they also busted my car window. I can''t just let this slide."

 Chapter 32 Reunion with Leah

    "Madam, please don''t be angry. We will definitely give you an exnation!"


    "Exnation? What kind of exnation? The other party''s parents haven''t even shown up yet. They only care about having kids, not raising them."


    Sadie frowned upon hearing that and pushed the door open.


    Noah and Nathan stood facing the wall, hands behind their backs, an apparent punishment.


    A dignified woman sat on the armchair with her back to Sadie, legs crossed. Two well-dressed bodyguards stood beside her, disying an air of superiority.


    On the sofa beside her sat a young boy with a tidy hairstyle, dressed in an exquisite suit. His small mouth was slightly pouted, and his chin was lifted in an arrogant manner, disying a proud expression. Sadie felt like she had seen this little boy somewhere before but couldn''t quite ce it.


    "You made it!"


    Upon seeing Sadie, the teacher as if she had received a lifeline and quickly introduced her to the principal, "This is Noah, Nathan, and Mia''s mother!" "Mommy!"


    Noah and Nathan called out in unison, their faces expressing the same grievance.


    "You finally came..." The principal frowned and said in a displeased tone, "Your children vited the school rules, physically assaulted a ssmate, and even smashed the windows of a Bentley. What do you suggest we do?" "Please calm down. Let me just have a moment to understand the situation."


    Sadie quickly walked over to her sons, wanting to hear their side of the story.


    The woman sitting in the chair shouted arrogantly, "And what exactly do you need to understand? Your misbehaved children just attacked Billy..."


    "Please watch your words!"


    "And who do you think you are..." The woman angrily turned her head and froze when she saw Sadie. "You!?"


    The woman angrily turned her head and froze when she saw Sadie.


    The beautiful and delicate face of the woman was filled with disbelief, her eyes widened as if she couldn''t believe what she was seeing.


    Sadie was also stunned. She never expected that this arrogant woman would be Leah!


    The cousin Leah who had always ttered and pleased her since childhood.


    The Leah who had been like a close sister butpletely severed all ties with Sadie when she fell on hard times!


    "I never thought we would meet here."


    Leah quickly regained herposure, her expression returning to its former arrogance. She sneered and asked, "Are these two really your sons?"


    If they hadn''t grown up together and been so familiar with each other, Sadie would really doubt if the woman in front of her was Leah.


    The Leah who used to be submissive seemed to have vanished. This Leah before here was apletely different person!


    "What? Can''t admit it?" Leah scoffed mockingly. "What else is there to hide? Everyone already knows about the scandals you caused. Your reputation was long ruined, so it''s not surprising that you have two. Oh no, three illegitimate children¡ª" "Leah!" Sadie interrupted her, sternly raising her voice. "If you dare speak like this in front of the children again, believe me, I will tear your mouth apart!"


    "You..."


    Leah''s facial expression turned livid, but she closed her mouth upon seeing Sadie''s fierce gaze.


    "That''s right, they are my children." Sadie returned to the main topic and looked at the arrogant boy. "Is this your son with Ronan?"


    "Of course!" Leah raised an eyebrow, looking proud. "You left, and a monthter Ronan and I got married. I am Mrs. Potter!"


    "Is that so? Congrattions."


    As Sadie looked at Leah''s hypocritical face, many memories shed through her mind.


    Back then...


    When Ronan''s mother announced the cancetion of the engagement at the ceremony, Ronanpletely stunned, and Sadie left in anger.


    Then Leah took Sadie to the nightclub, iming that it would help her forget her worries.


    At that time, Sadie was angry with Ronan, and Leah told her that Ronan was on his way. During that time, she wanted to find another man to make him jealous and feel threatened. When Sadie demanded a man, Leah arranged one for her...

 Chapter 33 Whose Fault Is It?

    The past was vividly present, and Sadie seemed to understand something now.


    ''What a clever n to sow discord and rece me!''


    However, now Sadie could only hate herself for being so naive, what else could she say?


    They had set a trap for her, and she had fallen for it like a fool!


    "Thank you." Leah smirked. "Although we''re rtives, we need to settle things fairly. Your children hit my son and broke my car''s window. So, how do you n topensate?"


    "So, you two are rtives." The teacher quickly tried to mediate. "Since you''re rted, why not resolve it privately-"


    "Resolve it privately?" Leah interrupted, snarling, "My sones from a privileged background. If something happens at your kindergarten, do you honestly believe that you can avoid your responsibility?" "That''s not what I meant..."


    "I have already called my husband, and he will arrive soon." Leah exerted pressure on the principal with an air of superiority, "If this matter is not dealt with to my satisfaction today, you can kiss your kindergarten goodbye!" "Huh?" The teacher''s face turned pale with fright.


    "Shut up!" the principal hastily rebuked the teacher, then tried to cate Leah, "Mrs. Potter, please don''t be angry. We will resolve this matter."


    Then, the principal told Sadie in a solemn and cold voice, "Madam, your children''s behavior is simply uneptable. You and your children must apologize to Mrs. Potter and her son immediately and make appropriatepensation." "I haven''t investigated the matter thoroughly, yet you draw such a conclusion. Isn''t that inappropriate?" Sadie said calmly but confidently. "You..." The principal was rendered speechless.


    "I think it''s important to first understand the situation." Sadie approached Noah and Nathan. "Noah, Nathan, what exactly happened?"


    "It was him!" Noah pointed at Billy angrily. "He smeared paint on Mia''s hair and made her cry. When I warned him not to do that, he insulted me."


    "That''s nonsense! My son would never do such a thing," Leah immediately defended her son.


    "Please let the child finish speaking!"


    Sadie observed Billy and noticed traces of paint on his hands.


    Furthermore, upon hearing Noah''s words, Billy didn''t refute him. He simply had a proud demeanor, as if he was untouchable.


    "That''s right," Nathan confirmed.


    His little fists clenched, his face turning red with anger. "I told him to apologize to Noah and Mia, but instead of apologizing, he threw a crystal ball from the teacher''s desk at me. Luckily, I managed to dodge it, but the crystal ball flew out of the ssroom window and hit the car window parked below..."


    "You didn''t hit anyone, and the car window was smashed by himself, right?" Sadie hugged the two children with affection.


    "Yes, that''s right." Noah and Nathan nodded together.


    "Some of our ssmates saw it and can testify." Noah''s thoughts were very clear given the situation and his age.


    "Did you tell the teacher about what happened?" Sadie asked.


    "Yes, we did." Noah looked at the teacher with grievances. "I''ve said it several times, and our ssmates also testified for us. The teacher knows."


    Sadie turned her head to look at the teacher.


    The teacher looked guilty and wanted to speak, but when she felt the principal''s sharp gaze, she timidly lowered her head.


    "They say it was them, right?" Leah sneered. "Clearly, it was the two of them bullying my son."


    "I believe my children. They never lie and don''t fight for no valid reason." Sadie looked at Billy. "Besides, your child is neatly dressed, not a single hair out of ce. It doesn''t look like he''s been beaten up."

 Chapter 34 Money Talks

    "Do they have to be seriously injured for it to count?" Leah shouted angrily.


    "Since both sides have conflicting statements, let''s review the surveince video then." Sadie stood up. "There areprehensive surveince cameras in the ssroom. We can watch it to find out the truth, right?" The principal was somewhat hesitant.


    Sadie became angry when she saw the principal''s reaction. "You haven''t even watched the surveince footage, so how can you conclude that my sons hit someone and smashed the window of the car? Since there is no evidence, why should my sons be punished? Just because the other party is of a noble status? Is this kindergarten established purely for the privileged?"


    "What are you saying?" The principal said coldly, "If you have a problem with our kindergarten, you can withdraw your children."


    "That''s right." Leah sarcastically said, "Considering we''re family, if you withdraw your children, I won''t bother to pursue it. Let the $8,000pensation be considered a charity."


    "Compensation? Whatpensation?" Sadie retorted, "Your son smashed the car window himself, so why should wepensate? Your son put paint on my daughter''s hair, and I haven''t even held you ountable. You want me to withdraw my children? I think the one who should withdraw their child is you."


    "Did you see my son put paint on your daughter''s hair?" Leah stood up suddenly.


    "Why don''t you ask your son?" Sadie stared at Billy.


    Billy originally held his head high with a proud look smeared on his face, but he became somewhat timid when he met Sadie''s sharp gaze.


    "Billy, tell her that you didn''t do it!" Leah hugged her son and said aggressively, "Don''t worry. I''m here. no one can wrong you."


    Billy hesitated to speak. "Mommy, I¡ª"


    At this moment, the office door opened, and Brenda walked in with Mia.


    "Mommy!" Mia spotted Sadie and rushed into her mother''s embrace. Herrge, grape-like eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke in a cute and tender yet trembling voice. "Mommy, Billy put paint on my hair, and Brenda tried to wash it off for a long time, but she couldn''t. Do I have to cut my hair?"


    The words had juste out, and tears immediately welled up in her eyes. "I don''t want to cut my hair! I want to keep it long!"


    Sadie quickly hugged Mia tofort her, saying, "Don''t worry, Mia. I''ll wash it off for you when we get home. I promise."


    "Mhmm." Mia choked back her sobs, her pink, chubby face filled with tears, making those present feel sorry for her.


    "Mia, don''t cry..." Billy hurriedly slid off the couch and walked towards her. "I was just joking with you. I didn''t really want to bully you-"


    "Billy!" Leah immediately covered her son''s mouth, preventing him from saying more.


    "Hmph!" Sadie let out a coldugh and turned to look at the principal. "Did you hear that?"


    The principal''s face turned purple, looking extremely perplexed, unsure of how to respond.


    The teacher cautiously said, "I asked the other students, and indeed Billy was the one who put paint on Mia''s hair. However, Billy didn''t do it on purpose. He wanted to y with Mia, but she ignored him. That''s why he used this method to get her attention-"


    "Shut up!" The principal interrupted her, rebuking, "Mr. Potter is a donor here, and his son is our VIP. If we anger him, our school won''t be able to continue."


    "You know best." Leah said coldly, "Since only one of our families can stay, you figure it out!"


    "Mrs. Potter, of course, I hope you will stay." The principal immediately expressed her stance. "I''m sorry, I will refund the tuition to you. Please find another kindergarten for your children-"


    "No!" Before the principal finished speaking, Billy suddenly pulled Leah''s hand away and anxiously rushed in front of the principal. "Mia can''t leave!"


    "Billy..."


    "If Mia leaves, I won''t go to school anymore!" Billy shouted at Leah in agitation.

 Chapter 35 Children must be Protected

    "Billy, why are you so disobedient?" Leah became anxious. "There are so many children in the kindergarten, and there are other pretty girls, too. It''s not like Mia is the only option..." "I don''t care! She''s the only one for me!" After yelling that, Billy ran out of the office.


    "Billy..." Leah and the bodyguards quickly chased after him, leaving behind the stunned principal, teacher, Sadie and her little family.


    The principal awkwardly told Sadie, "Well, why don''t you take the children back and rest for now? I will discuss with the Potters and call youter."


    "That''s fine, but please retrieve the surveince footage for me first." Sadie smiled faintly. "Otherwise, if the surveince footage goes missing, it will be difficult for us to rify the truth." "Why go to such lengths? Since Billy said Mia shouldn''t leave, we''ll just have to¡ª"


    Sadie interrupted the principal and said solemnly, "Please let me make it clear to you. From what the Potter boy just said, it can be concluded that he was the one who bullied and damaged the car.


    My children did nothing wrong, yet you and the other parent criticized, humiliated, and ndered them, even trying to force them to quit your school!


    "Now it''s not about whether the other party wants to investigate. It''s about whether I want to. If you refuse to hand over the surveince footage, then I will have no choice but to call the police and let them handle it." "You..." The principal panicked, thinking that everyone would fear the Potters'' influence like she did and choose to endure it. Yet, she never expected Sadie to be such a formidable person.


    "Calm down," the teacher quickly intervened, trying to smooth things over. "Let''s discuss the matter calmly. It''s important to maintain harmony.."


    "Yes, yes, harmony is important." The principal immediately put on a smile. "It''s just a conflict between children, a trivial matter. We can handle it internally. Why bother involving the police?"


    Sadie sneered. "It would have been a trivial matter if the other parents were reasonable and the school dealt with it fairly.


    "Leah was disrespectful and overbearing towards my children, and you wrongfully punished my children without considering the facts. When the truth is right in front of you, you choose to submit to power and pressure us to quit school. If you cannot handle it fairly, then I will have to take other measures to ensure justice for my children."


    "What exactly do you want?" the principal asked impatiently.


    "It''s simple!" Sadie said each word deliberately, "Firstly, retrieve the surveince footage to prove my children''s innocence. Secondly, Mrs. Potter and Billy should sincerely apologize to my children. Thirdly, you and the teachers should publicly apologize to my children. A public apology notice should be issued throughout the school as well!"


    "The teachers and I can apologize to you, but asking Mrs. Potter and Billy to apologize is impossible..." the principal said honestly. "Your family will also be living in Newark, and it''s not a good idea to offend the Potters.


    "Mr. Potter can easily ruin your life, make it difficult for you to find a job, and make it impossible for your children to go to school. What will you do then?"


    "If I can''t even protect my own children, then I''m not worthy of being a mother!" Sadie got even angrier upon hearing that. "Since you say that, then I will call the police. I want to see if the Potters can cover up the truth!" Saying that, she took out her phone to call the police.


    "I advise you to think twice!"


    The principal panicked and reached out to snatch Sadie''s phone. "What are you doing..."


    "Stop!"


    A furious voice suddenly echoed. At the same time, a pair of fair hands forcefully pushed the principal away and protected Sadie in their embrace.

 Chapter 36 Her Guardian Angel

    Sadie turned around and was shocked to see that it was Ronan!


    He held her tightly in his arms, like a guardian angel.


    His eyes were filled with deep affection and empathy.


    Sadie''s heart was overwhelmed, as if everything had returned to the past.


    "Mr..." The principal widened her eyes in astonishment, thinking she had made a mistake.


    "Your hand..." Seeing the marks on Sadie''s hand, Ronan frowned and sternly yelled at the principal, "Who gave you the authority to touch her?" "Uh..." The principal shivered in fear,pletely at a loss.


    "Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter and Billy just left."


    The teacher timidly spoke, thinking Ronan must have mistaken Sadie for Leah.


    Upon hearing this, Sadie instantly snapped back to reality. ''Yes. Ronan is now married to Leah, and they have a child. I shouldn''t harbor any illusions.'' With this in mind, Sadie immediately pushed Ronan away and stepped aside.


    "I am aware. I told them to go ahead."


    Ronan regained his usual gentle and refined demeanor, lowering his gaze to the two children in front of Sadie, his eyes filled withplex emotions. Noah and Nathan had rushed forward to protect their mother when Sadie faced off against the principal earlier, but Ronan stepped in before them. At that moment, they stood guard over Sadie and clenched their fists, ring at Ronan like little lions.


    "Mommy!"


    In the corner, Mia was protected in Brenda''s embrace, staring at them with tearful and fearful eyes. Ronan looked deeply at Sadie. "They... are your children?"


    "Yes!" Sadie dared not look into his eyes. Would he hate her? Hate her foolishness all those years ago?


    Despite his calm facade, Ronan involuntarily tightened the hand behind his back.


    After a few seconds of silence, he told the principal, "I have watched the surveince footage, and it was indeed my son''s fault."


    "Yes, yes."


    The principal waspletely befuddled. She could only nod along with whatever Ronan said.


    Ronan crouched down and gently asked Mia, "Child, did Billy smear paint on your hair?"


    "Yes." Mia pouted, her voice sullen. "He bullied me first, and my two brothers warned him, but they didn''t hit him. He threw the crystal ball out of the window in a fit of rage..." "Yes, I know. I apologize to all three of you and your mother on my son''s behalf!" Ronan sincerely apologized to the children.


    Hearing this, the principal and teacher was equally astonished.


    Meanwhile, Brenda sighed with relief. ''Mr. Potter hasn''t changed!''


    Sadie looked deeply at him. ''He is still as gant as before...''


    "Mommy..." Noah tugged at Sadie''s sleeve and asked in a low voice, "Should we forgive Billy''s father?"


    Just as Sadie was about to speak, Ronan interjected, "When I get back home tonight, I''ll punish Billy properly and talk to his mother. I''ll make sure she personally apologizes to you at school." The principal waspletely dumbfounded, her head buzzing. She wondered if Sadie had a powerful background or if the triplets were Ronan''s illegitimate children.


    "Furthermore..." Ronan turned to the principal. "I''ve already called the board of trustees. It seems that you aren''t suitable to manage the school. You should find another position." "Mr-"


    Ronan interrupted her, "I heard everything you said to Ms. Roth earlier. Yes, I have the power to destroy someone''s future with just a word, but that person won''t be Ms. Roth. It''ll be you!" Ronan warned, "It will be a good idea for you to offer a sincere apology to them and leave quietly. I might spare you."

 Chapter 37 Who is the Childrens Father?

    "Yes!" The principal realized the situation and apologized sincerely to Sadie and the children, "I''m sorry, it was my mistake. I shouldn''t have offended you."


    "You still don''t know where you went wrong." Sadie deeply despised the principal. "Mr. Potter handled this fairly is because of his integrity, not because I have some unknown background. Your mistake wasn''t ignorance but ack of basic qualities of honesty and kindness as an educator!"


    "Yes, you''re right." The principal lowered her head, afraid to say more.


    Sadie looked away in exasperation, not caring to say another word. People like that simply couldn''t understand.


    "Leave," Ronan muttered.


    "Please, have mercy..." the principal weakly said before leaving with her head lowered.


    The already pale-faced teacher stammered, "Mr. Potter, I..."


    "Suspended for a month, undergo retraining, and return to work once you possess good professional conduct," Ronan said.


    "Thank you!" The teacher knew her punishment was light and hurriedly expressed her gratitude. Then, she bowed and apologized to the children, "Noah, Nathan, Mia, I''m sorry I failed to protect you..." The triplets watched the teacher leave.


    With the outsiders gone, Ronan''s bodyguard stood at the door.


    "Brenda, long time no see. How have you been?" Ronan greeted warmly.


    "I''ve been good, very good." Brenda nodded repeatedly. "It''s an honor that Mr. Potter remembers me."


    "I remember. I''ve always remembered..." Ronan said, but his eyes were fixed on Sadie.


    He wanted her to know that he had always remembered her and everything about her...


    Sadie kept her head down, afraid to look at him. "Go with Brenda and get your backpacks from the ssroom. I''ll discuss the new teacher with Mr. Potter, and we''ll catch up soon."


    The triplets looked at Sadie. "Come find us, Mommy."


    "Go ahead." Sadie hugged them. "Take your bags and wait for me at the school gate. I''ll be there soon."


    "Okay." The triplets nodded obediently.


    Brenda took the children and left.


    It was not until the sound of footsteps fadedpletely that Ronan spoke. "Who is the children''s father?"


    Sadie furrowed her brow. It felt like a heavy stone was weighing on her heart. She knew he would ask this question, but how should she answer? The man from back then? How would he perceive her? Although they were no longer destined for each other, she still hoped to leave a good impression in his heart.


    "Don''t worry..." Ronan''s voice sounded calm. "It''s been so many years, and besides, I was the one who wronged you in the first ce. I have no right to inquire about anything. I just... I just want to know." "The children''s father is an ordinary person." Sadie evaded the real issue. "We separated a long time ago."


    "After you left Newark, right?" Ronan pressed on. "I heard you''ve been living in the countryside all these years."


    "Yes, it was after I left." Sadie made up a lie. "When someone is desperate and on the verge of breaking down, they always long for someone to protect them."


    "Alright." Ronan''s gaze dimmed. He didn''t want to hear those details anymore. "So, you''re raising the children alone now?"


    "How can I be alone? I have Brenda." Sadie raised her eyes and looked at him, sneering. "Congrattions to you, though. I left for less than a month, and you got married and now have a grown son." Ronan lowered his head, unable to meet her eyes. He didn''t know how to exin or justify that matter.

 Chapter 38 The Childrens Genes

    Seeing him like this, Sadie felt even more upset. She wanted to know why he married Leah right after they broke up.


    From her understanding of Ronan, he wasn''t the impulsive type. There must be some hidden truth.


    Perhaps Leah had already set everything up.


    Unfortunately, everything was set in stone now. Leah was already Mrs. Potter, and they had both had children. What would be the purpose in pursuing further questions?


    Thinking of that, Sadie changed the subject. "There''s no need for your wife to apologize at the school. I don''t want any more conflicts. Also, if possible, transfer your son to a different school so that we don''t have to cross paths." "I''ll try to arrange that." Ronan nodded. "Do you have any other requests?"


    "How could I make demands of you?" Sadie sneered. "Nowadays, I''m just a poor woman, and you are the esteemed Mr. Potter-"


    "Don''t call me that!" Ronan coldly interrupted her. "It''s too formal. We have already-"


    "There''s no connection between us anymore. We should keep our distance from now on," Sadie coldly cut him off.


    "Do you still hate me? I know my family was in the wrong back then, but I have been trying my best to make amends. Why couldn''t you give me some time? Why did you do something so absurd?" Ronan asked all these questions as he stood frowning at her.


    While speaking of this matter, his emotions grew stronger, and is eyes gradually turned red, showing how big of a blow it was to him.


    "Yes, I was wrong," Sadie said, full of regret. "I made a mistake, so let''s not bring it up again. Anyway, that''s how it is."


    After saying that, she turned and started to leave.


    "Sadie!" Ronan grabbed her hand and handed her a check. "Go start a small business. Stop working those odd jobs."


    "Hmph!" Sadie held the check with a cold, mocking smile. "$3,000,000, not bad. It seems our memories are certainly worth something, after all!"


    "Sadie..."


    "Money might be good, but I don''t want this charity!" Sadie shoved the check into his suit pocket. "We were both at fault in the past, so no one should hold grudges. Let''s just go our separate ways from here. Should we run into each other, we''ll pretend we don''t know each other."


    "Are you ming me for not recognizing you at the VIC Group earlier today?" Ronan furrowed his brow. "The situation back then..."


    "No, I''m not ming you, nor do I have the right to." Sadie smiled bitterly. "I understand now. Our positions are different, and we have to be mindful of the influence." "Then ept my help."


    "I don''t need it!"


    "Can''t you stop being so stubborn?" Ronan became impatient. "You used to be so noble! How could you do such a job? Besides, how much can that job earn? Can it support three children?" "Whatever I earn is the value of mybor," Sadie retorted angrily. "Even if one day I be so poor that I have nothing to eat, I''d rather beg or be a prostitute than ask you for help!" "You..."


    "I don''t appreciate your concern. Take it back to your wife."


    With that, Sadie shook off his hand and left.


    Ronan watched her departing figure, his eyes filled with disappointment.


    As Sadie reached the door, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to him. "By the way, if possible, please help me keep the children a secret. I don''t want outsiders to know about their existence for now." "Okay, I understand." Ronan knew what she was thinking. "I''ll remind Leah not to speak about it outside."


    Sadie smiled coldly and quickly walked away. "It seems you know her well."


    Ronan watched her leaving, again his eyes filled with despair.


    Vincent, his close attendant, walked in and eximed, "I can''t believe Ms. Roth has three children after all these years! Life is truly unpredictable..."


    Ronan looked at him, his gaze cold and sharp.


    Vincent lowered his head, not daring to say more.


    "Find out who the father of the children is."


    Ronan sensed that those three children had excellent genes, and their father would not be an ordinary countryman.

 Chapter 39 An Ever-changing Life

    On the way back home, Sadie praised Noah and Nathan, saying, "Noah, Nathan, you did great today. You protected your sister and kept yourposure. I''m proud of you both!" "Mommy, Mia is our sister. It''s only right that we protect her!" Noah patted his chest, disying the responsibility of a young man.


    "If it wasn''t for Noah holding me back today, I would have punched Billy a long time ago." Nathan clenched his small fists, his face filled with anger. "Billy always bullies Mia. I''ve warned him so many times, but he never listens." "He acts arrogantly at school, with the principal and teachers protecting him. All our ssmates are afraid of him, and he thinks everything he does is right," Noah expressed his indignation.


    "That''s why we have to protect ourselves, not bully others, and not let others bully us, understand?" Sadie earnestly taught them.


    Noah and Nathan nodded in unison. "We understand, Mommy."


    "Mia, you also need to learn how to protect yourself." Sadie embraced Mia, gently saying, "I know you have two brothers to protect you, but what if they''re not around?"


    "I know." Mia pouted, furrowing her eyebrow. "I''ll have to be tougher in the future. I can''t let anyone mess with my hair!"


    "Mia, it''s not just about your hair." Brenda smiled and said, "Any form of bullying is not eptable. You must firmly reject it!"


    Mia nodded seriously. "Yes, yes, I understand."


    "Mia is such a good girl!" Sadie ruffled Mia''s hair, lightening the atmosphere. "Today, our whole family went through a struggle together. Thanks to our unity, everything has been perfectly resolved! Shall we go out and have a nice meal to celebrate?" "Yes!" The triplets cheered happily.


    Brenda looked at their radiant faces and felt incredibly proud, thinking, ''Sadie was raised as a cherished child. Her father''s education aimed for her to be an upright and kind person, with a healthy and happy growth. She has passed on this education to her own children. No matter what happens, she will always protect them.''


    ...


    The family of five went out to eat the children''s favorite pizza and fried chicken. The triplets ate until their bellies were round and full.


    After returning home happily, Sadie and Brenda took care of the children, bathing them and putting them to sleep. It was past 9:00 p.m. when they finally finished their busy routines.


    Sadie took a bath, blow-dried her hair, and prepared to sleep.


    Brenda brought her some medicine, kindly reminding her, "Don''t just remember to take care of the children. Take care of yourself, too!"


    "You''re right. I almost forgot." Sadie quickly took the cold medicine. "Thank you, Brenda."


    Brenda couldn''t help but ask, "Miss, did Mr. Potter tell you? Why did he marry Ms. White?"


    Sadie shook her head, "He didn''t say."


    "Why didn''t you ask?" Brenda became anxious. "I feel like Ms. White is different now, or rather, she has revealed her true colors. I always thought she was fake."


    "It''s in the past." Sadie sighed bitterly. "Regardless, she is now a member of the Potter family and has given birth to Ronan''s child. They are a family."


    Upon hearing that, Brenda''s face turned gloomy. She lowered her head and sighed deeply. "It''s such a pity. Mr. Potter and you were meant to be together..." "That''s life," Sadie blurted out.


    After saying that, she was taken aback. In the past, she disliked hearing people say that phrase, thinking it was an excuse made by the weak and incapable. Yet, there she was, saying it herself.


    Perhaps life had sharpened her courage, allowing her to ept the unpredictability of life.

 Chapter 40 The Perverted Boss

    "Regardless, you now have three lovely children, a gift from above," Brendaforted. "If you can meet a good man in the future, your life will beplete." "But there aren''t that many good men in this world..."


    Sadie hadn''t even finished speaking when she received a text message on her phone from Micah, confirming a payment of $5,000.


    "What a good man!" Sadie eximed with a gleeful smile.


    "Ah? Have you already met one?" Brenda asked anxiously.


    "Brenda, go to bed early. I''m going back to my room." Sadie hugged Brenda and quickly returned to her room, messaging Micah on her phone.


    Sadie: [Business is open today?]


    Micah: [Yeah.]


    Sadie: [You took an overnight job?]


    Micah: [Yeah.]


    Sadie: [Not bad, not bad. I appreciate your proactive transfer.]


    Sadie beamed.


    Sadie: [Keep up the good work. It''s been several days, and you''ve only transferred money to me twice. This amount of money isn''t even enough to buy meals...]


    Sadie almost typed "Not enough to buy baby form" but hastily changed it to "not enough for meals."


    Micah: [You should also work hard.]


    Sadie: [Don''t mention it. I just fired that perverted employer today.]


    Sadie: [He was too inappropriate, intentionally messing with me. I don''t even know how I offended him.]


    Thinking of that devil made Sadie furious. He had put her through a lot today. Climbing the stairs had made her legs sore, but she felt a bit better after sweating out all the toxins, though she was still recovering from her cold. Micah: [So, from now on, you have to rely entirely on me?]


    Sadie: [Naturally not. With your poor performance and ability, earning this little money, how can I make do? I will go find a job tomorrow, so rest assured.]


    Micah: [It''s not easy to find a job now...]


    Sadie: [Yes, I know.]


    Sadie had sent out over 30 resumes and interviewed with 17panies, but only the VIC Group had epted her, thanks to Samuel''s involvement. She couldn''t help but worry. Would she really be able to find a job?


    Sadie: [I don''t know if I can go back to the VIC Group now, I haven''t submitted my resignation letter, maybe the HR department hasn''t filed it yet...]


    Micah: [You can give it a try.]


    Sadie: [But I insulted the boss when I left, he definitely won''t let mee back!"


    Sadie sighed while holding her chin, regretting her impulsive decision to quit her job today.


    Being a security guard may not have been prestigious or easy, but at least the sry hadn''t decreased.


    Besides, what otherpany out there is better than the VIC Group?


    Micah: [It''s a great sin to insult your employer. It''s not worth losing your job over!]


    Sadie: [What do you know? Do you know how crazy that he is?]


    Micah: [Aren''t you crazier than him?]


    Sadie was rendered speechless by his question. She seemed quite insane herself when it came to being his pimp.


    ''I forced him to serve three wealthy women who weighed abined 700 pounds and even asked him to find more sugar mamas to support and share the money with me... Not to mention I only bought one packet of multivitamins...'' Strict and vicious, these actions surpassed that devil!


    Thinking of that, Sadie suddenly realized that the devil wasn''t that bad, after all.


    But since she already said, "I quit," she wouldn''t turn back.


    She didn''t believe that there was no ce for her in the vast Newark!


    And the reality was, it was really difficult!


    ...


    Early in the morning the next day, Sadie sent her resumes to all thepanies in Newark.


    ...


    Unfortunately, three days had already passed, and she had not received a single invitation to interview.


    She was anxious and started calling eachpany one by one to inquire.


    Their answers were: they hadn''t received it, they weren''t hiring, or she didn''t meet the qualifications.


    In the end, she started settling for less and applied to some malls and shops.


    Still, no one wanted her, not even as a restaurant waitress.


    It was as if it was nned...

 Chapter 41 The Dedicated Male Escort

    "Sadie was bing extremely anxious. Her whole family relied on her to make a living, and every day she woke up, money had to be spent. Now she only had a little money she saved every penny from the ""debt-repayment bodyguard,"" and this small amount would be spent quickly... If she couldn''t find a job soon, she wouldn''t make it to next month.


    What should she do?


    What should she do?


    That night, Sadie sent a text message to the ""debt-repayment bodyguard"": """Why haven''t you transferred money to me for three days? Did you not have any business for these three days?""" Now the ""debt-repayment bodyguard"" was her only source of ie, so she had to be a bit more demanding.


    ""If there are no overnight stays, single appointments are fine too. At worst, apany someone for drinks, dancing, whatever, just earn some money...""


    """Have you gone crazy from being poor?""


    The debt bodyguard took a while to reply.


    ""Yes, I''m going crazy because of poverty!""


    ""I''m unemployed and can''t find a job. I''ll soon have no money for food, and if I continue like this, I won''t have money to pay the rent and will be kicked out by thendlord.""


    ""I''ll be fine on my own, but what about my family? I have elderly and young dependents..."" ""Young?""


    Sadie was about to withdraw, but it seemed that ""debt bodyguard"" had already noticed, so she had to change her statement, saying, ""There are four little pets at home..."" """So, what gave you the courage to get rid of your boss?""


    ""I was angry at the time...""


    ""Cutting off all options is a foolish act.""


    """I know I was wrong. Although he was sick in the head, he at least paid me a sry. I regret it now. If I were given another chance, I would take back those words. As long as I can return to work at VIC Group, I would do anything!"" ""Anything, really?""


    ""Yes, no matter how the devil tortures and insults me next time, I will endure and ept the punishment obediently, just to keep that job...""


    Sadie said this while holding the bill Brenda had just given her.


    She had bought a box of baby form for the children today, along with Coco''s follow-up visit invoice, totaling $4,380...


    With tears in her eyes, she looked at the remaining bnce, forgetting about dignity and decency.


    ""That''s right," the debt bodyguard replied.


    ""I should have the same determination as you. Think about it, you''re not being treated well either, but you''re hanging in there. Although he kicked me out of the car, I didn''t go on strike or quit...""


    Inparison, the ""debt bodyguard"" was more dedicated!


    Sadie was worried and puzzled when her phone suddenly received a call from an unfamiliarndline number. With doubts in her mind, she answered the call, ""Hello.""


    "Hello, is this Sadie? I''m the manager of the security department at VIC Group.""


    ""Hello, hello.""


    ""Your new uniform is ready. Remember toe to work on time tomorrow."""


    ""Huh? I...""


    Sadie was about to mention that she had quit her job, but she quickly stopped herself and asked tentatively, ""I fell sick that day, and there was an emergency at home, so I left early and didn''t ask for leave. Did the boss not fire me?"" ""Emergencies happen. We understand. VIC Group is apassionatepany. We won''t fire you for such a small matter, but next time, remember to follow the rules."""


    ""What did the boss say?""


    """Are you referring to Mr. Clemens? He doesn''t have time to pay attention to such a trivial matter. Don''t worry, juste to work peacefully tomorrow.""


    "Okay, okay, thank you, thank you!""


    After hanging up the phone, Sadie was overjoyed and quickly sent a message to the ""debt bodyguard"": ""Just now, the manager of the security department at VIC Group contacted me."" """Calling to tell me to go to work tomorrow. Hahaha, that''s great! I won''t be unemployed anymore!""


    ""Congrattions!""


    ""You truly are my lucky star. Not only do you help me make money, but you also bring me good luck.""


    ""How will you thank me?""


    "Thank you? This time, let''s consider it making up for the time you kicked me out of the car. You''re making amends!""


    Sadie remembered that day when he kicked her out of the car and she still felt a bit angry...


    "To dare to kick the boss out of the car and leave me on the elevated bridge, that is extremely sinful and unforgivable!"""

 Chapter 42 Arrogant Male Escort Falls in Love with Me

    "Just got your job back and already acting arrogant??"" The debt-collecting Male Escort replied, his words seemingly carried a threat. Sadie decided to y it safe.


    VIC Group only paid $8,000 a month, while the debt-collecting Male Escort could easily earn her $5,000 in one night.


    Although she needed to maintain her boss''s aura, she couldn''t be too arrogant; if she angered him and he left, it would be a huge loss! Even though they had a contract, she couldn''t really take him to court, could she?


    It would be better to cate him!


    With that in mind, Sadie hurriedly appeased him, ""I was just joking. I''lle see you in a few days and bring you some supplements. But you can''t kick me out of the car again. You don''t know how miserable I was that night..."" ""Scared? Behave then!"" Sadie was speechless. Has this guy been reading too many novels?


    A Male Escort acting dominant.


    Is he going to act out a story called ''Arrogant Male Escort Falls in Love with Me''?


    Wait... Falls in love?


    Sadie suddenly recalled the time at the Night Club when she had hired out to those three rich women. He had grabbed her clothes and said, ""If you dare to leave, you''re as good as dead""...


    He served those rich women every day, so he should have been ustomed to it and handled it smoothly. Why was he unwilling that day?


    That day in the car, she had asked him about being kept by others and discussed splitting the money. Yet, he had be angry and kicked her out.


    At that time, she thought it was because he was disgusted by sharing the spoils. But now, thinking about it...


    He was probably jealous and angry because he had feelings for her. Otherwise, why would he obediently report his earnings and transfer money to her? Although they had signed an agreement, she couldn''t really openly threaten him because of it.


    In the end, it had to be his own choice for the agreement to continue.


    The more Sadie thought about it, the more restless she became. This was bad, being loved by a Male Escort was not a good situation to be in.


    It seemed that in the future, she needed to clearly distinguish between business and personal matters and keep her distance from him.


    At the same time, she had to work hard at VIC Group, aim for regr employment, and strive for development opportunities. Even if she lost the financial support of the "" Male Escort"" in the future, she could still support her family on her


    own.


    For now, the priority was to earn the devil''s recognition.


    However, Sadie took a deep breath and secretly made up her mind. Tomorrow, no matter how difficult the devil tries to make things for her, she will endure it.


    Continuously reminding herself in her heart, Sadie had a dream that night...


    In her dream, the devil held 100 roses and knelt down on one knee, affectionately saying to her, ""Sadie, marry me!""


    Everyone in thepany cheered for Sadie, and her former colleagues urged her, ""Say yes, say yes!""


    Excited, Sadie was about to agree when the masked ""debt collector bodyguard"" burst in with three children, crying sadly, ""Wife, don''t abandon me -"" She turned around and saw a depressing sight.


    The ""debt collector bodyguard"" had three milk bottles hanging on his chest, a backpack filled with powdered milk on his back, and a bunch of stuffed toys, baby bottles, and diapers hanging from him.


    Noah, Nathan, and Mia had runny noses, tears streaming down their faces, crying, ""Mommy, mommy..."


    Suddenly, the devil who was just affectionate a moment ago changed his face and grabbed Sadie by the neck, angrily shouting, ""Sadie, you have a husband and children, and you dare deceive my feelings? I will kill you -"" Sadie woke up abruptly from the dream, opening her eyes and breathing heavily in fear.


    Thank goodness, it was just a dream...


    She wiped the sweat off her forehead and picked up her phone to check the time.


    6:10 am. The ""debt collector bodyguard"" had sent her $5,000!


    Thinking about how hard he had workedst night, serving a greasy and overweight richdy just to earn the money, then honestly splitting half of it with her...


    She couldn''t help but feel guilty and think she was not a good person!"

 Chapter 43 The Hidden Rat

    The next morning, Sadie hurriedly arrived at thepany. Luckily, she wasn''tte today.


    Randy personally brought her the new uniform and encouraged her to work well.


    Sadie put on the well-fitted uniform, hat included, instantly exuding a confident and enticing charm.


    A group of young security guards couldn''t help but stare, especially David, who secretly blushed.


    "Today, go patrol the parking lot with David. Hurry down, Mr. Clemens'' car will be here soon," Randy instructed.


    "Yes!" Sadie carried a delicate bag and followed David to the parking lot.


    "What''s that?" David curiously asked.


    "You''ll find outter."


    Sadie stared at the entrance of the parking lot and hurriedly walked over when she saw Mr. Clemens'' Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    "Good morning, Mr. Clemens," David opened the car door.


    "Good morning, Mr. Clemens!" Sadie raised the bag in her hand, a smile on her face. "Breakfast is ready for you!"


    "Hmm?" Micah raised an eyebrow, intrigued, as he looked at Sadie.


    "Per Se''s Oysters and Pearls, Le Bernardin''s Barely Touched Tuna, Eleven Madison Park''s Honey Lavender Roasted Duck... Genuine and impable, no doubt!" Sadie said with a gleeful smile.


    "Mr. Clemens,st time I didn''t perform well, but I have sincerely turned over a new leaf. I specifically called those restaurantsst night and made reservations for early morning collection. I picked them up early this morning and brought them to the office. You can rest assured, this time it''s absolutely authentic, and I even have the receipts from the restaurants here," Sadie said, rummaging through the bag for the receipts. "You''ve learned to be timely!" Micah teased, a smirk forming on his lips.


    Sadie yfully smiled and said, "I was immature before. I hope you won''t hold it against me, Mr. Clemens. I promise to change and I ask for your forgiveness. Please give me a chance."


    "I''ll judge you based on your performance," Micah said, taking the breakfast and handing it to David without missing a beat. "Consider this a reward for you."


    "Huh?" David received it, bewildered.


    Sadie''s face froze, before she could react, Micah had already turned and walked away.


    Speaking softly, Andrew said, "Mr. Clemens has a different breakfast every day. Last time it was from Thursday''s menu, but today is Friday, and he has an Italian breakfast. I''ve already taken care of it, so don''t worry and focus on work." With that, Andrew left, catching up with Micah in quick strides.


    Sadie watched Micah''s retreating figure, gritting her teeth and muttering, "Such a troublesome and meddlesome fool of a man!"


    At that moment, Micah stepped into the elevator, and as he turned to look, Sadie immediately put on a beaming smile and waved to him respectfully, "Have a pleasant day, Mr. Clemens!"


    Such eagerness was on full disy.


    It was like a performance change.


    Micah lowered his gaze and as the elevator door closed, a faint grin curved his lips.


    Observing his expression, Andrew let out a sigh of relief, sensing that today would be a good day. "Sadie, Mr. Clemens gave me this breakfast as a gift. Shall we share it?" David asked cautiously.


    "Sure, let''s go," Sadie said. She didn''t want it to go to waste - she had spent $388 on these few items.


    She had put so much effort into pleasing that devil, only to see him casually give it away. He really didn''t appreciate it!


    Well, she would eat it with David, so it wouldn''t be aplete waste.


    The two of them sat down to have breakfast at the break counter.


    David eximed excitedly, "I''ve never had such an expensive breakfast before. It looks so beautiful and delicate; I almost don''t want to eat it." "Eat while it''s hot, don''t waste it!" Sadie said as she picked up an oyster and offered it to him.

 Chapter 44 Clash of Rivals

    "Enjoying their breakfast happily, they had no idea that there was a pair of eyes watching them only a short distance away...


    Samuel, who had been demoted to a parking lot guard, cowered in a dark corner like a light-fearing mouse. His sinister figure stood still as he gazed at Sadie, his eyes flickering with a chilling gleam. It was all because of this woman that he was dealt with by Micah, going from a prominent HR manager to bing a gatekeeper here.


    His colleagues looked at him with disdain.


    Formerly close subordinates and friends avoided him.


    Even formerpetitors took the opportunity to humiliate him and trample on his self-esteem.


    All of this was all thanks to Sadie!


    ""That was delicious."" Sadie finished thest bite of the barely touched tuna, licked her lips with lingering satisfaction. ""No wonder that devil specifically requested food from these few ces; he sure knows how to eat.""


    David quickly reminded her, ""Last time when you quit and were absent for three days without permission, the HR department was going to fire you. It was Mr. Clemens who allowed you to stay, but instead of showing gratitude, you nicknamed him. That''s not good.""


    ""What?"" Sadie was somewhat surprised. ""You mean, the devil... No, it was Mr. Clemens who allowed me to stay?""


    """Yeah,"" David earnestly recounted the events. ""After you left that day and didn''t return, Randy couldn''t reach you by phone. The next day, he had to report the situation to the HR department, and they immediately said that unauthorized absence from duty would result in termination. Randy asked me to get the filing form from the HR department. When I arrived, I bumped into Andrew, Mr. Clemens'' personal aide. Andrew personally informed the HR manager to temporarily retain your position, treating it as a leave...""


    Sadie was shocked. Could it be true that it was the devil who kept her position?


    ""Don''t give Mr. Clemens a nickname from now on. Otherwise, if he gets angry and really fires you, where will you find work? I''ve worked at severalpanies, and VIC Group has the best sries and prospects for development..."" David continued talking, his face serious.


    Sadie only had one question in her mind: Why did this devil want to keep her?


    Could it be that he wants to keep me as a ything? To continue to torment me? He must be like that...


    What a perverted person.


    But it''s alright. Since he''s concerned about me, it means I still have some usefulness.


    Just as she was thinking this, a car rm suddenly sounded in the distance.


    Sadie was startled, but David was rtively calm. ""It''s probably one of the executives identally scratching another car while parking, triggering the rm. I''ll go check it out.""


    """Wait for me, I''ll go with you."" Sadie quickly packed up their utensils.


    ""You take your time, I''ll go first,"" David dutifully said, walking briskly towards the source of the sound.


    Sadie packed up the cutlery and prepared to throw it into the trash can when she suddenly felt a chill behind her...


    Instinctively, she turned around, but before she could react, the stack of boxes behind her toppled over and came crashing down towards her... ""Sadie!""


    With a cry, a white figure rushed forward like an arrow and embraced her.


    Feeling the sturdy chest, she sensed a familiar sense of safety and warmth.


    Sadie opened her eyes and saw Ronan''s handsome face, and her heart almost melted...


    ""Sadie, are you okay?""


    Ronan''s eyes brimmed with tenderness, even though his furrowed brows showed pain, he still cared for Sadie.


    ""Ronan..."


    Sadie finally snapped out of her daze and realized that Ronan had been injured while protecting her. There was a cut on his forehead from the box, and blood slowly seeped out. His left arm seemed injured too, and he couldn''t lift it. She grew anxious, ""You''re hurt, could it be a fracture?""


    ""I''m fine...""


    ""Mr. Potter!"" Several bodyguards hurried over. ""We need to call a doctor.""


    ""No need!"" Ronan immediately stopped them. ""This is VIC Group, not the Potter Group. We shouldn''t rm Mr. Clemens..."" ""But, sir...""


    ""Mr. Clemens!"" Vincent eximed.


    Sadie looked up and saw Micah standing in the middle of the corridor, his face cold and a mocking smile on his lips.


    His gaze was as cold as frost!"

 Chapter 45 He’s my Boss

    "Sadie felt a chill and an inexplicable nervousness filled her heart...


    Ronan let go of Sadie and took a step to the side, creating some distance between them.


    It seemed like he was avoiding suspicion.


    """Are you okay, Mr. Potter?"" Micah strolled over leisurely.


    Behind him, Andrew was already instructing the bodyguards to investigate the cause of the ident just now.


    ""I''m fine, just a minor injury.""


    Ronan''s forehead was covered in sweat, but he still smiled gracefully.


    ""Mr. Potter, you''re a hero saving the beauty. Admirable,"" Micah smirked. ""Although I, as a security guard, am not a beauty. But as her boss, I would like to thank you on her behalf!"" Sadie frowned, something about that statement sounded strange.


    ""You''re wee, just a small favor,"" Ronan nced at Sadie and said to Micah, ""I was actually about toe find you when you...""


    ""I have some business and need to go out,"" Micah interrupted politely but haughtily. ""Thank you for your assistance here, Mr. Potter.""


    Ronan stiffened for a moment, then smiled and said, ""No problem. Whenever Mr. Clemens is avable, I cane again...""


    """Alright."" Micah responded indifferently, turned and got in the car.


    Ronan stayed in ce, feeling very awkward.


    Vincent whispered, ""Didn''t you have an appointment with Mr. Clemens?""


    ""Don''t mind him, that''s just his character,"" Sadie said, feeling ufortable seeing Ronan being neglected. ""Let''s go to the hospital first...""


    """Mr. Potter!"" At that moment, Andrew approached politely and said, ""Mr. Clemens has an urgent matter today and needs to leave. Shall we schedule another time?""" ""Alright, I''ll contact youter,"" Ronan nodded with a smile.


    ""Mr. Potter, are you injured? I''ll have someone take you to the hospital,"" Andrew called for a bodyguard.


    """It''s fine, I''ll take care of it myself,"" Ronan replied gracefully. ""You go and attend to your business; Mr. Clemens is still waiting for you."


    ""


    """Andrew,"" Sadie took the opportunity to ask, ""Mr. Potter got hurt saving me. I want to apany him to the hospital. Would that be alright?""


    ""Well..."" Andrew turned to look at Micah in the car, then nodded. ""Alright!""


    ""Thank you."" Sadie immediately supported Ronan.


    This time, Ronan didn''t refuse.


    ""What happened?"" David hurried over, looking confused at the scene in front of him.


    ""A box fell just now and almost hit me. Mr. Potter saved me,"" Sadie exined simply. ""Andrew asked me to apany Mr. Potter to the hospital. David, can you inform Randy for me?"" ""Oh, okay,"" David nodded repeatedly.


    ""Be careful, don''t touch your arm.""


    Sadie helped Ronan into the car.


    As a Rolls-Royce Phantom drove by, Ronan looked up and saw Micah inside, staring at Sadie with a chilling gaze...


    """Vincent, you drive. The rest of you sit in the back car,"" Ronan instructed.


    ""Yes, sir.""


    The white Bentley left the parking lot, and Vincent couldn''t help but catch up with Sadie. ""Miss Roth, it''s been many years. Do you still remember me?"""


    ""How could I forget?"" Sadieughed and blurted out, ""Back when I was dating Ronan, you always followed behind. He used to scold you as being unnecessary."" ""Hahaha..."" Vincentughed heartily.


    """I thought you had forgotten,"" Ronan''s voice carried a hint of tender memories as he gazed affectionately at Sadie.


    Sadie''s heart trembled, and she lowered her head. ""It''s all in the past now...""


    The atmosphere suddenly became tense.


    Vincent cleared his throat a few times, driving earnestly and no longer daring to speak.


    ""Do you know Mr. Clemens?""


    Ronan was so clever that with just a few nces, he could tell the truth at a nce.


    It was evident that Micah had an exceptional rtionship with Sadie. ""He''s my boss, how could I not know him?"" Sadie didn''t think much of it. ""Are you here to discuss business with him? With the current status of the Potter Group, he shouldn''t need any favors, right? Even if it is business, it should be a fair transaction. You don''t have to cater to his every whim."""

 Chapter 46 Shameless Woman

    """" It seems you don''t understand Mr. Clemens'' power,"" Ronan looked deeply into her eyes. ""Is your rtionship with him purely professional?"" ""What else could it be?"" Sadie frowned.


    Ronan fell silent for a moment, then spoke earnestly, ""He is a dangerous man. It would be best for you to keep your distance from him."" "With someone as arrogant as him, how could he possibly get close to someone as despicable as me?"" Sadie dismissed it. ""You''re overthinking it.""


    ""Alright..."" Ronan seemed relieved. ""Didn''t you advise that you quit your job? Howe you''re working as a security guard again?""


    """You don''t have to worry about that,"" Sadie stated her position. ""If it weren''t for you saving me today, I wouldn''t havee out alone with you.""


    ""Fine, let''s drop that topic,"" Ronan changed the subject. ""My son hasn''t been going to school these past few days. He strongly opposes transferring schools, at such a young age, he has quite the temper. He''s even protesting by going on a hunger strike!""


    """Oh?"" Sadie was surprised. ""Don''t let it harm the child...""


    ""Let him be. If he gets too hungry, he''ll realize he needs to eat,"" Ronan sighed. ""Over the years, I''ve been too busy with work and haven''t had much opportunity to spend time with him. Everyone at home spoils him, which led to him bing this arrogant. I have to use this opportunity to teach and discipline him.""


    "Teaching a child takes time, they can''t be taught in one step,"" Sadie felt a bit remorseful. ""Regarding the transfer, you shouldn''t rush it. Handle it gently. If it really doesn''t work, it''s okay not to transfer, but...""


    ""He said that as long as he doesn''t have to transfer, he''s willing to do anything,"" Ronan quickly added. ""I know your concerns; I''ve already spoken to Leah and asked her not to go to the school anymore. That way, she won''t have any run-ins with you.""


    ""Well then, there shouldn''t be any problems.""


    Actually, Sadie''s main concern was to avoid conflicts with Leah. Other than that, there wasn''t much to worry about. What harm could a three-year-old child have in their heart?


    ""You''re still as understanding as ever..."" Ronan looked at her gently.


    ""We''ve arrived,"" Sadie changed the topic. ""Is this your private hospital?""


    ""Yes, Mr. Potter usuallyes here for medical check-ups.""


    Vincent pulled the car up to the entrance, and a security guard immediately came to greet them. ""Mr. Potter.""


    Sadie got out of the car and then helped the injured Ronan out. ""Be careful with your arm.""


    ""Honey!"" A familiar voice sounded...


    Instinctively, Sadie turned her head and locked eyes with Leah, astonishment written across her face.


    Leah looked down and when Sadie noticed Leah''s gaze, she quickly withdrew her hand, which was supporting Ronan.


    """Sadie, it''s you again!!!"" Leah rushed over and shouted at Sadie, ""You slut! You know that Ronan is already married, yet you still cling to him. Do you have no shame?""


    ""You''re misunderstanding, Leah..."" Sadie frowned and exined, ""He got injured at ourpany, so...""


    "Misunderstanding?"" Leah was extremely agitated. ""I knew you would cause trouble as soon as you came back. You deliberately arranged for your children to be in the same kindergarten as my son, and now you''re trying to seduce my husband. How can you be so despicable? Always snatching other people''s things!""


    """Leah, shut up!"" Ronan angrily shouted, ""How can you behave like this in public?""


    "Husband, are you yelling at me?"" Leah trembled with excitement, ""Have you forgotten how she treated you back then? On your engagement day, she went to a nightclub and hired a bodyguard, causing you to lose your dignity. And now, she has three children born out of wedlock with other men. She is a shameless woman...""


    ""Shut up!"" Ronan pped her.


    Leah froze, covering her face, looking at him incredulously, ""You hit me? You hit me for this shameless woman?"""

 Chapter 47 Father and Son Reunite

    "Sadie was also stunned. She did not expect that Ronan; who had always been such a cultured and gentle man, would actually hit someone. ""Vincent, take Madam home,"" Ronan coldly instructed.


    ""Yes Sir."" Vincent quickly stepped forward and tried to persuade Leah, ""Madam, calm down. Let''s discuss this back home. There are so many people watching."" Passersby had stopped to watch, and some were secretly taking pictures.


    This kind of drama in a prominent family was the public''s favorite, and it quickly spread online as headline news.


    """Why should I leave? I''m not the one losing face," Leah trembled with anger, ""Ronan, are you still defending her? Have you forgotten who your wife is?"" ""Are you done causing a scene?"" Ronan interrupted her and scolded Vincent, ""What are you waiting for? Help her into the car.""


    ""Yes Sir!""


    ""Madam, let''s go back now...""


    ""I''m not leaving! Why should I leave?"" Leah persisted and swung her handbag at Sadie, ""You slut, trying to steal my husband. I won''t let you seed."" Ronan shielded Sadie behind him.


    Leah was even more infuriated and tried to hit Sadie from around him.


    Sadie didn''t want to get involved with her and turned to leave.


    ""Slut, don''t walk away!""


    Leah wanted to chase after Sadie and hit her, but identally hit Ronan''s injured arm.


    Ronan groaned with pain, his face instantly turning pale, beads of sweat formed immediately and slid down his pained face.


    """Husband, what''s wrong with you?"" Leah finally noticed Ronan''s injury and anxiously asked, ""You''re hurt? How did this happen?""


    ""Mr. Potter''s arm was injured by a heavy object. Let''s go get it attended to first,"" Vincent said.


    Leah hurriedly helped Ronan into the hospital.


    Sadie saw this scene from the taxi and had mixed emotions in her heart...


    She never understood the meaning of marriage, but now it seemed she understood. Marriage is walking side by side even after fighting fiercely a second ago. Just like Ronan and Leah, their rtionship was inseparable.


    And she should stay away...


    While Sadie was lost in her thoughts about Ronan, she arrived back at the office.


    Only when she exited the car did she realize that she had forgotten her phone at work.


    Fortunately, she had some cash in her pocket to pay for the fare.


    Her phone must have been left at the duty counter in the underground parking lot, so Sadie went to the security department to find David.


    David handed her the phone and said, ""You''re really forgetful. Going out without your phone, what if something happens and no one can contact you?"" """Thank you, I was worried I lost it,"" Sadie replied.


    Sadie took the phone and found that it was already out of battery, so she immediately went to charge it.


    Little did she know that she missed out on something big because of this.


    Kindergarten, principal''s office.


    Noah looked at all the mysterious men in suits in front of him, without any fear. Instead, he raised his chin and said coldly, ""Kidnapping children is a crime!"" Andrew couldn''t help butugh and turned to Micah behind the screen, saying, ""Mr. Clemens, this kid really looks like you.""


    "Let''s get down to business,"" Micah lowered his eyes and gracefully sipped his tea.


    "Yes,"" Andrew squatted in front of Noah and gently said, ""Don''t be afraid, we are not bad people. Otherwise, your teacher and principal wouldn''t have brought you to see us, right?"" Noah nced at the trembling new principal and new teacher beside him, raised an eyebrow, and coldly asked, ""So, what exactly do you want to do?""


    "Well..."" Andrew thought that he shouldmunicate with the child in a simple and understandable way, so he lowered his voice and gently asked, ""Last Sunday, did your parents take you to Ruby za?"" """What are you trying to say?"" Noah furrowed his little brow, his handsome face filled with impatience. ""I''m not a toddler. There''s no need to speak to me in that condescending tone. It''s so annoying!"" Andrew froze, his mouth twitching.


    The bodyguard beside him couldn''t help but chuckle. This kid was really clever.


    Micah behind the screen finally lifted his gaze and looked over..."

 Chapter 48 Finding the Chip

    "With his small stature and straight posture, his exquisite and handsome face felt somewhat familiar to him.


    His clear and bright eyes showed vignce and cunning, and at this moment, they were also looking at him behind the screen.


    ""Who is he?"" Noah pointed at Micah behind the screen.


    """That''s our boss,"" Andrew said in a different way, ""Kid,st Sunday...""


    ""You encountered a man dressed all in ck at the children''s y area on the basement floor of Ruby za, right? Did he give you a beautiful silver box? This is it..."" Andrew opened his phone and was about to show Noah the photo. ""No!"" Noah turned his little face away and didn''t even look at it.


    ""No, look first...""


    ""I already did. There''s nothing."" Noah crossed his arms and said firmly, ""I have a good memory, I don''t forget things easily. I didn''t encounter a man dressed in ck that day, and nobody gave me anything. You got it wrong."" ""young man, it''s not right to lie."" Andrew''s face turned serious. ""That man is a thief, and he stole something important from us.""


    """If something is stolen, you should go to the police."" Noah raised his eyebrows, appearing calm.


    ""The man dressed in ck gave the thing to you. If you give it back to me, I''ll reward you. If not...""


    ""I told you, it''s not true."" Noah interrupted him and asked back, ""If it''s such an important thing, why would a thief give it to a strange kid? It doesn''t make sense at all."" Andrew was left speechless by his retort. He took a deep breath and opened the surveince video on his phone. ""Take a look, is this you?""


    Noah nced coldly and was about to retract his gaze, but then he looked back, fixing his eyes on it. His handsome little face gradually froze... In the video, a man dressed in ck rushed out of the restroom and bumped into a child in front of him.


    That child had both hands in his pockets, walking leisurely with a green parrot perched on his shoulder. Wasn''t that... Nathan and Coco? Although the action was fast, Noah still could see that the man put something into Nathan''s pocket.


    ""You might not see it clearly this way, let me slow it down for you.""


    Andrew slowed down the yback speed, freezing the frame on the man''s hand, which was cing a silver object into the child''s pocket... ""No need to slow it down, I can see it clearly.""


    Noah skillfully adjusted the yback speed and continued watching...


    Several men in suits chased after the man, who managed to quickly escape.


    The child stood still for a moment, then took out the small box from his pocket, opened it, and took out a golden chip from inside.


    He was examining the chip curiously when the parrot on his shoulder suddenly swallowed it. He hurriedly patted the parrot, trying to make it spit it out... Then, Mia rushed over...


    """So, what Nathan said was true."" Noah pinched his chin and murmured to himself.


    "What?"" Andrew couldn''t hear what he said clearly and asked, ""Kid, is the child in the video you? Where is the golden chip now?""


    ""It''s not me..."" Noah was about to say it was his younger brother, but then he thought twice and asked cautiously, ""How do I know if you''re good people or not?""


    ""Eh kiddo, if you don''t cooperate, I''ll have to find your parents,"" Andrew nced at Micah behind the screen and knew he was running out of patience. ""I think you should find the police,"" Noah organized his thoughts logically, ""If they can present proper documents, then I will cooperate in finding the chip for you.""


    ""This kid is quite vignt,"" one of the bodyguards couldn''t help but praise. Andrew stood up and asked Mr. Brooks beside him, ""Mr. Brooks, have you reached the parents?"""

 Chapter 49 Are You the Devil?

    "Sorry, I have made over a dozen calls, but all the numbers were either off or no answer. I''m still trying to reach them,"" Mr. Brooks sounded extremely nervous. ""I''ve just transferred here this week and I''m not quite familiar with the students'' situations, but I will do everything in my power to assist.""


    """Sir, may I see the video?"" Miss Bell asked cautiously. Andrew handed her his phone. Miss Bell carefully examined it and realized the problem, ""This kid isn''t Noah, it''s Nathan! Although they look identical, there are noticeable differences in their demeanor.""


    ""Nathan?"" Andrew was dumbfounded, ""Could they be twins?""""They are triplets,"" Miss Bell exined, ""The eldest is Noah, his younger brother is Nathan, who looks exactly like him, and the youngest is a girl named Mia."" ""So that Mia must be the little girl who chased after the parrot and got into our carst time,"" Andrew finally understood, ""I see, both kids have parrots because they are from the same family.""


    ""Go and fetch Nathan,"" Mr. Brooks urged Miss Bell. ""Nathan is participating in the preschool sports event, I''ll go find him immediately,"" Miss Bell hurriedly ran out. Mr. Brooks crouched down and patiently said to Noah, ""Noah, trust Mr. Brooks, they are not bad people. If you know where the chip is, please tell them, okay?""


    Noah hesitated upon hearing this. Since the ck-suited men did hand the chip over to Nathan, that meant they weren''t lying. And if they weren''t lying, then perhaps they weren''t bad people after all. ""Kid,"" Andrew patiently exined, """The new technology ourpany has been researching is all in that chip.


    Now that the chip has been stolen by bad people, if we don''t retrieve it, the technology will be stolen as well. It will not only cause losses for ourpany, but also have negative consequences for society.""


    """Alright,"" Noah finally chose to believe them, looking up earnestly, he said, ""Coco swallowed the chip, but Coco hasn''t pooped it out yet. Once it''s out, I can give it back to you."" ""What do you mean? Can you exin it more clearly?"" Andrew urgently asked, ""Who is Coco?""


    ""You''re so slow, Coco is our little parrot!""


    ""You''re so dumb, Coco is our little parrot!""


    Exact same words, at this very moment, in a corner of the yground, Nathan was also saying to another person in ck clothes.


    "So, you''re saying that chip was swallowed by your parrot?"" The man frowned.


    """Yes."" Nathan nodded, vividly describing, ""After swallowing the chip, it stopped eating and became depressed, constantly plucking its feathers.""


    ""My mom, Brenda, Noah, Mia, and I took it to the doctor together. The doctor said it had indigestion and prescribed digestive medicine, saying it would be fine once it''s expelled."" """So now I''m watching it poop every day, to see if it will poop out the gold.""


    "Did it poop it out?"" The man asked anxiously.


    Nathan took a small box out of his backpack and handed it to him. ""Take a look for yourself.""


    He eagerly took the colorfully gift-wrapped box. Delighted as he started tearing the wrapping paper off.


    There was anotheryer, his emotions high as his patience waned, tearing off all the wrapping, and when he managed to open it; it turned out to be a big pile of feces!!!


    ""This is..."" The man stared at the feces, twitching at the corners of his mouth.


    "''"''I was afraid that when I''m not home, it would poop out the golden chip and get thrown away by Brenda as poop. So, these past few days, every morning I''ve been bringing its feces wrapped up and brought to school, carefully checking them...""


    Nathan said as he found a small stick under a nearby tree, crouching down and starting to examine the pile of feces.


    ""Step aside, I''ll do it.""


    The man snatched the stick and desperately started poking at the feces, instantly snapping the stick."

 Chapter 50 Nathan and Mia Get Kidnapped

    "The man was speechless.


    ""So troublesome."" Nathan went to find another stick.


    The man couldn''t wait any longer, and with a few movements, he dug open the feces by hand. Aside from a few undigested sunflower seed shells, there was no chip. Dark clouds immediately covered his face, and he stared at Nathan with a murderous gaze, saying, ""Are you ying tricks on me?""


    """Looks like it didn''te out today."" Nathan held his chubby chin and sighed, ""Come back tomorrow, during school, I''ll bring Coco''s poop from today.


    The man''s face was twitching, like a person with facial paralysis, and his hands clenched into fists.


    This brat in front of him was lucky he was only three years old and unable to withstand a beating! He really wanted to strangle him right now!


    """What''s wrong?"" Nathan looked at him innocently and waved his hand in front of his eyes, ""Are you overwhelmed by the poop smell?""


    ""


    The man took a deep breath, forcibly controlling the rage within him; trying desperately to appear friendly and approachable, ""Kid, where''s the parrot? Take me to find it."" """It''s obviously at my house..."" Nathan blurted out.


    After speaking, he stared at the man in front of him again. ""No, you''re not the person fromst time.""


    This man''s eyes were fierce, like those of a viin.


    But he looked very simr to the person fromst time, dressed exactly the same. Nathan thought it was him because he mentionedst time''s incident urately.


    """Panther has been captured, I am his friend Tiger."" The man twisted Nathan''s arm and walked quickly towards the back door. ""Don''t be afraid, as long as you return the chip to me, I won''t harm you."" ""Let me go."" Nathan kicked his legs and struggled forcefully. ""I can''t take you home...""


    ""You brat, stop making a fuss...""


    Tiger impatiently scolded. He saw the Clemens car, it seemed they had already found this ce too.


    He must find the chip before they do, or the consequences would be unimaginable!


    Tiger hurriedly dragged Nathan towards the back door.


    ""Nathan...""


    Suddenly, a naive shout came. Mia saw Nathan being taken away by a ck-d man and chased after them.


    "Mia, go, go."" Nathan waved his hand at her, signaling her not to follow.


    "Bad person, where are you taking my brother? I will tell the teacher...""


    Mia spread her legs apart and opened her arms, blocking their path. ""So troublesome.""


    In order not to alert anyone of his presence; Tiger had no choice but to take Mia with them.


    He used his free hand and twisted her arm too. One hand, one child, like handling delicate items.


    """Let me go, let me go..."" The two children kept struggling and shouting.


    To avoid being discovered, Tiger could only tape their mouths shut, carry them over the wall, and stuff them into the car.


    After locking the car doors, Tiger removed the tape from Nathan''s mouth and threatened him, ""As long as you obediently lead me to find that parrot, I will let both of you go. Otherwise, I will throw your sister into the sea to feed the sharks."" """You...."" Nathan gritted his teeth in anger, but seeing Mia''s teary eyes, he nodded. ""Fine, I''ll take you to find Coco.""


    VIC Group, Security Department.


    Sadie and David returned from patrol, and her phone finally turned on.


    When she opened it, she was shocked to see dozens of missed calls, all from the kindergarten. She hurriedly returned the call. ""Hello!""


    ""Hello, this is Noah Nathan, Mia''s mother. You guys called me many times. What happened?""


    ""Hello, the thing is...""


    ""Oh no, oh no.""


    Before Mr. Brooks could finish his sentence, Miss Bell rushed in and said, ""Nathan and Mia have been abducted."""

 Chapter 51 Chip Robbery

    "What?!" Mr. Brooks was stunned.


    On the other end of the phone, Sadie was terrified upon hearing these words. She hurriedly asked, "What happened? What''s wrong with my children?" "There was a tall man in ck clothes, wearing a mask and a cap. He took them from the back door, and the security guards are pursuing them..." "Go after them!" Micah shouted coldly.


    "Yes!" Andrew quickly led the others to chase.


    Sadie''s mind was in chaos, her hand holding the phone trembling. Anxiously, she shouted into the phone, "Hello! What exactly happened?!"


    "Don''t panic, just listen to me..." Mr. Brooks exined the situation in a flustered manner.


    Sadie''s legs became weak as she listened, and she sat down on the ground.


    The phone was hung up at some point, so Sadie clutched her chest, repeatedly reminding herself to stay calm.


    While rushing back home, Sadie called Brenda.


    But no one answered Brenda''s phone. She thought about calling the police, but she didn''t know who the kidnapper was. Would calling the police provoke him and put her children in danger? Lost in her thoughts, Brenda called back, "Hello!"


    "Brenda, where are you?"


    "I''m at home. Let me tell you some good news, Coco-"


    Before Brenda could finish her sentence, there was a loud "bang" through the phone.


    Then, the call was abruptly cut off.


    "Brenda? Brenda!" Sadie was about to go crazy. She shouted at the taxi driver, "Please, hurry!"


    ...


    "What are you going to do?" Brenda held a broom in her trembling hand and faced the man in ck before her. "What have you done to Nathan and Mia?"


    Tiger threw the bound Nathan and Mia onto the sofa. Nathan shook his head and let out a muffled sound, reminding Brenda to run quickly.


    Mia was scared and kept crying, but her mouth was covered, making it difficult for her to cry out loudly.


    "Where''s the parrot?" Tiger''s face grew colder as he approached Brenda menacingly.


    "What?" Brenda backed away, speaking cautiously. "What do you want? Don''t do anything rash. There''s not much money in my house! You''ve got the wrong ce!" She thought this person was here to rob them.


    "I''m asking you: where''s the parrot?" Tiger interrogated sharply.


    "I-It''s... It''s..."


    "Bad person! Bad person! Bad person!"


    Brenda hadn''t finished speaking when Coco made a noise on the balcony.


    Tiger rushed towards the balcony.


    "Nathan, Mia!" Brenda quickly dropped the broom and untied Nathan and Mia.


    Nathan just managed to tear off the tape from his mouth before shouting, "Brenda, call the police quickly..."


    Brenda rushed to grab her phone and was about to make a call when a scream came from the balcony. "Ah! Help!" "Coco!" Mia didn''t even think twice and rushed over, swinging her chubby little arms with a broom in hand. "Let go of my Coco!" Nathan rushed over, fists clenched and brow furrowed, fiercely protecting Mia in front of him.


    Tiger rolled his eyes and didn''t even bother with the two little kids.


    He was about to leave with the parrot cage when Mia hit his leg with the broom. "Let go of my Coco! Let go."


    Tiger ripped the broom out of Mia''s little hands and forcefully snapped it in half, making a fierce expression to scare Mia.


    Mia was scared and began to sob, her round face turning red. Her shimmering, grape-like, transparent eyes were filled with tears, streaming down one by one. Seeing his sister crying, Nathan swung a clothes rack and struck Tiger. "You bully, picking on my sister."


    "You little brat, quite the strength you''ve got." Tiger was forced to step back by Nathan and gritted his teeth angrily. "Get out of my way, or I will get physical."

 Chapter 52 Chip Snatching 2

    "Let go of the baby!"


    Brenda rushed over with a kitchen knife, her chubby body causing the entire room to shake.


    Tiger was about to take action when he noticed Micah''s car arriving downstairs. He cared little about being nice at this moment. He kicked Brenda away, shaking Nathan and Mia off him. He was about to make his escape with the parrot cage when Nathan tripped him.


    He just managed to support himself against the wall and prevent himself from falling, but the cage in his hand dropped to the ground.


    The cage door swung open from the impact, and a panicked Coco flew out.


    "Hey!" Tiger reached out to catch it but only managed to grab a feather. "You all have done it now!"


    Tiger was burning with anger and prepared to go on a killing spree when he suddenly saw a silver small box in the cage, the one that previously contained the chip.


    There was even a pink ribbon tied in a bow on the box.


    Tiger picked up the box and shook it, and sure enough, there was something inside. He was ecstatic. "Obtained without any effort!"


    "No! You can''t take that away!" Brenda wanted to rush over and snatch it.


    Tiger pulled out a dagger and pointed it at her. "Get lost! This thing was originally mine."


    Brenda was trembling with fright and didn''t dare to approach.


    At that moment, another group of people barged into their little home.


    Tiger immediately turned with the box in hand and jumped over the balcony.


    "Halt!"


    Andrew saw Tiger escaping with the box and quickly led his men to chase after him.


    "Waah!" Mia sat on the floor of the balcony, crying loudly. Her rosy little face turned red, tears falling like broken beads, "Coco, my C-"


    "Mia, look! Coco is flying back." Nathan pointed to the roof not far away.


    Coco flew back,nded on Mia''s shoulder, and rubbed its glossy green head against her tear-stained face. "Mia! Mia!"


    Mia immediately held Coco in her arms, using her tear-soaked little hands to stroke its head. She choked with emotions. "Why do so many people want to take you? Are you some legendary bird?" "It''s because Coco swallowed an important chip." Nathan furrowed his little eyebrows, exining earnestly, "They came for the chip."


    "Brenda!"


    Sadie rushed in. Seeing the door broken and the ce in disarray, she thought something had happened to her family and her legs became weak.


    "Mommy!" Nathan and Mia ran over from the balcony and threw themselves into Sadie''s arms.


    "Mommy, I was so scared just now. A bad person kidnapped Nathan and me!" a traumatized Mia exined.


    Anxiously, Nathan added, "Mommy, that person took the chip away!"


    "What chip?" Sadie quickly asked.


    "It''s the thing Coco swallowed," Nathan exined. "Those people came for that thing..."


    "That doesn''t matter, as long as you both are safe." Sadie held her two children tightly. "Where''s Noah?"


    "Noah hasn''te back!" Brenda panicked. "Oh no! Maybe they kidnapped Noah, too?"


    "Ahh!" Nathan''s face turned pale with fright, hastily suggesting, "Should we call the police?"


    Mia''srge grape-like eyes instantly filled with crystal-clear tears, She pouted, about to cry.


    "Yes, call the police. I''ll call them right away." Sadie hurriedly took out her phone to make the call. However, she was stopped by a familiar voiceing from behind. "Mommy!"


    "Noah!" Sadie turned around and saw Noah, so overwhelmed with joy that she almost cried. "It''s good that you''re back. You scared me."


    "I am fine." Noah checked on his younger brother and sister like a little adult. "Are you guys okay? Miss Bell said you were kidnapped. I was so scared and wanted to go save you with the VIC Group''s bodyguards, but they wouldn''t take me. It was Miss Bell who brought me back."


    "What? The VIC Group''s people? Noah, how do you know people from the VIC Group? What exactly happened?" Sadie urgently asked, grabbing Noah''s arm for answers.

 Chapter 53 Every Family Is a Devil

    "Some mysterious people came to find me today and asked about the chip. I was clueless at the time. After watching the surveince video, I found out they mistook me for Nathan..." Noah detailed the sequence of events. Sadie was amazed. She never expected the chip Nathan mentioned to be real, and it turned out to be the stolen chip from the VIC Group.


    "So, that chip contains secrets of new technology. No wonder everyone is after it."


    Nathan felt proud of himself for protecting the chip for so long. He chuckled. "I deserve some credit for this aplishment."


    "And what do you have to say? You let a wolf into the sheepfold." Noah frowned, criticizing him sternly, "You shouldn''t have epted something from a stranger like that. Fortunately, nothing happened today. But what if something had gone wrong with you and Mia?"


    "At that moment, I didn''t even realize what was happening, and he just slipped it into my pocket." Nathan pouted defiantly. "And I told you Coco swallowed the chip, but you didn''t believe me."


    "It''s my fault. I didn''t realize how serious things could get," Sadie apologized to Nathan. "If I had paid attention earlier, these things wouldn''t have happened."


    "Well, the bad guy now have the chip, and the VIC Group is tracking it. It''s not our concern anymore," Noah tilted his head, providing a rational analysis.


    "Well, that may not be true..." Brenda suddenly interjected.


    "Huh? Why?" Sadie looked at her in confusion.


    Brenda walked to the door, peeked outside to make sure no one was there, and quickly closed the damaged door before returning. She lowered her voice and said, "The thing in that box... It''s not a chip." "Huh?" The whole family looked at her, astonished. "Not a chip? Then what is it?"


    "It''s..." Brenda looked at Coco, nestling its furry little head under its wings, with a guilty expression.


    ...


    "Mr. Clemens, Tiger has taken the chip, and we are doing everything we can to catch him," Andrew reported to Micah over the phone while leading the pursuit. "Useless!" Micah barked, "If you can''t retrieve the chip, don''t bothering back."


    "Yes, sir!" Andrew waved his hand and passionately spoke to the bodyguards. "Even if it means our lives tonight, we must retrieve the chip!"


    "We swear to get the chip back!"


    The Clemens family''s elite bodyguards pursued relentlessly, setting up traps and ambushes.


    Tiger fled frantically, encountering numerous life-threatening situations. He narrowly escaped death several times.


    But no matter how difficult it was, Tiger persevered with determined resolve. He had a firm belief in his heart-he must deliver the chip to his employer! Once sessful, he would receive a reward of $1 billion. He and hispanions would never have to worry again in their lifetime!


    ...


    At 2:30 a.m., Andrew and his men finally had Tiger surrounded in South Coast.


    Countless blinding lights focused on Tiger, and dozens of guns were aimed at him.


    As long as he dared to resist, he would be beaten to a pulp!


    Andrew shouted, "Tiger, hand over the chip, and I''ll spare your life!"


    Facing the dire situation, Tiger decided to make a desperate move: swallow the chip, jump into the sea, and maybe there would still be a glimmer of hope.


    With that in mind, he retrieved the silver box from his pocket, urgently removed the pink bow, and opened the box, preparing to take out the chip.


    But when he saw what was inside the box, he froze.


    In a heartbeat, his expression transformed from confusion to shock, then astonishment. Finally, his face became utterly immobilized, with lips trembling and eyes moist... Nathan''s mischievous face appeared in his mind.


    Tiger hated them so much that it tore at his heart, and he cursed through gritted teeth, "Devils! That whole family is a bunch of devils..."

 Chapter 54 Evil Thoughts

    A gunshot echoed, and Tiger''s arm was hit, causing the small silver box in his hand to fall into the sea.


    He screamed in pain, but before he could gather his senses, a group of bodyguards jumped into the sea to salvage the "chip".


    Tiger paused for a moment and then an evil grin appeared on his face, "Micah, you want the chip, right? Good luck searching for it in the vast ocean!" "This is ridiculous." Andrew''s face turned ashen with anger. "Tiger, you would rather throw the chip into the sea than give it to us? You''re done for!" "Send divers down to retrieve the chip."


    "Yes."


    ...


    The family of five stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with curiosity as they surrounded Coco, examining it closely.


    "Brenda, are you saying that Cocoid an egg?" Nathan widened his bright eyes and stared curiously at Coco''s backside. "How can ity an egg? It''s a parrot, not a chicken." "It''s not only chickens thaty eggs." Noah had his sses on and was searching for information on theputer. "All birdsy eggs."


    "But don''t you need both a male and a female toy eggs? We only have Coco as a pet." Nathan found it very perplexing. "She''s a single parrot. How can shey an egg?" "Could it be that Coco secretly found a boyfriend?" Mia held Coco''s little head and interrogated it, "Coco, be honest. Did you find a boyfriend behind our backs?" "Boyfriend, boyfriend!" Coco repeated the word.


    Brenda suddenly recalled something. "That''s right! The resident in the building opposite ours also has a pet parrot, and Coco often flies over to y with it."


    "Brenda, when did you discover that Cocoid an egg?" Sadie asked eagerly.


    "Well..." Brenda recounted the events, "This afternoon. When I went to clean Coco''s cage, I found that Coco hadid an egg. I was surprised, too. I saw on TV that if the egg is not properly taken care of, the bird might eat its own egg, so I took it out, cleaned it, and stored it properly. Only now did I remember that Coco often flew over to y with the parrot in the building across the street."


    "You gave us a surprise by putting the egg in a beautiful little box, tying a pink ribbon into a bow. Unexpectedly, that bad person mistook it for a chip and snatched it away..."


    "That box was the one used to hold the chips before." Nathan raised his chubby hands and said excitedly, "I had put it on my desk in my room. When I saw it in the cage today, I thought it was the chip."


    "That''s a lucky mistake." Sadie patted her heart and said, "If that person hadn''t thought there was a chip in the box and tried to snatch it, they might have harmed you."


    "So, we should thank Coco and Brenda." Mia lovingly stroked Coco''s little head.


    "Brenda, did Coco push out the chip?" Sadie asked the key question.


    "No." Brenda frowned and shook her head. "I''ve been monitoring it every day, and Coco hasn''t pushed out the chip."


    "That''s not good!" Sadie''s face became serious.


    Mia tilted her head curiously and asked, "Mommy, what''s not good?"


    "Don''t you understand yet?" Noah''s face turned serious, and he waved his finger as he said solemnly, "That bad guy thought there was a chip in the box, and then the people from the VIC Group thought he stole the chip, so they chased after him. Butter, they will definitely find out that the box doesn''t contain a chip, so..."


    Noah''s face turned serious, and as he waved his finger, he said solemnly, "That bad guy thought there was a chip in the box, and then the people from VIC Group thought he stole the chip, so they chased after him. Butter, they will definitely find out that the box doesn''t contain a chip, so..."


    Nathan and Mia eximed in unison, "So, they wille looking for us?!"


    The next second, Mia threw herself into her mother''s embrace, covering her face with Sadie''s clothes. Her chubby little body trembled with fear.

 Chapter 55 The Legendary Chip

    Brenda ran over and used tables and chairs to block the door, afraid of someone breaking in again. Noah immediately rushed into the kitchen and brought out two knives, handing them to Brenda.


    Brenda held one knife in her hand and stood guard at the door like a guard.


    Nathan ran to the balcony to find brooms, mops, and clotheslines-everything that could be a defensive weapon and distributed them to the family.


    Then, he took out a rope, waving it a few times with great grandeur!


    The entire family armed themselves, ready for battle.


    But for a long time, there was no movement outside...


    Mia bit her lip, trembling all over, her big grape-like eyes teary.


    "Don''t be afraid. I will protect you." Sadie held Mia and discussed with Brenda. "Do you think we should call the police?"


    "I do!" Brenda hurriedly went to find her phone.


    "The most urgent thing now is to have Coco poop the chip," Noah squinted, analyzing like a little detective. "Otherwise, when the policee, they might take Coco away first, and who knows? They might even cut Coco open to find..."


    Upon hearing these words, Mia pouted her lips and burst into tears. "No, don''t... "Do not let them take Coco away! Do not let them cut Coco''s belly open!"


    Nathan quickly reached out to wipe Mia''s tears. "Mia, don''t be afraid. I will protect you and Coco."


    "Noah is right. We should let Coco poop the chip first," Sadie said worriedly, furrowing her brow. "But it''s been so many days, and Coco still hasn''t pushed it out. What should we do now?"


    Brenda ran into the room and took out a small green bottle. "How about trying this?"


    "What is this?" everyone asked.


    "I often have constipation, and the doctor prescribed this for me," Brenda said a little embarrassed. "It works really well. You can see the effect right away."


    "Then what are we waiting for? Hurry up."


    "We should give a smaller dose. Otherwise, Coco won''t be able to handle it."


    "1/10..."


    Half an hourter, the whole family gathered to watch Coco defecate.


    Coco first hung its head low, looking spiritless. It let out a few pitiful cries before pacing back and forth in the cage.


    Mia frowned, her little face filled with worry. "Will Coco''s stomach be able to handle it? It seems like she''s in a lot of difort."


    "I feel ufortable before I have diarrhea, too." Nathan touched his little abdomen and sympathetically looked at Coco. "Coco, endure it a little longer. Once it''s out, it will be fine. Otherwise, those bad people will cut open your belly..." "Stop talking!" Mia screamed, cutting off Nathan''s words. She was timid and scared when she heard such things.


    "Okay, okay. I won''t say it..." Nathan said.


    As soon as Nathan finished speaking, Noah shouted, "It''sing out, look!"


    The whole family immediately focused their attention on Coco, staring intently at its backside and waiting for the result.


    "God bless our Coco to push out the chip quickly," Mia prayed.


    Amidst Mia''s prayer, Coco finally delivered, meeting everyone''s expectations and defecating arge pile of diluted bird droppings. This time, there was no need for a small stick to poke around. The gleaming golden chip was visible at a nce.


    The family cheered, high-fiving each other, as if they had won a jackpot.


    Brenda immediately cleaned the chip and handed it to Noah.


    Noah put the chip in a small ck box and solemnly handed it to Sadie, saying, "Mommy, we can call the police now!"


    Sadie took the small box and was about to dial 911 when suddenly there was a knock on the door.


    The whole family was startled.


    Brenda immediately rushed to the door with a kitchen knife in hand.


    Noah and Nathan stood behind the door with their weapons.


    Mia hid behind Sadie and clutched her clothes, trembling in fear.


    "Don''t be scared. Don''t be scared..." Sadieforted the children and took a deep breath, bravely asking, "Who, who is it?"

 Chapter 56 If I Cant Catch It, Ill Admit Defeat

    There was silence outside, and the children became even more frightened.


    Brenda''s hand that was holding the kitchen knife was visibly trembling with fear.


    Sadie cautiously approached with a small knife, peering out through the damaged gap.


    Simultaneously, there was an eye outside peering in the same position as her. Both pairs of eyes locked, and they screamed loudly in fright together. "Ah!" The terrified children joined in the screaming.


    "Call the police! Call them now!" Sadie hurriedly searched for her phone to report the incident.


    "Wait, wait! It''s Jorge, the building security guard."


    Brenda carefully looked through the gap to confirm it was indeed Jorge and quickly opened the door.


    "You''re home," Jorge said, putting down his walkie-talkie as he noticed Brenda. "You scared me, I thought something had happened at your ce." "Something did happen just now¡ª"


    "Just now, a thief broke in to steal things, but our family managed to fend them off together," Sadie promptly interrupted Brenda. She did not want anyone to know about the microchip and avoid more trouble. "What? Did you report it?" Jorge asked nervously.


    "I''ll first check if anything was taken before deciding whether to report it." Sadie changed the subject with a smile. "Jorge, can yourpany fix the door?"


    "I think this door needs to be reced with a new one." Jorge inspected the broken door. "We have new doors for $980, including the lock!"


    "$980?" Sadie felt an instant headache upon hearing the cost.


    "Rece it?" Jorge asked. "I can give you an 8% discount."


    "10%!" Brenda negotiated with him. "We are neighbors. Please give us a good discount."


    Seeing the kitchen knife in her hand, Jorge trembled and relented. "Okay, 10% it is."


    "Hurry and get someone toe and rece it now. Otherwise we won''t be able to sleep tonight," Brenda urged.


    "Alright." Jorge used his walkie-talkie to instruct his colleagues toe and rece the door.


    Brenda supervised on the side.


    Sadie cooked a simple dinner for the triplet and took care of their bedtime routine.


    After finishing her busy tasks, Sadie sat on the sofa and held her phone, contemting whether to report the incident or not.


    If she reported it, the police would have to investigate the matter thoroughly, and that devilish man would then know that the child who had identally obtained the microchip was her baby. By then, would he mistakenly think that she had intentionally instigated Nathan to steal the microchip?


    She feared not only losing her job but also facing a theft charge.


    That devilish man was capricious and unpredictable. If she were to be used, she would have no way to defend herself.


    Moreover, once the matter was exposed, the triplets'' identities would be revealed. Would Debt Repayment Male Escorte looking for her to get the children?


    Thinking about these issues, Sadie exited the dialing screen.


    But then, she reconsidered. If she didn''t report it, what would happen if that person in ck came back?


    ''Today was a thrilling yet rtively safe day, but our family can''t handle this kind of disturbance...''


    "They finally finished installing it. Just by changing the door, they earned over $900. This money is so easy to make. If only I had negotiated with them more," Brenda said as she closed the door, turned on the TV, and lowered the volume. It was her habit to tidy up while watching television.


    The evening news was ying: "Breaking news, a shooting incident urred at 2:30 a.m. in South Coast. The suspect is a thief who allegedly stole thetest technological chip developed by the VIC Group. The suspect has now been apprehended by the police! Before being caught, the criminal threw the chip into the sea. The VIC Group is currently coborating with the police to retrieve the chip..."


    Upon hearing this news, Brenda quickly grabbed a broom and approached.


    Sadie widened her eyes and turned up the volume, attentively watching the TV.


    On the screen, a man in ck was being arrested by the police and escorted into a car.


    Before the car door closed, the man in ck revealed an evil smirk and softly said, "Take your time retrieving it. If you find it, you win!"

 Chapter 57 Unnoticed by God and Ghosts

    Hearing this statement, Sadie looked down at the chip in her hand, her face filled with confusion. "The chip is clearly in my possession, so how did they... Could it be..." "That scoundrel threw Coco''s egg into the sea. They are now retrieving a parrot''s egg from the sea!" Brenda excitedly concluded, "Miss, did I get it right?" "You''re right," Sadie saw on the TV that the authorities and the VIC Group had dispatched diving teams, giving their all to salvage the chip.


    Cold sweat formed on her forehead.


    If they knew that the real chip was still at her house and all their efforts were in vain, would they be infuriated?


    The image of the infuriated devil exploded in her mind, causing Sadie to shudder.


    "Miss, what should we do now? Should we still report to the police?" Brenda asked anxiously.


    "Let me think for a moment."


    Sadie patted her panicked heart, calming herself down and organizing her thoughts.


    ''First of all, considering the current situation, the criminal must already know that he didn''t steal the chip. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have said that.


    ''Furthermore, since the VIC Group has gone to such great lengths to salvage it and involve the police, it means they believe the chip is in the sea. In other words, they don''t know that the real chip is at my house.


    ''Even though the criminal knows the truth, he has already been caught. Due to his desire for revenge against the VIC Group, he won''t reveal it.''


    As Sadie reached this conclusion, her initially chaotic state of mind suddenly calmed down. Her furrowed brow rxed, and she formally announced to Brenda, "I''ve made up my mind. We don''t need to report it to the police!" "Huh? Why?" Brenda asked, puzzled.


    "Because I work for thepany." Sadie exined simply. "If I report it to the police, I might be misunderstood and lose my job. Or worse... more serious consequences..."


    "Understood," Brenda said, somewhat puzzled. "Miss, no matter what you decide, I''ll support you."


    "Although we won''t involve the police, we must return this chip."


    Sadie tightly held the ck box, silently making up her mind. "I''ll discreetly hand the chip over to Mr. Clemens tomorrow at work, and that will solve all our problems." "That''s a good n. You''re so clever!"


    "Brenda, I''ll go to thepany early tomorrow. Please tell the kids to keep this secret and never speak of it."


    "Understood!"


    ...


    Sadie didn''t sleep until 4:00 a.m.


    The next morning, she hurried to work with dark circles under her eyes.


    Along the way, she nervously clutched her pocket, afraid of losing the ck box containing the priceless treasure.


    So many criminals had gone through great lengths to steal that chip, and the VIC Group had spent so much effort, manpower, and resources in salvaging it from the sea. This chip must be worth a lot of money. Upon arriving at thepany, Sadie first went to the security station to change into her uniform and hid the chip inside her clothes. Then, she went to the parking lot to keep watch with David.


    It was strange that even until noon when shift change happened, the devil''s Rolls-Royce hadn''t arrived.


    Sadie kept her eyes fixed on the entrance, hoping to see him. She was anxious because if he didn''t show up, how could she hand over the chip?


    "Sadie, what''s wrong with you today? You seem distracted." David found her behavior odd.


    "Isn''t Mr. Clemensing today?" Sadie asked, puzzled. "It''s already noon, and his car hasn''t arrived."


    David was speechless. "That''s Mr. Clemens for you. Hees when he feels like it. Are you, a security guard, managing Mr. Clemens'' schedule?" "How could I dare to manage him? I was just asking casually_"


    Before Sadie could finish her sentence, the Rolls-Royce drove up, and she hurriedly walked over.

 Chapter 58 Floor 68

    "Good morning, Mr. Clemens!"


    Today, Sadie personally opened the car door for Micah, an action she used to disdain.


    Micah got out of the car, nced at her, and headed straight for the elevator.


    Andrew and the bodyguards followed closely behind. "Mr. Clemens..."


    Sadie was about to catch up when she noticed Micah putting on his Bluetooth earpiece and making a phone call. "Interrogate Tiger thoroughly. Perhaps he threw the box into the sea, not the chip. That chip might be hidden somewhere else." Sadie''s heart trembled. ''Oh my! The devil actually figured it out!''


    She had to return the chip to him as soon as possible. Otherwise, the consequences would be unbearable.


    While Sadie was lost in her thoughts, Micah had already entered the elevator.


    She touched the chip in her pocket.


    Sadie pondered how to find an excuse to go to the 68th floor and surreptitiously return the chip to Micah. Today, he didn''t ask her to deliver breakfast or clean the rooftop pool, so she didn''t have a chance to go up there. Maybe she could send it through the mail or with other departmental documents? But the chip was too important to be careless. It would be troublesome if she lost it.


    "Sadie, Sadie!" David''s voice interrupted Sadie''s thoughts. "It''s time for our shift change. Let''s go eat."


    "Oh." Absentmindedly, Sadie followed David to the cafeteria, suddenly remembering that Micah had dined on the 21st floorst time.


    Perhaps he would go today as well? With a quick inspiration, she pulled David along to the 21st floor cafeteria.


    Two security guards suddenly appeared among a group of well-dressed office workers, seeming very out of ce.


    David felt uneasy, and Sadie looked around, searching for Micah.


    Former colleagues from the Administrative Department avoided Sadie, and not even one of them greeted her.


    Sadie felt very dejected, not understanding why they treated her like that.


    Suddenly, someone called out, "Sadie!"


    Sadie looked up to see Finley, a former coworker from the Administrative Department, approaching with a tray. "Can I sit here?"


    "Of course. Please, take a seat." Sadie quickly shifted over.


    Finley sat down next to Sadie and handed her a box of yogurt. "I got one for you."


    "Thank you." Sadie felt deeply touched.


    "Don''t mention it. You were always nice to me when you were in the Administrative Department." Finley smiled, saying, "Sadie, how are you doing now? Are you getting used to working at the security station?" "I''m doing fine. My colleagues take good care of me." Sadie introduced David to Finley. "This is David. We work together on duty every day."


    "Hello, David. I''m Finley."


    "Hello, Finley."


    Finley and David exchanged greetings. Then, lowering her voice, Finley told Sadie, "Do you know? Mr. Brown got reassigned to the parking lot as a parking attendant."


    "I know." Sadie nodded. She had been on duty in the parking lot these past few days and hadn''te across Samuel. She hoped to never encounter that person again in her life. "Do you know why?" Finley asked curiously.


    "I''m not quite sure." Sadie didn''t want to bring up that matter-she found it rather shameful.


    "I see." Finley didn''t pursue further. "I was just curious, so I asked a few more questions. I hope you don''t mind."


    "It''s okay."


    Sadie turned her head to look at the entrance. It was already 12:30 p.m., and Micah hadn''te. He probably wouldn''te today.

 Chapter 59 One More Crime

    "Sadie, I have to go now. There''s an important board meeting this afternoon, and I need to deliver these documents to the 68th floor," Finley said as she stood up, holding the tray. "Can I go with you?" Sadie quickly spoke up, adding, "I''m worried that you''ll be exhausted carrying the files alone, so I''d like to help you carry them." "Sure, let''s go."


    In the elevator, Finley advised Sadie, "When we arrive at the 68th floor, don''t wander around, alright?"


    "Got it." Sadie nodded, but she wondered how she would find an excuse to sneak into Micah''s officeter.


    "Sadie..." Finley suddenly asked, "Is there any connection between Mr. Brown''s transfer and you?"


    Sadie hesitated for a moment before deflecting the question. "I''m just an intern. I have no authority in thepany."


    "So, it has nothing to do with you?" Finley looked deeply into her eyes.


    "Yeah, why?" Sadie felt quite puzzled. Why was Finley so concerned about Samuel''s situation?


    "Nothing." Finley smiled faintly. "Colleagues say it was because of you that Mr. Brown was transferred. Just after he left, you were moved to the security station." "So, what do you care about?" Sadie retorted.


    Finley hesitated momentarily before smiling and saying, "Of course, I care about you. My concern is that working as a security guard might be too challenging for a girl like you." "Oh..." Sadie felt that Finley''s words were strange. Just as she was about to inquire about the situation, the elevator doors opened.


    Sadie quickly carried the file box and walked out, with Finley leading the way by her side, saying, "This way."


    They ced the files in the meeting room, where personnel from the Micah''s office came to collect them. Finley handed the files over to them while Sadie took the opportunity to slip away.


    Finley nced at her back, then immediately retracted her gaze, pretending not to have seen anything.


    It was still lunchtime, and there weren''t many employees on this floor.


    Sadie quickly found Micah''s office and was about to knock on the door when she suddenly heard a furious shout from inside. "Get out!" Sadie was startled and leaned closer to listen.


    "Mr. Clemens, please give me another chance. I beg you! As long as you let me stay with the VIC Group, I''m willing to do anything..." That was Samuel''s voice.


    Sadie froze. ''Why is be here?''


    "Mr. Brown, you attempted to rape a female employeest time, and Mr. Clemens showed leniency by transferring you to the parking lot as a parking attendant. But instead of learning your lesson, you nned to harm someone in the parking lot. Now you have the audacity to beg Mr. Clemens for mercy?" Andrew''s voice echoed.


    "No, it''s not true. You''ve misunderstood me..."


    "Do you think destroying the surveince of the duty station means that no one knows about your crimes? The parking lot has 24-hour dashcams on all the cars. Any surveince camera from any car would record your wrongdoing." "I... I wanted revenge on Sadie. That bitch ruined me like this, and I couldn''t just let it go. But I never intended to hurt anyone else, especially not to cause trouble for Mr. Clemens..." Andrew sneered. "Finally admitting it!"


    "Andrew-"


    "Andrew, you keep letting this kind of person defile my ce?" Micah shouted sternly.


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," Andrew hurriedly said. "Samuel, the police are on their way. Serve your time and learn from this experience. Come out as a changed person!"


    "Y-You informed the police?" Samuel was shocked. "I begged you on my knees! Why won''t you let me go?!"


    "And by sneaking into the 68th floor, your crime just got worse!"


    Hearing that, Sadie remembered the incident with the cargo container falling in the parking lot. If Ronan hadn''t rushed over to protect her, she might still be lying in the hospital. At the time, she thought it was an ident. But now, thinking back, those boxes were arranged so neatly. How could they suddenly copse?


    It turned out to be Samuel''s doing!!!


    However, Samuel never expected that he would encounter Micah again.


    Micah''s bodyguards quickly uncovered the truth and wanted to kick him out of the VIC Group.


    As such, Samuel had tried to sneak onto the 68th floor and beg Micah for mercy, but thetter didn''t give him any chance this time.

 Chapter 60 The Stench of Death

    Sounds of a struggle and footsteps echoed from behind the door.


    Andrew rudely dragged Samuel outside.


    Samuel was still pleading, "Mr. Clemens, I beg you to spare me. As long as you''re willing to give me a way out, I will be unwaveringly loyal to you..."


    As the footsteps drew closer, Sadie attempted to flee.


    At that moment, Finley approached, asking, "Sadie, why did youe here?"


    Without time to answer, Sadie grabbed Finley, urging her to leave.


    But the door to the CEO''s office behind them had already opened.


    "How did you all end up here?" Andrew''s surprised voice came through.


    Sadie looked back and saw Samuel on his knees, his clothes pulled by Andrew. He was wearing the parking attendant uniform, with disheveled hair, looking extremely miserable. "Sadie!" Samuel gritted his teeth and red at her. "You made me like this, and now youe to mock me?!"


    "Mr. Brown?" Finley saw Samuel and was shocked. She then turned to Andrew and asked, "Andrew, what are you doing? Why are you treating Mr. Brown like that?"


    "It''s none of your business, move aside!" Andrew didn''t want to say much and dragged Samuel away.


    "Sadie, I''ll kill you!"


    Suddenly, Samuel broke free from Andrew''s grip and pulled out a knife, rushing towards Sadie like a madman.


    Sadie instinctively dodged, but a hand forcefully pushed her from behind.


    She fell to the ground, immediately pinned down by Samuel, the knife brutally stabbing into her shoulder...


    "Ah!" Sadie screamed in pain, blood gushing out.


    Andrew prepared to subdue Samuel, but thetter immediately held Sadie as a hostage, threatening him, "Don''te any closer, or I''ll kill her!"


    "Samuel, calm down!" Andrew pressed his hand, attempting to stabilize his emotions. "You were only facing minor charges originally. Don''t turn it into a grave mistake and ruin your future!"


    "Yes Mr. Brown, calm down." Finley also chimed in, trying to persuade him.


    "What crime have Imitted?" Samuel was highly agitated. "This woman is shameless! What''s wrong with me ying around with her? Besides, I hadn''t even seeded yet, and you all beat me up and sent me to work as a parking attendant, subjecting me to humiliation.


    "I wanted to get back at her, so I knocked over the container in the parking lot. But I didn''t even hit her, and now you''re twisting my arm and taking me to the police station. Why? Why are you treating me like this?" "Because you deserve it!"


    Amanding voice suddenly emerged, its powerful presence instantly suppressing Samuel''s arrogance.


    Micah appeared, his silhouettemanding and imposing.


    Samuel''s previous arrogance had disappeared, and he now humbly pleaded, "Mr. Clemens, please don''t hand me over to the police. As long as you spare me, I will disappear immediately and never show up again!" "Mr. Clemens, please agree," Finley immediately said. "Sadie has already suffered such serious injuries. She''ll die if this goes on."


    Micah squinted, his gaze chilling as he looked at Sadie.


    Sadie was trembling in pain, her face pale, but she stubbornly bit her lower lip, not making a sound.


    The wound on her shoulder continued to bleed, soaking her ck security uniform. Now, Samuel was holding a knife against her neck, leaving a bloodstain on her fair and smooth skin.


    "I know you''re treating me like this because you''re interested in this woman." Samuel sneered. "It''s alright. I haven''t touched her yet. As long as you spare me, she''ll be yours." Upon hearing these words, Sadie looked up at Micah in astonishment.


    "What right do you have to negotiate with me?" Micah finally spoke, his tone icy cold. "No one can threaten me!"


    Everyone was stunned, not unexpecting he would utter such words.


    "Are you implying that you want her to die?"


    Samuel was furious, the knife still in his hand.


    As Sadie exerted herself, blood began to gush from her neck.


    She tilted her head back, afraid to move, yet already sensing the breath of death...

 Chapter 61 His Home

    "It''s you who will die!" Micah''s tone was cold and proud, as if he had control over life and death.


    "W-What did you say..."


    Although Micah hadn''t done anything, Samuel was already panicking, his hand holding the knife trembling.


    Micah narrowed his eyes, ring at him menacingly.


    Samuel hadn''t reacted yet when a hand suddenly snatched the knife from his grasp. He desired to resist, but his wrist was immediately locked down. With a crisp sound, the unmistakable noise of bones breaking resonated, followed by a piercing scream that reverberated throughout the corridor. "Daring to threaten Mr. Clemens? You have some nerve!" Andrew snarled, dragging Samuel away as if dealing with a dying, struggling wild dog. Sadie''s vision went ck, and she fell weakly to the ground.


    A pair of strong arms supported her just in time. Through her blurry sight, she saw Micah''s handsome face.


    "Call for a doctor!"


    "Yes."


    ...


    Sadie awoke in a daze, unsure of how long she had been asleep. She found herself lying on afortable bed in a room decorated in cold tones, emitting a cold and solemn feeling.


    The chandelier on the ceiling bore a golden S symbol-it was Micah''s emblem!


    Could it be that she was in his room?


    Supporting her weakened body, Sadie sat up and realized her clothes had been changed, reced by a white robe with nothing underneath.


    Her mind went nk as if a bomb had exploded.


    ''Oh no! Where is the chip? Has Micah already discovered it?'' "You''re awake?"


    A gentle voice interrupted Sadie''s thoughts.


    Sadie looked up and saw a female doctor pushing a medical cart, taking her temperature and examining her wounds. "Fortunately, there''s no sign of infection, but the wound is deep. We mustn''t be careless. It needs continuous observation." "You are..." Sadie looked confusedly at her.


    The female doctor smiled at her. "I am the private doctor of the Clemens family. I''m called Dahlia! Mr. Clemens asked me to take care of you. During this time, I will be responsible for your injuries."


    Sadie froze, realizing how long it had been since she had experienced such respectful treatment. In a daze, she felt like she had returned to the past and transformed into the prestigious heiress she used to be. Back then, the Roth family also had a private doctor who would take care of her when she was sick.


    But when Sadie saw the neatly folded security uniform on the medical cart, her wandering thoughts were immediately brought back.


    "I''m just a security guard!"


    Sadie wanted to get out of bed, but suddenly her neck felt a prickling pain.


    Taking a sharp breath, Sadie realized that her neck was tightly wrapped and was wearing a neck brace. Her left shoulder was also firmly immobilized.


    "Don''t move." Dahlia hurriedly assisted her to lie down. "Although your attacker didn''t injure the main artery, the wound is deep, so be careful to protect it."


    "My clothes..." Sadie reached out for the security uniform.


    "I had them cleaned for you." Dahlia ced the clothes by her pillow along with a transparent ziplock bag. "Your phone and the items from your pockets are here. Check if anything is missing."


    At first nce, Sadie noticed the small ck box and anxiously grabbed for the bag, asking nervously, "Did you... check my things?"


    "Of course not." Dahlia chuckled. "You are our esteemed guest. How could we vite your privacy?"


    "Then, M-Mr. Clemens... Did he..."


    Sadie felt uneasy. If Micah saw the chip, he would definitely misunderstand and think she was associated with the chip-stealing criminals. That would be disastrous.


    "Mr. Clemens brought you back and left," Dahlia mentioned Micah with even more reverence. "He said he woulde by tonight."


    "Oh..." Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, footsteps and the respectful greetings of a servant could be heard from outside. "Mr. Clemens, you''re back!"

 Chapter 62 Cannot Leave

    The door swung open, ushering in a cold gust of wind and a powerful aura. A tall, imposing figure stood against the backlight, emanating a beast-like aggressiveness. Sadie''s heart raced, her eyes resembling those of a frightened kitten as she timidly gazed at him.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Dahlia respectfully greeted.


    Micah gestured, and Dahlia silently stepped back.


    The door closed, and Micah slowly approached Sadie.


    Hugging her pillow, Sadie grew even more nervous and stuttered, "W-What do you want?"


    "Are you scared of me?"


    Micah halted, turned around, and sat on the sofa by the window.


    ''No shit! Who wouldn''t be scared of you?''


    Though she thought so, Sadie put on a calm facade. "Why did you bring me here?"


    "You got injured at thepany, so naturally, I have to take responsibility for you," Micah''s expression and tone were cold, yet his gaze lingered on her. "How about it? Not dead, I see." "Nonsense!" Sadie blurted out but immediately seemed scared, "If I were dead, could I sit here talking to you?"


    "Samuel has already been detained by the police." Micah poured himself half a ss of red wine and swirled it lightly. "You showed bravery this time, and thepany has decided to reward you. What do you want?" "Money!" Sadie didn''t hesitate. "Just give me the bonus directly!"


    "Do you only care about money?" Micah looked at Sadie with disdain.


    "I have elderly parents to support, not to mention... pets. My sry is simply not enough," Sadie said pitifully. "Also, shouldn''t this be considered a work injury? I shouldn''t have to pay for medical expenses, right? Will they deduct it from my sry?"


    Micah couldn''t be bothered to continue the conversation and got up to leave.


    "Mr. Clemens, take care and thank you foring to visit me!" Sadie bid Micah farewell eagerly.


    Once the door closed, she let out a sigh of relief. Judging from Micah''s reaction, he hadn''t discovered the chip yet.


    She couldn''t give it to him now. Otherwise, he would be suspicious of her involvement in all of this.


    To avoid anyplications, she needed to leave this ce as soon as possible.


    But had they really not touched this little ck box?


    Sadie hid under the covers and opened the ck box to check. Luckily, the chip was still inside.


    Ufortunately,nher phone was out of battery.


    Sadie carefully hid the chip under her pillow and called out, "Is anyone there?"


    Dahlia entered through the door. "Miss Roth, do you have any instructions?"


    "I want to go home. Can you call a car for me?" Sadie asked.


    "Miss Roth, Mr. Clemens ordered that you cannot leave until your condition stabilizes," Dahlia respectfully said. "If there''s anything you need, I can take care of it for you."


    "My family is waiting for me. If I don''t go home thiste, they''ll be worried."


    It was already 9:30 p.m. Sadie''s phone was switched off, and Brenda and the children were likely already panicking.


    "How about making a phone call first?" Dahlia suggested. "With your severe injuries, there will be no one at home to take care of you, right?"


    Sadie thought about it. She couldn''t take care of herself properly now, and Brenda was already exhausted taking care of the children every day. She wouldn''t have the energy to take care of her. Moreover, the children would be scared if they saw her in that state.


    Considering all of this, Sadie had to temporarily stay and asked Dahlia to bring her a charger for her phone before calling Brenda.


    "Hello, Brenda..."


    "Miss, where have you been? I''ve been trying to call you, but your phone was switched off. It scared me."


    "My phone ran out of battery. It just turned on. Brenda, I have something to take care of. I''lle back in a few days."


    Sadie couldn''t lie and didn''t want Brenda to worry.


    "What happened?" Brenda felt that something was wrong. "Tell me honestly. The children aren''t around."


    "I got a little injured, and I''m receiving treatment..."


    "What happened? Is it serious?"


    "It''s not serious." Sadie hurriedly said, "Just a minor injury, but I need to be monitored for a few days..."


    "Which hospital are you at? I''lle find you."


    "My employer has arranged for me to be in a private hospital for the next few days. I won''t be at home during this time, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you." "Don''t worry, I will take good care of the children. Take care of yourself and call me anytime if you need anything."


    "Thank you, Brenda."

 Chapter 63 My Boss Has a Secret Crush on Me

    After hanging up the phone, Sadiey in bed feeling bored, so she sent a text to the Debt Repayment Male Escort.


    Sadie: [Why haven''t you reported your performance these past few days? If I don''t ask, you won''t take the initiative? Why are you so unprofessional?]


    Sadie would obediently please and tter Micah, but she could freely y the boss and experience a sense of release when it came to the Debt Repayment Male Escort. Micah: [No business.]


    Sadie: [For so many days, you haven''t been booked once? Didn''t you go to the nightclub? What have you been doing every day?]


    There was no reply from the other party, so Sadie called him directly.


    After a while, the call connected.


    "What''s up?"


    "Have you been apanying that sugar moma who supports you these past few days?" Sadie asked straightforwardly.


    In the adjacent room, Micah lounged in the bathtub, rhythmically shaking a tall ss. His wheat-colored skin emitted a seductive allure beneath the lights, entuating his robust and untamed physique that exuded a captivating air of mystery.


    "Apanying some brainless idiot," Micah replied casually.


    "What brainless idiot?" Sadie assumed a lecturing tone, "You need to adjust your mindset and serve her well. Otherwise, how can you make progress?"


    "And male escorts should make progress?" Micah wiped his face.


    "What was that sound?" Sadie heard the sound of sshing water. "Are you swimming?"


    "Soaking in a bathtub." Micah took a sip of his wine.


    "Why are you talking on the phone while taking a bath..."


    Unintentionally, an image of him taking a bath appeared in Sadie''s mind-his sexy and wild physique, wlessly perfect lines, and healthy wheat-colored skin... Just like a delicious delicacy, exuding an enticing fragrance.


    "Do you want to see?" Micah teasingly provoked her.


    "You scoundrel!" Sadie''s face immediately turned red, and her heart raced.


    "Last time at the nightclub, some scoundrel embraced me and even touched me..."


    Micah recalled the ambiguous and fiery scene from before, feeling a bit restless.


    "I was just trying to tease those three richdies." Sadie hurriedly exined, "Your little tricks should be used on clients, not on me. I won''t pay you!" "It''s alright. It can count as repayment."


    "No, you can''t take advantage of me," Sadie immediately cut in. "The boss will never develop feelings for a subordinate, understand?"


    "What about your boss then?" Micah deliberately prodded her.


    "My employer is quite exceptional, tall, handsome, and wealthy, but a bit twisted. He always bullies me for no reason, though, he''s been behaving recently."


    "Right, maybe you impressed him with your air of authority..." Micah rolled his eyes, realizing that he still needed to continue teasing her.


    "Speaking of which, my employer is really a strange person. He exudes an air of coldness and indifference, seldom sparing me a second nce. However, today, when I sustained an injury, he unexpectedly took me to his residence for treatment and even arranged for a private doctor..."


    "Your boss is so good to you; you should be grateful for that."


    "I feel like I''m the sacrificialmb now!"


    "Huh?"


    "Think about it, when an employee gets hurt in thepany, shouldn''t the employer send them to the hospital? Why bring them to his own house? It''s very strange, isn''t it?"


    "Maybe he has... special feelings for you?"


    "That''s the problem!" Sadie eximed. "I keep running into him at thepany in inexplicable situations: the cafeteria, the swimming pool, the elevator, the parking lot...


    "Are they all coincidences? I''ve heard from other colleagues that they''ve been with thepany for six months and haven''t even seen him once. Why do I frequently encounter him? I think he deliberately creates opportunities to bump into me."


    "Why would he do that?" Micah curiously asked.


    "It''s obvious. He has a secret crush on me!"

 Chapter 64 Is He Really Him?

    Micah was rendered speechless.


    "This is bad..." Sadie suddenly became nervous. "If he desires my beauty, won''t it be dangerous for me to stay here? What if he breaks into my room at night?" "It''s possible!" Micah deliberately frightened her.


    "Male escort,e save me..." Sadie said pitifully. "Besides you, I have no one else to turn to."


    "You make it sound like your boss wants to eat you...," Micah coldly remarked. "Even if he really likes you, that''s your fortune. You should be extremely grateful!" "Whose side are you on?" Sadie angrily whispered.


    "Alright, take good care of your injury."


    Micah hung up. As he thought about the idiotic woman next door, a sinister smile appeared on his lips.


    He nned to y with her a little more.


    He got up, wrapped himself in a robe, and walked out barefoot.


    Sadie was lying on the bed, lost in her thoughts, when suddenly the door was pushed open.


    Micah''s towering figure cast a bold shadow on the bed beneath the light, exuding a powerful aura. His hair, still damp, clung to his head, and the white robe enveloping him failed to conceal his untamed and alluring chest, emitting an irresistible charm.


    Sadie gazed at him in a daze, instinctively swallowing hard. She quickly averted her eyes, nervously asking, "W-Why didn''t you knock on the door?"


    "This is my home."


    Micah slowly advanced, his masculinity gradually encroaching. He emanated an intoxicating aura that was hard to resist.


    Sadie''s heartbeat elerated, her entire body tense. She couldn''t meet his gaze. "D-Do you... Do you need something?"


    Micah remained silent and walked straight to the edge of the bed, leaning in close.


    "Hey, y-you..." Sadie nervously stuttered.


    Trembling and blushing, Sadie asked, "What are you going to do?"


    With narrowed eyes, Micah stared intensely at her, gradually pressing his body down. His tall figure resembled a fierce beast, emanating scorching heat as if he intended to melt her. Sadie wanted to avoid him but found herself unable to move due to the pain from her wound, causing her body to stiffen.


    Now, she truly felt like amb to be ughtered.


    Micah''s handsome face approached her bit by bit, and his deep, ocean-like eyes surveyed her with interest.


    "Are you afraid of me?" he asked.


    "Don''t do anything..." Sadie''s voice trembled. "T-Though you''re my employer, I am not just anyone..."


    Sadie''s words were interrupted as Micah''s cold, thin lips suddenly drew closer.


    Startled, she widened her eyes, her entire body tense like a taut string, frozen in ce. In her mind, she could only think, ''It''s over! It''s over! It''s over!''


    Micah''s lips brushed against her cheek like a feather, grazing her earlobe. His hand also reached out...


    Subconsciously, Sadie closed her eyes, her chest tightened.


    Micah smirked, took a book from beside her pillow, and then left without saying a word.


    Sadie felt a sudden emptiness beside her. She slowly opened her eyes, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss.


    ''So, he wasn''t trying to kiss me... He hade for the book. That bastard! He was deliberately scaring me!''


    Sadie red at him, but couldn''t help but freeze when she saw his towering figure.


    ''This back is so familiar! Really, so familiar...''


    Memories of that night four years ago shed in her mind...


    At that time, that man had been wrapped in a towel, facing away from her while changing clothes. Although now he wasn''t wrapped in a towel, but instead in a robe, the simr scene and atmosphere made her feel a strong sense of familiarity. ''Could he really be... No, it''s impossible. How could it be him?''


    Sadie stared at Micah''s lower back. If she could just open his robe and see the tattoo on his lower back, she would find the answer.

 Chapter 65 The Power of Wealth

    Lost in her thoughts, Micah had already left the room.


    Sadie wanted to sit up and call him back, but the maid waiting at the door had already closed it.


    Helpless, Sadie fell back onto the bed, telling herself to focus on healing. Once her injuries were better, everything would be fine.


    Returning to his room, Micah thought about how frightened Sadie had been, her whole body trembling. A seductive curve appeared on his lips. That woman was foolish but cute!


    That night, Sadie struggled to sleep, not due to the pain, but because her mind raced incessantly. Thoughts of the chip and Micah''s silhouette upied her mind, though unrted, both weighed on her emotions. Distressed, she yearned to resolve everything swiftly.


    The following morning, the phone''s ringing roused Sadie.


    She woke up to a loud noise, a call from the children. She answered the phone, brieflyforting them before finding an excuse to hang up.


    She didn''t want anyone to know about the children. After all, when the Roth Group was doing so well back then, they had made enemies. If the news got out, their previous adversaries might intentionally cause trouble for her and her family. Dahlia came in with a medical assistant to change Sadie''s dressing. Just as she opened the door, Micah happened to pass by outside.


    Dressed in a sharp ck suit, he exuded a dominant and mysterious aura. His tall and slender figure appeared even more aloof under the morning sunlight.


    As he walked and talked on the phone, he casually nced towards the room when passing by the door. His gaze met Sadie''s, and he appearedposed and confident, while she felt somewhat nervous. Eventually, he averted his gaze first and hurriedly left.


    Sadie''s gaze followed his retreating figure, trying to confirm if he was really the one. Although his figure did resemble him, she couldn''t connect him with the male escort who used to serve wealthy women every day. "Miss Roth, I need to change your dressing now. It might be a bit painful, so please bear with it," Dahlia gently reminded her.


    "Okay, go ahead."


    Sadie didn''t take it seriously at first, but when Dahlia removed the gauze from her neck, she immediately screamed in pain, "Ah! Ouch! Painful!"


    Micah, who was on the spiral staircase, heard the sound and halted his steps. He turned around and sternly said, "Be more gentle!"


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens." The maid waiting at the door quickly went in to report.


    Dahlia and Sadie heard Micah''s voice. Dahlia apologized repeatedly, "I''m sorry, Miss Roth. Did I hurt you?"


    "It''s alright..."


    A warm feeling surged in Sadie''s heart, reaffirming her conclusion from yesterday: Micah had a crush on her!


    Sadie had always had a beautiful wish to live a life of ease, without having to work hard. She had assumed she would have to wait until she got old and her three children grew up to fulfill this wish, but she didn''t expect it toe true now. With two maids, two medical assistants, and a doctor attending to her, she could have whatever she desired just by opening her mouth or stretching out her hand. She couldn''t be happier. Moreover, the Clemens staff were well-trained and skilled at observing words and expressions.


    Sadie just looked at the French windows and sighed. "The sunshine is so lovely!"


    The maid immediately helped her onto the wheelchair and pushed her to the garden to bask in the sun.


    As they left the room, Sadie truly witnessed the extravagance of the vi. Though the design was simple, it was exceptionally exquisite and clever. The entire vi was predominantly white. Every piece of furniture and decoration was a limited edition designed by famous artists. The paintings hanging on the wall and the floor vases in the corners were also invaluable. Sadie''s father had once been the richest man in Newark, and as the young heiress of a wealthy family, she was ustomed to such luxury.


    ''Good stuff. I''ve seen grand scenes before.''


    But Micah''s home was far more extravagant than anything she had ever seen.


    Leaving the vi, Sadie marveled at Micah''s immense wealth as she beheld a garden andwn rivaling a royal park.


    Suddenly, she remembered what Ronan had said: "It seems you don''t quite understand Mr. Clemens''s power..."

 Chapter 66 Aunts Provocation

    Sadie searched Micah''s information on her phone and indeed found some things she didn''t know.


    It turned out that the VIC Group was just one of Micah''s manypanies and only upied a small share.


    These were just the things she could find. Who knew how much more remained undiscovered?


    No wonder the Potters, the wealthiest family in Newark, was currying favor with Micah!


    While she was thinking, Sadie''s phone suddenly rang. It was Brenda calling, so she quickly answered. "Brenda!"


    "Miss, there are guests at home." Brenda''s voice sounded anxious.


    "Guests?" Sadie felt puzzled. Who could be visiting her home?


    "Let me talk to Sadie..." A voice came from the other end of the phone. "Sadie, it''s your aunt."


    Sadie''s heart sank. How did Kathleen, Leah''s mother, find her home?


    "Sadie, I learned from Leah that you''vee back. I came over right away with a gift to visit you and the children. Felipe has been thinking of you all this time¡ª" Sadie interrupted her, politely saying, "Aunt Kathleen, I''m not at home right now. Do you need anything?"


    From childhood, Sadie had never liked her aunt, who was opportunistic and always went wherever the wind blew.


    Kathleen married into the White family at a young age and had very little contact with the Roth family.


    Later, as the Roth family became the wealthiest, Felipe began to curry favor with them. Out of brotherly affection, Edmond allowed him to stay in thepany.


    Felipe and his family had always been warm and enthusiastic towards Edmond and his daughter. However, when the Roth family fell from grace, they didn''t attend Edmond''s funeral. After that, they disappeared without a trace.


    Sadie had heard that Felipe started his ownpany, the FE Group, and it was thriving.


    There were rumors that he had benefited from his connection to the Potter family, while others said he had made a fortune from previous dealings with the Roth Group and used those connections to establish himself. Regardless, Sadie didn''t want to have any further dealings with them as a family.


    She never expected Kathleen to show up at her door.


    "I just wanted to see you and the children..." Kathleen smiled ambiguously and said, "Felipe is hosting a dinner, and he invites you and the children toe to our house. It works out well since your children and our Billy are ssmates and can y together."


    Sadie began to decline. "No need-"


    "Why be so polite? We''re all family," Kathleen interrupted Sadie,ughing. "Even the fellows from the Roth Group used to care about you. Now they are all shareholders of the FE Group, as you know..."


    Sadie didn''t want to hear any more. She resisted her growing anger and waited for Kathleen to finish speaking.


    "By the way, some journalists have also been keeping an eye on your whereabouts." Kathleen finally got straight to the point. "Even though the Roth family has crumbled, you, the ex-heiress, still have a lot of topics that could make headlines. I bet they''re itching to know about the father of those three kids, huh?"


    Sadie clenched her teeth and angrily asked, "What exactly are you after?"


    "You, my dear." Kathleen sighed in a pitiful tone. "I only came to invite you to have a meal with the children at our home. Why are you so upset? Is it wrong for us to care about you?" "Time and ce, I will be there on time."


    Sadie knew she couldn''t refuse. Otherwise, Kathleen would definitely expose the children''s situation to the media and make a big fuss about it.


    With the terrifying state of online violence nowadays, not only would the children be unable to go to kindergarten, but their normal lives would likely be affected as well.


    "The address is the old Roth family estate." Kathleen coldly boasted, "You didn''t know, did you? That mansion is now ours. We''ve been living there for the past four years."

 Chapter 67 Rolls-Royce Phantom

    "Is that so? That''s great." Sadie suppressed her emotions and prevented herself from losing control. "Congrattions!"


    "Hahaha, thank you." Kathleenughed happily. "Tonight, at 6:00 p.m. Don''t bete. Leah and my grandson will be there, too. Oh, by the way, you know my son-inw, too. It''s¡ª" "I know. it''s Ronan." Sadie deliberately acted nonchnt. "I will be there on time!"


    "Good then." Kathleen pretended to be polite. "Do you want me to send a car to pick you up?"


    "No need. I''ll go by myself," Sadie replied coldly. "You should go home early. My ce is humble, so I won''t keep you."


    "Don''t worry. I''ll leave now!" Kathleen said meaningfully, "As long as you behave, I won''t bother your family."


    After hanging up, Sadie''s expression turned unpleasant as she looked at the luxurious mansion in front of her, thinking about her own home...


    Edmond had started from scratch. When Sadie was little, they lived in a small house of just over 60 square meters. Her father had been working tirelessly day and night, and Brenda had been taking care of her throughout the year.


    As Sadie grew up, their house expanded.


    When Sadie turned 16, Edmond became the wealthiest man in Newark, and they relocated to the Hillside Mansion in the south district. That was the home her father built for her. He expressed his desire to create a happy, carefree forever for his little princess.


    Even though Sadie didn''t have a mother since she was little, she lived a happy life. She was truly well-protected by her father.


    However, when a crisis struck, she was caught off guard and unable to react in time. If it weren''t for the children, she probably wouldn''t have been able to hold on until today.


    Despite making a foolish and absurd decision back then, giving birth to the children, Sadie took responsibility for her mistake. She devoted herself to raising the children and providing them with a healthy living environment.


    Now, she just wanted to raise the children well, without getting tangled up in the past.


    Yet, it seemed there were always peopleing to cause trouble for her.


    Just because she was alone and helpless now, did they all think she was easy to bully?


    "Miss Roth, are you alright?" Dahlia looked at her pale face and asked with concern, "Did you encounter some difficulties?"


    "I''m fine..." Sadie was absent-minded. "I need to go out at 6:00 p.m. tonight. Can you please get me some painkillers?"


    "Taking painkillers won''t help." Dahlia smiled at her, "I''ll apany you, so no matter what happens, you won''t have to worry."


    "Won''t that be too much trouble for you?" Sadie was somewhat surprised by how good Dahlia was to her.


    "Mr. Clemens asked me to take care of you, not only in terms of treatment, but also to be attentive to other matters." Dahlia squatted down to feed Sadie the medicine. "After taking the medicine, I''ll have someone do your styling. We''ll leave at 5:00 p.m."


    ...


    The stylist changed Sadie into afortable yet elegant outfit, with a white silk scarf around her neck to conceal the scar.


    Her naturally wavy hair fell casually on her shoulders, and she applied light makeup.


    She looked simple and elegant, but one couldn''t hide the innate nobility and liveliness in Sadie''s demeanor!


    Looking at herself in the mirror, Sadie felt somewhat unfamiliar.


    In the past four years, she had never worn makeup or taken care of her skin. She would rarely even look in the mirror, her mind consumed with earning money to support her family. She had almost forgotten what she looked like.


    "Let''s go!" Dahlia pushed Sadie into the car.


    "Wait." Sadie looked at the before her and was suddenly stunned. "This Rolls-Royce Phantom... Is this Mr. Clemens'' car?"


    "This Phantom was recently scratched and sent for repairs. It just returned yesterday. I asked Mr. Clemens, and he said you can use it as you like," Dahlia said respectfully.

 Chapter 68 Distinguished Identity

    Sadie gazed at the car, reminiscing about the day she returned from the countryside.


    The taxi, transporting her and the children, had collided with a Rolls-Royce Phantom near the train station.


    Inside the car, she had glimpsed a man with a severely injured back, blood marring the wolf head tattoo on his lower back.


    Instantly, she had recognized him as the man from four years ago.


    Yet, before she could confirm, the car had swiftly driven away.


    Her thoughts had been fixated on the man, causing her to overlook memorizing the license te number.


    Nevertheless, she vividly recalled that only 35 limited edition Rolls-Royce Phantoms existed globally, with merely three in the domestic market.


    So... could Micah really be that person?


    "Miss Roth, are you alright?" Dahlia called softly.


    "I-I''m fine." Sadie snapped back to reality, deliberately changing the subject. "I''m just amazed by such a beautiful car."


    "Don''t be shy. Mr. Clemens said you can use it anytime." Dahlia smiled, "Come. Let''s get in the car."


    "Okay."


    As they got into the car, Sadie was still trying hard to recall what had happened that day, but she couldn''t remember the license te number no matter how much she tried. She decided to test Dahlia. "By the way, did Mr. Clemens get injured recently?"


    Since she was the private doctor of the Clemens family, Dahlia must have known if Micah was injured.


    "No," Dahlia replied. "As the sole Clemens heir, Mr. Clemens carries the fate of the entire family. His safety is of utmost importance, and he is always protected by 18 bodyguards. He wouldn''t get injured easily." "Oh," Sadie nodded, puzzled. He didn''t get injured? Could it be that person wasn''t him?


    ''Come to think of it, when I saw him at thepanyst time, he was in the rooftop swmiiming pool.


    ''If he really was that person, his back injury shouldn''t have healed yet, and he would have to be careful even with water. How could he swim? Could I have made a mistake?'' "Why do you suddenly ask about this?" Dahlia asked.


    Sadie made up an excuse. "Just... I observed that he''s been disying an irritable demeanortely, and I pondered whether it might be linked to an injury..."


    "Mr. Clemens actually has a good temper." Dahlia smiled faintly, a hint ofplexity in her eyes.


    Sadie decided not to ask any further questions and quietly looked out the window, thinking about how to deal with the White familyter.


    ...


    After a roughly 40-minute drive, they finally arrived at her former home, now the Whites'' home.


    As the car entered, Sadie could already see a group of familiar figures from afar.


    Indeed, it was those people who used to cling to her father for a living, and now most of them were there.


    Felipe and Kathleen were dressed luxuriously, with joyful smiles on their faces.


    The wind weed them at the doorstep. Each person carried generous gifts, extending respectful greetings.


    The scene unfolding before her felt familiar, reminiscent of the Roth family from a few years ago.


    In those days, Edmond exuded vitality, and the entrance buzzed with life as a group of visitors arrived bearing gifts.


    Perhaps even the conversations in Newark hadn''t changed much since then. However, during that time, Felipe and his family had been part of the gift-giving crowd. Now, they were the proud owners of the mansion.


    A honk from behind caught their attention.


    Sadie nced at the rearview mirror, revealing a white Bentley trailing behind the Rolls-Royce it belonged to the Potter family.


    "Why are you pressing all these buttons?" Ronan scolded the driver from inside the car.


    The driver lowered his head. "I''m sorry, Mr. Potter."


    "Why are you angry?" Leah looked displeased. "This is my own home, and no one can stop me."


    "The Phantom in front; doesn''t it look like Mr. Clemens'' car?" Ronan opened the car window and observed carefully. "Could it be that your parents invited Mr. Clemens?" "Which Mr. Clemens?" Leah leaned out to get a look. "You mean Micah from the VIC Group?"


    "Vincent, go check it out," Ronan ordered.


    "Yes, sir." Vincent got out of the car and went to investigate, then quickly signaled to them. "It really is Mr. Clemens'' car."


    Ronan immediately instructed, "Park the car quickly."


    "Yes," the driver obliged and parked the car.


    Ronan quickly got out to greet him. Leah got out from the other side, her high heels clicking as she ran a few steps to catch up.

 Chapter 69 The Banquet

    "Once the car stops, you all go ahead. I''ll go in by myself," Sadie said.


    She knew that tonight''s banquet was intentionally arranged by Kathleen to embarrass her. She didn''t want Dahlia and the others to witness such a scene. She wanted even less for them to know about her past and the existence of her children. "Miss Roth, it''s not safe for you to go alone..."


    "I said it''s fine," Sadie insisted firmly. "Just drop me off at the entrance."


    "Alright."


    The car came to a halt, and Dahlia, along with the medical staff, disembarked first. They then circled around to get ready to open the car door.


    At that moment, Ronan hurriedly approached, politely greeting, "Wee, Mr. Clemens!"


    "Mr. Clemens, hello. I am Ronan Potter''s wife. My name is " Leah''s words were cut off as the car door opened from the inside, revealing Sadie''s pure and beautiful face. Leah was instantly stunned. "Sadie?"


    "Sadie? Eh? Howe it''s you?" Ronan was shocked as well.


    "My aunt asked me toe," Sadie replied lightly, raising her hand.


    The medical personnel immediately helped her out of the car.


    On the other side, Dahlia had already taken out the wheelchair and helped Sadie sit on it.


    "How did you manage to afford such a good car?" Leah sneered mockingly. "Leasing it, I suppose? And hired a couple of servants to make it look authentic." Dahlia nced at her but didn''t say anything.


    Vincent hurriedly whispered, "Madam, this is the Clemens family''s car. I''ve seen the driver before. He''s one of Mr. Clemens'' personal bodyguards."


    "How is that possible?" Leah was doubtful. "Why would the Clemens family send Sadie here? She''s nothing now..."


    Dahlia finally couldn''t help but speak. " Mrs. Potter, Miss Roth is a VIP of our Mr. Clemens-"


    Sadie interrupted Dahlia, "Thank you for bringing me here. You can go back now."


    "We''ll wait for you in the parking lot."


    Dahlia understood that Sadie probably didn''t want anyplications, so she didn''t say much and got back into the car with the driver and medical personnel.


    "Sadie, you''re quite impressive. You''ve already attached yourself to a CEO so quickly..." Leah sneered contemptuously. "You may not have any other skills, but you sure can find men." "Shut up!" Ronan barked.


    "Why are you yelling at me?" Leah became furious, her face turning red. "Did I say something wrong?"


    "Mr. Clemens is not someone you can casually talk about," Ronan warned with a frown. "Are you trying to harm the Potter family?"


    Seeing how serious he looked, Leah also knew that Micah was not someone to be trifled with, so she shut her mouth.


    "I got injured, so my mobility is limited," Sadie exined. "Because it''s a work-rted injury, my employer arranged for a private doctor to bring me here. That''s all."


    She didn''t want to involve Micah''s name in anything. After all, they didn''t have any rtionship.


    If it were to be exposedter, it would probably be even more embarrassing.


    She was just an ordinary person who wanted to live a normal life on her own, never thinking of attaching herself to anyone.


    Moreover, Micah was not someone to whom one could casually attach themselves. Provoking him would cause more harm than good!


    "I see..." Leah sighed in relief upon listening to this exnation, "I really thought you had some great abilities. Turns out you just wanted to bask in someone else''s glory. How vain!" Ronan was very annoyed with her. "Can you please stop talking?"


    Leah stomped her foot in anger. "Why do you always pick on me?"


    "Isn''t this Sadie?" Kathleen warmly and hypocritically greeted, "It''s been so many years, and you''re still so beautiful. Why are you in a wheelchair? What happened?"


    "She got injured, let''s push her inside first." Ronan gestured, and Vincent immediately pushed Sadie in.


    Leah pulled her mother aside, reproachfully asking, "Mom, why did you invite her here out of the blue? Are you trying to make things difficult for me?"


    "Silly child, I''m doing this for your sake," Kathleen replied.

 Chapter 70 Sinister Intentions

    Kathleen pulled Leah aside and whispered, "You finally married into the Potter family after much effort, and you''ve given birth to Ronan''s son. I won''t let anyone ruin this hard-earned happiness." "Mom, are you suggesting..."


    "Tonight, I will make Sadie see reality and give up." Kathleen sneered. "Just wait and watch the show!"


    "I knew you loved me." Leah hugged Kathleen and gave her a kiss. "Mom, you don''t know how distant Ronan became ever since Sadie returned. I''ve been worried..."


    "Don''t get involved in this matter, or it will affect your rtionship with Ronan." Kathleen patted her hand and advised, "Be an understanding wife, and let me handle everything else." "Okay." Leah nodded repeatedly. "I understand!"


    "Let''s go inside first. Where''s Billy?"


    "He fell asleep in the car."


    Vincent pushed Sadie into the vi, and all eyes were on her.


    The rtives all recognized Sadie at a nce, each with their own thoughts. Some started whispering.


    "Why is she here?"


    "She did such absurd things back then and infuriated her father. Now, she dares to show up? If it were me, I would have stayed far away long ago."


    "Please stop talking!"


    "Why can''t I say it? She did it, and I can''t say it?"


    ...


    "Sadie!" Felipe warmly greeted her, "Finally, I see you. I''ve been searching for you all these years. Are you doing well?"


    His voice sounded sincere as if a rtive genuinely cared for a younger family member.


    "I''m doing fine. Thank you." Sadie smiled at him, wanting to see through his true intentions.


    Over the years, Felipe had worked under her father, creating the impression of honesty and loyalty. This perception stemmed from his indecisive andcking initiative nature. Consequently, he struggled to achieve significant aplishments and could only function as a follower by Edmond''s side, though he put forth his best effort.


    However, Sadie couldn''tprehend their choice to withdraw and severmunication following her father''s death, even forgoing attendance at the funeral.


    "What happened to you? Why are you in a wheelchair?" Felipe asked with concern, "Are you injured?"


    "Yes." Sadie nodded. "Just a minor injury. Nothing serious."


    "If I had known you were injured, I should have gone to pick you up..." Felipe looked guilty. "Where are you staying now? Otherwise, you can move back home.Kathleen and I can take care of you." "Yeah!" Kathleen''s loud voice echoed. "I''ve already had the guest room prepared, Sadie. You and the children can move back anytime. Felipe and I will help you move."


    "Children? What children?" Felipe clearly had no idea about the children.


    The people around them were also astonished, their eyes widening as they talked among themselves. "Forgetful me!" Kathleen pped her head in frustration. "I forgot to tell you, Sadie has three " "Aunt!"


    "Mom!"


    Sadie and Ronan simultaneously interrupted Kathleen. They both looked at each other withplex expressions.


    "Ronan..." Leah immediately approached and linked her arm through Ronan''s, leaning affectionately against him. "Billy is asleep. Take him upstairs."


    Ronan nced at Sadie and told Kathleen, "Mother,e with me. It''s perfect. I wanted to talk to you about something."


    "Let your father-inw go with you." Kathleen quickly signaled to Felipe with her eyes.


    Felipe obediently approached and grabbed Ronan''s arm. "Ronan, I''ll apany you."


    Although Ronan felt somewhat helpless, he could only leave first.


    "Why are you all still standing there?" Kathleen began to beckon. "We''re all family. Take your seats quickly! Leah, stop standing there foolishly, help your cousin sit down." "Oh."

 Chapter 71 No Mother Child

    Kathleen arranged for Sadie to sit between her and Leah, mother and daughter side by side, seemingly warm but actually leaving her with no escape. After taking their seats, the aunt smiled and observed Sadie, "It''s been several years, and Sadie has matured a lot."


    "Before, she looked like a little girl, but now she''s grown up," another aunt intentionally asked, "So, what child were you talking about earlier? Has Sadie already gotten married and had children?" "Yes, Sadie already has three children. Time flies, and we''re getting old," Kathleen said with a smile. "Sadie, why didn''t you bring your children today?"


    This time, Sadie didn''t interrupt Kathleen and let her finish speaking.


    Sadie was well aware that this secret couldn''t be kept ever since Leah saw her with the children at the kindergarten. At least the White family and the Roth family already knew.


    With Kathleen''s personality, it was probably no surprise that she had said some nasty things about Sadie to these aunts and grandmothers behind her back. Kathleen invited them here tonight for nothing more than to put on a show, deliberately humiliating Sadie in front of Ronan, andpletely severing their rtionship...


    "Oh my..."


    Everyone around the table found it unbelievable. They didn''t expect that after four years, Sadie would have children, let alone three.


    Several uncles frowned, their faces turned serious, and their gazes towards Sadie became even more contemptuous.


    An aunt asked excitedly, "Sadie, when did you get married? Why didn''t we know about it?"


    "How old are the children?" another aunt inquired, "What does your husband do? Why didn''t hee with you?"


    Kathleen and Leah looked at Sadie with a half-smile, half-smirk.


    Mother and daughter were just waiting to see how Sadie would exin to everyone that she had found a male escort at the Night Club and had given birth to these three children... After a moment of silence, Sadie finally spoke, "This is my private matter, and it has nothing to do with you, right?"


    Everyone in the room was suddenly shocked, clearly not expecting such a response from her.


    An uncle angrily muttered, "What do you mean it has nothing to do with us? We are your elders, shouldn''t we inquire about your situation?"


    "By keeping it so secretive, could it be that you had children out of marriage?" another uncle questioned, "Who is the father of the children?"


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" others anxiously interrogated, "Could it be that you got involved with a married man and gave birth to an illegitimate child for him?"


    One aunt mocked, "Married men can still be considered good, but what if even the father of your child is unknown?"


    "With you doing such ridiculous things, you''ve truly disgraced the Roth family...


    An uncle got angry and left in a rage.


    "Sadie, you are really unbelievable," an aunt scoffed. "You did something shameless four years ago, which made your father so angry that he jumped off the building. We thought you had changed, but it seems that you have gotten worse." "Yes, we, as the elders, can''t stand watching anymore..." another person sighed. "If your father knew how you are now, he probably wouldn''t rest in peace."


    "You seemed well-behaved when you were young, how did you be like this?" a few other aunts whispered.


    "In the end, it''s all because she didn''t have a mother to teach her, that''s why she is so shameless. Look at Leah, she''s not like Sadie at all..."


    "That''s right, Leah is a good child, who got married and had children honestly..."


    Upon hearing these words, a proud smile appeared on Leah''s face.


    "Don''t say that," Kathleen pretended to be humble and smiled. "Leah, I was strict with her since she was young. Sadie, poor thing, never had a mother since she was young, so us elders should educate her more..." "Are you guys done??" Sadie finally couldn''t bear it anymore.

 Chapter 72 Sadie Throws a Fit

    "If I remember correctly, none of you here have thest name Roth, right?" Sadie calmly retorted. "What does the reputation of the Roth family have to do with you?"


    "You..."


    "When my father was alive and the Roth family was flourishing, all of you ttered us like dogs. But when the Roth family fell on hard times, each and every one of you disappeared. And now, you are here pretending to be my elders and lecturing me? Aren''t you afraid of karma?"


    "You... How dare you speak that way?"


    Those uncles and aunts were flushed with anger.


    One distant rtive, Frank, was especially furious. Pointing at Sadie, he cursed, "When your father was alive, he would never speak to us like this. You truly are an orphan without any upbringing!"


    Upon hearing this, Sadie''s emotions exploded; she picked up the ss in front of her and threw it.


    With a loud "bang," the ss missed Frank''s head and smashed into the crystal chandelier behind him.


    A bunch of crystal beads fell down, hitting the table and making a loud ttering sound, causing the women to scream in shock.


    Leah jumped up and hid behind Kathleen.


    Instinctively, Kathleen used her hand to shield her face, but her wrist was still scratched by shards of ss, slowly dripping with blood...


    "Ah!" Kathleen exaggeratedly screamed.


    Felipe hurriedly rushed downstairs, asking, "What happened? What happened?"


    "She did something shameless and dared to... dared to..." Aunt''s words were swallowed by Sadie''s sharp gaze.


    "What is this absurdity?" Frank pointed at Sadie and shouted, "You dare toy a hand on me?"


    "You were the one who spoke disrespectfully first," Sadie stared coldly at him. "When you insulted me, I let it slide, but insulting my parents, I couldn''t bear!"


    "You..."


    "Alright, enough," Felipe quickly intervened, "We''re all family here, let''s calm down."


    "Who said we''re family with her?" Frank was furious, "She has no shame and doesn''t let anyone speak. If someone does, she goes crazy and acts like a mad dog." "Frank, don''t speak that way..."


    "I can''t eat this meal today; I''lle visit you another day," Frank angrily left with his wife.


    Another rtive pulled Felipe aside and said, "I know you are kind-hearted and good, but I still advise you to stay away from this source of trouble. Don''t give yourself unnecessary headaches." "We''re leaving too; we''lle visit you another day."


    Several other uncles and aunts hurriedly left, not wanting to invite trouble.


    "Don''t leave, the food hasn''t been served yet."


    Kathleen wanted to call them back, but they had already left, one by one.


    "Let them go," Felipe held her back, "Go upstairs and bandage your wounds. I''ll handle things here."


    "Bandage what?" Kathleen''s expression changed suddenly, pointing at Sadie angrily, "This lovely family gathering was ruined by you. You really have no manners..."


    "Didn''t you invite me here?" Sadie met her gaze and sneered, "It''s a well-directed y by you, how can I disappoint you?"


    "What are you saying?" Leah angrily scolded. "My mom kindly invited you for dinner, not only did you ruin the gathering, but you also spoke ill of her. Show some respect!"


    "It was truly a kind invitation..." Sadie picked up the tablecloth and carefully wiped the broken ss and blood off her hands, "You specially invited so many actors to add drama for me. Wasn''t it just so that Ronan could see me being made fun


    of?"


    "Do you need a performance for people to see your joke? You were born a joke," Kathleen sarcastically remarked. "Your mom ran away after giving birth to you, and your dad pampered and raised you, only to raise a shameless and despicable person!"

 Chapter 73 A Slap in the Face

    "That''s enough..." Felipe sternly said, "You can''t speak about Sadie like that."


    "And why can''t I?" Kathleen was frustrated, "Am I not speaking the truth? Why are you always defending her?"


    "Dad, just leave; you should go upstairs," Leah pushed Felipe, "Let Mom properly teach this piece of trash a lesson!"


    "Who is the despicable person in the end? Who is shameless?" Sadie retorted, "What exactly happened four years ago, don''t you have any idea?"


    "You, what nonsense are you spouting? What truth are you talking about?" Leah suddenly panicked, "It was clearly you who acted shamelessly and went to Night..."


    "You were looking for a male escort, and even had a child with that male escort. You still want to use me..."


    "Who took me to the Night Club? Who said we should pretend to look for a man to provoke Ronan so that he would resist his family for me? It was you, Leah! You broke Ronan and me apart, and then married him. You dare to say there was no conspiracy..."


    "Shut up!" Kathleen rushed forward and pped Sadie.


    Sadie was hit to the side, blood flowing from the corner of her mouth.


    She lowered her head, with disheveled hair and a glint of hatred in her eyes.


    "Well done!" Leah gritted her teeth and eximed.


    Kathleen was still not satisfied and wanted to continue hitting...


    Felipe hurriedly held her back. "What are you doing? We should talk it out. How can you resort to violence?"


    "Get out of my way!" Kathleen pushed Felipe aside and angrily scolded Sadie, pointing at her, "You brought this upon yourself, doing shameless things and still trying to me Leah? Let me tell you, I brought you today to make you see the reality. Leah and Ronan are already married and have a child. If you dare to seduce Ronan, I will show you!"


    "Kathleen..." Sadie clenched her teeth and said, word by word, "You will pay for everything you did today!" "How ridiculous! You dare to threaten me..." Kathleen still wanted to hit Sadie.


    "Stop!" an angry voice came.


    "Ronan..." Leah saw Ronan and couldn''t help but feel guilty. Did he hear Sadie''s words just now?


    Ronan looked deeply at Sadie, his eyes full of pity, but instead of going over to her, he instructed Vincent, "Vincent, take Sadie home."


    "Yes." Vincent escorted Sadie out.


    Felipe followed Vincent and left with Sadie.


    Inside the room remained Kathleen and her daughter, as well as Ronan.


    The atmosphere was tense.


    Leah held Ronan''s hand and whispered, "Ronan, listen to me, what Sadie said is not true..."


    "Leah!" Kathleen quickly interrupted.


    Leah immediately shut her mouth.


    "Ronan, I didn''t mean to deliberately trouble Sadie," Kathleen exined, "those uncles and aunts cared about her and asked about her situation, she threw a fit and even started smashing things, injuring my hand in the process." Kathleen lifted her injured hand to show Ronan, "As an elder, I just wanted to teach her a lesson..."


    "Teaching a younger person a lesson doesn''t have to be like this, right?" Ronan politely retorted, "Your lessons to Leah have always been measured and respectful, but every word you said to Sadie was like a knife to her heart." "Ronan, what are you saying?" Leah became anxious. "Are you ming my mother for Sadie''s sake?"


    "I''m just reasoning with my mother-inw," Ronan politely said, "Mother-inw, do you think I''m right?"


    "You''re right," Kathleen, being such an intelligent person, immediately changed her attitude. "I was just being impatient earlier, mainly because she broke things, disrupted the dinner, and ndered Leah, so..." "Was it really nder?" Ronan looked deeply at Leah.


    "What do you mean? Are you doubting me?" Leah trembled with excitement. "I am your wife, your son''s mother. Why do you always believe others and not me?"

 Chapter 74 Fathers Death

    "Yeah, Ronan, you can''t treat Leah like this. You were the one who..."


    "Let it go," Ronan interrupted Kathleen. "This matter is already in the past. It doesn''t matter who was right or wrong. I don''t want to pursue it anymore. As you all said, Leah is now my wife and my son''s mother. I just want to live a peaceful life without anyplications. I hope you all won''t bother Sadie anymore."


    "Are you doing all of this for Sadie?" Leah questioned passionately.


    "Leah..." Kathleen immediately held her back and smiled at Ronan. "Ronan, you misunderstood. I never had any intention of bothering Sadie. I genuinely invited her to our home today, but I didn''t expect things to turn out like this. It''s all my fault. I didn''t n it well. The next time I have the chance, I will personally apologize to her. You two shouldn''t let this incident affect your rtionship..."


    "Well, that''s good." Ronan turned and went upstairs.


    "Mom, what are you doing?" Leah was infuriated. "He clearly said he won''t pursue it because of Sadie..."


    "So what?" Kathleen sternly replied. "As long as he has understanding, and no longer associates with Sadie, our goal is achieved." "Why?" Leah didn''t understand.


    "Are you really my daughter? Why are you so naive?" Kathleen sighed. "Don''t view love as something perfect. No man can stay devoted for a lifetime. If he has feelings for another woman, you can''t control that. The more you cling, the more he gets fed up, and your rtionship will have more and more problems. But if you show generosity and gentleness, he will feel guilty. It''s this guilt that will secure your position in the Potter family."


    "Why guilt? I want him to love me." Leah felt extremely wronged.


    "If you want him to love you, then you should start by being gentle, and obedient. First, hold onto the position of Mrs. Potter. Once Sadie''s image ispletely shattered in his mind and he sees how excellent you are, naturally, he will love you..."


    Vincent walked out of the vi with Sadie, and in the distance, the Clemens family''s car slowly approached.


    Sadie said to Vincent, "Vincent, you go in first. I want to talk to Uncle for a moment."


    "Okay." Vincent bowed to her and then left.


    Felipe looked at Sadie with guilt. "Sadie, did it hurt? Kathleen has a bad temper. Don''t stoop to her level. I will reprimand herter..."


    "Uncle," Sadie looked up at him, "how did my father die?"


    "Huh?" Felipe''s face immediately froze, his eyes in disarray. "Why are you suddenly asking this? Everyone knows that your father jumped off the building..." "Why did he jump off the building?" Sadie questioned. "The Roth Group''s business was doing well, so why did it suddenly go bankrupt without any warning?" "You don''t understand these business matters..." Felipe appeared anxious. "I''m not quite sure either..."


    "Then why didn''t you attend my father''s funeral? Why did you suddenly disappear at that time?" Sadie continued to question. "There must be a reason, right?"


    "I don''t know. I don''t know anything," Felipe said nervously. "Stop asking and live your life."


    He took out a bank card from his pocket and handed it to Sadie. "This is for you. The password is your father''s birthday. Consider it mypensation to you." Before Sadie could say anything, he turned around and rushed back into the vi...


    Sadie looked at his back and became more convinced that her father''s death was suspicious.


    Could it be rted to Felipe and Kathleen?


    But judging from Felipe''s attitude, it doesn''t seem like there''s a problem. Kathleen also doesn''t have the ability to harm her father... What on earth is going on?

 Chapter 75 The Damned Charm

    "Miss Roth..."


    Dahlia''s voice interrupted Sadie''s thoughts, and she snapped back to reality. Dahlia and the medical staff had already reached her.


    "What happened to your face?" Dahlia saw the deep p mark on Sadie''s face and immediately furrowed her brows. "Who hit you?" "Miss Roth''s hand is injured, too," the medical staff eximed.


    "Get in the car first," Dahlia pushed Sadie''s wheelchair.


    Once they were in the car, Dahlia removed the shards of ss from Sadie''s body, tended to her wounds, and then whispered, "Miss Roth, Mr. Clemens instructed us that we will do anything you ask!" This statement was implicit yet clear. With just a word from Sadie, Dahlia would take care of the person who had bullied her tonight.


    Sadie was somewhat surprised. She was just a small security guard at VIC Group. Why would Micah go to such lengths for her?


    Why does he have to be so good to her?


    Could it be that you really have a crush on her?


    "Miss Roth, you don''t have to worry about the Potter family''s influence. In front of Mr. Clemens, no one poses a threat," Dahlia added. "Thank you," Sadie finally spoke up. "I''ll handle it myself."


    She didn''t want to rely on anyone unrted to the matter. After all, debts had to be repaid.


    "Well..."


    Dahlia didn''t say anything more. She just looked at the injuries on Sadie''s face, her expression very solemn.


    As expected...


    When Sadie reported everything that had happened tonight to Micah, his face was unusually dark, and his deep eyes sparkled with a chilling light. "What kind of a person are you? You were clearly following her, how could you let Miss Roth be bullied?" Andrew reprimanded in a low voice. "It''s my fault." Dahlia lowered her head, not daring to say much.


    "Miss Roth must have had her reasons for not letting them in," Andrew spected. "Could there be some secret she doesn''t want people to know?" "Do we need to investigate?" Andrew cautiously asked.


    "No need." Micah set down his cup, his voice cold as he gave his order. "Inform Ronan about the charity event three days from now. Ask him to attend with his family." "Yes!"


    The next two days were calm, and Sadie focused on healing her wounds.


    Dahlia''s medical skills were remarkable, and in just three days, Sadie''s injuries had improved a lot.


    The children would call her every morning, and she would always hide under the covers to talk to them, afraid of others overhearing. Brenda was very worried about her, and the children missed her. Sadie couldn''t stay here any longer.


    In the afternoon, Dahlia removed the neck brace from her neck, and she insisted on going home.


    This time, Dahlia didn''t stop her. They sent Sadie home in a car and also provided her with some medicine and high-quality supplements. Sadie didn''t want them to run into her three children, so she asked the driver to stop at the street corner and nned to walk back home.


    Dahlia handed her the gifts and respectfully said, "Miss Roth, I''ll be here to pick you up tomorrow afternoon at three."


    "Huh? Why are you picking me up?" Sadie was very confused.


    "Mr. Clemens invites you to attend the charity event tomorrow night," Dahlia smiled at her. "I''ll prepare the evening gown and jewelry for you. It''ll take some time to get ready." Sadie was dumbfounded. No one had mentioned it to her.


    For the past two days, Micah had been leaving early anding backte, and she hadn''t even seen him. Why all of a sudden did he want to take her to the event?


    Oh no, it seems like Micah is really interested in her!


    Damn my charm...


    "Do you need help carrying things upstairs?" Dahlia asked with a smile, seeing her still in a daze.


    "No need, I can handle it myself. You guys can go," Sadie quickly declined, then grabbed her things and rushed towards the street, thinking to herself, what should I do? It''s probably not a good thing to provoke this devil. If he finds out that she has three children, would he think she deceived him? She could feel her heart being squeezed at the thought.


    She couldn''t help but shudder as she recalled it...


    But she had to exin things to him sooner rather thanter and put his mind at ease...

 Chapter 76 The Old Witch Pays a Visit

    As soon as Sadie entered her house, Coco fluttered over with its wings pping. "Mommy, Mommy..."


    "Miss, you''re back," Brenda immediately dropped the mop and rushed over, grabbing Sadie and tearfully assessing her, "My poor Miss, let me take a look, where are you hurt?" "Just minor injuries, nothing serious..."


    Sadie wanted to hug Brenda, but a sharp pain shot through her shoulder, causing her expression to contort.


    Coconded on Sadie''s head and gently rubbed its shiny green head against her hair.


    "Good Coco," Sadie raised her right hand to pet its small head.


    "Quick, have a seat," Brenda hurriedly assisted Sadie into sitting on the couch, "It''s been several days already; why hasn''t the injury healed?"


    "It''s fine, the wound is already healing," beads of sweat the size of peas appeared on Sadie''s forehead, "Brenda, these are the medicine and supplements the boss''s doctor gave me. Keep them for me while I go change my clothes." "Can you manage on your own? Let me help you change," Brenda was still worried.


    "No need, the school bus should be arriving at the entrance of the neighborhood soon. You go pick up the children," Sadie reminded her.


    "Oh, right, right, look at my memory. I''ll put these things away first," Brenda supported Sadie back to her room, then went to pack up and took Coco to pick up the children.


    Using all her strength, Sadie changed into a set of home clothes and prepared to have a drink of water when the children came rushing in, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy..." "Ouch!" Sadie barely responded before the three little ones flew into her arms together, causing her wound to tear and throb with pain.


    Sadie bit her lower lip, enduring the pain without making a sound.


    "Be gentle, be gentle," Brenda quickly reminded, "Your mommy..." "It''s fine, it''s fine."


    Sadie quickly signaled Brenda with her eyes, indicating not to tell the children about her injury.


    "Mommy, why are you sweating so much? Are you feeling unwell?" Noah observed keenly, furrowing his little brows as he sensed something was off with Sadie. "Noah, Mommy is fine..." Sadie gently stroked Noah''s hair.


    "Are you sick, Mommy?"


    Nathan quickly brought a cup of water for Sadie, but in his haste, some of the water spilled. He immediately caught it with his hand, afraid it would drip on mommy, "Mommy, drink..." "Water."


    "Thank you, Nathan," Sadie was deeply moved.


    "Mummy, let me wipe your sweat."


    Mia tiptoed and used her sleeve to wipe the sweat from Sadie''s forehead. Her adorable little face was filled with worry.


    "Thank you, my babies. Have you been good while I was away?"


    "Yes!" The three kids answered in unison.


    Sadie feltforted in her heart. No matter how much hardship and stress she endured, as long as she saw her three children, she felt that life was worth it. "Alright, my babies, let me rest a bit and go out with Brenda."


    Brenda found an excuse to distract the three kids. "I''m cooking fried chicken wings for you today. Would you like to help?"


    "Okay..." All three kids followed her out of the room.


    Sadie locked the door and looked down. The clothes she had just changed were soaked with sweat again.


    She had to go to the bathroom to wash her body and change into another outfit...


    At that moment, a rough knocking sound came from outside.


    "Who is it?" Brenda shouted and went to open the door. "You? Why are you here again?"


    "Why can''t Ie?" it was Kathleen''s voice.


    Sadie hurriedly dressed, but because of her severe injury, even raising her hand was difficult, and her movements were extremely slow. "Madam, please leave, and don''t cause trouble here..."


    "Who do you think you are? How dare you talk to me?" Kathleen arrogantly shouted, "Where''s Sadie? Tell her toe out!" "Madam..."


    "Who are you? Why did you barge into my house and be so rude?"


    Several kids rushed out from the kitchen and angrily questioned Kathleen, who had an angry expression on her face.

 Chapter 77 Dignity

    "These are the illegitimate children that Sadie gave birth to?" Kathleen saw the three kids and sarcastically sneered, "They look quite decent. I wonder whose children they are..." "You old witch," Nathan got angry as soon as he heard it, picked up a broom, and drove Kathleen away, "Get out!"


    "Get out, get out!"


    Coco circled around in the room, imitating Nathan''s tone of voice and shouting loudly.


    "How dare you use a broom to hit me!" While avoiding Nathan''s broom, Kathleen continued to curse, "Sadie, you slut,e out!"


    "You have no manners," Noah frowned and scolded Kathleen, "Didn''t your mom and dad teach you to respect others?"


    "I know her, she''s Billy''s grandmother," Mia pointed at Kathleen and pouted, saying angrily, "You better leave, or else we''ll call the police."


    "Hello, security?" Noah used his phone to notify the security, "There''s a wicked old witch who came to our house. Pleasee and take her away."


    "You three bastards, born without fathers to raise you..."


    "Shut up!" Sadie finally came out after changing clothes and angrily shouted, "Kathleen, do you really think I''m easy to bully? You keeping to my house causing trouble. Do you think I won''t dare toy a hand on you?" With that, Sadie went to grab a fruit knife from the coffee table...


    "Sadie, you... you finally came out." Kathleen panicked in an instant, but still remained stubborn, "You bitch, how dare you deceive Felipe''s money behind my back. Give me back the bank card!"


    Sadie paused for a moment. That day, Felipe had handed her a bank card and before she could react, he left.


    So, Kathleen came to her house to ask for the bank card because of this matter.


    "Get it straight, it wasn''t me who asked him for it. He forcefully gave it to me," Sadie said coldly, "I don''t care about your money at all."


    "Then give it back to me! Stop pretending, if you didn''t want it, you wouldn''t have taken it."


    Kathleen arrogantly yelled and, after yelling, she noticed the knife in Sadie''s hand and took a step back.


    "I''ll get it now." Sadie pointed the fruit knife at Kathleen, "Get out and wait."


    "Get out!" Brenda pushed Kathleen out and closed the door.


    "Mommy..." The three kids immediately surrounded her, "Who is this old witch? Why is she so mean?"


    "Her parents didn''t teach her, she didn''t learn well, so she''s bad," Sadie squatted down and exined to the children, "Don''t get angry with someone like her, don''t pay attention to what she says, stay away from her when you see her in the future."


    "Okay, we understand." The three kids obediently nodded.


    "Alright, go with Brenda to the kitchen."


    Sadie touched their little heads, signaled Brenda with her eyes, indicating her to take care of the three children.


    Brenda nodded, protecting the children, and went into the kitchen.


    Sadie found the bank card in her room and brought it out to give it to Kathleen, "Take the card and get lost. If you dare to harass my family again, don''t me me for being rude."


    "Huh!" Kathleen took the card, sneered mockingly, "You being rude? What can you do by being rude? Look at the dpidated house where you live, not even having basic needs met. How dare you speak arrogantly? Do you still think you''re the same person as before..."


    "Is that enough?" Sadie interrupted her, "Yes, I am indeed nothing now, precisely because I am nothing, I can do anything..."


    Sadie suddenly took out the fruit knife and pressed it against Kathleen''s chest, inching closer with a grim smile...


    "But you are different, you have money and power now!"

 Chapter 78 Cutting Ties

    "What... what are you going to do?" Kathleen trembled in fear, continuously stepping back.


    "Don''t worry, if I wanted to kill you, I wouldn''t do it here..."


    Sadie, squinting her eyes, held Kathleen against the wall with a knife and said coldly, "I just want to tell you, don''t make people angry, because when I''m angry, I can do anything!" As she spoke, she viciously stabbed the fruit knife towards Kathleen...


    "Ah--"


    Kathleen screamed in fear.


    However, the knife didn''t pierce her, but rather the wooden door behind her.


    But Kathleen was still frightened. She grabbed her bank card and hurriedly fled...


    Sadie watched her disappearing figure, let out a sigh of relief, turned around to go inside, but found Brenda standing at the door, tearfully looking at her. "Miss, it''s hard for you..." Brenda felt heartbroken. The previous Sadie was so delicate; she had never even lifted anything heavy. But now, for the safety of her children, she had to pick up a fruit knife to scare people. "Brenda, what''s the matter with you?"


    Sadie didn''t mind. She only knew that her life goal was to create a happy and joyful life for Brenda and the children, and no one could ruin this happiness. "Mummy, mummy..." Coco, the parrot, fluttered its wings and flew out. "It''s mealtime, mealtime."


    "Haha, Coco is hungry, let''s go inside." Sadie teasingly said, putting her left arm around Brenda. "Brenda has be a child, crying at the drop of a hat."


    "I''m just worried about you."


    Brenda sniffled, wiping away her tears, not letting the children see.


    "Brenda, mummy, it''s time to eat!"


    The three children helped serve and bring the food.


    The whole family sat down and enjoyed their meal together, basking in the warmth of each other''spany.


    Just as Sadie was about to start eating, her phone suddenly received a money transfer, "Debt repayment from Male escort," totaling 80,000 US dors!


    Sadie was overjoyed and immediately messaged him, "So much money?"


    "I took on a few big jobs," Male escort replied.


    "That''s amazing, I thought you were cking off again these past few days."


    "I want to be sessful!"


    "Hahaha, ambitious and making progress!"


    "I have a good business, are you happy?"


    "Of course, that means I can get more money. Keep up the good work!"


    After sending this message, there was no reply from the other side.


    "Mummy, have some chicken wings."


    Mia used her chubby little hands to pick up a chicken wing for Sadie. "Thank you, Mia."


    Sadie put down her phone and focused on eating with her children.


    But in her mind, she couldn''t help but worry. Kathleen and Leah had been spreading news about the three babies everywhere, wanting to announce it to the whole world.


    It wouldn''t be long before the news spreads, and then he would also find out...


    Thinking about all of this, Sadie felt restless. She decided that once her injuries healed, she would arrange to meet Male escort andpletely cut off their rtionship. They should never contact each other again. And also Micah, they must find a way to return the chip to him as soon as possible and clear their rtionship with him.


    ...


    The next day, at two-fifty, Dahlia called on time: "Miss Roth, we are waiting for you at the same ce as yesterday."


    "I''ming down right away."


    Sadie told Brenda, then headed downstairs in casual wear.


    Dahlia came to pick up Sadie today in an extended version of a Rolls-Royce, causing a stir on the entire street as pedestrians passing by couldn''t help but stare at the car.


    Sadie shielded her face with her hand, her eyes darting around nervously, wary of being recognized.


    "Miss Roth, this way."


    Dahlia opened the car door, respectfully weing Sadie inside.


    After getting in the car, Sadie couldn''t help but ask, "Why are you driving this car to pick me up today?"


    "It was Mr. Clemens''s instruction, and we can only follow orders," Dahlia exined with a smile.


    "Alright." Sadie didn''t say more. "Just drive, please."


    The car slowly started and drove off.


    Across the street, three children got off a school bus, their eyes wide with curiosity as they stared at the stretch Rolls-Royce.


    Mia blinked her long, curly eyshes, questioning what she saw, "Was that Mommy who just got into that car?"


    "Seems like it." Nathan pinched his chin, pretending to be mature as he nodded, "Mommy is still wearing that gray casual outfit she got on salest time."


    "And white shoes too," Noah added, then, with the earnestness of an older brother, said, "But that''s not important. We all have our own lives, and we need to respect Mommy''s privacy." "Mhm, mhm."


    "The kindergarten is having an anniversary celebration today and ended early. Brenda probably forgot, so let''s go home by ourselves."


    "Let''s go home!"

 Chapter 79 She is Really Beautiful

    Dahlia brought Sadie to a private image design center called "Princess Consort" in the city center.


    The ce was cleared today, and over a dozen staff members, along with three internationally renowned designers, were there to serve only Sadie.


    Sadie was overwhelmed by this grandeur and grabbed Dahlia''s hand, saying, "It doesn''t have to be this exaggerated."


    "Don''t worry, I have everything arranged."


    Dahlia helped Sadie sit in the inner hall, first tending to her wounds and re-bandaging them before letting the designers create a style for her.


    Sadie had experienced simr treatment before. Her father had arranged for a professional stylist for her, and whenever there was a grand banquet, Sadie would invite the stylist to her home for her makeover.


    The designers at "Princess Consort" were very hard to book. She could only get an appointment once a year on her birthday, and it had to be reserved half a year in advance.


    And today, Micah directly booked the whole ce for her and had everyone stay to serve her.


    This was enough to show that Micah''s power is even stronger than she imagined...


    Thinking of this, Sadie became even more uneasy. Such a man is not easy to mess with. If she offends him, she''s done for.


    Time slowly passed as Sadie was lost in her thoughts...


    In the blink of an eye, an hour had passed, and several stylists were still busy doing Sadie''s hair and makeup while she was already leaning on the sofa, asleep...


    The designers exchanged smiles, thinking Sadie was adorable.


    "Be careful, Miss Roth has injuries on her neck and right shoulder," Dahlia whispered.


    "Yes, understood." The designers became gentler with their movements.


    "Ah, Mr. Clemens!" Suddenly, one of the stylists eximed.


    Dahlia and the designers all turned their heads...


    Micah had entered at some point, his tall and slender figure entuated by the sharp ck suit. His handsome and bewitching face appeared even more delicate under the lighting, and his ink-ck eyes were more dazzling than the lights! At this moment, he was silently watching Sadie in the mirror...


    This woman was actually taking a nap at this time.


    "Hello, Mr. Clemens!" Everyone bowed.


    Micah made a gesture, signaling everyone not to wake her up.


    Everyone quickly quieted down, lowered their movements, and continued working.


    Micah walked over and sat on the nearby single sofa, propping his chin on his hand, quietly gazing at Sadie.


    It was strange. Throughout the years, he had encountered countless women who eagerly pursued him, but only this woman inexplicably stirred his emotions...


    When she treated him as a male escort, he found it amusing and wanted to continue ying with her..


    When she forced him to entertain wealthy women, he felt annoyed and wished to strangle her..


    When she tried to deceive him for money, he despised her..


    When he saw her being bullied by Samuel, he was filled with anger..


    When Samuel stabbed her, he was consumed by murderous intent, determined to bring Samuel to his grave..


    When he learned that she had been insulted by the people from the White family, his only thought was to exact tenfold revenge!!!


    That''s why he carefully arranged tonight''s n.


    Suddenly, a cat''s meow sounded, and a white ragdoll cat leisurely walked out of the room, awakening a drowsy Sadie.


    Sadie sleepily opened her eyes and asked, "Is it morning?"


    The stylist next to her couldn''t help but chuckle, but quickly nced at Micah, lowering their head in silence.


    "Miss Roth, you slept for half an hour," Dahlia said with a smile. "The styling is almost done."


    "Oh!" Sadie finally remembered that she was getting styled at the "Princess Consort." She looked at herself in the mirror and couldn''t help but sigh, "Is that me? I look so good... Ah!" She didn''t finish her sentence.

 Chapter 80 Only I Can See

    Sadie was startled when she suddenly saw Micah in the mirror. He held a tall ss in one hand and stroked his chin with the other, calmly looking at her. There was no expression on his face, but his eyes were filled withplex emotions... She was truly beautiful, not the intentionally refined beauty, but a naturally elegant and animated beauty, like an angel fallen to earth...


    "When did you arrive? Why didn''t you say anything? You scared me," Sadie eximed, patting her fluctuating chest, her heart still pounding.


    Micah couldn''t help but shift his gaze to her chest. His eyes seemed to almost fall in, but he furrowed his brows and ordered, "Change into something else!"


    "Huh? Why?" Sadie looked at herself in the mirror, wearing a noble white gown, pure and wless like an angel.


    "Alright, I''ll arrange it right away," the designer immediately instructed the assistant to bring other evening gowns.


    "No need to change, there''s nothing wrong with this one!" Sadie carefully checked herself in the mirror. "It''s fine, it just shows a little bit..."


    Micah made a gesture, and everyone immediately left the room.


    In a matter of seconds, the huge living room was left with only Sadie and Micah.


    Sadie hadn''t reacted yet and was still sitting on the sofa, looking at herself in the mirror.


    Micah had already stood up and walked towards her. Even though he hadn''t done anything yet, his inherent aggressiveness was enough to make Sadie feel panic.


    "What... what are you going to do..." Sadie was like a frightened kitten, curling up on the sofa, hands protecting her chest, full of defense.


    Micah reached out and pinched her chin, lifting her face to make her look into his eyes. "Remember! Your body, only I can see!"


    Sadie''s heart started to race inexplicably, with numerous question marks shing in her mind, but she dared not speak.


    Micah gently caressed her delicate lips with his thumb, primal desire rising in his eyes.


    However, instead of making further advances, he released her and ordered the person behind the screen, "Tidy up in ten minutes." "Yes!"


    Micah left, and suddenly the air in the entire hall felt liberated, transitioning from repression to rxation.


    A group of girls crowded around Sadie to change her clothes, sincerely praising her good figure.


    Sadie obediently cooperated, but her mind was in turmoil.


    What did that devil mean with his words just now?


    Does he really have feelings for me?


    Tonight, I must find an opportunity to talk to him clearly. Otherwise, when he discovers my secret in the future, he might strangle me...


    After changing into a ck gown reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn''s ssic style,plete with ace ribbon covering her neck wound and an extravagant diamond jewelry set, Sadie''s transformation from princess to queen wasplete! She looked at herself in the mirror, a never-before-tried style that surprisingly suited her.


    "Miss Roth..."


    "Let''s go, Mr. Clemens is waiting for us outside," Dahlia whispered.


    "Mhm," Sadie replied as she exited, holding her dress...


    Andrew, who was waiting by the car, was stunned. He couldn''t believe that the breathtaking Sadie in front of him was the same person as the security guard from VIC Group. How was that possible? "Take another look and your eyes will be gouged out," Micah warned sternly from inside the car.


    "Yes!" Andrew quickly averted his gaze, lowered his head, and dared not look at Sadie anymore. "Miss Roth, please!"


    Dahlia helped Sadie into the car and then retreated to the backseat of another car.


    The vehicle slowly started.


    Inside the spacious car, Sadie and Micah were the only upants.


    The atmosphere became tense and oppressive once again.


    Micah remained silent, and Sadie dared not speak either. She sat there obediently, not daring to move a muscle.


    Her eyes locked onto the fruits and pastries in front of her, and she couldn''t help but swallow her saliva.


    She nced at him and cautiously took a grape, slipping it into her mouth.


    It was almost six o''clock, and she was hungry.


    Micah nced at her and disdainfully pushed the pastries on the side before leaning back on the sofa, pretending to sleep.


    Seeing that he was asleep, Sadie quickly picked up a small cake and took a bite, almost choking on it. She still managed to wash it down with some juice.


    Micah squinted his eyes and, through the car window, caught sight of the woman behind him devouring her food. A tantalizing smile crept onto his lips.

 Chapter 81 Supreme Glory

    During the entire journey, neither of them said a word until the car finally came to a stop...


    As Sadie looked out of the car window and saw the luxurious vi and the rows of luxury cars parked outside, she realized the grandeur of the evening banquet and hurriedly asked, "What kind of event is this?" "A simple charity auction," Micah replied nonchntly. "Don''t be nervous, just stay by my side."


    "Why did you choose me?" Sadie asked, perplexed and confused. "I''m just a security guard, and I don''t have any special skills..."


    "Too many unnecessary words!" Micah interrupted her, getting out of the car.


    Sadie pouted unhappily, following closely behind him but almost tripping. Luckily, Dahlia quickly caught her.


    "Mr. Clemens, all the guests have arrived!" A well-dressed middle-aged man, apanied by his entourage, came to greet them. When he saw Sadie, he respectfully bowed his head and greeted her, "Hello!" "Hello," Sadie politely replied, surprised that everyone around Micah treated her with such reverence.


    Micah walked towards the vi, and Sadie followed leisurely in her high heels, her gaze drawn to a white Bentley not far away.


    It was Ronan''s car; he was here too!


    A few steps further, she saw a Porsche, which belonged to Felipe.


    Sadie furrowed her brows; tonight''s event was indeed lively. Wherever Felipe is, Kathleen is sure to be there too.


    But Kathleen wouldn''t reveal in front of Micah that she has a child, would she? If there''s a scene like this, wouldn''t it be a blow to Micah''s reputation? Then she would be in trouble...


    Sadie was lost in thought when she suddenly bumped into something hard. Startled, she held her forehead and looked up, only to find Micah standing there, waiting for her. Her absent-mindedness caused her to collide with his solid chest... "What are you looking around for?" Micah''s deep voice was maic in the silent night.


    "N-nothing..." Sadie stammered, feeling flustered.


    "I-I suddenly feel a bit unwell, so maybe I should head back first..." Before she could finish her sentence, Micah grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. She struggled for a moment but couldn''t break free, so she let him hold her hand. Feeling the scorching heat on his palm, her heart couldn''t help but race, and her face flushed. With his long legs and fast pace, she had to take small quick steps to keep up.


    Seeing this, he slowed down to amodate her, and she finally caught her breath... The moonlight cast their figures onto the ground, yful and romantic! Arriving at the grand hall, the champagne-colored doors opened, and the enchanting waltz music greeted them.


    The dazzling lights were blinding to Sadie, so she instinctively closed her eyes, apanied by enthusiastic apuse. Micah ced Sadie''s hand in the crook of his arm and they walked forward together.


    As Sadie adjusted to the lights, she slowly opened her eyes and saw nothing but warm smiles and respectful gazes. It felt like a different world. Sadie felt like she had returned to the time when her father was alive and their house hostedvish parties, just like this grand setting.


    These past four years, she had fallen from heaven and experienced the hardships of the world, feeling the warmth and coldness of society. She thought she would never return to the way things were... But now, this man by her side has brought her unparalleled glory!


    "Am I seeing things? Isn''t that Sadie by Mr. Clemens'' side?"


    In the crowd, Kathleen rubbed her eyes and quietly asked Leah, "Am I hallucinating?"


    "I''m doubting my eyesight too." Leah leaned in for a closer look and confirmed that the person walking in with Micah was indeed Sadie. She couldn''t help but be shocked.


    "Mom, it''s her, it''s that wretched woman..." Kathleen hurriedly covered Leah''s mouth. "You mustn''t say anything today, it would cause a lot of trouble if anyone overhears."

 Chapter 82 A small indulgence can lead to major disruptions

    Felipe was stunned when he saw Sadie and hurriedly asked Ronan beside him, "Ronan, what''s going on? How did Sadie end up with Mr. Clemens?" Ronan paused, trying to find the right words to exin. He couldn''t pay attention to what he was saying, his eyes kept on looking at Sadie, with aplex glimmer shining in them...


    It was the heartache, the regret, the agony of an imminent loss.


    "Ronan..." Kathleen said in a low voice, pulling Leah along, "Leah and I will go back first."


    "Okay," Ronan intended it.


    "Quiet, everyone!" The emcee announced from the stage, "Our host, Mr. Clemens, has arrived. I now dere the charity auction officially open. Please take your seats!" The guests seated themselves in an orderly manner.


    Ronan and Felipe were also preparing to take their seats when Kathleen pulled Leah, bending over and running towards the entrance, only to have the door suddenly close. Spotlights shone on the two.


    They looked like feral cats caught in the act, embarrassed and awkward.


    All the guests in the room looked at them, their eyes filled with disdain. Some whispered, "Whose rtives are they? Why are they so ignorant of etiquette?"


    "They obviouslyck experience. Since that''s the case, they shouldn''t have brought them along. Such an embarrassment."


    "Exactly!"


    Ronan raised his hand to cover his face, not wanting anyone to know that they were his rtives.


    Embarrassed, Felipe smiled at everyone and quickly walked over to stop them, "What are you standing there for? Hurry back to your seats."


    "Wish we hadn''te," Leah grumbled angrily.


    "Forget it, isn''t it embarrassing enough?" Kathleen, on the other hand, didn''t pay much attention. She bowed and apologized to everyone, "Sorry, sorry. This child isn''t feeling well. We intended to leave quietly without disturbing everyone''s enjoyment, but it seems the event has already begun."


    "Madam, we have a lounge over here," a waiter reminded in a low voice.


    "It''s fine now, thank you," Kathleen replied.


    Kathleen pulled Leah back to their seats.


    Leah noticed that Ronan kept staring at Sadie in the front row,pletely ignoring her. This made her even angrier, and she was about to erupt, but Kathleen held her back.


    "Whatever happens tonight, you must keep yourposure. Otherwise, it won''t be just embarrassing for you and me, but for the White family and the Potter family as well. Ronan might even grow to resent you and never take you out again." "I''m not willing to ept that," Leah gritted her teeth in anger. "Isn''t Sadie just climbing up a man? She''s nothing..."


    "Keep yourposure, or you''ll be seething with anger!" Kathleen sternly said. "Someone like Mr. Clemens, how could he be interested in a woman who has given birth to three children? She''s just here to attend a banquet, nothing more." "You''re right," Leah''s eyes suddenly lit up. "Mr. Clemens surely doesn''t know her background. I have to go and tell him..."


    "You stop right there," Kathleen hurriedly held her back. "How did I give birth to such a foolish child?

 Chapter 83 Complex Brilliance

    "What''s going on?" Leah protested.


    "No need to ask. It goes without saying," Kathleen furrowed her brows, "Do we really have to go and exin this ourselves? Our impression with Mr. Clemens will be greatlypromised." "What should we do then?" Leah asked, confused.


    "Don''t worry, I have a n."


    Kathleen turned her head to the two men beside her, her husband and son-inw,pletely absorbed in Sadie, disregarding them both.


    Kathleen felt infuriated, but she knew that hasty actions would lead to chaos.


    "Let''s focus on the auction for now and take action ordinglyter."


    Kathleen stared at Sadie''s departing figure, a sinister smile forming at the corner of her mouth.


    "When did Sadie be so close with Mr. Clemens?" Felipe asked Ronan again.


    "She works at VIC Group and is Mr. Clemens'' employee," Ronan finally shifted his gaze away, a hint of unease in his demeanor, "I''ll go to the restroom." He stood up and fastened his suit button, warning Leah with a stern face, "Don''t cause trouble!"


    Then he left the table...


    "Who is his real wife, after all?" Leah''s face turned pale with anger.


    "Calm down," Kathleen held her hand to console her.


    Sadie sat restlessly, worried that the White family mother and daughter were about to cause trouble again.


    Micah lightly squeezed her hand, a subtle gesture that inexplicably put her heart at ease.


    She turned to look at him, his intense focus on the stage, his face devoid of expression, but the warmth of his palm gave her a sense of reassurance. Her heart trembled like a plucked string, gently vibrating...


    The waiters started serving the meals. Tonight''s charity dinner had a unique format, where guests could participate in the auction while dining. Currently, the seating arrangement was organized by families, with each family assigned to a table.


    Sadie looked at the French cuisine presented by the waiters and couldn''t help but lick her lips. She was really hungry as the small cake she had in the car earlier was hardly enough. Micah took the red wine passed by the waiter and raised his ss to Sadie.


    Sadie clinked her ss against his and took a sip of wine, casually remarking, "Such a grand gesture to treat the guests to such a fine feast!"


    "Hmm?" Micah arched an eyebrow, "Do you know what wine this is?"


    "How could I not know?" Sadie continued to cut her steak without even looking up, "It''s Aegean from a Bordeaux winery. There are only 78 barrels in the world. It seems quite extravagant to serve it at a banquet, don''t you think?" "I didn''t know you were knowledgeable about wine." Micah curved his lips, "I bought all the barrels of Aegean. Outsiders shouldn''t have tasted it. How did you know?"


    "Eight years ago, I went to the winery with my father and tasted it in the cer. Originally, my father wanted to wait until it matured."


    "When I had the opportunity to buy a few barrels, unfortunately they were all sold out before I could make my move. I didn''t expect it was you." Sadie recalled, feeling a bit emotional. When her father was alive, he had taken her all over the world and taught her many things...


    "After tasting it once, you remember it well. Not bad," Micah looked at her and lifted his eyes. "Besides wine, what else do you know?"


    "Jewelry, oil paintings, piano, fashion design..." Sadie counted on her fingers, "I know a little about all of them."


    "These things are used by youngdies from affluent families to decorate themselves," Micah said disdainfully. "If you excel in them, they can also be useful in the workce. But if you only have a superficial understanding, it''s just a hollow reputation with no substance!"


    "Haha, you got that right," Sadieughed. "I used to say the same thing, but my dad said he only wanted me to be happy. As for the family business, he hoped I would find a good man in the future and let my husband take care of it..."


    Perhaps it was because of the wine, Sadie kept thinking about her father tonight...


    "You have a great rtionship with your father," Micah looked at Sadie, somewhat envious. "Your foolishness is the result of your father pampering you!"


    "That''s hitting the nail on the head!" Sadie chuckled in embarrassment. "Exactly because of my father''s pampering, I haven''t experienced many hardships in life. I never thought the biggest storm would actually be..."


    Talking about these things, Sadie''s expression became dim. If she had been a bit more smart four years ago, she wouldn''t have been led around by Leah and ended up making a big mistake...


    If she had cared more about her father and understood thepany''s situation earlier, perhaps she could have prevented the tragedy...


    "Business matters are always unpredictable."


    Micah had heard about some of her family affairs, probably about her father''s bankruptcy and suicide four years ago, leaving her with nothing overnight.


    "I still don''t understand. My dad''spany was running well, so why did it suddenly encounter problems?" Sadie couldn''t figure it out. "And my dad was always optimistic and strong, even if thepany faced issues, he wouldn''t resort to extremes. I always feel like there''s something fishy about this..."


    "What was your father''spany called?" Micah shook his ss.


    "The Roth Group," Sadie replied.


    Micah''s hand suddenly froze,plex emotions flickered in his eyes, but quickly returned to calmness. He lowered his gaze and elegantly tasted the wine...

 Chapter 84 There Will Definitely Be Regrets

    Sadie was about to discuss the matter of the Roth Group with Micah when her phone suddenly received a text message: "I''m waiting for you in the back hall! It''s Ronan!"


    Sadie saw the message and her heart skipped a beat. How did Ronan know her phone number? And why would he message her? Could it be someone pretending to be Ronan to deceive her? Sadie turned around and nced at the Potter family''s table. Felipe, Kathleen, and Leah were dining together...


    Ronan is not here.


    The phone number that sent the message belongs to Ronan, and it hasn''t changed in so many years, so it should be correct.


    However, she didn''t want to have any further entanglement with him.


    So, Sadie replied, "If you have something to say, send a message. It is not suitable to meet alone right now."


    "I want to talk to you in person; it''ll only take five minutes of your time. Juste out from the right exit, and you''ll see me. Don''t stand me up!"


    Reading this message, Sadie felt conflicted. She remembered years ago when she had an argument with Ronan. He said he would wait for her downstairs at her house, and he wouldn''t leave until she showed up.


    Out of spite, she refused to go down. It poured heavily that night, and she thought he had left. But to her surprise, he stayed in the rain all night, and the next day he caught a cold and developed pneumonia, eventually being hospitalized for an entire month...


    Thinking about all of this, Sadie couldn''t stay put. She put down her utensils and said to Micah, "I''ll go to the restroom for a moment."


    "Mmm." Micah nced at her phone with aplex glint in his eyes.


    Dahlia supported Sadie as they left the table.


    As Sadie walked out from the right exit, she immediately spotted Ronan. He was standing at the end of the corridor, smoking, with a white figure that exuded a deste sense of loneliness. Seeing Dahlia by her side, he lowered his head and walked into the adjacent restroom.


    "Wait for me here," Sadie instructed Dahlia.


    "Alright." Dahlia waited outside the restroom.


    Sadie entered the women''s restroom, intending to send a message to Ronan, when a white figure suddenly shed from the mirror. Then, from behind, it tightly embraced her... "Ah!" Sadie jumped in fright and quickly pushed Ronan away. "Let go."


    "Don''t worry, I checked, there''s no one here," Ronan said softly, reaching out to hug her again.


    Instinctively, Sadie stepped back, her hands crossed over her chest in a defensive posture. "Mr. Potter, please control yourself!"


    "Sadie, why are you resisting me like this?" Ronan looked pained. "Are you really with Micah?"


    "What''s it to you?" Sadie furrowed her brow. "You''re already married now, so recognize your own identity."


    "I regret it..." Ronan lowered his head, filled with remorse. "What happened back then was a mistake. I failed to protect you. Give me another chance, and we can start over." "Do you even know what you''re saying?"


    Sadie widened her eyes in astonishment. She never expected Ronan to say such things...


    Although what happened back then was indeed a mistake, no matter what, he is now a husband and a father. He should maintain proper boundaries.


    She felt disappointed in him.


    "Sadie..."


    "Mr. Potter." Sadie interrupted his words and asked sternly, "Is this the reason why you called me here?"


    "Why are you so cold towards me?" Ronan asked with a sad tone.


    Refusing to ept reality, Sadie frowned and said, "I don''t want to get involved with a married man. If there''s nothing else, I''ll leave." With that, she turned and walked away...


    "If you end up with Micah, you''ll regret it!" Ronan suddenly eximed. Stopping in her tracks, Sadie turned back and asked, "Why?"


    "Because..." Ronan was about to speak when amotion interrupted him. "Why won''t they let us in? I''m looking for my husband," Leah''s voice could be heard.

 Chapter 85 Adaptable and Resilient

    "This is thedies'' restroom, why would your husband be in here?" Dahlia politely asked.


    "If it''s thedies'' restroom, then why can''t I go in?" Leah retorted.


    "Miss Roth is injured and shouldn''t be disturbed. Once shees out, you can go in naturally," Dahlia exined. She didn''t want them to go in and bully Sadie, so she kept them outside. "Leah, let''s go. We can''t cause any trouble in this situation..." Kathleen advised in a low voice, but Leah didn''t listen. Her anticipation grew when she heard Sadie was inside.


    "I knew it, that bitch Sadie is seducing my husband again!" Leah rushed in directly. "Get out of my way, you useless dog!"


    "Please show some restraint!" Dahlia''s eyes shed with a cold glint. "You''re just a servant, who do you think you are to speak to me?"


    Leah acted arrogantly and tried to push Dahlia, but she swiftly grabbed Leah''s wrist and pushed her away.


    Leah stumbled and nearly fell to the ground. Kathleen quickly supported her, but she still sprained her foot, her face turning pale from the pain. Furious, she yelled, "How dare you push me? Do you know who my husband is?" "I don''t care who your husband is. If you cause trouble again, don''t me me for not being polite," Dahlia coldly retorted.


    "Who''s this lowly woman acting so arrogantly!" Kathleen''s emotions red up as she saw her daughter injured. She rushed over, ready to hit Dahlia.


    Squinting her dangerous eyes, Dahlia prepared to retaliate when a stern voice shouted, "Stop!"


    The White family mother and daughter froze in their tracks as Ronan emerged from the men''s restroom, ring at Leah. "What nonsense are you causing again?"


    "Ronan, are you secretly dating Sadie..." Leah began, but Kathleen interrupted her. Pointing at Dahlia, she said, "Ronan, this person justid hands on Leah!"


    Ronan turned his head to look at Dahlia, instead of ming her, he lowered his head and apologized, "I''m sorry, my wifecks manners."


    The White family mother and daughter were stunned, never expecting Ronan to react like this.


    "Mr. Potter is being polite," Dahlia smiled faintly, "This is a gathering, it''s best not to create a disturbance or upset Mr. Clemens."


    "Yes," Ronan nodded.


    "Ronan, how could you..."


    "Shut up," Ronan interrupted Leah, lowering his voice, "You know very well that she is affiliated with Mr. Clemens, and yet you still dare to cause trouble with her?" "She''s just a servant..." Leah felt deeply insulted and tears welled up in her eyes, "Am I really lower than Mr. Clemens'' servant?" "Indeed."


    An arrogant voice suddenly sounded, and the air around them seemed to drop significantly, turning freezing cold in an instant.


    Leah looked up and saw Micah. Overwhelmed by his formidable presence, she became flustered and immediately huddled in Kathleen''s embrace, too afraid to breathe. Kathleen was also extremely nervous, holding her daughter and retreating behind Ronan.


    "Mr. Clemens," Dahlia bowed her head in greeting.


    Micah slightly raised his chin.


    Dahlia turned her head and only then did she notice that Sadie had somehow appeared and was standing at the entrance of the restroom, observing everything. Dahlia quickly went over to support Sadie.


    "Mr. Clemens, I apologize for my wife bothering you. I will make sure to educate her properly when we return."


    While Ronan was apologizing, Dahlia led Sadie to Micah''s side.


    Ronan''s words paused for a moment as he looked at Sadie with aplex expression, but quickly averted his gaze.


    "Mr. Clemens, it was a misunderstanding earlier." Kathleen quickly grasped the situation and exined with a smile, "We didn''t know that she was your associate." She pointed at Dahlia. Then, Kathleen immediately bowed to Dahlia to apologize, "I''m sorry, we offended you. I apologize to you!"


    "Mom..." Leah shook with anger.


    Seeing Kathleen''s humble attitude, Sadie couldn''t help but admire her in her heart. This woman could really adapt andpromise when necessary!

 Chapter 86 Helplessness and Resentment

    "You should apologize to Miss Roth," Dahlia said coldly. Of course, Kathleen didn''t want to apologize to Sadie...


    But seeing Ronan remaining silent and looking at Micah, she had no choice but to lower her head, and apologize, "Sadie, I''m sorry, it was my fault..."


    "Mom, you don''t have to apologize to her," Leah quickly interrupted Kathleen''s words and pointed at Sadie, "Mr. Clemens, don''t you know? This woman is not as innocent as she appears. She''s promiscuous. Four years ago, she yed with male escorts in nightclubs..."


    "It infuriated her father, and she even got involved with that male escort..." Sadie was shocked and about to intervene when Ronan quickly hushed her. At the same time, Leah received a harsh p across her face, not from Ronan, but from Kathleen.


    Leah covered her face, looking at her mother in disbelief. "Mom, why did you... why did you hit me?"


    Ronan was equally shocked. It was known that Kathleen showered Leah, her daughter, with limitless love. How could she resort to violence today?


    A mocking smile tugged at Sadie''s lips. She had underestimated Kathleen.


    Adapting to the situation and ready to face the consequences, she''s quite something!


    "In front of Mr. Clemens, you can''t be insolent!" Kathleen scolded Leah in a low voice, then bowed apologetically to Micah. "Mr. Clemens, we were in the wrong today, disturbing your leisure. Please don''t hold it against us!" Micah didn''t even nce at her, and instead, he took Sadie''s hand and turned to leave...


    Ronan saw Micah holding Sadie''s hand, his gaze filled withplex emotions...


    Soon, he regained hisposure, furrowing his brows as he said to Kathleen, "Mother-inw, I''ll have Vincent escort you all back."


    "No, no, no. The auction has just begun. How can we leave?" Kathleen smiled. "You go ahead, I''ll calm Leah down and be back in no time."


    "Fine, do as you wish." Ronan didn''t want to say much more and left quickly.


    "Ronan..." Leah tried to hold him back but was pulled by Kathleen. "Stop it, listen to me."


    "Mom, why? Why?" Leah trembled with anger. "Why would you do this?"


    "Silly child..." Kathleen held her tenderly. "I did it for your own good. Just think, if you expose Sadie in front of so many people, what would be the consequences?"


    "What consequences?" Leah couldn''t understand. "Sadie concealed the fact that she had a child. We tell Mr. Clemens, and he should punish her and kick that cheap woman out. We should be grateful. What other consequences could there be?"


    "You''re so naive..." Kathleen couldn''t help but be frustrated. "Which man doesn''t have possessiveness? Especially someone as noble as Micah! By exposing Sadie''s secret in front of so many people, it''s like saying Micah is blind. It''s a direct insult to him!"


    Hearing these words, Leah was stunned. It seemed like that could be the case...


    "Then it won''t just be Sadie who suffers. It will be us, and even the Potter family and the White family may be affected." Kathleen hurriedly exined.


    "I''ve heard long ago that Micah is the king of the business world. If he wants apany to die, it won''t see the light of day! He''s ruthless and shows no mercy. You must not provoke him."


    "Okay, I got it..." Leah pouted, feeling very aggrieved. "But you didn''t have to hit me. You could have just told me not to speak, right?"


    "If I didn''t hit you, Ronan would have done it," Kathleen frowned. "If I do it myself, it will be gentler, but if he does it, there will be no mercy."

 Chapter 87 A Famous Male Escort

    Upon hearing these words, Leah felt even more aggrieved and burst into tears, covering her face. "Ronan doesn''t love me. He only has Sadie in his eyes. He has no feelings for me." "Alright, stop crying..." Kathleen hugged her tenderly, feeling sorry for her. "Silly child, mommy will seek justice for you."


    "Let''s go to the lounge and check your foot for injuries."


    "I want to go back first," Sadie said, but Micah clearly didn''t hear. The auction was about to start, and the music was loud.


    She had to lean over and say it in his ear again, "Mr. Clemens, I want to go back first."


    "It''s still early." Micah embraced her delicate waist and pulled her into his arms. He lightly brushed her tender cheek with his cold thin lips and whispered in her ear, "Is being with a male escort fun? Hmm?" Feeling his wicked gaze, Sadie panicked and hurried to exin, "Actually, back then, I was only..."


    "I''ve heard more than one person mention this in front of me." Micah gently nibbled her earlobe, and his scorching voice quivered with the charm of a flirtatious person. "It seems that you''ve be famous for ying with male escorts." A tingling, numb, and soft sensation rushed through her body like an electric shock...


    Sadie trembled all over, her heart racing with nervousness. She quickly pushed him away and moved to the side.


    Seeing her flustered appearance, Micah''s lips curved into a shallow arc...


    A woman''s sensitivity represents passion and purity, regardless of the reason, he was very satisfied!


    Not far away, Ronan, feeling like his heart was being clenched, was filled with difort. His tightly clenched fist trembled...


    He had an urge to rush over and take Sadie away.


    "Ronan, where are Leah and your mother?" Felipe''s voice came.


    "They''re resting in the reception hall." Ronan frowned.


    "What happened? You don''t look too good." Felipe asked again.


    "Why don''t you go and ask them yourself? Don''t bother me." Ronan blurted out.


    Felipe was dumbfounded. For so many years, Ronan had always been polite and courteous, never losing his temper, even in difficult situations. What happened to him today? "Sorry..." Ronan realized his loss ofposure.


    "Father, I lost control for a moment."


    "It''s alright, it''s alright," Felipe said with a smile. "Those two, the mother and daughter, are quite troublesome. Sometimes they even annoy me. Don''t be angry, I''ll go find them, but please don''t cause any more trouble." "Mm."


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the charity auction is officially beginning." On stage, as the host announced, the central stage slowly ascended.


    On the transparent crystal table, under dazzling lights, a ruby ne immediately captured everyone''s attention!


    "Mom, I want that," Leah said as soon as she returned to the banquet hall.


    "Don''t rush," Kathleen whispered. "There are only seven pieces of jewelry in today''s auction, all of them French treasures. They are expensive and rare. These things will definitely sell for sky-high prices..." "What does it matter if it''s expensive? My husband can afford it," Leah said.


    Leah, limping on her injured foot, walked over to the Potter family seating area and deliberately extended her injured foot in front of Ronan. She choked up andined, "I got hurt, and you don''t even care. Billy would feel sorry for me if he saw."


    Ronan furrowed his brows. Although he didn''t want to bother with her, upon hearing thest sentence and thinking about the child, he softened a bit and said, "Tell me what you want, and I''ll buy it for you."


    "I want that ruby ne," Leah pointed at the stage.


    "Starting at 10 million US dors, minimum bid increment is 1 million US dors," the host announced.


    "Do you like it?" Micah leaned close to Sadie''s ear and asked.


    "It''s alright," Sadie replied.


    Sadie looked at the ruby ne and couldn''t help but think of her father.


    When her father had an ident, she was penniless. In the end, she had to sell the sapphire ne her father left her at a low price. It had some simrities with this ne.

 Chapter 88 I Can Wait for Her to Divorce

    James saw the scene and froze. They actually know each other?


    "Mr. Valencia, that person is..." James almost bit his tongue.


    He just nced in the rearview mirror and immediately stiffened, swallowing nervously.


    Antonio''s eyes were simmering with anger!


    Antonio pushed open the car door and stepped out. James had a bad feeling and quickly followed, jogging over to introduce them.


    "Mr. Valencia, this is the head of BrianTech Solutions Inc..."


    But Antonio wasn''t listening. His face was cold, and his deep eyes were fixed on Alex and Sarah.


    "What''s your rtionship?" he asked.


    Alex wasn''t fazed by Antonio''s abrupt question. Instead, he gave a gentlemanly smile and patiently exined, "Mr. Valencia, I met Sarah abroad. I''m her best friend and Harper''s godfather." Godfather? Not her biological father?


    Antonio was skeptical, his eyes scanning Alex, Sarah, and Harper. "Really?"


    Alex smiled and looked at Sarah with admiration. "But I do see Sarah as someone I care about. She''s an exceptional woman and a great mother. She''s the only woman who''s ever moved me, so yes, I''m pursuing her." Hearing that, Antonio''s eyes narrowed dangerously. In the next second, he wrapped his strong arm around Sarah, pulling her into his embrace. He sneered, "Too bad, she''s my wife."


    His instincts were right; Alex had designs on Sarah.


    What a fool!


    Alex just smiled calmly at Antonio''s possessive disy. "No problem. I can wait for her to divorce."


    Antonio''s face darkened to the extreme. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had met a formidable rival.


    As Alex moved, the tie clip on his chest reflected the sunlight, momentarily blinding Antonio. Antonio''s eyes darkened, devoid of any light.


    Alex continued to smile calmly, his words gentle and his manners impable, exuding grace and poise.


    He spoke the most unkind words in the kindest tone. James couldn''t help but think Antonio''s got a real contender here!


    Sarah sensed the tension. She looked at Antonio''s dark expression and Alex''s calm smile. She pursed her lips and said nothing, realizing this was a silent war. She picked up Harper and left the battlefield, heading into thepany building.


    A few minutester, in the Valencia Group''s executive lounge.


    Antonio and Alex sat across from each other.


    Harper, genuinely missing Alex, clung to him, and Sarah naturally sat beside Harper.


    The situation turned into a three-on-one, but at least Antonio had the inconspicuous James behind him, so he didn''t look too lonely.


    Antonio''s face remained tense as he scrutinized the three people across from him, piecing together the events.


    First, BrianTech Solutions Inc had posed a strange test, then Harper had passed it easily. But in reality, these three had a close rtionship! Was it just a coincidence?


    BrianTech Solutions Inc is actually Alex''spany? Sarah had no idea before today?


    Antonio couldn''t help but suspect that Sarah and Alex were in on something together to mess with him.


    And then there was Harper, Michael, and that elusive Brian.


    Harper noticed Antonio''s probing look and felt a shiver down her spine. ''Oh no, does Antonio know something?'' she thought.


    She quickly put on an innocent smile and said, "Wow! So thepany Antonio''s working with is Alex''s? What a coincidence!"


    But all she got in return was Antonio''s scrutinizing gaze.


    Harper, still a kid, couldn''t handle that intense stare.


    Her smile froze, and her eyes widened.


    Just then, a gentle voice saved her.


    "Mr. Valencia, Sarah doesn''t know about my work abroad. We''re just friends."


    "Oh?" Antonio raised an eyebrow, looking at Sarah with a meaningful gaze.


    ''She doesn''t know about Alex''s work? Trying to fool me?'' Antonio thought.


    Sarah caught Antonio''s suspicious look. She frowned, a hint of displeasure on her delicate face. She shrugged. "Alex never talks about work with me. Believe it or not." With that, she grabbed Harper''s hand and started to leave.


    "Harper, if we''re not trusted, let''s go."


    "I didn''t say you could leave."


    Antonio''s voice stopped them. His narrow eyes fixed on Sarah, lips pressed tight, aplex look in his eyes.


    If it weren''t for the importance of the deal with BrianTech Solutions Inc, he wouldn''t have let this Alex guy into hispany!


    Harper sensed the tension, her worried eyes darting between the three adults, feeling torn.


    She liked Antonio and Alex and didn''t want them to fight.


    Plus, she wanted to help Antonio pass Brian''s third test!


    James looked equally troubled. Even though he could only see the back of Antonio''s head, he could imagine Antonio''s grim face.


    The head of BrianTech Solutions Inc was Antonio''s rival in love!


    Antonio had to stay calm and not let personal feelings mess up this crucial deal!


    Alex then spoke with a calm smile, "I understand Mr. Valencia''s doubts. I can personally vouch for the truth of my words."


    Antonio nced at Alex, still suspicious, but his expression softened a bit. Being a seasoned businessman and the top decision-maker of the Valencia Group, he quickly regained hisposure, setting aside personal feelings to focus on business. During the discussion, Harper grew restless, her little face showing signs of impatience. After a while, she whispered to Sarah, "Mommy, I need to go to the bathroom."


    Sarah nodded and immediately took Harper to the restroom.


    Now, only the two men and a very ufortable James were left in the room.


    For the rest of the meeting, both maintained a strictly professional demeanor, showing their expertise.


    Alex leaned back on the leather sofa, gently rubbing his gold ring, asionally nodding, his expression calm and unreadable.


    Antonio kept a close eye on Alex''s reactions. Finally, he took the tablet James handed him and slid it over to Alex.


    "Here''s the contract we''ve drafted. Take a look, Mr. Harris. If everything''s in order, we can sign anytime."


    Alex nced at the tablet and smiled faintly. "Hold on, Mr. Valencia. Our CEO says you haven''t passed the third test yet." Antonio''s eyes narrowed and said, "What do you mean? You''re not the CEO?"

 Chapter 89 Quite Passionate

    "What? One ne costs a billion dors?" Kathleen was shocked.


    "But so what? My husband is not short of money," Leah immediately raised her card.


    "Put it down quickly." Felipe hurriedly pulled her hand. "Do you want to ruin Ronan?"


    "Dad, what are you doing..."


    "Do as your dad says, don''t act recklessly," Kathleen reprimanded.


    Leah was infuriated but could only resign herself.


    "One billion dors, once, twice..."


    "Are you crazy? A billion dors for a ne?" Sadie whispered to Micah, excitedly, "That''s too extravagant, isn''t it?" "Money is just a number," Micah remained unmoved.


    "But..."


    "One billion dors, three times. Sold," the auctioneer concluded with a final bang of the gavel.


    The usher in a dress carefully carried the ruby ne and stepped down to hand it over to Micah.


    Micah received the ne and casually gifted it to Sadie, saying, "Here, it''s for you!"


    Sadie was dumbfounded. A ruby ne worth a billion dors, given to her???


    There was amotion in the room, and many guests softly discussed Sadie''s background, wondering if she was a wealthy youngdy from a prestigious family or even a royal noblewoman, to be chosen by Micah. Most people didn''t recognize Sadie now, except for three family members.


    However, those three individuals dared not make a scene, turning their heads to look at Kathleen.


    Kathleen made eye contact with them, signaling for them to expose Sadie''s true identity.


    Two of them hesitated, but the other one was J, the distant rtive of the Roth family.


    Last time, at the White family, Frank had scolded Sadie and she vehemently fought back, leaving the couple withsting resentment.


    When Frank saw Sadie entering tonight, he muttered a few curses and found an excuse to go backstage for a smoke.


    J sat alone at her seat, initially not wanting to cause trouble, but Kathleen called her, repeatedly bringing up the incident of Sadie''s disrespect towards them as a couple. Kathleen even said, "Mr. Clemens ispletely unaware of the truth. If someone were to expose Sadie''s true face at this moment, Mr. Clemens would surely reward that person greatly..."


    With this in mind, J stood up and walked towards the front row...


    Kathleen saw J heading towards the front row and knew her n had seeded, a smug smile curling up on her lips.


    "Mom, what is Auntie doing?" Leah asked Kathleen, pulling her sleeve. "Is she going to..."


    "Shh..." Kathleen quickly covered her mouth and whispered through clenched teeth, "Keep your mouth shut!"


    Leah nodded repeatedly, her eyes full of excitement.


    "What are you all up to again?" Felipe frowned and asked.


    Ronan also noticed themotion of the White family mother and daughter, but he didn''t ask anything and just looked at Sadie silently.


    At this moment, Sadie was the center of attention, the most dazzling star.


    To be favored by Micah is the ultimate dream of countless wealthy socialites. They spend their whole lives wanting to marry into the Clemens family and be Micah''s woman!


    And now, Sadie has reached the pinnacle of her life...


    Micah''s parties are usually not open to the media, and it is strictly prohibited to take photos and spread them. Otherwise, this explosive news tonight would definitely be a hot topic for media nationwide.


    Sadie looked at the ruby ne worth a one billion dors in front of her and her mind became a chaotic mess.


    Her hands were anxiously fumbling in front of her chest, her breathing became rapid, and her heart raced...


    "Do you want it?" Micah frowned impatiently, "Don''t drop it!"


    As he spoke, he acted as if he was going to throw the ruby ne away...


    "I want it, I want it!"


    Sadie hastily grabbed the ne, but due to her hurried movements, she identally fell into his arms. Micah smirked and whispered ambiguously in her ear, "Very passionate"


    "I - I didn''t mean to..."


    Sadie''s face turned red and her voice was drowned out by the enthusiastic apuse.

 Chapter 90 Special Status

    "I have something to discuss with Mr. Clemens. Let me through!"


    A voice came, breaking the romantic and beautiful atmosphere.


    Sadie raised her head from Micah''s embrace and saw a familiar face. Isn''t that Frank''s wife, J?


    Sadie''s heart suddenly tightened. Frank and his wife were not very bright and easily influenced by others. Most likely, J was instigated by Kathleen toe and expose her...


    "If you have something, make an appointment with the secretary." The bodyguard coldly stopped J, saying, "Please leave now."


    "I''m not here to discuss business with Mr. Clemens, I just want to tell him a secret..." J became anxious and shouted across the crowd, "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Clemens, you''ve been deceived! Sadie is not a good person, she has many faults, and..."


    "Take her away." Micah coldly interrupted.


    "Yes." The bodyguard immediately covered J''s mouth and escorted her away.


    J struggled to say something, but the bodyguard knocked her unconscious and dragged her away like a dead dog.


    At this moment, the scene fell into silence.


    Everyone was frightened, keeping their mouths shut, afraid to say a word.


    Frank heard themotion and hurriedly returned, but when he saw this scene, he was stunned.


    He was about to ask what was going on when Felipe firmly held him back. "It''s better for you not to know anything right now, otherwise, it will implicate you publicly." "Okay," Frank agreed, nodding to Mr. Felipe.


    "But what about my wife..."


    "She will be fine," Felipe whispered, "Afterwards, you go and pick her up. Just say that you don''t know anything and scold your wife a bit. At most, they will give you a verbal reprimand. They won''t do anything to the two of you." "Alright..." Frank frowned, "What exactly happened? How did my wife offend Mr. Clemens?"


    "Maybe she couldn''t stand that despicable Sadie and wanted to stand up for you," Kathleen said indignantly, "Oh well, now Sadie has backing and we can''t afford to provoke her. Your wife is really unlucky to be caught up in this mess caused by that despicable woman!"


    "Keep quiet," Felipe lowly shouted.


    Kathleen red at him and sighed as she returned to her seat...


    "Mom, what happened? Did Auntie say anything?" Leah asked, moving closer.


    "She couldn''t say anything as they dragged her away," Kathleen clutched her chest, trembling with fear, "It seems that to Mr. Clemens, that despicable Sadie holds a high position. I underestimated her. Thankfully, I didn''t take matters into my own hands, or else it would have been troublesome."


    "That woman is lucky to catch Mr. Clemens'' eye. Let''s see how long she can be arrogant," Leah said angrily, her temper ring.


    "Let''s not talk about it anymore. We should go back. Given the situation tonight, I have a feeling that something bad might still happen..."


    Kathleen pulled Leah to leave, but the emcee suddenly announced that the second round of the auction would continue.


    This time, they were auctioning a pink diamond ring. Although it was only twelve carats, the natural pink diamond was extremely rare, and the exquisite surrounding setting highlighted the craftsmanship. Moreover, it had a special meaning. This ring had been passed down for 99 years, through three different owners, each with a beautiful love story!


    So this ring symbolized a wonderful love and was named Heartthrob!


    "I want this," Leah couldn''t take her eyes off the pink diamond and immediately went over to Ronan, acting cute, "Ronan, buy this for me."


    "You can bid for it yourself," Ronan had lost interest and nned to leave early, "Vincent will stay behind and settle the payment. Just one piece. Don''t offend Mr. Clemens!" "Understood, understood," Leah nodded repeatedly, "Don''t worry."


    Ronan gave some instructions to Vincent and left.


    "Leah, listen to me, don''t buy it," Kathleen tried to convince Leah, "So many things happened tonight. Staying here will only lead to idents..."

 Chapter 91 The Clown

    "It''s precisely because so many things happened tonight that I want to buy myself a gift to reward myself," Leah said dismissively, "Ronan is finally acting so generously, allowing me to bid as I please. Of course, I must make an appearance in front of these people. Otherwise, those socialites at every high-profile gathering will look down on me!"


    Seeing her determination, Kathleen sighed.


    She understood her daughter''s feelings. Although the Potter family had a high status, Leah was always looked down upon in the social circle of high society. Every time Leah attended parties, she woulde home in tears, feeling wronged... Seizing this opportunity for her to make an appearance would be good so that those people wouldn''t look down on her anymore.


    "Now we will begin the bidding," the emcee announced. "The starting price is 9 million dors, with each increase of 500,000 dors!"


    People in the audience started raising their paddles to bid as Micah showed no interest in participating.


    Leah also joined in, every time directly raising the price by 1 million dors to showcase the Potter family''s generosity. Soon, she caught everyone''s attention.


    Leah secretly rejoiced, feeling that she had finally made an appearance.


    At this moment, Sadie had no intention of participating in the auction. She was prepared to once again suggest to Micah to leave..


    But before she could speak, Micah stood up and reached out his hand to her, "Let''s go outside for a walk."


    "Sure." Sadie ced her hand in his palm and let him lead her towards the backyard.


    Instantly, the focus of the entire room shifted to them, and even the bidding paused...


    Leah was very unhappy. She had spent so much money to bid, yet Sadie, who did nothing, easily became the center of attention in the room!


    It was truly unfair.


    "Don''t let that wicked woman affect your mood," Kathleen whispered, "Once you win the bid, let''s leave."


    "13 million dors..."


    "30 million dors!" Leah immediately raised her paddle, once again bing the center of attention in the room.


    In a typical auction, each bid would increase by a small amount, but Leah doubled the price, showing off her generosity!


    However, she did this not only because she wanted to obtain the diamond ring but also because she waspeting with Arianna, the socialite from the rk family who had once madly pursued Ronan, causing quite a scandal. Leah didn''t dare provoke Micah, but she couldn''t afford to lose to the rk family.


    "Mrs. Potter bids 30 million dors, first bid at 30 million dors, second bid at 30 million dors..."


    Leah revealed a proud smile, thinking that she would finally win.


    "50 million dors!" Arianna suddenly shouted a bid.


    "You..." Leah burned with anger and raised her paddle immediately.


    Vincent hurriedly stopped her, "Mr. Potter has instructed that the maximum bid is 50 million dors. Please don''t raise your paddle if it exceeds that amount." "Why?" Leah angrily asked, "It''s not like we can''t afford it."


    "It''s not about the money," Vincent exined in a low voice. "Mr. Potter considers that if someone bids over 50 million dors, it means they really want that item." "Going to fight would affect our business rtionship."


    "But..."


    "Fifty million dors for the first time, fifty million dors for the second time, fifty million dors..."


    Seeing the auctioneer about to close the deal, Leah became anxious and immediately raised her hand to bid. Vincent hurriedly grabbed her hand and said, "Madam, you can''t..."


    "Get away from me!" Leah pushed Vincent away in anger. "You jerk, how dare you interfere with me?"


    She raised her paddle again...


    "Sold!" the auctioneer announced, hammering down.


    Leah''s hand froze in the air, once again bing theughingstock...


    The whole room erupted in enthusiastic apuse, as everyone apuded for Arianna.


    Arianna epted everyone''s well wishes with a smile and turned around, making a provocative expression at Leah.


    Leah trembled with anger. She had already embarrassed herself at the beginning of the night and was humiliated by Micah''s people in the back hall. She had only wanted to bid for something to regain a bit of dignity... But she didn''t expect to be oppressed again.


    She looked around and saw the socialites giving her disdainful and mocking sneers, as if saying, "What a clown!"

 Chapter 92 The God Who Dominates Destiny

    Leah''s state of mind copsed. She red angrily at Arianna, like an enraged wildcat, wanting to pounce on her and tear her apart...


    "Forget it, Leah, let''s go. We''re out of luck tonight." Kathleen faced reality and coaxed Leah, "There will be other chances!"


    "Yes, Madam, we should leave now..."


    Before Vincent could finish his sentence, Leah pped him hard.


    The people around, including the other bodyguards of the Potter family, were stunned.


    Vincent was Ronan''s personal attendant, having grown up with him. In the Potter family, he was almost like a half-master. Not to mention other servants, even Ronan and his parents had never said a harsh word to Vincent. And now, Leah had the audacity to p Vincent in front of so many people.


    This was a grave offense!


    "Are you crazy?" Kathleen widened her eyes in astonishment. "Why do you lose your temper so easily..."


    "Mom, mind your own business!" Leah shouted angrily and then pointed at Vincent''s nose, cursing, "If it weren''t for you pulling me, how would I have made a fool of myself? You lowly scum, I''ll make Ronan fire you." Vincent kept his head down, silent, but his eyes shimmered with a chilling light...


    "You, you really..." Kathleen trembled with anger and was about to scold Leah.


    At this moment, Arianna walked over with a pink diamond ring, wearing a bright smile and provokingly said, "What''s this? You take out your frustration on your underling just because you''re not as wealthy? Leah, if I were you, I''d find a hole to hide in."


    "Never show your face again. Look at you, it''s truly embarrassing. Ronan must not be able to stand you, that''s why he left early!"


    "Shut up," Leah snapped through gritted teeth. "Arianna, you''re just an unmarried slut, what right do you have to boast?"


    "I''m still better than you," Arianna sneered. "What good is it for you to marry Ronan? He doesn''t love you at all. From the beginning of tonight''s event until now, his gaze hasn''t been on you. All he feels towards you is disgust and disdain. He probably can''t even be bothered to touch your bed..."


    "You..." Leah, trembling with anger, pped Arianna across the face..


    Caught off guard by the blow, Arianna''s face instantly turned crimson. At the same time, the diamond ring in her hand dropped to the ground, rolling to some unknown corner... "Woah..."


    The crowd gasped in astonishment. No one expected Leah to be so arrogant, openly pping Arianna in front of so many people.


    It should be noted that the rk family is currently catching up to the Potter family, trying to be the new richest family!


    Ronan has always been wary of this fact, usually showing deference to the rk family in business matters. But all his efforts have been destroyed today by Leah!


    "Leah, how dare you hit me?" Arianna eximed, trembling with anger.


    "Miss rk, please calm down. Leah acted impulsively. On her behalf, I apologize to you..." Kathleen quickly apologized, but Arianna was no longer receptive. With a flick of her hand, two bodyguards immediately restrained Leah. "What are you doing? Try touching me for once!" Leah arrogantly shouted. "My husband is Ronan!"


    "So audacious!"


    A cold voice rang out, and the entire venue instantly fell silent.


    Micah returned to the scene with Sadie, witnessing this spectacle.


    Sadie had a vague feeling that everything tonight seemed to be targeted at the White mother and daughter. Could it be that someone deliberately nned this?


    Everyone moved aside, creating an exclusive path.


    Micah slowly walked over, akin to a deity controlling fate. "Causing trouble in my domain, you''ve got quite the nerve!"


    His chilling gaze exuded an oppressive feeling that made it hard to breathe.


    Leah trembled in fear, too terrified to say a word.

 Chapter 93 Fight Fire with Fire

    Kathleen realized the seriousness of the situation and hurriedly exined, "Mr. Clemens, my daughter was just impulsive for a moment and did not intend to cause trouble at your event. We can apologize andpensate, whatever it takes." "Indeed, indeed, Mr. Clemens, you are a man of great tolerance. Could you let her off the hook just this once?" Hearing the circumstances, Felipe hastily came to beg for leniency. Micahpletely ignored the family and looked at Arianna, saying, "What does the person involved think?"


    "I have never suffered such insult from childhood to adulthood." Arianna was unforgivably angry but tried to restrain herself. "But this is Mr. Clemens'' ce. I won''t act out of line..."


    She paused, respectfully asking, "Mr. Clemens, can I take her to the police station? I want to have awyer sue her."


    "No, Miss rk..." Kathleen hurriedly pleaded, "We can apologize andpensate in any way you want; just please don''t involve the police. Tonight, there are only influential and wealthy people here, and Mr. Clemens is leading the business gathering. It wouldn''t look good if things escted."


    Kathleen knew very well that Leah was the daughter-inw of the Potter family, representing them. How she embarrassed herself here today would only be known by insiders.


    After all, Micah''s banquets were private affairs, and no one dared to gossip.


    But once it escted to the police, if Arianna spread the word to the media, Leah''s embarrassing behavior tonight would quickly be national news and aughingstock.


    At that point, not only Ronan but also other elders of the Potter family wouldn''t tolerate Leah!


    Even if Leah was foolish, she understood this logic.


    At this moment, Leah dared not say a word, waiting for her parents to solve the problem for her.


    It had always been like this from childhood to adulthood.


    "You just gave me an idea," Arianna raised an eyebrow, "the auction hasn''t even reached halfway. How can we disturb everyone''s mood? But, if we don''t involve the police, how should we punish you?" "We can apologize andpensate." Kathleen hurriedly said.


    "Laughable. Do I need your payback?" Arianna coldly spat out. "Leah hits me once, and a sorry is supposed to suffice? How about I p you ten times and then just apologize? Would that work?" "I..."


    "That''s a good idea," Micah suddenly spoke up. "it''s the most fair this way!"


    Arianna, with Micah''s support, immediately said, "If you don''t want to involve the police, then let me hit back. You p me once, I''ll p you ten times, very fair!" "Arianna, don''t go too far..."


    Before Leah could finish her sentence, Arianna pped her.


    Leah''s face turned red from the p. She trembled with anger, ring at Arianna.


    This time, Kathleen dared not speak. Although she felt sorry, she could only endure it.


    "This is one p." Arianna was about to continue.


    "Why are you hitting yourself? Does your hand hurt?" Micah suddenly added.


    "Right, thanks for the reminder, Mr. Clemens," Arianna sneered and said, "Kathleen, you''re up!"


    "You... you''re asking me to p her?" Kathleen stared at Arianna in disbelief.


    "What''s the matter? You can''t stomach it?" Arianna quirked an eyebrow. "Then I guess I''ll have to let my bodyguards handle it; they''re quite forceful when they get going." "Guards,e!"


    "Hold on!" Kathleen quickly intervened. "Alright, I''ll do it!"


    Saying this, Kathleen lifted her shaking hand and softly pped Leah.


    "This p doesn''t count," Arianna angrily shouted. "I want to hear a sound. There should be a mark on her face; otherwise, it doesn''t count."


    "You..." Kathleen was shaking with anger, but helpless, she could only give Leah a hard p.


    "Mom..." Leah burst into tears.


    "Why cry? Your mom isn''t dead!" Arianna smiled. Kathleen, you''re very good. Continue!" Kathleen closed her eyes and continued to p.


    "Two!"


    "Three!"


    "Four!"


    Arianna patiently counted.


    Felipe watched with aching heart, but dared not speak, only bowing his head in submission. Chapter

 Chapter 94 Giving It All Back

    The surrounding people watched this family''s spectacle, and many whispered,menting on how Ronan ended up marrying such a disgraceful wife.


    Only Sadie remained silent. She finally understood that Micah was venting his anger for that night on her behalf...


    After ten ps were delivered, Leah''s face and Kathleen''s hand were swollen. The mother and daughter held their heads and cried in pain.


    After a moment, Kathleen wiped away her tears and asked, "Miss rk, can we leave now?"


    "Get lost," Arianna waved her hand dismissively.


    Felipe approached, preparing to take the mother and daughter away.


    "Did I say you can leave?" Micah coldly interjected.


    Leah trembled all over and tearfully asked, "What else do you want?"


    "Don''t speak," Felipe hurriedly reprimanded.


    "I understand," Kathleen took a deep breath, took a step forward, and bowed ny degrees to Sadie. "Miss Roth, I offended youst time. It was my fault. I pped you before, and now I return it to you!"


    Saying that, she fiercely pped herself and continued to strike...


    "Mom..." Leah cried out, wanting to stop Kathleen but was pulled back by Vincent. "Madam, if you go up now, Mrs. White won''t just settle for ten ps anymore." Leah had no choice but to stand still, watching her mother p herself, trembling all over...


    Sadie frowned as she looked at Kathleen, feeling a hint of pity but remembering all the things Kathleen had done and said to her and the kids, she remained silent... "That''s enough..." Felipe saw his wife being pped until her mouth bled, and hurriedly stepped forward to plead, "Sadie, spare Kathleen, please, I beg you." Looking at Felipe''s submissive appearance, Micah whispered to her, "How about we let it go?"


    "When she hit you, when she insulted you, did she ever show mercy?" Micah coldly stared at her.


    Sadie dared not speak again.


    "Ah..."


    Suddenly, there was a gasp around them, and Kathleen copsed to the ground.


    "Honey..." Felipe hurriedly went forward to hold Kathleen.


    "Mom..." Leah rushed over, shaking Kathleen''s shoulders, "Mom, wake up, don''t scare me."


    "Quick, take her to the hospital," someone in the crowd said.


    Felipe quickly carried Kathleen away, with Leah crying and following behind.


    "Mr. Clemens, Miss Roth, I apologize!" Vincent politely apologized to the two before slowly catching up.


    "Hmph!" Sadie couldn''t help but sneer. Kathleen always fainted whenever her ns failed. It was Kathleen''s old trick, fainting several times every month before...


    Sadie''s face was filled with disgust, but she turned around and found everyone looking at her with strange eyes...


    She suddenly understood that Kathleen yed this trick well. Although everyone detested Leah''s rudeness and ignorance, human nature instinctively sympathized with the weak.


    With Kathleen fainting, everyone now thought that Sadie was the aggressive one who instigated Micah to punish the mother and daughter so severely.


    Yes, even in their hearts, they didn''t dare me Micah. They would only consider it Sadie''s fault.


    The auction continued, and everyone went back to their seats.


    Micah was ready to leave with Sadie.


    When Sadie turned around, she found the pink diamond ring right at her feet. She bent down, picked it up, and handed it to Arianna.


    "Thank you." Arianna took the ring, smiled slightly at her, and returned to her seat.


    Sadie looked at her figure, her mind wandering back years ago...


    Back then, Arianna had caused quite amotion topete for Ronan with her, but Arianna dared to be open about it. Although Sadie was annoyed with her, she never held a grudge... After many years, when Arianna encountered her again, she didn''t speak ill of her, while her once-close cousin Leah was now scheming against her...


    This is probably human nature.

 Chapter 95 No More Prostitution in the Future

    Sadie sat on the armchair, carefully admiring the ruby ne. Apart from the difference in gemstone color, this ne was almost identical to the one she sold. "Haven''t you seen enough?" Micah shook his ss and looked deeply at her.


    Under the dim light, Sadie''s pearl-like smooth skin emitted a seductive glow. Her wlessly perfect face, filled with seriousness, fascinated people.


    The slightly opened red lips were like petals, tempting people to taste them...


    Micah yfully brushed his foot against her skirt, teasingly, and when she looked up at him, hemanded ambiguously, "Come here!"


    Sadie looked at him, finally shifting her thoughts away from the auction. She blinked, organized her mind, and gathered up the courage to speak, "Um, Mr. Clemens..."


    As the words reached her lips, she felt a bit anxious, thinking about Micah''s methods of dealing with people. Her heart raced with unease.


    A man as superior as him, he probably has never been rejected by a woman, right?


    If she refused him, would he be furious and strangle her right here in the car?


    Thinking about this, Sadie couldn''t help but shiver...


    "Hmm?" Micah brushed her again.


    "This..." Sadie pushed the ruby ne towards him, "Here, it''s for you!"


    Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously, the earlier ambiguity and teasing gradually dissipated, reced by an icy coldness. "What do you mean?"


    "Mr. Clemens, I am just a security guard in yourpany," Sadie said cautiously, "I can''t ept such a valuable gift!"


    "Why didn''t you say that when you threw yourself into my arms earlier?" Micah furrowed his brows, looking rather difficult to handle.


    "In that kind of situation just now, if I didn''t ept it, wouldn''t it embarrass you?" Sadie said with a yful smile, "Mr. Clemens, your status is dignified, and I am not worthy of you!"


    Finally, she said it out loud. Even fools would understand the meaning behind thest half of her sentence.


    Micah, who had been leaning forward, leaned back slightly, resting on the couch, coldly staring at her. "What do you mean?"


    When it was already so clear, why ask what she meant?


    Did he have to have everything spelled out for him?


    Sadie rolled her eyes in her mind, but she still maintained a smiling face on the surface. "I don''t know why you have been so good to me - bringing me home for treatment, giving me such a valuable gift, and standing up for me... I am deeply moved by all these things. In the future, if I have the chance, I will definitely repay you. However, I cannot ept you because... because..."


    Micah remained silent, calmly waiting for her to finish speaking.


    "...because I am not worthy of you," Sadie continued, "I have no status, no position, no family background, nothing at all, and a heap of shameful past..."


    "These things are not important," Micah interrupted her, "Do you have any other reasons?"


    "Huh?" Sadie froze. These were not enough? What should she do? Should she really reveal that she has three children?


    No, if she said it, it would cause a lot of trouble, right?


    What if he became furious and harmed the three little ones?


    He''s the type of person who''s unpredictable and capable of anything.


    But if she didn''t say this, what else could she say?


    "Um?" Micah was already starting to be impatient.


    "And... I, I, I have engaged in activities..."


    "Male escort," Sadie blurted out, immediately regretting her wittiness. "Can you tolerate that?"


    Micah frowned, his eyes flickering with mes. "How many have you hired?"


    "Just one," Sadie raised a finger timidly. "Only once, and it made headlines. Probably a lot of people know..."


    "That''s in the past. Just don''t do it again," Micah''s patience was wearing thin. "Any other questions?"

 Chapter 96 Self-inflicted Delusion

    Is that not enough?


    How much do you actually like me?


    Sadie felt even more anxious. Oh no, this man has already fallen for me. If I reject him again, will he resent me out of love?


    Micah lost all patience and pounced directly, towering over her like a wild beast.


    "Mr. Clemens, calm down!"


    Sadie''s heart raced, almost bursting from her chest. Despite that, she mustered up the courage to say, "You are so amazing, it''s not that I don''t like you, but I dare not like you because I... I..."


    "If you keep bbering, I''ll throw you out of the car," Micah pinched her chin. "Don''t be so dramatic!"


    With that, he leaned in for a kiss...


    "I already have a boyfriend!"


    Sadie blurted out with her eyes closed.


    Micah''s lips were already on hers, but suddenly froze, motionless, rooted in ce...


    The chill emanating from him was enough to freeze Sadie. Trembling like prey beneath a wild beast, Sadie was terrified.


    After a while, Micah finally backed away and returned to his seat.


    Although the sense of invasion was somewhat distant now, it had not dissipated, and a cold atmosphere pervaded the entire carriage.


    Sadie slowly opened her eyes, timidly looking at him...


    She wanted to exin, to cate him, to find a way out for herself, but her lips moved a few times without daring to speak.


    "A boyfriend?" Micah stared coldly at her, "Since when?"


    "It''s been a while," Sadie''s voice was as soft as a mosquito''s.


    Micah remained silent, picked up the tall wine ss on the table, and downed its contents.


    When he put down the ss, he transformed back into his usual cold demeanor, devoid of any warmth. "You''ve misunderstood."


    "Huh?" Sadie was stunned. He couldn''t have been struck dumb from the blow, could he?


    "First!" Micah wagged his finger, "I took you home for treatment because you were injured by apany employee in front of me, and it would harm thepany''s reputation if it got out! Second, I gave you the ne on a whim. While one billion dors may be a huge fortune for someone like you, it''s just a number to me. Third, I punished the White family mother and daughter, not because I like you, but to vent my anger. Even if it were my own dog being beaten..." "... and I''m hitting back too!" Sadie was dumbfounded, thinking that this exnation actually made sense. So, was it really all a misunderstanding?


    "So, you really assumed too much, and arrogantly so, thinking you''re so remarkable that you would get what you want!" Micah seemed to know exactly what she was thinking and gave her the answer directly.


    "You actually thought I liked you?" Micah''s lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Ha, what a joke. Do I look blind to you?"


    Sadie was left speechless by his retort. She lowered her head, twisting her fingers, wishing she could just disappear into the ground.


    "One final look!" Micah picked up the ruby ne, teasingly waved it in front of her eyes, and before she could react, he opened the car window and threw the ne out. "Ah!" Sadie widened her eyes, shrieking in astonishment. "Are you insane? That ne is worth a billion dors!"


    "Stop the car!" Micahmanded.


    The car halted.


    "Get out!" Micah yelled in anger.


    Sadie didn''t dare say a word and quickly got out of the car, holding up her dress.


    Micah''s anger rose as he saw her. He forcefully kicked her behind.


    "Ah!" Sadie immediately fell down and gasped for air, in pain like a frog on the road.


    Witnessing this scene, Dahlia and Andrew were dumbfounded but didn''t dare ask any further.


    "Drive," Micah heartlessly ordered.


    "Yes!"


    The Rolls-Royce sped away.


    Sadie stood up, dusted off her injured hands, and touched the painful spot, clutching her gown as she hurried back. The ne was not thrown with force... Hopefully, she could find it!

 Chapter 97 Mr. Clemens in the Day, Male Escort at Night

    Bending over, Sadie searched for the ruby ne along the roadside...


    It was alreadyte at night, and although the streetlights illuminated the area, the light remained dim.


    Fortunately, the ruby was dazzling. After more than forty minutes, Sadie finally discovered the ne in the bushes...


    She was overjoyed and quickly picked it up, brushing off the dust before cing it into her bag.


    Then, she took out her phone from the bag to call a cab, but realized that the battery was only at five percent, and the screen stuttered with each swipe. If she called for a cab now, the driver might not be able to reach her.


    Moreover, Sadie herself wasn''t sure where she was precisely, and the GPS might not be urate.


    Sadie could only search through her contacts to find someone to seek help from.


    However, other than Brenda, the only number in her contacts was for the "Debt-Repaying Male Escort."


    Sadie had no choice but to dial his number.


    Inside the extended Rolls-Royce...


    Micah was frustratingly drinking when he heard his phone vibrating. He furrowed his brows and nced at the screen, which disyed "Idiotic Woman!" This was the nickname Micah had given Sadie.


    Coldly staring at the screen, he wondered if he should answer.


    The phone screen buzzed, igniting anger in his heart. Just after he kicked her out of the car, she called another man...


    What does she want to do?


    The phone continued to vibrate, and Micah hung up directly.


    He was angry now, not wanting to see her at all!


    Soon, the "Idiotic Woman" sent another location and a voice message: "Male escort, I''ve been left on the roadside, my phone is about to die, pleasee and save me!" So, she was asking for help.


    Truly living up to her name, she was as foolish as a pig!


    Micah thought of that woman with teeth-gritting hatred, not nning to pay her any attention...


    But then a thought urred to him, how could he let her off so easily when she was so clueless?


    He should teach her a lesson...


    With this in mind, Micah stopped the car, changed clothes, put on a mask, and drove another car to pick up Sadie...


    Dahlia stood by the roadside, watching the Aston Martin drive away, and asked Andrew curiously, "What is Mr. Clemens going to do?"


    "Role-ying," Andrew mysteriously said, "He is Mr. Clemens during the day and the king of male escorts at night!"


    "Ah?" Dahlia widened her eyes in astonishment.


    "I didn''t say anything, I didn''t say anything..." Andrew hurriedly tapped his mouth, daring to make fun of Mr. Clemens, he must be tired of living! While driving, Micah changed Sadie''s nickname in his phone from "Idiotic Woman" to "Pig Woman!"


    He deliberately drove slowly, teasing the pig woman''s appetite.


    Meanwhile, Sadie sat on the roadside, chin in hand, waiting, eagerly watching the direction from which the cars wereing.


    Suddenly, a green Porsche stopped in front of her.


    Four stylishly dressed young boys got out of the car and yfully approached, saying, "Wow, is this a little fairy fallen from heaven? So beautiful!" "Pretty girl, are you lost or waiting for someone?"


    "Come to the bar with me."


    Sadie looked coldly at the group of boys and rolled her eyes. "My boyfriend ising to pick me up soon. He has a bad temper, you should leave." "Hahaha..." the young boys burst intoughter.


    "It seems like the girl had a fight with her boyfriend. If the man who made you angry isn''t worth it, be my girlfriend and I''ll buy you a bag!"


    A boy in hip-hop clothing with a Korean-style haircut came closer and put his arm around Sadie''s shoulder.


    "Get lost!" Sadie pushed his hand away, identally brushing against her wound, causing her to inhale sharply in pain.


    "What happened? Did you get hurt? Was it your boyfriend who did this? He doesn''t know how to cherish you," the boy shamelessly approached again. "Come, let me take care of you!"

 Chapter 98 Revealing His Mask

    At this moment, two dazzling beams of light suddenly shot over, making the boys unable to open their eyes.


    Sadie subconsciously closed her eyes and heard the screech of tires and the angry shouts of the boys, "Damn, scared me! Who the hell wants to die?!"


    In the next moment, there were sounds of punches and the boys'' screams....


    There was wind in her ears, and the vibration of someone falling.


    All of this happened in an instant...


    Sadie was in a panic, and when she opened her eyes, she was astonished by the scene in front of her!


    The four boys were lying on the ground, screaming in pain.


    Especially the boy who hadid hands on Sadie, both of his hands were broken, and now he was rolling on the ground, wailing...


    And in front of her, backlit by the sun, stood a masked man in ck, towering arrogantly, like a wild lone wolf looking down on the weak below, coldly uttering two words, "Useless trash!" Sadie stared at him in astonishment, and an image of Micah inexplicably shed through her mind.


    Although their styles of dress and identities werepletely different, in that moment, their arrogant demeanor, cold and fierce gaze, and even their voices were strangely simr... "What are you staring at?"


    Micah tapped Sadie''s forehead and then picked her up, stuffing her into the car before speeding away.


    The scene from earlier kept reying in Sadie''s mind - it was too simr, too simr...


    "Are you an idiot?"


    Micah angrily shouted, "Someone harassed you, and you just stood there stupidly?!"


    "What was I supposed to do? I can''t beat them." Sadie said helplessly, "Besides, I''m injured..."


    "So useless!" Micah muttered under his breath.


    "It''s not like I suffered any losses." Sadie said casually, "But, did you have to hit them so hard?"


    "What?" Micah''s expression suddenly darkened, "Are you feeling sorry for them? Seems like I interrupted something good for you?"


    "What are you talking about?"


    "Do you want me to take you back and have some more fun with those little hooligans?" Micah''s tone was filled with anger.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Sadie suddenly pped the back of his head, "How dare you speak to me like that! Do you want to die?" "You..."


    "Get it straight, I am your boss, and you are just a male escort!"


    Just as Micah was about to explode, Sadie arrogantly shouted this sentence, instantly making him realize his status.


    He was not Mr. Clemens right now!


    Sadie red at him aggressively, "It seems like I''ve been too good to you, spoiling you so much that you dare to be so arrogant and even make fun of me?" "Enough already, stop it..."


    Micah squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, his hand gripping the steering wheel tightly.


    Stupid woman, he had just been rejected by her, and now she was hitting him. If he wasn''t afraid of his identity being exposed, he would take care of her right now. "Hmph!" Sadie gave him a nce and took out her phone to charge it in the car.


    Thoughts raced through her mind.


    However, while he was pondering over these thoughts, he couldn''t possibly be Micah, could he?


    Micah, that supreme man, who wouldn''t hesitate to strangle me if I were to p him?


    I just scolded and pped him a moment ago, and apart from his unpleasant expression, he didn''t say a word.


    But, when he saved me just now, that aura was really simr, and the more I listen, the more his voice sounds like him...


    Also, they both have the same habit of kicking people from behind and rushing them off the car.


    Thinking about this, Sadie''s excitement grew, and she continued to probe, "Why do you always wear a mask? It''s not like we''re in a Night Club now, or that there are wealthy women choosing you. It''s tiring to pretend to be mysterious all the time!"


    As she spoke, she reached out to take off his mask...

 Chapter 99 Male Escort, Be My Boyfriend

    "Hey!" Micah opened her hand and coldly shouted, "Don''t touch me!"


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie''s doubts grew even bigger, "Why won''t you let me see?"


    "Obviously!" Micah replied coldly, "If you saw my face, wouldn''t you ckmail me for the rest of my life? Will it ever end?"


    Sadie had no response.


    It''s because she recognized the tattoo on his waist and forced him to sign a debt agreement that he now had to split his daily earnings with her. After enduring a little longer, he would be free.


    After all, she didn''t know what he looked like, even if they were to meet on the street in the future, she wouldn''t recognize him. However, if she were to see his face, things might truly beplicated...


    Thinking like this, it seemed reasonable...


    "If it weren''t for what happened four years ago, and that I caused you to miscarry, I wouldn''t be involved with you!" Micah added, speaking from the depths of his emotion.


    That night, he had been drugged and bumped into her while in a daze, and he was aggressive like a beast, without any trace of pity...


    He still remembered her pitiful pleading underneath him, and every time he thought about it, guilt and remorse overwhelmed him...


    "I suppose you have a bit of a conscience."


    Sadie''s doubts lessened a bit, but she thought to herself, someone as superior as Micah, how could he pretend to be a Male escort at the Night Club and y roles with her? Furthermore, he had just kicked her off the car; it was impossible for him to switch cars and change his appearance in the blink of an eye.


    Even if time allowed, his temperament wouldn''t tolerate it!


    "Don''t call me for this kind of thing in the future." Micah changed the topic, "I''m not your bodyguard, why should Ie whenever you beckon?"


    "I don''t want to trouble you either, but besides you, I have no one else to turn to for help." Sadie looked helpless.


    "What about your boyfriend?" Micah asked coldly.


    "I don''t have a boyfriend." Sadie rolled her eyes at him.


    "No boyfriend?" Micah wondered inside, which statement from this woman was true? Which one was false?


    "You just reminded me..."


    Sadie thought about what she had told Micah tonight about having a boyfriend. If he found out she was lying, she would be in trouble, so she had to act the part convincingly... With this in mind, Sadie grabbed Micah''s arm and said, "Be my boyfriend, like a male escort!"


    Micah was shocked. What was going on?


    Just an hour ago, this woman had heartlessly rejected him, the unparalleled and supreme him!!! And now she was actually asking a male escort to be her boyfriend?


    Was she crazy or stupid?


    "Don''t worry, I mean pretend," Sadie exined. "There''s someone who has been pursuing metely, and in order to deter him, I intentionally told him I have a boyfriend..." Micah narrowed his eyes dangerously. Very well, woman, you dare to y with me?


    "Male escort, do me this favor again," Sadie pleaded, tugging at his sleeve. "I''ll buy you some supplements..."


    "No need!" Micah interrupted her. "Who is this person pursuing you?"


    "You don''t need to know that," Sadie said casually. "You just have to pretend, it''s not real."


    "But how?" Micah went along with it. "What if this person turns out to be a ruthless character and seeks revenge on me in the future?"


    "It''s my boss," Sadie confessed.


    "No way, your boss likes you?" Micah sneered at her. "With your underdeveloped appearance, is he blind?"


    Sadie felt like she was overthinking things. Micah would definitely not say something like that about her.


    "And your boss is so outstanding. If he likes you, you should be grateful. Why reject him?" Micah deliberately asked.


    "I can''t afford to provoke someone of his stature..." Sadie sighed. "He''s interested in novelty now, but once he gets tired of it, he''ll kick me aside. Where will I cry then? Besides, he''s unpredictable and constantly changing moods. He''s simply deranged. Who knows what strange quirks he might have? I''d better keep my distance from him!"

 Chapter 100 A Wretched Person

    Micah was speechless, not knowing what she was thinking.


    "That settles it then. I''ll call you when I need you. Don''t worry, by pretending to be my boyfriend once, you''ll save a day''s worth of money." "Shut up, give me your address!"


    Sadie pouted and gave him her address, feeling like she was being looked down upon by the male escort. He kept a serious expression and didn''t want to have anything to do with her. Back at home, Brenda was still in the living room watching a silent TV, waiting for her. When she saw Sadie return, she hurriedly brought over a bowl of thick corn soup she had stewed. Sadie drank arge bowl, hugged Brenda with her uninjured right arm, and then went to her room to remove her makeup and sleep.


    Tomorrow was Monday, and she had to go back to work at thepany!


    Sadie always kept her mission in mind. This week, she must find a way to return the chip.


    That night, Sadie slept soundly, so she woke up early the next morning.


    She woke up very early, kissed her three babies, grabbed her breakfast, and hurried downstairs to catch the bus to work.


    After resting for so many days, Sadie felt more at ease and secure as things were returning to normal.


    This kind of practical life was the real deal!


    All those fancy auctions, a ruby ne worth a hundred million dors, the cold and domineering devil Mr. Clemens, they were all just dreams. Now she had to return to real life. Sadie arrived ten minutes early at the security department to change clothes, but the security department manager informed her, "Sadie, you have been transferred. Go to the personnel department to receive your transfer order and then report to your new department."


    "Huh?!"


    Sadie was shocked. This scene seemed so familiar. Not long ago, she was transferred from the administrative department to the security department, and it was the same situation back then.


    But back then, she was implicated by Samuel, so they were punished together. Why was it happening now?


    Could it be because she refused Mr. Clemens???


    She should have been mentally prepared for this...


    This ruthless and cold-blooded devil, he probably had never been rejected in his life!


    How could she expect him to let her go so easily?


    Sadie''s mind shed with a melodramatic scene, and she could probably guess which department she was being transferred to.


    The janitorial department!


    This devil, no, this scoundrel had threatened her with this before.


    And now he finally found a reason to act.


    So what?


    She could just refuse to do it. Even if she had to work in a small restaurant washing dishes, she could still support her children. Why should she endure that scoundrel''s temper here? "Sadie, Sadie..." David''s call interrupted Sadie''s thoughts.


    Sadie snapped out of it, took a deep breath, and said sadly, "David, Randy, thank you for taking care of me. Goodbye!"


    As she spoke, she bowed to them and left with teary eyes...


    Randy and David were both stunned. What was going on? It felt like a farewell before a life-or-death separation.


    Sadie walked out of the security office, feeling down as she thought about being transferred to work as a janitor, only cleaning and washing toilets in the future.


    In her heart, she cursed Micah - seeking revenge when he couldn''t win her love. What a scoundrel!


    In the elevator, Micah sneezed twice. He covered his mouth and nose with a ck silk handkerchief, wondering if someone was cursing him behind his back. "Ding!" The elevator doors opened.


    Micah walked out of the elevator and happened to meet Sadie, who was entering the adjacent regr elevator.


    He gave her a cold nce and was stunned to see that she was ring at him with hatred in her eyes.


    He could hardly believe his eyes.


    As the elevator doors closed slowly, he turned to Andrew and asked, "Did I see it correctly? Did she just re at me with her eyes?"


    Andrew cleared his throat and cautiously replied, "It seems like it... I am not sure!"

 Chapter 101 Lovely

    Sadie arrived at the HR department on the 13th floor, where the HR manager personally came to handle her handover procedures. The manager''s attitude was a world apart from the previous condescending and superior demeanor. Sadie felt puzzled. What was going on?


    The manager smiled and handed her the transfer form. "Sadie, take good care of yourself from now on!"


    "Huh?" Sadie was extremely confused. She reached out to take the transfer order and was dumbfounded by the new position written on it... President''s Office?


    She was transferred to the President''s Office??


    Was this real?


    Did she imagine it?


    "Sadie!" At this moment, David patted her shoulder. "Randy asked me to bring your things over. I was just about to congratte you, but you left. Congrattions!"


    "Thank you..." Sadie instinctively responded, then asked again, "Did I see it wrong? Am I really being transferred to the President''s Office?"


    "That''s right, Andrew personally ordered it," the manager said with enthusiasm. "Sadie, your good fortune ising. You will keep rising in the future!" Sadie awkwardly smiled and left with David.


    "Sadie, how''s your injury? I see your arm isn''t fully healed yet, and you still have bandages on your neck. Does it still hurt?" David asked with concern. "It''s much better. Thank you, David."


    Sadie felt that David was the most innocent and trustworthy person in thispany, someone worth relying on and befriending.


    "It''s good that you''re okay. Let me help you carry your things up. Take out the new ess card for the elevator."


    "Okay."


    Finally, she didn''t have to climb the stairs anymore. She could go directly to the 68th floor by swiping her own ess card.


    Sadie watched as the elevator ascended floor by floor, feeling a special sense of honor. It was as if each floor represented a step forward in her life.


    Arriving at the President''s Office, Sadie was greeted by dedicated staff members who then led her to her position.


    The wee reception desk at the elevator on the 68th floor!


    Upon seeing her position, Sadie couldn''t help but be dumbfounded...


    She knew that each floor of VIC Group had a reception desk at the elevator, responsible for verifying guests'' identities and then notifying relevant colleagues for further contact.


    In a more pleasant way, it was called a junior secretary, but in a less ttering way, it was the guard at the door on the 68th floor!


    "Congrattions, Sadie. I''ll head down now. Work hard!" David patted Sadie''s shoulder and left with a smile.


    In his innocence, he thought it was an honorable position.


    However, Sadie felt a wave of disappointment. Inparison to being a security guard, this new position only meant she had less walking to do! "Sadie, wee!"


    The person who greeted her was the senior secretary, in charge of training new hires, a mature and polished woman in her forties named Chloe.


    She speaks with a serious yet warm tone, and at the moment, she was exining some basic matters to Sadie.


    "Later, I will have a colleaguee and teach you the tasks of your new position. Study hard and I hope you can start working as soon as possible."


    "In addition to the change in your job position, your sry has also changed from the previous $8,000 to $18,000. After your probation period, it will be $25,000. Your probation period is one month, starting from today..." "What?" Sadie suddenly eximed, "Did you say that the sry after probation is $25,000? Did I hear correctly?"


    "Yes," Chloe smiled, "You are a neer now, you will learn as you go, and your sry will gradually increase. Mr. Clemens is very good to the employees!"


    "Yes, yes. I will study hard. Thank you!" Sadie clenched her fists and made a gesture to cheer herself up.


    Her smile on her face was as radiant as the sunshine outside.


    At this moment, she no longer thought of Micah as a devil or a jerk, but as lovely!!!

 Chapter 102 The Board of Directors

    Throughout the day, Sadie had been learning about the work matters of her new position, and it wasn''t until four o''clock in the afternoon that she finally took a breath.


    Chloe took her to the conference room to deliver some documents. Along the way, she solemnly advised, "Put the documents down and leave. Don''t disturb the directors'' meeting. You must handle things with care and avoid making any noise. Mr. Clemens has been in a bad mood these past few days, so don''t provoke him, otherwise, the entirepany will suffer!"


    "Yes, yes." Sadie held the document box with one hand and followed behind.


    Chloe knocked on the door and, after receiving permission, led Sadie into the conference room.


    As Sadie pushed the door open, she was stunned by the scene before her. The floor had a height of six meters, and the decor was in cool tones, solemn and dignified, giving a suffocating sense of oppression!


    Both sides of the long table were upied by directors dressed in sharp suits. Most of them were of middle age, with two being slightly younger.


    Each of them had a serious expression, either focusing on the documents in front of them or exchanging low whispers with the person next to them. Everyone was present, except for Mr. Clemens...


    Micah hadn''t arrived yet!


    Sadie, along with Chloe, ced the documents on the table. There were other senior secretaries responsible for distributing new documents to the directors.


    One senior secretary instructed Sadie to tidy up the abandoned documents and clutter on the desks, and called Chloe to distribute the documents.


    As Sadie was tidying up, she suddenly heard a director behind her whisper, "If we don''t find the X chip soon, theunch of this batch of new technology products will have to be postponed." "Weren''t we coborating with the police for salvage in South Coast? Is there still no news?" another director asked.


    "It would be great if we could get some news..." The gray-haired director sighed, "Each day of salvage costs tens of millions of dors. It''s been seven or eight days already..."


    No news at all..."


    Upon hearing these words, Sadie was terrified. Oh my god, the salvage fee is tens of millions of dors per day, so does that mean they''ve spent billions of dors in the past few days? "Don''t worry, Mr. Clemens is personally handling it. He will definitely find the chip," a young director next to her reassured.


    "That''s right, when I reported to Mr. Clemens yesterday, it seemed like he asked Andrew to investigate something about a little baby. It seems like he''s trying a different approach..."


    "A little baby? What does that mean?"


    Sadie couldn''t bear to listen to the rest. She was trembling with fear now. If Micah really found her home, then she would be finished...


    No, today she must return the chip!


    "Sadie, Sadie!"


    Chloe''s voice came, startling Sadie. She trembled and identally knocked over the tea cup next to her.


    With a crisp sound, it hit the ground.


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry..." Sadie hurriedly crouched down to clean up.


    Several directors turned their heads, frowning displeasedly.


    "What''s going on?" the secretary supervisor in his fifties scolded lowly, "Get out."


    "I''m sorry, she''s new. I will definitely train her well."


    Chloe quickly apologized and then led Sadie away.


    Sadie bowed and apologized to everyone, hastily following Chloe.


    Just as the two reached the door, the door of the meeting room suddenly opened...


    Two bodyguards cleared the way, and Micah, wearing a ck suit, walked towards them, his tall figure and powerful aura exuding an overwhelming intimidation! Seeing him, Sadie immediately became guilty and panicked...


    "Mr. Clemens!" Chloe respectfully greeted him, while pulling Sadie to the side.


    Sadie''s heart pounded incessantly. She cautiously stole nces at Micah, specting in her mind if he had found her home...


    Micah''s expression was cold and stern, not even casting a nce her way. He walked straight to Mr. Clemens'' seat.

 Chapter 103 Looking for Him at Night

    "Mr. Clemens!" the board members greeted respectfully.


    The nearby staff all bowing their heads.


    Micah nodded in return and sat on the ck chair.


    Chloe briskly led Sadie away.


    As Sadie stepped out of the meeting room, she heard Micah''s voice. "Everyone; I''m pleased to inform you that I have located the whereabouts of the chip. You can rest assured; we''ll have it back before dawn!" "That''s wonderful!" the board members apuded and cheered.


    Sadie''s scalp tingled with dread. Micah''s men must have found the children again. This time, their identities would surely be exposed...


    What should she do?


    "Sadie, what are you doing?" Chloe asked before scolding her sternly; "You''re always so absent-minded at work. You won''tst a day in the president''s office if you continue in this manner!"


    "I''m sorry, I..."


    "Go wash your face in the restroom, pull yourself together, and meet me in the training room."


    "Yes, thank you." Sadie rushed off to the restroom. Seeing that there was no one inside, she used the opportunity to call Brenda. "Brenda? How''s everything at home?"


    "Huh? What do you mean how''s everything?" Brenda was very confused. "I''m making chicken soup, and I''ll bake cookies for youter..."


    "No, I mean..." Sadie was about to borate, but decided against it. Since Brenda was still in the mood to make desserts, it meant that there were no problems at home.


    So she left it at that. "That''s good, I''ll leave you to it then."


    "Ok." Brenda was in the middle of cooking and wasn''t really paying attention to Sadie''s odd behavior.


    Sadie assumed that since everything was fine with Brenda, and the kindergarten teacher hadn''t called, it could only mean that Micah''s men hadn''t found the children yet. Perhaps they were still on their way or preparing for action... In any case, they hadn''te knocking on the door yet, so she still had time!


    Sadie touched her chest. The small ck box containing the chip was with her...


    Taking advantage of everyone being busy in a meeting in the conference room, and hardly any people being around, she knew that she had to return the chip as soon as possible.


    With this in mind, Sadie came out of the restroom and snuck towards the president''s office.


    Although she encountered two colleagues on duty who only nced at her and didn''t say much, the rest of the path was clear.


    As Sadie arrived at the president''s office and reached out to push the door, the electronic door lock responded to the infrared sensor, and the screen disyed a prompt to input fingerprints. Sadie cursed herself inwardly. How foolish could she be to think she could just enter the president''s office whenever she wanted!


    "Please enter the password!" The electronic door lock had a voice prompt.


    "Password?" Sadie hurriedly punched in Micah''s phone number hoping desperately that her guess was correct.


    "Password incorrect!"


    The voice prompt astonished Sadie, and she thought, "Oh no. Could it be his birthday?"


    Without a moment''s notice, the door lock suddenly sounded an rm.


    Startled, Sadie hurriedly tried to run away, but she was blocked by the bodyguards after only a few steps. Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest, as sweat formed on her face. She smiled awkwardly, trying to cover up her guilt, "I, I was just passing by and identally bumped into the electronic lock. Can you believe that?"


    The two bodyguards shook their heads expressionlessly.


    "I, I really am..."


    Before Sadie continue, the bodyguards stepped aside, bowing respectfully, "Miss Roth, please!"


    Sadie froze. Did she mishear them? Not only did these two bodyguards not apprehend her, but they were showing her such respect?


    "What''s going on?" a familiar voice sounded, it was Andrew.


    "Miss Roth, Mr. Clemens is in a meeting." Andrew nced around to make sure no one was listening before lowering his voice, "Are you looking for him? Tonight would be best then!"

 Chapter 104 Adding Chips to Coffee

    Only now did Sadie realize that they all thought she was Micah''s woman.


    "If you encounter any difficulties at work, feel free to approach me privately," Andrew reminded her in a low voice. "Just try not to let the other staff members know about your rtionship with Mr. Clemens!"


    "I don''t have any rtionship with him..." Sadie hurriedly walked away, feeling even more conflicted.


    This was terrible. Now Micah''s subordinates and even the people attending the auction probably saw her that way too. Micah had already been humiliated because of her, but if news of her having children came out, he would be an internationalughingstock!


    And if he were to find out that the missing chip is rted to her and her children...


    By then, it wouldn''t be as simple as strangling her...


    Would all three children be in danger too?


    The more Sadie thought about it, the more panicked she became.


    Her mission to the CEO''s office had already raised suspicions. Sneaking in intentionally was no longer an option; she had to find another way to deliver the chip to him.


    But how?


    "Hey!" Suddenly, someone shouted at Sadie.


    Sadie instinctively looked up, "Me?"


    "Yes, you,e here!" The fifty-something-year-old head secretary waved at Sadie.


    Nervously, Sadie walked over and read the name "Nina" on her name tag - Senior Executive Secretary!


    "Take this cup of coffee into the conference room for Mr. Clemens!" Nina handed Sadie a tray with a coffee cup on it.


    "Me?" Sadie was somewhat surprised. ording to Chloe''s instructions, low-level secretaries like her were not allowed to enter the conference room casually. So why was Nina, the senior executive secretary, asking her to do such an important task?


    "Yes, you, hurry up and go in." Nina scolded softly.


    "Oh." Sadie the tray and tentatively walked towards the conference room.


    Behind her, another senior secretary whispered to Nina, "Why did you let a new employee do this?"


    "Mr. Clemens trusts her," Nina replied with a smile. "Plus, we need someone to watch over the coffee, don''t we?"


    "Besides, Mr. Clemens is throwing a fit. Wouldn''t it be suicidal for me to go in?" Nina held her chest, with a fearful expression. "Last time Mr. Clemens got angry, he threw a cup and Chloe had to get seven stitches in her head at the hospital. I don''t want to ruin my looks."


    "What about the neer then?"


    "She just broke a water cup earlier. She''s not capable of doing her job. She''ll be fired sooner orter, but at least she can be useful before she leaves."


    Sadie walked to a corner, checked that no one was around, and quickly took the chip from her pocket, tossing it into the coffee cup.


    There''s no time left, I can only try this method and see if it can be returned this way.


    With these thoughts in mind, Sadie knocked on the door of the meeting room and walked in with the tray containing the coffee.


    "Theunch conference for the new product is scheduled for this Friday, on time, without any dy," Micah announced arrogantly. "Anyone have any objections?"


    "Mr. Clemens..." The gray-haired director, sitting on the right side of the meeting table, spoke apprehensively. "Would it not be more suitable to wait until the chip is recovered before making any decisions. Once the news is released, the whole world will know. It will be embarrassing to postpone it then!"


    "Do you not trust me?" Micah''s lips curved into a smile, yet his eyes were piercing as he stared directly at the director.


    "I dare not." The director spoke slowly with a seemingly fond smile on his face but his tone remained firm. "I''m merely offering a cautionary suggestion."


    Micah remained silent, his smile still on his lips, but his gaze turned cold.


    The other directors dared not breathe too audibly.


    It was at this particr moment that Sadie walked in with the coffee, trembling slightly as she ced the tray in front of Micah.


    "Give the coffee to Mr. Wood!" Micah didn''t even spare her a nce, staring intensely at Mr. Wood as he said, "After being so used to tea, it''s time to try something different!"


    "Oh..." Sadie cursed inwardly, realizing what a disaster this was. She had no other option but to hand the coffee to Mr. Wood.

 Chapter 105 Suffering

    "Since Mr. Clemens is offering, I will dly ept it." Mr. Wood smiled and took the coffee, taking a big sip, almost drinking all of it in one gulp. Sadie was shocked. She wished she could tell this old man that there was a chip in the coffee, not to drink it, not to drink it...


    But the words were stuck in her throat, all she could do was watch in silence.


    Mr. Wood drank most of the coffee in one go, and as he was about to finish thest sip, he suddenly felt something stuck in his throat, causing him to "retch" and immediately covered his mouth, not daring to spit it out. Because the coffee was given by Micah!


    Micah sat on the leather chair in a proud position, calmly watching Mr. Wood.


    He looked as though he was highly entertained, as if he was watching a show!


    The shareholders couldn''t bear to see Mr. Wood in such difort, but their fear kept them from saying anything.


    "Sir, if you want to spit it out, then do so..." Only Sadie had the courage to speak up. And to everyone''s astonishment, she rushed over to him with a trash can, "Spit it in here..." Who hired this secretary? She has no tact at all!


    With such a dim-witted brain, how did she manage to get to the 68th floor?


    Micah narrowed his eyes, his veins bulging on his forehead.


    What was wrong with him? Why did he bring this brainless fool to the 68th floor just to annoy himself???


    "Ugh--"


    Mr. Wood kept spewing into the trash can, regurgitating all the coffee he had just drunk.


    Micah''s face became even darker; like the sky before a thunderstorm, filled with dense clouds.


    Everyone was sweating nervously, some even using handkerchiefs to wipe the perspiration off, shifting their gazes between Micah''s expression and the pitiful Mr. Wood... "Yes, yes, let it out, you''ll feel better."


    Sadie held the trash can in one hand while patting Mr. Wood''s back with the other, hoping he would cough up the chip.


    However, Mr. Wood only expelled coffee and no chip...


    "Sadie, what are you doing?" Nina, who had entered the meeting room, saw the scene and angrily whisper shouted; "Get out right this minute!" "I..."


    "Get out."


    Sadie was about to say something, but Chloe signaled her with her eyes, so she had no choice but to leave...


    However, just a few steps away, there was a sudden "thud" behind her, followed by some surprised gasps and people eximing, "Oh my, Mr. Wood..."


    Sadie turned around only to see that Mr. Wood had copsed to the floor, clutching his throat, his face turning purple, eyes wide open, and his tongue sticking out...


    This was exactly the same as when Coco swallowed the chip!


    It''s over, the chip is stuck in his throat...


    Sadie''s heart was filled with regret. If anything happened to this old man, she would never forgive herself.


    "Quick, call an ambnce, call an ambnce."


    The meeting room immediately descended into chaos.


    Despite his serious expression, Micah remained calm. "Get Dahlia here right away!"


    "Yes Sir!"


    "How could this happen?" The directors beyond shocked.


    "Mr. Clemens, although Mr. Wood can be stubborn, you shouldn''t have done this," a trembling old director said, "We have followed your grandfather for decades, working here our entire lives. How can you harm him just because you disagree with him?"


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens, you should not treat Mr. Wood this way, it''s just too cruel..." two other directors tearfully used, "You may be ruthless in the business world, but you shouldn''t be treating your own people like this."


    "I''m going to call the chairman, call him..." one of the directors eximed excitedly, reaching for the phone.


    Micah''s face was livid with anger. How could they suspect him of poisoning Mr. Wood just because he gave him a cup of coffee?


    "Who made the coffee?" Micah asked sternly.


    "It was her, she made it," Nina immediately pointed at Sadie.

 Chapter 106 Lifesaver

    "Me?" Sadie wanted to exin, but Mr. Wood had already started rolling his eyes and foaming at the mouth. She couldn''t worry about that right now and rushed to his rescue.


    "What are you doing? Get lost!"


    Nina tried to push Sadie away, but Chloe stopped her.


    Sadie pulled Mr. Wood''s hand away and held onto his jaw, extending her slender fingers into his mouth attempting to retrieve the chip...


    "Hey, what are you doing?" A few board members were frightened. "Quickly, stop her!"


    Several bodyguards who had entered the conference due to all themotion looked to Micah for his instructions.


    "Let her try," Micah stared at Sadie.


    "Hold on, hold on..."


    Sadie''s fingers had already touched the chip, but she didn''t dare to pull too hard, afraid of hurting Mr. Wood''s throat.


    In his panic, Mr. Wood kept struggling and shoving, identally hitting Sadie''s injured shoulder.


    Sadie bit her lip, enduring the pain, and continued to retrieve the chip...


    Unfortunately, Mr. Wood''s swinging arm hit Sadie''s injured neck. The sudden jolt caused Sadie to identally pushed the chip further down... "Ugh..."


    Mr. Wood gagged for a moment, then quickly calmed down. Breathing heavily, no longer in as much difort as before, his eyes andplexion gradually returned to normal. "Mr. Wood, are you alright?" two board members rushed over, relieved.


    "Much better," Mr. Wood answered weakly between breaths. "Just now... something... got stuck in my throat, it almost choked me to death!"


    "Fortunately... this little girl... saved me!" He pointed at Sadie. "Thank you!"


    "No need to thank me, you''re wee..." Sadie forced a smile. "Mr. Wood, how do you feel now? Is there any other difort?"


    She knew that because he had swallowed the chip, the same fate as Coco awaited him...


    Micah stared intensely at Sadie, his gaze was filled withplex emotions he couldn''t express.


    "No, I''m much better now." Mr. Wood shook his head.


    "What could be in the coffee? What exactly was it?" one board member questioned.


    "Everyone, I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and provide an exnation!" Micah announced. "Andrew, ce thepany under lockdown immediately and retrieve the surveince footage. I want an answer within an hour!" "Yes Sir!" With that, Andrew immediately went to carry out the order.


    Sadie inwardly eximed, "Oh no, there were surveince cameras. Did they capture me putting the chip in the coffee?"


    At this moment, Dahlia arrived with medical personnel, examining Mr. Wood under Micah''s instructions, and promptly reported,


    "Mr. Wood must have swallowed a sharp object while drinking coffee, it got stuck in his throat and then he swallowed it down. We won''t know what it is until we take an X-ray."


    "Take Mr. Wood to the hospital for an X-ray and proper treatment," Micah ordered.


    "Right away, Sir." Dahlia nodded.


    Thepany medics brought a wheelchair and helped Mr. Wood into it.


    The two old directors were deeply concerned and wanted to go along.


    Before leaving the conference room, Mr. Wood turned back to Micah and said, "Mr. Clemens, this youngdy..."


    He pointed at Sadie, "is my savior. Please don''t be harsh with her."


    "Don''t worry about her!" Micah smirked.


    Sadie shivered, finding his smile quite terrifying.


    An hourter, Andrew had retrieved and studied the surveince footage and announced to everyone, "We have found out that Nina made the coffee, and afterward, because she was worried that Mr. Clemens would get mad and implicate her, she had Sadie bring it in..."


    "What was in the coffee?" the directors asked.


    "Well..."


    "It was the missing X chip!" Micah dered, holding up the X-ray of Mr. Wood''s intestines that Dahlia had brought. "I did say the X chip woulde back today!" "Ah!" The whole room was left dumbfounded.


    At the hospital, a nurse was trying to coax Mr. Wood to take axative saying, "Mr. Wood, listen to me. Once you drink this, you''ll be able to pass the chip."


    "We need you to drink it. The entire VIC Group is waiting for your excrement!" Mr. Wood''s lips twitched, feeling miserable and speechless.

 Chapter 107 Im Fooling You, Im Just a Dog

    Sunflower Nursery, Principal''s office...


    "Rn, are you here again because of those three children?" Mr. Brooks trembled at the sight of these well-dressed men in ck. "I''ll have the teachers bring them over..." "No need." he interrupted Mr. Brooks, "Children are innocent. What do they understand? Even if there is a problem, it''s the parents'' issue."


    "What do you mean..."


    "I want you to retrieve the parents'' information of these three children for me."


    "Yes, I''ll do it right away."


    VIC Group President''s office.


    Micah sat in a ck leather chair, coldly staring at Sadie in front of him, who kept her head down and remained silent. "Tell the truth, and maybe I''ll spare your life!" Sadie lowered her head, not daring to breathe, her heart pounding rapidly, her mind spinning...


    What should she do?


    She was the one who brought the coffee in, she was the one who made Mr. Wood spit out the object and cleared his throat... Anyone with a bit of brains would probably suspect that she had nted the chip, right? Even if they can''t prove it was her, at the very least, they can ascertain that she knew there was something in the coffee cup...


    How could she exin all this?


    Well, she could easilye up with a lie.


    But the key is that Micah already knew that the chip identally ended up Nathan, so now how can she exin her rtionship to Nathan?


    The phone is still silent now, neither Brenda nor the kindergarten called, indicating that nothing happened there.


    Or perhaps, because they found the chip here, they stopped their actions over there?


    "Speak!" Micah shouted angrily.


    Sadie trembled in fear, looking up at him weakly. The devilish aura made her legs weak, leaving herpletely unable to think.


    "If you won''t speak," Micah lost his patience and directly ordered Andrew, who was standing by the door, "Take her to the police station and charge her with theft!"


    "Yes!" Andrew immediately stepped forward...


    "I didn''t, I didn''t steal anything," Sadie hurriedly exined.


    "Then tell me, why was the chip in the coffee cup?" Micah tapped the X-ray film rhythmically on the table, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. "I don''t have the patience to y games with you, you have one minute!" "I..." Sadie was already in a mess and had no idea what to say.


    "Ten seconds left!" Micah''s tapping rhythm elerated, reflecting his diminishing patience. "Ten, nine, eight, seven..."


    What should she do?


    Panic-stricken, just at this moment, her phone rang again. It was Miss Bell from Sunflower Nursery...


    She became even more panicked. Oh no, Micah''s people have already found the nursery!


    A thought immediately formed in her mind protect the child first...


    "Three, two, one!"


    "I found it!"


    As Micah counted down to thest number, Sadie blurted out.


    Micah''s tapping on the table stopped, and he frowned at her. "Found it?"


    "Yes..." Sadie swallowed nervously and carefully crafted her lie. "My pet was sick, so I took it to the pet store for treatment, and then I identally found this chip in a pile of excrement. I saw a golden S symbol engraved on the chip and remembered that thepany had also lost a chip."


    "I suspected this might be the one you lost, but I''m wasn''t sure. I wanted to give it to you, but I was afraid you would suspect me of stealing it, so I thought of quietly putting it in your office. However, I couldn''t get into your office. At that time, Nina asked me to bring you a cup of coffee, so I put the chip in the coffee, thinking that you would find it, but I didn''t expect..."


    As Sadie finished speaking in one breath, she weakly looked at Micah. "That''s what happened, I swear I''m telling the truth!"

 Chapter 108 Danger

    Micah didn''t say anything, just stared at her coldly.


    Sadie''s heart fell into chaos, not knowing what to do or say next.


    She dared not look at him, nor did she dare to say another word. She carefully reyed her words in her mind and felt that the lie was well-crafted...


    "Mr. Clemens..." Andrew cautiously spoke, "It is true that the chip was indeed swallowed by that little baby''s parrot. The baby had also mentioned taking the parrot to see a doctor. Perhaps Miss Roth went to the same pet hospital as that baby, and the parrot happened to pull out the chip there, coincidentally discovered by Miss Roth."


    "Are there so many coincidences?" Micah countered.


    Andrew lowered his head and stepped aside, not daring to breathe.


    Sadie was flustered and at a loss. What should she do? If they really find those three children, would they think that it was all her plot?


    "Sadie!" Micah pinched Sadie''s chin, lifting her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. "If you''re lying to me, you''re finished!"


    "No..." Sadie''s heart almost stopped in fear, but she forced herself to stay calm and met his gaze sincerely. "I''m not didn''t lie to you."


    Pausing for a moment, she continued in a pitiful voice...


    "If I had known it would end up like this, I would have just returned it to you directly. It''s only because your moods are so unpredictable, and I was afraid that you would suspect me, so I came up with this n. Ultimately, I helped you retrieve the chip and saved Mr. Wood''s life. You should be rewarding me. But instead, you''ve used me of theft and threatening to send me to the police station. I''m really so wronged..."


    As she spoke, she squeezed out two tears, trembling lips, and looked up at him pitifully.


    Her big tearful eyes and pretty face all red from distress were heart-wrenching...


    Micah frowned, his heart softening...


    He gently rubbed her lips with his thumb for a long time before realization set in and he quickly pulled back his hand. "Get out!"


    Sadie pursed her lips and twitched a few times, wiping her tears as she walked away.


    Her heart was actually blooming with joy...


    Finally, she passed the test!


    When she reached the door, she suddenly heard Micah giving an order, "Notify Rn that the chip has been found. There''s no need to look for the parents of the three children anymore!" "Yes Sir!" Andrew immediately made the call.


    At Sunflower Nursery, Mr. Brooks walked into the office with the information of the parents and handed it to Rn.


    Simultaneously Rn answered the phone call and reached out to take the documents...


    Hearing Andrew''s instruction he responded, "Alright, I''ll be right back."


    Rn withdrew his hand and hung up the phone, turning to Mr. Brooks. "Thank you, Mr. Brooks. We have found the missing chip, so we no longer need the information. Sorry for the trouble during all of this. Goodbye!" "I''m d to hear that the chip has been found. Goodbye..." Mr. Brooks hadn''t even finished speaking when Rn and his team hurriedly left.


    "Finally found it!"


    Mr. Brooks let out a long sigh, then he put the documents in his hand into the shredder.


    Sadie went to the restroom and called Miss Bell, "Hello, Miss Bell. You were trying to reach me? Are the children ok?"


    "No, no, the children are fine," Miss Bell said. "Mr. Brooks just came to retrieve your information. I just thought I should let you know."


    "What? Why would he retrieve my information?" Sadie was shocked.


    "It seems someone from VIC Group came again, but as soon as he brought the documents over, the VIC Group representative said they found what they were looking for and left." "So did they take the documents?"


    "No, they didn''t. Mr. Brooks said they didn''t even look at them and just left."


    "Alright, thank you..."

 Chapter 109 Impersonating Him

    The chip was finally returned sessfully, and the lie was covered up.


    Sadie could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Next, she wouldpletely sever her connection with Micah and clear their rtionship...


    This way, when the children''s identities were exposed, he would have no association with it.


    Seeing Micah walking over with his subordinates, Sadie immediately called "Debt Repayment Male Escort" to put on a show of affection in front of him...


    However, when the call was dialed, the ringtone unexpectedly sounded on Micah''s side!


    Sadie froze, looking at him in shock. Was it just a coincidence or...


    Micah remained expressionless, calm as ever, and quietly hung up the call in his pocket...


    Internally, he cursed, realizing Sadie had this private number as it was given to her in the guise of a "Male Escort," so why did she make the call right in front of him? Could it be an intentional test?


    "Hello!" Andrew, who knew all this, jumped into action and took out his personal phone pretending to answer the call. "What''s up?"


    "Yes, yes, the chip has been recovered..." As Sadie listened to the dial tone on this end of the call, her doubt lessened a little.


    It had to be a coincidence that at the exact same time that she made the call, Andrew''s phone received an iing call too. But why did his phone ring with the same ringtone as "Debt Repayment Male Escort"? Could it be that Andrew was the "Debt Repayment Male Escort"?


    Sadie studied Andrew carefully, but quickly dismissed the thought. Andrew was half a head shorter than the "Debt Repayment Male Escort," and their physique was quite different. He definitely wasn''t him...


    However, the more she looked at him now, the more she felt that Micah really resembled the "Debt Repayment Male Escort." Their overall height and build were almost the same...


    The simrities between them were uncanny, even their eyes are very simr.


    She kept her gaze to Micah, who had already entered the elevator, with Andrew and two other followers right behind him.


    Sadie dialed the male escort''s number again and leaned forward to listen. If the phone rang synchronously again, there must be something wrong with Micah!


    Inside the elevator, just after Micah had turned off the ringing sound, his phone rang.


    He didn''t hurry to answer the call, only answered after the elevator descended a few floors. "Hello?"


    "What are you doing? Why didn''t you answer my call earlier?"


    Sadie didn''t hear the phone ring and wondered if she was being paranoid again.


    "What''s the matter, tell me." Micah knew that she had be suspicious.


    "Don''t be silly, didn''t we make an arrangement? You''re supposed to pretend to be my boyfriend."


    "How do you want me to pretend?" Micah asked.


    "After work,e pick me up in your car." Sadie thought to herself, "Buy a bouquet of roses, and I''ll reimburse you!"


    If he didn''t dare toe, there must be something wrong.


    "What if your boss hits me?" Micah asked yfully.


    "He won''t, my boss has ss, he wouldn''t randomly hit someone." Sadie said deliberately, "I want you toe over to prove that I have a boyfriend, to crush his hope. Someone as arrogant as him would give up the thought just by seeing you!" "Alright, I''lle, send me the address."


    "I''ll send it right away." She hung up the phone, feeling somewhat excited. The male escort actually agreed, which means he''s really not Micah. No, maybe Micah intentionally did this to dispel her suspicion?


    If they don''t meet, then it doesn''t prove anything.


    But if they do meet, then it really will prove that they are not the same person.


    "Mr. Clemens, Miss Roth seems to be starting to suspect you," Andrew advised softly.


    "Has n arrived in Newark?" Micah suddenly asked, "Tell him toe see me."


    "Right away, Sir." Andrew took out his phone, but hesitated, and reminded in a whisper, "Although Mr. n resembles you and impersonating you shouldn''t be a problem; he''s quite adies'' man, could there be..." "Would he dare?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "You''re right, Sir!" Andrew was scared and immediately shook his head, hastily answering.

 Chapter 110 Showing Affection

    During lunch, Sadie kept wondering if Micah really could be her "Debt Repayment Male Escort".


    If he was, why would he y this role-ying game with me? And why did he agree toe pick me up? Isn''t he going to be exposed?


    If he isn''t him, why are their figures, silhouettes, and voices so simr?


    A delicate voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back to her surroundings, "Sadie, I heard you were transferred to the 68th floor? Congrattions." "Thank you." Sadie looked up.


    At a nce, it was Finley.


    Sadie recalled the incident where Samuel stabbed her. Although she couldn''t find any issues, she still felt that Finley acted strangely at that time...


    It had been a while since the incident, and Sadie had already forgotten some of the details. But seeing Finley now still made her feel a little guarded.


    "I''m really sorry aboutst time," Finley said guiltily, sitting across from Sadie with a tray. "When Mr. Brown stabbed you, I really wanted to rush over and save you, but I was so scared at the time. I was useless!" "It''s not your fault," Sadie quickly replied.


    "As long as you don''t hold a grudge against me," Finley asked softly, "Sadie, can we still be friends in the future?"


    "Of course," Sadie smiled and nodded. In her rational analysis, she had no evidence to prove that there was anything wrong with Finley. It was just a gut feeling, and she couldn''t wrongly use a good person based on that. "That''s good to hear," Finley smiled. "I got two cups of juice, and one of them is for you!"


    Saying that, Finley handed Sadie a cup of orange juice from the tray, carefully cing a straw in it.


    "Thank you," Sadie saw that Finley also had a cup, without thinking much she took a few sips of the juice, then lowered her head to eat,pletely oblivious to the cold glint that shed in Finley''s eyes...


    After the Mr. Wood''s incident; Nina had been fired and Chloe was promoted and reced her as the new Senior Executive Secretary. And now they were all spending the afternoon adjusting their working arrangements. Sadie was busy working, studying seriously, trying to familiarize herself as quickly as possible.


    In the blink of an eye, the work day was over. Sadie packed up her things and prepared to leave.


    For some unknown reason, she had felt particrly hot and thirsty all afternoon, drinking lots of water throughout, and now went to the pantry to get bottled water.


    The elevator stopped on the thirteenth floor, and a few colleagues from the administrative department walked in, warmly greeting Sadie and congratting her on the promotion to the 68th floor.


    Sadie smiled and said, "Thank you," but in her heart, she thought that when she was demoted to the security department, apart from Finley, all these colleagues had shunned her.


    And now that she was promoted, they all came forward.


    How genuine were they?


    Just as she was thinking, Sadie''s phone rang, and she immediately answered, "Hello, have you arrived?"


    "I''ll be at the entrance of yourpany in a moment."


    "Okay, I''m in the elevator," Sadie deliberately showed affection in front of her colleagues, speaking in a sweet voice. "Drive safely, I''ll be down soon." "Sure thing."


    After hanging up the phone, a few female colleagues were excitedly surrounding her. "Sadie, who was that? Your boyfriend?"


    "Yes, my boyfriend came to pick me up," Sadie blushed.


    "Then we have to see what he looks like. With you being so beautiful Sadie, your boyfriend must be interesting..." Her colleagues gushed in excitement. Gossip time.


    In the corner of the elevator, Finley stared at Sadie intently and suddenly asked, "Sadie, when did you get a boyfriend?"


    "Just recently," Sadie said with a smile.


    "If you have a new boyfriend, you should be treating us, rightdies? Don''t you all agree?" Finley joked.


    "Yeah, yeah, we should be given a spoil," a few female colleagues agreed, "Last time, my boyfriend treated us to lots of Japanese food."


    "My boyfriend brought us choctesst time."


    "Haha, Sadie, you can''t escape now."

 Chapter 111 A Different Male Escort

    Sadie realized that this might be for the best. When Micah finds out that so many people in thepany know about her having a boyfriend, he will surely grow tired of her and distance himself... With that in mind, Sadie smiled and nodded, "Alright, I''ll treat you all to a meal."


    "Forget about food; let''s go to a Night Club for drinks," Finley immediately suggested, "We girls are all trying to lose weight, so we won''t eat at night. Let''s celebrate with a drink in your honor!" "Yeah, yeah, this time Mr. Brown isn''t around, so we won''t order recklessly," a male colleague said.


    "Exactly,st time Mr. Brown ordered so many drinks and made Sadie spend a lot of money, we won''t do that."


    Upon hearing these words, Finley''s eyes turned cold for a moment, but quickly returned to normal as she smiled and said, "I have some group-buying vouchers here, we can get a big discount." "Sounds good, let''s go to the Night Club then," Sadie readily agreed.


    The group walked out of the elevator, and the colleagues surrounded Sadie, fawning over her.


    Sadie smiled awkwardly, not knowing what else to say besides "thank you." She looked up and saw only Finley, who neither ttered nor acted pretentious.


    In Sadie''s eyes Finley was the most genuine one out of all her colleagues.


    "Oh, isn''t that Mr. Clemens?" a colleague suddenly asked nervously, "Quick, don''t talk, stand over there."


    The colleagues immediately quieted down and stood orderly to the side.


    When Micah passed by them, everyone lowered their heads in greeting, "Mr. Clemens!"


    Micah nced at Sadie and quickly walked away.


    Sadie watched his back, feeling as if, as if...


    But...


    Ding-ling-ling


    Her phone suddenly rang. It was a call from the "Debt Repayment Male Escort." Sadie immediately answered the call, "Hello!" "Are you out yet?"


    Upon hearing the voice, Sadie looked up, realizing Micah wasn''t speaking on the phone but walking forward, whispering something to Andrew beside him.


    It''s not him. Could it be that she was just overthinking?


    Sadie wanted to further confirm and quickly walked out so she could see.


    Micah''s Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked at the entrance. The bodyguard opened the car door and Micah climbed in.


    Sadie was lost in thought when suddenly a car horn sounded; drawing her attention.


    She followed the sound and saw the Aston Martin frequently driven by the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" parked not far from the flower bed.


    Just as she was about to walk over, the Rolls-Royce Phantom drove away, and the Aston Martin swiftly arrived, stopping gracefully in front of her like a gust of wind.


    The car window opened, revealing the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" wearing a ck mask. He smiled and looked at her, saying, "hello!"


    Sadie was stunned and felt that something was off, though she couldn''t quite put her finger on it. The attire, figure, and eyes... everything was the same! No, the eyes!


    Though the eyes of the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" were not as cold as Micah''s, they always carried a hint of seriousness. They had never sparkled like they were now or curved up in a smile. "What are you fuming about?" he asked with a cheeky teasing tone.


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" emerged from the car holding arge bouquet of champagne-colored roses, using his free hand he pulled Sadie towards him, his sexy thin lips eximed, "Baby, I want you!" As he tried to lean in for a kiss. "What are you doing?" Sadie panicked and managed to avoid it, gritting her teeth and cursing lowly, "Are you looking for death!"


    "Didn''t you say you wanted me to pretend to be your boyfriend? Well, I''m taking my role seriously; otherwise who will believe it?"


    "Debt repayment Male Escort" a devilish smile on his face.


    "But..." Sadie was about to speak when the group of coworkers gathered around.


    "Wow, Sadie''s boyfriend turned out to be so handsome ah!"


    "Driving such a nice car and looking so handsome, so envious!"


    "Why are you wearing a mask?"


    "My baby likes it. Are all of you my baby''s coworkers? You better take good care of her!" "Debt Repayment Male Escort" greeted her coworkers in a graceful manner, enjoying the attention he was getting from the group of her coworkers.

 Chapter 112 Get Lost Early

    Sadie looked at the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" in front of her, thinking that something was odd about him, but couldn''t tell what it was.


    He was right she realized, she had in fact asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend, so, naturally he had to act a little more like it, and now that he''s acting too much like an actual boyfriend, she''s ming him?


    And now it''s also just been confirmed that Micah certainly isn''t her "Debt Repayment Male Escort"! She had just watched him get into his car a few moments ago and now her "Debt Repayment Male Escort" is right beside her. No matter how you arrange it, it is impossible to have a diversion, right?


    However, even though the two of them are standing together, she still can''t shake this nagging feeling that the two men are very simr...


    But it was just a resemnce, she must be overthinking it.


    "What are you fuming about!" "Debt Repayment Male Escort" tapped Sadie''s head, opened the car door and protected her head with his hand, "Get in!" "Sadie''s boyfriend is so gentle and considerate." She heard someone say in an appreciative voice. "What are you all staring at?" she thought to herself.


    The male escort''s phone buzzed, and he nced at the caller ID with a smile but didn''t answer the call.


    "Sadie, can I hitch a ride?" Finley asked, approaching her.


    "Of course, there''s space for three more in the back," Sadie warmly invited. "Get in quickly."


    "Alright, thank you," Finley said, pulling two other female colleagues into the car. She didn''t forget to tell the others, "You guys can take another car and meet us at the Night Club." "Alright."


    The Aston Martin raced out like the wind. Today, the "male escort" driving was fast and fierce, squeezing through every gap and overtaking continuously.


    "Slow down a bit," Sadie told him.


    "We''re not going that fast," the male escort chuckled, leaning closer in a flirtatious manner. "You look beautiful."


    "Did you just figure that out on your first day?" Sadie red at him and whispered in his ear, "Our colleagues want you to treat us. Be more enthusiasticter; I''ll reimburse you." "Reimburse?" The male escort sounded intrigued by the term.


    "If you want to pay for it yourself, then go ahead, I don''t mind," Sadie said immediately. "After all, you make money far easier than I do."


    "Hahaha, interesting," the male escortughed heartily.


    "Why do you seem different today?" Sadie frowned at him. "I''ve never seen you smile before. Why are you so happy today?"


    "I''m happy that I have the opportunity to be your boyfriend, of course!" the male escort leaned closer, his sexy lips teasingly close to her ear. "Aren''t you happy?" "Don''t be silly!" Sadie''s face instantly turned red.


    "Do we need to avert our eyes when you two are getting so intimate in front of us?" one of the female colleagues joked.


    "Should''ve known not to hitch a ride," another coworker teased.


    "Let''s close our eyes and pretend we didn''t see anything," Finley joined in the jokes.


    "He''s not usually like this," Sadie awkwardly chuckled.


    At that moment, the male escort''s phone rang again. He nced at Sadie and answered the call with his Bluetooth earpiece. "Hello!"


    "You seem overconfident!" Micah''s icy voice came through.


    "Yeah, just picking up my girlfriend from work," the male escort deliberately replied.


    "If you darey a finger on her, you''re dead!" Micah''s voice carried a hint of anger.


    "Haha..." the male escort smirked mischievously and said in front of Sadie, "Nervous already? I thought you said this was just a game to you?"


    Sadie felt strange listening to him. Who was he talking to on the phone? Could it be the wealthy woman who gave him this car?


    "n Davis!!!" Micah''s anger was bing too difficult to contain.


    "Alright, alright, I got it, don''t worry..." n quickly interrupted before Micah could explode.


    "The show''s over, so get lost early!" Micah warned.


    "Understood!" n hung up the phone and gave Sadie a seductive look.

 Chapter 113 The Effects of Medication 1

    "Will picking me up today affect your work?" Sadie tactfully asked with her voice lowered, "Was that your boss on the phone just now?"


    "My boss?" n''s eyes, known as the "Debt Repayment Male Escort," flickered for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, that''s right."


    "Is your boss angry because they know you''reing to pick me up? This could affect your job," Sadie suddenly became nervous. "Why are you so silly?!"


    "Do you know who called me?" The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" asked anxiously.


    Sadie nced at the back seat and leaned in closer to n''s ear. "Wasn''t that your sugar mommy?"


    "Hahaha-"


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" burst intoughter, as if he had heard a particrly funny joke.


    "Be careful with your cutesy banter, you two! There are people behind you too and others following us!" Their colleague teased.


    "Sorry, sorry!" Sadie quickly apologized and pped the "Debt Repayment Male Escort." "Drive properly and stop fooling around."


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" continued tough, finding it hard to control himself.


    Sadie pinched his arm and red at him fiercely, finally putting an end to hisughter.


    Before long, the group arrived at the Night Club. Sadie held the discount coupon given by Finley and was about to go buy beer when the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" grabbed her and headed towards the VIP area. "What are you doing?" Sadie anxiously tried to stop him. "It''s very expensive over here."


    "It''s fine. I''ll cover the bill tonight, no need for you to pay," the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" offered generously. "Treat your colleagues to a night out. Why bother with a group purchase? So stingy."


    "But..." Sadie wanted to say something, but her colleagues had already followed. "Are we going to the VIP section tonight? I''ve never been there before."


    "Neither have I. Sadie, your boyfriend is so generous!"


    "Thanks, Sadie. You''re showing us a whole new world." "Thank you, Sadie."


    Her colleaguesplimented her sincerely.


    Sadie could only force a stiff smile, secretly feeling bitter. Angrily pinching the "Debt Repayment Male Escort," she gritted her teeth and whispered, "Are you going to waste the money you''ve earned by working hard as a gigolo for rich women every day? Don''t you want to find a way out anymore?"


    "Hahaha-"


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" couldn''t help butugh again. He even wrapped his arm around Sadie''s shoulder.


    Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, "As long as I have you, I never want to break away."


    "You..."


    "This is our room. We''re here!"


    Just as Sadie was about to speak, "Debt Repayment Male escort" escorted her into the private room.


    The Night Club manager had already prepared various top-quality wines, snacks, and fruit tters.


    Sadie looked up and realized that this was the same private room they always met in.


    The wine on the table was worth tens of thousands of dors per bottle. Goodness, this entire table probably cost hundreds of thousands of dors. Was he crazy?


    Sadie quickly pulled "Debt Repayment Male Escort" aside and asked in a low voice, "Are you out of your mind? You ordered such expensive wine, where did you get the money to pay?"


    "These were all left by my boss, I don''t have to spend any money." The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" chuckled, "Of course, you don''t have to spend anything either."


    "Won''t she be angry with you?" Sadie asked nervously, "You''re using her money to entertain my colleagues, she won''t be happy, right?"


    "No, it''s already been agreed, so don''t worry."


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" pinched her cheek and then went to greet her colleagues.


    Sadie still had some concerns, but it was toote to say anything now.


    Her colleagues rushed in cheerfully, eximing, "Wow, this ce is so beautiful."


    "Goodness, it''s all top-quality wine!"


    "Thank you, Sadie, and your boyfriend too," Finley said, raising his ss, "Let''s toast to them, guys!"


    "Cheers!" The group of colleagues raised their sses and surrounded them.


    "I don''t drink..." Sadie wanted to decline, but she couldn''t resist everyone''s enthusiasm and had to join in.


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" was no exception, downing ss after ss and quickly bing friends with her colleagues.


    Sadie had only drunk two sses of wine and already felt drowsy, and a strange sensation of heat...

 Chapter 114 The Effect of Drugs 2

    Feeling that she already had drunk too much, Sadie quickly put down her ss and headed towards the restroom.


    "Are you okay?" The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" wanted to follow her, but Finley beat him to it. "I''ll go check on her."


    At the same time, a few others pulled the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" into conversation.


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" didn''t mind and continued drinking with her colleagues.


    "Sadie, are you okay?"


    Finley walked into the restroom and watched Sadie, who was about to wash her face.


    "Maybe I drank too much..." Sadie sshed cold water on her face.


    "I brought you a bottle of mineral water." Finley took out a bottle of mineral water and carefully opened the cap before handing it to her. "Take a sip, it''ll help."


    "Thank you!" Her mouth feeling very dry, Sadie took the bottle and greedily drank it all in one gulp.


    "Feeling better now?"


    Finley narrowed her eyes and asked coldly, "Do you still feel ufortable?"


    "I''m feeling a little better," Sadie touched her face, for some reason, she felt even more thirsty after drinking the water, "I''ll rest here for a bit, you can go out so long, go enjoy yourself, don''t worry about me." "How can you rest here? Our colleagues will need to use the restroomter," Finley smiled, "Besides, there are male colleagues here, it''s not convenient."


    "There''s no one in the adjacent private room, I can take you there to rest," Finley supported Sadie as they walked out, whispering in her ear, "We''ll exit through the side door, otherwise, our colleagues will see you and force you to drink again." "Okay, I really can''t drink anymore," Sadie''s consciousness was already starting to flicker, she had no rational thinking ability left, allowing Finley to lead her away.


    "Sadie..." their colleague Alice spotted them and called out, "Finley, where are you taking Sadie?"


    Unfortunately, the private room was too noisy, drowned out by heavy metal music and everyone''s mor, so Alice turned to look at Sadie''s boyfriend.


    He was having a great time with a few of the male colleagues.


    Alice thought that as long as Finley was with Sadie, everything should be fine, so she didn''t say anything further.


    Contrary to Alice''s assumption, Finley didn''t take Sadie to the adjacent private room. Instead, they walked through several corridors and arrived at an abandoned private room in a remote corner. This private room had been closed for a long time due to facility issues.


    Inside the room, it was dim without any lights or music. Only the colorful lights from the corridor intermittently illuminated Sadie''s beautiful face.


    "Water..." Sadie was dumped onto the couch by Finley, writhing and murmuring, "Water, I want water..."


    "So, you want water, huh?" Finley picked up an expired bottle of beer from the nearby table and poured it all over Sadie''s face, "Drink your fill!" Frantically shaking her head, Sadie tried to avoid it, but her body was limp and she couldn''t move.


    At this point, she hadpletely lost consciousness and had no idea what was happening, only feeling that someone was sshing water on her.


    "Bitch!" Finley finished pouring the beer and viciously pinched Sadie''s cheeks, gritting his teeth angrily. "It was you who ruined Mr. Brown. He had such a promising future, but it was because of you that he lost his job and got sentenced to prison. It''s all because of you!"


    "Mr. Brown was an outstanding person. He was the first person in our town to enter a prestigious university and the first person with a bright future. He was the person I admired the most..."


    "I followed in his footsteps to VIC Group, working hard and giving my best, hoping that one day I could catch his attention. But all his attention was on you..."


    "That would have been fine if you loved him and cherished him. I would''ve blessed you both. But instead you ruined him! You destroyed his future and took away my hope. I will never forgive you!"

 Chapter 115 Playing Around

    Finley stood up and took out her phone to make a call. "Hello, everything is arranged;e in."


    "You idiot, it''s that abandoned private room."


    "Stop babbling; hurry up!"


    Meanwhile...


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" couldn''t find Sadie in the restroom of the private room. He went to the other two private rooms next to it, but still couldn''t find her. He tried calling Sadie, but the call couldn''t go through.


    He immediately turned down the volume in the private room and asked his colleagues, "Have you seen Sadie?"


    "No..." his colleagues shook their heads one after another, "Did she go to the restroom?"


    "No, I''ve looked there," the debt collector furrowed his eyebrows, "What''s the name of the female colleague who helped Sadie to the restroom earlier?"


    "I don''t know..." his colleagues were very confused.


    "It''s Finley." Alice, who just came out of the restroom, said, "I saw her supporting Sadie and they went out. Are they not back yet?"


    "Call her immediately," the debt collector urged, "Quickly!"


    "Oh." Alice immediately called Finley, keeping it on speakerphone, but the call didn''t go through.


    "Is the signal here bad?" the other colleagues didn''t pay much attention, "Finley is usually very considerate, they should be back soon."


    "Yes, yes, Sadie might have had too much to drink, and Finley took her out for some fresh air. They''ll be back soon, don''t worry."


    "Who is this Finley?" the debt repayor still wasn''t at ease by this, "Is she new? How''s her rtionship with Sadie?"


    "Finley has been with thepany for two years. She''s one of the senior staff members in the administration department and has the best rtionship with Sadie among us." Hearing what her colleagues said, the Debt Repayor''s concern eased up slightly. It shouldn''t be anything serious. He was about to sit down and continue drinking with everyone. At that moment, his phone rang. It was a call from Micah. He walked outside to answer, "Hello!"


    "You took her to the Night Club?"


    "Her colleagues were teasing her, and she wanted me to treat her."


    "Nonsense." Micah scolded coldly, "Get out of there right away."


    "Huh? Are youing so soon?" The Debt Repayor felt a bit disappointed, "Let me at least finish this act with someone else..." "Do you want to die?"


    "Alright, alright, I''ll go find your woman first. Call me when you arrive."


    "What? Where is she?"


    "She had too much to drink, and a female colleague helped her out to rest. Both of their phones are unreachable now..." "n, if anything happens to her, you''re finished!!!"


    In the dim and abandoned private room, three people in floral shirts...


    A sleazy thug walked in mumbling to himself.


    "This ce is really damn hard to find, all the twists and turns."


    "Yeah, I had no idea this room even existed in this Club!"


    "Stop wasting time with your nonsense, get over here now." Finley urged. "You assholes are wasting time when I''m paying you to get the job done..." The man''s words were cut short when he saw the woman on the sofa, leaving them all dumbfounded.


    "This is our feast for tonight? She''s not bad!"


    On the sofa, Sadie, stripped of her clothes, twisted her seductive and enticing body, her beauty even more captivating in the dim light.


    The three men were excitedly drooling, "This figure, this face, she''s much better than those hookers out there."


    "I thought we were going to rape an olddy, that''s why I was reluctant."


    "Why didn''t you say so earlier? If we knew our feast would be this sexy temptress, we would have been here earlier!."


    While talking, the three men started taking off their pants.


    "It''s quiet here, no one will disturb us, and no one will ever know!"


    Finley threw them a pile of cash, chuckling sinisterly...


    "Take your time, have fun, make sure to take good care of this beautifuldy!"

 Chapter 116 The Devils Fury

    "Don''t worry, you don''t have to tell us, we will definitely take good care of this rare beauty! Hahaha..."


    The three men drooled as they approached Sadie on the sofa, their hearts filled with excitement.


    Finley exited the private room and turned back to lock the door, her eyes staring coldly at Sadie, a sinister smile forming on her lips...


    "Sadie, don''t be afraid, I''m going to find your boyfriend and let him see you like this. Maybe he''ll love you even more! Hahaha..." One of the bald men reached out his hand toward Sadie.


    "Wait a minute." Another bald man opened his hand and took out a smartphone, "Isn''t it a waste to just y with a woman like her once? We should film this beautiful process so that she can be of use to us in the future." "You''re really smart." The other two men praised.


    The bald man ced the phone aside and switched it to video mode, then took out three masks and handed them to the other two, "Put on the masks, even if the video gets leaked in the future, no one will know it''s us." "You really thought this through!"


    "Enough talk, you two step aside, I''m going first!"


    "...Alright, hurry up!"


    "I have great stamina!" The bald man creepily approached Sadie, "Here Ie, you beauty!"


    ...


    Finley walked towards the original private room, but halfway there, she unexpectedly ran into Micah!


    The dazzling lights couldn''t hide the hellish aura exuding from him. His ink-ck eyes carried a beast-like look as he approached step by step, asking, "Where is Sadie?"


    "Mr. Clemens..." Finley forced a stiff smile, trying to maintainposure though her voice trembled, "Sadie, she, she had too much to drink, I think she left"


    "I wanted to take her out for some fresh air, but when I went to get her some water, she disappeared in an instant... Ah..." Before Finley could finish speaking, Micah''s hand was wrapped tightly around her throat. That hand, like the w of a wild beast, instantly suffocated Finley. Fear filled her wide-open eyes.


    The man in front of him was not a human, but the grim reaper who controlled fate. If he exerted just a little more force, he would end her life!


    "Where... is... she?" Micah growled through clenched teeth, his voice like a beast questioning its prey.


    "Ah..." Trembling, Finley pointed towards the closedpartment.


    Andrew immediately rushed over with the bodyguards...


    Micah didn''t let go of Finley, instead grabbing her by the hair and dragging her towards the abandonedpartment. "Ah-"


    On the way, several guests who saw this scene were all terrified and screamed in fear, ensuring to avoid it at all costs. "Please, let me go, I don''t know anything." Finley pleaded, kicking her legs frantically.


    "Ah!"


    A terrified scream came from thepartment, and before that man could act, Andrew kicked him away.


    His obese body crashed into the wall, then fell to the ground with a loud bang, and there was no more movement.


    The other two men tried to escape but were immediately pinned down by the bodyguards.


    Micah walked in, throwing Finley in front of them.


    The two men pointed at her right away and said, "It''s her, she paid us to do this..."


    "No, I didn''t..." Finley shook her head in fear.


    Micah ignored them, instead taking off his coat and covering Sadie with it, holding her and leaving without looking back,manding, "Serve her however she instructed you!" The two men froze for a moment before hastily nodding, "Yes, yes, understood!"


    "No, please, no..." A terrified scream came from thepartment, but no one paid any attention...


    "Those who bring trouble upon themselves shall not survive!" Andrew dered and left with his entourage of bodyguards.

 Chapter 117 Burning Passion

    Micah carried Sadie and left through the back door.


    n, who was anxiously waiting by the car, knew something had gone wrong and apologized guiltily, "I''m sorry, brother, I really didn''t expect..." Micah kicked him, sternly admonishing, "If you weren''t my aunt''s son, I would have strangled you by now!"


    n''s face turned pale from the pain, but he didn''t dare speak up. Instead, he apologized, "It''s my fault, I ept punishment. Is she okay?" Micah gave him a fierce re, then carefully ced Sadie in the Aston Martin.


    The effects of the medicine on Sadie hadpletely taken hold by now. She greedily smelled his familiar scent...


    "It''s you..." Sadie


    Murmuring, her arms wrapped around his neck as she gave him a passionate kiss.


    "Damn it!" Micah furrowed his brows. "You''ve been drugged, that''s how this got to this point."


    No wonder she had been lying there like a naked fool, motionless earlier...


    With one hand on the wheel, Micah held her close with the other, letting her move around on him while he resisted his desires.


    But suddenly, Sadie became unrestrained, her movements even wilder...


    Micah couldn''t take it anymore. He drove the car into a nearby grove at South Coast, pressed her against the backrest, and bit her earlobe, his hoarse voice whispered, "You asked for this..." He kissed her forcefully, like a beast gnawing at its prey.


    She was passionate and actively cooperative, making him unable to get enough...


    The enchanting moonlight seeped through the car window, shining upon the two of them, intertwining them like vines...


    The night was passionate and wild.


    In the morning, the sunlight pierced Sadie''s eyes, and only then did she wake up drowsily. Opening her eyes, she saw the back of a familiar figure.


    He sat on the car hood, smoking, with the morning breeze blowing his dark hair back. His white shirt waspletely unbuttoned, fluttering in the wind, partially revealing the wolf head tattoo on his waist.


    Sadie stared at him nkly, then looked at herself. She waspletely naked, covered by his ck windbreaker, and there was a tearing pain in a particr area.


    She sat there in a daze for a long time before suddenlying to her senses. Her heart was pounding, and she screamed in fear...


    "Ah-"


    Behind him, a terrified scream shattered the silence of the early morning.


    Micah furrowed his brows slightly, extinguished his cigarette, and turned to the trunk to take two bottles of mineral water. He unscrewed the caps and handed one to her. "What''s going on?" Sadie grabbed his arm, incoherently asking, "What happenedst night? Between us, you, me... What did you do to me?"


    "What do you mean, ''What did I do to you?'' It was you who clung to me!" Micah said seriously. "I reluctantly and generously helped you. You should be grateful." "Nonsense, you scoundrel!"


    Sadie raised her hand to hit him, but he grabbed her wrist. "You''re resorting to violence as soon as you wake up. That''s not very nice!"


    "Don''t you dare nder me. I''m not that kind of person..."


    Sadie yelled in excitement, her chest heaving up and down due to rapid breathing, it was alluring and tempting!


    Micah stared at her fair and perky breasts, feeling a bit restless inside, but he didn''t touch her. Instead, he opened the video on the dashcam...


    "See for yourself!" Though the video was blurry, Sadie could still recognize herself passionately kissing the person holding her face, the movements were even more stimting than a movie... "I..." Sadie was shocked, her eyes widened in disbelief...

 Chapter 118 The Damned Male escort

    "What happened at the Night Club, you don''t remember either?"


    "What''s wrong with the Night Club..." Sadie had a splitting headache and carefully tried to recall. "I remember you picking me up, my colleagues teasing and asking you to treat us, and then we went to the Night Club to have drinks..." "I had tworge sses, got a bit drunk, went to the restroom to wash my face, and Finley brought me mineral water... I don''t remember anything after that."


    At this point, Sadie suddenly realized something and angrily shouted, "You bastard, taking advantage of me while I was drunk!"


    "Look at this..." Micah tapped the screen of the dashcam. "Who exactly took advantage of whom?"


    In the video, Sadie was already tearing his clothes and incessantly kissing him...


    "Stop it, turn it off." Sadie covered her eyes and couldn''t bear to watch. "How could I do something like this? This isn''t like me..."


    "You fool, someone drugged you." Micah turned off the dashcam and deleted the video.


    "What? Drugged me?"


    Sadie suddenly recalled what happenedst night, realizing something was off. Although she couldn''t hold her liquor well, she shouldn''t be feeling hot all over and have blurred consciousness after just two drinks... No, actually, she had been feeling restless and dry since yesterday afternoon, and it got worse after drinking in the evening.


    Moreover, that feeling seemed simr to that night four years ago...


    "Do you remember now?" Micah continued to remind her. "Your debauched behaviorst night was even worse than four years ago because you were drugged twice."


    "Impossible, who would harm me?" Sadie felt a chill down her spine. "I haven''t offended anyone."


    "Listen for yourself."


    Micah yed the recording that Andrew sentst night. It was Finley and those three men''s conversation: "I''ll give you one hundred thousand dors to defile a woman for me."


    "One hundred thousand dors for us to take action. If we get caught, the charges will be serious."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll arrange everything. I''ll send her to the private room, and you guys can go in and rape her. I''ll take care of everything else..."


    "Hehe, that woman must be ugly, that''s why you''re willing to spend money to have someone handle her."


    "Not only is she not ugly, she''s a beauty beyondparison. You''ll see when you meet her..."


    "Oh my god!" Sadie was shocked and speechless. "Is that Finley?"


    Finley''s voice was distinct, soft, and slow, without any change in tone even while saying such malicious things.


    "Now you finally understand." Micah shook his head helplessly. "You were drugged at thepany cafeteria with that ss of orange juice at noon, and then the bottle of mineral water at night was also drugged. She''s been causing harm to you all along, but you foolishly took her as a friend. If I hadn''t arrived in time..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence. If those three men had really touched Sadie, he would probably hate himself more than anyone else.


    Micah should never have let that bastard n impersonate him!


    He had nned to dispel her doubts in this way, but who knew that guy would y around too much and nearly mess things up...


    Luckily, he arrived in time.


    "It was terrifying." Sadie now looked back on what happened yesterday and couldn''t help but shudder. "Those, those three men did they... did they..."


    "Of course not." Micah reached out and pulled her into his arms. "I won''t let anyone hurt you!"


    Hearing his strong and steady heartbeat, Sadie felt reassured and safe.


    He was like a guardian, protecting her...


    No, wait...


    Suddenly, Sadie thought of another question and pushed him away abruptly, asking in excitement, "You damn male escort, you didn''t wear protectionst night, did you???" Micah paused, realizing that after getting into the carst night, he had put on the mask of the "debt-paying male escort"...


    So now he was the "debt-paying male escort" again, not Micah!

 Chapter 119 The Room Four Years Ago

    "As expected, you didn''t wear it!" Sadie was furious. "You''re disgusting, you spend every day with rich women, and then you touch me in the car..." Micah''s face darkened, his hands clenched into fists.


    Except for her, he hadn''t touched any other woman.


    And she still found him dirty?


    Called him disgusting?


    He really wanted to strangle her.


    But it was his own fault for ying this game with her, he couldn''t expose it now.


    Endure!


    "You''ve already been touched, so what?" Micah ced the mineral water aside and started the car to drive away.


    "How would I know if you have an illness?" Sadie red at him angrily. "Do you not wear protection when you serve clients? Why do you always..."


    "If you keep on rambling, I''ll throw you out right now!!!" Micah was burning with anger, but he gritted his teeth and restrained himself. If anyone else made such a fuss with him, he would have exploded long ago. This woman really didn''t know how to appreciate his kindness!


    Sadie''s eyes welled up with tears as she pouted, her delicate body trembling.


    She knew that whatever he said, he would do.


    She waspletely naked now, and if she was abandoned in this barren wilderness, she would be truly finished.


    So, she had no choice but to endure...


    Micah nced at her, seeing her pitiful appearance, and softened a little, handing her the mineral water once again.


    Sadie took the water and drank it slowly. Her throat burned, her head hurt, and her whole body ached...


    As she thought about it, she started crying.


    Four years ago, she had made a mistake in a confused state, and now she had repeated it.


    Sleeping with this male escort again.


    Why did she always make mistakes?


    "Why are you crying?" Micah was getting annoyed. "Acting like I raped you!"


    "You knew I was drugged; you should have taken me to the hospital..." Sadie choked on her words.


    Sobbing now, she asked; "Why take advantage of someone''s vulnerability?"


    "Would going to the hospital help in this situation?" Micah replied impatiently. "Besides, if you go to the hospital, do you want to be in the news again?"


    Sadie had no response. Indeed, ifst night''s incident were to spread, she would be aughingstock once more.


    "What''s the point of crying when you could just sleep?" Micah''s frustration grew. It seemed as though this pig-woman believed that sleeping with him was a great shame. "You''re right!" Sadie took a deep breath. "I''ll just think of it as being raped by a ghost!"


    Micah instantly erupted in anger, his fist smashing the car window.


    With a loud bang, shards of ss scattered everywhere.


    Terrified, Sadie closed her eyes and curled up into a ball.


    Micah''s expression turned dark; his gaze icy as he fell silent.


    The car sped off and soon arrived at a pharmacy in the city center.


    Micah unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car.


    Not knowing what he was up to, Sadie wanted to leave, but in her current state, she couldn''t move.


    Passersby curiously nced at her, and she quickly covered her face with his windbreaker.


    Soon, Micah returned, handing her a white pill. "Take it!"


    "What is this?" Sadie asked, taken aback.


    "It''s a contraceptive pill," Micah said coldly. "Don''t tell me you want to get pregnant and have another abortion?"


    Sadie immediately took the pill and swallowed it, then took a few sips of water.


    Micah made a call and then drove to the back entrance of the Cloud Hotel.


    The hotel manager was already waiting there and bowed as soon as he saw Micah.


    "No need for formalities, just lead the way!" Micah snapped.


    "Yes!" The manager immediately walked ahead.


    Micah tightly wrapped Sadie in her windbreaker, carrying her as they entered the hotel and went straight to the 39th floor, where the presidential suite was located. It was the room they had slept in four years ago...

 Chapter 120 You Scum

    "Mr. ..." The hotel manager almost called him Mr. Clemens, but seeing the warning look from Micah, he stopped abruptly. "Everything you requested is ready, Sir! Rest well, and if you need anything, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    With that, the manager exited the room and closed the door.


    "Why did you bring me here?" Sadie asked anxiously, her voice trembling. "Do you still want to... ah..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Micah rudely threw her into the round bathtub filled with water.


    Panicking, Sadie sshed around a few times, struggling to sit up and coughing up water.


    She wiped off the water from her face and gasped for air. As soon as she regained herposure, she angrily cursed, "Bastard, how dare you..."


    "Shut up!" Micah pointed at her, giving a ferociousmand. "From now on, you better keep quiet and clean yourself up properly. If you dare say another word..."


    "I will do you again!" His fierce gaze, dominant words, and irresistible arrogance...


    Sadie quickly covered her mouth, widened her eyes, and looked at him in fear, not daring to breathe.


    "Bath!" Micah threw the bathrobe next to her and walked out.


    Sadie clenched her mouth, feeling wronged, and didn''t dare to make a sound...


    But she really wanted to take a bath.


    Afterst night''s activities, her whole body felt sticky and ufortable. Taking a bath now would be really refreshing...


    However, her shoulder and neck injuries were being pulled, and now they were soaked, causing pain.


    Micah took a shower in another cubicle, wrapped a towel around himself, and came out while drying his hair. He then called Dahlia, "Send a new female doctor to the Cloud Hotel immediately!" After hanging up the phone, he was about to put on his mask when Sadie came out of the bathroom...


    He immediately turned around.


    Feeling worried, his mask was on the bed, and he had to turn and walk over to reach it.


    But that woman was right behind him.


    "You finished bathing so quickly?" Micah deliberately asked.


    "Yeah!" Sadie responded, then immediately covered her mouth and didn''t dare to speak.


    This male escort was so fierce just now. If she didn''t obey him, he might truly have his way with her.


    Her body was still sore and weak from their earlier activities. Her legs were trembling, and her body ached as if torn apart. She didn''t want to be troubled by him anymore.


    "If you didn''t clean properly, go back in and wash again." Micahmanded in a domineering tone.


    "I..." Sadie was about to argue, but she was reminded of his earlier warning, so she obediently closed her mouth and returned to the bathroom.


    Micah quickly rushed to grab the mask on the bed, but before his hand reached it, Sadie came out again...


    He hurriedly turned around, and because of his swift movement, his towel almost fell off.


    "I won''t wash anymore!" Sadie covered her neck, looking pained. "The wound on my neck seems to be infected and it hurts. I want to go home..." As she spoke, Sadie started to walk away...


    Micah swiftly and quietly put on the mask. It was close, but he managed not to expose himself.


    Luckily, she kept her head down and spoke timidly and ashamedly.


    "After I go back, I will burn the debt agreement we had, and I will delete your phone number. I won''t trouble you, and you should not bother me either!" Saying that, Sadie prepared to open the door and leave...


    "You slept with me and now you just want to leave?" Micah''s cold voice came from behind, You..."

 Chapter 121 A Family Reunion?

    "You want what?" Sadie frowned at him. "At most, I''ll pay you back the money. You''ve given me more than a hundred thousand dors... I''ll give it all back to you!"


    "Just repaying the money? What about my body and my heart?" Micah slowly approached her, his gaze icy. "You want to hit me, then you hit me. You want to curse at me, then you curse at me. You want to sleep with me, then you sleep. After sleeping, you want to cut all ties?"


    "Don''t mess around!" Sadie stepped back in panic. "If you touch me again, I''ll call the police!"


    "The one who should call the police is me." Micah said coldly, "Anyone who watchesst night''s video will believe that I''m the victim!"


    "You bastard!" Sadie couldn''t bear her anger. "You deliberately recorded it to threaten me?"


    Micah was speechless at her train of thought. "What do you think I can threaten you with?"


    "You..." Sadie was momentarily at a loss for words. It seemed like she realized that she had already obtained what she wanted from him, but as for wealth, everyone knew she was poor and couldn''t squeeze any money out of her no matter how hard they tried.


    Ding-dong


    At this moment, the doorbell suddenly rang, startling Sadie.


    Micah walked over to open the door, and she thought he was going to touch her, so she quickly shrunk into the corner.


    He pressed her head with one hand, not allowing her to move around, while using the other hand to open the door.


    The female doctor at the door almost called out "Mr. Clemens" as a title, but when she saw Micah''s gaze, she quickly corrected herself, "Hello, sir. I am the private doctor the manager invited."


    "Come in." Micah pointed at Sadie. "Thoroughly examine and treat the wounds on her neck and left shoulder."


    "Yes Sir." The female doctor appeared to be in her forties, dressed in a doctor''s uniform, and carried a medical kit. She was being greatly respectful towards Micah.


    "What''s going on here?"


    Sadie was still very confused and was then pressed down onto the sofa by Micah.


    "You stay put and wait for the doctor to treat your wounds. I will send you home then." Micah told her.


    Sadie immediately cooperated upon hearing his words.


    The female doctor crouched down and treated her wounds, applying medicine and bandages. "Ma''am, your wound is a little infected. I will provide you with preliminary treatment now. You need to take some antibiotics today. If the wound worsens tomorrow morning, you will have to go to the hospital."


    "Understood, thank you." Sadie nodded and thanked her.


    The doctor left some antibiotics for her, respectfully bowed to Micah, and then left.


    "It''s strange. Why was she so respectful toward you?" Sadie asked puzzled.


    "Money is like a god!" Micah dressed in front of her.


    "What are you doing? Can you pay attention?" Sadie quickly turned away.


    "Your clothes are in the wardrobe, go and change." Micah told her. "Of course, if you want to go home wearing the hotel robe, you can do that too."


    Sadie red at him before taking the clothes from the wardrobe and going to the bathroom to change.


    It was afortable white dress, and it fitted her perfectly.


    There was a set of disinfected new underwear. She tried it on and they too fitted her perfectly, as if it was tailor-made for her.


    "Is it alright?" Micah asked from outside the door.


    "It''s fine," Sadie pushed the door open and stepped out. "Whose clothes are these? They fit me so well, and the fabric is veryfortable."


    "Of course, they were bought for you!" Micah rubbed her damp hair and sat her down in front of the dressing table. He took out a hairdryer and started to blow-dry her hair.


    Sadie sat obediently, gazing at herself in the mirror and then at the man behind her. Warmth surged in her heart...


    In fact, looking at it from a different perspective, being a male escort wasn''t all that bad...


    He diligently paid off her debts, and whenever she needed him, he was there. He knew when her wounds worsened and secretly arranged doctors for her. He even prepared clean clothes for her... If his profession wasn''t a male escort, perhaps a family reunion would be a good choice.


    Just as this thought crossed her mind, Sadie immediately cut it off...


    She told herself not to be soft-hearted!!!


    He had been doing this for far too many years, and he could never wash away his past.


    Even if she didn''t mind his past, what about the child?


    In the future, if the five of them walked on the street together and his clients recognized him, how would the children feel?


    If this matter were to be exposed, the children would be aughingstock and be forever inferior...

 Chapter 122 Make a Thorough Break

    Thinking of all this, Sadie felt a shiver down her spine. In her heart, she reminded herself repeatedly not to soften her heart, no matter how gentle the male escort''s tactics were... absolutely not! "All done!"


    Micah turned off the hairdryer and gently ruffled Sadie''s hair like petting a little dog.


    "Stop it." Sadie pushed his hand away, deliberately keeping her distance from him. "I''ll take a cab back on my own, you don''t need to send me!"


    "Are you sure about that?" This time, Micah didn''t forcefully persuade her but coldly reminded her, "If you walk out of here now, I won''t take care of you anymore!"


    "That''s for the best," Sadie immediately said. "I''ll transfer the money to you when I get back. Let''s not see each other again!"


    Micah frowned at her, staying silent for a moment before nodding, "Fine!"


    "And, you must delete that video..."


    "It was deleted this morning, didn''t you see?" Micah frowned.


    "That''s good then. Goodbye." Sadie left in a hurry...


    Watching her figure leave, Micah''s face turned pale with anger. This time, he made up his mind to teach this woman a lesson and make here back begging! Sadie came down the elevator and took a taxi home from behind the hotel.


    Sitting in the car, she looked back at the Aston Martin parked not far away, feeling an emptiness in her heart.


    Thinking aboutst night''s madness, and then his tenderness today. Now it was all over in an instant.


    This storm is like a fleeting visitor, gone as quickly as it came...


    It seems as if nothing happenedst night, as if it were all a dream.


    Sadie was so lost in her thoughts, she didn''t even notice she had arrived back home already.


    It''s already noon now, and the children are thankfully all at kindergarten.


    Upon seeing Sadie, Brenda hurriedly approached her and asked, "Miss, where were youst night? I was so worried; I couldn''t reach you on the phone."


    "Last night, I went out for drinks with my colleagues, got drunk, and ended up falling asleep at their ce," Sadie exined, feeling exhausted. "Brenda, I''m tired. I''m going to take a nap." "Go ahead, I''ll cook for you when you wake up."


    "Okay." Sadie returned to her room, intending to use online banking to transfer the money to the "Debt Repayment Male Escort," but she realized she didn''t know his bank ount number. Furthermore, if she transferred this money, she would only have seven hundred dors left in her ount!


    How long could shest with seven hundred dors?


    What should she do?


    As Sadie was pondering, her phone suddenly rang; it was a call from Ronan.


    Just seeing his name gave her a headache, so she cut the call immediately.


    Then, she sent a text message to the "Debt Repayment Male Escort," saying, "Bank ount number, I''m transferring the money to you now!" No response came from the other end.


    Sadie wondered if he didn''t want this money.


    Even if he didn''t, she had to pay him back; otherwise, things would get even messier. However, she could dy it until she got her sry... While she was contemting, she received a text message on her phone.


    The "Debt Repayment Male Escort" unexpectedly sent his bank ount details: Wells Fargo, XXXXXXXXXXX.


    "Hmph!" Sadie sarcastically sneered in her heart, cursing, so it turns out this jerk does want this money. It seems he''s afraid I''ll go back on my word. Well, I''ll pay him back and cut all ties...

 Chapter 123 Who Saved Her?

    Sadie transferred all the money in her ount to the "Debt Repayment Male Escort." Afterpleting the transfer, she called him, saying, "The money has been transferred. It''s a total of one hundred and seventy thousand dors. Please


    check."


    "Alright," he responded calmly on the other end of the phone.


    "Goodbye!" Sadie hung up and deleted his number directly.


    Thinking about his indifferent attitude just now, anger filled her heart. Was his previous tenderness and fiery passion all just an act?


    She paid him back, and he couldn''t even say thank you?


    Bitch man!!!


    Now Sadie only had seven hundred dors left...


    She hadn''t been working for even a month, and it was still far from payday. What should she do?


    Sadie rummaged through her belongings, trying to see if there was any jewelry she could sell for some emergency money...


    After searching through her cab, she found that besides the ruby ne that Micah had given her, there was nothing else. There''s nothing left.


    Holding this one-billion-dor ruby ne, Sadie felt helpless. She couldn''t sell it and had to find a way to return it to the devil... This was really a headache!


    Lost in thought, Sadie''s phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number. After hesitating for a moment, Sadie answered the call, "Hello!" "Sadie, it''s Alice. Are you okay?"


    "Alice?" Sadie paused, then remembered her colleague from the administrative department. "I''m fine. How did you get my number?"


    "I checked with HR. I heard you took the day off today, and I was worried, so I called to check on you."


    "Thank you..." Sadie replied politely, but she couldn''t help but be cautious. After what happened yesterday, she still felt a chill. She couldn''t understand why Finley wanted to harm her. What had she done to offend her?


    "What happenedst night? After you and Finley left the private room, you disappeared. Your boyfriend went to find you, but he didn''te back either. We were worried that you both ran off without paying, but luckily the manager of the nightclub said your boyfriend had already signed the bill..."


    "It''s nothing. I had too much to drink," Sadie brushed it off. "Something unexpected happened yesterday, so I didn''t join you guys again. Sorry about that."


    "It''s okay, don''t worry about it. By the way, Finley didn''te to work today. Thepany issued a notice saying she and Mr. Brown were aplices engaged in criminal activities. They have been taken to the police station. Everyone is so terrified..."


    Hearing this, Sadie suddenly realized that because Finley was an aplice to Samuel it was no wonder Finley kept asking her about Samuelst time, her gaze was strange...


    Moreover, when Samuel attacked her with a knife, she clearly felt someone push her from behind. She had initially thought it was her imagination, but now she realized that person was indeed Finley...


    "Sadie, I want to apologize to you. Last night, I watched as Finley took you out of the private room, but I didn''t stop her. I really didn''t know something bad would happen... Today, everyone at work is talking about how Finley wanted to harm you. Fortunately, Mr. Clemens arrived in time to save you, or the consequences would have been unimaginable..."


    "What? Mr. Clemens?"


    Sadie froze. Wasn''t it the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" who saved her? How could it be Micah?


    "Yes, Lily saw Mr. Clemens carrying you from behind and they got into his Aston Martin," Alice apologized tearfully, "Sadie, please don''t hold it against me. I really didn''t mean for any of this to happen."


    "I didn''t even think about ming you. Calm down. Go back to work, I''ll see you tomorrow."


    Hanging up the phone, Sadie held her cellphone, puzzled.


    Wasn''t the Aston Martin supposed to be the "Debt Repayment Male Escort''s" car? Why did Micah then drive it?


    What about Micah?


    Did Lily read it wrong and mistake "debt-paying male escort" for Micah?


    After all, their silhouettes do look remarkably simr...

 Chapter 124 Finding a Part-Time Job

    Sadie''s head began to ache as she sat contemting all of this, but she couldn''t afford to even have a meal now, let alone think about men... She had to find a way to make money!


    Lost in her thoughts, she faintly heard a knock on her bedroom door. "Miss, are you awake?"


    "Yes,e in, Brenda," Sadie responded.


    Brenda pushed the door open and came in, holding a few papers. She said, "Miss, the children are going on a spring outing tomorrow, and we need to go to the school today to sign and pay. Should you go, or should I?" "You go please Brenda, I''m in pain from my wound and need some rest," Sadie hurriedly took out her phone and transferred money to Brenda. "How much do we need to pay?"


    "It''s $800 for one child, and $2,400 for three," Brenda handed her the papers.


    Sadie looked at the papers and couldn''t help but be stunned. What kind of kindergarten charges $800 for a one-day spring outing? Are they going to fly to the moon?


    Brenda saw the bnce on her phone and immediately changed her tune, "I just remembered, there''s $3,000 left from the money you gave me for buying furniture. I''ll just use that to pay." "But I don''t have..."


    "Miss, I''ll go to the kindergarten now. You take a good rest and I''ll cook when Ie back."


    After saying that, Brenda turned her ball-like body and ran out...


    Sadie watched Brenda''s figure and felt extremely guilty. Last time, she had only given Brenda $1,000 for buying furniture.


    Brenda bought a shoe cab and a bookshelf from a second-hand market, and even returned $300 to her...


    Where would the extra $3,000e from?


    Brenda had clearly sold her own jewelry to make ends meet.


    Sadie felt useless. Over the years, Brenda had taken care of her and the children tirelessly. She had no money to pay Brenda a sry, and Brenda even had to spend her own money... Sadie felt overwhelming guilt, so she immediately turned on herputer and searched for part-time jobs online.


    With so many opportunities now, as long as she worked hard, she wouldn''t starve.


    Driving for ride-sharing or delivering takeout...


    None of these seemed feasible. She didn''t have a car, and she couldn''t even afford an electric scooter for delivery... What else could she do?


    Just as she was thinking about it, she suddenly saw a bar recruiting singers. They required good looks, a good figure, musical skills, and they paid $280 per hour!


    This bar was newly opened, and customers would go there to listen to music, have a drink, chat, y games, and flirt...


    It was not on the same level as those bustling nightclubs.


    So, there wouldn''t be as many messy things happening in this kind of bar. It was a decent bar.


    Added to that; she wouldn''t encounter any "debt-repaying male escort."


    Sadie immediately wrote a resume and sent it over.


    She had learnt to y the piano from a young age, already passing Grade 10, and had won many international awards. However, those were always just hobbies. She has never thought that one day she would rely on it to make a living!


    After reminiscing for a moment, Sadie called the number on the recruitment notice to inquire.


    The other party was probably a newly opened bar and indeed needed people. They responded immediately, "You cane and try around 8 o''clock tonight. If the interview is sessful, you can start working tonight."


    "Is your sry paid on a daily basis?"


    "It can be paid daily. As long as you are beautiful and have a good singing voice, the sry can be negotiated."


    "Alright, I will be there at 8 o''clock tonight. Thank you!"


    Just as she hung up the phone, she heard the children''s voices outside, "Is mommy back?"


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia!" Sadie hurriedly went out to greet them.


    "Mummy!" The three children quickly threw themselves into her arms, and Coco flew above her head, calling out "Mommy, mommy!" "Mia, did you take Coco to kindergarten again?"


    Sadie kissed Mia''s chubby face.


    "It flew into my backpack, and I only found out when I arrived at kindergarten."


    Mia pouted her pink lips as she exined...


    "The teacher didn''t criticize me because Coco didn''t affect our learning. It yed games with everyone, and everyone liked it."

 Chapter 125 Family Heirloom

    "Yes, Billy said he wanted his dad to buy him a parrot when he goes home." Nathan took out a golden invitation card from his backpack. "Also, mommy, Billy invited us to his birthday party!" Sadie was somewhat surprised. Last time, the two families'' children almost got into a fight. How did they be so friendly now?


    "Mummy, Billy doesn''t bully Mia anymore." Noah exined seriously, "He brings Mia all kinds of delicious things every day, and he leaves the chicken wings and strawberries from lunch for Mia." "Yes, Billy is very polite to us now." Nathan gestured with boxing moves, "He has been learning boxing from me recently, and I even taught him a few moves!"


    "Mummy, can I forgive Billy and ept him as a friend?" Mia tilted her little head innocently and asked.


    "Of course." Sadie nodded with a smile, "Your friendship is up to you, and I won''t interfere."


    "Then can we go to Billy''s birthday party?" Nathan asked immediately.


    "Well..." Sadie thought for a moment and said tactfully, "There should be his family at his birthday party. Although you have resolved your conflicts with him and regained your friendship, his family may not see it that way. So, it''s better not to attend this time. You can wish him a happy birthday at kindergarten instead!"


    "I was thinking the same thing." Noah, who is mature in thinking, nodded, "Mr. Ronan''s grandmother and mother are too strict. We better not go to his house."


    "Alright."


    Nathan pouted, feeling disappointed that he couldn''t go to Billy''s to watch Transformers.


    Mia, on the other hand, didn''t mind. She said earnestly, "I drew a picture as a birthday gift for him. Mommy, is that okay?"


    "Of course! My babies are amazing!" Sadie kissed each of her three children.


    "Mommy, you''re a girl, so you can''t kiss me randomly anymore." Nathan pouted and ran away.


    "Huh?" Sadie was surprised. Nathan used to be jealous of his sister and would say that she loved her sister more and kisses should be divided equally. What was happening now? "Nathan has a crush on a girl." Noah held his chin, as if he knew everything. "He secretly watches her every day."


    "Oh? Who is it?" Sadie asked curiously.


    Noah leaned close to Sadie''s ear and whispered, "It''s our new music teacher."


    "Hahaha, really?" Sadieughed. "And what about you?"


    "Of course not." Noah immediately patted his chest and said, "My heart is only for studying!"


    "Hahaha, good boy, Noah!" Sadie lovingly ruffled his hair.


    "Mommy, Billy gave me this..." Mia took out a bracelet from her school bag. "Because I helped him eat the strawberries he didn''t like, so he wanted to give me a gift..."


    "This..." Sadie took the bracelet and frowned involuntarily. "Mia, you can''t ept gifts from your ssmates without reason in the future, okay?"


    "Huh? Why?" Mia opened her grape-purple eyes wide, curious.


    "This bracelet is very valuable, it''s their family heirloom..." Sadie said, then exined from the perspective of a child, "Anyway, you can''t ept these types of gifts anymore, unless they make them by hand, okay?" "Oh, got it." Mia nodded reluctantly.


    "Brenda." Sadie earnestly instructed Brenda, "Could you please take Mia to give this bracelet to their teacher tomorrow, and ask the teacher to help return it to that child?"


    "Sure." Brenda nodded while cooking.


    Sadie was about to say a few more words, but Coco cried out, hungry. The three kids ran to feed it.


    The security guard knocked on the door outside, reminding them to pay the utility bills, or else the power would be cut off.


    Sadie''s train of thought was instantly interrupted...

 Chapter 126 Handsome Boy

    After dinner, Sadie hurriedly went to the bar for an interview.


    Thinking that being a singer required attention to appearance, Sadie specifically chose a little ck dress from years ago and put on some lipstick.


    Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt too morous and wiped off the lipstick.


    Then she put on a pair of sneakers and took a taxi straight to the bar.


    Even in such casual attire, when she arrived at the bar, she still attracted everyone''s attention.


    The bar was rtively empty, with only three customers and a few staff members in the bar.


    Originally a dull bar, it was now illuminated by Sadie''s presence.


    The three tables of customers were instantly intrigued and eager to approach her.


    In the corner, the owner of the bar gently tapped the boy next to him and said, "Fresh prey has arrived, you''ll definitely like her!"


    "In this ce, there isn''t a single attractive woman..."


    The boy in the ck leather jacket paused midway through his sentence. When he saw Sadie, his previously disdainful gaze turned into shock, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets.


    "Mr. n, do you like her?" The bar owner smirked evilly. "I''ll go get her number for you."


    "Don''t go overboard." n immediately stopped him. "She is off-limits."


    "Do you know her?" the curious bar owner asked.


    "It''s more than just knowing..." n squinted his eyes, deeply gazing at Sadie, his eyes filled with a strange emotion.


    Compared to her innocent appearance yesterday, he liked her wild and uninhibited look right now...


    "Invite her over to y with us." The bar owner hastily suggested.


    "I already said, she''s off-limits!" n emphasized thest three words, his gaze also issuing a dominant warning.


    "Alright, I understand." The bar owner nodded repeatedly.


    "The singer for the audition has arrived." A server led Sadie over.


    Sadie saw n, and suddenly stopped in her tracks. Could he possibly be the "Debt Repayment Male Escort"?


    His figure, his back, and his dress were almost identical to that of the "Debt Repayment Male Escort"...


    n turned his head and gazed at her; his expressionplicated. Would she recognize him?


    "You..." Sadie looked at his handsome yet slightly youthful face, and it took her a while toe back to her senses. "Is it you?" n''s heart trembled. Does she recognize me? Or does she think of me as her big brother?


    Sadie showed him the bank information of the "Debt Repayment Male Escort."


    "Huh?" n lookedpletely stunned. What''s going on?


    "I''m sorry, I must have mistaken you for someone else." Sadie was not too sure, feeling extremely restless inside.


    But in her heart, she thought that even if it was him, she would pretend not to know him. They had already severed ties. "You?" The bar owner looked at Sadie with a smirk. "The singer for the audition?" "Yes," Sadie nodded.


    "What instrument can you y?" the bar owner asked.


    "Piano." Sadie nced at the stage where there was a white piano.


    "Go up and y a piece for us to hear." The bar owner gestured towards the stage with his chin.


    "Alright." Sadie nced at n and went up on stage. She started with a Nocturne, a piece of ssical music inspired by the night, and then moved on to a more difficult piano piece, "Pirates of the Caribbean." Suddenly, apuse filled the entire venue.


    The audience below were all cheering for her.


    Apuse fills the air.


    After finishing her performance, Sadie bows and walks up to the bar owner. "Is it eptable?"


    "It is, but this is a bar, not an upscale restaurant, so in the future, you may need to sing and y at the same time, and y faster songs," the bar owner says with a smile.


    "No problem, I can y a few more..." Sadie replies.


    "No need, go and get ready, you start ying at nine o''clock," the bar owner says. "Two thousand eight hundred dors per hour, two hours per day, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. What do you think?"

 Chapter 127 The Masked Girl

    Sadie hesitates and cautiously asks, "Two thousand eight hundred dors per hour? Did I hear you correctly?"


    "If you think the price is too low, we can negotiate..." the bar owner offered.


    "No need, it''s quite high," Sadie responded ecstatically. "I thought I would need to present some award certificates to get a raise, but I didn''t expect..."


    "No need for certificates, I can tell the level just by listening," the bar owner interrupts with augh. "Alright, go get ready backstage."


    "Okay, thank you," Sadie says happily and follows the waiter to the backstage area.


    n shakes his drink and keeps his gaze fixed on Sadie.


    "Who is the person sitting with the owner?" Sadie asks the waiter in a low voice.


    "That''s Mr. n!" the waiter answers. "He''s the owner''s friend and a shareholder of this bar."


    "What does he do?" Sadie inquires further.


    "He seems to be a rich second-generation, very wealthy, but I don''t know much else," the waiter mysteriously adds. "I can see that you''re a simple girl, so let me remind you, this Mr. n is a yboy who changes women like clothes. If you want money, you can y with him, but if not, don''t overthink things. He won''t take you seriously."


    "I''m just curious, no ns..." Sadie awkwardly chuckles. It seems he isn''t the "debt-paying male escort," so how could a male escort be a rich second-generation?


    Just as Sadie leaves, a group of seductive and attractive women walk in, bustling and vibrant like dancing butterflies. They enthusiastically approach n. "Mr. n, I''ve missed you so much!" "n, what are you doing here today? It''s so quiet."


    "Yeah, n, why didn''t you go to the Night Club tonight?"


    "Shut up!" n frowns and coldlymands, "You''re all too noisy."


    For some reason, he suddenly feels that these women are iparable to Sadie.


    One is an angel, the other is a colorful bird...


    "n, you have quite the appetite today, can you handle all this food?" the bar owner jokes in a low voice.


    "It''s too greasy," n orders the women, "Wait for me outside."


    "Huh? Why?" The women feel that Mr. n is different today, as if he''s not very happy.


    "Get out!" n yelled in anger.


    The women quickly left.


    The men at the other two tables were lusting after them, their eyes wandering.


    "What''s going on today?" the bar owner asked.


    "I''m leaving," n stood up and put on his coat. "Take care of that girl you''ve just employed!"


    "Understood!"


    Sadie came out from backstage, and the young boy who resembled a "male escort for paying off debts" was nowhere to be found.


    She didn''t think much of it and took the contract to discuss the details with the owner: "Can I not wear the clothes you provide? I find them too revealing." "You can wear whatever you like," the owner replied.


    "Thank you, and can we start at 8:30 instead of nine? That way, I can still take the subway home."


    "Sure, 8:30 it is."


    "Thank you, you''re very amodating."


    "Haha, it''s the least I can do," he said as he thought to himself; I have to take good care of the people that the shareholders entrusted to me.


    At 8:30, Sadie was ready to go on stage when suddenly a familiar figure walked in...


    Tall and imposing, exuding an air of mystery and dominance even in the dim lighting.


    Wherever he went, people would immediately fall silent.


    Micah!


    What is he doing here?


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned away.


    Oh no, if he finds out I''m working here, will he fire me?


    "It''s time for you to go on stage," the waitress reminded her.


    "Just a moment."


    Sadie hurriedly ran back to the dressing room and randomly picked a ckce mask from the variety of masks, then slowly made her way to the stage.

 Chapter 128 Making Money

    "Mr. Clemens!" the bar owner greeted respectfully, bowing as he approached. "I wasn''t expecting you here?"


    Micah didn''t say a word and sat down in a corner position.


    The dim lights cast a sporadic glow on him, making everyone who looked his way timid, as if afraid to offend the brilliance of a god. The bar owner waited by his side, bending over, awaiting his instructions.


    Micah lit a cigar, took a puff, and then calmly asked, "Did ne here earlier?"


    "He did!" the bar owner lowered his head, not daring to deceive him.


    "And he invested three billion dors with you?" Micah raised an eyebrow, staring at him.


    "We have several branches..." the bar owner cautiously replied, "earning money together."


    "You can make money in this ce?" Micah sneered, "A few billion dors can be yed away. If I find out you have any other schemes..."


    He gestured with his finger, and the bar owner quickly approached.


    Micah pressed the cigarette directly onto his palm.


    A sharp "hiss" sound was heard as the bar owner''s face contorted in pain, but he gritted his teeth and didn''t make a sound.


    Sadie had just sat down and was frightened by the scene, her face turning pale.


    What''s going on?


    Why is Micah intimidating people again?


    What happened with that boss?


    How could he treat someone like that?


    "Let''s begin," DJ reminded her.


    Sadie regained her focus and started ying and singing seriously. She sang a song called "Love Story," instantly igniting the whole venue. Micah''s gaze shifted from the bar owner to the stage...


    The girl on the stage, wearing a ck dress and a ckce mask, had a hot and sexy figure. There was a rebellious and unique charm between her brows. She was quite special! For some reason, seeing her made Micah think of Sadie.


    Could that woman also have a hidden side like Sadie?


    "Mr. Clemens, this is a fine wine from my collection. Would you like to try it?" The bar owner trembled, offering the precious wine to Micah with his injured hand. "No, thank you." Micah stood up and left.


    Andrew and the others following closely behind.


    The bar owner apanied them to the exit, disying an extremely humble and subservient attitude.


    While performing, Sadie watched Micah''s back and wondered about his purpose ining here. Could it be to cause trouble for the boss? Forget it, it''s none of my business!


    The two-hour performance had a great effect.


    Though there weren''t many guests, those present praised Sadie incessantly and told the boss to bring friends to listen to Sadie sing here tomorrow. At 10:30 PM, Sadie finished work, and the bar owner gave her $5600 in cash directly.


    Thankful beyond words, Sadie looked at his injured hand and couldn''t help but ask, "Who was that person just now? Why did he treat you like that?" She didn''t reveal her rtionship with Micah...


    "The adult world is veryplicated, don''t ask about it," the bar owner, Jonny, chuckled casually. "By the way, just call me Jonny from now on." "Alright, Jonny." Sadie was incredibly grateful.


    "Go home quickly. Be here sharp at 8:30 PM tomorrow. You shoulde every day during the first week so we can test the effect!"


    "Got it." Sadie put the money in her backpack. Initially, she nned to take the subway home, but as soon as she left the bar, a group of young men surrounded her, asking for her contact information. She had to hastily get into a taxi and leave.


    On the way, Sadie couldn''t contain her joy. With this part-time job, she would be able to earn $5600 every day. It was even more than what the male escort gave her...


    She wouldn''t have to rely on anyone and could take care of her family on her own.


    Lost in her thoughts, Sadie noticed, at a traffic light, an Aston Martin parked behind them. Looking at the license te, it was none other than the male escort she owed money to. From her angle, she couldn''t see the person driving.


    When the light turned green, the taxi drove away. Sadie turned her head to look and realized that the person driving was none other than the guy from DTT Bar earlier... Could it be...


    Is he really a debt collector, a male escort?

 Chapter 129 Mr. Clemens Throws a Tantrum

    Sadie quickly took out her phone, wanting to dial the number for "Debt Collector, Male Escort," only to realize that she had deleted the contact. She searched through her messages, but by the time she found it, the car had already sped away like the wind...


    Sadie let out a sigh, persuading herself in her mind that it''s over, it doesn''t matter who he is. That night, Sadie had all sorts of random dreams, sometimes about Micah, sometimes about the "Debt Collector, Male Escort," and sometimes about that young boy...


    She couldn''t quite distinguish who was who anymore. Perhaps feeling a bit tired, Sadie overslept in the morning. Brenda shouted several times, "The kids have already boarded the school bus. If you don''t get up soon, you''ll bete." Sadie tumbled out of bed, hastily brushed her teeth, and dashed out the door, not even pausing to wash her face. She headed for the door, then doubled back to empty all the money from her bag and handing it to Brenda. "Brenda, this is what I earnedst night..."


    "How did you earn so much money in one night? Miss, please have breakfast before you go, Miss..."


    Brenda chased after her with a sandwich in hand while shouting, but Sadie had already rushed into the elevator. She looked at the money in her hand, filled with worry in her heart.


    Sadie fought her way onto the crowded subway, and after getting off, she ran all the way, finally arriving at the office on time. When she stepped out of the elevator, she was drenched in sweat.


    "What happened to you? Mr. Clemens really dislikes employees who don''t take care of their appearance," Chloe reprimanded. "Quick, go to the restroom and freshen up."


    "All right." Sadie went to the restroom, washed her face, and tidied herself up before preparing to leave. Suddenly, she overheard two female colleagues whispering, "Did you know? The new girl, Sadie, on the 68th floor has connections." "What kind of connections?"


    "I don''t know. I heard from someone on the 13th floor that she had an incident at a bar, and Mr. Clemens saved her and took her away. I feel like her rtionship with Mr. Clemens is not ordinary."


    "That can''t be possible. Mr. Clemens is way above her. How could he be interested in a low-level employee like her?"


    "You never know..."


    "Alright, let''s not discuss this anymore. If Mr. Clemens finds out, both of us would be in trouble."


    Hearing themotion inside, Sadie quickly escaped. She was filled with confusion. Was Lily from the administrative department not mistaken? Was the person who saved her that day really Micah? Lost in her thoughts, Sadie suddenly felt a powerful aura approaching from the opposite direction...


    She looked up to see Micah approaching, his brows furrowed in a stern expression. She hurriedly lowered her head and stepped to the side.


    Micah didn''t even nce at her and walked straight past her.


    Hearing the sound of the door opening and closing, she breathed a sigh of relief when he entered the CEO''s office and hurried back to her post. "Mr. Clemens is in a bad mood today, be careful not to make any mistakes," Chloe whispered as a reminder.


    "Mhm, got it," Sadie nodded repeatedly.


    "We will have a few visitors today; the documents are here, make sure to check the time..."


    "Okay." Sadie opened the file and looked at it. Surprisingly, the first visitor was Ronan.


    While still dazed, the elevator doors opened, and a familiar figure walked out. In elegant off-white attire, he looked up and his gazended on her face, leaving her stunned. "Mr. Potter!" Vincent whispered behind him.


    Finallying back to his senses, Ronan greeted with a smile, "Hello, I am here to visit Mr. Clemens; I already made an appointment."


    "Good morning, Mr. Potter. This way, please!" Sadie greeted him professionally and then led him inside, handing him over to the senior secretary for arrangements. Ronan nced at her, his gaze deep, before walking in.


    Sadie sat at her post, continuing her work. She thought about Micah''s grim expression earlier, wondering if he would make things difficult for Ronan.


    Just as she was thinking about it, a secretary hurriedly ran over and said to Chloe, "Chloe, you should go and have a look. Mr. Clemens threw a fit and identally hit Mr. Potter!"

 Chapter 130 Reckless Woman

    "Get the first-aid kit quickly!" Chloe reacted swiftly, showing her experience andposure as she quickly made her way to the CEO''s office.


    Sadie''s heart was in knots; she really wanted to go and see what was happening but had to hold herself back.


    Besides, if she went over now, it might cause trouble for Ronan.


    "Mr. Potter, I just brought the first-aid kit. I am terribly sorry; Mr. Clemens is not in a good mood today. Shall I take you to the hospital?" Chloe''s voice came through. "No need." Ronan went to the staff restroom around the corner.


    "Mr. Vincent, here is the first-aid kit with emergency medication." Chloe handed the kit to Vincent. "I sincerely hope that it will be of use to you right now."


    "Thank you." Vincent took it and said, "You can go back to your tasks; I will handle it."


    "Okay." Chloe hurried back and instructed the other secretaries, "Get back to work, and when Mr. Potteres outter, don''t stare or gossip."


    "Yes Ma''am." The secretaries were very tactful; they understood that these sessful individuals would feel even more embarrassed under curious and judgmental gazes. Sadie furrowed her brows as she stood at her post, feeling uneasy. She couldn''t understand why, with the current status of the Potter family, Ronan would humbly plead with Micah. Wouldn''t it be better to mind his own business?


    Could it be that...


    Is Micah the only client in the world?


    As she was thinking, Ronan came out, covering his forehead with a handkerchief, with Vincent following behind him.


    Sadie couldn''t help but look up. His forehead was still bleeding, and his white suit was stained red. He looked disheveled and exhausted.


    She felt very sorry for him, her hands clenched tightly, wanting to go forward and ask him but hesitating.


    She didn''t make any moves until Ronan entered the elevator. He looked up at her, his bloodshot eyes filled withplex pain...


    Her heart trembled, and she couldn''t help but blush.


    The elevator doors closed, and Ronan finally left.


    Sadie lowered her head, feeling a turmoil of emotions inside her...


    "Sadie, go clean the president''s office with Lucia," Chloe ordered.


    "Huh? I..." Lucia trembled in fear, "Chloe, I''m scared..."


    "Scared of what?" Chloe bellowed, "Do your job properly, don''t talk nonsense, and don''t look around, or do you want Mr. Clemens to eat you alive?"


    "I understand," Sadie immediately took the tools and went to the president''s office.


    Lucia had no choice but to follow, and she whispered to Sadie, "Sadie, I''ll clean the area near the door, can you clean the inside?"


    "Sure." Sadie was not afraid at all. She even wanted to ask Micah why he had to resort to violence. Did he really enjoy using force so much?


    Knocking on the door, Sadie entered the president''s office, where Micah was giving orders, "Let it be known that without my instructions, Ronan is not allowed to step foot inside VIC Group again!" "Yes Sir!" Andrew immediately obeyed.


    Lucia lowered her head and timidly cleaned up the broken ss near the door.


    Sadie walked to the desk and squatted down to organize the scattered documents on the floor. She noticed that Ronan''s blood trailed from here to the door, staining the floor...


    Her heart tightened once again, and a ball of anger ignited within her.


    "No need to clean anymore, just go!" Micah ordered.


    "Mr. Clemens, aren''t you bothered by the smell of blood?" Sadie suddenly asked coldly. "Or have you already gotten used to it with such disys of violence?"


    Andrew gasped, wanting to remind Sadie not to provoke Mr. Clemens at this moment, but he didn''t dare to speak up.


    Lucia was dumbfounded. Has Sadie gone mad? How dare she challenge Mr. Clemens like this?


    I don''t want to die; don''t drag me down with you!


    "Are you questioning me?" Micah stared at Sadie; his eyes ice cold.


    Lucia shivered, her legs trembling with fear.


    "Get out," Micahmanded Lucia, his eyes still fixed on Sadie.


    Lucia quickly scrambled out of the room.


    Andrew wisely left as well.

 Chapter 131 Abnormal Relationship

    Sadie remained silent, bowing her head to sort out the documents and ce them on the desk. Then, she grabbed a cloth and crouched down to clean the bloodstains. Each wipe felt like tending to her own wounds... "Did Ronan get hurt? Are you concerned?" Micah questioned again.


    Still, Sadie said nothing and continued cleaning diligently. Growing impatient, Micah furrowed his brow and coldlymanded, "Cat got your tongue now? Speak!"


    Finally, Sadie paused her actions and looked up at him. "Why do you enjoy using violence so much? Can''t things be resolved peacefully? Must you resort to throwing things at people?"


    Micah stared at her, silent, but his eyes revealed a surge ofplex emotions. After a long pause, he stood up and slowly walked towards her...


    The sunlight adorned him with its warm hues, seeming gentle yet also razor-sharp. As he drew closer, Sadie began to feel afraid. Subconsciously, she stepped back, her previously stubborn gaze long gone. In a timid voice, she exined, "I just feel that you don''t need to be so violent..."


    He continued to approach, and she continued to retreat. Despite her fear, she mustered the courage to continue, "Mr. Potter came to discuss a coboration with you. If you don''t want to work with him, you could simply decline. Why resort to violence?"


    His ck shoes appeared in her lowered line of sight, emanating a sharp aura. Her voice started to tremble, "You make everyone in thepany fear you, even business partners..."


    "Except you. You''re not afraid of me," Micah backed her against the wall, leaving her with no way to escape. One hand pressed against her shoulder, while the other pinched her cheek, forcing her to look into his burning eyes. "I..." Sadie panicked, unsure of what to say to free herself from this predicament.


    "Did


    I you think this method would catch my attention?" Micah smirked coldly, "Or perhaps you believed I liked you, so you acted spoiled?"


    "I never thought you liked me..." Sadie blurted out, "People like you don''t like anyone at all. The only person you like is yourself." "Very well!" Micah''s sinisterughter resembled the mercy of a beast before it struck.


    Sadie panicked. She started to realize that her earlier words had ignited a fuse, shooting herself in the foot. "I... I should go..." She tried to escape, but his towering figure enclosed her like a cage. So, she bent down, slipping out from under his


    arm.


    Micah didn''t stop her; instead he casually snapped his fingers. The infrared sensor on the mahogany door flickered abruptly. Then, Sadie couldn''t open the door. She twisted the doorknob in various ways, but it remained locked, and the voice prompt repeated, "Locked. Please enter fingerprint or password!"


    Anxious and flustered, Sadie turned back to question him, "What do you want? Let me out, now!"


    Micah, silently turning his ck leather chair, Micah calmly lit a cigar...


    "Mr. Clemens..." Sadie hurriedly approached, meekly pleading, "I apologize for what I said earlier. I shouldn''t have spoken without thinking. Please let me go."


    Micah remained silent, elegantly puffing on his cigar.


    "This is in thepany. If you don''t let me leave, what would others think?" Sadie grew anxious. "People are already gossiping about our unusual rtionship. If you continue like this, they''ll think you''re taking advantage of a female employee."


    "Huh!" Micah chuckled coldly. "Do I need to take advantage of anyone?"


    "You..."


    "I''m rather curious..." Micah blew out a smoke ring. "Who is gossiping about our rtionship? And what are they saying?"


    "They say..." Sadie asked hesitantly, "That day, when something happened at the Night Club, you saved me?"

 Chapter 132 Mysterious Confusion

    Micah remained silent, his lips set in a cold, solitary arc.


    This attitude left Sadie very bewildered.


    "Was it really you who saved me?" Sadie cautiously inquired.


    "Who saved you, don''t you know yourself?" Micah retorted.


    "I..." Sadie was about to say that she was drugged at the time, feeling confused and unaware of anything, but she stopped herself.


    After all, it wasn''t something glorious. If he didn''t know that he had saved her, would she expose her own privacy?


    "Never mind; it''s all still very unclear." Sadie changed the subject. "Mr. Clemens, please let me go. I still need to work."


    "It was me who saved you," Micah suddenly shifted back to this topic. "Tell me, how do you want to repay me?"


    "No way, really you?" Sadie was extremely shocked. "But, how could you..."


    "I happened to be there when you went drinking," Micah blew out a smoke ring, with a cold and arrogant expression. "Even if it was my dog that was being bullied, I would extend a helping hand. Consider it an act of kindness and good deeds!"


    "How is that possible..." Sadie shook her head in confusion. "The one who saved me was clearly, clearly..."


    In her mind shed the figure of a "Debt Repayment Male Escort." What exactly was going on?


    "You were drugged, burning with desire, and throwing yourself at me..." Micah ambiguously teased. "And I took advantage of you..."


    "That''s impossible..." Sadie hurriedly interrupted him, stepping forward to question him. "The one who saved me that day was my boyfriend. Even afterwards, what I saw was him. How could it be you... ah..." Before she could finish her sentence, Micah pulled her into his embrace.


    She tried to struggle but was immobilized by him, unable to move at all...


    "What are you doing? Let me go."


    Sadie panicked and squirmed, but the more she did, the more it ignited Micah''s desire for conquest.


    "That day, you were not like this..." Micah pinched her chin, looking at her exquisitely beautiful face, and those captivating eyes. He couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement, as his blood boiled. "That day, you would have kissed me willingly, just like this..."


    He whispered, gently nibbling on her earlobe, his hot kiss invading her senses.


    She stiffened, like a taut string, her voice a low hum, almost like a mosquito''s buzz, "Don''t..."


    "And like this..."


    His kiss slowly moved, caressing her cheeks, neck, chin, and those petal-like tender red lips.


    Micah''s kiss swept over her like fire, bringing with it an intense heat thatpletely melted her rationality.


    "No..."


    Sadie''s delicate body trembled like a helpless kitten.


    Her body went limp, as if melting into his embrace.


    But there was a voice in her head, reminding her repeatedly, no, no, no...


    Micah really liked this tender and gentle side of her. His actions became more passionate and profound, his hand slowly creeping up her skirt...


    Sadie shivered and suddenly woke up, hurriedly pushing him away.


    Because she couldn''t push him away, she exerted too much force, causing pain to shoot through her wounded shoulder, turning her face pale and sweat pouring down like rain... Reluctantly, Micah let go of her, licking his lips with a lingering desire burning in his eyes.


    Sadie immediately stepped back, clumsily straightening her clothes.


    Seeing her unpleasant expression, Micah knew she had aggravated her wound, and got up to check on her...


    "Don''te near me," Sadie retreated warily.


    Micah frowned, but reluctantly nodded in agreement.


    Then, he snapped his fingers, and the office''s lock automatically unlocked.


    Sadie immediately fled, as if escaping from a dreadful demon...

 Chapter 133 Clearly a Theft

    Sadie washed her face in the bathroom, gradually calming down, carefully contemting that night''s events, her mind filled with confusion...


    She found the phone number for the "Debt Repayment Male Escort" from her message history, hesitating whether to call him or not.


    Thinking about how determined she had been that night, and how he hadn''t contacted her during this time, if she were to call him now, wouldn''t she just be embarrassing herself?


    Besides, she had finally cleared up the rtionship with him. If she were to reconnect, it would only lead to more entanglement in the future.


    After much deliberation, Sadie decided to exit the interface. Her problem now was Micah. He had already developed possessiveness towards her, and if this continued, it would eventually lead to trouble. Maybe she should leave VIC Group...


    The ie from singing at the bar could now support her family. Once things stabilize there, she would submit her resignation letter to VIC Group.


    Sadie made up her mind, feeling much lighter in her heart.


    She put away her phone and returned to her workstation, focusing on her work.


    Lucia came over, looking anxious and uneasy, and asked.


    Sadie, didn''t Mr. Clemens fire you?"


    "Why would he fire me?" Sadie countered.


    "You talked back to him like that, and nothing happened?" Lucia nced around and lowered her voice. "I thought he was about to devour someone; I was almost scared to death." "Well, he was definitely angry," Sadie pretended to be distressed. "He scolded me harshly and kicked me out."


    "Just scolded?" Lucia was incredulous.


    "What else?" Sadie forced a bitter smile.


    "Well, you''re lucky..." Lucia didn''t say more and turned back to her own post.


    Sadie thought to herself that she should stay away from that devil in the future, or else there would be more rumors at work.


    When it was time to leave, Sadie declined her colleagues'' invitation to have dinner together.


    She wanted to go home and spend time with her child, as she had a part-time job at a bar at eight o''clock.


    Sadie stepped out of the elevator, ready to squeeze onto the subway when she suddenly received a call from Brenda. "Miss, pleasee to the school quickly."


    Sadie hurried to Sunflower Nursery, encountering a situation simr tost time.


    Leah and Kathleen were sitting menacingly on the sofa, while the new Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell stood in front of them, looking anxious, as if they were servants who had made a mistake. Brenda stood protectively beside Mia.


    Noah, Nathan, and Billy were nowhere to be seen.


    "We are running out of time and can''t waste it here. If the other parents don''te, let''s call the police," Kathleen instructed thewyer behind her. "Alright, Mrs. White..." thewyer took out his phone, ready to call the police.


    Mia started crying with a loud "wah," swinging her chubby hands in fear and shaking her head. "I don''t want to go to jail, I don''t want to go to jail..." "Don''t be afraid, Mia. Mommy will be here soon," Brenda hurriedlyforted her.


    "Child, don''t be scared," Leah smirked evilly, "even if you''re only three and a half, you don''t have to go to jail for making mistakes. Your guardian, which is your mommy, goes to jail!"


    "I don''t want, I don''t want mommy to go to jail..." Mia cried even harder, her little face turning red, making people feel sorry for her.


    "Mia!" Sadie rushed over in one stride, holding Mia in her arms with a broken heart.


    "Mommy!" Mia hugged Sadie''s neck, crying breathlessly. "Mommy, I''m sorry..."


    "Don''t be afraid, Mia. I''m here, nothing will happen," Sadie patted Mia''s back, soothing her. "Tell me what happened?"


    "Mommy, I... I lost the bracelet..."


    Mia cried, her voice muffled and unclear.


    "Maybe I should exin," Kathleen smiled sweetly at Sadie. "My grandaunt''s heirloom diamond bracelet, worth over thirty million dors, was lost by your daughter..." "Shouldn''t youpensate if your child lost it?"


    "Mom, why are you being so polite?" Leah eximed angrily, "It''s clearly theft!"

 Chapter 134 Reporting to the Police

    "You watch your words!" Sadie shouted in anger.


    "It''s just the truth..."


    "Stop talking." Kathleen interrupted Leah, frowned at her, then turned to Sadie and said, "Whether it was stolen or not doesn''t matter. The fact is that the bracelet was lost while in your daughter''s possession. We are reasonable people and won''t trouble the child. That''s why we called the parents to discuss. So, what do you think we should do?"


    Since being punished by Micah at the auction, Kathleen had changed her strategy.


    Now she was being polite and reasoning with Sadie in public, so even if Micah questioned herter, he wouldn''t find any fault with her.


    "Please give me some time to figure out the situation." Sadie was also a reasonable person. No matter how much she disliked the White family, if her child had lost something that belonged to someone else, she naturally had to take responsibility.


    "We still need to hurry back to celebrate my grandson''s birthday," Kathleen checked her watch, "Can we make it in ten minutes?"


    "Okay." Sadieforted Mia on the side, then asked Brenda in a low voice, "Brenda, didn''t I tell you to return the bracelet to the teacherst night while taking Mia on the school bus?"


    "Yes, when I escorted the children onto the school bus today, I didn''t see Miss Bell, so I instructed Mia to give the bracelet to the teacher herself. I didn''t expect... Sigh, it''s all my fault!" Brenda med herself heavily.


    "It''s okay, don''t me yourself. Let me rify first." Sadie held Mia''s small face and gently asked, "Mia, can you tell me what happened?"


    "When I arrived at school, I wanted to give the bracelet to the teacher but couldn''t find it," Mia pouted and sobbed, "Mommy, I''m sorry..."


    "It''s okay, it''s okay." Sadie hurriedly embraced her, "Mia, you''re still young, and it''s normal to make mistakes. Mommy will solve the problem for you. Don''t be afraid, okay?"


    "Mommy, are you going to jail?" Mia tightly clung to Sadie''s neck, her little arms almost choking Sadie, as if her mother would disappear if she let go.


    "I won''t get in trouble, and you won''t either, trust me."


    Sadie patted her back and made eye contact with Brenda.


    Brenda quickly reassured Mia, "Mia, shall we go outside and look for your brothers? They''re still in the ssroom helping to find the bracelet. Let''s go and see if they''ve found it." "Yes, yes." Mia immediately let go and ran outside with Brenda. After a few steps, she turned back and said to Sadie, "Mommy, we''lle back as soon as we find the bracelet." "Okay, go ahead." Sadie smiled and nodded.


    "How could you let that child go? Who should I turn to then?" Leah stood up immediately.


    "You wish to punish the child now?" Sadie asked coldly. "Didn''t you just say that it''s the guardian''s responsibility?"


    "We don''t have time to negotiate with you," Leah said impatiently. "Return my bracelet orpensate me, otherwise, I will charge your child with theft."


    "You really can''t control your temper. You should learn from your mother!" Sadie coldly stared at her.


    "You..." Leah''s face turned pale with anger.


    Ignoring her, Sadie called Miss Bell and Mr. Brooks aside to inquire about the situation.


    Miss Bell saw Billy give the bracelet to Mia yesterday afternoon, but she didn''t know what happened afterwards. She searched the ssroom and yground after the incident but couldn''t find the bracelet. After the incident, Mr. Brooks asked other teachers to search for the bracelet and informed the school staff to check the surveince footage. Once there is any information, they will be immediately notified. "We have been wasting our time here for an hour," Kathleen spoke up. "Our time is valuable; we can''t continue like this. Let''s call the police."


    "Calling the police is the only option now. Oh, and remember to inform the media!" Kathleen, feeling helpless, touched her hair. "Otherwise, it would be terrible if someone sells it off!"

 Chapter 135 Mortgage Agreement

    "Wait a minute." Sadie''s expression changed immediately upon hearing the mention of informing the media. "Let''s call the police, but why do we need to inform the media?" "Whether I inform the media or not, is my personal choice!" Kathleen retorted coldly. "You..."


    Kathleenmanded, "Contact all the popr media outlets in the country and publish the theft information. We''ll offer a reward of five million US dors if someone finds it and is willing to return it, but if the ck market buys it, we will prosecute." "Yes, Mrs. White," thewyer responded.


    "Also, send out the evidentiary photos and videos that were taken just now..."


    Upon hearing this, Sadie became extremely worried. If the media are informed, the children''s identities will be exposed...


    "Let''s settle this privately!" Sadie immediately said. "Just tell me what you want!"


    "Settle it privately?" Kathleen smirked.


    "You should p yourself two hundred times first!" Leah gritted her teeth and red at her.


    Sadie frowned. She had known all along that this mother-daughter duo was intentionally seeking revenge.


    "Leah..." Kathleen looked at her reproachfully. "After all, she is our rtive. How can you do this?"


    "Mom..."


    "Besides, she belongs to Mr. Clemens. We can''t afford to offend him." Kathleen looked at Sadie with a smug smile. "Why don''t you tell us how to settle privately?"


    "I..." Sadie couldn''te up with an answer.


    She couldn''t afford ten million dors at all.


    "You see, you don''t have a solution at all." Kathleen spread her hands, looking helpless. "You refuse to let me call the police or contact the media, and you won''tpensate us. You can''t just let us lose thirty million dors for nothing, right? This is uneptable. Mr. Brooks, Miss Bell, please think about it. Who would treat people like this?"


    "Yes, yes..." Mr. Brooks forced a smile and nodded.


    Miss Bell was an honest person and whispered, "Since, Mia lost this bracelet. Personally, I think you shouldpensate them." "Ah, Miss Bell spoke fairly." Kathleen looked aggrieved. "Since you can''t provide a solution, we''ll have to handle it officially." Saying that, Kathleen stood up...


    "Wait a minute." Sadie suddenly thought of something and quickly took it out of her bag. "I''ll use this as coteral..."


    Kathleen stared at the ruby ne in Sadie''s hand, wrapped in a bunch of tissues without even a box. But even so, the ruby still emitted a dazzling light.


    "Isn''t this the ruby ne from thest auction?" Leah''s eyes lit up when she saw the ruby ne. "Could it be fake?"


    "Let me see." Kathleen took it and carefully examined it before quickly confirming, "It''s real!"


    "This ruby ne is worth one hundred million dors." Sadie was reluctant. "It''s more than enough as coteral for you. I''ll get it back when I find your bracelet." "What if you can''t find it?" Leah questioned. "Then you shall consider this ne aspensation to me!"


    "That''s not eptable. The two items have different values." Sadie became anxious. "If I don''t find it, I will find a way topensate you. But I still want to redeem this ne. You can''t lose it." "There has to be a deadline." Kathleen smirked. "Within seven days, if you find the bracelet, I''ll give this back to you."


    "And if you can''t find it, you''ll receive apensation of 38 million dors, which I will return to you. But if you have neither the bracelet nor thepensation, then this ne will belong to me!" "Well..." Sadie hesitated.


    "If you don''t agree, I will call the police and contact the media..." Kathleen threatened.


    "I agree." Sadie had no room for negotiation.


    "Okay, let''s sign an agreement, with Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell as witnesses."

 Chapter 136 You No Longer Belong to Me

    Having signed the agreement, they gleefully strutted away with the ruby ne in hand.


    Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell also left and went to the monitoring room to investigate further.


    Sadie was about to go and look for the children when suddenly, a familiar voice sounded behind her; "Why not look for me?" causing Sadie to shudder.


    As she turned around she was greeted by Ronan''s handsome face. He had lost weight recently, looking haggard and hisplexion slightly pale.


    Although his head had been smashed earlier that afternoon by Micah at the VIC Group offices; she noticed that his wounds were newly dressed and he was in fresh clothing, the heartache was undeniable... "You know I can help solve problems for you. Why must you always insist on taking om everything yourself?" Ronan asked, frowning at her.


    "One must always rely on oneself," Sadie said with a bitter smile.


    Ronan''s heart ached for her. He reached out to embrace her.


    She instinctively stepped back, his hand freezing mid-air. "Sorry, I forgot again - you no longer belong to me..." he said with a self-deprecating, bitter smile as he pulled his hand back in disappointment. Such a poignant phrase, such a deste gesture, deeply touched Sadie''s heart.


    Had he persisted as he used to years before, clinging to her, she would have resisted, would have felt repelled.


    But his restraint and apparent loss only made her heartache intensify.


    Memories began flooding her mind; she recalled their first embrace when she was sixteen, how he approached with care, yet held back...


    Just like their love - destined but unfulfilled, ultimately leaving nothing but emptiness.


    "I will handle my own matters," Sadie spoke softly, "And you, why torment yourself so unnecessarily? There are plenty of otherpanies besides VIC Group."


    "Don''t worry about that..." Ronan didn''t want to delve into the subject, "Please don''t confront Micah for my sake. I don''t want you to put yourself in danger because of me."


    "You''re overthinking it, I won''t," Sadie deliberately kept her distance, stepping back, "Ronan, your wife and mother-inw just left. You might want to catch up before they get the wrong idea. You should go find them before there''s a misunderstanding."


    "The bracelet was a gift from Billy to Mia; there''s no need forpensation. I will handle this matter-"


    "The best way you can handle it is to ensure that you keep your distance from me." Sadie cut him off, reminding him earnestly, "The longer you continue to show that you can''t forget me; the more relentlessly they will pursue me..." Hearing these words, Ronan fell silent, and after a long while, he said nothing and turned to leave.


    Watching his retreating figure, Sadie heaved a deep sigh... She too felt regret, but ultimately regrettable things cannot be salvaged.


    "Mummy!"


    Just as she prepared to leave, she heard her children calling for her as they approached...


    Sadie had just turned around when Mia threw herself into her arms, burying her little face into her chest with tearful eyes, "Mummy, we didn''t find the bracelet, what do we do now?"


    "Mommy, Billy''s mom said the bracelet is worth over thirty million dors, is that true?" Noah asked earnestly, his brow furrowed in concern.


    "How much is thirty million dors?" Mia tilted her head, her face etched with concern as she looked at her brother.


    "Silly, that''s more money than Mommy could ever make in her lifetime," Nathan blurted out. He quickly covered his mouth and sheepishly looked at Sadie after he realized what he said. "Don''t worry, Mommy. When I grow up, I''ll make enough money."


    "My sweet child." Sadie ruffled Nathan''s hair, caressed Noah''s cheek, and embraced Mia saying, "None of you need worry about this, I''ve alreadypensated them for it. The matter is resolved!" "Really?" The three children were visibly astonished.


    "Really, mommy has been doing really well at worktely and has earned a lot of extra money. So, I managed to reimburse them for the bracelet already!" Sadie feigned nonchnce. "Yay, that''s fantastic!" the children cheered loudly.


    "Now, I need the three of you to go back with Brenda, because I still have a few things I need to do and will be hometer!"


    "Alright, we''ll be good!"

 Chapter 137 I Have a Daddy

    As soon as Brenda and the children left, Sadie ran to the ssroom and frantically began a floor-to-ceiling search...


    Having found nothing in the ssroom, she continued her search in the yground, the school bus, and even the restroom, leaving no corner unchecked.


    After searching everywhere, her clothes were covered in dirt and grime. She looked like she was wearing old rags full of dust and stains.


    As darkness descended, the school''s teachers and staff began to leave one by one.


    Mr. Brooks approached, "Ma''am, why don''t you head home for now? I''ll keep looking when Ie to work tomorrow, and I''ve sent out a notice. If someone finds that bracelet, I''m certain they will bring it to me."


    "I would like to keep looking a bit longer," replied Sadie, as she sifted through a trashcan. "Mr. Brooks, please don''t worry about me, I will leave by eight o''clock."


    "We''ve already checked these ces though..." Mr. Brooks wanted to persuade her, but seeing her determination, he realized it would be futile, "I''ll be going then. At least take this shlight then."


    "Thank you so much." Sadie quickly took the shlight. "This will be a great help."


    Mr. Brooks turned to leave and bumped into Miss Bell at the door, she too was about to leave, and he sighed softly, "It''s such a shame..."


    "It''s never easy for a woman raising three kids alone," Miss Bell couldn''t help butment, "The children''s father is nowhere to be found, so irresponsible!"


    "It must be a single-parent family..."


    "Today, Billy''s mom was scolding those kids non-stop, saying that they stole because they were born without a father''s care. I couldn''t stand listening and told her not to say such things. In response, she yelled at me and even threatened to fire me. Such nasty behavior!"


    "Thatdy is notoriously arrogant. Safest not to provoke her."


    "It was Billy himself who gave the bracelet to Mia, and now his mother wants to use her of theft? That''s just unreasonable."


    "There''s nothing that can be done, legally speaking. Children cannot give such gifts, especially something so valuable. So, in this case, they arepletely within their legal right!"


    "I understand, which is why I dare not speak up. But thatdy shouldn''t be cursing at the child like that-calling her an illegitimate child, a mongrel. Mia was shaking she was so petrified. It breaks my heart..."


    "It''s indeed malicious, and sneaky too. And she wouldn''t dare to curse when Mia''s mother is around!"


    "Yes, it''s terrifying to have such parents in our school. I pray that nothing happens with Billy in my ss, or I''m done for!"


    "Not just you; the whole kindergarten would be done for..."


    "Such bad luck to encounter this family!"


    The teachers'' voices were low, but Sadie heard them in the silent night.


    Her hands, clutching the shlight, shook with fierce rage...


    She knew the White family all too well, both mother and daughter were vicious and sly, but she hadn''t realized they could be this disgusting.


    To use such vilenguage to hurt her child while she wasn''t there!


    Suddenly, Brenda called. Sadie took a deep breath topose herself before answering, "Brenda."


    "Miss, are you still at the kindergarten?"


    "Yes, I''m looking for the bracelet. What''s wrong..."


    "Mia has a fever..."


    "What? I''ll be right there." Sadie caught a taxi and rushed home.


    Mia was in bed, feverish, her face as red as fire.


    Brenda was wiping her down with a wet towel.


    Noah was applying a cold pack to Mia''s forehead while taking her temperature.


    Nathan was spoon-feeding Mia water, gently dabbing her mouth with a handkerchief.


    "Mia, Mia, Mommy''s here." Sadie touched Mia''s forehead, which was rmingly hot.


    "Mommy..." Mia murmured in a haze, "Mommy, I have a daddy, right? I''m not illegitimate, not..." Hearing this, tears streamed down Sadie''s face...

 Chapter 138 An Ambiguous Bond

    "It was Billy''s mom!" Nathan clenched his little fists, speaking excitedly. "She called us fatherless and said even worse things..."


    Nathan bit his lip, unable to finish his sentence, his face stubbornly red and his eyes welling up with tears.


    "Just ignore her, she''s doing it on purpose!" Noah said, trying to sound mature to his little brother, though his eyes were red too.


    Sadie bit her lip, silent, acutely aware of how deeply those words wounded her children...


    Once upon a time, she endured whatever treatment they dished out, the bullying, the humiliation. But this time, she simply could not tolerate it... "She''s definitely going to have bad luck," Brenda fumed with anger.


    "Has her fever gone down?" Sadie deftly changed the subject.


    Checking the thermometer, Noah furrowed his little brows, "Mommy, we need to give Mia some fever-reducing medicine."


    "I''ll go get the medicine," Nathan said, trotting off on his little legs to fetch the first-aid kit.


    Brenda found the fever reducer and gave it to Mia.


    Mia''s coughing was relentless. Choking, she spat out the majority of the medicine, only managing to ingest a small amount of the dose.


    Sadie was now frantic with worry. Mia had always been weaker of the three children since birth, so Sadie always took extra care of her.


    Thanks to attentive care, Mia''s health had improved greatly over the past six months. Today, it was probably her intense crying that inmed her tonsils and caused the fever.


    After giving Mia the medicine and tending to her, it was already 8:20 p.m.


    As she changed her clothes, Sadie said to Brenda, "Brenda, I have to go to work now. It''ll be tough tonight. Please make sure Mia drinks plenty of water, keep wiping her down with a wet towel; if her temperature hasn''t dropped by the time I get home, we''ll take her to the hospital."


    "Ma''am, it''s sote, where do you have to work at this hour?" Brenda couldn''t help but worry.


    "I''ve found a part-time job. It''s from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and I''m already running veryte." Sadie quickly slipped into her clothes and rushed out with her handbag.


    "Mommy, wait!" Noah chased after her and handed her a bag, "You haven''t had dinner, take this sandwich with you." "And this too." Nathan came running out with a box of yogurt, "Don''t worry, Mommy, we''ll take good care of Mia." "Mmm-hmm." Tears welled up in Sadie''s eyes, "Thank you, Noah, Nathan. I need to get going now. Be good, you two!" "We know, Mommy!"


    Sadie hailed a cab and rushed to DTT Bar. On the ride in, she nibbled on the sandwich and drank the yogurt, her thoughts on her children, her eyes couldn''t help but well up with tears...


    She could bear any hardship, any suffering, but she couldn''t let her children get hurt.


    Leah and Kathleen were shameless, rich, and idle. She couldn''t afford to spend neither her time nor energy to deal with them.


    Perhaps she should consider changing the kids'' nursery...


    But changing nurseries would mean spending money, so her current goal was to earn as much as she possibly could.


    At exactly 8:30 p.m., Sadie was still on her way in when an unfamiliar number called her. Assuming that it was DTT, she hurriedly answered, "Hello!"


    "Sadie, what''s going on? Aren''t youing in tonight?" It was Jonny, the owner of the bar.


    "I''m really sorry, something came up at home. I had to deal with the emergency and I leftte. I''m on my way in now, should be another ten minutes..."


    "Alright then, I''ll have another singer cover for now. You start at 9:30 p.m.!"


    "All right, thank you so much, Jonny." After hanging up the phone, Sadie let out a sigh of relief, grateful that her boss was a good person. Had he been like that devil, she would most certainly have been fired by now!


    At 9:10 p.m., Sadie hurried to DTT where a male singer was on stage belting out a rock song with professional ir, yet the crowd did not sound happy, "We want to hear the beauty queen fromst night sing!" "Absolutely, we came especially to see her, where is she?"


    Sadie made a beeline for the dressing room as she managed to slip backstage passed the crowd.


    In the corner, Jonny was waving his hands anxiously, motioning for her to hurry up and change.


    Sadie vigorously nodded her head in response to him, and at the same time, she noticed that sitting beside Jonny was the boy who bore an uncanny resemnce to the "debt-repaying male escort." He sat in the leather chair with a conceited pose, swirling his drink, a charming smile watching her, his gaze flirtatious.

 Chapter 139 Striking It Rich

    Sadie quickly averted her gaze, her mind filling with doubts again-could that boy really be the "debt-repaying male escort"?


    She didn''t have time to dwell on that now as she put the ckce mask from the previous time on and made her way towards the stage.


    Taking to the stage, without uttering a word or hesitating, she started to sing "Style."


    Instantly, thunderous apuse and cheers erupted from the audience.


    The atmosphere ignited in an instant, like a raging inferno setting the whole ce aze!


    More and more people gathered underneath the stage, some even captured Sadie''s performance and shared it online...


    By the end of her song, the atmosphere in the venue was incredibly heated.


    A few young patrons with beer bottles in hand wanted to get on stage to toast Sadie.


    Uncertain of how to handle this, Sadie didn''t know what to do as she looked towards Jonny. Fortunately, he had already forward and started pulling those patrons back to drink with him. At the same time, several security guards stepped forward to keep the patrons off the stage.


    Sadie breathed a sigh of relief, gratefully ncing at Jonny, only to see him signaling a ''mission aplished'' gesture to the boy that seemed like the "debt-repaying male escort." The boy nodded in satisfaction, continuing his drink.


    Sadie suddenly realized; it was all his doing!


    She continued the performance with her doubts, but noticed that the boy was still watching her, his gaze gentle and admiring, his lips perpetually curled into a mischievous smile.


    When he noticed her watching, the boy raised his ss in a toast to her, and with an ambiguous wink, hesciviously twitched his left eye at her.


    Shivering, Sadie quickly turned away and kept singing.


    The venue was filled with cheers, everyone vying to tip her.


    Soon, an electronic screen disyed a payment QR code with "Calypso''s" tipping leaderboard!


    The patrons promptly took out their phones to make payments...


    Sadie was lost in her performance and paid no attention to anything else. Once the show was over, escorted by security to the backstage area, she saw the tip leaderboard-she had received a staggering forty-eight thousand dors in tips tonight!


    She was stunned.


    "How about that? Not a bad take, eh?" Jonny asked.


    "Oh my gosh, all this money! How''s it divided?" Sadie asked excitedly.


    "Our policy-all tips go to the singer," Jonny said with a beaming smile. "You''ve brought in good business for our bar, I should be thanking you!"


    "Are you serious, right now? Forty-eight thousand dors, all for me? Am I hearing you correctly?" Sadie could hardly believe her ears.


    "That''s right, it''s the same for the other singers-the tips they get are all theirs," Jonny assured her, pointing at the leaderboard.


    "This is amazing; I''m hitting the jackpot!" Holding her phone, Sadie was so overjoyed she was almost jumping up and down.


    "From now on, your stage name at our bar is ''Calypso,"" Jonny said, pointing at the screen. "I just came up with it-it''s from Greek mythology. You don''t mind, do you?"


    "That name sounds terrible," Sadie blurted out, immediately thinking of Micah Clemens. Bing ''Calypso'' seemed to pair her with that devil.


    Jonnyughed heartily. "I came up with it just now. It''s only temporary, just for our bar," he said, scratching his head.


    "Could I borrow this mask?" Sadie pointed to the mask on her face. "It wouldn''t be great if an acquaintance spotted me working here part-time. I thought it over, and I might as well wear it every time Ie to the bar." "Of course, no problem, use it as you wish."


    Jonny readily agreed. Just then, the bar''s ount received another tip for Sadie-ny-nine thousand, nine hundred ny-nine dors!


    "Oh my gosh, I''m rich, I''m truly rich!" Sadie was ecstatic.


    "That''s from Mr. n," Jonny said with a sly grin as he checked the ount. "He''s right outside, care to join him for a drink?"


    "Hm? Is it the friend who was sitting next to you?" Sadie was curious. "What does he do?"


    "A rich man," Jonny said, his smileced with disdain. "You''ve met him before, right? There is no need to pretend in front of me."


    At that, Sadie froze. Could he really be the "repayment male escort"?

 Chapter 140 Mistaken Identity

    "Want to meet him?" Jonny offered Sadie a ss of red wine.


    "No, thanks." Sadie shook her head. "I need to get home. Please thank them for me." With that, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and left through the back door... Watching her receding figure, Jonny''s lips curved into a mysterious and chilling smirk.


    "Miss, I''ve been waiting for you for a long time. Let''s go have a drink together," a young man blocked Sadie''s way at the roadside, his provocative gaze lingering on her. "I''m sorry, you''ve mistaken me for someone else." With her head lowered, Sadie tried to walk past him, but his bodyguard blocked her path.


    "How dare you refuse?" The bodyguard''s face was fierce and menacing.


    "Shut up!" the young boy snapped coldly. "Is that anyway to speak to ady such as her?"


    The boy then approached Sadie, speaking with sincerity, "Don''t worry, I''m not a bad guy. I just want to be friends."


    "I have things to take care of at home." Sadie avoided him and walked in the other direction.


    The boy''s patience hadpletely run out. "Then don''t me me if I have to insist."


    With that, he reached for Sadie and began dragging her towards the car...


    "Let me go..." Sadie struggled in panic.


    Suddenly, a horn red, followed by blinding headlights shining directly into the boy''s eyes.


    "Damn it! Who''s the meddling bastard that dares to interfere? Get rid of them!" the boy cursed in fury.


    His bodyguard, full of aggression, moved towards the disturbance. Upon recognizing who it was, he sheepishly returned and muttered, "It''s Mister n!"


    "Which Mister n?" The boy didn''t even get a chance to fully digest who it was.


    A tall andmanding figure had already stepped out of the car and was walking towards them, radiating an icy chill: "Let her go!"


    Turning around, Sadie was stunned...


    She remembered the night of the auction, when she was harassed by a group of boys on the street, and how "Debt Repayment Male Escort" had appeared just like this... "Mister n... ah..." Therge bodyguard began to speak but was quickly ovee by n, who twisted his wrist.


    With a snap, the bodyguard fell to the ground, his face twisted in pain as he screamed loudly.


    "Calm down, Mister n, I didn''t know she was one of yours," the boy stammered, pale with fear, as he hurried to apologize to Sadie, "My ignorance is to me. I should have never disrespected you..." Sadie was dumbfounded. Just who was this Mister n?


    "Get lost!" n''s coldmand sent them scrambling away.


    Sadie watched them go, then turned to n. "You..."


    "What? Don''t remember me?" n''s mysterious, teasing smile hinted at hurt. "It''s only been a few days, and you''ve already forgotten me. That''s really sad!"


    "No way, you''re really..." Sadie was stunned. His voice was so simr, could he truly be the "Debt Repayment Male Escort"?


    "Is your shoulder okay?" n noticed her jacket had been pulled down and thought she might have hurt herself.


    "Is it really you?" Sadie asked again for confirmation. "How did you..."


    "Get in the car first," n said, pulling her towards the vehicle.


    Instinctively resistant, Sadie hesitated, but upon seeing the Aston Martin, her defenses fell away. She followed him into the car, expertly buckling her seatbelt and adjusting the seat...


    "I thought for a moment you wouldn''t recognize me," n said in jest, "It seems I made asting impression on youst time, my brother ev..."


    Before n could finish his sentence, Sadie pped him hard, her fury palpable as she ground her teeth and cursed, "You bastard, how dare you mock me!"


    n stood there dumbfounded. He had thought Micah had already made things clear to her, including revealing his identity, and was about to say, "My brother has told you, hasn''t he?" Instead, she mistook him for another aspect of Micah...

 Chapter 141 Feigning Ignorance

    It wasn''t surprising, they indeed bore a striking resemnce to each other-height, build, voice, eyes-all uncannily simr, except Micah exuded a more domineering and arrogant air, while n seemed somewhat more youthful. But the "debt-repaying male escort" always wore a mask, appearing only at night. And since n had once impersonated him and knew a great deal about their affairs and Sadie''s situation...


    It was quite normal for her to have made a mistake.


    "Spill it, what''s the real story?" Sadie demanded.


    "What?" n''s heart was beating like a drum, hesitating whether to rify everything.


    "You''re clearly the male escort, so why does everyone say you''re a wealthy man?"


    "Why did you suddenly remove your mask and show your true face?"


    "Why do youe to the DTT bar every day? What''s your rtionship with Jonny?"


    Sadie rattled off all the questions that were swirling in her mind.


    "Actually..." n gave it some thought and said with a tease, "Have you ever considered the fact that perhaps I''m not even a male escort at all? Could it just be your own misconception?" This was true when Micah briefly exined the whole situation to him, that''s precisely what he said: from beginning to end, she had misunderstood his identity.


    "You mean to say..." Sadie recalled the first time she saw him at the Night Club, in a luxurious private room with bodyguards by his side, which certainly wasn''t typical for a male escort. Moreover, she had never actually seen him with any clients; they had only ever discussed such matters during their calls. Could it all have been her own fanciful imagination? "But wait..." Sadie countered, "How do you exin what happened four years ago?"


    "That was me walking into the wrong room," n sidestepped the weighty issue, "One could say it was a fortuitous mistake..."


    "So that''s how it is?" Realization dawned on Sadie, "Then your real identity is..."


    "I''m just a good-for-nothing rich guy," n said with clear self-awareness, "Which is still better than being a male escort, right?"


    "At least you''re aware of yourself," Sadie red at him, and then asked, "Then why did you pretend to be the male escort and enter into a debt repayment agreement with me?"


    "Isn''t it fun?" n''s wicked grin spread across his face. "I''ve grown far too ustomed to a smooth-sailing life. With no challenges, there''s been nothing fresh or interesting - until suddenly, someone mistakes me for a male escort, forcing me to make and split money. Quite thrilling, eh?"


    He decided to go with the flow and keep ying along with her.


    After all, it was just a game. As long as he didn''t touch her, no major trouble would arise...


    Sadie looked at his smile and felt there was something odd about it, yet she couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was.


    She remembered Micah and quickly pressed, "Who, who actually saved me that night?"


    "Why do you ask?" n responded promptly, "Did someone say something to you?"


    "My boss said he saved me," Sadie replied, her guard down.


    "Your boss?" A shock ran through n, could it be...


    "The perverted boss," Sadie said with unease at the mention of Micah, "My colleague saw him carrying me out the back door. I even asked him today, and he confirmed that he saved me... but when I woke up the next morning, the person I saw was clearly you..."


    As she spoke, Sadie''s face flushed red with nervousness; she averted her eyes, unable to look at him...


    Seeing her expression, n remembered the night Micah carried her out from the back door. She had been dazed, likely drugged.


    So that night, it was certain they had... been intimate.


    Reflecting on this, n unexpectedly felt difort, as though his own woman had been touched by someone else...


    "Come on, tell me what really happened?" Sadie pressed.


    "At first, it was indeed him who saved you, but then I arrived just in time and took you away from him..." Deceiving women was something n had mastered to perfection, spinning a lie was second nature to him.

 Chapter 142 Deliberate Impersonation

    "So that''s what happened..." realization dawned on Sadie, yet immediately something felt off, "But that demon is so domineering and strong, how could you have possibly taken me from him?" "After all, you''re my girlfriend," n replied wlessly, "No matter how domineering he is, he has no right. Besides, he had clients at the time; he wouldn''t jeopardize his business over a woman..." "That''s true." Sadie was convinced, having seen Micah''s single-minded focus on business, seeing nothing but the deal at hand.


    She pondered his behavior today - if he really had rescued her that night, then the one who''d been intimate with her was him. Yet, he had never mentioned this...


    Unless... he was the real ''debt repaying male escort'', and the man beside her now was an imposter!


    Sadie looked at the "debt repaying male escort" beside her and quickly dismissed the thought. Impossible - she had watched Micah get into his car with her own eyes, while this guy had picked her up in the very car he was driving now. The two were one after the other, just a minute apart. "Debt-Repaying Male Escort" couldn''t possibly be capable of being in two ces at once, no matter how powerful he was.


    So, Micah was Micah, and this guy beside her had to be the real "Debt-Repaying Male Escort." There was no mistake!


    "What are you thinking about?" n leaned in with a teasing tone. "Surprised I''m not a male escort?"


    "A little," Sadie admitted with aplex look, contemting whether she could get him to acknowledge their children now that she knew he wasn''t a male escort. After all, children need a father...


    "If you want, it''s not toote for me to be a male escort right now," n said earnestly.


    Sadie couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    "There''s that smile!" n reached out and pinched her cheek. "You look beautiful when you smile. You should do it more often!"


    Suddenly, Sadie felt that maybe he really wasn''t so bad. Whenever she needed help, he seemed to show up just in time to pull her out of trouble.


    He faithfully transferred money to her ount every day, reporting his earnings...


    Now he even made herugh, cheered her up...


    Such a person was already perfect.


    She had once been concerned about his profession, but now that she knew he wasn''t a male escort, there would be no bad influence on the children. Perhaps she could... As she was lost in her thoughts, Sadie suddenly realized the route was wrong and quickly asked, "Where are you taking us? Why are we getting further from my home?" "Out for ate-night snack, it''s too early to head home." n had no idea where her house was, but he was quick to lie, his responses smooth and seamless. "No, I need to get home. There''s something I have to attend to. Did you forget the address?"


    "Not at all..." n was trying to figure out how to cover up his lie when Sadie''s phone rang. It was Brenda, "Miss, Mia''s fever has gotten worse..." "I''ll be right there," Sadie panicked, "Brenda, get the insurance card and a thermos ready. I''ll head straight to the hospital once I''m home."


    After she hung up, n found the home address in the navigation history and immediately turned the car around. "We''ll be there in ten minutes!" "Thank you." Sadie was heartened to see that he remembered her address. "I deleted your numberst time, send me a text, so I can save it."


    "My phone..." n cursed inwardly. Micah had him temporarily pose as himself and had given him the phone to use for a few hours, but he had to return it to Micah at the Night Club! He could sneak out with the car, but there was no way he could get hold of that phone.


    "What''s wrong? Don''t you want to give it to me?" Sadie noticed his reluctance.


    "No...," n''s eyes flickered for an instant before quickly finding an excuse, "That phone number is no longer in use. I''ve switched to a new one now; please save my new number."

 Chapter 143 Bold Guess

    As he spoke, n unlocked his phone and handed it to Sadie...


    "Why did you change your number?" Sadie blurted out, but then she quickly guessed the reason, "Too many girls had the old number, right?"


    "I did add many women before, but not anymore," n assured her promptly, "From now on, you''re the only one for me!"


    "I don''t believe you," Sadie said with a coldugh.


    "I swear!" n raised his hand and vowed, "If I ever get entangled with other girls again, may I be impotent!"


    Seeing his sincere expression, Sadie didn''t pursue the matter further and saved his new number. When she had to enter the contact name, she wondered, what should she save it as?


    n noticed her hesitation and cheekily suggested, "How about ''The Kid''s Dad"?"


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat as she looked deep into his eyes, "Do you like kids?"


    "As long as they''re yours, I''ll like them." n took her hand with a suggestive undertone, "Why don''t we not go back tonight?"


    "Stop it!" Sadie withdrew her hand feeling flustered, "I have things to deal with at home!"


    "Oh, then how about tomorrow... tomorrow we..."


    "Just drive safely." Sadie was preupied with Mia''s health condition and really wasn''t in the mood for n''s flirty banter.


    However, his affection for children and the fact that he wasn''t a male escort did lift her spirits somewhat.


    In addition to that, the kids had been traumatized today and kept asking for their dad, which made Sadie feel awful. For the first time since bing a mother, she seriously considered the idea of letting the children meet their father... As the car reached the entrance of the residentialplex, Sadie said to n, "Alright, just stop the car here. I''ll go up by myself, thank you."


    "I''ll walk you..."


    "No need." Sadie hastily opened the door and ran towards theplex.


    n watched her leave and then drove away.


    Having barely turned the car around, he realized Sadie had forgotten her bag, so he pulled over and was about to call her.


    At that moment, he saw Sadie rushing out of theplex holding a little girl, followed by a plump woman.


    The three of them got into a rideshare car and sped off in another direction...


    Watching the rideshare car drive away, n was filled with confusion.


    Hesitating for a moment, he opened Sadie''s bag and found a ck wallet inside. Opening it, he found a family photo...


    In the photo, Sadie and the plump woman sat side by side, each holding a baby with a third cradled between them. A green parrot perched atop Sadie''s head. The family of six beamed with radiant smiles, emanating warmth and happiness. n''s expression instantly turned solemn, as if he had realized something. A bold suspicion crossed his mind, yet he dared not confirm it.


    Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he hastily answered: "Hello, Micah!"


    "Did you take my car out again?" Micah''s question was blunt and direct.


    "Just borrowing it," n said with a yful grin. "My car''s still abroad; hasn''t been shipped over yet..."


    "You can take any car but not this one," Micah snapped back coldly. "Return it immediately!"


    "Alright, alright, I''m on my way to bring it back," n hastily agreed, not daring to provoke further wrath from him. "Calm down, calm down!"


    After hanging up, n dialed Jonny: "Is the bar still open?"


    "Not closed yet, half an hour to go."


    "Hold on for me, I''ve got something to drop off."


    n drove back to DTT bar and handed Sadie''s handbag to Jonny, instructing, "Tell her she forgot it when she left work. Make sure she doesn''t know I returned it." "Got it!" Jonny nodded briskly.

 Chapter 144 Just Say Its Your Child

    Sadie and Brenda rushed Mia to the emergency room of the children''s hospital. It was now 11:40 p.m., and there was still a long line. Sadie was frantic with worry, leaving Brenda holding Mia in the waiting area while she queued to register andplete the admission procedures. "When I left, Noah and Nathan were still awake; I wonder how they''re doing now."


    As Brenda offered water to Mia, she couldn''t help but worry about the two children at home.


    "They''ll take care of themselves, don''t worry." Sadie was anxious as well; the children were only three and a half years old, and although they were a bit healthier, the absence of adults at home left her feeling very uneasy. "I asked Coco to keep an eye on them," Brenda rattled on. "Coco behaved strangely today, stayed in the cage all day, onlying out to keep Miapany after you left."


    "Yes, the kids would be happier with Coco around," Sadie said, her eyes fixed anxiously on the long line ahead, uncertain when it would be their turn.


    "Ah, in the past, it would have been much easier, just calling a family doctor over. No need for all this fuss," Brenda sighed.


    Sadie remembered how the Roth family used to have a personal family physician. Even for serious conditions that required hospitalization, they would go to upscale private hospitals with no need to wait.


    Things had changed, people moved on; those days were now a thing of the past...


    Sadie suddenly remembered that Dahlia had left her contact information before, mentioning that she could reach out at any time with any health-rted concerns.


    Sadie hesitated; if she contacted Dahlia, Micah would find out.


    She decided to wait a bit longer.


    "Mommy..." Mia began to speak but abruptly stopped as she vomited.


    "Oh my..." Brenda hastily wiped Mia clean.


    "Mia!" Sadie rushed over, with one hand cleaning up and the other gently patting Mia''s back, "Mia, don''t be scared, I''m here, Mommy''s here."


    "Mommy, I feel so bad, wu wu..." Mia''s little face was pale, her body limp and without strength as she expelled all the food onto Brenda, her eyes usually bright and lively, now filled with tears...


    "Don''t be scared, Mia. We are going to see the doctor very soon." After cleaning Mia up, Sadie held her and went to find a nurse, "Ma''am, my daughter can''t take it any longer, could a doctor possibly see us first?"


    "It''s the change of seasons, prime time for children''s flu, and the ce is full of sick kids. Everyone has to wait in line, unless there are severe emergencies like shock or choking," the nurse said, too busy to even nce up at Sadie. "But..."


    "Please make way."


    Sadie was pushed aside by other parents.


    Watching the long line ahead, Sadie was almost frantic, what to do, what to do?


    "Miss, perhaps we should try another hospital?" Brenda suggested while wiping herself clean with a wet cloth, "We''ve been waiting for half an hour already, and there''s hardly any movement ahead. If we keep waiting like this, Mia won''t be able to bear it."


    Seeing Mia''splexion in her arms getting worse and worse, and feeling like her heart was being cut by knives, Sadie couldn''t care about anything else and quickly dialed Dahlia''s number.


    The call was answered swiftly: "Miss Roth?"


    "Dahlia, I, I have a friend''s child who is very sick. We''ve been waiting too long at the children''s emergency department without getting a turn, and the child''s condition is quite severe. Could you possibly..."


    "Miss Roth, don''t worry. Have your friende to my children''s hospital, and I''ll attend to them personally."


    "Yes, yes, thank you! What''s the address?"


    "I''ll send it to you right away."


    After the call, Sadie and Brenda hailed a cab and rushed to Dahlia''s hospital.


    Luckily, the hospital was only three kilometers away, not far.


    In the car, Sadie quietly instructed Brenda, "Brenda, when we get there, say that Mia is your granddaughter..."

 Chapter 145 Sweetheart, Get in the Car

    "What?" Brenda was very confused.


    Sadie exined in her ear, and she nodded repeatedly.


    Upon arriving at this private pediatric hospital, Dahlia was already waiting at the door with her assistant.


    As Brenda carried Mia over, Sadie followed close behind with the bags.


    "What''s going on?"


    Noticing the child''s lethargy and sleepy state, Dahlia immediately inquired about the situation.


    After Sadie described the symptoms, she added, "This is Brenda''s granddaughter. Her daughter and son-inw are both working out of town, making it tough for her alone. We''re all neighbors, so they asked for my assistance. I apanied her to the children''s hospital. It was so crowded there, and after a long wait, there was still no news. That''s why I thought of troubling you..."


    "It''s alright, let''s just focus on treating the child," Dahlia cut in. Taking personal charge of Mia''s examination and treatment, she waived all the usual formalities, eliminating the need for registration.


    True to her reputation as the exclusive doctor for the Clemens family, Dahlia''s medical expertise shone through as she quickly identified the problem and prescribed medication.


    "It''s just the flu. Take the medicine, get some good rest for a few days, and you''ll be well," Dahlia handed the medication to Sadie. "Miss Roth, you''re here just in time-those wounds on your neck and shoulder, let me take care of them while I''m at it."


    "That would be great, thank you," Sadie signaled Brenda with a nce.


    Brenda quickly hugged Mia tight, "Thank you, I''ll take the child home to rest."


    "Don''t mention it, I can have someone drive you home," offered Dahlia, without much concern.


    "No need, I''ll just take a cab, thanks," Brenda held Mia and hastily made her exit.


    By then, Mia had already shown some improvement, murmuring drowsily, "Mommy, mommy..."


    "Mia, mommy will be back soon. Let''s get you home," Brendaforted her.


    Sadie watched them depart with a heavy heart.


    "Miss Roth, this way," Dahlia called out.


    "Coming," Sadie walked in.


    Dahlia treated her wounds, dispensed some medicine, and offered guidance on care, even suggesting she''d drive her home.


    Sadie refused repeatedly and quickly left.


    Walking out of the hospital, Brenda, holding Mia, waited at the roadside for her. They hailed a cab and sped away. Dahlia watched the scene from a distance, her confusion growing. Sadie was acting out of the ordinary tonight... Yet, after a moment''s thought, Dahlia reasoned if there were any untoward secrets, Sadie wouldn''t seek her out. Without further dy, Dahlia returned to her work.


    Back home, Sadie and Brenda were busy administering medication to Mia and coaxing her to sleep; it was already 3:30 in the morning. Exhausted, Brenda still had to make food for Sadie, but Sadie persuaded her to get some rest herself first, and then stayed by Mia''s side. At 5:00 a.m., Mia''s fever finally broke.


    Sadie fell asleep next to her, deeply asleep until half-past six in the morning.


    Hearing the noise outside, Sadie hurriedly rolled out of bed: "Oh no, I''m going to bete again."


    "Miss, you only slept for an hourst night. I couldn''t bear to wake you up..." Brenda was preparing breakfast for the children.


    "I should have been woken up; I have to go to work." Sadie quickly brushed her teeth and sshed some water on her face before heading out the door.


    "Mommy, breakfast." Nathan chased after her with a sandwich and coffee in hand.


    "Thank you, Nathan." Sadie took the breakfast, not looking back as she rushed into the elevator, "Be good, okay?"


    "Got it." Nathan responded.


    "Noah, Nathan, hurry up and eat. Brenda will take you to the school bus soon and thene back to take care of Mia. Mia is not going to daycare today, so be good at school, okay?" "Got it."


    Sadie ran all the way to the subway station. Suddenly, a sapphire blue Lamborghini sped towards her.


    Puzzled, the Lamborghini''s convertible top opened and a handsome, smiling face appeared before her, "Babe, let me give you a ride to work. Get in!"

 Chapter 146 Goodbye Kiss

    Sadie was stunned for a moment but quickly got into the car.


    The people around were all watching her.


    A few middle-aged women living nearby pointed and whispered, "Isn''t that Brenda''s girl? She''s got a boyfriend now."


    "She''s definitely found herself a rich one, Brenda''s going to have an easy life now!"


    "Close the top, please." Sadie covered her face, not wanting to be seen by acquaintances.


    "What''s there to be afraid of? I''m not someone who can''t be seen." n closed the convertible top and even waved at the middle-aged women, "Ladies, goodbye!" "Goodbye!" The women''s faces lit up with delight.


    "Why are you greeting them?" Sadie was speechless. "Isn''t it already showy enough?"


    "They''re your neighbors, right? We''re bound to meet them sooner orter." n said with a grin, "When will you introduce me to your family?"


    "Stop it." Sadieined, but a smile crept onto her face, "Why did you change cars today? What about the Aston Martin?"


    "That one broke down, took it to get fixed." n sped away in the car.


    "Broke down? It was fine yesterday." Sadie was surprised.


    "It got damaged on the way back." n didn''t lie. On his way back, he deliberately crashed the car, arriving at Micah''s garage with the hood deformed. Early this morning, Andrew arranged for it to be sent for repair.


    This way, Micah wouldn''t be driving that car for a while, and Sadie wouldn''t run into the real "debt-paying male escort" again.


    After all that, n felt somewhat uneasy. For the first time since his childhood, he had shown off in front of Micah.


    He had his moments of hesitation and difort, but he went through with it in the end.


    Because he knew he had a talisman-Micah wouldn''t really do anything to him.


    "Be careful when you drive," Sadie cautioned, before starting to eat her sandwich and sip her coffee.


    n nced at her, feigning hurt, "I went out of my way to pick you up, and you won''t even share your food with me."


    "It''s just one sandwich, and I''ve already taken a bite," Sadie handed over the half-eaten sandwich.


    Far from being put off, n leaned in and took a big bite, "Mmm, delicious!"


    "The sandwiches Brenda makes are indeed tasty," Sadie crammed the rest into his mouth.


    "Bring more tomorrow," n licked his lips, "Such tasty sandwiches, I could eat ten in one go."


    "I''ll go broke feeding you," Sadie said with augh, wiping his mouth for him.


    "I''vee all this way to drive you, and youin I eat too much." n reveled in this intimacy. He had had many girlfriends before, but never had he felt such bliss as sharing a sandwich with a girl in a car. "Alright, I''ll bring ten for you." Sadie had been worried that he wouldn''t adapt to her current lifestyle, but seeing how down-to-earth he was dismissed her concerns.


    She decided to observe for a bit longer. If he continued to be this positive, perhaps it would be time to introduce him to Brenda and the children.


    After all, children need their father...


    n drove fast, and it took only fifteen minutes to reach the street opposite thepany.


    "Let''s stop here, I don''t want my colleagues to see," Sadie was cautious.


    "Sure." n parked by the curb, "I''ve got things I need to get done this afternoon, so I won''t be able to pick you up after work. But I will see you at the bar tonight!" "Mhm." Sadie was about to get out when n suddenly pulled her back, leaning in teasingly, "A goodbye kiss!"


    Sadie blushed, nervously closing her eyes.


    n''s lips curled into a smile as he drew closer, his sensuous lips nearly touching her forehead when suddenly, a Rolls Royce passed by...


    He quickly let go of Sadie and joked, "We''ll save it for tonight!"


    Sadie opened her eyes, stealing a shy nce at him before hastily getting out of the car and running towards the office building...

 Chapter 147 The One Million Dollar Bonus

    Sadie walked into the office building blushing slightly, only to see all her colleagues neatly lined up in two rows, bowing to her with a greeting, "Mr. Clemens!" Startled, she froze in ce.


    Alice beside her was giving her meaningful nces, and it took Sadie a moment toe to her senses and look back...


    Micah''s tall and upright figure entered the room with the morning sunlight, casting an intimidating presence that seemed to take one''s breath away.


    Sadie, flustered, quickly stepped aside, nervously bowing her head, not daring to make a sound.


    Without a sideways nce, Micah walked briskly forward. When he reached her side, he suddenly halted and coolly reminded, "Thirty-five secondste. Your punishment is to clean the swimming pool."


    "I...," Sadie tried to exin but ended up submissively nodding, "Yes, Mr. Clemens!"


    As the sound of his footsteps faded away, Sadie slowly lifted her head, ring resentfully at that domineering silhouette. Although he looked so much like her boyfriend, she found him utterly detestable no matter how she looked. She really wanted to kick him!


    Micah stepped into the elevator, and as he turned around, his gaze met hers...


    Instantly, Sadie''s face changed, the previous anger and loathing transformed into an earnest and respectful smile.


    As the elevator doors slowly closed, Sadie finally let out a sigh of relief...


    "Sadie, Sadie..."


    A voice called out, interrupting Sadie''s thoughts.


    Returning to her senses, Sadie greeted with a smile, "Alice!"


    "Are you okay?" Alice pulled her toward the elevator. "You look pale."


    "I''m fine," Sadie shook her head, "I just didn''t sleep wellst night."


    "That''s why you looked distracted. You even blocked Mr. Clemens'' path without realizing," Alice said teasingly, "Lucky it was you. Mr. Clemens only punished you with pool cleaning work. It would have been the end for anyone else." "Don''t joke like that..." Sadie rified in a low voice, "There''s nothing between me and Mr. Clemens."


    "No way, that day Mr. Clemens was holding you so tightly, it was intense..." Alice whispered.


    "You must have seen it wrong... Here''s the elevator, let''s go."


    With an anxious heart, Sadie arrived at the 68th floor, ready to start her shift, but Chloe came over with instructions, "Don''t start work yet. Hand it over to Lucia, you have to go and clean the pool. Report back here when you''re done." With no choice, Sadie walked dejectedly to the infinity pool.


    Despite the bright sunshine that day, the temperature wasn''t high, and getting into the pool would be cold.


    Sadie took off her shoes and socks, rolled up her pant legs, and began to clean the pool.


    With previous experience, she was much more proficient this time.


    Even when someone suddenly appeared beside her, she didn''t react with the same shock as before.


    She paused momentarily, then respectfully greeted, "Mr. Clemens."


    Micah was sitting on a lounge chair, idly spinning an ultra-thin phone in his hand.


    Sadie continued her silent cleaning nearby, not daring to disturb him.


    "What''s your monthly sry now?" Micah suddenly asked.


    As Sadie was mopping the floor, she halted her movements and turned around, timidly looking at him: "Originally in the administrative and security departments, the pay was eight thousand dors, but after transferring to the president''s office, it went up to twenty thousand dors..."


    "Do you want to make money?" Micah said with a look of magnanimity.


    "Yes." Sadie nodded.


    Micah gestured with a crooked finger.


    Sadie cautiously walked over.


    Micah handed her an X-ray report: "Go to the hospital, persuade Mr. Wood to take axative so he can pass the microchip, and I''ll give you a million dors!"


    Sadie''s eyes widened in surprise, almost forgetting about this matter; she hurriedly asked, "The microchip, it''s still not out?"


    "No, despite taking the medication twice, it didn''t work." Micah frowned slightly, "The old man is stubborn and refuses to take more. Tomorrow is Friday; as long as you bring me the microchip today, a million dors will be yours immediately." "Alright, alright, alright." Sadie was over the moon. "I''ll go as soon as I''m done cleaning."


    "No need to finish cleaning, go now." Micah motioned her to hurry away, "Your task for today is to get that microchip!"

 Chapter 148 Not a Conventional Medicine

    "Understood, I''ll get right on it, Sir." Sadie hurriedly rushed out, barefoot! Then turned back to grab her shoes, giggling foolishly at Micah. Earning money, what joy!


    Watching her receding figure, Micah''s lips curled into a derisive sneer, thinking just how greedy this woman was!


    Sadie reported to Chloe, put on her shoes, and rushed home.


    As soon as she entered, she called out, "Brenda, do we still have that medicine you gave Cocost time?"


    "What medicine?" Brenda didn''t catch on immediately.


    "I won''t take it, I won''t take it," Coco shouted from its cage.


    "Be quiet," Sadie snapped at Coco and exined to Brenda, "It''s the green medicine that made Coco pass the microchip as soon as it drank itst time..."


    "There''s about half a bottle left, why? Are you constipated?"


    "No, a senior colleague at thepany needs it. Can you find the medicine for me, and also prepare a pot of barely touched tuna, some sandwiches, cheese bread, then buy a fruit basket? I want to take them to the hospital to visit a patient," Sadie exined.


    Brenda nodded.


    Sadie returned to her room to spend some time with Mia.


    At half-past one in the afternoon, Brenda had finished preparing everything, including finding the medicine.


    Sadie immediately took the items and rushed to the hospital.


    On the way there, she saw the words "One Drink, All Clear" written on the medicine bottle. The name was quite appropriate just one drink did the job!


    Upon arrival, Sadie realized it was the same hospital Mia had visited the previous night, Santa Hospital.


    Santa Hospital is Newark''s finest private medical facility, where all treatments are administered without requiring patients or their families to go through any cumbersome procedures. Each patient is assigned their own personal nurse and doctor.


    The services are exceptionally good, as is the quality of healthcare; naturally, the costs are quite steep!


    Dahlia waited at the entrance for Sadie, leading her to find Mr. Wood.


    The poor old many alone in the luxurious ward, his eyes dull as they stared nkly at the ceiling.


    In just two days, Mr. Wood had be nothing more than skin and bones, vehemently resistant to any medication.


    The nurse, attempting to approach with the medicine, was met with a sudden outburst, "Get away, I won''t take it... I''d rather die than drink thatxative..."


    Left with no choice, the nurse stepped back and, shaking her head, said to Dahlia, "We''re really out of options here; Mr. Wood refuses to drink anything."


    "No wonder," Dahlia frowned and sighed, "Mr. Wood has already taken five doses of thexative, he''s utterly exhausted and naturally unwilling to continue."


    "I have a medicine here, guaranteed to work if he takes it." Sadie took out a bottle, shook it and gave a mysterious smile, "I''ve tested it myself!" Dahlia blinked, "Professional judgment tells me this isn''t exactly proper medicine... But since Mr. Clemens sent you to try, then give it a shot." "Mhm," Sadie carried the items into the ward.


    "Scram¨D" As Mr. Wood began to lose his temper, he saw Sadie and stopped short, "It''s you?"


    "Do you remember me?" Sadie asked, somewhat embarrassed, "Aboutst time..."


    "Thank you forst time. If it hadn''t been for you, I might have lost my life," Mr. Wood said, his demeanor turning amiable.


    "Don''t mention it. This is the lunch I''ve brought for you. Please give it a try." Sadieid out Brenda''s gourmet cooking on the table.


    Upon seeing the food, Mr. Wood''s eyes filled with tears, "I haven''t had a proper meal in two days. Those beasts wouldn''t feed me, only made me drinkxatives."


    "Go on, taste this." Sadie served him a bowl of barely touched tuna, "It''s hand-made by my good friend, a favorite of mine since childhood."


    "Thank you." Mr. Wood took a bite, nearly moved to tears, "Delicious!"


    "Take your time, there''s more." Sadie took care of Mr. Wood as he ate, chatted with him, and even massaged his legs.


    By the afternoon, the two had be fast friends, conversing effortlessly about everything.


    Mr. Wood warmly invited, "Sadie, don''t just stand there,e and sit."


    "I can''t stay much longer." Sadie didn''t want to beat around the bush and directly took out the bottle of medicine, "Mr. Wood, actually, I came here on a mission. I know you''re opposed to taking medicine, but I assure you, if you drink this bottle, the chip will definitely be expelled. This is thest time."


    Mr. Wood frowned deeply, "Did Mr. Clemens send you?"


    "Yes." Sadie nodded honestly, "But this medicine is from my home, I''ve tested it myself, it really works."


    "Alright, I''ll drink it!"

 Chapter 149 Mr. Clemens Authority

    Mr. Wood closed his eyes and downed the small half-bottle in one gulp.


    Sadie quickly brought some warm water for him to rinse his mouth.


    "What is this stuff? It''s bitter, stinks, and astringent!" Mr. Wood grimaced, his face twisting grotesquely.


    "It''s just a medicine for treating constipation..."


    Before Sadie could finish, Mr. Wood''splexion changed, and he shouted, "Quick, help me to the restroom." "Hurry, hurry, hurry!" Dahlia urgently informed the male doctors outside.


    Several male doctors came in to handle the situation, while Dahlia pulled Sadie out to wait.


    Sadie paced back and forth in the corridor, anxious like a husband waiting for his wife to deliver a baby.


    Half an hourter, one of the male doctors came out excitedly and announced, "It''s out!"


    "Ah? The chip came out?" Sadie asked excitedly.


    "Yes..." the doctor, holding the chip with tweezers and raising it high, proimed, "It finally came out!"


    "Fantastic!" Sadie was so thrilled she almost jumped.


    Forty minutester, Sadie, holding the chip, went to the President''s office on the 68th floor...


    Never had Sadie felt such joy as she did now. Thinking about the imminent million-dor deposit, she almostughed out loud. "Mr. Clemens, I''ve got the chip back!"


    Sadie stood before the desk, delivering the box with a sense of ceremony.


    Inside the boxy the gleaming chip, the one lost for so long, costing billions in search expenses, now finally found...


    It took a while before Micah shifted his gaze from the tablet and looked up at Sadie.


    His look wasn''t filled with the expected surprise or appreciation, but rather was as cold as ice.


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie felt uneasy.


    Micah didn''t speak, just gave a cool gesture.


    Andrew stepped forward to take the chip, skillfully inserted it into a connector, and connected it to aputer.


    The white wall behind Micah suddenly turned into a projection screen, proudly shing the VIC Group''s ''S'' logo, followed by a revolving circle...


    Peering forward with a stretched neck, Sadie was incredibly curious. What could possibly be inside this priceless chip?


    However, after much spinning, the circle remained unresponsive.


    Following a burst of static, the screen flickered and with a loud "bang," smoke began to billow from theputer. Startled, Sadie stumbled backward.


    Andrew stepped forward, switched off the power, and removed the chip, now charred and distorted.


    "What... what happened?" Sadie asked in shock.


    Looking towards Micah for approval, Andrew exined, "To prevent the theft of the chip''s confidential information, we equipped it with a self-destruct device. Once stolen and inserted into anotherputer, it will automatically destroy itself." "Huh?" Sadie''s eyes widened, and it took her a moment to regain herposure. "The chip has been missing for nearly a month now. Then... you knew all along that retrieving the chip would be pointless, so why go to such lengths to recover it?"


    "How else would our adversaries let down their guard unless we continue the search?" Andrew countered.


    "Just for that?" Sadie couldn''t understand. "Then why send me to find Mr. Wood..."


    "As long as Mr. Wood hasn''t passed the chip, he''ll be watched," Andrew exined. "Mr. Clemens did it all to protect him."


    "But; the press conference is tomorrow..." Sadie asked, flustered and anxious, "Now that the chip is destroyed, what are you going to do?"


    "By the third day after the chip was stolen, I had already created a new one to rece it," Micah said, producing a new chip from his phone, identical to the first...


    "So, at the meeting on Wednesday, when you firmly said that the chip would certainly return before dark..." Sadie realized, "the new chip was already in your hands!"

 Chapter 150 Finally Using Her Brain

    Sadie couldn''t help but admire Micah for his meticulous mind, strategic nning, and firm control over everything... She realized that she had never truly understood Micah before.


    In her mind, he was nothing more than a cruel, unpredictable devil, but this time, she saw his strategic foresight! Truly impressive!


    It took Sadie a moment toe back to her senses, and she said with a sigh of relief, "So much manpower, financial resources, and effort expended just to make the adversary lower their guard. It seems the chip''s value is far greater than I imagined."


    "You''re finally using your brain," Micah said, a slight smile curled his lips.


    "Then..." Sadie bit her lower lip and mustered the courage to ask, "My million-dor reward is still okay, right?"


    "Of course, there''s no problem," Micah responded with a spread of his hands. "You recovered the chip so quickly; I should actually double your reward!"


    "Two million dors?" Sadie was ecstatic, "Thank you, Mr. Clemens, thank you so much!"


    She swiftly produced a note with the bank card information she had written earlier, smoothed it out, and handed it to Andrew, "Please transfer the funds to this card, thank you for your trouble!" Andrew carefully took the note and cast a cautious nce at Micah.


    "Two million dors, not a cent less, however..." Micah pushed a tablet toward her, "First exin this to me..."


    "What?" Sadie picked up the tablet and instantly felt a chill down her spine...


    The tablet''s screen disyed a news story that was the hot topic of the day: Leah from the Potter family attended the 9th prestigious society g, garnering all the attention with a long-lost ruby ne that had once belonged to French royalty!


    In the photo, Leah radiated triumph, her smile beaming as the ruby ne glinted brilliantly against her chest...


    Sadie hurriedly closed the link, but countless other news articles covering the same story unfolded before her.


    Leah had be the center of attention with her same ruby ne!


    "This, this..." Sadie stammered, head bowed, at a loss for words.


    She dared not meet Micah''s gaze, feeling as if she were prey under the watch of a beast, his stare filled with a murderous intent.


    "Mr. Clemens, I''ll take my leave now." Andrew tactfully exited.


    Panicked, Sadie opened her mouth to say something but was clueless about how to begin.


    How could she exin?


    That her child had lost Leah''s ancestral bracelet, that the mother and daughter of the White family were demandingpensation for which she had no money. They threatened to call the police and go to the media, so, out of desperation, she had used the ruby ne as coteral...


    But voicing this out would expose her well-kept secret of her children.


    Micah would use her of deception; then, there would be no hope of leaving this office alive...


    "You have one minute." Micah lounged in his leather chair, lighting a cigar leisurely.


    "I..." Sadie didn''t know how to exin and weakly protested, "You tossed the ne out of the car that day. Perhaps someone else picked it up, or maybe..."


    "Try lying to me again?" Micah raised an eyebrow, his aura seething with threat.


    "I..." Sadie trembled in fear, no longer daring to speak recklessly.


    "With your greedy nature, you would have gone back to pick up that ne after getting out of the car..." Micah nced at her coldly, "Now, why is that ne in that woman''s possession?" "I don''t know..." Sadie''s voice was faint as a mosquito''s.


    "Did you give it to her?" Micah interrogated.


    Sadie was too frightened to speak, and even more so to look at him.


    Impatient, Micah stood up and slowly began to close in on her...


    "You, what are you going to do?" Sadie retreated anxiously, feeling that she was going to be torn apart...

 Chapter 151 Sign Your Name, Press Your Fingerprint

    "What do you think?" Micah pinched her chin, lifting her face to meet his icy gaze, "No one has ever dared to re-gift something of mine, you''re the first!" "It''s not like that, I..." Sadie began to exin, but found herself at a loss for words.


    "It seems you''re in a difficult position," Micah said mockingly with a coldugh, "So how do you n to settle this with me?"


    "I''m sorry..." Sadie bowed her head in apology, "By all ounts, I shouldpensate you, but it''s a hundred million dors. Even if I sold myself, I couldn''t cover the debt..." "Fine, we''ll do as you say!" Micah cut her off and returned to his seat, picking up a pen and paper and began writing something.


    Sadie was dumbfounded. "What are you doing?"


    "You said it, sell yourself to cover the debt." Micah quickly drafted a simple debt settlement agreement and handed it to her, "Sign here, and press your fingerprint." Taking the document, Sadie was utterly bbergasted.


    Debt Settlement Agreement: Sadie owes Micah one hundred million dors; deducting a bonus of two million, she owes ny-eight million. She voluntarily pledges herself as coteral to Micah, henceforth to follow hismands and be at his beck and call...


    "Either pay me the ny-eight million dors now, return the ruby ne, or sign this debt settlement agreement. The choice is yours!"


    Micah tapped the agreement with the tip of his pen as if he were a judge pronouncing her fate.


    Sadie felt thunderstruck, the world spinning around her; she was on the verge of fainting.


    How could she have forgotten the devil''s true nature - relentless and merciless!


    She had actually dared to provoke him?


    She must have a death wish?


    "Hm?" Micah''s patience was eroding by the second.


    Countless possible responses shed through Sadie''s mind like a torrent. Quickly, she chose the most straightforward and forceful one: "This ne was a gift from you, witnessed by many. Since it''s mine, I can do with it as I please. What right do you have to ask forpensation? Even if we go through legal proceedings, you won''t have a leg to stand on."


    "Very good." Micah''s lips curled into a smirk, "You''re talking to me about thew?"


    "That''s... that''s just the way it is..." Sadie feigned calm.


    "I did indeed give it to you, but you returned it to me," Micah stated as if reasoning with her, "Since you returned it, it isn''t yours. What I do with it is my business. But you went and picked it up again, and without my permission, you gave it away to someone else..."


    At this point, he called Andrew, "Bring thewyer in."


    "Wait, hold on." Sadie panicked immediately, "Mr. Clemens, we can work this out."


    "Weren''t you all high and mighty just a moment ago?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "I don''t understand..." Sadie''s knees weakened, fighting back tears, "A ne worth a hundred million dors, and you just toss it aside like it means nothing. Why are you demandingpensation from me?"


    "I can afford to gift you a ne worth a hundred million dors, and I can afford to throw it away. But I will not tolerate it around another woman''s neck-it''s an affront to me!" Micah warned, "You must pay for your foolish actions!" Sadie fell silent, realizing she had underestimated his need for control-and overestimated Leah''s intellect!


    That foolish woman had actually paraded around with the ruby ne, endangering not only herself but Sadie too.


    "I don''t have the patience to drag this out," Micah nced at his watch, "If you don''t sign now, I''ll have mywyers handle it."


    "I..." Sadie panicked, and after a moment of thought, she ventured, "Could you give me some time to return the ne to you?" "Alright, I''ll give you one chance," Micah nodded agreeably, "Name the time."

 Chapter 152 Unwilling to Let Go

    "Seven days?" Sadie asked tentatively.


    Micah didn''t speak, furrowed his brows only slightly


    "Three... three days?" Sadie immediately recoiled, "If I can''t return the ne to you within three days, I''ll sign the agreement."


    "These are your words; I haven''t forced you," Micah reclined elegantly in his seat, looking magnanimous, "Three days from now, at this time, I''ll be here waiting for you!" "Understood." Sadie didn''t know how she had managed to leave the building. It was 7:40 p.m., and all her colleagues had left for the day.


    She hailed a cab to leave, feeling an urge to cry in the back seat. She couldn''t understand why everyone was pressuring her?


    Kathleen, Leah and Micah, each more detestable than thest...


    All she wanted was a happy and stable life. Why couldn''t they just leave her alone...


    "Where to?" the taxi driver asked.


    "I..." Sadie hesitated, then said, "DTT Bar."


    After giving it some thought, Sadie decided toy out everything to the "debt-repaying male escort" and discuss it together, to face it with him beside her.


    Truth be told, the reason Micah was pressuring her like this was simply because he liked her, wanting to possess her.


    All she really needed to do was confront him, meet him with her boyfriend by her side, and clearlymunicate her situation to him, then Micah would likely abandon his pursuit of her. After that, she would figure out a way to get the ruby ne back to him, and everything would be resolved.


    Thinking this through, Sadie sent a text to the "debt-repaying male escort", "I''ll be at the bar soon; have you arrived?"


    But there was no reply...


    Sadie realized btedly what had happened; she previously had a text conversation with "Debt-Repaying Male Escort," and she habitually replied there. Although she had deleted the contact from her phone directory, the text history remained intact.


    So, she sent the message to his old number.


    Remembering that his old number had been deactivated, she sent the same message to his new one listed as "Debt-Settling Male Escort2."


    Soon after, "Debt-Settling Male Escort2" called her: "Babe, I''m on my way to the bar, where are you? I''lle pick you up."


    "No need, I''m in a cab," Sadie replied, "Male Escort, we need to talk after the show tonight."


    "Sure thing." n was overjoyed. More time alone meant their rtionship could deepen further.


    "I''ll see you at the bar then."


    "See you there." After hanging up, n made another call, "Order 999 red roses for me to be delivered to DTT Bar. And bring over that 10-carat diamond ring." Micah, upon receiving Sadie''s text, couldn''t help but feel puzzled.


    She had decisively broken up with him and even returned his money. She hadn''t contacted him since, so why was she suddenly sending him this kind of message?


    The message didn''t seem like a probe or a plea for reconciliation; it oddly resembled the kind of frequent contact they had maintained in the past...


    But it had been a long time since he''d been to Night Club, so why would she suddenly ask to meet at the bar?


    And the tone, it was as if they had been in constantmunication...


    Contemting all this, Micah instructed Andrew, "Check if Sadie has been to the Night Club."


    "Yes." Andrew immediately investigated and quickly reported back, "Mr. Clemens, the security department at Night Club reports that Miss Roth hasn''t been there in a long while. They found she took a taxi heading southwest. Based on the taxi''s license te, the department traced the route to DTT Bar. Miss Roth just got out at the back door of DTT Bar."


    "Why''s she going there?" Micah frowned, then ordered, "Get the Aston Martin here along with that equipment from before."


    "The Aston Martin was damagedst night by Mr. n, sent for repairs this morning. Your equipment is in another vehicle, should I bring it over?"


    "Damaged?" Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously.

 Chapter 153 The Charismatic Mr. Alan

    Sadie arrived at the bar, put on her mask, and took to the stage for her performance, winning rave reviews again tonight.


    The audience pped and cheered non-stop, with many patrons sending her tips.


    After the performance, Sadie had reaped a rich reward. She''d only been there for three days, and she''d already multiplied the bar''s revenue several times over.


    Jonny decided, starting tonight, to raise her performance fee from two thousand eight hundred dors to three thousand.


    Sadie was ted, but this money was still a drop in the bucketpared to a hundred million dors.


    There was a ten-minute intermission. Sadie stepped offstage for water and looked over at the corner spot; he still hadn''t shown up, and she couldn''t help but feel a pang of disappointment...


    "n will be here soon." Jonny read her thoughts and reassured her, "He''ll definitely show up for the second part."


    "I''m not waiting for him," Sadie denied, her words not quite matching her feelings.


    "Ha-ha-ha, no need to pretend in front of me," Jonny chuckled. "By the way, you forgot to take your bag when you clocked out yesterday. I put it in the locker at the cash register for you. Remember to take it when you leave."


    "Oh, Ipletely forgot about it; I''m so scatterbrained. Thank you," Sadie expressed her gratitude and went back onstage to continue the performance.


    At that moment, someone carried 999 red roses up to Sadie on stage.


    Soon after, someone rang a bell, and Jonny announced over the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight Mr. n has reserved the entire venue. All tabs are on him; drink to your heart''s content!"


    "Mr. n!" The guests stood up, cheering and pping, reigniting the atmosphere.


    Sadie turned to look as n walked in from outside, dressed in trendy attire, looking young, handsome, and rebellious.


    He sent her a flying kiss with a smile that was both intimate and suggestive.


    Sitting at the piano for her performance, her emotions were mixed...


    He was good-looking, youthful, sunny and witty. He possessed an ease and casualness that many high-society folks didn''t.


    He''d make a greatpanion, but would have a hard time shouldering the responsibilities of family life.


    In truth, he was like a child who hadn''t yet grown up, still knee-deep in his yful ways, hard to settle down.


    Could he really y the role of a father?


    Women are born with a maternal instinct, and many women, no matter how fragile or delicate before, quickly adapt to the role of a mother once they have a child.


    Men, on the other hand, rarely manage to do so...


    "All set?" Jonny, beer in hand, sidled up to n, gesturing towards the stage with a wicked grin.


    "This time, I''m serious," n said, his gaze fixed on Sadie with an infatuated look. "She''s the fusion of elegance and sensuality, an angel and a devil at once. A woman who epasses both is utterly fascinating to me." Jonny sighed, "It''s rare to see you so smitten."


    "Of course. I''ve even got the ring ready." n pulled a diamond ring from his pocket.


    "Are you nning to propose? Without further thought?" Jonny patted his shoulder. "Your mother might not agree."


    "When you''ve set your sights on someone, you''ve got to hold on tight to avoid any mishaps!" n''s eyes remained tenderly on Sadie.


    "Mr. n," at this moment, a group of alluring girls approached, "we''ve been looking everywhere for you! Why haven''t you been to the Night Clubtely? We''ve been waiting for you there every day." "Yes, and you didn''t even bother to tell us you''ve changed your spot."


    As they spoke, the girls had already seated themselves next to n, their seductive bodies pressing against him tightly, some even leaning in to kiss him.


    "Get lost!" n rebuffed with disgust.


    "You never used to treat me like this before." Two of the girls clung to his arms, one on each side, while another straddled his legs, wrapping her arms around his neck to offer him a passionate kiss... Onstage, Sadie saw this scene, her brows furrowing tightly, the piano music missing a beat...

 Chapter 154 Mr. Clemens is Here, Run

    Even in the past at the Night Club, when he yed the role of a male escort, she had never seen him this intimate with any woman. Now, to be so brazen in front of her!!! "Get out!" n struggled fiercely, finally pushing the girls away.


    The girls copsed onto the couches, the ss coffee table, on the floor.


    Looking aggrieved, frowning and murmuring softly, "Mr. n, what''s wrong with you today?"


    "Alright, alright,dies, Mr. n has important matters to attend to today and cannot y with you. I''ll treat you all to the VIP lounge, let''s go," Jonny cajoled and tricked the girls into leaving.


    n, irritated, tugged at his cor, picked up his drink and downed it in one go, then turned to look at the stage, but Sadie had already finished performing and gone backstage...


    He hurried to find Sadie backstage.


    Sadie emerged from the restroom, ready to pack up and leave, when n pulled her aside and coaxed, "Baby, are you angry?"


    "I''ve long heard tales of Mr. n''s free-spirited ways, and tonight I truly witnessed them." There was an edge to Sadie''s voice.


    "It was those women, they were all over me, and I pushed them away as hard as I could," n hurried to exin, "I''ll ignore them from now on, I swear!"


    "If swearing did any good, what would we need the police for?" Sadie''s brow furrowed, "Why have you be so childishtely?"


    No sooner had she spoken than the realization dawned on her; he had indeed changed recently.


    The man of the past was responsible andmitted, she had never seen him disy even the slightest intimacy with any woman; yet now, in just a few days, she had caught him twice, entangled with women...


    The former him was calm andposed, decisive and quick to action, never a man of empty words. This current version, aside from making promises, seemed tock any real action...


    "Alright, alright, it''s my fault." n tried to appease Sadie, "I''ll prove it with my actions, I will not make the same mistake again."


    Although Sadie was displeased, thinking of the man she got to know and his past good qualities, she decided not to dwell on it. "Fine, I''m going to grab my bag; wait for me at the back door." "Okay, I''ll go get the car," n said hastily.


    Sadie went to pick up her bag at the cashier''s counter when she caught sight of a familiar figure... Micah! Why was he here?


    Micah strode into the DTT bar like a king moving against the current, shattering the atmosphere of gilded debauchery.


    Andrew and four other attendants were clearing the way for him, removing any obstacles.


    Everyone quieted down, sitting obediently in their ces, not daring to make a sound.


    Jonny hurried over to greet him, his attitude respectful and earnest.


    Micah looked around, as if in search of something.


    "Give me the bag, quick, quick, quick!" Sadie covered her face with her coat, urging in desperation.


    "Got it, here." The cashier handed her the bag, joking, "Why the rush? Going somewhere fun with Mr. n?"


    Sadie didn''t bother to reply and fled as if running away.


    It would truly be troublesome if this devil saw her moonlighting here...


    Running too hastily, Sadie collided with the door, her knee numbed with pain, limping as she stepped outside.


    "Baby, why weren''t you careful? Does it hurt?" n immediately jumped out of the car to help her.


    "It''s nothing, just drive," Sadie urged, panic in her voice, "My demon of a boss has arrived."


    "What? Micah is here?" n looked utterly shocked.


    "Yes, let''s go!" Sadie hurriedly climbed into the car.


    n started the vehicle and drove off immediately.


    "You''ve been drinking, you shouldn''t be driving, where''s your driver?" Sadie btedly realized.


    "Let''s get away first," n closed the convertible top and opened a bottle of mineral water, still feeling parched and thirstily took off his jacket with irritation. "How much did you drink?" Sadie found his behavior off.

 Chapter 155 You Are My Antidote

    "Just one beer," n felt strange himself that evening, "Weird, normally I can drink ten with no effect." "You should pull over and call a designated driver," Sadie hastily advised, "We can''t break trafficws." "Stopping now, we might get caught up to," n kept a wary eye on the rearview mirror.


    "Why do I feel like you''re more afraid of my boss than I am?" Sadie remarked offhandedly.


    n''s eyes flickered, but he quickly rationalized, "Isn''t it you who doesn''t want to bump into him? I''m just trying to avoid trouble for you." "Quit talking and call a designated driver," Sadie urged.


    "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing," n said, driving the car towards the suburbs at great speed, darting through traffic as if drag racing.


    "What are you doing? You can''t race in the city, stop." Sadie turned to look at n.


    His face was flushed, sweat gleaming on his forehead; he was clearly not in his right mind.


    "You look just like I did that day..." Sadie realized with shock, her eyes wide open, "You can''t have been drugged, can you?"


    "No way..." n thought back carefully, remembering how those three girls had clung to him, one of them kissing him. But he had quickly pushed her away and then downed arge beer in front of him. Could it be that he was drugged at that moment?


    "Pull over now." Sadie panicked, feeling the agitation building in him.


    "Don''t be scared, baby..." n held her hand, kissed the back of her hand softly, and with heavy breaths said, "I''ll take responsibility for you."


    "You..." Hearing this, Sadie became even more nervous, "Don''t mess around; let''s go to the hospital."


    "Fool, what''s the use of a hospital for this..." n looked at her with smoldering eyes, "I need an antidote, and you are my antidote..."


    DTT Bar.


    Micah sat in the silver leather chair, twirling a ck and gold ring in his hands.


    Although his expression was still as cold as ice, the slight furrow in his brow revealed his mindset...


    After surveying the area, Andrew hurried over to report, "Miss Roth was indeed performing here, and Mr. n has beening often recently. They left through the back door about fifteen minutes ago." Micah''s gaze lifted, staring coldly at Jonny.


    Jonny bowed his head fearfully and said, "Mr. Clemens, I didn''t know Sadie was yours. I thought, I thought..."


    "You thought? How many have died from those two words!" Micah''s voice carried a terrifying murderous intent. "Mr. Clemens, please, don''t be angry with me!" Jonny was sweating profusely, bending over to apologize. Micah did not harm him and stood up to leave without turning back,manding, "Close the bar; it''s a curse." "Yes." Jonny hung his head, not daring to breathe too loudly.


    n parked the car next to ake in the suburbs.


    Upon opening the convertible top, a cool breeze enveloped them, bringing afortable chill.


    But Sadie''s mood was anything butfortable. Watching n afflicted by the drug''s effects, she was in total panic, "I, I''ll go find you a doctor..." With that, she tried to push the car door open to run away, but n grabbed her hand...


    "Don''t go, baby." n pressed a button.


    Sadie''s body slowly reclined with the backrest, she struggled to get up, but he turned her over and pinned her under him....


    "Don''t touch me!" Sadie screamed in terror.


    "Why do you resist me so? You were always mine..." n gently stroked her hair, trying to restrain his desires, wanting to be gentle, to not scare her...


    "No..." Sadie shook her head in panic. Even though she had long been with the male escort, and had given birth to three children, she didn''t know why she was averse to his intimacy, instinctively resisting instead.

 Chapter 156 The True Person Appears

    "Last time we were in the car just like this, you were very enthusiastic, very proactive..." n coaxed Sadie with the little rationality he had left: "Don''t be afraid, I will be gentle..." "Don''t." Sadie pushed him hard, but she couldn''t push him away.


    n''s drug effect was kicking in, exciting him to the extreme.


    He took off his shirt, pinned Sadie''s hands, and lowered his head to kiss her.


    Sadie instinctively dodged, and at that moment, she inadvertently saw his lower back...


    There was just an empty space, no wolf-head tattoo at all!


    Her eyes widened in shock, her mind inplete disarray! It wasn''t him, it was not!


    How could this be?


    "Sadie..." n''s sensual lips grazed her cheek, about to kiss her red lips.


    "Impostor!" Sadie pped him hard: "You impostor!"


    "What?" n was stunned by the p.


    "You''re not him; you don''t have the wolf-head tattoo on your back." Sadie shouted angrily: "Who are you? Why are you pretending to be him? What on earth are you up to?" "Does it matter that much?" n''s drug effect had fully taken hold, he wasn''t in a state to think rationally, his only thought was to possess Sadie.


    "I like you, you''re mine..."


    He forcefully pinned Sadie''s wrists above her head, then reached to tear at her clothes...


    "Don''t-" Sadie kept struggling.


    Then, the sound of a car approached, followed by a loud "bang," a Rolls-Royce mmed into the Lamborghini.


    The Lamborghini jolted violently, tossing n off Sadie.


    Sadie hurriedly pushed the car door open, trying to escape, but fell from the car, rolling into the bushes.


    Pain shot through the wounds on her shoulder and neck.


    She tried to stand, but her arm was limp as if dislocated, and she copsed again...


    Suddenly, a pair of ck leather shoes came into view, causing her to gasp and frantically back away.


    But when she realized who stood before her; she was dumbfounded...


    His tall and upright figure shone, even in the dark of night, a mysterious and chilling mask exuding an intimidating presence, and his deep, sea-like eyes flickered with intense fury! It was him; he hade!


    "You are the one..."


    In this moment, Sadie was sure, it was indeed him!


    Micah bent down and lifted her, his low voice containing a controlled calm: "Why didn''t you listen?"


    "It really is you." Tears streamed down Sadie''s face as she clung tightly to his neck. "I thought I''d never see you again..."


    "Baby..." n hopped out of the car, intending to find Sadie, but instead, he saw a man in ck wearing a mask, holding Sadie and walking slowly towards him... Like a god of hell, redeeming his beloved. Yet, those eyes held the devil''s murderous intent!!


    "Micah..."


    n''s voice was so low it was as if only he could hear himself.


    Even with the drugs taking effect and his consciousness blurring, he knew that Micah could take his life with just a reach of his hand.


    Indeed, Micah''s grasp tightened around his neck, the strength could suffocate him instantly...


    "Ah..." n''s eyes went wide, his face purpling, his futile struggle appeared both helpless and redundant.


    "Damn it!" Micah cursed through clenched teeth, his body emanating intense mes.


    "Mi...Micah..."


    n made this sound from his throat, trying to awaken Micah''s reason.


    But the strength in Micah''s hand grew heavier and heavier...

 Chapter 157 Obediently

    "He''s going to kill him." Sadie btedly realized and panicking, she hurriedly grabbed Micah''s arm, "Let him go!"


    n''s eyes were starting to roll back, and his struggling hands fell limply...


    Finally, the fierce look in Micah''s eyes slowly faded, and he released his right hand.


    n copsed to the ground, then fell over.


    Micah hugged Sadie, got into the car, and sped away.


    Behind them, Andrew arrived with men, tidying up the aftermath: "Take Mr. n to the hospital."


    "Yes, Sir."


    In the car, Micah took off his coat and threw it over Sadie, his brows tightly knit, the anger in his eyes not yet subsided.


    Sadie''s dress was torn, exposing half of her chest and her thighs, a pitiful mess, yet with a deadly allure.


    She hung her head, biting her lower lip, too scared to utter a word, even wanting to find a crack to crawl into.


    She felt she was truly the pinnacle of foolishness, having mistaken someone else for him, almost causing a grave error.


    Micah drove them straight to Cloud Hotel.


    "Why did you bring me here?" Sadie asked nervously, "You''re not thinking of..."


    "Shut up!" Micah pulled the car to a stop.


    The manager, as respectful as thest time, came over to open the door and greeted, "The room is ready, and all the items you requested have been prepared." Micah carried Sadie out of the car and walked straight into the elevator.


    "I want to go home!" Sadie murmured, but upon catching Micah''s icy gaze, she immediately fell silent.


    They arrived at the presidential suite they had stayed in four years ago.


    Just like before, Micah tossed her into the bathtub.


    Likewise, Sadie sputtered and swallowed water before clumsily sitting up, wiping her face, and gasping for air.


    "Clean yourself up," Micah said before turning to leave.


    With a sigh, Sadie felt aggrieved as she sat in the bathtub, waiting for her emotions to settle before she began to bathe.


    For some reason, when she was with the real Male escort, she would involuntarily be obedient and submissive...


    After all, every attempt to resist ended badly, and since he would never hurt her, it might be better to just follow along obediently. After her bath, the room was pitch-ck except for the dim emergency lighting.


    Reaching for the light switch, it wouldn''t turn on; she called out softly, "Male escort...?"


    "I''m here," came his deep voice from the direction of the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    Startled, Sadie turned to see him wrapped in a towel, seated on the sofa, sipping from a stemmed ss.


    "Why are the lights out? Are they broken?"


    As she reached out and walked toward him in the darkness, she identally bumped into the table, numbing her knees.


    "Are you an idiot?" Micah''s voice was a low growl.


    Pursing her lips, Sadie felt her way over to his side.


    His face was unmasked, and in the faint light, his features seemed strangely familiar...


    Casually, he pressed a button on the remote, and the room''s emergency lights went out, engulfing them in darkness save for the glittering of his eyes.


    Sadie''s heart raced as she instinctively moved closer to him, bumping her shin on the sofa and tumbling down onto him...


    His chest was hot as fire, pressing against her.


    She tried to push herself up frantically, only to stumble and drop onto him again, her arms bracing on his shoulders and her forehead knocking against his chin, numbing from the pain. As she struggled, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist and coldly warned, "Don''t move!"


    Sadie looked up at him.


    In the darkness, though she couldn''t see his face clearly, a vague sense of familiarity lingered.


    And that familiar scent of his inexplicablyforted her, her body naturally wanting to draw closer...

 Chapter 158 Provoke It and Youre Done For

    "What in the world is going on in that head of yours?" Micah tapped Sadie''s head with his knuckles as if he was knocking on an unripe watermelon.


    This action quickly snapped Sadie back to reality, and she hastily began exining, "That person looked so much like you and was driving your car, and he was wearing a mask just like yours, so I..." Pausing, she immediately questioned, "Why was he driving your car? The license tes were identical, what''s going on with that? Even if a mask can be duplicated, the license te numbers can''t be..." "So, you mistook someone else for me?" Micah frowned and chided coldly, "You almost got taken advantage of!"


    "No, I didn''t..." Sadie hastily shook her head, "He didn''t touch me..."


    "If I hadn''t arrived in time..." The thought ignited Micah''s fury again, and he abruptly gripped her cheeks and kissed her forcefully...


    Sadie offered a brief struggle before her body surrenderedpletely to him.


    His kiss was fierce like a raging storm, brimming with a vindictive, punishing ferocity.


    It seemed he was determined to erase any trace of anyone else''s presence from her...


    And to brand her with a mark exclusively his.


    Overwhelmed by his kisses, Sadie almost felt suffocated, her body limp in his arms, yielding to his advances.


    After a while, his breathing grew heavy, and his body responded in other ways.


    Her heart racing with panic, she feebly pushed against him.


    Reluctantly, he let her go, cradling her face with one hand, his thumb gently caressing her swollen lips. His eyes swirled with a dark fire of desire as he murmured hoarsely, "Just this once, thest time. If you make such a foolish mistake again, I''ll really wash my hands of you!"


    "Mhm." Sadie nodded vigorously, her voice tinged with grievance, "I''ll never make that mistake again, never again."


    Only now did she realize that he was indeed different from others. Even if they looked simr, his unique aura and scent, the look in his eyes, and the tone of his voice were all distinct... He was truly one of a kind.


    "Idiot!" Micah ruffled her hair and pressed her face to his chest.


    He found it strange; despite his aversion to her, he couldn''t help but care for her and worry about her... What was this all about?


    Snuggled against him, Sadie listened to his strong, steady heartbeat, feeling an unusual sense of security.


    In this moment, the atmosphere was warm and romantic, with tender emotions stirring in the depths of both their hearts...


    Micah''s hand gently stroked her smooth, wless shoulders, his desire stirring restlessly.


    Sadie suddenly asked, "Are you really a male escort?"


    Micah ceased his movements and frowned, "What?"


    "Ah, how wonderful it would be if you weren''t a male escort..."


    Sadie inwardly sighed, thinking that if he weren''t a male escort, if he liked children, how blissful it would be for their family of seven toe together and reunite... "What do you wish I were?" Micah had never formally discussed this question with her.


    "Anything, as long as it''s a legitimate job," Sadie mused with longing, "Even a taxi driver, a delivery man, a security guard, an office worker, anything..."


    Micah frowned, realizing she hadn''t made any connection between him and his true identity.


    Perhaps that was for the best; at least the game could continue...


    "Alright, time to sleep," Micah suddenly turned over, holding Sadie as theyy down on the bed.


    While tugging at the nket, Sadie identally pulled off his towel and realized he waspletely bare. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she hastily scooted to the side... Micah pulled her back into his embrace. His long arms caged her like a fortress: "Stop squirming. It''s under my control for now, but provoke it again and you''re done for!"

 Chapter 159 Learning to Extort

    Sadie obediently snuggled into his arms, willing herself to remain still.


    Perhaps due to exhaustion, she fell asleep quickly, nestled softly in his arms, as tame as a kitten...


    Micah couldn''t sleep; he looked down at the woman in his hold, his brow slightly creased.


    Her body was beautiful, every part perfectly so, each inch of skin as smooth as milk.


    Having her so close to him now, how could he not feel restless?


    But Micah couldn''t touch her...


    He carefully removed his arm, went to the bathroom for a cold shower, and did a hundred push-ups before he began to feel somewhat relieved. Then, wrapped in a bathrobe, he chose to sleep on the couch instead. Being further away made it less painful...


    Somehow, whether from his presence or an inherent sense of security despite all that had happened, Sadie was able to fall asleep, and deeply at that.


    She awoke with the dawn, the morning light faintly illuminating through the window.


    Instinctively, she reached for the pillow beside her...


    Where was he?


    Gone.


    She quickly sat up and called out loud, "Male escort, Male escort!"


    No response came.


    Wrapping herself in his towel, Sadie searched the room but found no one.


    There was a post-it note stuck on the mirror. Squinting at it, she read his message: "I''ve left. There are clothes that were prepared for you in the wardrobe. Breakfast can be ordered to your room. After breakfast, the manager will arrange a car to take you to work."


    Signed with a drawing of a little devil with horns.


    Sadie let out a snort ofughter. That scrawled handwriting and the drawing warmed her heart suddenly...


    In fact, aside from his profession, he was almost perfect. Sadie quickly shook her head, trying not to dwell on such thoughts.


    She needed to focus on the real problem now, and that was none other than Micah. Insisting she sign that debt settlement agreement to repay a hundred million dors! Good heavens, wasn''t that practically selling herself to him? She cupped her forehead, feeling considerably vexed.


    This devil had actually learned to extort people.


    Initially, she had done the same to extort the Male escort, forcing him to split half of his earnings over three months with her...


    Sadie suddenly froze at that thought.


    No, if n isn''t the male escort, then that must mean Micah is the one.


    But that day, she clearly saw him get into a car, and then the male escort came in another car to pick her up...


    She carefully recalled the scene from that day and realized that the male escort who picked her up seemed more like n.


    Could it be that n had been impersonating him since that day?


    But if Micah was the real male escort, why on earth would he allow n to impersonate him?


    Sadie''s mind was in turmoil, and she couldn''t untangle her thoughts at the moment...


    Yet, she was now convinced that her previous suspicions were correct and that Micah truly was the male escort.


    The way the two men resembled each other in appearance, right down to the look in their eyes, their tone of voice, their gait; even the very aura they exuded were strikingly simr... She must find answers quickly, to avoid being toyed with at their mercy.


    However, right now, her most pressing issue was the matter of the red ne...


    If she didn''t act quickly, she would be forced to sign the debt repayment agreement, and then she would be trapped for the rest of her life!


    Sadie quickly washed up, changed her clothes, and was about to head to the office, when her phone''s shrill ringing suddenly ripped her out of her thoughts.


    It was Brenda calling; "Miss, we''ve found the bracelet!"


    "Really? Where?"


    "You''ll see when youe back."


    Sadie nced at the time; it was only six thirty. She hurried downstairs to hail a cab and rush back home.


    "Mummy..." Mia ran over from a distance and threw herself into Sadie''s arms, pointing at the balcony, babbling, "Coco, it''s naughty, so naughty..."


    Because she was so overly excited, Mia''s little face turned bright red, her grape-sized eyes wide open, her small mouth pursed, about to cry...

 Chapter 160 Who is More Frightening

    "What happened with Coco?" Sadie walked over, holding Mia tofort her.


    "Mummy,e and look." Nathan stood on a stool, craning his neck to peer into Coco''s cage, holding a chopstick and poking at something.


    Noah, with his handsome little face feigning seriousness, threatened, "Coco, if you don''t behave, I''ll pluck out all your feathers!"


    "What in the world happened?" Sadie leaned in for a closer look and was stunned, "Oh my goodness!!!"


    The lost bracelet of the Potter family was in Coco''s cage, concealed in a mound of bird droppings, emitting an unpleasant odor.


    Coco protected the bracelet with his wings, not letting anyone near.


    Nathan tried to pick the bracelet out with chopsticks, but Coco pecked at the chopsticks with its sharp beak, preventing him from getting near the bracelet.


    "This morning when I was cleaning Coco''s cage, I found the bracelet right here..."


    Chuckling in frustration, Brenda said, "The bracelet is covered in bird droppings; so, you really can''t tell unless you look closely."


    "I knew it!" Mia eximed, hands on her hips and pointing usingly at Coco. "I knew I definitely left the bracelet in the pencil box, and then it disappeared by the time I got to school."


    "Coco has turned into a naughty bird; swallowing chips before and now stealing a bracelet!" Noah pointed sternly at Coco as he criticized, "Coco, this is stealing!"


    "He likes shiny things..." Nathan was about to open the cage to retrieve the bracelet.egan


    Coco began frantically pping his wings and squawking loudly, "Mine! Mine!"


    "He''s even trying to im it''s his!" Mia, who was now furious; balled her tiny fists and roared, "Coco, do you realize the trouble you''ve caused? You got us siblings scolded and made mommy pay a lot of money..." "Mine! Mine!" Coco wouldn''t listen, spreading his wings to shield the precious bracelet that had been so well disguised with droppings, pecking at anyone who darede close.


    "Coco, you can''t do this; give back the bracelet!"


    "Coco, you can''t keep things that aren''t yours, understand?"


    "Coco, if you keep this up, I''m going to get angry..."


    The three little ones took turns scolding Coco, trying to reason with him.


    Brenda stood by, unable to suppress her mixed emotions.


    Sadie hurriedly ran to her room to call Leah; she wanted to contact her so they could do the swap immediately, so that she could retrieve the ruby ne... Leah''s phone was unreachable!


    Sadie tried calling Kathleen, but her phone was switched off too!


    Sadie then dialed her uncle, Felipe, who promptly answered; "Sadie..."


    "Where are Kathleen and Leah? I urgently need to speak with them for something..."


    "They left with Billy, early this morning for France."


    "What?" Sadie was stunned. "It''s not even seven yet; they shouldn''t have left. Please tell them I''lle to see them right away..."


    "They''ve already left," Felipe interrupted, "They caught the 7:30a.m. flight; they called me ten minutes ago to say they''d boarded and were about to take off."


    "But I''ve found the bracelet," Sadie rushed to say, "The ruby ne is still at your ce, right? I''ming over with the bracelet now..."


    "Leah took the ruby ne with her," Felipe said hastily, "Sadie, I have to go to the office. Let''s not talk now;e over for dinner with the kids sometime."


    "But, but..." Sadie hadn''t finished her sentence when the line went dead.


    She held her phone, seething with rage, biting her teeth in frustration. She should have anticipated this once the ruby ne fell into the clutches of those two women; reiming it would be a challenge. But if she failed to retrieve it, she wouldn''t be able to exin herself to Micah, and she would be forced to sign that damn debt settlement agreement...


    Compared to that, Micah was even more terrifying!


    After much hesitation, Sadie dialed Ronan''s number...

 Chapter 161 The Despicable Coco

    Ronan seemed surprised when he heard that Sadie was calling him.


    After Sadie briefly exined her situation, he said with a resigned tone, "I ordered Leah to return the ne to you the same day she left the kindergarten. She agreed without a fuss. But I''ve been so caught up with worktely; I haven''t been home and had no clue she had caused more trouble..."


    "I''m sorry; I shouldn''t have bothered you."


    Sadie detected the helplessness and exhaustion in Ronan''s voice.


    "No, no, no, I''m d you reached out to me," Ronan said gently. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it. I promise, once they return from France, I''ll personally make sure the ne is returned to you!" "When will they be back?" Sadie pressed on.


    "In about ten days, I suppose. She said she wanted to take Billy to tour the Bordeaux vineyards..."


    "Ten days..." Sadie felt a surge of despair grip hold of her. Micah had given her a deadline of three days, and one had already passed! With only two days left, if she couldn''t produce the ne; he would certainly force her to sign that agreement.


    What could she do?


    "Did Mr. Clemens scold you?" Ronan asked with concern. "I''ll go and exin things to him..."


    "That won''t be necessary, thank you." Sadie quickly put that suggestion to rest as she recalled how Micah had injured Ronan before. She wasn''t prepared to let him take that risk again.


    "But..."


    "It''s fine. I''ll exin the situation to him; he won''t harm me," Sadie said, trying to sound casual.


    "Alright," Ronan replied with a bitter smile. "Your rtionship with him is certainly better than mine..."


    "I..." Sadie started to exin but then thought better of it and changed the subject. "I''ve cleaned the bracelet; I''ll mail it to you tomorrow. Please make sure they return the ne to me when they get back." "Don''t worry, I won''t go back on my word," Ronan assured her. "Besides, for something so valuable, perhaps mailing it isn''t wise. If it''s convenient for you, shall Ie to pick it up tomorrow?"


    "This..." Sadie hesitated before suggesting, "Let''s meet somewhere public then."


    "Fine, how about six tomorrow night? At the Blue Diamond."


    "Okay." After hanging up, Sadie stepped out of her room. Brenda had already taken the bracelet from the cage and was hurrying to the restroom. "Mine! Mine!" Coco chased after Brenda in a state of panic, pecking at Brenda''s hand with her curved beak, trying to snatch the bracelet back. "Coco, stop it now, no more fussing!" Mia waved her hand, trying to shoo Coco away.


    "Brenda,e inside quick." Noah opened the bathroom door, allowing Brenda to dart in, then immediately closed the door behind her. "Coco, cease your impudence!" Nathan brandished a broomstick, guarding the door.


    Coco fluttered her wings, flying around the living room chandelier, incessantly repeating the phrase: "Mine! Mine!"


    Mia stomped her feet in frustration, her face turning bright red.


    "Starting today, I''m going to give you a lesson in ethics every day, to correct your twisted values!" Noah, looking stern, pointed at Coco.


    "That''s right, he needs lessons; what would be of him when he grows up if we don''t do this now?" Nathan mimicked an adult''s tone.


    Sadie snickered at the lively scene in her home, finding warmth in it despite the craziness of it all.


    "Stop fussing with Coco, everyone; hurry up and have breakfast. Those who need to go to school, go to school; those who need to work, go to work. We''ll bete if we dawdle any longer." Brenda''s voice called out from the bathroom. "Oh no, it''s already 7:40." Sadie nced at the time and hurried to the kitchen to serve breakfast, calling out, "Breakfast is ready!"


    All three children washed their hands and sat at the table, waiting for Sadie to dish out the porridge she had prepared.


    Suddenly, there was a "plop" sound, and Coco defecated right into the pot...


    Everyone froze for a moment, and then lively shouts of indignation filled the house: "Ah-my breakfast!!!"


    "Coco, I''m going to sever ties with you!!!"


    "Coco, I''ll pluck all your feathers-"

 Chapter 162 The Contract from Ten Years Ago

    Sadie instructed Brenda to take good care of the bracelet, then hurried downstairs with the three children for breakfast.


    The breakfast that Brenda had gotten up so early to prepare was spitefully ruined by Coco.


    The children were very upset by his antics and agreed they should ignore Coco for the next three days.


    Sadie took them to have breakfast at a shop downstairs, and the school bus arrived just in time. After sending them off, she hurriedly made her way to the office. The morning was like going to battle...


    Despite racing against the clock, Sadie still arrived ten minuteste.


    However, Chloe didn''t even have time to scold her because today was the new productunch, and everyone was busy preparing for the event on the 66th floor.


    Only Sadie, the low-ranking secretary, stayed behind to keep watch at the reception on the 68th floor.


    With no visitors arriving today, Sadie suddenly found herself with some free time, unustomed to the idleness. She stood at the reception going through work documents, eager to learn more and be a regr staffer soon. Suddenly, the elevator doors slid open, and a tall, upright figure hurried out...


    Sadie looked up and saw it was Micah.


    His brows were furrowed, his face dark with brooding, a fierce ze seemed to envelop his whole being as if it were about to incinerate anyone into ashes...


    Her heart skipped a beat, and in a fluster, she greeted, "Mr. Clemens..."


    Without so much as a nce at her, Micah strode past, the red light on his Bluetooth earpiece blinking - he was in the middle of a call: "Aunt, we hardly ever touch base, so what''s this sudden attack on my system about?" "That was well-deserved!"


    "I''ve no desire to argue about this with you. Just back off immediately, or you''ll have me to reckon with!"


    As he spoke, he kicked a chair aside.


    With a loud "bang," the chair mmed against the wall, shattering instantly, leaving a visible mark on the wall.


    Startled, Sadie shivered, her heart pounding wildly in a chaotic rhythm before she could regain herposure.


    It was the first time she had seen Micah that enraged; had that poor chair been a person, it most likely would have been lifeless now.


    Then, Andrew emerged from the elevator, rapidly heading towards the president''s office while saying to Sadie, "Bring in a bucket of ice." Sadie hurried to the pantry and brought back a bucket full of ice.


    The door to the president''s office was ajar.


    As Sadie approached, she could hear Andrew cautiously advising, "Mr. Clemens, there''s still half an hour before the press conference, we have time..."


    "Out of the question." Micah grated out furiously, "A blood pact signed in front of Grandfather ten years ago when we split the family business to pursue our paths, and now she dares to breach that agreement and send someone to attack my system!"


    "Mr. Clemens, Rn''s on it and should have it resolved shortly..."


    "Nonsense!" Micah growled in irritation, "Of course, I know it can be fixed; what infuriates me is that woman breaking the pact..."


    "Right, their actions are indeed over the line. But they did so because you hurt n first, Sir. You almost killed him..."


    "Who?" Micah''s incisive rebuke cut Andrew off.


    Startled, Sadie shuddered, the ice bucket dropping from her hands, scattering ice cubes all over the floor. She scurried to pick them up... "What are you sneaking around for?" Micah red at her.


    "I asked her to bring some ice," Andrew hastily exined, then moved to help Sadie clean up, "Go get another bucket; I''ll take care of this." Sadie left in a rush, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. What did they mean by what they were saying?


    She didn''t understand the specifics of the business warfare, but she had caught the name "n."


    Could it be that n was one of Micah''s family members?


    If that were the case, many questions that gued her mind would start to make sense...


    For instance, the reason why they look so much alike, could they be brothers? Rtives?


    And the matter of the male escorting to pick her up that day, it might have been arranged on purpose by him...


    This means, he''s very likely the real "debt-repaying male escort"...

 Chapter 163 The Overbearing CEOs Protection

    The more Sadie thought about it, the more usible it all seemed, what she couldn''t fathom though was that if Micah really was a male escort; why on earth would he do such a thing? She suddenly remembered what n had said, "Have you ever considered that I was never a male escort, and it''s you who mistook me for one?"


    "Four years ago, I went into the wrong room by mistake. You could say it was an alignment of the stars, a twist of fate..."


    "I''m used to a life of smooth sailing, without any challenges or anything new and exciting. Suddenly someone mistakes me for a male escort and pushes me to make and share money, it''s thrilling!" Perhaps, these seemingly false lies, are actually true...


    It''s just that she had the wrong person.


    However, without concrete evidence, nothing can be proven. Maybe all of this is just a coincidence, and she''s overthinking...


    The n that Andrew speaks of might not be the Mr. n she knows.


    After all, Micah is aloof and supremely confident, how could he possibly y the role of a male escort?


    She had also hit and scolded the male escort on more than one asion. Admittedly; with a nasty attitude. If it really was Micah posing as a male escort; she doesn''t know how many times she would have "died"...


    And so, with this realization; Sadie bes unsure about it all, once again. Her thoughts are all jumbled, she shakes her head, reminding herself not to think about it anymore...


    But then, another question hits her. Is Micah the male escort or not? Wouldn''t she know by checking the tattoo on his lower back?


    Other things might be coincidental, but that tattoo can''t be exactly the same, right?


    With these thoughts, a sudden rity presents itself to Sadie. She takes a deep breath and carrying a fresh ice pack, she heads to the president''s office.


    The atmosphere is tense. Micah is working on theputer, devising strategies himself. "Notify the Thunder Team to pick Mr. Wood up, they must bring him back to VIC Group safely." "Inform all the security guards to fiercely guard every entrance and exit. Detain anyone suspicious immediately."


    "Instruct Rn to review all media and external personnel."


    "Yes, Sir!" Andrew immediately rys the orders, and then, unsure, he asks, "Mr. Clemens, if all eighteen are dispatched to pick up Mr. Wood, then there will be no one left here for you..." "Aren''t you a person?" Micah retorts sharply.


    "Yes, Sir!" Andrew bows his head to give orders, not daring to say another word.


    Seeing the tense atmosphere, Sadie sets down the ice pack and prepares to leave.


    "Miss Roth..." Andrew whispered, "There''s a lot of water where the ice was spilled. Could you please clean it up?"


    "Sure." Sadie quickly grabbed a cloth and squatted down to wipe the floor.


    "What are you doing?" At that moment, Micah, who was racing against time, suddenly looked at her.


    Startled, Sadie hastily replied, "Wiping the floor."


    "Who told you to do that?" Micah frowned.


    Sadie timidly nced toward Andrew.


    "It was me..." Andrew quickly exined, "Because that spot..."


    "Why didn''t you clean it yourself?" Micah red at him.


    Andrew was taken aback, but he quickly caught on and bowed deeply at a right angle, apologizing sincerely to Sadie, "Miss Roth, I''m terribly sorry..."


    He then frantically took the cloth from Sadie''s hands and knelt on one knee to clean the floor.


    Sadie was utterly bewildered. What was happening?


    "Get out," Micahmanded coldly.


    Sadie walked out, dazed and confused.


    Just a few steps away, she remembered she hadn''t taken the tray, so she returned to grab it. At the doorway, she overheard Micah''s chilling rebuke, "Who gave you the audacity to order her around?" "I''m sorry, I realize my mistake, I simply wasn''t thinking clearly. Please forgive me!" Andrew was profusely repentant.


    "Let there be no next time," Micah warned chillingly.


    "Yes, Sir, it won''t happen again," Andrew promised, not daring to even breathe heavily.


    Hearing these words, Sadie felt a mixture ofplex emotions, tinged with trepidation and unease...

 Chapter 164 Masterminding Strategies

    Andrew, as a senior executive, asking her, a junior receptionist, to clean - wasn''t that perfectly normal? eptable, even? Why did Micah feel the need to chastise him so severely?


    Especially when he himself was so busy, almost like he was at war - how could he even find the time to care about such a trivial matter?


    His words - it was as if he already saw her as his woman, thus he wouldn''t tolerate any disrespect towards her!


    The corners of Sadie''s lips lifted unconsciously. Being protected by such a powerful man felt... beyond words.


    Wait... Calm down!


    This powerful man was still the devil himself!


    Sadie shivered, chiding herself for allowing her thoughts to get so carried away.


    The pet of a wild beast may bask in moments of dazzling vanity, but one misstep could very easily lead to being devoured whole!


    She must not let her guard down...


    "Sadie!" It was in that moment that Chloe came rushing over, "Quick,e with me."


    "Chloe, what''s wrong? Where are we going?" Sadie followed her into the elevator.


    "The press conference was about to start when thepany''s systems suffered a cyber-attack. Mr. Clemens was orchestrating everything from behind the scenes, making it necessary for Mr. Wood to preside. There had been a fallout between Mr. Wood and Mr. Clemens, and Mr. Wood''s health has been on the declely. I''m worried about his emotional state. You''ve helped him out before; perhaps you could speak to himter." "Understood," Sadie nodded earnestly.


    "Today''s press conference is crucial for VIC Group," Chloe said, eyes fixed on the elevator''s floor indicator, her forehead creased with tension. "Handle this well, and you''ll be made a permanent employee." "Really? That would be wonderful!"


    ted, Sadie knew that a permanent position came with a sry of twenty-five thousand dors.


    Suddenly, Chloe''s phone rang, and she answered it immediately...


    "Hello! What?" Whatever the caller said shocked Chloe, who hastily pressed the button for two floors below. The elevator halted on the 64th floor, and she dashed out, phone in hand. "What happened?" Sadie hurried after her.


    "Mr. Wood''s safety has beenpromised!" Chloe reached the observation deck, peered through the telescope, and then essed theputer system to check the surrounding streets. Theputer screen instantly disyed live footage of the streets below. A Rolls-Royce Phantom was speeding toward the VIC Group building, darting through traffic like lightning. Several ck customized cars were fiercely pursuing and even ramming the Phantom.


    Their intent seemed clear - they were out to destroy the luxury vehicle!


    "Is Mr. Wood in the Phantom?" Sadie recognized Micah''s car at a nce.


    "Yes," Chloe confirmed, her brows knitting tighter. "Someone is deliberately sabotaging our press conference today, first by attacking our systems and now by attempting to intercept Mr. Wood''s car." "What can we do?" An anxious Sadie asked.


    "There''s nothing we can do - Andrew will take care of it," said Chloe, manipting the touchscreenputer to review the streetyouts, her expression grave. "In seven minutes, the press conference will begin..." "What''s that?" All of a sudden, Sadie noticed several Humvees cutting through a side street, blocking the ck pursuers and offering protection to the Wraith.


    "That must be Mr. Clemens'' doing," Chloe was relieved. "No wonder all eighteen of his top bodyguards were gone; they were dispatched to protect Mr. Wood. Mr. Clemens is indeed a master strategist; everything is under his control!" Sadie recalled Micah''s orders back at the office - she hadn''t understood then, but now the purpose was clear - he was brilliant!


    "It seems we don''t need to worry about it, let''s just concentrate on doing our own jobs," Chloe spoke, receiving yet another phone call.


    She answered, putting it on speaker, "Ma''am, we have a situation where intruders disguised as media have infiltrated the premises. They might disrupt the order at the conference and tamper with the new tech information. Head back to the 66th floor immediately, manage the president''s secretarial team, and secure the important documents. Do not let any mistakes ur!"

 Chapter 165 A Man Like a God

    "Yes, I''m on my way!" Chloe hung up the phone and hurriedly said to Sadie, "Sadie, you go down and wee Mr. Wood. y it by ear, and if he''sfortable taking charge, that''s best. But if he''s upset, you must persuade and pacify him, do you understand?" "Understood," Sadie nodded repeatedly.


    "This is a matter of great importance. Mr. Clemens himself is dealing with the hacking system and will bemanding from behind the scenes. We must ensure there''s not a single slip-up on the frontlines!" Chloe''s expression was solemn, filled with conviction. Sadie nodded again.


    Seeing Sadie''s confused look, Chloe hesitated, then pulling her close, whispered, "Sadie, let me be honest with you. An hour ago, Mr. Wood was fuming over the chip issue, refusing to host the conference. I suspect... Mr. Clemens had to have him forcefully brought here against his will!"


    "What?" Sadie was stunned; no wonder Chloe was so anxious, repeatedly stressing that Mr. Wood might be in a foul mood; so, there was more to the story then...


    "That''s why I came to you," Chloe said, pressing on Sadie''s shoulders with serious emphasis, "No matter what, you must bring Mr. Wood safely to the 66th floor and have him properly host the conference. If you seed, not only will you be made permanent, but I''ll also apply for a bonus for you!"


    "A bonus? How much?" Sadie brightened up at the word.


    Chloe paused, frowning, "At least a few hundred thousand dors. Go handle it; you won''t be at a loss."


    "Mm-hmm," Sadie assured, patting herself on the chest, "Don''t worry, you can count on me!"


    "Go for it!" Chloe pushed her into the elevator, "Your promotion and sry increase depend on this!"


    "Got it!" Sadie clenched her fists, ready to fight.


    Thepany was facing a challenge; everyone yed a key role in this business battle, except for her - earlier on she was feeling superfluous. But now that Chloe had given her a mission, she suddenly felt important. Especially considering the many benefits that woulde with sess.


    For money, there was nothing she couldn''t do...


    Sadie rushed to the first floor where David and the other security guards stood neatly in two rows, ready for anything.


    Sadie approached Randy from Security to inquire about Mr. Wood''s situation. Randy was busy checking the streetyout on theputer system.


    Under the protection of a Hummer convoy, the Rolls-Royce Phantom that Mr. Wood rode in made its way smoothly to the corporate headquarters.


    The ck modified cars that had previously besieged and intercepted them were now battered and scattered, having also caused severe congestion on the street. Traffic police were now arresting people and towing vehicles away in an emergency response.


    "That''s so cool, that must be Mr. Clemens''s Thunder Team, right?"


    "Mr. Clemens is just amazing, he predicts events like a seer!"


    "Mr. Clemens is my hero, a deity in my heart!"


    Sadie looked at the two rows of ck Hummers, neatly arranged like the wings of a deity, protecting the Rolls-Royce Phantom as it moved ahead like a triumphant warrior returning home.


    The pedestrians and other vehicles on the street conscientiously moved aside, showing respect to this glorious motorcade.


    Sadie was deeply moved as she beheld such a scene.


    There could be no doubt that the strategic mastery portrayed in movies was vividly embodied by Micah.


    No matter what sudden developments arose, he always maintained full control-oveing every obstacle in his path, with no one able to stand in his way...


    A man like this was akin to a divine being!


    Revered and untouchable...


    On the 68th floor, a slight curve formed at the edge of Micah''s lips as he watched the Thunder Team''s victorious return on theputer screen.


    Meanwhile, sudden noise from outside caused Andrew to raise an eyebrow in alert: "Someone has broken in!"


    He immediately activated the security system and grabbed his weapon, ready forbat, " It seems they waited deliberately to send someone after you dispatched the Thunder Team." Without even a twitch of his eyebrow, Micah continued working on theputer, "I haven''t yed this in a while; I''m getting rusty!"

 Chapter 166 The Rascally Kid

    Sadie followed the security team to the front gate to wee Mr. Wood.


    Meanwhile, a crowd of media reporters jostled for position behind the barricades, frantically pushing forward, all the while snapping photos and videos. They were all eager to find out if today Micah would host the press conference.


    When the motorcade stopped, a bodyguard got out and opened the door to the Rolls-Royce Phantom. A pair of legs appeared, and everyone''s eyes widened...


    The legendary VIC Group''s Micah Clemens had never made a public appearance in the media; they didn''t even know what he looked like, and they were all anticipating this press conference as a chance to finally see the true face of the great and mysterious Micah Clemens!


    However, the person who stepped out was an elderly gentleman in a business suit and leather shoes, with white hair.


    The media reporters were initially stunned, then they whispered amongst themselves, "Could this be the legendary Mr. Clemens?"


    "Mr. Clemens has significant influence in the business world, pulling strings behind the scenes, so he probably wouldn''t be too young."


    "That''s true, one couldn''t be both a technological genius and a business prodigy at a very young age."


    Soon after, the reporters were once again moring with questions...


    "Are you Mr. Clemens?"


    "Are you here to host the new technologyunch?"


    Without uttering a word, Mr. Wood, wearing a solemn expression and a slightly furrowed brow, walked into the building surrounded by eighteen top-notch bodyguards.


    The security staff blocked the media reporters who pressed forward ceaselessly, squeezing Sadie to the back, rendering her unable to approach.


    Just as Mr. Wood was about to enter the elevator, he caught sight of her in the crowd and whispered an instruction to a person beside him.


    A bodyguard quickly approached Sadie; plucked her from the throng as if extracting a small chicken, and brought her forward.


    Lifted off her feet and still in apparent fear, Sadie nheless waved at Mr. Wood, calling out, "Mr. Wood."


    "Are you here to collect me?" Mr. Wood asked.


    "Yes." Observing Mr. Wood''s countenance cautiously, Sadie inquired, "Did you have a smooth journey?"


    "Smooth?" Mr. Wood''s demeanor darkened instantly as he red icily at the bodyguards, "I almost didn''t survive their handling."


    Sadie nced over the group of bodyguards. Even though they all wore ck face masks, it was clear that they were all exceptionally handsome.


    Swallowing hard, Sadie gently persuaded, "The methods might have been a bit forceful, but it was all in consideration of the bigger picture."


    "If it weren''t for the bigger picture, I wouldn''t havee even if it led to my death," Mr. Wood dered firmly, albeit leaving some room for flexibility in his tone.


    Micah had sent eighteen bodyguards just to fetch him, leaving only Andrew and Rn behind, which spoke volumes of his importance.


    Whatever the reason, it was somewhat ttering.


    Micah, as a person and in his dealings, remained impable...


    "Yes, indeed, you are one of thepany''s veterans, and you want the best for it," Sadie, unfamiliar with Mr. Wood''s circumstances and fearing to misspeak, resorted to titudes.


    "As one of the founders of VIC Group, I cannot simply ignore an issue involving the group. It''s just that kid''s way of handling things is simply...," Mr. Wood remembered thexatives he had been taking these days and felt an itch in his teeth out of annoyance.


    "Actually, about the chip..."


    "Enough." Sadie was about to exin the matter of the chip when Mr. Wood cut her off, "Let''s focus on theunch event first. Everything else can wait."


    With an awkward smile, Sadie pulled at the corner of her mouth, thinking how this old man would react if he knew she had been the one to slip the chip in the coffee cup...


    "Ding!" The elevator doors opened.


    Rn, Chloe, and others were waiting at the doorway. Several quick-witted reporters squeezed through to take photos but were immediately blocked by David and a few more security staff.


    Sadie supported Mr. Wood as they walked out of the elevator, when suddenly she heard Rn whispering orders to the elite bodyguards, "Mr. Clemens is in trouble - team two, head to the 68th floor to assist; team one, stay back to secure the scene."


    "Yes!" the bodyguards promptly retreated into the elevator, heading directly for the 68th floor.


    A tightness gripped Sadie''s heart, and she hesitated over whether to follow and go see for herself...


    "Don''t worry, he''ll be fine." Mr. Wood suddenlymented, "With his fighting skills, even the emperor would fail toy a finger on him."

 Chapter 167 Like a Fool

    Sadie pursed her lips into a smile, looking naively foolish, yet her thoughts were in turmoil.


    She knew that going to the 68th floor wouldn''t be of any help; she might even cause more trouble, so she had no choice but to obediently stay put...


    Still, the thought of Micah in danger filled her with an inexplicable worry.


    "Mr. Wood, the press conference will start in one minute," Chloe reminded respectfully, "This way, please!"


    Mr. Wood adjusted his suit and tie and strode forward, leading the entourage into the conference hall.


    As the dark red doors opened they were greeted by the sound of thunderous apuse.


    Following behind, Sadie saw thousands of media representatives from all around the world, as well as major partner organizations, all there to witness the unveiling of VIC Group''s new technology. Countless shbulbs illuminated Mr. Wood, and even Sadie beside him was bathed in light.


    The 360-degree panoramic screens were ying highlights of VIC Group''s countless achievements over the years.


    VIC Group''s technological products had made their way into the homes of millions, providing all kinds of convenience for households and bing an indispensable part of people''s daily lives around the world.


    As she stood there watching the presentation on the screens... Sadie only now truly realized the extent of Micah''s abilities and his stature, her heart filled with awe. It seems she had known too little about him before...


    "Ladies and gentlemen, you may address me as Mr. Wood. I am passionate about scientific research, and today, on behalf of Chairman Micah Clemens; I am presenting the new generation of VIC Group''s technological products..." Mr. Wood''s voice echoed, vibrant and powerful.


    A buzz instantly spread through the audience, with people whispering amongst themselves, "So, this is VIC Group''s Mr. Wood, the world-renowned research expert from years past!"


    "No wonder VIC Group has been so sessful in recent years; they''ve had such talent hidden within."


    "Who exactly is Micah, to have someone like Mr. Wood serving him?"


    "Ladies and gentlemen, before weunch our product, I''d like to take a moment to give you a brief introduction to Mr. Micah Clemens," Mr. Wood stood on the stage and pointed to the screen behind him, "Micah Clemens, at the age of ten, developed neen technological products, obtained global patents, and led their development and sales within our group. Well-known products such as the robotic pets and nanny robots are his creations. At sixteen, Mr. Clemens officially founded VIC Group and guided us in building a technological empire, bing a legend in both the business and scientificmunities in just a decade..."


    Thunderous apuse erupted from the audience.


    Journalists excitedly remarked, "With such a king at the helm and such powerful support, how could VIC Group not soar to great heights!"


    Hearing these introductions and witnessing it all, Sadie started to see Micah in a new light; she hadn''t realized his incredible talent and waspletely unaware. Simultaneously, she felt insignificant, like a stone in the vast sea, only able to gaze at the stars from afar.


    As she pondered over her thoughts, she suddenly noticed that all the gold-medal bodyguards had returned, securing the conference hall and apprehending a few suspicious individuals. They''ve all returned, but what about Micah?


    Feeling uneasy, Sadie turned and dashed out, nning to head up via the elevator. Finding it upied, she ran up the stairs instead...


    As she appeared from the stairwell, a knife flew past her head.


    Luckily, Sadie dodged swiftly, or else she would have met her maker.


    Breathless and shocked, before she could gather her wits, someone grabbed her from behind, knife pressed to her throat, and roared, "Don''te any closer, or I''ll kill her!"


    It was only then that Sadie snapped back to reality, fixing her gaze ahead.


    Micah, in a white shirt with sleeves rolled up, was fighting furiously, his eyes bloodshot with effort.


    Andrew was beside him, subduing another assant. The president''s office was a wreck, but they were clearly dominating the fight...


    Unfortunately, she, like a fool, had burst into the scene at the worst possible moment.

 Chapter 168 Fool

    Micah red at Sadie with a look of utter disdain and snapped, "Are you an idiot?"


    "I, I..." Sadie''s neck, barely healed, was now under the edge of a knife again, scared out of her wits, her words a jumbled mess, she could utter not another sound.


    "Ah... Miss Roth, what are you doing running up here now?" Andrew sighed. Even if it were just him and Mr. Clemens against these lowlifes, between the two of them, they have more than enough skill and experience to handle them, but now, with Sadie here!


    "You destroy the X system right now, or I kill her," the thug ordered arrogantly.


    Sadie was on the verge of tears internally, thinking, it''s over, it''s all over...


    Such an important system, tied to the future fate of VIC Group... to let it be destroyed?


    Rather let him destroy the Earth.


    This time, he surely wouldn''t save her.


    "Go ahead and kill her. Such a stupid woman-it''s pointless even if she lives!" Micah red coldly at Sadie, shook his fist, and turned to walk towards his office. Andrew was bbergasted. Was he being serious right now or was this some kind of ruse?


    Tears of sorrow began to fall from Sadie''s eyes, "I am just a useless person, the lowest-ranked secretary on the 68th floor; taking me hostage is pointless..."


    "Shut up!" The thug gnashed his teeth in frustration, cursing his own misfortune for having taken the most worthless secretary hostage.


    "Fine, since none of you will save her, I''ll kill her right now-" As he spoke, the thug raised his knife, ready to make the cut...


    "Don''t-!" Instinctively closing her eyes, Sadie shouted out almost without thinking, "Bodyguard, save me!!!"


    The sound of rushing wind passed by her ear, and immediately after, the hand around her neck loosened, followed by a heavy thud...


    Sadie slowly opened her eyes to find the man behind her had fallen and was not getting up.


    The knife in his hand had been taken by Micah.


    He casually threw the knife away, shot her a look of disdain, and turned to walk back towards his office...


    Stunned, Sadie stood rooted to the spot, watching his familiar retreating figure, reying the recent scene in her mind. If she remembered correctly, she had just called out "Bodyguard, save me." So... he must be Bodyguard!! "Miss Roth, don''t space out," Andrew waved his hand in front of Sadie''s eyes, "It''s dangerous here,e inside with us."


    "You''re bleeding..." It was then that Sadie noticed Andrew was injured; his shoulder, arm, and leg covered in wounds, blood oozing and trailing as he moved...


    Yet, he seemedpletely oblivious to the pain, without any reaction.


    "It''s just a superficial wound, nothing serious." Andrew seemed unconcerned, reminding her with good intentions, "The press conference has already started, the hacker issue is still unresolved, Mr. Wood is stalling for time now, and Mr. Clemens is racing against the clock. Don''t stir things up at this moment."


    "Understood." Sadie looked around, her heart pounding with fear...


    The ce was in shambles, littered with destruction everywhere, and a group of men dressed in cky on the ground, their fate unknown...


    Only the CEO''s office remained untouched, as if it was thest sanctuary.


    One could imagine the scene that had just unfolded: Micah dealing with the hacker system inside his office, while Andrew fought alone outside... Inside was a tranquil sanctuary; outside a hell of ughter.


    Separated only by a door, yet it felt like heaven and hell...


    Ultimately, when Andrew could no longer hold out, Micah had no choice but to emerge and personally deal with those with a death wish.


    Just as things were about to wrap up, that big fool Sadie blundered in...


    Sadie wished she could crawl into a crack in the ground, feeling herself to be more of a hindrance than a help.


    "What''s this fool doing following us in here?" Micah''s voice came, ice-cold andced with sharp irony.


    Sadie looked up at him, her eyes filled with a quiet resentment, "I was just worried about you, so I came up to check on things. I didn''t mean to cause any trouble..."

 Chapter 169 The Turmoil Within

    Hearing this, something stirred in Micah''s heart. His fingers continued to tap on the keyboard, yet his gaze was smoldering as it fixed on her, "Worried about me?" Realizing she''d said too much, Sadie''s face flushed red, biting her lower lip, she dared not speak.


    Seeing her shy demeanor, Micah felt a tug at his heartstrings and nudged her calf with his foot under the table, "Come here!"


    "What..." Sadie nced at him timidly, quickly averting her eyes, her heartbeat racing.


    "Quickly," Micahmanded, a note of superiority in his voice.


    Hesitantly, Sadie edged closer to him. A distance of just a few steps felt as vast as thousands of miles, and for a long moment, she struggled to cover it...


    Andrew was in agonizing frustration. At this critical juncture, these two were still ying a game of flirtation?


    Micah suddenly pulled her into his arms causing Sadie to let out a startled cry.


    Sadie tumbled into hisp, her body quivering delicately, about to resist when hemanded in a low voice, "Don''t move," and then continued typing, his arms wrapped around her slender waist. Sadie didn''t dare to move again...


    The future of a multi-billion-dor project, the fate of a corporation, ally in the control of her delicate waist. If she were to act carelessly now, wouldn''t that be like disrupting the rotation of the Earth? An utter abomination!


    Andrew rolled his eyes in exasperation, his fists clenched, itching with frustration...


    In this moment, he thought of Mr. Wood, who had been takingxatives for four days straight, and suddenly he understood the old man''s feelings of frustration and anger...


    Warriors ying enemies on the battlefield, blood sttering the sands.


    Yet here was Mr. Clemens, ruling supreme, caught up in a passionate embrace with a beautiful woman...


    No one dared to question Mr. Clemens''s abilities, firm in their belief that he would surely triumph.


    But who could understand that agonizing urgency, burning like fire?


    "Let me go, deal with this properly. At such a critical time, how can you..." Sadie gently pushed against Micah.


    Theputer screen flickered with dense green code, while the tablet beside it showed a live stream of the press conference taking ce on the 66th floor...


    Mr. Wood had finished introducing Mr. Clemens and now began to exin the features of the new product...


    The beleaguered old man was struggling to continue stalling as he wiped sweat away; desperately hoping that Mr. Clemens would get the system sorted out soon and allow the new product to be sessfullyunched officially. Micah, with his eyes fixed on the screen and hands on the keyboard, brushed his chin ever so slightly against Sadie''s shoulder.


    Sadie wanted to move but didn''t dare; she wanted to push him away but couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    She felt like the wicked witch, tempting the king into sin, divested of any will to govern the kingdoms...


    Andrew''s heart was racing, he almost wanted to dash over and drag Sadie away, yet he couldn''t bring himself to do it. Suddenly, there was a crash from outside.


    "Someone''s broken in again," said Andrew, turning around alertly.


    "Cover me!" Micah didn''t even lift his eyelids as he spoke, seizing the opportunity to nip Sadie''s shoulder. Sadie cried out, "What are you doing?"


    Andrew''s face twitched, but all he could do was grab the golf club nearby and go out to face the confrontation...


    Opening the door, several assassins barged in with knives, and Andrew fought back fiercely clenching his teeth.


    "Let go of me, I need to help," Sadie, seeing Andrew''s bleeding wound, felt a surge of guilt and tried to push Micah away to do something...


    But Micah held her even tighter, his cold, thin lips softly grazing her corbone, his hands still maneuvering theputer.


    Sadie was frantic: "Stop fooling around, it''s a critical moment, everyone is depending on you... Ah!"


    Her sentence was cut short as she gasped again, her body trembling.


    Hearing this cry, Andrew, who was fighting at the entrance, shuddered and took a de...

 Chapter 170 Heartless Fiend

    "You''re not gonna die, are ya?" Micah Clemens asked in a tone as casual as if discussing the weather.


    "No way!" Andrew grunted through clenched teeth,unching himself back into the fray.


    Micah Clemens squinted dangerously at the screen, fingers dancing across the keyboard, while his body subtly shifted position.


    "Please, let go of me..." Sadie Roth panicked, acutely aware of the mounting tension within herself, like a caged beast itching to break free.


    This was getting dangerous-too dangerous.


    "Shut up," Micah snapped as his phone rang. He swiped the screen and hit speakerphone without a second thought.


    "Micah Clemens, the press conference has been dyed by seven minutes," came Rn''s deep voice. "Mr. Wood has hinted three times now-it''s time to release the new product. How are things on your end?" "Just... give me ten seconds."


    His voice was hoarse as he whispered in Sadie Roth''s ear, his teeth grazing her skin.


    With one hand pressed firmly over her mouth to stifle any sounds and the other frantically pushing against his shoulders, Sadie Roth was full of pain, panic, and tension.


    "Mr. Wood is starting the announcement!" Rn''s voice broke through, and in the background, the sound of Mr. Wood leading the journalists in a countdown filled the air.


    "Ten!" "Nine!" "Eight!"


    On Micah''sputer screen, lines of code were following their own countdown-80 percent, 85, 90...


    With each advancing percentage, Micah bit down even harder.


    Sadie''s body was an orchestra of pain, fear, and distress, yet she remained stubbornly silent.


    "Five!" "Four!"


    Finally, Micah struck the ''Enter'' key with force, then he withdrew his hands-one wrapping tightly around Sadie''s waist and the other trailing up her thigh, his nails grazing her smooth skin as he slowly moved upwards... Sadie trembled all over, her body melting into helplessness.


    Meanwhile, Andrew was outnumbered, fights raging around him as des cut through, pushing him to his limits.


    A hitman took advantage of the chaos, cleaving his way toward Micah Clemens...


    Sadie''s cry shattered the tension.


    With lightning reflexes, Micah grabbed a pen from the desk and flung it. The sound of a pained howl followed as it buried itself into the attacker''s chest, who then fell lifelessly. Blood sttered onto Sadie, causing her to jerk in rm, oblivious to the fact that Micah had already ripped through her underwear...


    "Two!"


    "One!"


    The final countdown red from the video as a voice chimed from theputer screen: "System recovery sessful!" The disy began to showcase the advanced capabilities of the new product. Below, a wave of cheers and thunderous apuse reverberated through the room as VIC Group''stest tech marvel made its grand introduction.


    Sadie Roth was captivated by the electrifying scene, her eyes glued to the screen, oblivious to Micah Clemens'' wandering hands, which had ventured too far and were now tearing open her blouse... "Boom!" That was the end of thest hitman, taken care of by Andrew.


    Exhausted, Andrew copsed onto the ground.


    With feigned concern, Micah Clemens asked, "You dead?"


    "No..." Grasping for life, Andrew, bloodied and battered, staggered to his feet and proimed with fervor, "Micah Clemens, even with my dying breath, I will protect you..."


    "If you''re not dead, then crawl out!" Micah Clemens cut him off, issuing a ruthlessmand, "Guard the outside. Don''t let anyone disturb me!"


    Andrew felt a chill in his heart as he turned to see his beloved Micah Clemenspletely enthralled by pleasure, totally indifferent to his wellbeing.


    Heart icy cold, Andrew dragged his wounded body toward the door, gritting his teeth to curse, "Jerk!"


    "Close the door behind you."


    The jerk issued one moremand from behind.


    Andrew trembled, holding back tears, cursing inwardly at the callous, unfaithful beast!


    s, he dared not voice his scorn...


    Once the door shut, Sadie Roth jolted back to reality just in time to realize Micah was almost upon her, his physical approach relentless. In a panic, she tried to push him away, but he pinned her to the table...

 Chapter 171 The Faint Glimmer of a Tattoo

    As the door clicked shut, Sadie Roth, regaining her senses, realized that Micah Clemens was nearly breaching her defenses. Frantic, she shoved at him, only to be swiftly overpowered and crushed against the table. "No, please..." Sadie Roth trembled, her entire being radiating resistance.


    "You asked for this," Micah Clemens growled, kissing her fiercely, shedding his clothes in a feverish hurry


    "Mmm..." Sadie Roth struggled desperately, with the image of the male escort flickering through her mind. She couldn''t betray him.


    Micah Clemens was about to lift her skirt andy siege when she cried out in terror, "Stop... I have a boyfriend..."


    "Boyfriend?" Micah Clemens paused mid-movement, squinting his eyes, his gaze icy as he fixed it on her, "Spare me that tired excuse."


    "No, I really do have one..." Sadie Roth sputtered, her words trailing off as a faint glimpse of a tattoo peeking from beneath his partly undone shirt caught her attention.


    Just the tip of it was visible, the design obscured.


    Desperate, she reached out to grab his shirt, eager to see if it bore the image of a wolf''s head...


    Instantly, Micah pulled her hand away, stepping back on high alert.


    "You are..."


    "Time for you to leave." Micah cut her off, leisurely straightening his shirt with the ease of a heartless cad.


    "What''s on your back?"


    Sadie was agitated, reaching for his shirt again.


    Nimbly dodging her grasp, Micah raised an eyebrow, his voice cool, "What, got the hots for me and deciding to make a move now?"


    "I..." Before Sadie could speak, a knock sounded from outside, and Rn''s voice called in, "Micah Clemens, the press conference is wrapping up. Mr. Wood requests your presence downstairs." "I''ll be right there," Micah replied.


    "Okay."


    Sadie had no choice but to bite back her questions, "Go handle your business first."


    "You''re one clueless porker, not even realizing when your panties are being slipped off."


    Micah picked up the white panties from the ck leather chair and handed them to her.


    Sadie Roth, red-faced and ashamed, bit her lip and looked down, taking the underwear from him.


    "There''s a lounge in the back," Micah''s eyes swirled with restrained desire, "Get yourself together before youe out."


    "Okay." Sadie hurried into the dressing room, clutching her panties.


    Micah watched her retreat, a tantalizing smile ying on his lips. The mes in his eyes still burning with unfinished passion, but now wasn''t the time-patience would have to suffice... After all, there would be other days!


    As the press conference neared its end, Micah appeared behind a screen, his silhouette projected, yet his face remained unseen.


    Before he even spoke, thunderous apuse erupted.


    Speaking from behind the screen, Micah shared his vision for thetest tech innovation aimed at liberating mankind from menialbor, saving precious time for more significant endeavors... And then he unveiled the new product-a versatile robot, demonstrating its capabilities to the audience.


    Reporters snapped photos of Micah''s shadow and the robot incessantly, the atmosphere reaching a climax.


    Sadie Roth smoothed her clothes as she stepped out of the changing room and couldn''t help but feel a wave of admiration surge within her as she caught sight of Micah Clemens on herputer screen. She felt an even more urgent need to confirm her suspicions-was he really a male escort?


    "Miss Roth," Rn said with a courteous nod as he entered with a crew to tidy up the ce. Sadie, ever mindful of her own status, quickly returned the gesture with equal courtesy, despite the evident respect extended to her by those in Micah''s circle.


    "Miss Roth, you look very familiar. Have we met before?" Rn inquired, scrutinizing her. He''d been preupied with tasks outside the office and had only caught a glimpse of Sadie once before, without paying much attention.

 Chapter172 Further Confirmation

    "Really?" Sadie looked up. Her mind was racing. They had briefly crossed paths once, but now, upon closer inspection, it clicked. Her first day in Newark straight from the countryside had been eventful; the taxi she took had collided with a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and the man in the passenger seat... it was Rn, wasn''t it?


    Gripped by sudden rm, it dawned on her-if Rn was in the passenger seat, then the injured man with the tattoo on his back, in the rear, had to be Micah! The tattoo had puzzled her at that time; why would a male escort be in such an extravagant vehicle? Later, when she met him at the nightclub, she had naively assumed the car belonged to some wealthy woman taking care of him...


    The realization hit her-she had been so naive. Micah was the escort all along, and despite the resemnce between the two scenarios, he hadpletely manipted her. But why would he do that? And wait-back when the ident happened, she had been with three children. Had Rn seen them? If he did...


    The more Sadie thought about it, the more anxious she became.


    "Perhaps I''m mistaken, my apologies," Rn offered before bowing slightly and departing.


    Trying to steady her nerves, Sadie rushed out of Mr. Clemens'' office toward the staff restroom, where she sshed water on her face and tried to sort through her thoughts. It was possible Rn hadn''t seen her clearly from that distance, and even if he had, the children were inside the car-there was a chance he hadn''t noticed them at all.


    Even though all the evidence pointed toward Micah being a male escort, without spotting his tattoo, Sadie couldn''t be entirely certain. However, considering the emotions he''d begun to harbor for her, confirming it shouldn''t be too difficult. Her priority now was to keep the children''s identities a secret, verify whether Micah was indeed the male escort, and n her next move. Moreover, she had to deal with that debt settlement contract.


    With these thoughts in mind, Sadie took a deep breath topose herself before heading out to work.


    The press conference went off without a hitch, with journalists gradually filing out. Soon after, media outlets buzzed with reports on VIC Group''stest tech innovation, and the marketing department had cracked open the market. Sales were set tounch in just three days!


    The police arrived for negotiations, assisting VIC Group by apprehending suspicious characters and identifying the attackers.


    All assants, having been injured and rendered unconscious, were taken away by the authorities.


    Mr. Clemens'' office was in shambles, and the staff returning to the 68th floor were shocked into silence.


    Victoria announced the news: For their excellent performance, they would be awarded a bonus, and everyone was granted half a day off that afternoon to make room for repairs and cleanup.


    The staff in Mr. Clemens'' office all erupted into joyous celebration, practically delirious with happiness.


    Finally, Victoria took Sadie aside and said, "I''ve spoken with Mr. Clemens. Starting next Monday, you''re officially on the team. Make us proud!"


    "Thank you, Victoria!" Sadie was over the moon-at this point, she felt utterly content with such a reward, especially since she hadn''t done anything significant to earn it.


    "Off you go, get some rest," Victoria patted her on the shoulder before turning to her own tasks.


    Packing up her things, Sadie prepared to leave but suddenly noticed Micah rushing into the VIP elevator with Rn and two bodyguards. She hurried to follow them.


    "This is Mr. Clemens'' private elevator. Please leave," one bodyguard growled.


    Rn gave a subtle cue, and the bodyguard promptly stepped back.


    The elevator doors were closing when Micah raised an eyebrow at Sadie. "What''s up?" he asked, his demeanor cool.


    Sadie nced at him shyly, bit her lower lip, and whispered, "I need to talk to you... about the ne."


    "Here''s the thing," Sadie began, sparing the finer details, "I misced Leah''s bracelet, and she demandedpensation. I couldn''t afford it, so I had to use my ne as coteral. We agreed I''d get it back once I found her bracelet..." "What''s that got to do with me?" Micah interjected with clear impatience. "I''m after the ruby ne!"

 Chapter 173 Her Home Address

    "I mean..." Sadie Roth stammered anxiously, "I can get the ruby ne back really soon, can you give me a few more days?" "Nope," Micah Clemens''s tone didn''t allow for any argument, "You already had a three-day extension. Don''t push your luck."


    "The issue is that Leah White took the ne abroad, and she won''t be back for another ten days..."


    "I couldn''t care less about some guy''s wife," Micah Clemens retorted, visibly irritated, "You''ve got a day and a half. Deal with it yourself." "But..."


    Sadie Roth tried to say more, but the elevator doors slid open, and Micah Clemens strode out without looking back.


    Rn nodded respectfully at Sadie and quickly followed his boss, nked by bodyguards.


    Exiting the elevator, Sadie''s face was the picture of dismay. How was she going to manage this? That jackass had her cornered. "Did Andrew get to Dahlia''s ce?" Micah asked as he got into the car.


    "Yeah, she''s treating him," came the answer.


    Rn had a temperament more in line with his boss''s cool demeanor, especiallypared to Andrew''s recent weakness.


    "The kid''s lost his edge, burned out after a scrap with a few goons," Micah quipped, "He lost a good amount of blood. Let him rest up."


    "Will do," Rn nodded, "It''s been taken care of."


    Micah, in the car now, casually flipped his sleek phone around in his hand but was actually keeping an eye on Sadie Roth, who had just exited the building.


    "Micah Clemens," Rn ventured a nce at Sadie Roth then asked in a low voice, "Don''t you think Miss Roth looks like someone?"


    "Huh?" Micah''s attention wasn''t fully there, so he didn''t catch Rn''s words, "What did you say?"


    "Nothing," Rn quickly changed the subject, "Head straight to the airport?"


    "Yeah," Micah withdrew his gaze, looking grim, "Time to deal with that crazy woman."


    ...


    Riding the subway home, Sadie Roth was greeted by the jubnt rushes of her three little ones.


    Mia lunged into Sadie Roth''s arms, wrapping one arm around her neck and pointing frantically toward the balcony with the other, "Mommy, Coco is mad. She locked herself in the cage and won''te out, and she''s pulling out her feathers." "No way should we coddle her for acting out like this," Noah dered with a stern face. "Mom, we can''t let her get away with it this time."


    "Yeah, she pooped in our barely-touched tuna this morning, ruining Brenda''s hard work. We had no choice but to go out for breakfast, and that''s just uneptable," Nathan grumbled, still visibly upset by the morning''s fiasco.


    "But it''s not good for her to be plucking her feathers out either," Sadie Roth worried. "Could she be depressed? Maybe we should take her to see a vet."


    "Yeah, taking her to the vet sounds good," Mia pouted, her big, wide eyes sparkling with tears. "I''m mad at her too, but it breaks my heart to see her like this."


    "Don''t worry, Mia. After we eat, we''ll take Coco to the vet," Sadie Roth reassured her, nting a kiss on Mia''s cheek.


    "You guys spoil her too much," Noah sighed like an old soul. "Ah, the mercy of a woman!"


    "Tell me about it. Girls are such a hassle," Nathan scowled, his face a mix of disdain. "Coco is a girl, that''s why she''s soplicated."


    "You two shouldn''t talk like that..." Sadie Roth chided patiently. "Coco is a part of our family, she''s one of us..."


    Knock, knock, knock!


    While Sadie was speaking, a knock on the door interrupted. She quickly set down Mia and went to answer it. "Could that be Brenda back from shopping?" Opening the door, a delivery person stood there, handing her a beautifully wrapped gift box, "Are you Sadie Roth? You''ve received a gift. Please sign for it!" "Who sent it?"


    ncing at the card, Sadie Roth gasped to see Micah Clemens written on it. How did he find out where she lived?

 Chapter 174 Heading Back to the Countryside

    "Please sign here!" the delivery person urged.


    Quickly signing for the package, Sadie Roth brought the gift inside.


    "Mommy, who sent the package?"


    The three kids gathered around, brimming with curiosity.


    "It''s from an uncle you don''t know..."


    Sadie Roth''s emotions swirled withplexity. If Micah Clemens was really a male escort, he could be their father. Had he discovered the truth? Why else would he send a gift directly to her home? "What''s the gift? Open it, let''s see!"


    The trio of kids looked on eagerly, eyes as big as saucers, full of anticipation at the sight of the gift box.


    Sadie Roth was tearing into the gift box,yer after carefulyer, what could possibly be inside?


    Her emotions were a tangled mess...


    "Aw, Mom, you''re too slow, let me help."


    Nathan couldn''t wait a second longer, grabbing the box and attacking the wrapping.


    Noah pitched in with his craft scissors, eager to lend a hand.


    Mia rubbed her palms together in anticipation, the excitement palpable.


    Atst, they uncovered a pink box, its floral scent wafting up. As Sadie Roth reached to open it, Mia burst out, "Let me do it, let me!"


    "All yours, sweetheart!"


    Understanding the thrill of unwrapping presents, Sadie handed over the box to Mia. Gripping the lid, Mia inhaled deeply and with dramatic ir swung it open, "Ta-da!" But the next second, Mia''s terrified scream echoed through the room...


    Nathan and Noah joined in, their yells fueled by fright.


    Coco, their parrot, pped his wings in his cage, mimicking, "Scared, scared!"


    The room erupted into chaos.


    Sadie Roth''s eyes widened in shock, disbelieving whaty inside the box: the lifeless form of a newborn kitten, clearly the victim of a cruel act, its body a horrific and bloody mess.


    Next to it, a little toy with blinking lights and a clown''s smiley face stuck onto it...


    "Don''t be afraid, Mommy''s here."


    Reacting swiftly, Sadie mped the box shut, ready to dispose of it.


    But something was off-there was a sound, like a clock counting down, from inside the box.


    "It''s a bomb, Mom, throw it away!!!"


    Noah snatched the box from Sadie''s hands and dashed to the hallway.


    "Noah-"


    Sadie rushed out after him.


    No sooner had Noah tossed the box into the hallway than it exploded with a thunderous boom.


    The house shook, pieces of the ceiling plummeted down, narrowly missing Noah.


    "Noah, Noah!" Sadie sprinted to him, enveloping Noah in a tight embrace, "Are you okay? You scared the life out of me."


    "Mom, I''m okay, I''m okay, cough cough..." Noah choked on the dust, but was otherwise unharmed.


    Sadie quickly ushered Noah back inside and locked the door.


    "Mommy..." Mia was sobbing uncontrobly, her face flushed from fear.


    Nathan wrapped his arms around her, his voice a feigned calm, "Don''t worry, big brother''s got you."


    "But who sent this? Why are they trying to hurt us?" Noah asked, panic edging his words.


    That guy..." Sadie Roth''s mind was a whirlwind of confusion, unable to fathom why Micah Clemens would do something like this.


    "Oh my God, what happened?"


    Just then, Brenda got home from the grocery store and was startled by the scene. "Ladies, Mia, are you both alright?"


    "Brenda, take the kids back to the countryside immediately," Sadie Roth instructed with regainedposure. "Hurry, just grab the essentials. I''ll arrange for a ride."


    "What on earth is going on?" Brenda''s voice trembled with fear. "Is someone after us? Who is it?"


    "I don''t know who it is, but they''ve found our address, and we''re in danger. You need to get out of here with the kids, now."


    Sadie Roth quickly called Jorge, themunity''s security guard, "Jorge, you moonlight as a cab driver, right? I''ll pay you double to please take Brenda and the kids back to the countryside." "Double? Alright, alright, I''ll be right over to help with the luggage."

 Chapter 175 Save Me

    After hanging up the phone, Sadie Roth hesitated for a moment before deciding to call Micah Clemens...


    She needed to get to the bottom of this. Was the so-called "suspicious package" actually sent by him?


    At the same time, Micah Clemens had just arrived at Newark Airport, striding with his entourage toward the tarmac.


    His phone started ringing. When he saw the caller ID, he paused, taken aback...


    Sadie Roth always called the number for the bodyguard, she never dialed his personal line before.


    He hadn''t even shared this number with her. How did she suddenly make the call?


    Was it because she suspected who he was, a deliberate test?


    She must have glimpsed the tattoo at his lower back in the office today, prompting herter actions...


    Clever girl, trying to y games with him.


    Micah Clemens''s lips curled into a smirk, and he rejected the call.


    Hearing the dead tone on the other end, a chill went down Sadie Roth''s spine. He actually didn''t pick up. Could it really be him who sent the terror package?


    No, it couldn''t be.


    He had no reason to do something like that.


    Even if he was aware of the things she was hiding, he wouldn''t resort to such a sinister method to scare the kids...


    Maybe he didn''t save her number and thought it was a call from a stranger, so he didn''t answer?


    With that thought, she hurriedly dialed the number saved as male escort. Regardless of whether it was Micah Clemens or not, she needed to find her savior first...


    She had a nagging feeling that whoever was behind the terror package might strike again...


    But male escort didn''t answer either.


    Staring at the chaos in the corridor outside, Sadie Roth''s heart was pounding with fear.


    With trembling fingers, she sent a text to male escort: "male escort, pleasee save me..."


    "Miss, everything''s packed," Brenda announced, dragging arge suitcase out of the room. "I called Uncle, he''ll pick us up in town."


    "Good, I feel safer with them around," Sadie Roth replied hastily. "Let''s hurry, I''ll escort you out."


    Sadie Roth rushed Brenda and the three children downstairs, fretting with a mother''s worry: "Brenda, I put the bank card in your bag. There''s a hundred thousand dors in it, that should be enough for now. Be careful on the road and call me when you''re home."


    "I know," Brenda replied, her eyes misty. "Miss,e with us, I can''t bear leaving you here alone."


    "Mommy,e with us," the three children pleaded, tugging at Sadie Roth''s hands.


    "I can''t leave just yet..."


    Sadie Roth had a gnawing feeling they were there for her and feared that if she went along with them, her children would end up less safe...


    "Be good, guys. Mommy will handle things here, and then I''ll be back to take you to the countryside," she reassured them.


    "Mommy, I don''t want to be apart from you." Mia leaped into Sadie''s embrace, her chubby little body shaking with sobs. "I''m scared I''ll never see you again."


    Hearing this, Noah and Nathan also began to sink into sadness.


    Noah''s eyes reddened as he fought back tears, clenching his jaw in an attempt to look tough.


    Nathan pouted, his fists clenched tight, his eyes brimming with tears as he said, "Mommy,e with us. Nathan will protect you!"


    "Mommy knows..." Sadie hugged her three children close, her voice choked with emotion, "Mommy knows you''re brave, and with you guys, I''m not scared. I just need to stay and get to the bottom of this. Once it''s settled, I''lle get you. You gotta trust Mommy, okay?"


    Brenda silently wiped away tears, too fearful to speak further.


    "Come on, time to get in the car!" Sadie hustled Brenda and the kids into the vehicle, handing money to Jorge, "Jorge, please, drive safely!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ve been behind the wheel for over a decade. We''ll be fine," said Jorge, taking the cash with a cheerful grin. "Alright kids, let''s hit the road!"


    Sadie watched them drive away, tears filling her eyes as her children pressed their faces against the rear window, looking back at her tearfully, waving their little hands in goodbye.

 Chapter 176 Hanging by a Thread

    Since their birth, the kids had never been apart from her, and now, they might have to spend a few days separated... Sadie Roth was resolved to uncover the culprit behind the scenes; she wouldn''t let anyone hurt her children. Thinking it over, her list of enemies was short: Samuel Brown, Finley, and the White family mother and daughter... Samuel Brown and Finley were behind bars, so they couldn''t be orchestrating these events.


    And as devious as the White family mother and daughter could be, they wouldn''t dare act under Micah Clemens'' name.


    So who could it be?


    She dialed the number for the male escort service as she headed home.


    She''d left in such a hurry earlier that she''d taken nothing but her cellphone; now she nned to grab her things and stay at a hotel until everything was cleared up.


    Too busy on the phone to notice, Sadie waspletely unaware of the figure lurking in the shadows, following her every move...


    At the airport, Micah Clemens had just boarded his flight when he discovered a missed call and a chilling text message from Sadie Roth on a different number than his own: "Come save me!"


    Hisplexion turned pale. Without hesitation, he rose from his seat and disembarked the aircraft.


    "Micah Clemens..." Rn hurried after him, confusion in his voice. "What''s going on?"


    "Cover for me in Country X. I need to head back," Micah uttered without looking back, breaking into a sprint after a few quick steps.


    Internally, he berated himself for such a critical oversight. How could he have ignored the imminent threat from that madwoman who disrupted his press event? She was almost certainly targeting Sadie. And how on earth had he missed her calls?


    If anything happened to Sadie, he would never forgive himself.


    "What''s our y?" the security team asked Rn.


    "Team One will watch Micah Clemens. Team Two''sing with me to Country X," Rn gave the orders. "Keep a low profile. Don''t interfere with him."


    "Got it."


    Back at home, as Sadie Roth was about to turn on the lights, a terrifying sense of danger washed over her from behind. In a panic, she grabbed a high-heeled shoe and flung it.


    The shoe missed its mark, and the intruder nimbly sidestepped.


    Fumbling into her house, Sadie mmed the door shut and bolted it, bracing against it with her body.


    BANG. BANG. BANG.


    The door shuddered with each violent kick, pushing Sadie forward each time.


    Terrified, one hand pressed against the door and the other clutching her phone, Sadie tried to dial for help.


    Her ringtone shed through the tension. It was Micah...


    Picking up the call in a frenzy, she gasped out, "Save me..."


    "Sadie, where are you?" Micah''s voice demanded urgency. "In my house."


    "I meant where the hell is your house??"


    "I..." Before she could finish, the door burst open. Sadie fell, her phone skidding across the floor.


    Scrambling to her feet in an attempt to flee, a dark figure knocked her down with a swift kick.


    A scream pierced the air as Micah clenched the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white, driving as if his car might take flight with his urgency. "Who are you? Why do you want to kill me?"


    Sadie was on the floor, crawling backward in horror. The assant approached, step by steady step, d in ck, wearing a mask and a cap that obscured his face, wielding a sharply pointed knife. "Don''t kill me" Sadie Roth''s voice trembled as she pleaded for mercy, "Take all the money you want..."


    The shadowy figure in ck paid her no mind, raising the sharp knife and thrusting it down with vicious intent...


    "Mommy-"


    Suddenly, a high-pitched scream cut through the air, followed by a ze of green light that rocketed towards the assant, striking him viciously in the eye.


    "Argh!" The man in ck howled in agony as blood spattered from his eyes, swinging his de wildly at his unforeseen attacker.


    "Bad man, bad man!"


    Coco, agile as ever, dodged and darted, pping her wings and soaring through the air.


    "Coco!"


    Scrambling to her feet, Sadie Roth snatched up Coco and bolted into the room.


    "Damn it!" The man in ck was hot on her heels.


    Locking the door, Sadie pushed a dresser against it and, with Coco in her arms, prepared to escape through the window. It was then she remembered her apartment was on the thirteenth floor...

 Chapter 177 Youre Heading for Disaster

    "Ah..." Sadie Roth sobbed in utter distress. What to do? Was she going to meet her end here today?


    "Mommy, if you jump, I''ll jump too!" Coco tried to cheer Sadie on to make the leap.


    "Of course you''d say that, you''re a bird, but I''m not!"


    Sadie was on the verge of tears.


    Outside, the man in ck continued to batter against the door-it wouldn''t be long before he broke through...


    But ahead was the thirteen-story fall, sure to result in injury or worse.


    Trapped between a ruthless criminal and the high-rise...


    It was a dead end either way!


    "Jump! Jump! Jump!" Coco pped her wings, urging Sadie.


    "Forget it, if it''s my time to die, then so be it!"


    Sadie closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and braced herself to jump. But as the whistling cold wind brushed her ear, she pulled back, clinging to the window and wailing, "I don''t want to die, oh please, my baby is still so young, and my money, I haven''t even spent it all..."


    "Boom!" The door burst open.


    "Bitch, your time''s up!" The man brandished his knife, his malevolent presence charging forward.


    "Ah-"


    Sadie shrieked in terror, hastening to jump, but her clothes snagged on the window ledge. She was stuck, unable to leap...


    "No way!!!" Sadie''s world crumbled into despair.


    "Bad man!" Cocounched another attack, pecking at the man''s eyes.


    This time, as he stabbed with his knife, the de sliced through Coco''s wing, angling it towards Sadie Roth''s throat....


    Coco, wounded, tumbled into Sadie''s embrace.


    She closed her eyes in desperation, awaiting the end. But the knife halted a mere centimeter from her neck...


    She was ready to face death...


    Yet, the de never descended.


    The figure dressed in ck crumpled to the ground before her.


    Blinking her eyes open slowly...


    A familiar shape materialized at the doorway amidst the dark, leaning heavily against the frame, panting with the ferocity of a wild beast, an unmistakable tension in his eyes as he scanned the room for her in urgency. "You okay?" Micah Clemens''s voice trembled slightly.


    Sadie Roth''s tears burst forth, her sobbing deep and heart-wrenching. "Why did you take so long to get here?!"


    "You only gave me ''32 Happiness Street.'' No building number, floor, or apartment number. Man, I''ve been running..."


    Micah Clemens strode toward her, arms open wide in an inviting embrace.


    Attempting to leap into his arms, Sadie didn''t ount for her clothes catching on the window sill. The force of her eagerness worked against her, toppling backwards...


    Her eyes widened with terror, the thought of death consuming her.


    Was this the day she''d meet her fate?


    With the swiftness of an arrow, Micah closed the distance and grabbed her hand, pulling her back to safety.


    She crashed into the solid breadth of his chest, finding a haven that overflowed with security.


    Sobbing into his waist, Sadie clung to Micah without any intention of letting go.


    "You foolish woman, what are you-a pig??" Micah cursed through gritted teeth, pping her backside out of frustration. "You''re too close to idiocy forfort!" Her cries persisted, body trembling from fear and the sting of his blows.


    His hits were brutally painful... but amidst her suffering, the sound of his strong, yet chaotic heartbeat oddly touched her.


    Without hesitation, Micah tore her dress and lifted her from the ledge.


    Curled up in his arms, Sadie clutched at his shirt for dear life.


    "Don''t be scared, I won''t let anyone hurt you."


    Micah lowered his head to kiss her forehead. "Mommy..."


    A weak, murmuring sound interrupted them.


    "What''s that noise?" Micah froze, his gazeplex.


    Startled, Sadie''s rm jolted her back to reality: "Coco, oh heavens, Coco''s hurt..."

 Chapter 178 The Circular Bathtub

    Micah Clemens, upon seeing the parrot in Sadie''s embrace, exhaled a sigh of relief: "I thought there was a kid, it''s just a bird!"


    "Hurry, we need to get it to the vet," Sadie urged frantically.


    Poor Coco''s wing was injured, the bird barely hanging onto life.


    Micah Clemens swept Sadie Roth up in his arms, striding out of the room. A sudden crunch underfoot caused him to let out a startled "whoa," pausing to look down... It was a doll! Sadie Roth''s heart skipped a beat-oh no, that was Mia''s doll...


    "Really? Still ying with dolls? How childish!" Micahmented, mistaking it as Sadie''s ything. Without giving it a second thought, he carried her swiftly away.


    Inside, Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. She was d she had sent Brenda and the kids away earlier, sparing them from a violent confrontation and avoiding an awkward encounter with Micah Clemens.


    Plus, she was thankful for the cover of darkness in the house; it hid the toddler''s toys from view. If Micah had seen the baby gear, he would''ve been onto the secret of the child...


    Once they were in the car, Micah drove one-handed, freeing his other hand to call Dahlia: "Come over, she''s hurt. And bring someone who can treat a bird-a vet."


    "A bird?" Dahlia sounded puzzled on the phone but quickly responded with respect, "Yes, right away."


    "It''s a cockatiel named Coco," Sadie rified seriously.


    "Aren''t cockatiels birds?" Micah shot back.


    Left speechless, Sadie conceded to herself-fine, a bird is a bird.


    After all, the injured and unconscious Coco wouldn''tin.


    Arriving at the familiar vi, Micah lifted Sadie out of the car. Over twenty neatly dressed guards and staff lined up, greeting respectfully.


    Feeling uneasy, Sadie murmured, "Put me down."


    "Shut up," Micahmanded in a low growl, carrying her upstairs.


    The room fromst time had been tidied, with a maid waiting at the door.


    As Micah carried Sadie in,ying her gently on the bed, their proximity in the silence forged an intense connection, stirring a tumult of emotions in both.


    Sadie was a mix of nervousness and apprehension.


    His eyes, meanwhile, held a shadow of desire, tinged with concern.


    "Micah Clemens..." Dahlia''s voice drifted in from the doorway.


    Instantly, Micah''s expression turned stoic. He straightened up, instructing firmly, "Take a good look at her."


    And with that, he stepped out...


    "Yes," Dahlia bowed, her tone filled with deference.


    "I''m fine, check on Coco first," Sadie urged, nodding towards the limp bird in her arms.


    "Uh... turns out it was just a little parrot." Dahliaughed. "Perfect timing-I brought a vet with me. She''ll take care of it, don''t you worry."


    After Dahlia arranged for the vet to look after Coco, she turned her attention to Sadie Roth. Finding that Sadie was mostly unscathed except for some minor scrapes, she applied some ointment and instructed the staff to make a cup of tea. Fortunately, Coco''s wing was hurt but there was no danger to his life; he simply needed to be taken to Dahlia''s animal hospital for proper care, where all the necessary equipment and tools were avable.


    Dahlia assured Sadie that by tomorrow night, the little parrot would be returned to her, vibrant and energetic as ever. Only then did Sadie feel at ease.


    After departing with her team, the servants tended to Sadie, helping her wash up and change.


    Sadie quickly showered, dressed, and went next door to find Micah Clemens.


    "Knock, knock, knock!" Sadie knocked on the door, calling softly, "It''s me, can Ie in?"


    "Come in," came Micah''s voice.


    Sadie pushed the door open; the room was dimly lit, with only the faint light from the bathroom and silence where there should have been the sound of running water. She bit her lower lip and cautiously made her way over...


    The warmth from the bathroom was inviting, and the light reflected on the ceiling from the bathtub water created a shimmering effect.


    There, in the tub, Micah Clemens reclined with his eyes closed,pletely naked, savoring a moment of rxation...

 Chapter 179 Opportunity Knocks

    Startled, Sadie quickly shut her eyes and turned around, flustered. "You''re... you''re taking a bath. I should leave you be." Micah didn''t respond.


    Sadie made to leave, her steps quickening, but then stopped short, struck by a sudden thought. Shouldn''t she take this chance to confirm whether or not there''s a wolf tattoo on the small of his back? With newfound courage, she said, "I... I need to talk to you."


    "Huh?" Micah hummed a response.


    "There was this creepy delivery tonight, was that from you?" Sadie got straight to the point.


    Micah opened his eyes. "Someone''s impersonating me and sent you a scary package?"


    "Yes," Sadie nodded. "This evening, I got a delivery with a dead kitten inside... and a bomb."


    Recalling the events, she still felt shaken. "Thankfully, I found it in time, and the bomb wasn''t very powerful, or else I''d be dead now." Micah Clemens paused for a moment before picking up his phone to call Dahlia. "There''s a sketchy package. Find out who sent it." "Got it."


    "You didn''t send it? Then who..." Sadie Roth was at a loss for words. "Who would dare impersonate you?"


    It wasn''t surprising that someone wanted to hurt her, but to do so under the guise of Micah Clemens? That was startling.


    "I''ve got people on it. We should have an answer soon." Micah wiped his face, damp with moisture. "Anything else?" "It''s about that ne..."


    "You have one more day," Micah said tly, leaving no room for argument. "But..."


    Sadie tried to plead, but Micah shut his eyes, signaling an end to the conversation. With a pout, Sadie red at him resentfully.


    Hey back in the bathtub, giving Sadie no view of whether there was a tattoo on his back.


    On a whim, Sadie said pointedly, "Mr. Clemens, I don''t get why you''re forcing me into this debt settlement agreement. Is it because you fancy me? But I already have a boyfriend." Micah frowned, his voice icy. "Leave."


    "It''s true, I swear." Sadie grew desperate. "My boyfriend''s tall, handsome, and treats me like a queen. He always shows up just in time to save me, and he''s..."


    "Who saved you this time?" Micah opened his eyes, giving her a look like she was a fool. "And the time before that? And before that?"


    "Yeah, you''vee to my rescue a lot, but he''s different..." Sadie mused before adding deliberately, "He was my first boyfriend, and I won''t leave him." "Oh? What does he do?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "He''s in... service work," Sadie hedged.


    She couldn''t be certain yet that Micah Clemens was the male escort; what if she was wrong?


    Better to keep the male escort''s identity under wraps and avoid giving Micah a chance for retaliation.


    "What kind of service?" Micah asked, trying to corner her.


    "Well, it''s... you know..." Sadie stumbled over the words, too honest to lie effectively. She deflected, "Why should I tell you?"


    Micah, tired of the exchange, waved his hand dismissively, gesturing for her to scram.


    Realizing her attempt to trick information out of him had failed, Sadie knew she had to back off for now.


    But as she turned, her knee bumped the wall with such force that a numbing pain shot through her, eliciting a sharp cry as she copsed to the ground, massaging her leg. "Micah Clemens couldn''t help but roll his eyes. "How can anyone be as dumb as you? Even a pig has more sense!"


    Whimpering in pain, Sadie Roth huddled on the floor, the tears streaming down her face. "It hurts so bad..."


    Micah, finding her sobs unbearable, found a hint of sympathy within him and stood up to walk over to her. On the floor, Sadie sensed his approach and felt a spark of hope.

 Chapter 180 One Hundred and Eighty: A Cunning Trick

    "Let''s see..." Micah bent over to examine Sadie''s leg. "Are you bleeding?" "It''s really painful..."


    Sadie twisted to catch a glimpse of his lower back but instead was greeted by his stark-naked figure, which made her scream in shock, her hands covering her eyes. "Why on earth aren''t you wearing clothes?" "Seriously? Who showers with their clothes on?" Micah retorted sharply.


    "Pervert..." Sadie kept her eyes firmly shut, not daring to peek. "Put on your robe, for goodness'' sake."


    "Not hurting anymore, are we?"


    Micah raised an eyebrow smirking, thinking she was bold to try fooling him.


    All this ruse just to get a clear view of the tattoo on his lower back?


    Now that he was willing to show her, she didn''t dare to look.


    "Ugh, stop it!"


    Blushing furiously, Sadie stood up and ran out in a fluster.


    Micah''s lips curved into a smug smile, watching her flee in disarray. She was still too green to match wits with him...


    Back in her own room, Sadie leaned against the door, panting.


    Previously, gazing at him from a distance of three meters by the pool, she couldn''t make out the details of his body and managed to converse normally despite being nervous.


    But to have him standing behind herpletely bare while she was squatting - she turned only to be nearly hit in the face by his... enormity.


    The thought alone scared her senseless.


    No, she couldn''t dare verify her suspicions while he was showering again. It was just too terrifying...


    Wrapped in a towel, Micah sauntered out of the bathroom and leaned on the sofa with a drink, his eyes resting on the left wall as he recalled Sadie''s bashful demeanor - it stirred something within him.


    That foolish woman, her shyness was undeniably alluring...


    Recalling her fiery passion in the car, he yearned to savor her charms again. But now that she harbored suspicions about his identity, approaching her might blow his cover...


    Better to let it be. Patience is a virtue.


    Micah Clemens downed half a bottle of whiskey in one go, yet sleep eluded him. Running his fingers through his still-damp hair, he stood up and wandered out to the balcony to take in the night view.


    The stars were spectacr tonight,peting for glory against the glittering city lights in the distance-an urban shimmer against the celestial glow.


    The night breeze was gentle and cool on the skin.


    "Brenda, you''ve arrived? That''s great, that''s just great..." Sadie Roth''s voice drifted over. Micah turned to see her stepping out onto her balcony, phone in hand. She was dressed in a long, short-sleeved tee that barely covered her legs, a casual ensemble that somehow struck an inexplicably beautiful note as the breeze yed with her hair.


    "Noah and..." Sadie''s voice halted abruptly, her words faltering. She had retreated to the balcony for privacy, away from the ears of the household staff - how on earth did she run into Micah Clemens here? Shirtless, d in only a bath towel around his waist, he stood with a ss of whiskey on the neighboring balcony, seemingly enveloped in his own world.


    Only a mere fifteen feet separated them, close enough for each to see the other clearly-and for Sadie to catch a glimpse of the teal tattoo on his waist... But no sooner had she seen it than he had turned away. Leaning against the balcony railing with his back to her, he exuded a calm and content air, his demeanor so rxed, betraying no hint of guilt.


    Sadie, still on the phone, leaned over the railing, craning her neck in a vain attempt to catch another glimpse of his tattoo. Frustration wed at her; she was tempted to rush over and spin him around for a closer look... "Mommy, mommy..." The chattering voices of Noah, Nathan, and Mia bubbled through the phone, calling for Sadie.


    "Wait a minute." Tucking the phone to her ear, Sadie retreated back inside the room.


    Relief washed over Micah; that was a close call with the tattoo. Thankfully, he was quick on his feet. But who was she talking to in that soft, intimate tone? The snippet of conversation had mentioned a man''s name¡ª"Noah." Who was that?

 Chapter 181 Swallowing Wealth

    Micah Clemens frowned, his grip on the wine ss tightening slightly as the thoughts churned in his mind.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he downed his drink in one gulp, set the ss aside, put on his bathrobe, and strode out out the door...


    In the guest room next door, Sadie Roth was covering her mouth with her hand, murmuring into the phone, "Okay, okay, honey, once I''m done with this, I''lle to pick you up. Don''t worry, Mommy is safe, and Coco is safe. You need to be good and listen to Brenda, safety first, alright?"


    "Noah, Nathan, you take good care of your sister, okay? Mommy loves you..."


    Before she could finish, the door burst open and a figure stepped in....


    Startled, Sadie Roth cut herself off, the word ''you'' swallowed back in rm, quickly switching to, "Can''t talk now, get some rest, bye." "Who were you talking to?"


    Micah Clemens sauntered in, his tall and imposing frame casting a foreboding silhouette in the dim light.


    "I..." Beginning with the intention to lie, Sadie found herself under the influence of his presence, spilling the truth nervously, "Brenda!" "Hmm?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "She''s been our family maid since I was little..." Sadie confessed earnestly, "I received a disturbing delivery today and didn''t feel safe at home, so I asked her to go to her countryside home. She just arrived and called to let me know she''s safe." Except for the part about the children, everything else was true.


    Seeing her like that, Micah didn''t seem skeptical and left it at that, advising, "Try to get some rest."


    "Goodnight," Sadie murmured.


    Micah Clemens made his leisurely exit, reaching the door and noticing she had said nothing to invite him to stay, which irked him a bit. He looked back over his shoulder, pretending not to care, "Nothing else you want to say?"


    "Ah?" Sadie was taken aback but ventured cautiously, "Got anything to eat? I haven''t had dinner."


    Micah Clemens was speechless.


    This woman, her thought processes were truly unconventional.


    Half an hourter...


    The maid brought in an array of exquisite pastries, covering the table.


    Sadie Roth couldn''t help but swallow hard, maintaining herposure for only a moment before she attacked the food with ravenous hunger.


    Micah Clemens sat across from her, legs crossed, watching with a cold gaze, "To think you were ever a sheltered heiress, the epitome of grace and poise. Watching you now, one would think you hadn''t eaten in your past life."


    "You''ve never known hunger, how could you understand the gnawing pain in your belly?" Sadie Roth shot him a withering look. "You can''t understand bitterness without ever tasting it."


    "So you''re telling me you were so broke that you couldn''t even afford a meal?" Micah Clemens was curious about her life in the past years. "There''s a silver lining in every cloud. Even with your father''s bankruptcy, the private assets he left should have kept you well provided for."


    "The day my dad''s troubles hit, all I had was the clothes on my back and a piece of jewelry..." Sadie Roth''s mood darkened at the memory of her father''s incident. "I sold that jewelry for a bit of cash to scrape by thesest few years. Two months ago, that money ran out, so I started looking for a job in a hurry..."


    "No way." Micah Clemens was puzzled. "Your father''s business might have gone under, but his personal assets weren''t seized. The properties, funds, and cars in his name should be worth at least a couple hundred million. How could you be left penniless, living off jewelry sales?"


    Hearing this, Sadie Roth froze, looking up at him in shock. "Really? Then why did my uncle im that all of Dad''s personal assets were seized?"


    "Who''s your uncle? Micah Clemens inquired.


    "Felipe... Leah White''s father," Sadie Roth blurted out, and after speaking, her face turned pale with a revtion. "Could they have taken my dad''s fortune?"

 Chapter 182 My Person

    "Clearly." Micah Clemens sympathetically regarded her. "Your father was a figure in his own right, and you didn''t inherit his savvy? You can''t even see through this simple deceit?" "I have to get to the bottom of this..."


    Sadie Roth clenched her fists. Being swindled was one thing, but now she suspected there was more to her father''s death.


    "Good luck with that," Micah Clemens said, standing up to leave.


    "Hey!" Sadie Roth stopped him. "Can''t you help me?"


    "You''re not one of mine, why should I help you?" Micah Clemens was blunt. "If you were, I''d take on the world for you!"


    "Pfft!" Sadie Roth shot back insolently. "I''ll get awyer to check into it."


    "Suit yourself." Micah Clemens turned to leave, nonchntly adding, "But remember, by 9:30 tomorrow night, if you haven''t gotten that ne back, You''ll have no choice but toe to me!"


    ...


    In a sudden rush of panic, Sadie Roth remembered the debt settlement agreement. The deadline was tomorrow at 9:30 PM.


    What now? The ne was with Leah White in Bordeaux... There was no way she''d get it back in time...


    Tossing and turning, Sadie Rothy awake throughout the night, her mind racing with thoughts of the eerie courier, Micah Clemens and his male escort facade, and the unresolved issues with her father. It felt like her head was about to explode.


    She shook her head in an attempt to clear it, silently urging herself to take things step by step for now...


    It was nearly dawn when Sadie finally sumbed to a restless sleep, only to be jolted awake shortly after by the insistent ringing of her phone. Groggily, she answered, and Leah White''s furious voice erupted from the other end: "Sadie Roth, you homewrecker, look what you''ve done! Because of you, Ronan wants to divorce me!!!"


    With virtually no sleep, those initial harsh words left Sadie struggling to grasp reality.


    "It was your child who lost my bracelet, you''re too broke to pay up, so you offered your ne as coteral. Now you go whining to my husband? He just called me, demanding I return the ne or else he''s divorcing me..." "Let me speak."


    Then Kathleen''s rage-filled voice came through: "Sadie Roth, the agreement was clear, signed in front of witnesses-two, no less. It''s not like we forced you. And yet, you go bbering nonsensically to Ronan." "You''re quite something, ying the innocent angel while you''re nothing but a cunning snake. You think you can seduce Ronan? Trust me, he''ll never take the likes of you seriously..."


    "Had enough?" Sadie couldn''t listen any longer, she interrupted with an irritated snap. "You had seven days to exchange the bracelet for the ne, and instead, you left the country wearing it, tantly stalling." "I can go wherever I want, are you trying to restrict my freedom now...?"


    "Then don''t bothering back." Sadie cut off Leah White mid-sentence, provoking her on purpose, "Ronan''s arranged to meet with me tonight to catch up..."


    "You wouldn''t dare..."


    "Don''t worry, while you''re gone, I''ll take good care of Ronan."


    With that final taunt, Sadie hung up the phone.


    She would have to teach that despicable mother-daughter duo a lesson in their assumption that she could be manipted at will.


    Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, her phone rang again. It was Ronan Potter on the line...


    "Hello?"


    "Sadie, I''ve told Leah White toe back to Newark immediately to give you the ne."


    "Weren''t they supposed to enjoy a ten-day trip to Bordeaux? What''s the sudden rush?"


    "I was really worried that Mr. Clemens was giving you a hard time, so I went to speak to him myself," I exined, my voice tinged with concern. "He mentioned you guys have a three-day deadline, and it''s up tonight at nine..." Ronan Potter''s voice was edged with anxiety, "Don''t worry, Leah White''s got her return flight booked. Shends at Newark by eight. I''ll be at the airport waiting to pick up the ne and get it back to you."

 Chapter 183 If I Were to Divorce

    Sadie Roth''s emotions were a tumultuous mix as Ronan Potter''s words resonated in her ears. After all the conflict between Ronan and Micah Clemens, where Micah even injured him, Ronan had swallowed his pride to plead with Micah on her behalf...


    "Sadie, are you listening to me?" Ronan''s voice cut through her thoughts.


    "Yeah, I''m here," Sadie whispered, her voice soft. "Ronan, thank you!"


    "No, thanks needed. I owe you..." Ronan''s voice was heavy with regret. "I''m just so full of regret, you know? Why couldn''t I have stood up to my family sooner, to protect you properly..." "Let''s not dwell on the past-"


    "Sleepyhead,e get breakfast!"


    A voice suddenly intruded, severing Sadie''s words.


    Ronan, on the other end of the phone, froze as if the signal jammed, silent.


    Covering the receiver hastily, Sadie frowned at Micah. "Can''t you ever knock?" "It''s my house," Micah retorted coldly before stalking off.


    Rolling her eyes, Sadie cautiously asked Ronan, "Are you still there?"


    "You''re... with him now?" Ronan''s voice wasced with restrained emotion.


    "It''s not like that..." Sadie was at a loss for words.


    Taking a deep breath, Ronan tried to calm his agitation. "Sadie, we need to talk in person. Meet me now at the Blue Diamond Diner; I''ll be waiting." "Ronan, I¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the line went dead. Ronan had hung up.


    Sadie didn''t want to go, but if she didn''t, he might wait indefinitely.


    With that thought, Sadie quickly got out of bed to get ready, grabbing the bracelet as she hastened to meet Ronan.


    Stepping out of her room and descending the stairs, she was greeted by the respectful greetings of the servants, which took her aback. She nodded and smiled hurriedly in return. "Miss Roth," a maid spoke with deference, "Mr. Clemens is waiting for you in the garden. Shall I escort you?"


    "No, that''s alright..." Sadie waved off the offer. "I have to step out. Please tell him I won''t be joining for breakfast." "Alright, do you need a car? I''ll arrange one right away."


    "Thank you, I appreciate it."


    Sadie Roth had to walk for several minutes before she could finally leave the vast estate. At the entrance, a Maybach was parked with the chauffeur standing by to graciously open the door for her. "Please take me to the Blue Diamond Diner, and hurry." Sadie Roth quickly got into the car, a note of urgency in her voice.


    "Of course, Miss Roth." The driver immediately started the car and pulled away.


    Looking out the window, Sadie saw Micah Clemens at a not-too-distant garden spot having breakfast under a sunshade. A servant appeared to be updating him on her departure. He looked in her direction... Startled, Sadie ducked down, fearing he might order the car to stop.


    However, he gave no suchmand.


    The car smoothly exited the gates of the vi.


    With a sigh of relief, Sadie felt fortunate. Thankfully, he wasn''t possessive enough to restrict her freedom.


    She hurried to the Blue Diamond Diner, where Ronan Potter had reserved the entire venue. He sat alone by a window, his silhouette radiating a lonely despair.


    Taking a deep breath topose herself, Sadie quickly approached.


    "You''re here!" Ronan Potter''s gaze moved from the window to her, full of tenderness.


    "How''s your injury?" Sadie asked as she sat down, genuine concern in her voice. "Much better."


    Ronan''s eyes lingered on the red mark on her neck, his grip on his coffee cup tightened, but Sadie didn''t notice the change and handed him a bracelet. "This, I''m giving it back to you."


    "This bracelet was meant for you," Ronan Potter said softly, full of emotion. "It''s what the Potter family gives to their daughters-inw..."


    "That should go to Leah; she''s the one who''s part of the Potter family." Sadie smiled faintly.


    Hearing this, Ronan fell silent. After a moment, he asked in a deep voice, "Sadie, if I divorced Leah, would you give me another chance?"

 Chapter 184: The Past

    "I think it''s better if we just stay friends," Sadie Roth quickly dismissed his hopes.


    "Why?" Ronan Potter frowned deeply. "Is it because of Mr. Clemens?"


    "It''s nothing to do with anyone else," said Sadie, with a resigned smile. "Some mistakes are just that-mistakes. We need to look forward, not back." Ronan clenched his fists tightly, falling into silence.


    "Call me when you get the ne," Sadie Roth said as she got up to leave. "I''m heading out, take care!"


    "You really have no doubts about how your father died?" Ronan Potter suddenly called out in a hushed tone.


    Sadie Roth halted in her tracks and sat back down. "Ronan, what do you know?"


    "You should ask Micah Clemens," Ronan replied gravely.


    "What do you mean?" Sadie pressed, her voice rising with urgency. "Are you saying my dad''s death is connected to Micah Clemens?"


    Ronan''s gaze was filled with indescribableplexity. After a moment of silence, he changed the subject. "Forget it. You''ve found peace. I don''t want you getting into danger."


    "It really has something to do with him?" Sadie''s eyes widened in shock. "No, that can''t be..."


    "Do you trust him that much?" Ronan''s brow furrowed.


    "Don''t just give me half the story," demanded Sadie. "What do you know? Tell me."


    Reluctantly, Ronan leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "It was a hostile takeover of the Roth Group by the Clemens family that led to its sudden bankruptcy in just three days... That''s what pushed your father over the edge." "What?"


    Sadie''s mind exploded with the revtion.


    She remembered her first day interviewing at VIC Group, encountering Darian at the door, soaked in gasoline, ready to confront Micah Clemens as if weing death.


    Darian had confessed that crossing Micah Clemens led to his overnight downfall...


    At that moment, she had thought of her father. Now, the chilling possibility dawned on her - had her father suffered the same fate as Darian?


    "I didn''t want to tell you this. After all, it''s water under the bridge; nothing can be changed. And knowing the truth could be dangerous. But seeing you get closer to Micah Clemens, I felt I had to warn you..."


    "I have to find out the truth," dered Sadie, her fists clenched with determination. "If my father was murdered, I''ll seek justice for him."


    "Justice?" Ronan quickly took Sadie''s hand. "Sadie, the Clemens family is more powerful than you can imagine. Don''t harbor thoughts of revenge. Just stay away from Micah Clemens."


    "I can handle myself," Sadie pulled her hand away, meeting Ronan''s eyes with resolve. "Ronan, tell me, do Felipe and Kathleen have anything to do with my father''s death?"


    "...wait, why would you even ask that?" Ronan Potter froze in confusion.


    "I found out that even though my dad''spany went under, his personal assets weren''t seized. But back then, all the shareholders imed his personal wealth had been liquidated, and the Felipe family was nowhere to be found..." Sadie Roth fixed her gaze deeply on Ronan Potter. "You know about all this, right?"


    "I really don''t have a clue about that." Ronan Potter said with an open face. "I don''t know much about the Whites'' business."


    "Then can you tell me why you married Leah in the first ce?" Sadie Roth suspected that this was all part of the White family''s scheming.


    "I..." There was a moment of hesitation before Ronan Potter looked down, saying, "The news about the mishap at the Night Club you were involved in had just broke out; I was feeling awful and got really hammered - made a stupid mistake in a drunken stupor..."


    He paused, then let out a long sigh, "I intended to settle things with money, but a monthter Leah White turned up pregnant. She and her mother came straight to my folks. Your family scandal was causing a media frenzy, and my family got dragged through the mud too. My parents were livid. They wanted me to marry quickly to squash the rumors, so I just..."

 Chapter 185 Where Did That Power Come From?

    As they discussed these matters, Ronan Potter felt a deep sense of shame. The memories of that time were a source of embarrassment he never wished to discuss, especially not in front of Sadie Roth. "So that''s how it was..."


    Sadie Roth seemed to understand. The White family''s mother and daughter had been stirring up trouble, first setting her up with a male model at a nightclub to tarnish her innocence, then sing the media on her to ruin her reputation. And finally, they had Leah White seduce Ronan Potter...


    They were all crude tricks, yet Sadie Roth and Ronan Potter had been naive, like nk tes, and thus they fell into the trap.


    "Looking back on all these years, I''vee to see the Whites for who they truly are. I suspected they had a hand in those past events, but seeing my son... I just can''t bring myself to confront it," Ronan Potter sighed deeply, his regret palpable. "I understand how hard it must be for you," Sadie Roth said with a bitter smile. "Once Leah White returns the ne, I''ll find a way to transfer the kids to a different school. As long as the Whites leave us alone, we''ll keep to our own paths from now on."


    With that, she stood up to leave...


    "Sadie!" Ronan Potter reached out desperately, grabbing her hand, his eyes filled with emotion. "Give me another chance. I''ll sort out this mess and be with you, honestly and openly..."


    "It''s toote to go back to the past."


    Sadie Roth pulled her hand away and left decisively.


    Though her heart harbored regrets and pity for him, she was clear-headed. She and Ronan Potter could never return to what they once were.


    Ronan Potter watched her leave, his expression forlorn, unaware that in the shadows, someone was taking photographs...


    Sadie Roth intended to take a taxi home, but upon descending the stairs, she found the Clemens family''s Maybach still waiting for her.


    She hurried into the car, thanking the driver.


    On the way back, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts...


    Micah Clemens had said her father''s personal assets weren''t seized, which meant Felipe''s family must have embezzled her family''s fortune. And Ronan Potter had mentioned that the Clemens family had maliciously acquired the Roth Group, leading to its sudden bankruptcy...


    These two ounts seemed to contradict each other.


    If what Micah Clemens said was true, it not only pointed to the Whites'' guilt but also proved Micah''s own transparency. Why else would he have disclosed this, encouraging Sadie Roth to investigate?


    But Sadie knew Ronan Potter well enough to believe he wouldn''t lie, nor falsely use Micah Clemens...


    What was the truth behind it all?


    Her head ached from the thoughts, and she sighed, looking out the window to clear her mind. That''s when she noticed the DTT bar, sealed off with tape. She was stunned, immediately telling the driver, "Stop the car."


    The car pulled over, and Sadie Roth stepped out to inspect the closure notice, which stated ''Permanently Closed.'' Confused, she quickly called Jonny. "Hello, Sadie?"


    "Jonny, I just passed by the bar and saw it''s sealed off. What happened?"


    "We''re closed." Jonny''s voice carried a mix of mncholy and regret.


    "Why?"


    "It''s better you don''t ask. I''ve transferred yourst night''s performance fee and tips to your bank ount. Did you receive it?"


    "I''ll checkter..."


    "Let me know when you do!"


    "Will do."


    "Sadie, if there''s a chance, please... plead for n..."


    "What??" Sadie Roth was taken aback.


    "Never mind, forget I said anything. Goodbye."


    Jonny hung up hastily.


    Sadie Roth stood there, stunned, before it dawned on her. Could the bar''s closure be rted to n?


    She remembered that night, how n had been drugged, losing his senses, and tried to assault her. It was the timely arrival of a male escort that saved her... Could the male escort have retaliated against n, resulting in the bar''s closure?


    But a male escort was just that - where would he get such power?


    Unless... he was Micah Clemens!!!

 Chapter 186 The Black Key

    Yes, only someone like Micah Clemens could shut down a bar with a single word!


    Sadie Roth recalled various pieces of evidence, like Rn and the Rolls Royce Phantom...


    Everything was pointing to the fact that Micah Clemens was the male escort!


    If that was true, then Micah Clemens was the father of her children...


    A tycoon whomanded power and respect in the business world surely trumped a nightclub escort, right?


    With these thoughts, Sadie Roth felt a surge of emotion, her mind even starting to picture a father-son reunion...


    But she quickly interrupted her own fantasy.


    No, if the Clemens family had indeed maliciously taken over the Roth Group, leading to its bankruptcy and her father''s demise, then Micah Clemens was her mortal enemy. How could her enemy be the father of her children?


    This thought twisted her heart once more...


    "Miss Roth!"


    The driver''s call snapped Sadie Roth back to reality. "I have some things to take care of, you can go back," she told the driver.


    "Of course." The driver nodded respectfully and drove off.


    Sadie Roth took out her phone, scrolling through contacts she hadn''t spoken to in ages, calling them one by one...


    "Uncle, it''s Sadie, I wanted to talk to you about..."


    Before she could finish, the call was disconnected.


    "Auntie, it''s Sadie..."


    The call was cut off.


    "Uncle, it''s Sadie, yes, I''m back. Could we meet? I need to understand what happened to my dad."


    Out of fifteen calls, only four were answered, and just one agreed to meet.


    Sadie Roth quickly hailed a cab and headed to the meeting spot...


    Her emotions wereplex as she hoped Micah Clemens was the escort and yet hoped he wasn''t...


    She wished Ronan Potter was wrong, that the Roth Group''s bankruptcy and her father''s death had nothing to do with Micah Clemens.


    Before she knew it, she had arrived at JS Real Estate. Entering the office, she was surprised by the environment.


    Jonathan Chase, once the deputy director of the Roth Group and Edmond''s right hand, now ran a small real estate agency with just five employees.


    Seeing Sadie Roth, Jonathan Chase was visibly ufortable, quickly settling his work before taking her to a nearby caf¨¦. He greeted her warmly yet awkwardly, "Miss, it''s been years, but you haven''t changed. I''ve wanted to contact you, but I feared disturbing your life."


    "By age and seniority, I should call you uncle, and you can just call me by my name. No need to be so formal," Sadie Roth said with a smile.


    "How could I?" Jonathan Chase was flustered. "You''re Mr. Roth''s daughter, and he was my benefactor..."


    "So many people owed my dad, and now you''re the only one willing to see me. That''s rare enough," Sadie Roth said with a sense of gratitude. "Mr. Chase, I know you''re busy, so I''ll get straight to the point. I came to find out what exactly happened four years ago. Why did the Roth Group suddenly go bankrupt? Why did my dad take such a drastic step?"


    "It''s a long story..." Jonathan Chase sighed deeply. "The chairman instructed us not to tell you, hoping you''d live a peaceful life without thoughts of revenge..."


    "Mr. Chase..."


    "Miss, before the chairman''s incident, he left something for you."


    Jonathan Chase produced a small box from his pocket. Inside was a ck key, which he handed to Sadie Roth with both hands and solemn significance. "The chairman told me to give this to you if you came looking for me. It belongs to a safe deposit box, number 101, with a dual-lock system. The code is your mother''s birthday."


    Hearing this and seeing the ck key, Sadie Roth''s eyes filled with tears...

 Chapter 187 Inescapable Grasp

    Ever since her childhood, she knew that her father possessed a trunk which held important documents and her mother''s photographs... Even though she had never met her mother, her father always described her as an angel, a goddess, an epitome of perfection.


    Her mother had vanished right after giving birth to her, and over those years, her father never ceased to search for her.


    He toiled tirelessly, scaling the heights of the corporate empire, all in the pursuit to reunite with her...


    As a child, she didn''t grasp much, but she was certain of one thing: her father''s profound love for her mother and her mother''s excellence. That was why, despite never having been nurtured by her mother, there wasn''t a trace of resentment in her heart-only deep longing.


    He must have foreseen his demise early on, which led him to prepare for her future in advance.


    "Why didn''t you tell me sooner, Mr. Chase?" Sadie Roth, taking the key, was visibly agitated.


    "Ah..." Jonathan Chase lowered his voice, "If I had given it to you four years ago, it would have caused a frenzy. Back then, too many eyes were upon you with predatory intent. You were like a defenselessmb to the ughter, powerless to fight back.


    Your father predicted this and instructed me to wait five years to hand over the contents to you, and yet, here you are, a year early."


    "So dad had everything nned out for me," Sadie Roth inhaled deeply, steadying her emotions, "What exactly happened back then? Can you tell me? I just want to know the truth."


    "Miss, please don''t ask," Jonathan Chase frowned, clearly troubled, "All I can say is, how could a man with such a treasured daughter to care for, and a beloved wife still missing, take his own life? He was betrayed." As he spoke, Jonathan Chase became visibly upset, his hands trembling as he clutched his cup...


    "Who was it?" demanded Sadie Roth, her voiceced with urgency, "Who killed my father?"


    "The one responsible is too powerful, you can''t fight him," Jonathan Chase clenched his fists, swallowing his rage, "Time has passed, and knowing too much won''t benefit you. Focus on protecting yourself." "But..."


    "Miss, I must tend to business at mypany, I need to leave."


    Before Sadie Roth could press further, Jonathan Chase stood, ready to depart.


    "Mr. Chase..."


    She tried to stop him, but he hastened away. After a few steps, he paused, turning back to her, "One more thing, Miss, be wary of the Felipe family!"


    With that parting caution, Jonathan Chase exited...


    As Sadie Roth watched his retreating figure, a whirlwind ofplex emotions engulfed her. What did he mean by his words just now? The powerful rivals and the warning to be wary of the Felipe family suggested a chilling revtion- The person responsible for her father''s death wasn''t Felipe!


    Could it really be Micah Clemens?


    Sadie Roth was flooded with thoughts.


    After some deliberation, Sadie decided to head back over to Micah Clemens''s ce.


    She stepped out of the restaurant, ready to hail a cab, only to realize she didn''t know the address to the Clemens mansion.


    As fate would have it, a Maybach smoothly pulled up; the driver stepped out, opened the door respectfully, and said, "Miss Roth, please!"


    "How did you know to find me here?" Sadie Roth asked in surprise.


    "Micah Clemens instructed me to ensure your safe return, so I waited at a distance, hoping not to intrude," the driver replied with humble courtesy.


    A shiver ran down Sadie Roth''s spine. She suddenly realized that her every move was likely under Micah Clemens''s watchful gaze she was never beyond his reach.

 Chapter 188 Youre a Dead Woman Walking

    Returning to the Clemens'' mansion as night closed in, the sky was veiled with ayer of ck gauze, mysterious and chilling.


    Stepping out of the car, Sadie Roth felt the weight of unanswered questions surging in her mind like unsolved puzzles waiting for her to piece them together... "Good evening, Miss Roth!"


    The surrounding bodyguards and staff greeted her with reverence.


    Sadie Roth felt almost dazed, as if she truly belonged to this luxurious dwelling...


    She shook her head, dismissing the distracting thoughts, and inquired, "Where''s Mr. Clemens?"


    "Micah Clemens is by the pool, I''ll take you to him," the maid answered with respect.


    "Thank you," she acknowledged.


    Following the maid past the bamboo groves and garden to the pool area, Sadie caught sight of the vast expanse of water glimmering under the blue lights.


    The surface of the water shimmered as a lone figure swam with grace and agility, exuding an aura of the familiar mystery she knew so well.


    Sadie quickly hastened her pace, determined to seize this chance to check Micah Clemens''s lower back for that distinctive tattoo...


    But as she approached, she realized the pool wasrge and Micah was swimming in the middle, his tattoos barely discernible from the distance, a mere blur of blue confirming the presence of ink on his skin. With her heart pounding, Sadie rushed to the other side of the pool.


    She needed to get closer, to see more clearly...


    As she approached, he yfully dodged to the other side of the pool, prompting her to chase after his elusive figure with hurried steps.


    They danced this teasing game, circling the pool until Micah Clemens burst from the water, slicking his drenched face with a hand and giving her a mocking re - as if she were the butt of some inside joke. "Are you doing this on purpose?" Sadie Roth, panting heavily, doubled over at the pool''s edge.


    A sly grin spread across Micah''s lips before he dipped below the surface, leaving only the faint trace of his lower back tattoo teasingly visible under the shimmering light, ensnaring Sadie''s attention.


    Fuming, Sadie spun on her heel to leave but halted mid-step. No, she couldn''t let this chance slip by-who knew when she''d get another? If she ventured into his room again, she might not realize she''s been metaphorically devoured until it was toote. At least in the pool, surrounded by people, there was a limit to what he could do.


    With renewed determination, she returned to the poolside where ivory loungers aligned and a table was set with red wine, ice cubes, and an array of snacks. Without hesitation, she hurled an ice cube at Micah.


    It missed him, sshing harmlessly aside as he continued his underwater glide. Another cube followed,nding closer this time. Micah surfaced with a twist, giving her a re sharp enough to cut.


    Unfazed, Sadie grabbed a handful of ice and tossed it with all her might, striking him squarely on the back, buttocks, and head.


    Provoked, Micah charged through the water like a torpedo toward her. Sadie stood on tiptoe at the pool''s edge, craning to unveil the mystery ink on his skin.


    He swiftly closed the gap, his tattoo almost within clear sight under the blue glow of the pool light- but just as the image began to crystallize, a hand sped her ankle in a vise-like grip and yanked.


    With a ssh, Sadie plummeted into the water, iling desperately and coughing up water, like someone who hadn''t swum in years suddenly finding themselves in the deep end.


    Micah floated nearby, watching coolly with a derisive smile. As she started to sink, he finally reached out, nonchntly lifting her out of the water.


    With a gasp, Sadie re-emerged, the water''s turmoil subsided, yet the ripples from their encounter would linger long after the pool stilled.


    Sadie Roth spluttered, ejecting a mouthful of pool water that doused Micah Clemens'' face.


    Fury contorted his features, and he clenched his teeth, "Sadie Roth, you are so dead!"


    Gasping for air, Sadie finally came to her senses, quickly flipping over Micah to steal a peek at the small of his back...

 Chapter 189 Vengeful Retribution

    His bronze skin, still dripping with water, glistened temptingly under the azure lights, a jagged scar shing across his waist as if to bisect him. Beneath the scar, a tattoo leapt into view.


    Right as Sadie was about to get a clear look, Micah''s hand shot out, yanking her by the hair to face his incensed expression.


    "You..." Before she could utter another word, Micah seized her cold, red lips in a biting kiss.


    Like a beast savouring its prey, he bit with vengeful force, numbing Sadie''s lips, stealing her breath...


    Her frantic struggles were futile against his imprisoning embrace.


    His kisses were like a tempest, his hands delving deeper...


    As he was poised to breach herst defenses, terror widened her eyes...


    "Micah Clemens, there''s a message from Mr. Rn..."


    A voice from behind suddenly interrupted, faltering midway.


    The person was evidently shocked by the scene, hastening to silence.


    Reluctantly, Micah released Sadie, but not before cupping her face, his thumb gently caressing her swollen lips, warning, "Remember, don''t cross me." Sadie''s breaths were chaotic, quivering like a frightened doe.


    With a swift leap, Micah was out of the pool and into his robe.


    Stumbling out, Sadie scrambled to escape the scene.


    "Just an hour left ''til nine," Micah called after her, his voice trailing in the air.


    Sadie jolted, suddenly recalling their arrangement...


    It was already eight, and whether Leah White had made it back to Newark on time was anyone''s guess.


    Frantically, Sadie sought her phone only to find it soaked beside the pool.


    She snatched it up and bolted, disappearing into the night...


    Micah Clemens watched her disheveled departure, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    After what felt like ages, he averted his gaze, asking in a deep tone, "What about Rn''s matter?"


    "The talks have copsed," the aide said cautiously, "Mr. Finley wants you to go in person..."


    The aide seemed hesitant to continue...


    "Tell Rn toe back." Micah Clemens showed no sign of reaction.


    "Yes."


    ...


    Returning to her room with phone in hand, Sadie Roth noticed she had missed two calls from Ronan Potter. She immediately tried to call back, but her phone seemed to have malfunctioned, refusing to dial out.


    Frantically drying her phone from the apparent water damage, she attempted again to no avail.


    Panic-stricken and about to borrow a phone to call Ronan, his call came through once more.


    Fumbling anxiously with her phone, Sadie managed to pick up just before losing the call, her hands trembling with excitement, "Ronan?" "Sadie, I''ve got the ne and I''m on my way, but I''m worried the Clemens family''s bodyguards won''t let me in..."


    "Great, I''ll talk to Micah Clemens and make sure you''re cleared to enter."


    "Wait for me."


    After hanging up, Sadie Roth was overjoyed and set out to find Micah Clemens.


    At that moment, Micah Clemens, wearing a bathrobe and barefoot, walked past her room...


    Sadie bolted into the room, "I need to talk to you."


    "Charging into a man''s room in the middle of the night, soaked to the bone - what could you possibly want to talk about?"


    Micah''s gaze roamed her body with a heated intensity.


    Her drenched clothes clung to her curves impably, highlighting her wless skin that gleamed invitingly, stirring a restless desire within him...


    "The ruby ne has been secured, and Ronan is on his way. All you need to do is tell your security to let him through, and he can deliver it before nine..." "He''s quite capable, isn''t he?" Micah Clemens cut her off, sitting back on the couch, "Then let him figure out his own way in."


    "You..." Sadie''s face turned a steely shade of rage, "You''re clearly just making this difficult on purpose."

 Chapter 190 The Dangerous Man

    Micah Clemens shrugged nomittally, pouring himself half a ss of chilled liquor and sipped slowly.


    "Why are you doing this?" Sadie was close to the breaking point, "Do you have some grudge against my father? Is that why you''re toying with me?"


    At that usation, Micah stilled, lifting his gaze to meet hers, "What has someone been saying to you?"


    "Feeling guilty?" Sadie pressed, her voice filled with agitation, "Is my father''spany bankruptcy somehow tied to you?"


    She ventured the one question that burned within her, risky as it was, she had no other y in her hand. She didn''t have the means to investigate him on her own, and blunt directness seemed her only card left. "Who told you?" Micah Clemens''s eyes narrowed dangerously.


    "By asking that, are you saying it''s true?" Sadie Roth didn''t want to face the reality, but his reaction almost confirmed her suspicions.


    "Ronan Potter?" Instead of answering, Micah Clemens threw the name back at her.


    "He has nothing to do with it." Sadie was quick to absolve Ronan Potter, desperate to clear his name, "Tell me, is it true that you ruthlessly took over my father''spany, leading to the copse of the Roth Group?"


    "Interesting." Micah swirled his ss thoughtfully. "He was groveling at my feet, ready to beg for mercy, and I was almost inclined to let him off. But he dared cross me, and now, it''s a dead end for him!" Without warning, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number, "Put the Ssi Project on hold."


    "No, wait..." She tried to intervene, but Micah Clemens had already ended the call. Sadie hurried to rify, "This has nothing to do with him. He''s not involved."


    "Does it upset you?" Micah Clemens''s lips twisted into a mocking smile as he watched her, "How about we make a bet?"


    "What do you mean? What are you nning?" Panic swelled within Sadie Roth as she found this man before her increasingly intimidating.


    Micah leisurely lit a cigar just as another call came through, "Micah Clemens, Ronan Potter is outside on the greenway, says he''s got something for you."


    "Let him in," Micah Clemensmanded generously.


    "Yes, sir."


    After ending the call, his gaze lifted to meet hers, "So, what do you say? Shall we bet?"


    "What are you up to?" An ominous feeling churned in Sadie''s gut.


    "You''ll find out soon enough." Micah Clemens''s eyes trailed her figure, now partially concealed, "Go freshen up in the bathroom."


    That''s when Sadie realized the extent to which her clothes were clinging to her drenched body, still dripping with water. As she nned to retreat to her room to tidy herself up, the sound of a car alerted her to Ronan Potter''s arrival. In her confusion, she hurried into the bathroom of Micah Clemens''s room...


    As she was still fixing herself up, Ronan Potter''s groveling voice reached her ears, "Mr. Clemens, here''s the ruby ne. I''m sorry, my wife has been foolish and offended you. Please ept my apology on her behalf."


    " Why are you standing outside? Come in and sit down," Micah Clemens offered with a veneer of civility.


    "Thanks." Ronan Potter stepped inside.


    "Out now!" Micah Clemens hollered into the bathroom.


    Sadie Roth shivered, an icy knot of fear coiling in her stomach, but she steeled herself and emerged.


    Her hair was still damp, and she was swathed in an oversized robe that clearly wasn''t hers...


    Ronan Potter paused, his gaze on her was a tangled web of shock, heartache, and disappointment...


    "I brought this over especially for you, aren''t you going to say thanks?"


    Micah Clemens, with a cigar pinched between his fingers, pointed at Ronan Potter.


    Frowning deeply and saying nothing, Sadie Roth knew Ronan had gotten it wrong.


    Their rtionship was such that no exnations were really necessary; yet, Sadie still felt suffocated by the deliberate setup.


    "Mr. Clemens, would you mind checking the ne? If everything''s in order, I''ll take my leave..."


    As Ronan Potter spoke, his phone buzzed with a text message. ncing at it, he nched and asked hastily, "Mr. Clemens, why have you suddenly suspended my project?"

 Chapter 191 Severing Ties Completely

    "It''s because you''re a meddler!" Micah Clemens red at him coldly.


    "I" Ronan Potter faltered, then quickly rified, "I returned this ne because my wife made a mistake. It has nothing to do with anyone else."


    "So, you''re saying you didn''t do this for her?" Micah Clemens nodded toward Sadie Roth.


    "No." Ronan Potter, head bowed, couldn''t bring himself to meet Sadie''s eyes.


    Sadie Roth''s eyebrows knit together, her feelings a tumultuous storm. Although she knew Ronan was saying this to protect himself, watching his debasement was bitterlyplex...


    "So tell me, does the bankruptcy of the Roth Group have anything to do with me?" Micah Clemens asked point-nk.


    Ronan Potter''s body jolted, hisplexion turned pale.


    "It wasn''t him," Sadie Roth interjected urgently, "he has nothing to do with it..."


    "Speak up!" Micah Clemens''smand was a piercing shout.


    Ronan Potter shivered, replying in a flustered rush, "I... I don''t know..."


    Micah Clemens didn''t respond, just fixed him with a frosty stare.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie Roth rushed to his defense, "Why drag others into our issues?"


    "You''re right," Micah Clemens said, his demeanor suddenly shifting as he offered a smile. "No reason to be rmed, Mr. Potter, I was just asking."


    Ronan Potter''s brows furrowed with concern. He was just as baffled by Clemens as Sadie Roth was.


    "A ne worth a mere billion dors, why trouble yourself to deliver it?" Micah Clemens tossed the ruby ne onto the table before Ronan, with an air of nonchnce as if bestowing alms upon a beggar. "Consider it an investment in your venture. Use it to jumpstart your project!"


    "You mean..." Ronan''s face was a tapestry of confusion. "The project can be restarted?"


    The ne was symbolic; Micah Clemens was extending an opportunity.


    "Of course," Clemens replied, leaning back into the couch and swirling his drink with a graceful ease. "But every asset has its value. This ruby ne will it be the key to your project''s revival, or will it buy her freedom? The choice is yours." Sadie Roth felt a knot of tension. The stakes of his bet were contingent on Ronan Potter''s decision.


    Would he pick the interests of the corporation or her? Only one could be chosen.


    She knew how desperately Ronan had sought Clemens'' favor-proof of how vital this project was to the Potter family...


    Now, with the VIC Group closing in, the Potters might face bankruptcy if this project fell through.


    How could Ronan give up on hisst chance?


    But if he chose his family, it would be yet another betrayal against her.


    Just like four years ago...


    Times had changed, and so had they. Even if Ronan picked his family over her, Sadie Roth wouldn''t feel the disappointment or resentment from before.


    Years had passed and she had let go of what they once had...


    It was he who couldn''t.


    Micah Clemens'' move was calcted to drive a wedge between them, forcing Ronan to let go once and for all, eliminating any future entanglements with Sadie Roth. And it would push Sadie to give up on himpletely.


    Such is the cruel nature of humanity.


    Understanding and empathy didn''t mean there''d be no lingering bitterness...


    "Business should be separate from personal matters. Why involve her?" A panicked Ronan pleaded, "Mr. Clemens, if myst offer wasn''t to your liking, we can negotiate further..." "There''s nothing more to discuss," Micah Clemens cut him off with an air of disinterest. "One minute to make your choice her or thepany!"


    With that, he stood up and walked into the bathroom, leaving Ronan Potter and Sadie Roth alone in tense silence.


    Ronan''s fists were clenched tight, and his eyes, a fiery red, betrayed the storm of emotions raging within him like taut guitar strings ready to snap.


    Sadie looked on with a mix of pity and an overwhelming urge to speak, but words failed her. She knew all too well the inescapable grasp of Micah Clemens; she was fated to be nothing more than his ything.

 Chapter 192 A Whole New Meaning

    Ronan Potter was torn to shreds, as if two invisible hands were ying tug-of-war with his heart, threatening to rip it apart. He wanted to protect Sadie Roth but could not jeopardize thepany-his family''s legacy persevering through three Despite recognizing the trap Micah Clemens hadid out, resistance seemed futile.


    generations.


    "Ronan..." Sadie finally spoke, breaking the stifling silence, "don''t torture yourself. Follow your heart."


    "Sadie, I can''t let you down again not like four years ago," Ronan''s voice was heavy with sorrow, "but I can''t neglect thepany either."


    "I understand," Sadie managed a stiff smile. "Times have changed; now thepany is your responsibility!"


    "What about you?" the question came from a ce of deep pain.


    "He won''t harm me," she reassured him with feigned ease. "You don''t have to worry about me."


    "He won''t harm you?" Ronan''s gaze darkened at the sight of her bathrobe, his expression growingplex. "You used to be so proud, so aloof, and now..."


    He trailed off, his hands clenched into fists, his eyes reflecting an unyielding defiance against fate''s cruel y.


    Sadie knew he had misunderstood, yet she chose not to rify, offering a bitter smile instead, "Yeah, what made me be what I am now?"


    Her rhetorical question once again brought a heavy stillness to the room.


    If the Potter family hadn''t been fair-weather friends, retracting their marriage proposal upon hearing of the Roth family''s bankruptcy; if she hadn''t fallen into Leah White''s trap, causing all that scandal-she wouldn''t have ended up like this. Yes, Ronan Potter bore a significant share of the me for the person she had be.


    "I''m sorry..." Ronan hung his head in guilt.


    "Well? Have you decided?"


    Micah Clemens''s voice filled the room,ced with the arrogantmand of one who had fate in his clutches.


    "Mr. Clemens, I think we need to talk. In private," Ronan Potter was still trying to y both sides, desperate to keep all his pieces in y.


    "I don''t have time for your talk," Micah Clemens replied, lounging on the sofa with a cocky leg propped up. "You''ve got ten seconds. Take her with you, or this..." He motioned with his toe towards a ruby ne resting on the crystal coffee table. "Choose!"


    "I..." Ronan started, but his phone erupted into a sudden re, and he moved aside to answer. "Yeah, what???"


    "Daddy, just chill, I''m working on it. I know, I know, I will call you back soon."


    He ended the call with a rapid tap and turned back to implore Micah Clemens. "Mr. Clemens, does it really have to be so drastic? Halting the project entirely is a huge loss for us." "So?" Micah raised an eyebrow, his smirk chilly.


    "I..." Ronan was at a loss for words. Micah Clemens yed god with fate-if he decreed someone''s demise, it was final. There was no room for negotiation.


    "Final three seconds," dered Micah, lifting his fingers to count down. "Three!"


    "Mr. Clemens..."


    "Two!"


    "Mr. Clemens, please... I''m begging you..."


    "One more peep and you''ll lose even the chance to choose," Micah frowned, the picture of annoyance.


    "I..." Ronan nced between the tempting sparkle of the ruby ne and the conflicted eyes of Sadie Roth, his inner turmoil evident.


    His phone''s ringtone sliced through the tension again... Ronan''s forehead glistened with sweat, and his eyes reddened with desperation.


    Sadie Roth couldn''t bear to watch any longer and moved to grab the ne for him, but at that very moment, Ronan reached out and snatched it up himself.


    The pendant grazed over Sadie''s hand, prompting her to look up instinctively. Their eyes met aplex mesh of unspoken emotions.


    She understood why he made his choice, even supported it, but his hurried decision still struck her like a dagger to the heart-sudden, paralyzing pain.


    "Sadie, I..." Ronan was in full panic, realizing that Sadie was about to make that selfless choice for him, but he had beaten her to it. And because of that, everything had changed.

 Chapter 193 Coming back to him

    "Nice," Micah Clemens said with satisfaction, his lips curving into a sly grin. "The wise man knows when to yield." "Mr. Clemens, can I just "


    "Time to leave." Micah Clemens cut off Ronan Potter before he could say another word.


    The bodyguard stepped in and escorted Ronan Potter out.


    Ronan''s eyes lingered on Sadie Roth, heavy with guilt, but she didn''t even nce up at him...


    If fate yed its cruel hand four years ago, today, it was all his own doing.


    Despite the feeling of helplessness, he had made the same choice as before to abandon her and save the century-old legacy of the Potter family.


    They were once engaged, and he had let her down. It was only natural for her to hold a grudge back then. But now, without any ties between them, his choice was his own, and she had no right to me him. Yet, the thorn of regret plunged once more into her heart, impossible to extract...


    Their childhood bond and past regrets had nowe to a definitive end.


    "Well?" Micah Clemens taunted, nudging Sadie Roth''s leg with the tip of his shoe, an evil smirk on his face. "Lost all hope now, haven''t you?" "You''re pleased with yourself?" Sadie retorted with venom in her eyes. "You''ve shattered myst sliver of hope. Does that make you happy?" "Still not seeing the big picture?" Micah Clemens looked at her as though she were a fool. "It''s Ronan Potter who''s crushed your hopes, not me." Sadie didn''t want to argue any further. She turned to walk away but felt her clothes snag. With a slight tug, she was pulled into his embrace... Her attempt to struggle proved futile against his strong arms.


    "Let me go," Sadie demanded, fighting back anger.


    "Try moving again, I dare you," Micah Clemens said, his eyebrow raised, a threatening aura surrounding him.


    Sadie felt defiance swelling within her but knew better than to act on it, her furious eyes the only outlet for her rage.


    "Sign it!" Micah Clemens thrust the debt settlement agreement at her.


    "Why should I sign?" Sadie challenged. "I got the ne back. You''re the one who didn''t want it, using it as leverage against Ronan Potter. What right do you have?"


    "You''re trying to reason with me?" Micah Clemens chuckled coldly. "Let''s get this straight-the ne was lost from you to begin with. It was only right I came to you. And now, it''s Ronan Potter who took it. Go ahead, use him of theft and fraud. But the debt you owe me? That''s still unresolved!"


    "You-"


    Sadie Roth couldn''t win an argument against him; he always had the final say in what was right or wrong.


    She felt helpless against him.


    "Just sign it..." Micah Clemens thrust a pen into her hand.


    The sight of the debt settlement agreement ignited a fire in Sadie Roth, and she tore it to shreds. "Don''t even think about controlling me. Sue me if you want I''m not falling for your tricks." With that, she tossed the pieces at him and stormed out...


    Micah''s face darkened, his eyes cold and frosty.


    But this time, he didn''t resort to violence to punish her as he had in the past. He let her walk away.


    Without a lesson, she wouldn''t even know the meaning of ''defeat''!


    "Micah Clemens, Miss Roth she..."


    "Let her go!"


    Micah rose and walked to the window, looking down from his perch.


    That foolish woman had changed back into the clothes she arrived in, taking nothing with her as she left the vi.


    The staff, following Micah''s orders, didn''t dare to stop her, clearing the way for her departure.


    She strode out of the vi''s gates, leaving his world behind with a proud and carefree gait, her steps bold and leisurely, like a warrior on the path to freedom. Knowing he watched from afar, she didn''t look back but waved, as if saying goodbye.


    Micah''s lips curled into a mocking sneer. He turned and walked into the bedroom, closed the electric curtains, and continued to drink, lounging on the sofa. She''de crawling back to him in less than an hour...

 Chapter 194 Green Eyes

    It took Sadie Roth half an hour to reach the vi''s main gate. Outside was a greenway lined with rows of straight trees with streetlights hanging from the branches, illuminating her path of departure.


    She puffed out her chest and continued on.


    The night breeze was soothing, and the chirping of frogs and insects from the woods mingled with the moonlight filtering through the branches, casting a speckled pattern on the path like a painting. The beautiful scenery calmed her spirit and strengthened her resolve to break free from Micah Clemens...


    She refused to be controlled or be a ve to any devil.


    "Ow-"


    Suddenly, a wild animal''s howl emanated from the woods.


    Sadie froze, standing still...


    Had she heard wrong?


    Was that the sound of a wild beast?


    It must have been a mistake...


    She clutched her wildly thumping heart and pressed on. "Ow-"


    The howl sounded again, louder and closer this time.


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding fiercely...


    Wild animals out here? Seriously?


    Sadie Roth tensed, her eyes scanning the silent woods around her, but she saw no sign of movement. Regardless, fear clutched at her.


    Trips to the mountains were always by car, yet she was was clear about one thing: from the mansion to the nearest road was at least a dozen or more miles away.


    Foot-bound, she''d need a minimum of four hours to cover the distance...


    Four hours - a window of time when who-knows-what might leap out from the brush, leaving her nothing more than a picked-over skeleton.


    A shiver ran down Sadie''s spine..


    Turning to assess the vi she''d left behind, roughly a mile in the distance, it dawned on her that there was still a chance to retreat...


    Her feet had already made the decision to turn back...


    But after two short steps, the image of Micah Clemens'' chilling gaze and domineering persona halted her.


    If she surrendered now, the debt contract would be sealed. Indebted for $98 million, with no imaginable end in sight, she''d be his tomand - a ve until everyst cent was repaid. Merely thinking "ve" made her skin crawl.


    No, she refused to go back!


    Gritting her teeth, Sadie Roth pushed on, pulling out her cellphone to call for a ride. Safety, she reasoned, was just a car door away.


    But when her phone came out, dismay washed over her. It had taken a swim poolside earlier, leaving the touchscreen unresponsive, the screen shing frically.


    She strode forward, vigorously shaking her phone in a desperate attempt to expel trapped water, hoping against hope it would spring back to life.


    Too na?ve, she realized. Her budget-conscious choice - a phone for a mere $88, with aplimentary fan - and she expected it to survive water damage? Wishful thinking!


    With no tears left to cry and nowhere to turn for help, Sadie could only pray for divine intervention to escape this nightmare.


    Aside from that one dubious escapade four years ago, she had been a model of good behavior. Surely, that warranted some cosmic payoff... right?


    Muttering prayers under her breath, she elerated her pace. However, after several hundred meters, no beasts had sprung forth. Perhaps it had been mere paranoia, she guessed, slowing her step slightly, allowing a thread of relief. But then, just ahead, in the dense foliage, she spotted a pair of green eyes fixed on her...


    Paralyzed with shock, her eyes widened, staring intently at the luminous gaze in the twilight as her mind repeated:


    It''s all in your head, a hallucination, it has to be!


    She blinked hard, hoping to clear the illusion. Yet when her eyes reopened, instead of disappearing, those green eyes seemed closer...


    Under the moonlight, a fluffy creature approached with a chilling gait, closing in on her...

 Chapter 195 Screaming Into the Void

    It was a wolf!


    Sadie Roth felt a shiver run down her spine, her hair standing on end and legs trembling uncontrobly...


    She cautiously stepped back, attempting to escape from the scene.


    But the wolf quickened its pace, its eyes narrowed dangerously, emitting a cold, murderous aura.


    "Don''t eat me, please don''t eat me..." Sadie whimpered tearfully, stepping back a few paces before breaking into a desperate run.


    There was no sound behind her. ncing back, Sadie saw the wolf pause momentarily at its original spot, then slowly begin to follow... Clearly, the wolf didn''t consider her a threat a mere weak prey.


    It was like a cat toying with a mouse, waiting for her to tire before pouncing to seal her fate.


    As Sadie sprinted forward, she frantically swiped at her phone, trying to call for help, but the screen wouldn''t budge.


    Tears streaming, she cried out in panic, "Help, somebody, help me!"


    But no one responded.


    The well-lit Clemens family mansion was not far ahead-if she could just reach it, she would be safe.


    Now, she was filled with regret, deep regret...


    Why had she argued with Micah Clemens?


    Why had she run out alone in the dead of night?


    Could her pride or dignity save her now?


    Forget whatever damned agreement, she''d sign it; anything to save her life. She''d do anything. She still had three little ones waiting for her, Brenda, Coco, and ten thousand dors left unspent... She couldn''t die!


    Finally growing impatient, the wolf let out a howl and began to charge at full speed.


    Sadie pushed herself to the limit, the Clemens'' mansion so close yet agonizingly out of reach...


    The wolf, steadily gaining on her.


    Hearing the wind rush past her ears and sensing the deadly intent of the predator, Sadie''s legs gave way and she copsed to the ground with a thud... Only two words upied her mind: It''s over.


    This was the end...


    Behind her, the wolf opened its maw wide, lunging forward with a guttural growl.


    Instinctively, Sadie closed her eyes...


    At that moment, a streak of silver light shot from the side, striking the wolf in the neck.


    The predator fell less than a meter away from Sadie, copsing limply to the ground before vanishing into the adjacent thicket.


    "Don''t eat me, please don''t eat me..."


    Sadie Roth copsed on the ground, her cries of despair piercing the stillness of the night.


    In the surrounding wilderness, a pair of eyes watched her coldly, filled with undisguised contempt.


    It took what felt like an eternity before Sadie Roth could gather her senses. She turned her head cautiously, her heart pounding, to find the wolf had vanished... Scrambling to her feet, her legs trembling and unsteady, she dashed desperately toward the safety of the vi.


    "Awoooo-"


    From the depths of the woods, a tall, imposing figure brought a hand to their mouth, mimicking a wolf''s howl with eerie uracy.


    "Ah-!" Sadie''s scream sliced through the night as she quickened her pace, her voice shaking in terror, "Help, somebody help!"


    Atst, she reached the vi''s grand entrance where a dark green, ornately wrought iron gate stood closed, unyielding, shutting Sadie outpletely.


    She pounded on the gate frantically, her shouts filled with urgency, "Open up, please! There''s a wolf out here "


    But there was no response.


    A few feet away, several bodyguards stood motionless as if carved from stone, their eyes fixed straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to Sadie''s pleas. "Help me, please¡ªI''m Sadie Roth, let me in!!!" Her voice broke as panic overtook her.


    The bodyguards remained indifferent.


    "What''s wrong with you? Let me in!" Sadie was on the verge of tears, "Micah Clemens, Micah Clemens, please! There''s a wolf out here, it''s gonna kill me!" "Wasn''t it your choice to leave in the first ce?"


    A voice drifted over to her, casual and tinged withziness.


    Turning toward the source, Sadie saw Micah Clemens lounging on a wooden bench by the flower beds, draped in a robe, a cigar in one hand, a wine ss in the other, looking utterly at ease.

 Chapter 196 You Cant Escape My Grasp

    "Please... please let me in," Sadie begged, her voice quivering with tears, "There''s a wolf, it''s going to eat me!"


    "Oh!" Micah Clemens responded with nonchnce, rising slowly, wine ss in hand, and strolled away.


    "Hey, hey don''t you care at all?" Sadie pleaded, her voice frantic as she hammered against the dark green gate, "You can''t just leave me out here, I''ll die!" Micah Clemens ignored her and continued toward the vi.


    "Micah Clemens-!" Sadie roared furiously, "You heartless beast, you''ll get what you deserve!!!"


    Micah stopped in his tracks, turned around, and gave her a cool, measuring look, "You''re cursing people out at a time like this?"


    "You think I need you?" Sadie clenched her teeth, trying to sound brave, "If I die here, it''s on you. When the copse knocking, you''ll be the one to me!"


    "Oh!" Micah Clemens nodded seriously, pointing at the camera outside the door, "That thing will record every second of you being devoured by a wolf. And keep in mind, the wolf is wild; it''s not like I''m its owner. There''s now against bystander apathy!"


    "You..." Sadie Roth was struck speechless.


    "Let me give you a tip!" Micah Clemens said with a crooked smile, his tone unexpectedly gentle. "When the wolf bites you, just scream and shout like you did before. It''ll find you bothersome, mp onto your neck in one bite, and your blood will gush out like a fountain. You''ll die instantly, painlessly!"


    "..."


    Sadie Roth turned deathly pale, shaking all over, her lips quivering, unable to utter a single word.


    "Have a pleasant death, goodbye!"


    Waving casually, Micah Clemens turned and walked away...


    "Micah Clemens..." Sadie Roth yelled, her voice roaring as she beat against the iron door, "You heartless beast, you won''t meet a good end!!!" "Howl"


    Suddenly, the howling of wolves came from behind her again.


    "Ah-" Terrified, Sadie Roth''s courage copsed and she fell to her knees, sobbing loudly, "Please save me, please! I don''t want to die, wahhh-"


    With his back to her, Micah Clemens finally let a smug, proud smile spread across his face, more delighted than when he''dnded a multi-billion-dor deal. But he didn''t turn around immediately; instead, he took his time, leisurely taking another step forward...


    "Micah Clemens, I''ll do anything if you save me," Sadie Roth pleaded, her need to survive eclipsing everything else. "The contract? I''ll sign it, just save me, I''ll sign it right now..."


    "Is that so?" Micah finally turned around, an innocent look on his face. "Don''t sayter that I coerced you!"


    "No, no, it''s totally voluntary," Sadie Roth assured him repeatedly. "Let me in first, quick! The wolf is reallying-" "Alright, since you''re asking me."


    Micah Clemens gestured leisurely, and the bodyguard finally stepped forward to open the dark green iron gate.


    As soon as the gate cracked open, Sadie Roth rushed in, copsing on thewn from her weakened legs...


    Looking up, she saw countless pairs of green eyes under the shadow of the trees nearby, watching her intently.


    Her eyes opened wide with terror, and with a shiver, she promptly fainted...


    "Such fragility, passing out just from fear," Micah Clemens tsked. He walked over, picked her up, and instructed the bodyguard, "Leave us."


    "Yes, Micah Clemens," confirmed the bodyguard as he pressed a button and the glowing green eyes disappeared into the night.


    Micah Clemens carried Sadie Roth into the vi, gently cing her on the spacious bed. Dahlia was quick to follow, bringing in the freshly printed contract.


    Grasping Sadie''s hand firmly, Micah pressed an ink pad to her thumb and then guided it to the contract''s signature line. ''No backing out now,'' he said with a satisfied smirk as Sadie''s thumbprint marked the document. "I always said you couldn''t get away from me," Micah boasted with a triumphant grin.

 Chapter 197 The Check

    All night, Sadie Roth was gued by nightmares. Upon awakening at dawn, she found herself bathed in sweat...


    Her eyes shot open as she stared at the ceiling as her breaths came in frantic gasps...


    It took a while to collect herself and recognize she was safe within the walls of her vi''s bedroom before she could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Feeling sticky and ufortable, she got up to shower, only noticing then that her fingers were cut and stung when water hit them.


    She didn''t dwell on it-probably a scrape fromst night''s escape.


    After freshening up, she stepped out of her room to a knocking at the door, followed by Dahlia''s voice, "Miss Roth, may Ie in?" "Come in," she replied.


    Dahlia entered, carrying a birdcage.


    Inside, Cocoy quietly, timidly scanning these strange new surroundings...


    Upon spotting Sadie Roth, Coco''s demeanor instantly brightened, and despite its injured wing, it pped excitedly, shrieking, "Mommy, mommy!"


    "Coco!" Sadie rushed forward to open the cage.


    Coco burst out andnded on Sadie''s shoulder, nuzzling her cheek with its fuzzy little head.


    "There, there," Sadie murmured, gently kissing it.


    Coco snuggled into the nook of her neck like a child clinging to its mother.


    "This little parrot''s got soul," Dahlia remarked admiringly. "Adorable!"


    Sadie stroked Coco''s feathers. "How''s the little one doing? Is the injury serious?"


    "Just needs some rest. Change the dressing every other day and it''ll be all better in about a month." Dahlia hung up the cage.


    "I''m relieved," Sadie breathed out. "I owe Coco my life; I wouldn''t have made it without him."


    "About that..." Dahlia broached the topic lightly, "I''ve done some digging. The same people behind the VIC Group attack sent you those threatening packages. Don''t worry, Andrew and I will handle everything." "Really?" Sadie was visibly shaken. "The ones targeting VIC Group are Mr. Clemens'' business rivals-why would they want to kill me? I''m just a small, insignificant pest."


    "You''re far from a pest," Dahlia said pointedly, then swiftly changed the subject. "By the way, Micah Clemens has invited you for breakfast. You better get ready."


    Before Sadie could respond, Dahlia had already nodded respectfully and exited the room.


    As Sadie Roth reflected onst night''s ordeal, she realized she had made a promise in a moment of desperation to save her life. Was Micah Clemens now going to force her to seal the deal? The thought sent her into a panic. God, if she actually signed that agreement, wouldn''t she be his puppet?


    "Mia, Mia!"


    The sound of Coco''s voice snapped Sadie out of her spiraling thoughts.


    "Shh!" Sadie quickly hushed Coco with a whisper, "Coco, we''re not at home. You need to be careful about what you say, alright? Don''t mention... You know."


    "Mia, Nathan, Noah..."


    Coco seemed oblivious, continuing to piteously call out for the three kids, clearly missing them after two days apart.


    "Coco..."


    Sadie was about to instruct the pet further when the door suddenly swung open, and there was Micah Clemens, sauntering in, casual yet sharp in his leisure suit... "Why do you never knock?" Panic crept into Sadie''s voice, fearing Coco might slip up and reveal the children''s existence.


    "This is my house," Micah settled himself on the sofa nonchntly crossing his legs. "How''d you sleepst night?"


    "Fine..." Sadie nced at him timidly, venturing, "Mr. Clemens, thank you for saving me, but I should really get home."


    "And to what home? You saw the state yours was in." Micah pulled out a checkbook, scribbled a figure, and handed it over. "Take this and buy yourself a house. Stop renting." "What?" Sadie was stunned. Had she heard him right? He was giving her money to buy a house??

 Chapter 198 All Mine

    "Hm?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "Don''t want it? Fine by me!"


    "I do! I do!" Sadie lunged for the check and upon seeing the amount, her face lit up with delight, "Two million dors!! Thank you, Mr. Clemens!"


    "It''s no bother; you''ve earned it," Micah''s lips curved into a sly grin. "Consider it your bonus for getting Mr. Wood to swallow thatxative."


    "But, didn''t you say you were going to deduct it from the ne money?" Sadie''s heart sank with an ominous hunch.


    Coco trembled on her shoulder as if it sensed Micah Clemens as a predator.


    "What''s the difference between owing a hundred million and ny-eight million? I thought I''d let you have the bonus, so you''re not worrying about necessities. That way, you can take care of me properly." Take care of him? The implication made Sadie''s blood run cold.


    These words sent a shiver of panic through Sadie Roth. She blurted out, "Mr. Clemens, I''m just an employee. I don''t... sell myself."


    "Sell, sell!" echoed Coco mockingly.


    Micah Clemens shot a nce at the creature.


    Coco mmed up immediately. It burrowed into the thick forest of Sadie''s hair and began fumbling with the strands to cover its own face, as if that would shield it from a predator like Micah Clemens. "Toote," Micah Clemens waved the debt agreement in front of her with smug satisfaction, "You belong to me now - every part of you."


    Sadie''s eyes widened in horror, transfixed on the document in his hand as she recalled the events of the previous night...


    She was being chased by a wolf and was running for her life until she reached the gates of the mansion, where she began pounding for help ...


    Then, under his intimidation, she''d agreed to the contract before passing out from fear.


    "Scum, you''re scu¡ª"


    Coco''s echoed insult was cut short by Micah''s piercing gaze.


    Micah''s eyes shifted from Coco to a remote control sitting nearby. He pressed a button leisurely and Sadie''s desperate pleas filled the room, "Please save me, I don''t want to die¡ª"


    "Save me, and I''ll do whatever you want, Micah Clemens."


    "It''s just that contract? If you save me, I''ll sign it right away..."


    "Are you sure?" Micah''s voice taunted, "Just don''t im I forced you."


    "No, I won''t. It was voluntary. Let me in, now! The wolf, it''s reallying-"


    "Alright, you begged me for it."


    The recording stopped abruptly.


    Sadie was mortified. Her cheeks were aze as if she wanted to hide in a crevice and disappear...


    Micah raised an eyebrow, looking at her almost tenderly, "There''s also video. Do you want to see it?"


    "You..." Sadie''s lips trembled; she was on the brink of tears.


    "Be good," Micah Clemens took back the debt agreement, folded it neatly, and slid it into his pocket, "Behave well and you might just be rewarded. Disobey, and the agreement stands with additional penalties." He stood up, patted her cheek, and added, "Think about which option is better for you."


    Sadie red at him with deep-seated hatred but remained silent.


    "I''m off then," Micah said, turning to leave without a backward nce, "I hope you''vee to your senses by the time I return."


    As he walked away, Sadie shook her fist at his retreating figure, cursing him silently.


    "Mia, Nathan, Noah...," Coco suddenly screamed, "Scared! Scared!"


    Micah Clemens''s footsteps halted abruptly, and he spun around, fixing his gaze on Coco. "What did it say?"

 Chapter 199 Fleeing with Two Million Dollars?

    "Nothing, it''s nothing..."


    Sadie Roth felt a shiver run down her spine as her heart pounded like a fierce drum. She inwardly cursed Coco...


    Why did it have to squawk at such a critical moment? Was it trying to make things worse?


    Micah Clemens gave Sadie Roth a prating look, said nothing, and turned to leave...


    It wasn''t until the sound of his steps fadedpletely that Sadie Roth finally breathed a sigh of relief. Annoyed, she scolded Coco, "Don''t talk nonsense!" "Mama..." Coco looked up with its little green head, wearing a crestfallen expression, "Bad man, scary!"


    "I know he''s a bad man, but now''s not the time..."


    Knock, knock! The sound came from the door, "Miss Roth, may Ie in?"


    "One moment." Sadie Roth ushered Coco into the bathroom before allowing Dahlia to enter.


    "Miss Roth, Micah Clemens has left for Ennd, and he asked me to look after you. Your breakfast is ready. Would you like to have it here, or..."


    "He''s gone to Ennd?" Sadie Roth cut her off, her voice rising with excitement, "For how long?"


    "If it''s quick, maybe three days - could be longer, hard to say. He should be back as soon as he can."


    "No rush, the longer the better."


    Sadie Roth wished he would nevere back.


    "Hehe." Dahlia chuckled, "Those who attacked youst time have been taken care of, so there''s no danger anymore. We''ve also arranged for someone to repair your house, and besides..."


    "No need," Sadie Roth quickly interrupted, "I''ll handle my house myself. Please don''t interfere, and tell your people to stop any work immediately. Nobody should go there."


    "Huh?" Dahlia was taken aback.


    "What''s this ''huh''? Hurry up!" Sadie Roth was frantic, dreading anyone finding out about her children.


    "Alright, I''ll handle it right away." Dahlia promptly called the contractors to cancel.


    "They haven''t gotten to my house yet, have they? You didn''t investigate anything, did you?" Sadie Roth was anxious.


    "No, they were on the way and turned back as soon as they got the message," Dahlia reassured her with a smile. "Don''t worry, we won''t pry into your matters without Micah Clemens''s orders. However..." Dahlia paused, then carefully asked, "Is there something you''re particrly worried about?"


    "Everyone''s got their secrets." Sadie Roth choked back tears, "This devil''s had me on such a tight leash, I just want to keep a little space for myself..."


    "Micah Clemens isn''t trying to control you; he''s smitten with you..."


    "How could you even say that?" Sadie Roth red up; her frustration had now boiled over. "If he really cared about me, he''d be showering me with mansions, spoiling me with luxury cars, andvishing me with billions in the bank. He''d treat me like a princess, not bully me around all the time."


    "Maybe he just has a different way of expressing it?" Dahlia suggested with a chuckle.


    "His way sure is ''unique''," Sadie Roth replied, rolling her eyes. She quickly changed the subject, "Dr. Ray, I want to go home. Is that possible?"


    "Of course, I''ll arrange a ride for you right away."


    ...


    On the way back, Dahlia spoke to Sadie Roth, "Miss Roth, you know, living in a gated estate is much safer. If you want to go to work, I can organize someone to drive you."


    "I feel morefortable staying at my own ce."


    Sadie Roth gently stroked Coco''s feathers; the bird was fast asleep.


    "Alright then," Dahlia conceded without pressing further. "While Mr. Clemens is away, you can reach out to me anytime if you need anything."


    "Thanks," Sadie Roth murmured. Her mind was elsewhere, contemting how to free herself from Micah Clemens. Maybe she could grab that two million and make a run for it with the kids...


    "If you''re ever in the market for a new ce, I could help with that too. After all, VIC Group''s real estate spans the globe. It has branches in every major city..."


    Hearing this, Sadie Roth shelved the idea of escape. Dahlia''s words seemed to imply there was nowhere she could run that they wouldn''t find her. Better to let it be...

 Chapter 200 Moving Out Now

    Back on Happy Street, the first thing Sadie Roth did was buy a new phone.


    Biting the bullet, she opted for thetest model, hoping it wouldn''t break as easily as thest. With the SIM card in, she immediately rang Brenda.


    Brenda, not getting through the night before, had worried something had happened to her.


    Sadie Roth exined the broken phone and then video-called her three kids.


    They appeared on screen, looking dapper in new clothes.


    Noah furrowed his brow with concern, "Mommy, are you okay? We were really worried."


    "I''m fine, baby, don''t you worry," Sadie Roth soothed them.


    Nathan crowded the camera, disying his tiny fists, "Mommy, once I get strong enough, I''ll protect you."


    "Thanks, Nathan," Sadie Roth said with a relieved smile. "You''re amazing, Nathan!"


    "Mommy, mommy..." Mia''s chubby little cheeks filled the camera as she saw her mother, and her big, grape-like eyes swiftly welled up with tears. "Mommy, I miss you, waaah~~~" Upon seeing Mia cry, Noah and Nathan''s eyes turned red too, but the little troopers pursed their lips, fighting hard to hold back the tears.


    "Mia, be a good girl. Mommy wille get you as soon as she sorts things out here."


    Sadie quickly soothed them, "The bad guys are caught now. I just need to fix up the house a bit and get everything in order. When you guys arrive, you''ll see a beautiful and cozy home." "That''s awesome!" The three kids cheered.


    "Mommy, we cane and help you clean up," Noah said responsibly. "You shouldn''t have to do it all by yourself."


    "Yeah, Nathan is strong, he can do a lot of work," another chimed in.


    Nathan clenched his fist, showing off his biceps in pride.


    "I can help Mommy too..."


    Mia sniffled, her tears falling and hanging on her plump cheeks.


    "Mia, Mia!"


    Coco heard Mia''s voice and suddenly perked up and began looking around with its little head. Upon seeing them in the phone screen, it eagerly came closer and shouted, "Noah, Nathan, Mia!" "Coco..."


    All three kids were excited to see Coco, and they enthusiastically waved their hands to greet her.


    "Miss, miss!" Coco repeated the word to the camera.


    The kids jostled toe closer...


    "Coco, we miss you too."


    "Yikes, Coco, how did you hurt your wing?"


    "Coco got hurt protecting me, but the doctor has seen her and she''ll be alright after some rest," Sadie reassured them. "Be good, and Mommy wille to get you!" "Ok, we''ll be good!"


    After seeing her children''s faces, Sadie felt her life fill with hope.


    Afterforting the children, Sadie returned home to find that thendlord had already changed the locks and left arge warning notice demanding Sadie contact them immediately! Sadie panicked and called thendlord right away.


    Thendlord arrived in a rush, scolding Sadie pointedly before demandingpensation in the amount of thirty thousand dors, stating that the previous deposit and rent would not be refunded and insisting that she move out that day. Sadie argued with her, but thendlord retorted, "Ever since you moved in, it''s been one problem after another. I''ve put up with peopleing by and yelling, and now you''ve taken it too far with kidnapping and murder on the premises. What do you think this ce is?"


    "Listen, let me exin..." Sadie began, but thendlord, her hair in an angry mop of curls, cut her off. "I''ve had enough! I don''t want to hear it. Pack your things and get out now, or I''m calling the cops. I''ve been more than fair waiting for you to show up and settle things in person!"

 Chapter 201 Trending Online

    "Alright, alright..." Sadie Roth conceded with a sigh, "I''ll move out right now."


    "You''ve got until midnight to clear out, or I''ll have someone do it for you." Thendlord said coldly. "And I want thepensation first."


    With no other choice, Sadie paid up and immediately started hunting for a new ce to live.


    Thankfully, the apartment was furnished with all the essentials, so there wasn''t much of her stuff to move.


    She temporarily stashed her secondhand furniture and luggage in the security room before heading to a rental agency to find a new ce...


    With work looming on Monday, she had to get this sorted today.


    After a tiresome search, Sadie locked down an apartment closer to work. The rent was three times what she used to pay, but the space was ample, and the neighborhood was nice.


    What mattered most was it was a fresh start, a ce no one knew about, free from disruptions.


    She made it to the bank before closing time and quickly deposited the two million dors into her ount.


    Upon seeing her bank bnce, Sadie lifted her chin high and strode out with a proud smirk.


    Sadie began moving into the new ce and spent the night cleaning solo. She only stopped when she copsed exhausted on the couch. While staring at the ceiling, she imagined the children''s joyful faces when they came home, and a smile crept onto her lips...


    Perhaps it was the fatigue, but she dozed off on the couch, with Coco, the bird,ying atop the TV stand and looking at her intively, saying, "Mommy, I''m hungry!"


    ...


    That night, Sadie slept deeply, only to be awakened by the chill of the morning - she''d forgotten to cover herself with a nket. She wrapped herself tighter in her coat, considering some more sleep, and then realized it was gettingte. After feeding Coco and quickly getting ready, Sadie rushed off to work.


    She had left early the previous Friday and had the weekend off, amounting to just two and a half days, yet it felt like she had been on a long vacation considering all that had happened...


    But she had kept those events to herself, so why were her co-workers looking at her strangely and whispering behind her back?


    "Sadie..." Her colleague Alissa from the admin department approached with excitement in her eyes, "Look at you! I had no idea you and Mr. Potter were an item."


    "What?" Sadie froze. Her rtionship with Ronan Potter was supposed to be a secret, known by only a few...


    "Cut the act, Alissa," Sadie Roth eximed with a mischievous grin, "I knew it! Barely a month at thepany and you''ve been transferred three times. There had to be some strings being pulled. I was betting on Mr. Brown having your back, but turns out, it''s Mr. Potter. You''re really something!"


    Stunned by these words, Sadie''s jaw dropped, and she quickly pressed, "What? What rumors have you heard?"


    "Rumors? There are photos and videos," Alissa chuckled as she pulled out her phone and scrolled through her social media. "It''s all over the news. You''re trending. You''re the inte''s new sensation!"


    Sadie grabbed the phone from her and felt a chill run down her spine as she read:


    #Clemens Ronan Potter of Potter Group''s Secret Rendezvous with Young VIC Secretary# #Ronan Potter''s Affair with Junior Secretary#


    #Ronan Potter Requests Divorce for Mistress, Mrs. Potter Rushes Back to Newark Overnight#


    These three consecutive headlines dominated the trend list, ranking first, second, and third.


    Tapping into the news, Sadie found the articles detailed and damning,plete with photos of her and Ronan Potter''s meeting-one particrly intimate shot showed him holding her hand and gazing into her eyes... It was a PR nightmare no way to clear her name now.


    With a sinking feeling washing over her, Sadie nced at the iingments.


    "Homewrecker! She should just disappear!"


    "I hate those who break up families most. Karma will get this woman."


    "Let''s dox her-expose everything about this mistress so she can''t hide..."

 Chapter 202 The Consequences of Being The Other Woman

    "Ignore thosements," Alissa whispered as she took back her phone.


    "I''ve heard Mr. Potter''s marriage was rocky to begin with. They didn''t even have a wedding and all. His wife is notoriously difficult in the business world, low ss and disliked by everyone. You just keep your eye on the prize, climb thatdder, and don''t forget me when you marry into that wealth, okay?"


    "Alissa, you''ve got it all wrong, it''s not like that..." Sadie tried to defend herself, but her phone began to ring. An unknown number shed on the screen. She answered, "Hello?"


    "Is this Ms. Sadie Roth? I''m with Newark Network, and I wanted to discuss the situation regarding you and Mr. Ronan Potter-could we have an interview..."


    Before the caller could finish, Sadie abruptly ended the call, only for her phone to ring again with yet another inquiry.


    Sadie Roth didn''t dare answer her phone, but it wasn''t long before a barrage of texts began to explode her inbox. "Ms. Roth, this is the Newark Daily. We''re interested in discussing your involvement with Mr. Ronan Potter for an exclusive..." "Ms. Roth, greetings from the Newark Business Herald. Could we arrange an interview with you at your earliest convenience?"


    "Ms. Roth..."


    Every notable outlet in Newark, even those from out of town and international media giants were hounding Sadie Roth for a story.


    Hesitant to answer any unknown calls and too frightened to open any more messages, in just minutes, Sadie had received dozens of texts-all probing into her rtionship with Ronan Potter.


    Her mind raced with anxiety; she knew the scandal had blown up. If this continued, her private life would be stripped bare for all to see her three kids could be dragged into the maelstrom too... What could she do?


    What should she do?


    "Let me in!" Suddenly, Leah White''s voice pierced themotion from outside. "I''m not here to make a scene, I''m looking for Sadie Roth. She moved and I can''t find her so now I''vee here to confront her." "That woman seduced my husband while I was away and pressured him to divorce me. I want to confront her face to face."


    Meanwhile, her colleagues gathered near the elevator, exchanging nces and murmurs at themotion. Their eyesden with judgment upon Sadie.


    Sadie remained silent with her head bowed and brows furrowed.


    "What are you all staring at? Is there something worth looking at?" Alissa spoke up, fierce and unabashed. "It takes two to tango. Love and desire don''t strike one-handedly, so why do we always me the woman?" Beads of sweat formed on Sadie''s forehead-great, her friend Alissa was only fanning the mes.


    "Don''t be scared, Sadie, I''ve got your back," Alissa dered, taking Sadie''s arm. "Didn''t you see the photo? It was Mr. Potter who held Sadie''s hand and gazed at her so tenderly. Maybe Mr. Potter was the initiator..." "The homewrecker now has reasons?" A female colleague shot back, unable to conceal her scorn. "Regardless, he''s married with children. It''s never right to meddle in someone''s family."


    "Exactly! People should uphold morals and decency, not be shameless," another colleague retorted indignantly.


    "You''re just envious because she''s attractive..." Alissa was now in a full-blown argument with her two coworkers.


    "What''s beauty got to do with it? Being beautiful justifies tearing families apart? Engaging in such vile acts will curse her offspring ..."


    Unable to bear the shame any longer, Sadie turned on her heel and left.


    "Hey, Sadie, where do you think you''re going? If you miss this elevator, you''re gonna bete," Alissa shouted as the doors shut.


    "She just couldn''t stand it anymore, huh? She''s too embarrassed to stick around."


    "I don''t get HR sometimes. Why hire such morally corrupt people?"


    "Like you''re all saints? As if you''re so above it all..."


    With her colleagues still bickering by the elevator, Sadie Roth held her forehead, deciding to take another lift.


    Then Leah White''s damning voice rang out again, "Sadie Roth, you harlot! Show yourself right now or I''ll spill your dirty little secrets to the press..."

 Chapter 203 Wrath Undeserved

    Hearing that, Sadie, about to step into the elevator, froze. Of course, she knew exactly what Leah meant by ''secrets''...


    If the matter of her children became public, the fallout would be too dreadful to consider.


    The press would drag up her past nightlife and sensationalize it everywhere...


    And it wasn''t just Micah Clemens she''d have to worry about - her children would suffer deep psychological wounds.


    Besides, she still hadn''t confirmed if Micah Clemens was really a male escort...


    "Please leave, don''t cause a scene at VIC Group."


    The security guards promptly escorted Leah White out.


    "Let me go, let me go," Leah White struggled and screamed, "Do you have any idea who I am? My husband is Ronan Potter, how dare you touch me? I''ll sue you all!" "Somebody help! The VIC Group security is assaulting me! They''re assaulting me!"


    The guards ignored her and pulled her outside.


    Leah was relentless, and she continued to rail at the door, "So, Sadie Roth, you won''t face me? I''m going to the media then..."


    Before Leah could finish, Sadie briskly stepped out, "Stop this ruckus. Whatever your issue is, we can talk about it privately."


    "You finally decide to show up," Leah sneered with scornfulughter. "Why talk privately? Scared I''ll expose your dirtyundry? When you were seducing my husband, you didn''t think of that, did you?" "You''re mistaken; I have nothing to do with your husband."


    As Sadie spoke, her colleagues gathered around. The drama was too enticing even if it meant beingte to work.


    Security gathered too and watched the scene unfold.


    David approached, asking quietly, "Sadie, you need help?"


    "No, thanks." Sadie didn''t want to drag him into her troubles.


    "Nothing happened?" Leah White demanded; her voiceced with agitation. "Then why meet alone? Why hold hands? For all I know, what else did you do? Do you think I''m an idiot?"


    "It was just to return a bracelet," Sadie Roth retorted icily. "You should be well aware of how much your husband values the partnership with VIC Group. If you keep making a scene, it will affect me, sure, but the bacsh on you will be much worse."


    Leah White''s face went rigid. She knew this was all true. Blinded by fury, she had barged into VIC Group to confront Sadie Roth. Deep down, it was a ploy to draw her out...


    Now that she had achieved her goal, continuing the drama would serve no good purpose.


    "There''s a caf¨¦ across the street. Go wait there for me. I''ll ask for time off and join you in ten minutes."


    With that, Sadie Roth turned and walked into the toweringpany building.


    "Don''t go," Leah White rushed in, trying to grab Sadie but was stopped by David.


    Leah wanted to persist with the confrontation, but David warned, "Mrs. Potter, thepany has already informed Mr. Potter. He''ll be arriving shortly. It''s best you don''t cause any more trouble here."


    "Who told you to notify him?" Leah White, flustered and frustrated, had no choice but to leave.


    Sadie Roth approached Victoria Lynn for a leave of absence.


    Victoria tossed a pile of newspapers in front of her and barked sharply, "Sadie Roth, your personal issues have caused enough negative publicity for thepany. The higher-ups have ordered your immediate suspension!" "Suspended? Why?" Sadie Roth started to exin anxiously, "Victoria, this is all a misunderstanding, I really didn''t¡ª"


    "There''s no need to exin to me," Victoria Lynn cut her off, her tone chilly. "The truth isn''t what matters right now. It''s the negative impact you''ve had on thepany. You''re suspended until this public rtions storm calms down. That''s the least we can do."


    Having said her piece, Victoria Lynn walked away...


    Feeling utterly helpless, Sadie thought to herself, how unfair this was. She was being punished for nothing. Why would the media fabricate such stories?


    However, her immediate priority was to pacify Leah White. If that woman went off the rails and leaked anything about the children, Sadie''s life would implode...

 Chapter 204 The Woman with Low Intellect

    After rushing to the caf¨¦ across from thepany, Sadie Roth barely stepped inside when a barrage of camera shes nearly blinded her.


    Shielding her eyes instinctively, Sadie Roth heard Leah White''s voice ringing in her ears. "Feast your eyes on Sadie Roth, the homewrecker of my marriage. Make sure you get a good close-up of her face!" It was then that Sadie realized Leah had ambushed her with a pack of reporters...


    How devious!


    All the cameras were fixed on her, and she was being bombarded with questions from every direction. "Miss Roth, what is the nature of your rtionship with Mr. Potter?"


    "Miss Roth, when did you start meddling in Mr. Potter''s marriage?"


    "Miss Roth, are you pressuring Mr. Potter into a divorce to marry you?"


    "Miss Roth, why would you do such a thing?"


    Anger surged through Sadie as she shot back, "What proof do you have that I interfered with their marriage?"


    "We have photos of you and Ronan Potter looking quite cozy. You''re holding hands even. Isn''t that true?" A female reporter was pressing hard.


    "Holding hands equals affair?" Sadie retorted as she stepped closer. She grabbed the reporter''s hand and ced it on a nearby photographer''s, "So, are you a homewrecker now?"


    The reporter was left speechless.


    The photographer was baffled.


    "Miss Roth, does this mean you''re not the other woman?" Another journalist probed. "Then why meet with Mr. Potter alone?"


    "You''ll have to ask his wife about that," Sadie said, her eyes locked coldly on Leah White. "She took something of mine and left for vacation. I needed it back urgently. She ducked the issue, so I had no choice but to turn to Ronan." Leah White, fuming, pointed usingly at her, "You dare to smear my name like this?"


    "Why not?" Sadie challenged, her demeanor unshaken, "Shall I have the ne''s real ownere forward to prove it?"


    Hearing that, fear shed across Leah''s face. She had nearly forgotten about Micah Clemens backing Sadie.


    Leah felt Sadie''s breath on her ear as she whispered menacingly, "If you want to talk this out the right way, bring the right attitude. If you''re looking for a showdown, I''m all in. I''ve got nothing to lose. But how about you? Are you ready to gamble away being Mrs. Potter?"


    "You..." Leah White was seething with rage, and her teeth clenched in frustration, but she ultimately backed down. She had to consider Ronan Potter''s feelings and the consequences of crossing Micah Clemens... "That''s it for today''s interview; you all can leave now."


    Leah White swiftly sent the reporters packing, slipping a ten-thousand-dor envelope into each of their hands.


    The journalists were reluctant to leave, sensing they were on the brink of a sensational story.


    But with the Potter family''s security ushering them out, they had no choice. Grumbling and cursing under their breath, they vowed never to cover Leah White''s affairs again.


    Finally, the reporters dispersed, and the caf¨¦ settled into silence.


    "Sadie Roth, you better disentangle yourself from Ronan this instant, or I won''t let it slide!" Leahmanded with imperiousness. "For thest time," Sadie Roth responded with impatience, "there is absolutely nothing between me and Ronan Potter..." "Nothing?" Leah mmed her hand on the table. "Then why did you call me that day, iming you were going to seduce him..."


    "That was just to provoke you intoing back," Sadie said with a cold frown. "Your intelligence really hasn''t improved one bit."


    "You..." Leah''s face turned a shade of livid steel. "If nothing is going on, then why did Ronane back with a ruby ne? Why is he so adamant about divorcing me? He''s even signed the divorce papers already." "The ruby was a gift from Mr. Clemens. They have other arrangements," Sadie furrowed her brow, "As for the divorce, you should be asking him."

 Chapter 205 The Thai Gentleman

    "It has to be because of you," Leah said, heartache evident in her voice. "Nobody else could make him so determined to divorce me..."


    "How can I make it any clearer to you?" Sadie Roth was at a loss for words. "Ronan and I are a thing of the past. Even if he wasn''t married to you, even if he were single, there''s no way I''d go back to him!"


    "Of course, I understand that you''ve moved on from him, but he hasn''t moved on from you," Leah said with a forced smile. "He''s foolishly thinking that divorcing me would open a path to chase after you again, but in reality, you already have someone in your sights, don''t you? It''s clear now that you''re setting your sights on Mr. Clemens."


    "You''re right," Sadie Roth bluntly admitted, tired of the back-and-forth and hoping Leah would drop her pursuit. "I''m totally focused on winning over Mr. Clemens. In every possible way, he''s a far better catch than Ronan Potter!"


    "You''re so full of yourself," Leah White said with scorn, "I did some digging. Mr. Clemens? He''s got a fianc¨¦e. You were just a fling to him; he was never serious about you." "What?" A shiver ran through Sadie Roth. Micah Clemens had a fianc¨¦e? How was she unaware?


    "The reason Ronan can''t let go is that he knows you stand no chance with Mr. Clemens," Leah chuckled. "Actually, there''s someone who could be a good match for you..." Sadie was utterly puzzled.


    "Come on out!" Leah pped her hands.


    Kathleen emerged from a private room, followed by a tall man trailing behind her.


    He stood about six-foot-two, lean and straight in stature, sharing a faint resemnce to Micah Clemens-but with a markedly different presence.


    Upon seeing his face, it was clear he was Thai!


    "Do you remember him?" Kathleen pointed at the Thai man, her voiceced with mockery, "The one you spent the night with at the nightclub."


    The man surveyed Sadie Roth with a contemtive look on his face.


    "He''s never forgotten you-you were his very first client," Leah added with a hint of spurious kindness. "I paid a hefty twenty thousand for his time and arranged for you both to stay in a hotel room. That night, you had an unexpected pregnancy..."


    "No way," Sadie''s eyes widened in disbelief, and her head shook frantically, "It can''t be him... It just can''t..."


    Though her memory was clouded with alcohol that night, and she was unable to recall the man''s face, she vividly remembered waking up to the sight of his retreating figure and the distinctive tattoo on his lower back... There was no mistaking it.


    "If not him, then who?" Kathleen''s sneer was relentless. "He hasn''t forgotten. He takes a snapshot with every single client-a keepsake."


    With that, Kathleen gestured to the Thai man...


    He carefully pulled out several photos from the pocket of his floral shirt andid them on the table.


    Sadie''s gaze locked onto them, her mouth agape...


    In the photos, she was passed out drunk, d only in a ck bra. Her face was flushed crimson, and she was sprawled across a white bed. And there he was, the Thai man in the photos, angling the camera to get several intimate shots with her...


    A wave of revulsion washed over Sadie Roth. Her skin crawled, and she felt the overwhelming urge to retch.


    She couldn''t believe it-the man from that night four years ago, the one she''d spent with in a drunken haze, was this Thai man before her... And even more unimaginable, he was the father of her three children.


    "You don''t believe me?" Leah White whipped out her phone and fired up the video app. "Watch this and then tell me you don''t believe me!"


    With a skeptical twist of her head, Sadie Roth glimpsed at the phone screen-only to find herself in a drunken haze, bitterly denouncing Ronan Potter for his betrayal on the yback.


    Leah, steadying her with one hand, pointed with the other at the lineup of male models, singling out the sole foreign face- the very man standing before them. "You, it''s your lucky night. You''ve got one job: keep Sadie happy!"

 Chapter 206 It Definitely Wasnt Him

    "Yes, yes." The man stepped forward to support Sadie Roth as they left the private booth...


    Leah White followed, reminding them, "I''ve booked a hotel right across the street. Let me walk you over..."


    "What a pity!" Leah White pocketed her phone with a mocking sneer, "Ronan arrived early at the nightclub that evening. I rushed over to meet him and casually ced a mini-camera in the vase. Somehow, nothing got recorded. Otherwise, we''d have some really juicy footage by now."


    "You''re despicable!" Sadie Roth burst out in angry fury, "Leah White, I treated you so well, why would you do this to me? Why?"


    "Treat me well?" Leah White scoffed, "I''ve been your little sidekick all my life, waiting on you hand and foot like an assistant. You call that being nice? We''re both human, so why do you get to be the high and mighty miss, and I''m just your minion? Why?"


    "Everything I have is from my dad, what''s it got to do with you?"


    Sadie Roth couldn''t fathom her logic.


    "Yeah, that''s why your dad died so young." Leah White''s wordsnded like daggers in Sadie''s heart.


    "You''re talking nonsense!!"


    Quivering with anger, Sadie Roth reached out to p Leah White but Kathleen caught her arm.


    "Go ahead, try and touch my Leah," Kathleen pushed her back with a stern warning, "We''ve got dirt on you now, you should be groveling like a dog, not putting on airs. Don''t believe me? I''ll post these videos and pictures online right now. Then have this guy give a detailed ount to the media of what happened that night..."


    "You..." Sadie Roth was speechless, her eyes pleading with the man as she shook her head in panic, "It can''t be, it just can''t be him, no way..."


    "It''s me, it really is," the man said weakly, "I even remember the scar on your waist..."


    Struck by lightning, Sadie Roth shuddered, copsing onto the couch.


    She did have a scar on her waist.


    Could it really be....


    No...


    A thought struck Sadie Roth; she dashed over, pinned the man against the wall, and began to lift his shirt.


    "Yuck!" Kathleen quickly turned away, covering her eyes and swearing, "Shameless, doing such disgraceful things right in front of us. Gross!" "What a lunatic..." Leah White scowled with disgust.


    But as Sadie Roth flipped up the man''s shirt, she saw his lower back-no tattoo... It''s not him!


    Sadie Roth was sure of it, absolutely certain it wasn''t him!


    "Sadie, I don''t have time for your games," Leah White warned with domineering arrogance," "Marry this man immediately, or I''ll leak the videos and photos, along with the story of your triplets and that Vegas gigolo."


    "I won''t marry him," Sadie calmly retorted. "He''s not the man from that night, nor is he the father of my children. You''re just trying to disgust me by throwing someone at me."


    "Are you out of your mind?" Leah flipped through the provocative photos. "I''veid out all the evidence, and you still deny it? What''s the point?"


    "I''m sure it''s not him," Sadie insisted, "but if you dare spread rumors, I won''t let you get away with it!"


    "You..."


    "I really want to see how you won''t let us get away," Kathleen sneered. "You think because you have Mr. Clemens backing you up, we''re scared? Let''s be clear, if Mr. Clemens finds out about your dirtyundry and those three kids, do you think he''ll still protect you? He''d probably want to throttle you."

 Chapter 207 Find Someone to Marry

    Hearing this, Sadie hesitated. Yeah, if Micah Clemens found out, that would be trouble...


    But if Micah Clemens was that gigolo from the past, then these threats would be meaningless. Yet she could not be certain about it now.


    She dared not take the risk...


    Moreover, even if he truly was the gigolo, what if he had something to do with her father''s death?


    She couldn''t acknowledge him, let alone let him find out about the kids.


    Or else, he might try to take them away...


    These worrisome thoughts flickered through her mind, leaving Sadie in turmoil...


    She surely couldn''t marry that man from Thand just as a cover-up?


    "You have no choice." Leah threatened. "I''m out of patience. He''s got his papers ready, you two can go to the city hall and get the marriage license now. I''ll arrange the media coverage. Just make these two steps happen, and I won''t bother you again."


    "Give me some time," Sadie couldn''t simply refuse or agree, "I need to think..."


    "Think about what? You need to agree right now," Leah pressed, unable to wait another moment.


    "But..." Sadie Roth was about to speak when her cell phone suddenly rang. The caller ID read "Gentleman''s Companion," and she felt as if a lifeline had been thrown to her. "Isn''t your goal just to get me married off so Ronan Potter takes the hint? It doesn''t have to be this Thai guy; I could marry someone else."


    "Who on earth are you going to marry on such short notice?" Kathleen retorted with a hint of irritation. "Do you really think you''re some stunning beauty that everyone is dying to marry?"


    "I have someone in mind..." Sadie picked up her phone hesitantly. "But he can''t know I have a child."


    "Whatever," Leah White said dismissively, waving her hand. "As long as you get married and announce it in the press, it''s a done deal. But it needs to be registered today."


    "Leah..." Kathleen tried to interject, but Leah had spoken her mind.


    "Alright, let me take this call." Sadie walked away with her phone, whispering into the receiver, "Gentleman''s Companion, save me..."


    "What''s wrong? You being hunted again?"


    Micah Clemens'' concerned voice came through, urgency causing him to forget to disguise his tone.


    "No, it''s just... I need to get to the courthouse right now to register for marriage. Can you help me?"


    "What''s the situation?" Micah sounded perplexed.


    "I can''t exin everything, just need to know if you can help me tie the knot today."


    Sadie was testing the waters. If it was really Micah Clemens on the line, he would currently be abroad and wouldn''t be able to fly back to Newark immediately. "I''m out of town, can it wait a few days?"


    Just as she had expected, the gentleman on the other end responded tentatively.


    "Abroad, huh?" Sadie probed.


    There was a two-second pause before he replied, "In Switzend!"


    "Oh..." Sadie was now almost sure it was Micah Clemens. She decided to push a little further. "The two million you gave me isn''t enough."


    "What are you talking about?" He sounded genuinely confused. "What two million?"


    "Just admit it; you are..." she tried to bait him.


    "Are you done yet? I don''t have time for this runaround."


    Leah''s voice, tinged with impatience, cut her off.


    On the other end, Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is someone threatening you?"


    "I''ll touch base with youter," Sadie Roth hung up the phone, turning to Leah White, "Can''t track anyone down right now. You''ll either have to give me a few more days or just do what you gotta do!" "You think we can''t handle you?" Kathleen hissed, "Keep ying games, and I assure you, your dirtyundry will be the talk of the town in no time!"


    "Let it spill," Sadie Roth dered brazenly. "Micah Clemens won''t have me if he knows about my kid, but Ronan won''t mind. Push me into a corner, and I''ll have no choice but to cling to Ronan."

 Chapter 208 The Other Boy from Back Then

    "That bitch!" Leah lunged forward, pping Sadie Roth hard across the face, seething with rage, "Dare to steal my man, and I''ll kill you!!!"


    As she tried to hit Sadie again, Kathleen held her back...


    "We need solutions, not more problems," Kathleen whispered, trying to calm her down, "Pressuring her won''t get us anywhere right now. How about we give her a couple of days?"


    With her head cocked to the side and her cheek stinging from the p, Sadie didn''t retaliate. She just quietly took note of the debt she was owed.


    Seething, Leah reluctantly agreed after listening to her mother: "Fine, you have two days. If you don''t meet my demands within that time, I''m going public with your scandals. And if you think ofining to Ronan, I''ll send your kid''s details to the press straight away."


    "Got it."


    ...


    After leaving the caf¨¦, Sadie Roth was hounded by a swarm of reporters. She dashed through the streets, winding through alleys until she finally lost them.


    She couldn''t fathom why Leah White was still after her. After all the past harm that she had suffered and let slide, Leah showed no remorse and only intensified her cruelty...


    Now, suspended from her job and her life in disarray...


    Back at home, Sadie was nearly at breaking point, her phone ringing incessantly. It was Ronan Potter calling. Just the sight of his name brought on a headache. She immediately hung up and blocked the number. Atst, a moment of peace... With her forehead burning, Sadie tried to rest on the couch, but her phone rang again-all from the media. Irritated, she blocked each number. Then, a familiar number popped up...


    She froze at the sight. It was almost identical to Ronan Potter''s, differing by just one digit. His ended in 9, this mysterious caller ended in 6.


    Sadie Roth reminisced about her college years, how Arianna had been head-over-heels for Ronan Potter and even got herself a phone number that was strikingly simr to his... The phone rang, and Sadie answered, "Hello?"


    "Sadie Roth, getting through to you is like trying to hail a cab in rush hour. It''s Arianna."


    Sure enough, that unmistakable voice.


    "Hey there. What''s up?" Sadie asked, ever the diplomat.


    "Just hanging out. Someone''s here to see you, though..."


    With that, Arianna handed the phone off.


    Soon after, a gentle voice came through, "Hey wild thing, you remember who this is?"


    Sadie froze, dumbstruck, until snapping back to reality, "Mason!!!"


    "Well, I''m relieved. I just made a bet with Arianna-if you forgot me, I was on the hook for her heels for a year..."


    The boy''s voice was warm with humor, as full of sunshine as it had always been.


    "How could I forget..."


    A wave of nostalgia hit Sadie. Besides her father and Ronan Potter, Mason had been the kindest man in her world. There was that one time at university-an ident-Mason had sacrificed a finger to save her...


    She remembered seeing him lying in a pool of blood, her own body shaking with sobs.


    Even in agony, pale and drenched in sweat, he managed a faint smile and joked, "Feeling guilty? Marry me if you do..."


    Mason had vied with Ronan Potter for years, doing so much in his pursuit of Sadie.


    Yet in the end, it was the refined and cultured Ronan who captured her heart; he was her first real crush, after all.


    And Mason, he was more like a brother, or family.


    When Sadie got engaged to Ronan, Mason left the country alone, cutting all ties.


    "Are you free for a drink?" Mason''s voice brought her back, soft as ever.


    "Yeah," Sadie blurted out, then hesitated. Wouldn''t the paparazzi swarm her wherever she went? Could she cause trouble for Mason? "Don''t worry, I''ve got you covered. Give me a secure spot, and I''ll pick you up."


    Mason was always thorough and considerate.

 Chapter 209 The Perfect Standby

    Sadie gave him an address close to her new ce and agreed to meet in thirty minutes.


    She quickly changed her clothes and brushed her hair before heading out.


    No sooner had she arrived at the spot than a ck Maybach rolled up...


    The car door swung open, and a pair of long legs stepped out. Sunsses came off to reveal a beaming smile: "You little rascal!"


    "Mason!" Sadie Roth stared at Mason, momentarily taken aback before recognizing him.


    Mason seemed like a changed manpared to the young, sunny boy of years past. Now sporting long hair, his slender frame had be a touch frail, his handsome face softened with a trace of mncholy... But even so, he appeared more innocently striking than ever!


    Even Sadie, standing in front of him, couldn''t help feeling a bit inferior: "You''ve lost weight, and somehow, you look even better."


    "Tsk tsk, I''ve always said, ''handsome'' isn''t the right word to describe me."


    Mason, true to his old habits, found joy in pinching Sadie Roth''s cheeks.


    "But it''s true, you are handsome."


    Sadie Roth was quite adamant on this matter.


    Mason''s beauty was like that of a character stepped out of a painting-rosy lips, white teeth, skin as pale as snow. His features and contours, wless to a point where even many women felt overshadowed. Especially now with his hair grown out, casually tied back, it added an androgynous charm!


    "But not as lovely as you!"


    Their banter, just like the old days. Mason looped an arm around Sadie Roth''s shoulders, guiding her into the car, "Get in before the paparazzi show up again."


    Sadie nced around nervously, spotting a few shady figures eyeing them nearby.


    "Buckle up and hold tight."


    With a reminder from Mason, the car roared to life, speeding off.


    Sadie hastily gripped the handle, taking a deep breath, her body pressed back into the seat.


    Sure enough, the ck sedan behind them gave chase, but Mason, with his fine driving skills, wove through traffic with ease, quickly losing them.


    Sadie exhaled in relief, suggesting, "Slow down a little."


    "Sure thing," Mason eased off the elerator, affectionately ruffling her hair, "Let''s grab some seafood."


    "You still remember..."


    As a young girl, Sadie Roth had a fondness for seafood, but Ronan Potter, worried about her digestion, never obliged.


    Mason was different; he just wanted her to be happy.


    "How could I forget?" Mason smiled tenderly at her, "I remember everything about you."


    Faced with such heartfelt words, Sadie was at a loss for a response...


    She gazed out at the moonlight, feeling weary and helpless. Burdened with responsibilities, even a normal life seemed unattainable, let alone dragging anyone else down with her.


    "I know about what happened back then," Mason couldn''t help bringing up, "If it had been me engaged to you, I would never have let you down. With me around, he would still be here!"


    Hearing those words, Sadie Roth felt a pang at the bridge of her nose, her eyes brimming with tears...


    She quickly turned her head away, not wanting him to see her sentimental side.


    Once upon a time, she had chosen Ronan Potter over Mason, and now, reality had pped her hard...


    Arianna''s father and Mason''s father were brothers. Ten years ago, Arianna''s family had just managed to get a foothold in Newark. Over the years, thanks to the patronage and support of Mason''s father, their influence had gradually expanded. They were on the verge of surpassing the Potter n.


    It was clear that the ckwell family was wealthy and wielded unique influence in the business world!


    Even the almighty Micah Clemens treated the ckwells with more respect than he did others.


    So, Mason''s words held truth; if he had been there back then, Edmond might not have ended up on a path of no return...


    Edmond had actually preferred Mason over Ronan; he had simply respected Sadie''s choice.


    In a fit of anger, Mason left Newark behind and cut all ties with everyone, bing unreachable.


    It was this very act that caused the Roth family to miss theirst chance at salvation...

 Chapter 210 The Perfect Standby

    "It''s all my fault," Mason admitted with self-reproach. "If I hadn''t acted on impulse and cut everyone off after leaving Newark, your dad wouldn''t have faced those problems." "It''s not on you," Sadie Roth took a deep breath. "Maybe it''s just fate."


    "You never used to talk like that," Mason looked at her with empathy. "These years must have been hard for you, right?"


    "It''s not about hardship; it''s just..." Sadie Roth fought the urge to pour her heart out and changed the subject. "Mason, did youe back to visit Arianna and your dad?" "I came for you," Mason''s gaze was intense. "I heard about your troubles and wanted to see if there was anything I could do for you."


    "You shouldn''t be so good to me..." Sadie''s voice broke as she began to sob. "The better you are to me, the more guilty I feel."


    She nced at his hand on the steering wheel, the left adorned with a ck glove to cover the missing ring finger...


    That finger, meant for a wedding band, was lost because of her.


    "Don''t be silly!" Mason, seeing her about to cry, immediately pulled her into an embrace. "I take joy in being kind to you. Let me be happy, okay?"


    Silent, with a pout and a sniffle, Sadie Roth nestled into his embrace.


    By nature, she was the epitome of optimism and cheer. She faced challenges head-on, always finding a way through the tough spots without copsing into tears or mncholy...


    But even she had her limits, moments of feeling overwhelmed, repressed, and worn out.


    She wouldn''t dare let Brenda and the kids see her unravel, but now, in the sanctuary of these warm, strong arms and broad shoulders, she craved temporary shelter...


    "You have nothing to fear with me here," Mason whispered, kissing her hair. "Tell me, what''s happening?"


    "I..." Her voice trembled as Sadie''s mouth opened, yet no words followed. She couldn''t confess about hiring a male escort once upon a time and now having three kids by him, or that she was being ckmailed by the White family, threatening to expose her past with photos and videos if she didn''t marry within two days, and even risking one Thai man disclosing unpleasant details to the media...


    Nor could she mention how Micah Clemens forced her into a debt settlement that not even Mason''s hundred million could clear, for Clemens would never ept it.


    She owed Mason too much already; she couldn''t allow her troubles to drag him down too...


    Especially not to make an enemy of someone as daunting as Micah Clemens!!


    She had to keep him out of it...


    "I''ve seen the news," Mason spoke up, broaching the subject. "I know it''s not true. With your character, after Ronan Potter bailed at the clutch four years ago, you would never look back!" Instead of pushing her away, he tenderly lifted her face and sealed her lips with a kiss...


    "Don''t worry, now that I''m back, no one can hurt you."


    Mason''s brow furrowed, his protective instincts emerging.


    "No, this is my battle, please don''t get involved," she urged. "You''re different, Mason. You''ve never cared for corporate strife or deceitful games. You''ve always loved your art-don''t entangle yourself on my ount." "Let''s drop it," Mason said with a gentle smile. "We''ve finally got together; let''s make it a happy asion."


    "Yes," Sadie nodded eagerly. "Tonight, it''s on me. Let''s have a good drink."


    "Alright, then I won''t hold back."


    Mason''s smile outshone the moon in its serene beauty...

 Chapter 211 The Scene She Wasnt Meant to See

    Mason took Sadie Roth to a seaside diner known for its fresh seafood.


    Mason guided Sadie Roth into a private booth he had reserved in advance, ordering all of her favorite dishes.


    Once the server left, they walked down memoryne, reminiscing about their college days. They were both beaming with joy-after all, those simple, pure, youthful memories were nothing but happy. After a while, Mason inquired about Sadie''s present situation.


    Her smile vanished instantly, and her expression turned solemn. She looked down, sipping her tea silently.


    "I heard from Arianna that you and Mr. Clemens of VIC Group... have a good rtionship?" Mason asked tentatively.


    "He''s my boss," Sadie replied, keeping her tone light.


    "Sadie," Mason cautioned earnestly, "stay away from the Clemens family!"


    She looked at him, puzzled, "Why do you say that?"


    Mason thought for a moment before simplifying his exnation, "There''s a saying in the business world that the North and South families are the titans of the corporate arena, but they''re also intricate webs of power. It''s tooplex for someone as genuine as you."


    "Oh..." Sadie nodded, a bit disappointed, "I thought you knew something specific."


    "What?" Mason was clearly baffled.


    "Never mind," Sadie smiled, changing the subject, "Let''s drink our tea."


    Mason was nothing like Ronan Potter, Micah Clemens, or any of the ruthless tycoons...


    He had an affinity for the arts since childhood, loathed the cutthroat business world, and favored a life untouched by corporate scheming. He was in apletely different realm from those master strategists.


    Nor was he cunning and street-smart like those who thrive on social games.


    Unrted to the machinations of power, Mason''s approach to rtionships was untainted and pure he was like an ethereal being, simple and untouched by worldly concerns...


    Sadie Roth didn''t want him to get dragged into herplicated world!


    Soon, their seafood meal was served, and they chatted amiably as they savored the vors.


    Mason was as considerate as ever, caring for Sadie in the gentle ways she had grown ustomed to.


    As they ate, Sadie''s phone rang. Brenda on the other end said that Mia hade down with a fever again and had been rushed to the hospital...


    Concerned, Sadie immediately asked about the details.


    Brenda soothed her, saying it was just amon cold and fever, not a big issue, and that there was no need to worry. The child was just missing her mom, constantly calling out for "Mommy."


    Sadie Roth was dying to rush to her kids, but with the situation unresolved, she didn''t dare head to the countryside to bring them back. She could only implore Brenda to keep a watchful eye on them. "As soon as I clear this mess, I''ll be there," she promised.


    After hanging up the call, Sadie was heading back to her private dining area when she noticed the door of the booth across from her slightly ajar. Peering through the small opening, she caught sight of two familiar figures... It was Ronan Potter and Arianna!


    Ronan, apparently deep in his cups, looked dejected as he drank and poured out his sorrows.


    Arianna, clearly moved, couldn''t resist wrapping him in an embrace...


    He didn''t push her away; instead, he tenderly lifted her face and sealed her lips with a kiss...

 Chapter 212 Taking the Fall

    Sadie stood frozen, like a deer in headlights.


    Not until a waiter stepped forward to close that booth''s door did she snap out of it, blinking hard and wondering if she''d been mistaken... "Sadie!" Mason called out to her.


    She hurriedly followed him into the booth, shut the door, and with a racing heart eximed, "I just saw..."


    Before she could finish, her phone rang. It was Leah White calling.


    Frowning, she answered, "Hello?"


    "Where are you?" Leah demanded bluntly.


    "I''m out having dinner. What''s up?" Sadie replied with a frown.


    "Give me the address now!" Leah insisted aggressively.


    "What''s wrong with you..." As Sadie was about to speak, the sound of a waiter''s greeting drifted in, "Wee to Lime Bistro!"


    Hearing this, Leah erupted over the phone, "Oh, Sadie Roth! You said you needed two days to find a man to marry, but here you are seducing my husband and arranging meetings with him? You shameless hussy, just you wait!" "Hello..." Sadie tried to exin, but Leah hung up on her.


    Sadie was beyond words - how could she get so unlucky, getting med for something while out just for a meal?


    She figured Leah must''ve installed a tracker on Ronan''s phone, realized he was dining here, and since Ronan wasn''t picking up her calls, she suspected him of having a date...


    And naturally, Sadie Roth became the prime suspect.


    That led Leah White to confront Sadie with an usatory call.


    And then, hearing the server''s words, Sadie Roth found herself caught in another misunderstanding...


    "What''s up? Whose call was it?" Mason inquired.


    "Leah White," Sadie Roth replied irritably. "She''s like a rabid dog, started cussing without knowing the whole story."


    "Why would she cuss you out?" Mason probed, puzzled.


    "She thought I was here dining with Ronan Potter when, in fact..." Sadie almost let the truth slip, but then bit her tongue.


    After all, Arianna was Mason''s cousin, and if Mason discovered the truth, with his temperament, he would undoubtedly confront Ronan Potter and it would not end well...


    In a ce packed with patrons, any scuffle would instantly out the rtionship to the public eye.


    The resulting rumors could damage Ronan''s career, and Arianna would never forgive Sadie...


    Sadie was already besieged by adversaries; she couldn''t afford to make an enemy out of Arianna.


    Nor did she want to cause trouble for Ronan.


    "So, what actually?" Mason pressed.


    "It''s nothing." Sadie Roth didn''t want any furtherplications. "Let''s get out of here, Mason. Find somece quieter."


    "I should''ve never listened to that seafood restaurant rmendation from Arianna. She was so insistent it was delicious," Mason grumbled as he gathered his phone and car keys, leading Sadie out. Reflecting on his words, something felt off to Sadie, prompting her to ask, "Did Arianna know you were bringing me here?"


    "Of course," Mason chuckled. "I only dine out with you, no one else."


    Her smile was stiff, doubts clouding her mind...


    If Arianna had suggested this ce to Mason for her, why bring Ronan Potter here too?


    Was it to deliberately make her see them?


    They were heading out of the restaurant, about to step into the elevator, when Sadie caught sight of two familiar figures locked in a fervent kiss inside... She stopped dead in her tracks...


    Mason was about to look up when his phone rang. He stepped aside to answer, "Yeah, I''m out right now. Let''s talk another day, after I handle some things. Okay." By the time he finished the call, the elevator had already descended to the ground floor...


    Sadie rushed to the window and peered down. Sure enough, there was Ronan Potter, his arm around Arianna, getting into a car which then sped away.

 Chapter 213 If Hes Willing

    "What are you staring at?" Mason came up and asked.


    "Let''s just go," Sadie Roth said with furrowed brows, weighed down by her thoughts. She was profoundly disillusioned with Ronan Potter...


    If at first it was following his parents'' wishes to break off the engagement, a pressured decision, and a drunken slip with Leah White that could be chalked up to confusion, what about now?


    Just the day before, he had sworn to protect Sadie Roth, yet in a blink, he was having an affair with Arianna while still married...


    This was truly a matter of character!!!


    "Sadie, what''s wrong?" Mason noticed Sadie''s distraction and asked with concern, "Don''t mind Leah White; she''s a jerk. I told you from the start she was bad news and to stay away from her..."


    "Ah..." Sadie sighed deeply, looking earnestly at Mason, "Out of all our ssmates back then, you were the only one who stayed true to yourself, never changing!"


    Yes, Ronan Potter, Arianna, Leah White, they had all changed...


    Only Mason remained unpretentiously sincere, kind and affectionate!


    "Of course!" Mason affectionately ruffled her hair, "Didn''t eat enough before? Let''s try another ce."


    "I don''t feel like eating. Let''s find somewhere quiet to sit," Sadie felt exhausted in body and soul.


    "Alright, how about we head to the beach for some fresh air?"


    Mason drove to the beach, opened the convertible top, and they gazed up at the stars while sharing a heart-to-heart.


    In these four years, he had traveled alone around the world, witnessing spectacr views and bringing those scenes to life in his paintings...


    His life was as simple and pure as the person he was.


    Meanwhile, Sadie''s life had turned from a nk canvas into one cluttered with graffiti.


    She had a dark past and current scandals, now bound by strings she couldn''t control.


    And these were things she couldn''t share with Mason.


    She couldn''t be too selfish, using him as a refuge or a shield...


    It wouldn''t be fair to him.


    "Sadie, I can tell you''re troubled and you don''t want to talk about it," Mason said softly, holding her hand, "Whatever you''ve been through, it won''t bother me. I just want to be there for you, shelter you. Let me take care of you from now on."


    Confronted with Mason''s heartfelt confession, Sadie felt a fleeting surge of emotion but restrained herself. She hugged him and said with feigned ease, "What troubles could I possibly have? I''m doing pretty well right now." "Sadie..."


    "Come on, let''s head back."


    If Micah Clemens didn''t exist, if there were no three kids to consider, she would have loved to roam the world with Mason, to be the perfect carefree pair. But life isn''t built on what-ifs...


    Her life was destined to beplicated.


    Mason didn''t push further. He knew she needed time...


    Late into the night, Mason drove Sadie Roth back to her neighborhood. He watched her enter and disappear from view before his gaze finally lifted, and he sat in silence in his car, watching the direction in which she''d gone. Arriving home, Sadie texted Brenda, "Brenda, how''s Mia doing? Is she feeling any better?"


    Exhaustion colored Brenda''s voice as she called back, "Miss, we just got back from the hospital. Mia''s asleep. Noah and Nathan have been waiting. Noah''s taking care of Mia now. I''m just making some spaghetti..."


    "Thanks for everything, Brenda!"


    Sadie felt a pang of guilt; she knew the toll of Brenda managing three kids alone, especially with Mia being ill. The worry and stress could spike her blood pressure.


    Brenda had been an anchor for Sadie through the years.


    And the kids... they had faced their share of hardships, without a stable life to count on.


    She really felt guilty.


    "Miss, Noah''s calling me, I''ve got to go. You rest up and don''t worry, okay?"


    After hanging up, Sadie gazed at her phone, her mind awash with ''what ifs.'' Maybe, just maybe, if Mason was willing...

 Chapter 214 The Video Vixen

    Lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang. It was Micah Clemens.


    Sadie stiffened, cleared her throat, and then answered nervously, "Hello?" "What are you up to?"


    Even initiating the call, Micah''s voice was detached.


    "Just... spacing out," Sadie replied while lying on the couch, "Something up?"


    "I''ll handle the suspension when I''m back." Micah sounded all business.


    "Oh, thank you, Mr. Clemens," Sadie responded cautiously.


    "Don''t you have anything to say to me?" he asked.


    After a moment, Sadie ventured, "Goodnight."


    There was silence on the other end, and after a few seconds, he hung up.


    Sadie was at a loss. What did he expect her to say?


    Regardless of whether or not he was a male escort, he must have known about Leah White''s scene at the office.


    But what of it?


    Should she go to him to report the problem, expecting him to stand up for her?


    Actually, what she feared the most was him.


    Without him, perhaps she wouldn''t have so many reservations...


    That night, Sadie Roth tossed and turned in her bed, sleep eluding her. Half of the two days had already slipped by, and she was at a loss on how to handle the issue with the Whites. Marry some guy for real?


    Micah Clemens would throttle her, wouldn''t he?


    In a daze, the dawn crept in.


    Groggy and half-asleep, Sadie''s phone suddenly red. Squinting, she answered without opening her eyes, "Hello?"


    "Sadie, have you seen the news?" Alissa''s voice was brimming with excitement.


    "What?"


    Sadie wasn''t fully awake yet, assuming it was something from yesterday''s news.


    "Your steamy car date with Mr. Potter is all over the inte." Alissa''s voice buzzed with thrill. "There''s a video, too¡ªoh my, it''s scandalous!"


    Frozen, it took Sadie a moment to snap back to reality, asking in shock, "A car date? What car date?"


    "Girl, the one fromst night! You and Mr. Potter, at the beach. A paparazzi got you, and now it''s all over online. Everyone at the office is watching..." Hearing this, Sadie was stunned. Could it be Ronan Potter and Arianna?


    But why was she being dragged into this?


    "I heard thepany might let you go, but no worries, you''ve got Mr. Potter. You''re set for life..."


    "That''s not it, Alissa..."


    "Sadie, girl, you''ve got skills-that video got my blood pumping, haha. I''ve sent you the link. Check it out ASAP."


    Alissa sounded both thrilled and excited, as if discussing great news.


    Sadie clicked the link, and her jaw dropped: #ClemensCorp''s Mr. Clemens in Secret Rendezvous with Young Mistress#


    The news included pictures of them dining together, embracing and kissing in a booth, and sharing a passionate kiss in an elevator...


    Strangely, although Ronan Potter''s face was crystal clear in all the photos, Arianna''s was unrecognizable, with only her hairstyle, figure, and attire vaguely visible. Moreover, the news explicitly named the heroine as a junior secretary from VIC Group!


    Weren''t they talking about her-Sadie Roth?


    She was speechless. It was clearly Arianna, so why was this falling on her?


    Others might be oblivious, but those photographers knew perfectly well.


    With her heart racing, Sadie Roth clicked on the next link with trepidation: "#Ronan Potter caught in a steamy car rendezvous at the beach with his fling" Videos, photos, and borate text descriptions flooded the page.


    In the video, Ronan Potter sat in the passenger seat while the leadingdy straddled him, their movements synchronized to their passionate indulgence. Ronan''s face and physique were unmistakable, but the woman''s identity remained obscure.


    Only Sadie Roth recognized that woman as Arianna in an instant...


    Yet, the news explicitly named the misty-eyed office assistant from VIC Group - Sadie Roth!

 Chapter 215 The Scandals Leading Lady

    Witnessing this, Sadie Roth bolted upright and asked Alissa in a panic, "Alissa, where did you find all these stories? Which outlets are broadcasting this?"


    "It''s a media storm online, everywhere. You''re dominating the top five trending searches! What started as whispers about a little assistant from VIC Group has turned into full-blown name-dropping." Sadie raked her fingers through her hair, her anxiety skyrocketing. How could she prove that she wasn''t the woman in the video?


    It seemed an impossible feat.


    Setting aside that Mason never showed his face to the media, even if he broke his silence to vouch for her, who would believe them?


    She should have put a stop to that couple''s anticsst night. Why didn''t they take their tryst to a hotel instead of the beach?


    And to make matters worse, their escapades got recorded and entangled her in the process.


    Wait, why was the man''s face in clear view, but not the woman''s?


    Something was fishy here.


    "Sadie, you can''t hide your rtionship with Mr. Potter anymore. The news is causing an uproar. I just heard from the CEO that an affair could tarnish thepany''s image, or even affect the group''s stock market position. What if Mr. Potter refuses to divorce and marry you to save his reputation?" Alissa asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "That''s not what''s happening," Sadie Roth exined in distress, "I have nothing to do with Mr. Potter..."


    "Oh,e on, the video says it all. And besides, we''re close, I won''t spill the beans. Why worry about it in front of me?" "It''s not like that..."


    "Wait, hold on, there''s another breaking story," Alissa interrupted Sadie, her eyes wide with excitement, "Oh my God, Sadie, who would''ve guessed you were the nightclub princess back in the day, and that Thai male model thing? You do get around..."


    "What are you talking about?" Sadie jolted, her entire body going rigid.


    "I''ve sent you the news link. You better check it out now," said Alissa, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. "This thing is blowing up. You''ll be swarmed with media outlets digging up dirt on you. You need to handle this fast, or it won''t just affect your rtionship with Mr. Potter, but also make a terrible impression on his family. Marrying into that kind of wealth will be nearly impossible..."


    Sadie Roth didn''t catch the rest of Alissa''s warning. She immediately clicked on the link that Alissa had sent: #Ronan Potter''s Secret Lover''s Wild Life: Nights Out, One-Night Stands# #Ronan Potter''s Secret Lover Sadie Roth Spotted with a Thai Male Model at a Night Club Four Years Ago#


    #Who Is Sadie Roth, and How Did She Enchant Newark''s Most Eligible Billionaire?#


    #Exclusive Reveal of Sadie Roth''s Mysterious Identity at Noon on Twitter#


    #At 1 PM, Mysterious Man Exposes Sadie Roth''s Full Escort History Live#


    With trembling hands, Sadie opened each link. The incriminating photos of her with Thai Tiger, the Thai man, and videos from her escorting days were all circting in the news.... The evidence was indisputable and irrefutable.


    But the voice and presence of Leah White were conveniently omitted, leaving only a drunken Sadie with Thai Tiger...


    Some media outlets hadpiled all recent news into a detailed narrative.


    The story described how Sadie Roth shamelessly seduced Ronan Potter, maliciously pressured him to abandon his wife and child, and then lured him into car trysts.


    They imed Sadie Roth''s antics were all to create public pressure, to force Mrs. Potter to step aside, pushing Ronan Potter to marry her!


    In short, all news pointed the finger at Sadie Roth, painting Ronan Potter as a naivemb led astray by beauty, while Leah White was cast as the suffering, tolerant wife... Millions ofments showered in, all of them castigating Sadie, with some acquaintances revealing her past indiscretions.


    Including co-workers, former neighbors, past friends, even parents from her childhood kindergarten ss...

 Chapter 216 Nowhere to Hide

    Now, Sadie Roth felt as if she had been stripped bare and thrown into the public square, with nowhere to hide.


    The whole world seemed to revel in her disgrace, pointing fingers, hurling insults, even cursing her parents...


    Those who had known her were now ashamed to be associated with her, even deeming it a disgrace to have ever known her.


    In this moment, Sadie Roth was being dragged through the mud, scorned and loathed by everyone.


    She was a target, everyone eager to take a shot at her, as if they wished to tear her apart...


    Trembling with her phone in hand, Sadie''s heart pounded chaotically.


    Her world was in disarray, panic-stricken, and utterly confused...


    What to do?


    What to do?


    "Sadie, Sadie..." Alissa''s voice was fraught with urgency over the phone.


    "Hello!" Sadie''s voice choked up, overwhelmed by desperation, "Alissa, I''ve been framed. What should I do? What am I supposed to do?"


    "Sadie, I''m sorry... When I first saw that video with Mr. Potter, I thought you did that on purpose, trying to stage a coup. But now it''s blown up, and it''s doing you no favors.


    If this keeps up, you''ll be socially crucified. You better talk to Mr. Potter right away. Don''t dy, or else those keyboard warriors are going to dox you, exposing more of your secrets and past. Then you''ll be done for. Alright, I gotta get to work. You call Mr. Potter, let a man handle this kind of thing..."


    With those words of advice, Alissa hung up.


    Sadie, gripping her phone, felt a whirlwind of chaos in her mind. She knew she couldn''t call Ronan Potter, nor could she call Micah Clemens, and reaching out to a male escort was pointless... Her only lifeline was... Mason!


    As Sadie prepared to call Mason, she realized the number he''d used four years ago was long disconnected.


    It struck her that it was Arianna''s phone Mason had used to contact her yesterday - she didn''t even have Mason''s new number.


    Unless she reached out to Arianna...


    But would Arianna help her find Mason?


    Knowing full well that Arianna was the true mastermind behind this...


    Regardless, she had to try.


    Sadie dialed Arianna''s number.


    The phone rang and rang with no answer, and Sadie''s heart sank. Right, why would Arianna pick up her call now?


    Just as she was about to give up, the call suddenly connected.


    Arianna''s voice came through: "Sadie!"


    "It''s me..."


    Hearing Arianna''s voice, a flood of mixed emotions overwhelmed Sadie...


    Her mind raced with images ofst night''s incidents, filled with countless doubts...


    Sadie longed to confront Arianna, to ask if she had any "hand" in the news being leaked.


    But Sadie Roth didn''t dare to ask.


    "Is something wrong?" Arianna''s voice was calm, friendly, and polite.


    Sadie Roth couldn''t detect any hint of what was going on and marveled at Arianna''sposure internally while simultaneously scolding herself for her naivety. She had once thought Arianna to be a simple-minded, genuinely kind-hearted girl...


    In reality, Arianna was just better at hiding her true self than Leah White.


    "I''m looking for Mason."


    Sadie Roth tried to keep her voice steady andposed, not wanting to show any sign of disarray in front of Arianna.


    "Mason''s sick," Arianna said, her voice tinged with sorrow. "He wasn''t feeling well when he came backst night. This morning, when Dad went to wake him up for breakfast, he found Mason with a high fever, passed out. They rushed him to the hospital, and Mom and Dad have been there with him since."


    "How could this have happened?" Sadie was shocked. "He was fine when we partedst night..."


    "I was about to ask you that," Arianna retorted." You know Mason''s had a heart condition since he was young and he''s allergic to certain foods. Did he eat something that didn''t agree with him and made him sick?"

 Chapter 217 Taking the Kid to Thailand

    Sadie was left speechless, the real culprit standing right before her. She couldn''t confront and was instead turned against!


    Fuming, she clenched her teeth, cursing her own helplessness inwardly...


    "Alright, I need to go to the hospital to visit Mason. Take care, goodbye!"


    Arianna hung up after the cordial farewell. Sadie''s hand trembled as she held her phone. Arianna had hidden her true colors well; Sadie had never seen it before. Was Mason''s illness a coincidence or deliberately orchestrated?


    If Arianna had harmed Mason to get at her, that would be terrifying.


    However, one thing was certain for Sadie Roth.


    Arianna''s family depended on Mason''s connections to survive; it was improbable that she would truly hurt him...


    Maybe it was just a minor allergic reaction that caused the fever; a hospital visit would take care of it.


    And possibly in the process, seize the chance to take his phone...


    Mason was too trusting and simple, not one to consider theseplexities.


    As long as he was safe...


    But now, without Mason''s help, who could she turn to?


    Sadie was frantic...


    "Ring ring-"


    The phone''s sudden ringing cut through the silence, jarringly out of ce.


    Sadie Roth shivered and nced down at her ringing phone. It was Leah White calling. With a racing heart, she answered, "Hello?"


    "Sadie Roth, have you seen the news?" Leah''s voice was chilly,ced with vindictive pleasure. "Do you understand now what it means to cross me?"


    "You''re insane! Why would you do this?" Sadie''s voice erupted in anger. "We agreed on two days. It''s not up yet. Why did you leak those documents online?"


    "Why? Ha! You have the nerve to ask me that? Your steamy little car rendezvous with my husband is viral now. I''m the mockery of everyone, forced by him into a divorce, and you dare to ask why?" "It''s not like that... That woman isn''t me..."


    "Enough!" Leah snapped, her voiceced with venom. "I''ve had it with your fakery, pretending to be this noble and pure saint in public, enchanting men left and right. Deep down, you''re more devious than anyone." "Leah, listen to me that wasn''t mest night. I was with Mason-"


    "Stop. I won''t listen to your lies." Leah wouldn''t hear a word. "You agreed to y along and then you go seducing my husband, you shameless wretch. I could kill you!"


    "Did you call just to curse at me?" Sadie inhaled deeply, striving forposure. "I thought you wanted to negotiate."


    "You..." Leah was cut off.


    "Let me handle this," Kathleen''s voice piped in as she took the phone. "Sadie Roth, you still have a chance because we haven''t yet exposed those little secrets of yours. That''s your opportunity!" "I get it. What do you want me to do?"


    Sadie knew her reputation was in tatters, but her children were still safe from the spotlight. If the Whites could be persuaded to draw back, bribe the media, and retract the stories, her children might yet be spared the pain. She could bear any nder against herself, but her children had to be protected at all costs.


    "Marry that guy from Thand immediately, announce it publicly, and then take your kids and emigrate there..."


    Kathleen added, "Don''t worry. We''ll give you a sum of money and a house in Bangkok. You and your kids will want for nothing there."

 Chapter 218 A Formidable Character

    Four years ago, she lost everything because of this mother-daughter duo. She never thought of revenge, yet here she was again, being toyed with by them.


    After all the talk, she was just too kind, too meek, and that''s why she fell prey to bullies over and over again.


    But what good did mulling over that do now?


    She had to protect her kids, and for their sake, she''d sacrifice anything.


    "Caught up with the news, huh?" Kathleen pressed on. "Millions ofments out there, all trashing you as some shameless home-wrecker. Media andizens are digging up your dirt as we speak.


    We''re both moms, I get it. You might not care what happens to you, but your kids are still so young. Can you stand seeing them get called all sorts of names by the whole world?"


    "Enough!!!" Sadie Roth cut her off, tears streaming down her cheeks...


    Right then, she felt utterly powerless.


    Against the scheming of her enemies, she had no strength to fight back;


    Under the threats of viins, she couldn''t muster any resistance...


    "No time left. Every minute we wait, the news spreads faster, and more dirt gets aired." Kathleen''s sneer was a painful reminder. "Don''t believe me? Just check Twitter right now. Your identity''s out there, and even your father''s been dragged through the mud."


    "Your dad was an upstanding man, a totally decent guy. To have his name sullied after passing away, that''d be a disgrace he''d never rest easy with."


    "You, his daughter, were busy hiring male escorts in a nightclub when he faced his darkest hour, not even there for hisst moments. Now, you''re allowing his memory to be insulted; you''re failing as a daughter..." "Enough..." Sadie could no longer bear to hear it, her voice trembling, "I''ll agree to anything, just... just stop..."


    Her fingers slid across the screen, shutting off the news link.


    There were apps pushing alerts about her own scandal now. Indeed, the press had unearthed her identity and dredged up her father''s story....


    Onlinements were cursing her father too, their words too crude to bear.


    Every sentence, each word, was a knife to her heart...


    Drenched in blood...


    Kathleen was right; her father had led an honorable life, known for his kindness, with never a bad word said about him.


    When he died unexpectedly, she couldn''t be there for him. If she let his name be tarnished because of her own issues, she''d be failing him indeed...


    "That''s more like it," Kathleen sneered coldly.


    "Mom, stop wasting time on her," Leah White snatched the phone,manding arrogantly, "I''ve got someone to escort that guy over. You grab your documents and head straight to the courthouse!" "I understand." Sadie Roth had no choice but toply with their demands.


    "Don''t try to fool me," Kathleen warned, her voice sharp and clear. "I know your three little devils are in Brenda''s hometown of Phoenixville. If you dare to mess with me again, I won''t be so polite!"


    Sadie Roth felt a shiver run down her spine. She always knew Kathleen was tough, but she hadn''t realized she was this formidable... To have even tracked down Brenda''s hometown address.


    If she didn''tply with their demands, her children might actually be in danger...


    "Get your documents ready and be downstairs in fifteen minutes," Kathleenmanded.


    "Do you know where my new ce is?" Sadie Roth asked, her voice tinged with fear.


    "I found out Brenda''s hometown address, didn''t I? What makes you think I can''t find your new ce?" Kathleen said with a scoff, her voiceced with icy mockery. "My daughter may be too trusting to deal with you, but I''m another matter entirely!"

 Chapter 219 The Heroine

    "Yes, you certainly are one-of-a-kind..." Sadie spoke with a hint of irony.


    "ttery will get you nowhere. Just do as I said," she curtly replied before the line went dead.


    After hanging up, Sadie made a silent vow to be stronger. Never again would she allow herself to be led around by the nose.


    After getting ready for the day, Sadie packed her ID into her backpack, grabbed her phone, and headed downstairs.


    One thing at a time, she thought. She would weather this storm first, then find a way to break free from that man and start anew with her children in another city...


    As she descended, the White family''s SUV was already waiting curbside. Kathleen herself hade, nked by bodyguards, to pick up Sadie.


    The man in question sat trembling in the back seat.


    The bodyguards hustled Sadie into the car the moment they saw her, and they sped away.


    Looking up, Sadie caught sight of Felipe and was momentarily taken aback.


    Felipe''s usually calm demeanor had vanished, and he was now furrowing his brow in anger. "Sadie, I always thought you were the good sort, but how could you stoop so low? Ronan might have dated you once, but he''s Leah''s husband now, and the father of their child. How could you..."


    "Your daughter has done far worse. Have you ever scolded her?" Sadie retorted.


    "You"


    "Shut up!" Kathleen pped Sadie across the face with such force that Sadie had to clutch her swelling cheek. Kathleen, pointing a finger angrily, shouted, "If it weren''t for your father, I''d have no qualms about ending you right here!" Sadie justughed coldly while touching her face, "Oh, the gratitude you show... Wasn''t it your doing that led to my father''s death?"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?" Felipe barked, looking visibly agitated. "Your father was like a brother to me; why would I ever harm him?"


    It didn''t seem like Felipe was pretending, judging by his reaction.


    "Ignore her," Kathleen said. Her eyes were darting, yet she spoke with conviction. "She''s nothing but a shameless tramp, trying to seduce Ronan and smear our name when she fails."


    "The one who killed your father is "


    "Enough, why bother arguing with her?" Kathleen cut in sharply before Felipe could finish.


    With a meaningful nce from Kathleen, Felipe instantly bowed his head in silent acquiescence.


    "Listen here," Kathleen said, grabbing Sadie by the shoulders, her voice threatening, "Follow my instructions to the letter, and you might just get out of this alive. Cross me, and you''re as good as dead." Sadie remained silent as her mind raced with thoughts...


    Their reactions seemed to indicate that they weren''t directly responsible for her father''s death-at most, they had profited from the tragedy. Yet, they might know the identity of the true killer. And the killer... he was someone with quite a scary reputation.


    Even someone street-smart like Kathleen wouldn''t dare cross him.


    But now was not the time to worry about that she needed to focus on dealing with the present situation.


    They arrived at the marriage license office before long.


    Kathleen put on her sunsses and a veil, desperate not to be recognized, as she came out of the car with Sadie and the guy, nked by two bodyguards. Felipe and the driver waited in the car.


    Kathleen was nothing if not thorough-she''d had people queueing up early to save a spot.


    As soon as Sadie arrived, she skipped the line and went straight to the front to take care of the paperwork.


    With one hand, Kathleen clutched her veil and with the other, she held onto Sadie''s shoulder, fearing she might bolt at thest second.


    The two bodyguards pinned the guy down in his seat, and he didn''t dare to even breathe too loudly.


    "Who are you folks?" The clerk asked, finding them a bit odd.


    "We''re family," Kathleen said with a smile, "I''m her mother. I''m here to support my daughter and son-inw in filling out their paperwork. These two gentlemen are her brothers." Internally, Sadie cursed. If she really had a mom like her, she''d rather be reborn.


    "Please present your IDs," the clerk said routinely, without asking further.


    Sadie and the guy handed over their IDs.


    As the clerk examined their documents, he looked up at Sadie meaningfully, "You''re thedy from headlines?!"

 Chapter 220 Marriage Registration

    Sadie''s brow furrowed. Had her personal details been leaked online?


    No, that wasn''t it. What if she went through with this marriage registry with the guy and Kathleen reneged on her promise to pull the story from the media? The news had fermented to this level; scrapping it would likely cost a fortune.


    Did the Whites even have that sort of money?


    "Sadie, are you here of your own free will to marry Mr... the gentleman here?" Asked the employee.


    Kathleen snapped back irritably before Sadie could answer, "Of course, she is. Do you think we''re forcing her to marry or something?"


    "I''m addressing the person concerned, not you," the clerk, a stern-lookingdy in her fifties with thick sses, pressed.


    Stumped for words, Kathleen fell silent.


    "It''s your turn to answer," the clerk said, looking straight at Sadie.


    "Give me five minutes," Sadie said, taking back her ID and pulling Kathleen aside.


    "What are you doing? You''re not thinking of backing out now, are you?" Kathleen hissed in a low voice; her anger palpable.


    "The news is still circting. You haven''t pulled the stories..." Sadie confronted her.


    "Leah''s been on the phone with all the major media outlets. We''ve already dropped thirty million to buy out the trending spots this morning. These things take time; it''s not like it can be pulled instantly..." "Thirty million to bury a trending topic?" Sadie sniffed out the insinuation, "Kathleen, you think I''m some kind of fool?"


    "I mean we''ve already dropped thirty million, and we''re still pouring money." Kathleen hastily exined, "It''s not like you can just dump all that cash in one go. We have to reach out to each media outlet one by one."


    "I don''t care; you need to get me off the Twitter trending list first, then I''ll consider signing the marriage papers," Sadie wasn''t falling for it this time. "Once I sign, there''s no turning back. You guys have to show some good faith first, right?" "Fine, drag it out then," Kathleen sneered, "Wait too long, and your dirtyundry will be out in the open for the whole world to see. Even pulling the news won''t help once your little illegitimate secrets are out."


    "You..."


    Sadie was left speechless. Indeed, the speed of inte gossip spread faster than any virus. Forget a day, even an hour, or a minute could turn everything upside down...


    "Look..." Kathleen shifted gears between tough and tender, "We want to settle this mess quickly, just like you. After all, we''ve got our reputations to consider. If this blows up, it''s bad for everyone''s image. If it weren''t for your scandal with Ronan hitting the newsst night, I would never have spilled the beans about you and him. Keeping that ace up my sleeve would be much better than ying it now.


    It was you who got too anxious, thinking that hopping into bed with Ronan and making it public would scare us.


    You should realize that Ronan still has his parents to answer to. Just watch and see if he''ll stand by you now. When trouble hits, he won''t be seen anywhere near you..."


    "I''m going to say this onest time. I was not the girl fromst night, and the news didn''te from me," Sadie was exhausted from repeating herself, "You''re always after me, but you''re barking up the wrong tree!" "How is that possible?" Kathleen was clearly unconvinced, "If not you, then who?"


    "It''s..." Sadie''s mouth opened, but no words came out; she knew that even if she did name someone, Kathleen wouldn''t believe her, nor would she let it go.


    She was already having a hard time dealing with this mother-daughter duo, and crossing Arianna would only make her life even harder...


    "Cat got your tongue?" Kathleen said through gritted teeth, "At this point, you''re still ying games with me? You think I won''t have Leah expose those bastards'' story right now?" Or maybe, she pretended to dial a number...

 Chapter 221 Mess with Mine, and Its the End of the Line?

    Before she could ce the call, an iing call interrupted her - it was Ronan Potter.


    Kathleen immediately answered and put it on speaker. "Hello, Ronan!"


    "The search controversy has been squashed, and I''ve been in touch with other media outlets. This mess has gotten real ugly. My dad is furious and the board is convening-they want to strip me of my executive position at Clemens Corp," said Ronan, his voice betraying his agitation.


    "What? How is this happening? Why are they removing you?" Kathleen inquired with a look of confusion crossing her face.


    "Just let me finish," Ronan interrupted Kathleen''s protests, trying to calm his racing heart. "If the Potter name goes down, it''s not just us that''ll suffer-your family, the Whites, won''t be faring much better.


    I''m busting my hump to clean up this disaster. Please don''t pile on more problems. Convince your daughter to stop spilling Sadie''s secrets to the press. She''s hurting Sadie, and she''s dragging me down with her."


    "I understand, I do, Ronan," Kathleen responded, seeking a chance to exin.


    "Let''s just call it quits, okay? I''m begging here. I''ll drop the divorce talk for now; just please, no more chaos. Leave Sadie alone," Ronan pleaded before abruptly hanging up.


    Kathleen, looking distraught, turned to Sadie with a fiery re. "This is all your doing, you wretch!"


    Sadie was beyond words.


    "You heard him," Kathleen hissed and grabbed Sadie by the arm, "The Potters are pulling out all the stops to bury this story. Go register now, and we can put this to rest. Or else, we''ll go public with those kids'' paternity-a scandal that implicates Ronan. But remember, they''re not his problem..."


    "I got it," Sadie replied.


    Deep down, she knew that if she didn''tply, Kathleen and her daughter would expose everything about the kids, no matter what Ronan said. This was her biggest threat, and they wouldn''t miss the chance to remove her from the equation. This was her moment.


    "Now get inside!" Kathleen pushed Sadie forward.


    The man was still waiting in the distance. He even surprisingly looked pleased to see Sadie arrive. She took a seat by him and handed over her documents.


    "Made up your mind?" Asked the clerk, a middle-aged woman with a no-nonsense attitude.


    "Yeah," Sadie nodded.


    With no more questions to ask, the clerk started processing their paperwork. The marriage procedure was simple they took a photo together, signed their names, and then it was time for the official stamp.


    Just then, a group of stern-looking individuals in ck suits barged in, taking control of the scene and clearing the path.


    Suddenly, a tall, statuesque figure strode in from outside, his silhouette dramatically elongated by the sunlight behind him, exuding a cool,manding presence. "Wow, what a hunk!"


    The clerk''s eyes widened as she gawked at the Greek god-like man who had just entered,pletely smitten and forgetting to stamp the document in her hand.


    "Why is he here?" Kathleen whispered, looking panic-stricken. Yet she quickly regainedposure, rushing to press Aunt May''s hand. "Stamp it, now!"


    A card whizzed through the air, brushing dangerously close to Sadie''s hair and nicking Kathleen''s hand, blocking the decisive stamp!


    The signature was meant for the marriage certificate but ended up on the card instead.


    Sadie had been downcast, unaware of anyone approaching from behind.


    It wasn''t until Kathleen let out a yelp and pulled back her hand, causing the clerk to startle to her feet...


    The stamp fell to the desk and rolled into Sadie''s hand. It was then that she came to her senses and instinctively turned around...


    She froze. Why was he here?


    A heavy handnded firmly on Sadie''s shoulder, and a pair of deep, oceanic eyes stared coldly at Kathleen. A low, chilling voiceced with lethal menace uttered, "You''ve got guts, huh? Tampering with my people over and over; it seems like you have a death wish!!"

 Chapter 222 The Grim Reaper Himself

    "Mr. Clemens, you misunderstand" Kathleen began, but she was abruptly dragged away by one of Micah''s men. Before she could cry for help, her mouth was covered.


    The staff and other young couples applying for marriage licenses were petrified.


    "Don''t worry, we never break thew." Andrew exined with a reassuring smile. "We don''t want to cause any disturbance. We''ll deal with this outside." With a gesture from him, the bodyguards quickly escorted Kathleen, the man, and the two White family bodyguards out.


    "Hello there!" Micah knocked on the desk to snap the dazed clerk out of her stupor.


    "Y-yes, hello!" The clerk finally gathered her wits; her voice trembling as she asked, "Can I assist you with anything?"


    "All the records she just registered, including that photo, destroy both the digital and hard copies, please, and thank you," Micah requested politely.


    His men already stood by, their stern gazes ensuring the clerk''spliance.


    "Right away, sir," the clerk immediately set to work.


    With everything in order, Micah then turned his attention to Sadie.


    He yanked her roughly from the chair, depositing her onto the desk. His towering frame loomed over her like a menacing beast. He had one hand braced beside her while the other pinched her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. His eyes, deep as the ocean, simmered with fiery rage, ready to incinerate everything in its path.


    Terrified by his gaze, Sadie quickly lowered her head, afraid to look at him. Her hands twisted the hem of her blouse in a frantic motion; her eyes echoed her disarray, and her thoughts were a tangled mess. ''What should I do?''


    ''How do I exin?''


    ''Will he find out about the baby?''


    ''Could he strangle me and then take the baby away?''


    All these thoughts came rushing to her head.


    "Speak up!" Micahmanded with a frigid bite in his voice.


    Sadie shivered and, mustering courage, tentatively met his gaze, forcing a strained, awkward smile. "Mr. Clemens, you... you''re back already?"


    "You wish I hadn''te back?" Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously, like a predator ready to pounce.


    "No, I just... I mean..." Words failed Sadie as she trembled uncontrobly.


    Annoyed at her trembling form, Micah grabbed her ponytail and dragged her out the door. She stumbled along the way, nearly copsing several times. Bystanders quickly cleared a path, none wanting to collide with her, especially with such an intimidating man trailing right behind. His aura made everyone around him shrink back in fear.


    "Let go, Micah, it hurts... it hurts..." Sadie attempted to pull her hair from his grip but to no avail.


    It wasn''t until she was roughly shoved into the car that she found relief from the pain in her scalp and angrily snapped, "What do you think you''re doing?"


    "Nice," Micah sneered mockingly." You''re all fire and fury with me but meek as a mouse in front of others?!"


    Sadie pursed her lips and hung her head in shame.


    Yes, there were few in the world who dared to challenge Micah, except her. Yet, it was tough survival for her, who remained defiant in his presence, when others easily crushed her... And that was the embarrassing truth.


    "Tell me..." Micah pressed, gripping Sadie''s cheek and demanding sharply, "What kind of leverage do they have on you?"


    Panic seized Sadie; she couldn''t let Micah find out about the children. But could she keep it hidden any longer?


    She hadn''t checked the news in over ten minutes; she was clueless about what could potentially be on there now. Even if the news about the children hadn''t leaked yet, it lingered on the brink of exposure. Micah''s men had already taken Kathleen and her entourage, so interrogation would surely follow. To save themselves, wouldn''t they spill the secret?

 Chapter 223 The Dominating CEO in Romance Novels

    "Thinking about how to lie to me?" Micah''s hold tightened on Sadie''s chin as he leaned in closer. "Or perhaps you think I''m easy to deceive?" "No... no," Sadie stammered as she shook her head frantically, "I never intended to deceive you, truly..."


    It was time to fess up. Any further denial might end disastrously.


    Even in the face of the White family''s deviousness and shamelessness, she had managed to bend without breaking.


    So why not with Micah?


    Humbling herself before her savior wasn''t beneath her.


    "You have five minutes!" Micah was clearly out of patience, "Spill the beans. Now."


    "First off, I''m not the girl in that scandal," Sadie blurted out nervously. "I swear on my life, there''s absolutely no way I was doing... that... with Ronan."


    Micah said nothing and just squinted at her with his icy gaze.


    "Seriously, believe me," Sadie pleaded, grasping his hand, "Nothing inappropriate ever happened with Ronan. He''s married, for heaven''s sake, how could I...?" "So, if he wasn''t married, something would''ve happened?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "Eh?"


    "No, that''s not what I meant..." Sadie''s head wagged desperately, "I mean, I didn''t with him..."


    "You''re all over the ce. A solid hour wouldn''t suffice for you to rify," Micah cut her off. "Here''s how this goes. I ask, you answer."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded meekly.


    "Did you see Ronanst night?" Micah''s stare was piercing.


    "Yes..." Sadie admitted, but quickly added, "I was there to dine, but with other friends. I just stumbled upon Ronan at the restaurant, he was with..."


    She faltered, unsure whether to bring Arianna into this.


    "With Arianna," Micah filled in for her.


    "How did you know?" Sadie blurted out; her eyes wide in shock.


    "The woman in the car... it was Arianna," Micah revealed the truth once more.


    "How do you know that???"


    Sadie''s eyes were as round as saucers. Was he some kind of omniscient being?


    "Do you think everyone''s as clueless as you?" Micah swatted the back of her head yfully.


    "I admit I''m not the sharpest, but could you please exin how you knew?" Sadie tugged at his sleeve; her curiosity piqued.


    Micah had no interest in discussing such banal and tedious details but sumbing to Sadie''s longing look, he indulged her. "For starters, I''ve seen your figure, and you''re in much better shape than the woman in that video. Plus, with your awkward innocence, how could you pull off anything like being on top?"


    Her cheeks ame, Sadie was at a loss for words.


    "First off," Micah paused, disdaincing his voice, "any clear-headed individual''s initial reaction to seeing breaking news would be to go straight to the source of those intimate photos and that scandalous car romp video and figure out which media outlet aired it first.


    Start with that outlet, find out how they got their hands on the material, and you can track down the identity of thedy in the spotlight..."


    He paused and added with scorn, "Such a low-level task, even any of my bodyguards could handle it with ease."


    "Oh..." Sadie nodded as if suddenlying to an understanding, "But that''s not how it goes in the romance novels with the domineering Mr. Clemens. In those stories, the bossy CEO gets mad right after seeing the news, then confronts the heroine, punishes her, and torments her..."


    "Idiot!" Micah eximed, feeling exasperated, "Anyone who''s making money and running corporations isn''t a fool. Who would make such a rookie mistake? The brainless novels you read are written by people with no real-life experience or sense. You''re not allowed to read that nonsense anymore!"

 Chapter 224 The Final Secret

    "Oh!" Sadie murmured timidly, then cautiously asked, "So, about that man... You''ve looked into him as well?"


    "Do I need to?" Micah snapped, "Isn''t it obvious? You made headlines because of your fling with Ronan, and the dim-witted yet venomous White mother-daughter duo thought you were the woman involved, so they''re using your past escapades to ckmail you." "If you know everything already, what''s left for me to confess?"


    Sadie marveled at Micah''s brilliance; nothing seemed to escape his gaze.


    Now she worried more than ever-the truth about her children would probably not stay hidden much longer...


    "Your past is hardly a secret," Micah said with contempt, "Plus, it''s been sted all over the news. So, why are you still letting the Whites threaten you? There must be another secret..."


    A shiver ran down Sadie''s spine. It was as if her fears were materializing before her.


    "Your eyes are darting around again. Are you plotting another lie?" Micah''sugh was cold, "I''m tired of prying. I''ll just go directly to someone in the know."


    "It''s not that "


    "Mr. Clemens." At that moment, Andrew''s voice came from outside.


    "Speak," Micahmanded.


    "Sir, the tasks you assigned arepleted."


    Andrew reported item by item, "Subjects are detained and ready for your interrogation."


    "All news rted to Miss Roth has been scrubbed clean from the inte, and you can''t find a trace of it in any of the major media outlets anymore. This cyberstorm has been fully contained!" "I''ve spoken to all our media contacts; from now on, no one is allowed to leak or report anything rted to Miss Roth."


    "Also, the Potter family project? It''s been shut down."


    The car fell silent after the final report was issued.


    Micah''s gaze was fixed on Sadie, but his orders were for Andrew. "Take the Whites to the safe room; I want to interrogate them myself."


    "Understood."


    The car started up and slowly pulled away.


    Sadie took out her phone to check the news, and as expected, all the information had been scrubbed clean; there wasn''t a trace to be found.


    On Twitter, the trending topics had moved on to celebrity gossip, usurping her own. She tried to search her name and found nothing. Typing a few more keywords yielded no results either. She finally breathed a sigh of relief...


    But then she tensed up again, recalling Andrew''s words. She asked urgently, "Mr. Clemens, if the issue''s been dealt with, there''s no need for further interrogation, right? Also, what does Mr. Potter have to do with this? Why halt his project?" "What''s the matter?" Micah frowned disapprovingly. "Still hung up on your old me?"


    "No, it''s not that..."


    "You''d best keep quiet," Micah warned, pinching her chin coldly. "Any more pleas for him, and it''ll only make things worse."


    Sadie didn''t dare speak again. She saw the murderous intent in his eyes and had learned lessons from past incidents.


    Just as Ronan''s lingering feelings made the Whites target her for revenge, her pity and pleas for him only made Micah more ruthless.


    So, from now on, it was best not to mention Ronan at all.


    But then the thought struck her: What if Micah''s interrogation of Kathleen revealed something about the children?


    Sadie was deeply worried.


    Just then, her phone rang. It was Leah. She nced at Micah and promptly declined.


    Leah quickly followed up with a text. "Sadie, get Mr. Clemens to release my parents now, or I''ll spill the beans about you."


    Seeing the message, Sadie felt uneasy. Although the media had been silenced by Micah''s pressure, Leah could still go public by personal means.


    In this era of advancedmunication, no one could control another individual''s actions.

 Chapter 225 Stalling Him

    Besides, Micah wouldn''t really go as far as silencing Kathleen and Felipe. In a dire situation, they''d surely spill the secret to save themselves. Therefore, the best course of action would be to prevent Micah from doing the interrogation...


    Let all things end here.


    But how?


    Sadie was fretting when her cell phone rang again, the caller ID shing a new number ending in four sevens. It didn''t take her a second to recognize that this was Mason''s number; he always preferred sevens. Without hesitation, she answered, "Hello?"


    "Sadie, are you okay?" Mason''s voice came through weak and anxious. "I just heard about what happened. The media are such vultures for smearing your name like that..."


    "I''m fine, Mason. Don''t worry, it''s all been taken care of..." Sadie didn''t get to finish her sentence before her phone was snatched away by Micah, who immediately put it on speaker.


    Sadie attempted to regain control of her phone, but found her wrist caught in his firm grip.


    "Taken care of? How so?" Mason''s voice poured out. "I just had my uncle reach out to the media. If needed, I cane forward and vouch for you. You were with me allst night, you couldn''t possibly have..." "No trouble, Mr. Sterling," Micah interrupted, his tone faux-polite butced with disdain.


    "You, you''re..." Mason asked tentatively, "Micah?"


    "Even my father addresses me with a title, and here you are, bold enough to call me by name. Such ambition for someone so young!" Micah''sugh was cold. "I hear you''ve been under the weather, Mason. Take care and get well soon." "You..." But Micah didn''t wait for Mason to continue and just ended the call abruptly.


    Sadie sat there, dumbfounded, before regaining herposure, "How could you..."


    "You seem to have forgotten; you''re mine now..." Micah''s expression darkened in an instant as he tapped her face with the phone, "Sneaking around behind my back and meeting with another man? You''re doing great!"


    "It wasn''t a secret meeting..." Sadie was panicking, "Why are you flipping out on me? You just said those brainless, domineering types only exist in novels..."


    "The news was fake, so I let it slide. But your secret meeting with Mason was real..." Micah, loosening his tie, slowly closed in on her. "It seems I should leave a mark on you, so you''ll remember."


    "What are you going to do?" Sadie backed away, fearful, "We''re in a car; don''t do anything crazy..."


    "Hmm, let''s experience some real car excitement..." His voice dropped as he pounced like a predator and pinned her beneath him. As she struggled, he swiftly caught her wrists and held them above her head. His cold lips brushed over her eyes, cheeks, and mouth, gently nipping her earlobe...


    "Tell me, what did you dost night?"


    "Nothing..." Sadie''s voice was frantic as she dodged his lips. His burning breath was tickling her skin and sending tingling, weakening shocks through her, making her shiver.


    "What''s your rtionship with that Mason?"


    Micah''s kisses trailed downward, nibbling gently on Sadie''s elegantly curved corbone...


    "We''re just old ssmates, nothing more." Sadie pushed at him feebly. "Stop it; let go of me..."


    Though they were in a spacious SUV with a privacy curtain separating them from the driver''s cabin and tinted windows for discretion, Sadie still felt as if countless eyes were upon them. Her heart raced with panic, shame, and nervousness... Suddenly, Micah bit down on her shoulder, a painful reminder that she belonged to him...


    "Ah!" Sadie cried out in pain and instinctively reached to push him away...


    But then her phone rang again. She turned her head; the caller ID showed Leah White. That name jolted her back to reality...


    Yes, she had to distract Micah to keep him from interrogating Kathleen and Felipe.

 Chapter 226 Leave Some Space

    With that thought, Sadie''s resistance faltered. Instead of pushing him away, she bit down on Micah''s shoulder with a vengeful passion... She exerted all her strength as if longing to tear off a piece of him.


    But Micah seemed unfazed by the pain. He didn''t push her away and just let her bite...


    When the taste of blood filled her mouth, Sadie stopped and red at Micah defiantly.


    "Good..."


    Micah relished her wild spirit; he pinched her cheek and grazed her lips with his thumb, smearing his own blood.


    Dark desire churned in his eyes, his voice husky and deep, "Tonight, I''ll deal with you properly..."


    He was ready to pull back...


    After all, there were important matters at hand; he wasn''t the type to get carried away with pleasure and forget his duties.


    But Sadie wasn''t willing to waste this opportunity; she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, offering her passionate kiss...


    Micah froze, his body became as stiff as a statue.


    Sadie''s kiss was clumsy yet bold, like fire, clouds, or rain.


    She poured all her wiles into the kiss, imitating his way, simply to hold him back and make him drop the investigation.


    To protect her children...


    But what she didn''t realize was that she was ying with fire.


    Soon, Micah''s restrained desire was fully ignited and was now beyond control. He pinned her beneath him once more, his kisses bing more uninhibited as his hands roamed... Despite her trembling fear, Sadie matched his passion.


    They became entwined, like a symphony of fate ying out theplicated dance of love and hate...


    She tried several times to sneak a peek at the tattoo on his lower back, only to have her hand firmly held down.


    What followed was a more fierce and wild punishment.


    Exhausted, she no longer had the strength to check.


    Though his caution suggested a guilty conscience.


    In the driver''s cabin, the chauffeur blushed at themotion behind him.


    The man in the passenger seat, Andrew, cleared his throat and murmured, "Focus on driving and don''t let your mind wander."


    "I wasn''t, I swear," the chauffeur stammered. "But Andrew, should we continue toward the safehouse?"


    After a moment''s thought, Andrew replied, "We can''t disregard Micah''s orders, but my guess is, with his stamina, he won''t settle down anytime soon." "So..."


    "Let''s just find a secluded spot to park for now."


    "Got it."


    Night had fallen amidst the chaos.


    Sadie, drained, had copsed on the backseat and fallen into a deep sleep.


    Micah, fully dressed, sat smoking, watching over the slumbering Sadie with aplex look in his eyes.


    When the cigarette ended up as ash, Micah snuffed it out, cracked the car window, and gave Andrew amand, "Head back."


    "Huh? We''re not going through with the interrogation?" Andrew was surprised.


    "No," Micah said coolly. "Lock that couple up for a few days. Before they starve, let them go so they remember this lesson well." "Yes, sir." Andrew ryed the orders.


    The chauffeur got into the driver''s seat and drove back.


    Micah draped his coat over Sadie and sat quietly beside her.


    The chauffeur, puzzled, asked, "Andrew, why did Micah suddenly change his mind?"


    "Probably because Miss Roth didn''t want to reveal some secret; he didn''t pursue the interrogation to put her at ease," Andrew, who knew Micah well, reasoned. "Oh..." The chauffeur nodded, half understanding, "I don''t get it!"


    "That''s fine, just drive," Andrew said, yfully pping the back of his head.

 Chapter 227 Cant Shake Her Off

    After some undetermined amount of time, Sadie groggily awoke.


    She found herself back in the Clemens family mansion, lying in the massive bed she once slept in, her body aching all over. She turned over, intending to sleep on.


    But then, questions bombarded her mind-interrogation, truth, secrets...


    She jolted awake and searched frantically for her phone...


    "Looking for this?"


    A familiar voice reached her, followed by a familiar silhouette emerging from the darkness, his presence unsettling. "M-my phone," she stuttered.


    Cowed and regretful, Sadie wondered, how could she have allowed herself to fall into such a deep sleep?


    Had he already interrogated Kathleen in these past few hours and uncovered her secret about her children? "There." Micah pointed toward her pillow.


    Rushing to grab it, Sadie found her cell phone beneath, but it was turned off.


    She tried to power it on, but it waspletely drained...


    Panic gripped her; she had just got a new phone and it had plenty of charge left in the car. Had someone been using it to make calls? "There was a call. I took care of it for you," Micah said indifferently. "Leah won''t bother you anymore. Get some rest."


    With that, he started to leave...


    "Wait a second," Sadie called out to him, her voice fraught with anxiety, "Have you...have you interrogated Kathleen yet?"


    "What do you think?" Micah turned to look at her, his gaze deep andplicated. "Is there a secret you don''t want me to know?" "I..." Sadie stammered and shook nervously.


    She guessed he would have interrogated her; given his nature, he wouldn''t be fooled easily. He would get to the bottom of things. Seeing her visibly distressed and preupied, Micah dropped his gaze and said, "Such despicable characters aren''t worth my time." "You mean... you didn''t go?" Sadie probed tentatively.


    Taking slow steps towards her, Micah''s voice turned husky, "How could I when you were all over me?"


    "I...I..."


    Sadie''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as memories of her fervent attempt to distract him so he wouldn''t interrogate Kathleen flooded her mind. Mortified, she covered her face, wishing she could just vanish...


    "Hah!" Micah chuckled, finding her innocence endearing..


    "This afternoon, you were much more daring than now," he teased her, "No alcohol, no drugs, yet still quite enthusiastic..."


    "I..." Sadie was about to speak when something crucial dawned on her, "Have you seen me drugged before?"


    The few instances she''d been with a man, she had been drugged.


    And those times, it had been with an escort.


    If he wasn''t an escort, then she had...


    Micah paused, cursing inwardly for his slip-up.


    Regainingposure, he said coolly, "I saw you once at the Night Club, remember?"


    "Oh!" Sadie nearly forgot about the time at the Night Club when Finley had drugged her and he hade to her rescue.


    So, his statement wasn''t unusual...


    But how could she prove whether or not he was actually an escort?


    "Go take a shower and get some more sleep; it''s still early," Micah said, rising to leave.


    "Don''t go," Sadie pleaded suddenly, wrapping her arms around him from behind and pressing her face against his back. "Stay with me..." She might as well go all in-after all, things had already gone this far.


    "You''re... different today..."


    Micah had to admit that her forwardness made his blood boil, rendering him defenseless.


    But he knew exactly what she was after.


    He wasn''t about to let her have her way.

 Chapter 228 Taking the Initiative

    "In what way?" Sadie whispered, gently kissing his ear and yfully tugging at his clothes.


    The robe he wore was so securely fastened and frustratingly difficult to remove.


    "In... every way," replied Micah. He turned to face her, cupping her face in his hands as he kissed her fiercely, then gentlyid her down on the bed.


    "Mmm..." Sadie squirmed restlessly, her hands fumbling to remove his clothes, desperate to get a clear view of the small of his back, but she couldn''t manage. "So tricky..."


    "Let me do it."


    Micah slipped off the robe and tossed it aside before leaning over her.


    Sadie craned her neck, intent on looking, but he swiftly turned off the lights.


    "Why''d you turn off the lights?" She eximed.


    "It''s more immersive in the dark..." Micah''s voice was a husky whisper nibbling at her ear, and his fingers slowly intertwined with hers, "Look at me!"


    Instinctively, she gazed up at him. In the darkness, he was like a wild animal; his eyes shining with a torrent of desire.


    Suddenly, she recalled a night four years ago, and thest time in the car by the seaside...


    The escort from that night had looked at her in the same way.


    Those eyes were identical...


    She was convinced it was him; it had to be him.


    "Stop overthinking..." The warmth of Micah''s breath teased her heart. "Focus..."


    She closed her eyes and began to immerse herself in his world...


    It was a night of wild revelry; their entwined silhouettes cast by the moonlight upon the floor-to-ceiling windows, waxing and waning.


    The heat of his breath and the heavy rhythm of his breathing mingled in the room to form an enchanting verse.


    Soon, Micah had drained away the clutter in Sadie''s mind.


    His fervor and intensity left her unable to think; her only choice was to cling to him weakly...


    In the heated moment, Sadie inadvertently murmured, "Escort..."


    Micah tensed, his brow furrowing as he bit her lip in a punishing kiss, silencing her.


    This woman must be out of her mind.


    Forsaking the powerful Mr. Clemens who could turn the world upside-down, she was fixated on a mere escort.


    But then again, that other identity was his too.


    No sense in getting jealous of oneself.


    ...


    It was a deep slumber for Sadie. She was sprawled out on her bed until the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows danced across her face and stirred her awake. Rubbing her eyes, she shifted positions and drifted back to sleep.


    After a while, the relentless brightness finally coaxed her out of bed reluctantly...


    Only then did she notice that she hadn''t closed the curtainsst night.


    Goodness, if anyone was outside, wouldn''t they have seen everything?


    She hurriedly grabbed the oversized bathrobe from the floor, wrapping it around herself as she went to draw the curtains.


    That was when she noticed Micah, already dressed impably, calmly enjoying his morning tea in the garden below.


    Andrew was leaning over, briefing him on something.


    Micah''s demeanor was unusually rxed and content, as if he had won a splendid victory.


    Sensing someone watching, he turned his head toward her direction...


    In a panic, Sadie yanked the curtains closed and hid out of sight.


    Despite their recent intimate encounter, she still felt nervous and shy, almost too embarrassed to face him...


    Now that other issues seemed resolved and Micah didn''t appear to be dwelling on the news or nning to interrogate Kathleen, she could rx a little. But for the moment, she still hesitated to bring the kids over.


    Plus, what if he wasn''t actually a male escort-what then?


    The thought alone gave her a headache...


    "Knock, knock, knock!" There was a rapping at the door followed by Dahlia''s voice, "Miss Roth, may Ie in?"


    "Please do," Sadie quickly tried to tidy the disheveled bedspread.


    It was a total mess, too chaotic for eyes.


    Dahlia entered, with a maid pushing a breakfast cart behind her and another holding a birdcage.


    Curled up inside was Coco...

 Chapter 229 Coco’s Triumph

    "Coco??" Sadie was stunned, "What are you doing here?"


    She was supposed to be at her new ce...


    "I was worried Coco might starve at home, so I took the liberty to bring her here," Dahlia exined before bowing her head in apology, "I''m sorry for not asking your permission first!" "No, no, there''s no need to apologize, thank you..."


    Since leaving yesterday morning, Sadie hadn''t returned and the thought of Coco locked up had been a looming worry.


    She was grateful to Dahlia.


    Yet, she couldn''t help but wonder if Dahlia had discovered something during her unannounced visit.


    Although Sadie had moved recently and hadn''t had the chance to unpack, the kids'' belongings were still in the rooms. If Dahlia looked carefully, she might find out...


    "Rest assured, I just brought Coco over. I won''t intrude on your privacy or mess with your things," Dahlia seemed to read the worry in Sadie''s eyes.


    "Oh, haha, that''s good," Sadie chuckled ufortably.


    "Mommy, Mommy..." Coco had been listless just moments ago, but upon seeing Sadie, her spirits lifted, and she fluttered her injured wings, calling out for her affectionately. "Coco!" Sadie released Coco from her cage and cradled her in her hands, kissing her tiny green head.


    "I missed you; I missed you."


    Coco nuzzled Sadie''s face with her fluffy little head.


    For years, Sadie had never left her alone at home. Yesterday, she had left in the morning and didn''t return until nightfall.


    Poor Coco was locked in her cage, her food and water long gone, and crying out in hunger.


    Luckily, Dahlia brought her over.


    "I''m sorry, Coco. There was an emergency yesterday, and I didn''t take care of you. I promise I''ll never leave you again," Sadie apologized to Coco.


    "Mmm-mmm..." Coco mock-cried like Mia used to do, covering her eyes with her wings, looking utterly heartbroken.


    "This little parrot is so adorable," the young maid couldn''t help but exim.


    "Yeah, haha..." Dahliaughed.


    "Mia, Nathan, Noah, miss, miss..." Suddenly, Coco called out the names of her three children while fluttering her injured wing.


    The maid didn''t pay much attention as she carefully set the breakfast table.


    Dahlia paused, her gaze turningplex.


    Sadie panicked and quickly exined, "Those are Brenda''s kids. Coco often ys with them..."


    "Mommy, Brenda, Brenda."


    Hearing the name Brenda, Coco started calling out for Brenda again.


    "Brenda''s gone back to the countryside," Sadie said hurriedly while taking Coco to the bathroom. "Okay, Mommy''s going to help you wash up." Once in the bathroom, with the door shut, she urgently whispered, "Coco, no more talking; you''ll jeopardize everything!"


    "Mia, Nathan, Noah..." Coco called out the kids'' names in a pitiful tone.


    "I told you to stop." Sadie was beside herself with worry. "Be quiet. Don''t talk. Mommy will take you to see them."


    "Yay!" Coco lifted her wings, seemingly pleased.


    "You win," Sadie sighed. She needed to find time to take Coco back to the countryside to Brenda''s, and also check if Mia''s illness had cleared up. "Woken up yet?" Micah''s voice suddenly cut through from outside.


    "Yeah, Miss Roth went to the bathroom," Dahlia replied respectfully.


    Micah gestured, and Dahlia left with the maid in tow.


    Sadie quickly freshened up, ced Coco in the bathtub, and whispered, "Stay quiet, okay? Mommy will be right back."


    She then hurried out and closed the door behind her...


    "You''d think you were hiding a man in there," Micah teased when he saw her sneaky demeanor. "It''s just a parrot, right?"

 Chapter 230 A Joyous Family Reunion

    "It likes to poop in the breakfast," Sadie said with an embarrassed chuckle.


    "Well then, we might as well pluck it and stew it," Micah quipped.


    "What?" Sadie gasped in horror. "No can do, she''s family!"


    "Rx," Micah rolled his eyes at her, "Come have breakfast."


    Sadie approached the table, her eyes lighting up at the sight of thevish spread. Her stomach growled she realized she hadn''t eaten at all yesterday... Micah handed her the cutlery and sat beside her, chin in hand, watching her eat.


    Once ady of leisure, Sadie was used to dining with elegance. These days, life''s hustle had turned mealtime into a battleground, eroding her refined manners. But to Micah, this unguarded version of her seemed more real and, given her beauty, was charming nheless.


    "Aren''t you eating?" Sadie licked her lips and offered him a piece of meat.


    "I already ate."


    Micah meant to decline, but upon seeing her hand extended, he leaned in and took the bite.


    "Tasty, huh?" Sadie grinned innocently.


    "Yeah," Micah nodded, then his expression grew serious, and he got up and left.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Sadie watched him leave, stunned. Had she done something wrong?


    The room felt hollow without Micah...


    Her appetite waned as she propped her chin on her hand, pondering what had just happened. Where did she slip up?


    Why did he suddenly turn cold?


    Lost in thought, Dahlia knocked and entered, "Miss Roth, here''s your charger. I''ll plug your phone in." "Thanks." Sadie probed tentatively, "I''m thinking of stepping out for a bit."


    "Of course, I''ll arrange a ride," Dahlia offered.


    "Just have someone drop me home. Don''t worry about what happens next."


    She nned to go home first and then, without Micah knowing, sneak off to the countryside...


    "Sure thing," Dahlia agreed with a smile, nodding before she took her leave.


    Once Sadie saw her off, she hastily powered on her cell phone.


    Missed calls and unread text messages flooded the screen.


    Among the missed calls were Brenda, Mason, and Leah.


    The received call list showed only Leah.


    Checking the time, Sadie reckoned that Micah must have answered Leah''s call for her, probably to give her a heads-up about something. The call was cut short after just ten seconds. Neither Brenda nor Mason''s calls had been picked up by Micah.


    All the texts remained unopened; Micah hadn''t checked any of them.


    Relief washed over Sadie, which quickly turned into tension. Oh no, did he browse through her phone''s gallery?


    She urgently opened the gallery only to find it empty.


    Then she remembered switching to a new phone yesterday, which only had a few pics of Coco...


    Thank goodness!!


    Had she been using her old phone, it would''ve been a disaster. It was full of pictures of her and her three kids together. One look and Micah would''ve understood everything.... At least for now, her secret was safe.


    The White family, mother and daughter, would likely keep the secret about the kids to protect themselves. After all, revealing it would only bring more danger...


    As long as they kept the secret, Sadie would have to tread carefully around them. Maybe they''d even put in a good word for her with Micah.


    With these thoughts, Sadie took another deep breath of relief. Her next task was to figure out if Micah was a male escort and if he had any connection to her father''s death...


    If he was just a male escort and unrted to her father''s demise, then the secreting out wouldn''t be the worst thing-it would mean a joyful family reunion!

 Chapter 231 The Final Conclusion

    Unaware of how time had passed, Sadie found herself in front of her new apartment building.


    Dahlia wanted to escort her upstairs, but Sadie insisted on going alone.


    With nothing more to say, Dahlia left with her bodyguard.


    Upon entering her home with Coco, Sadie stopped short...


    The ce was a mess, and her doors were left slightly ajar.


    Dahlia had been here before, but Sadie was sure she wouldn''t have trashed her ce. Could they have been robbed?


    Rushing inside, Sadie''s fears intensified as she saw her children''s belongings scattered and clothes and photos missing.


    Panic set in as she hurried to her room to check for her documents and valuables-all ounted for.


    Except for an additional piece of paper in the drawer where she kept her credentials. It bore familiar handwriting. "Sadie, call me back!" There was no signature but Sadie knew it was from Leah.


    Without hesitation, she dialed Leah''s number.


    The phone connected almost immediately.


    "Calling already? I thought I''d be waiting for days."


    Leah''s voice was deep and raspy, carrying a chilling sneer.


    "You''ve been to my house? You took my babies'' clothes and photos?" Sadie demanded.


    "Yes." Leah''s icyugh sent shivers down Sadie''s spine. "I even copied videos of them at daycare - adorable little things. Packaged up with their clothes and pictures, it made a cute gift for Micah, don''t you think?" "What are you trying to do?" Sadie was convinced the woman had lost her mind.


    "Oh, just mailing stuff might not do the trick." Leah''sugh was sinister. "My guys are already headed to Brenda''s hometown; I expect they''ll have your precious babies soon enough..."


    "Leah!!!" Sadie roared with fury, "If youy a finger on my children, I will hunt you down¡ª"


    "So, if you don''t want trouble for those kids, you''ll y nice." Leahmanded with a cold snicker, "Now, get yourself to Night Club, to our usual VIP room. Immediately."


    "Leah..." Sadie started to respond, but the call was abruptly cut off.


    Frantically, Sadie dialed Brenda, only to be met with a voicemail indicating that the phone was switched off.


    She called several neighbors and friends next. No one picked up.


    Sadie was on the verge of panic...


    She couldn''t ask Micah for help with this...


    What could she do?


    Her phone rang just then. It was Mason.


    "Mason!" She answered at once.


    "Sadie, where are you? I need to see you."


    "Mason, I need a favor..."


    "Anything," he said.


    She quickly briefed Mason about her children, imploring him to find and save her kids without alerting anyone else.


    Mason promised to take care of it and ended the call.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Sadie resolved to meet Leah at Night Club.


    Leah was reckless, never considering the bigger picture or consequences. Now that the Potter family project was on hold, her rtionship with Ronan had crumbled, and her parents were behind bars... she was practically left with nothing. Micah''s warnings were meaningless to her.


    At a time like this, Leah could be capable of anything...


    Instead of an endless fight, it might be better to put an end to it tonight.


    Sadie hailed a cab to the nightclub, which had just opened its doors, thrumming with a crowd and with heavy metal music sting deafeningly.


    Pushing her way through, she headed for the VIP lounge area, searching for the booth she and Leah had once upied, but amid the sea of people in the corridor, she caught sight of a familiar silhouette...

 Chapter 232 Youre Even Dumber Than I Thought

    Micah?


    No, it was the male escort!


    He was wearing that mysterious, chilling ck half-mask, d in a casual ck suit, nked by four henchmen, heading down the right hallway.


    Though she couldn''t name those four, Sadie was certain they were Micah''s guys!


    It had to be the male escort, it just had to be...


    A surge of excitement shot through Sadie''s heart, and she was about to confront him when suddenly, a hand grabbed her shoulder and yanked her rudely into an adjacent booth. "Let go of me!" Sadie struggled furiously.


    Leah gestured, and the bodyguard released her, positioning himself by the door.


    "What do you want from me?" Sadie red icily at Leah.


    "Release my parents first."


    Leah looked haggard; she probably hadn''t slept in days. There were heavy bags under her eyes making her appear spaced out and utterly exhausted.


    "I didn''t take them," Sadie retorted.


    "Cut the crap." Leah mmed her ss onto the floor, shattering it and sending shards flying everywhere. "If it wasn''t for you, would Micah have taken them?"


    "So, you know Micah took them?" Sadie retorted coldly. "Go to him, whye to me?"


    "Still want to y games, huh?"


    Leah pulled out her phone and made a call.


    The heavy metal music sting through the nightclub''s central sound system abruptly stopped...


    And then, came the sweet voice of Mia calling out, "Noah, Nathan, wait for me!"


    "Hurry, Mia!" Nathan''s voice sounded.


    "Slow down, Mia, don''t fall," Noah followed.


    ...


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock, and she hurriedly stepped forward to intervene, "What are you doing? Stop this now."


    "This is just the beginning." Leah dangled her phone smugly, "I spent ten million to bribe the nightclub''s DJ to connect my phone to their sound system! Micah has ordered a media ckout on you. I can''t touch you online, but here? I doubt even Micah can control this.


    Thousands pass through this club every night; everyone witnessing your scandal unfold live - quite thrilling, don''t you think?"


    "You..." Sadie trembled with fury.


    "I''ve got plenty more where that came from," Leah said, smoothly flicking through her phone to face Sadie. "I found a video of you and the kids at a family y day at the school. Want to check it out?"


    As she was about to y the video...


    "Hold on," Sadie interjected instantly, looking for apromise. "Turn it off and I''ll call Micah right now to get your folks released."


    "That''s more like it." Leah White exited the video and gestured with an open hand.


    Sadie hastily whipped out her smartphone to call Micah.


    "Speakerphone," Leahmanded.


    Sadieplied.


    ...


    One minute earlier.


    In another private room.


    Micah, in the midst of a meeting, paused abruptly as children''sughter emitted from the speaker. Lifting his head, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully towards the distant chatter... Where had he heard thatughter before?


    The ring of his phone snapped him out of his reverie.


    Seeing the caller ID, Micah exchanged a brief negotiation with the confidential associate by his side, then stepped away to answer: "Hello!"


    "Mr. Clemens, I''m begging you, please release my aunt and uncle."


    Sadie''s voice shook.


    From the muffled background noise over the phone, Micah surmised she''d been coerced again, and he deduced she was at Night Club. "Alright," Micah replied briskly and signaled with his hand.


    Andrew caught on immediately, quickly leading two associates out to handle the situation.


    "Tell Leah to pick them up at Night Club," Micah instructed.


    "What?" Before Sadie could grasp the situation, Micah had hung up.


    Anxiety churned within her. Did he know she was at Night Club?


    "What does that mean? Are you telling me my parents are at Night Club?" Leah blurted out.


    Inside, Sadie sighed to herself this girl was even more clueless than she was.

 Chapter 233 Unmasking the Truth

    "Not so fast..." Leah quickly realized something was off. "He couldn''t possibly know we''re at the Night Club, could he?"


    No sooner had the words left her lips than Leah became anxious. She hurriedlymanded her two bodyguards, "Guard the door, don''t let any of Micah''s guys break in..." Before she could finish, the door to the private room was kicked open with a crash.


    Both door and men were trampled underfoot.


    "Pathetic," Andrew muttered coldly.


    Leah quickly whipped out a sharp dagger and held it to Sadie''s throat, "Don''te any closer, or I''ll kill her!"


    This scene wasn''t new to Andrew; he knew it all too well.


    The difference was that this time, Sadie was surprisinglypliant.


    She tilted her head back, pleading urgently, "Andrew, she just wants to save her parents. Please, tell Mr. Clemens to release them."


    "Right, just let my folks go, and I won''t bother her again. Otherwise, we all go down together!"


    Leah''s voice trembled, her hand holding the knife also shaking.


    Then, leaning closer, she whispered in Sadie''s ear, "My phone''s been on the video yback screen this whole time. If they don''t release them soon, I''ll leak the video of you and those three bastards."


    "You hear me? Release them now," Sadie ordered desperately.


    "I need to check with Micah..."


    Before Andrew could finish, a sh of silver zipped through the air, piercing Leah''s wrist.


    Leah screamed, copsing to the floor as the dagger and phone fell from her grasp.


    Now out of immediate danger, Sadie didn''t flee; instead, she reached for Leah White''s phone...


    Quickly retrieving the dagger, Leah defensively positioned herself, prepared for any sudden moves. Sadie cried out as her shoulder was nicked by the de.


    But before the dagger could plunge deeper, Andrew wrestled it away.


    Leah was subdued.


    Gripping the phone tightly, Sadie fell to the ground and was caught from behind.


    "Idiot!" Micah cursed through gritted teeth.


    "You!" Sadie turned to look at him, startled at first, then quickly reached out...


    Micah flinched, thinking she was going to expose him again, and instinctively turned his face away.


    But Sadie didn''t touch his mask this time; instead, she yanked open his shirt cor.


    Sure enough, there was a deep bite mark on his shoulder surrounded by a bruise. Her handiwork from the night before...


    No amount of coincidence could exin away something like this.


    Sadie''s heart raced with excitement as she looked up at Micah, "It''s really you!"


    Without a word, Micah scooped her up, preparing to leave.


    Seizing the moment when his hands were upied, Sadie suddenly reached out and ripped off his mask...


    His mesmerizingly handsome face appeared even more stern in the dim light, brows furrowed, eyes disying a chilly firmness and a cold, shimmering threat. Indeed...


    Micah was the elusive escort!


    Atst, his true identity was confirmed!


    A mix of indescribable emotions surged within Sadie.


    "Happy now?" Micah quipped, giving her a firm pat on the backside.


    "Why did you deceive me, Micah?" Sadie asked angrily.


    Micah remained silent, his arms steady there, set on leaving with her.


    "Let me go, let me go..." Leah struggled furiously and roared, "Why do you all protect Sadie? She flirts around, she was with an escort four years ago, and for that escort she even bore..." "Shut up!" Sadie turned and snapped angrily, giving Leah a meaningful nce.


    She was signaling that as long as the child''s existence stayed secret, she would plead on Leah''s behalf.


    Resentment written on her face, Leah bit her lip but remained silent.


    Before heading out, Kathleen had repeatedly warned her not to reveal anything about Sadie''s child; otherwise, they would lose theirst trump card.


    "You really want to see your mother?" Micah turned his gaze to Leah, "Come on, then. You''ll see her."

 Chapter 234 The Truth

    mes roared from severalrge barrels, illuminating the icy cold chamber.


    Kathleen and Felipe huddled in a corner, dozing heavily.


    A man sat on the other side, his gaze hollow as he stared at the ceiling, seemingly waiting for a miracle.


    Upon hearing the iron door creak open, he looked up alertly, then charged forward in excitement: "Let me out, let me out."


    A gentle push from the bodyguard, and he copsed weakly to the ground.


    Starved and tormented for the entire day and night, he was utterly exhausted.


    Of course, Kathleen and Felipe were even worse off.


    "Mom, Dad!" Leah''s voice called out earnestly.


    They finally snapped out of their stupor and scrambled up from the floor.


    "Leah..." Kathleen rushed to embrace her daughter.


    Mother and daughter cried together, overwhelmed with joy and relief.


    "Mr. Clemens, you can''t just hold us here against our will. That''s illegal," Felipe''s voice trembled as he spoke, "Please, let us go!"


    §á


    ''Isn''t holding someone hostage and forcing them to marry illegal?" Micah sat arrogantly on the red leather couch, looking down on everyone like a deity.


    Sadie stood nearby, clutching her wound, her brow furrowed with intense worry and confusion.


    She had tried everything to stop Micah froming here, to no avail.


    Leah yed a recording of a child at the night club; he had undoubtedly heard it.


    He had also heard Coco yell "Mia" before; he must have made some connection...


    Moreover, the continuous threats from the White women must have a reason... He had abstained from digging deeper before, not wanting to uncover her secret. But now, with the truth staring him in the face, how could he hold back any longer?


    "Mr. Clemens, I really don''t get it. Why protect Sadie so fiercely?" Kathleen, protective of her daughter behind her, pleaded excitedly, "She seduced my son-inw, and you''ve probably seen those videos too. And with this man..." she pointed at a man, "a one-night stand! You saw the video on the news, didn''t you? How can you just stand by?"


    "That''s right," Leah sneered venomously, "Sadie is a woman who''s known to many. What do you see in her?"


    "Did you hear that?" Micah red coldly at Sadie, "They''re insulting you."


    Sadie winced, responding calmly. "I''ve exined many times, nothing happened between me and Ronan Potter. If they don''t believe me, there''s nothing I can do."


    "And what about him?" Micah nodded to the man with the toe of his foot, a cold glint in his eyes.


    The man shuddered with fear and took a half step back, his head down as he cautiously watched Micah, hesitating to speak.


    "What''s his story, you don''t know?" Sadie snapped, "They''re saying I solicited him as a male escort four years ago. Is that what you''re saying?"


    "It''s all unclear," Micah said, narrowing his eyes and staring icily at the man, "Maybe after you were done with me, you went looking for someone else?"


    "You..." Sadie flushed with anger, her face turning ashen.


    Kathleen was stunned. What did he mean by that?


    "In fact, I never had any rtions with thedy," the man hastily exined in wed English, "Miss White paid me, took us to the hotel, I took a photo, was about to rest when suddenly there were gunshots outside. I was terrified and escaped through the window..."


    "Seriously? You took the money and didn''t get the job done?" Leah demanded angrily. "Are you too scared to die, making up lies on purpose?"


    "No, it''s true..." the man stated anxiously, "Before I jumped out the window, I saw a guy break in, and he looked..."


    The man nced at Micah with a weak and cautious look, murmuring, "He looked a lot like you, but he was wearing a mask."


    "Is that so?" Micah pulled out a ck half mask and gracefully ced it over his face.

 Chapter 235 Truth Revealed

    "Yes, that''s exactly it..." the man eximed, pointing at Micah, "So it was you... You were the one who was with her that night four years ago...''


    At this revtion, Kathleen, Leah, and Felipe were dumbstruck.


    Their eyes widened in shock as they turned their gazes between Micah and Sadie...


    The news hit them like lightning, leaving them in a state of disbelief.


    They had gone to great lengths to frame Sadie, constantly using the incident from four years ago as leverage against her, digging up evidence to tarnish her reputation.


    They thought they had an ace up their sleeve, a means to control Sadie indefinitely, but they never imagined...


    It was not an advantage, it was a situation that would lead to their downfall!


    No wonder, no matter how they tried to insult and nder her with the past, Micah stood by Sadie unwaveringly, defending her!


    He was the actual "person" all along!


    Sadie let out a deep sigh of relief, as the truth finally came to light, vindicating her atst!


    She would no longer be ckmailed by the Whites with this secret...


    "Mom..." Leah whispered fearfully to Kathleen, ''Does that mean those three kids are actually...?"


    "Shut your mouth!" Kathleen pped her instantly, hissing, "Do you want to make it out of here alive?"


    Leah covered her face with a wounded hand, tears spilling uncontrobly...


    In that moment, she knew she had lost, utterly andpletely.


    "Just because Mr. Clemens had a past with her doesn''t change the facts. She seduced my son-inw, and that''s the truth," Kathleen fought back tears, speaking in anguish, "My daughter and her husband were so happy before, and now they''re heading for divorce because of her."


    "Exactly, exactly," Felipe chimed in eagerly, "We didn''t know the truth at first, and thought that man was the one from four years ago, so we supported Sadie marrying him, thinking it was for the best of both families. And throughout all of this, we never harmed Sadie."


    Hearing this justification, Sadie was dumbfounded. They portrayed themselves as victims...


    Why were they so certain that Audrey was Ronan Potter''s affair? There wasn''t even a clear face in the video or the photos.


    How could they be sure it wasn''t someone else?


    Sadie looked at Micah, who showed no intention of revealing the truth, only regarding the family with utter contempt.


    Kathleen, tears streaking her face, pleaded pitifully, "Mr. Clemens, we''ve been blind and wronged you, made foolish mistakes, but we''ve paid the price. Please, let us go." "You shouldn''t be asking me," Micah pointed at Sadie. "Ask her!"


    "Sadie..." Felipe hastily approached, begging miserably, "I was wrong. I shouldn''t have doubted you. For your father''s sake, put in a good word with Mr. Clemens, let us out, please." Sadie scoffed internally. Why didn''t her family think of her father when they treated her poorly before?


    Now they remember to mention him?


    "Yeah, Sadie, I''m sorry," Kathleen lowered her pride to implore Sadie, while Leah just red at her angrily.


    "Hold off on talking about getting out." Micah cut them off. "There''s more you haven''te clean about." The family quieted down, nervously awaiting his judgment.


    "I... I''ve told everything," the man said weakly. "I didn''t hide anything..."


    "Is that so?" Micah''s gaze turned icy as he stared him down.


    The man knelt down in a panic, blurting out: "I admit it! Right before I left, I took the cash from her wallet. That''s all."

 Chapter 236 Im Not What I Seem

    "No wonder I didn''t have cab fare when I woke up," Sadie muttered.


    "You didn''t take any... liberties while she wasn''t looking?"


    Micah twirled his ultra-thin phone in his palm, his eyes fierce.


    "No, really, I didn''t," the man hurriedly exined. "I mean, I''m not even into women, how could I take advantage of her?"


    "What do you mean?" Sadie''s eyes widened in shock.


    "I... I''m not the man I appear to be," he confessed shamefully, bowing his head. "I have no interest in women..."


    Sadie was taken aback in disbelief.


    The news had reported that she was with a male escort who wasn''t conventionally masculine; it wasn''t just a rumor. And no one knew it was Micah who had actually interrupted the scene...


    "A revtion, indeed!" Micah''s murderous aura waned slightly. Moments ago, he was ready to tear the man apart, but now he seemed almost congenial. "Let him go!"


    "Yes," the bodyguard stepped forward, hauling the man up and escorting him out.


    "Thank you, thank you..." the man repeated his thanks over and over.


    "Let us go, too," Kathleen pleaded urgently.


    "You think you can just leave without exining?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "There''s nothing we need to exin."


    Felipe was confused. If Micah was the man from four years ago, there were no secrets left. What else was there to exin?


    "Could it be..."


    Kathleen quickly realized that Micah was likely unaware of the situation with the three children. Clinging to such a powerful benefactor, Sadie should be iming kinship. Why keep it a secret? Were the kids not his?


    "I don''t have the patience to wait," Micah nced at his watch. "Three minutes. If you don''t talk, you''re all getting locked up!" While speaking, he focused his gaze on Sadie..


    "What?" Sadie looked stunned, pointing to herself, "Me, locked up too?"


    Micah didn''t respond verbally, just nodded.


    "You..."


    "Almost forgot," Micah zeroed in on the cellphone in her grasp, Leah''s phone. "The secret must be in there, right?"


    He extended his hand, "Hand it over!"


    "There''s no secret..." Sadie backed away in a panic.


    Micah frowned.


    The bodyguard moved to retrieve the phone, but Andrew caught n''s eye to stop him.


    Now that Micah had publicly confirmed his identity, and Sadie was his woman, which bodyguard would dare touch her?


    "Is anyone here even alive?" Micah barked, his anger palpable.


    "Yes!" Andrew finally approached sheepishly and said in a soft tone, "Miss Roth, please give me the phone."


    Sadie kept backing away.


    Andrew, not daring to snatch it forcefully, could only coax her. "Come on, hand it over."


    Sadie backed up to a barrel and nearly burnt herself.


    "Careful!" Andrew instinctively reached out to grab her.


    In panic, Sadie threw the phone into the zing barrel.


    Everyone was shocked.


    "Perfect," Micah snorted with a coldugh, stood up decisively, and left. "Lock them up together, let them ponder their actions!"


    "Yes." Andrew cast a sympathetic nce at Sadie and followed with the bodyguards.


    "Hey, don''t lock us up in here. I''ll tell, I''ll tell everything..." Leah began to protest, wanting to leave, but Kathleen mped a hand over her mouth.


    Once everyone had left, Kathleen released her, and Leah shouted angrily, "Mom, what are you doing?"


    "Yeah, why didn''t you let Leah speak?" Felipe asked, clearly puzzled.


    Kathleen ignored the others, stepping up to Sadie and whispered, "Those three... three kids, they aren''t Mr. Clemens'', right?"


    "Of course, they are his," Sadie snapped back.


    "Then why hide it from him?" Kathleen demanded.


    "The kids are my life, I raised them. I don''t want them taken from me," Sadie defended herself with what seemed like a usible reason. "He seems okay with me now, but who knows about love? If he gets tired of me one day, takes the kids away, I''ll be left with nothing,pletely alone."

 Chapter 237 An Open Secret

    Leah was emotionally affected, squatting down to cover her face, tears falling silently to the ground.


    "It''s true," Felipe sighed with sorrow. " Poor little Mikey was taken in by the elderly Potters. It''s been an age since I''ve seen him."


    Kathleen''s expression darkened, but she quicklyposed herself and scoffed, "Do you think I''m some kind of fool? Who is Mr. Clemens? If he wanted to find out, do


    "I...


    11


    "Never mind. Whatever your reasons are for keeping it quiet, it''s no concern of mine," Kathleen said icily. "Just let us leave safely, and we won''t breathe a word."


    "Auntie''s such a smart woman..." Sadie expressed admiration. Kathleen''s strength and cunning were truly remarkable.


    She knew that even if they revealed the secret of the kids, Micah wouldn''t buy their story.


    Yet, with just one word from Sadie, this family of three could be trapped forever in this cold, dark cer...


    you


    think you could hide it?"


    "Don''t worry. Now you''re Micah''s girl, who''d dare touch you?" Kathleen reassured Sadie, thinking she was hesitating. "All we want is a safe way out. That''s it."


    "You''re giving me too much credit. I''m stuck here with you," Sadie said, resigned and slouched on the couch. "He''s unpredictable, I can never be sure."


    "He''ll let you out, for sure," Kathleen said confidently. "You''ll know what to do then, right?"


    Sadie didn''t respond to her but gazed at Leah, "You''re not actually going to have someone snatch my kids, are you?"


    "What?" Kathleen''s eyes widened in shock. "Leah, you sent people to grab those three children?"


    Leah''s gaze flickered, and she lowered her head in silence.


    "Have you lost your mind?" Kathleen hissed in agitation. "Those are Micah''s kids. If he finds out, we''re as good as dead."


    "Who knows for sure?" Leah red at Sadie coldly. "If those three bastards were Micah''s, don''t you think she would''vee running to im them by now, instead of sneaking around and hiding the truth until today?" "I find it odd too," Felipe asked, "Sadie, are the kids Micah''s or not?"


    Sadie ignored them, her fingers dancing over her cellphone with anxious urgency. She needed to call Mason to ensure the children''s safety.


    Her phone here was useless, devoid of any signal; attempts to reach the outside world in vain.


    "This is a sealed off room. All signals are blocked, there''s nowork whatsoever," Kathleen said as she stormed up to Sadie and grabbed her. "You''d better tell me the truth - are they Micah''s kids or not?" "What business is it of yours?" Sadie snapped, shoving her aside.


    Kathleen was fuming, her teeth clenched in anger and her heart filled with urgency as she scolded Leah, "I told you not to be rash. Why do you always do foolish things behind my back?"


    Kathleen''s emotions were conflicted. Part of her hoped the children belonged to Micah, yet another part dreaded the truth.


    If they were Micah''s, their role in shielding Sadie would spare them his wrath;


    But if Leah''s people had truly taken the children and something went wrong, it would spell disaster for their entire family...


    If the children weren''t Micah''s, he would feel yed and mocked by her family''s collective deceit, which would bring a different set of problems. However, if they weren''t his and something unfortunate happened, at least Micah wouldn''t seek lethal retribution...


    Considering the potential misfortunes, Kathleen hoped they were not Micah''s.


    Inside the car, Andrew cautiously inquired, "Are we really going to keep Miss Roth locked up there?"


    "If she won''t talk, she stays," Micah dered, his expression icy with no sign ofpromise.


    "Maybe I should look into it?" Andrew suggested quietly. "You know, it probably isn''tplicated - a quick search might tell us everything."

 Chapter 238 I Wish You Would Tell Me Yourself

    Micah remained silent..


    He seemed lost in thought, turning to gaze out the window, the phone in his hand spinning hypnotically on his palm.


    The dazzling city lights outside the car illuminated his face in alternating patterns of shadow and brightness, his mood elusive.


    Andrew waited at the sidelines, not daring to interrupt.


    After a time, Micah finally spoke, "Let''s wait for her to tell us."


    "Yes," Andrew nodded in agreement.


    ***


    Sadie couldn''t believe Micah would keep her locked away indefinitely. In her heart, she felt he was just trying to scare her and that he woulde to get her soon. After all, justst night, they had been wrapped up in passionate entanglement...


    The night passed with no sign of life outside the door. Sadie drifted in and out of a restless sleep, not knowing how long she slumbered, only to awaken to the same haunting silence. Anxiety crept in as time ticked by, morphing from calmposure to unsettling restlessness...


    Leah was spiraling out of control, one moment weeping bitterly over Ronan Potter''s heartless departure, the next using Sadie of shamelessness. She lunged at Sadie multiple times, intent on causing harm, but each time Kathleen and Felipe held her back.


    Amidst the tumultuous and stifling chaos, Sadie spent twenty-four hellish hours tortured by both mental and physical anguish. Worried for the children''s safety, she pounded on the metal door, calling out for Micah, but her cries fell on deaf ears.


    She waved desperately at the security camera in the corner, calling for attention, but received no response.


    Another day passed in a blur of torment and uncertainty.


    Leah copsed from exhaustion. Kathleen and Felipe were frantic, shoving Sadie, desperate for her toe up with a solution.


    Sadie''s shoulder, already bearing a wound that hadn''t been treated, now bled profusely from the scuffle...


    Dehydration,ck of food, and sleepless nights took their toll,pounded by Leah''s relentless torment. Sadie''s head spun, cold sweat drenched her body, and she slumped onto the couch... Finally, after half an hour, the iron door swung open.


    ...


    Sadie dreamed of a lion watching her, sniffing her skin, and licking her wounds as if ready to devour her at any moment.


    In her dream, she trembled uncontrobly, consumed with terror...


    This fear haunted her until she awoke with a start, drenched in sweat, shaking all over.


    In the dim light, a pair of eyes watched her, reminiscent of the lion from her dream.


    Instinctively, she turned her head and gasped, scrambling out of bed.


    "Awake?" Micah sat casually on the couch, chin in his hand, his gaze dark and intense.


    Clutching her pillow, Sadie leaned against the bed, breathing erratically as she regained her senses.


    Finally, she confronted him, voice charged with emotion, "You bastard, why are you doing this to me?"


    "Not enough time locked up?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    Sadie stiffened, afraid to speak out of turn.


    Micah stood and slowly approached her...


    In panic, Sadie scrambled back, but Micah effortlessly grabbed her ankle, pulled her forward, and she slid beneath him...


    Just like in her nightmare, she was under the shadow of a beast, facing a deadly stare.


    As if he could devour her at any moment!


    "Does it hurt?"


    Micah touched her bandaged wound, his voice soft as moonlight, creating an inexplicable sense of dread. An overwhelming sense of unexined dread engulfed her.


    Sadie stayed silent, herrge, clear eyes watching him with aplex expression.


    She couldn''t understand why he was so fickle, so prone to sudden shifts of mood and temper...


    One moment he was passionately tender, and the next, he would turn cold and distant without warning...


    Was he the passionate tender one moment or the cold and distant the next?


    "Be a good girl..." Micah''s sensual lips brushed lightly against her cheek as he whispered in her ear, "You know, just onemand from me and in ten minutes, I can uncover all your secrets." Then, he took her chin between his fingers, his thumb gently caressing the edge of her lips...


    "But I''d rather you tell me yourself."

 Chapter 239 Slipping Up, The Childs Call

    Micah''s voice was velvety soft, his eyes curving into a gentle arc that only enhanced his charming allure.


    For a moment, Sadie was mesmerized by his enchanting demeanor; it seemed more flirtation than threat ormand.


    She was nearly beguiled until he tightened his grip on her chin just slightly.


    That jolted her back to reality, realizing it had been nothing but a devil''s temptation...


    Her heart raced, skipping a beat, and she involuntarily opened her mouth but found no words.


    Was she really going to tell him about the child?


    What sort of father would a vtile man like him make if thrust into parenthood so abruptly?


    Scenarios shed through her mind: "You can''t solve a simple math problem? Let hunger teach you for three days and nights."


    "You got beaten by a teacher? How can you be my son?"


    "Crying again? I loathe children''s tears. Cry one more time, and I''ll seal those lips shut!"


    Shivering at the thought, Sadie broke into a cold sweat...


    Someone like Micah, who in a fit of anger would lock people away, cast chilling gazes, and ruthlessly eradicate opposition, was utterly unfit for fatherhood. Moreover, he was likely involved in her father''s death...


    No, she absolutely could not tell him.


    But even if she kept silent, he would find out eventually.


    What to do?


    What to do?


    Frantically grappling with her thoughts, Sadie suddenly panicked as her phone rang. She looked around in distress.


    However, Micah, with practiced ease, retrieved her phone from beneath the pillow...


    The caller ID showed Mason!


    Startled, Sadie reached out for the phone, desperate to answer...


    But feeling Micah''s icy stare, she hesitated and held back, not daring to pick up.


    Micah''s slender fingers glided across the screen, answering the call and turning on speakerphone...


    With his other hand, he held Sadie''s chin, steering her with his gaze to speak up.


    "Hello?" Sadie murmured tentatively, voice trembling. Immediately, Mason''s voice sounded anxious over the line, "Sadie, where are you? Are you okay?" "Mason, I"


    "Mommy, mommy, mommy!"


    Sadie''s words were abruptly sliced through by the triple cry of her children.


    She froze, caught in ce.


    "Mommy, where are you? Come back, please. Mia misses you so much," Mia sobbed into the phone, tugging at Sadie''s heartstrings.


    Sadie I to respond, but fear sealed her lips shut.


    "Mommy, are you alright? Did some bad guy hurt you? I''ll punch them for you!" Nathan''s voice came through, bristling with pint-sized bravado as if his tiny fists could reach through the phone, ready to defend her. Sadie''s head bowed, lip caught between her teeth, afraid to even breathe.


    She felt Micah''s piercing gaze on her, eyes almost lethal enough to kill.


    "Mommy, why aren''t you talking? Did somebody kidnap you? If you''ve been kidnapped, just um-hm twice."


    Noah always had an uncanny knack for thinking things through.


    Sadie''s heart raced, lodged in her throat, thudding as if it wanted to break the free ...


    Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously, coldly fixed on her, like countless sharp arrows threatening to tear her apart... "Mommy, mommy, mommy..."


    The kids continued to call out from the other end of the phone.


    Then Brenda''s voice followed, "Honey, are you okay? Say something, please don''t scare us!"


    Sadie couldn''t utter a word, her body quaking.


    Sensing trouble, Mason swiftly ended the call.


    Sadie kept her gaze low, not daring to look at Micah, but the chill emanating from him was palpable. She felt as if she might be frozen solid...

 Chapter 240 Whose Children Are They?

    Micah tapped Sadie''s cheek with his phone, his voice icy with usation, "Not talking yet? Should I bring that man and those three kids right in front of you before you''d be willing to speak, Hm?" "No, please don''t..." Sadie clutched at his hand, pleading desperately, "The kids are innocent. Don''t... Just don''t. Please!"


    She knew all too well the extent of what he could do if she angered him.


    "Then tell me the truth. Are those kids yours?" Micah demanded sharply.


    "I..." Sadie was in turmoil, knowing she could no longer hide the truth. With courage mustered, she gave a cautious nod. "Yes! They are!"


    "The same three who hacked into the systemst time?"


    Micah pinched her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.


    "No, no, no, they didn''t steal the chip," Sadie hurriedly rified, "Some guy in ck slipped it into Nathan''s pocket, and then, Coco, our dog, swallowed it.


    I didn''t know about it at the time, but when I did, I immediately gave Coco somexatives to get it out. After the chip came out, I tried everything to get it back to you...¡±


    Her voice grew softer and more frightened as she spoke.


    Micah''s gaze was intense, cold glight flickering in his eyes.


    His expression was as dark and foreboding as the sky before a storm...


    "We really didn''t steal the chip. We had no idea what it even was..." Sadie continued weakly, "Think about it, if we intended to steal the chip, why wouldn''t we sell it to your rivals instead of trying to return it to you?" "Who''s the father of the child?"


    That was the question Micah cared about the most, his voice seemingly calm yet stiflingly cold.


    Sadie''s heart raced with panic. She instinctively wanted to tell him, "It''s you," but she knew she couldn''t reveal the truth just yet.


    She wanted to weave a lie to deflect, but lying had never been her forte...


    Or, more precisely, no matter what she said or how she said it, she knew she couldn''t deceive him any longer.


    "Speak up!" Micahmanded, his tone sharp and severe.


    Sadie shivered, her gaze filled with trepidation as she faced Micah. She wanted to weave a lie to deflect, but lying had never been her forte. No matter what she said or how she said it, she knew she couldn''t deceive him any longer." She stammered without getting the words out...


    "Mine?" Despite trying to conceal and control his emotions, Micah couldn''t help but press further, "That night, four years ago, you got pregnant, didn''t have a miscarriage, and actually had triplets... right?"


    There was a spark in his eyes, hope. He was desperate for a confirmation.


    His hands trembled with excitement, his gaze fixed on Sadie''s lips, afraid to miss her response.


    "No, of course not," Sadie quickly denied, "How could that be!!!"


    She viewed him as a mercurial demon, potentially holding the fate of many lives in his hands. The prospect of introducing him to the children at this moment was terrifying.....


    "Not mine?" Micah grasped Sadie''s cheek abruptly, his query fierce with emotion, "Then whose?"


    Sadie winced in pain, frantically pushing his hand away.


    "Thud, thud!" A suddenknock echoed from outside, followed by Andrew''s voice, "Micah, the ckwells are here!"


    His words instantly heightened the already tense situation.


    Sadie felt Micah''s grip on her cheek tighten, his eyes turning more threatening as his grip grew stronger, almost crushing her bones.


    "Ouch..." Sadie whimpered weakly.


    Micah stared her down with a menacing chill in his eyes. "You still have the nerve to feel pain?" he sneered. "Those three kids, don''t tell me they''re... Mason''s?"


    The usually reserved and icy ckwells were all rallying behind a woman, pleading on her behalf. To suggest there''s no intimate connection between her and Mason? Who would buy that?

 Chapter 241 Scoundrel

    Sadie stood frozen, shock etched across her face.


    Her mind whirled in confusion...


    How could he think that?


    Did he really believe the children were Mason''s?


    Well, perhaps there was some basis for his assumption...


    After all, the kids were currently with Mason.


    And she had been adamantly secretive about them, refusing to let Micah find out.


    If the children were his, she saw no reason for any concealment.


    Moreover, Mason had brought his family to Micah, pleading on her behalf.


    To outsiders, their connection clearly seemed extraordinary.


    "Looks like I guessed right, huh?"


    Micah was trembling with agitation, eyes swirling with an indescribableplexity of emotions.


    Sadie neither confirmed nor denied; perhaps, keeping the secret a little longer was the best approach.


    To keep the secret, just a little longer.


    But she wondered, at what cost to Mason...


    Her mind was racing when suddenly Andrew''s voice was heard again from outside: "Micah, Mr. Cruz is on the phone..." "Get out!"


    Micah roared like an enraged lion, electrifying the atmosphere with terror.


    Sadie shut her eyes tightly, quivering.


    She felt like in the next second, he could strangle her...


    "Sadie!" It seemed to be the first time Micah called her name in full.


    "You''ve done quite a number on me!" he hissed, each word biting and forced through clenched teeth.


    "You had me going in circles!"


    "You lied about having a miscarriage, lied about it being your first time, lied about me being your only man, and had the gall to push me into escorting, all to repay you..." "Dammit, so the money I was conned out of was for those brats?!"


    "Shut up," Sadie cut him off sharply, her voice trembling with anger. "Don''t you dare talk about my children like that!"


    They''re your children, too.


    Your own flesh and blood, how can you call them bastards?


    "So, what if I did?" Micah''s hand brushed her cheek mockingly. "Sadie, I truly underestimated you. To think I believed you were as pure as the driven snow. It looks like the White family was right after all, you''re nothing but¡ª" "You..."


    "One Arianna, one Ronan Potter... Who else? How many men are there?"


    Micah''s ps grew more forceful, painting Sadie''s cheeks with crimson prints.


    "What''s it to you?" Sadie, infuriated, shoved his hand away. "All I ever wanted was the money you owed me-no strings attached. I told you time and again, I have a boyfriend, but you just wouldn''t listen..."


    Before she could finish, Micah''s hands were around her neck, pinning her down on the bed. He snarled in anger, his teeth gritted fiercely like a furious beast. "You think you can ditch me for Mason? Don''t forget the contract you signed with me. You''re mine now."


    "Let go of me, you maniac!" Sadie struggled fiercely.


    "Leave? Not so easy," Micah seethed, growing more enraged. "From now on, you''re nothing but a lowly ve. I''ll do with you as I please!"


    With those words, he tore off the bedsheets, bound her to the bed, and then stormed out...


    "Bastard, monster, brute... Mmmph..."


    Sadie didn''t get to finish her curse before she was abruptly silenced. could only re at him, her eyes bright and clear, brimming with anger.


    "If you re at me again, I''ll gouge your eyes out!" Micah pointed at her, seething with rage.


    Tears rolled down Sadie''s cheeks as she looked away in defeat. With a brutal kick to her backside, Micah left her alone in the room.


    "Micah, Sebastian and Mason are waiting outside."


    "Let them wait," Micah snapped back.


    "Yes," came the response.

 Chapter 242 From Now On, Im Yours Alone

    Sadie had no idea how long she''d been tied up; her limbs had gone numb from the struggle, her wrists and ankles burning as if on fire, the fabric nearly cutting into her flesh. Finally, she stopped fighting, conserving her strength. The house was deathly quiet; the guards and staff knew better than to disturb Micah when he was in a mood.


    Her phone began to ring-it was Mason. She tried to move her arms to answer, but it was futile; she could only watch helplessly as the call went to voicemail...


    After a while, lights flickered outside her window, a surge of hope red within her. She knew it was Mason signaling her. Desperate to respond but gagged and restrained, she was unable to make a sound. She writhed, trying to shake the bed or knock over a vase from the nightstand to hint at her distress, but it was no use. The bed was sturdy, and so were her restraints.


    And then, the flickering lights went out. As the sound of a car engine faded away, were they leaving? Frantic, Sadie muffled whimpers through her gag, yearning to keep them there...


    But the car didn''t stop; instead, it sped away.


    Despair washed over Sadie as she copsed onto the bed, her eyes fixated on the ceiling, her resolve teetering on the brink of copse.


    "Knock knock!" A sudden rapping at the door, and then Dahlia entered.


    "Wha... please..." Sadie, as if sighting a savior, desperately sought her aid.


    Dahlia flipped the light switch and wheeled over a medical cart. She untied the cloth gagging Sadie.


    "Please, untie me," Sadie urgently implored.


    "I can''t release you without Micah''s orders."


    Dahlia picked up a cup with a straw and helped Sadie drink.


    After taking a few sips, Sadie pleaded anxiously, "Please, let me go... I''m begging you..."


    "Miss Roth, I advise against such futile struggles," Dahlia softly counseled. "The more you resist and try to escape, the less likely Micah is to free you. Besides, you''re not just hurting yourself, but endangering others too." Hearing this, Sadie was stunned. It took her a moment to regain herposure, then asked agitatedly, "What do you mean? What did he do? Has he harmed my child? What about Mason?" "Miss rk..."


    "That''s rich. You actually care about him."


    At the doorway, Micah, about to step in, caught thest remark and sneered ominously, "I had no ns, but you''ve given me an idea."


    Turning, hemanded, "The ckwell family''s car hasn''t gone far, has it? Bring it back!"


    "Micah..."


    "No!" Sadie shouted urgently. "Micah, don''t do this "


    "Carry out the order!" Micahmanded imperiously.


    "Yes, sir." Andrew bowed his head and went to carry out the order.


    "No, please..." Sadie frantically beseeched. "This has nothing to do with him, don''t hurt him, I beg you, let him go..."


    "How can it have nothing to do with him?" Micah sneered coldly. "Isn''t the child his?"


    "I..." Sadie was speechless for a moment.


    As Micah raised his hand, Andrew prepared to ry themand.


    In a moment of desperation, Sadie screamed, "From now on, I''ll obey your everymand, bepletely submissive to you¡ªjust please, don''t hurt my family and friends, I''m begging you..." At her words, Micah gestured to stop the previous order and slowly walked into the room.


    Dahlia quickly pushed the medical cart out.


    Micah, looking at Sadie tied to the bed, demanded coldly, "Is he family or a friend?"


    "Friend," Sadie blurted out, then quickly added, "It''s all from past mistakes, and now we''re just acquaintances..."


    Gazing at Micah''s indifferent expression, she feltpelled to say, ¡°From now on, I''m yours, entirely yours!"

 Chapter 243 Hold Me Tight

    Dahlia''s words had been a stark reminder...


    Ever since she had gotten to know him, she had learned the hard lesson that crossing him offered only two oues: a dead end or a fate worse than death. If all those powerful tycoons couldn''t stand against him, what chance did she, someone utterly powerless, have?


    For the sake of her child''s safety, to not drag Mason into this mess, she had to y along...


    Deep down, she knew about his intense possessiveness and desire to control her. Whether it was love or not, any attempt to break free would unleash his fury... So maybe totalpliance could buy her some temporary peace.


    "Really?" Micah released the cloth ties from her wrists and ankles, then took her chin in his hand. "Prove it to me now!"


    "Huh?" Sadie froze, "How should I prove it?"


    "Just like this..."


    In a sudden move, Micah ripped off her nightgown, pinning her to the bed.


    Panic-stricken, Sadie''s instinct was to struggle, but remembering her current predicament, she reluctantly began toply...


    Her arms awkwardly wrapped around his neck, clumsily responding to him...


    Micah''s kisses were retaliatory, punishing. Like a predator devouring its prey, he bit her gently, causing her waves of pain.


    "It hurts..." Sadie winced in agony, yet had no choice but to endure...


    "It''s supposed to hurt," Micah growled, pinching her cheek as he murmured coldly in her ear, "Pain is how you learn your lesson."


    His words felt like a chilling warning.


    Sadie felt a shiver of dread.


    All through the long night, their room was steep with the scent of passion and burning desire, as fierce as the anger in his heart... Sadie felt overwhelmed by an inferno she could neither escape nor resist.


    He exhibited more intensity and wilderness than ever before.


    She nearly broke down several times, crying and pleading for him to be gentle, only to provoke a more forceful assault from him. Her delicate body shivered uncontrobly beneath him.


    Yet he breathed heavily,manding her right by her ear, "Hold me tight!"


    She wrapped her arms around his strong waist, her nails wing into his back, leaving behind crimson streaks...


    The oozing blood gave her a perverse sense of revenge.


    ...


    That night, Sadie considered multiple times that his torment might be enough kill her.


    Eventually, she nearly passed out, tormented by nightmares and drenched in sweat.


    From body to soul, she was consumed by fear.


    When she awoke, her eyes still showed signs of terror.


    The man beside her was gone. She looked around the room - everything was in disarray.


    Rain was falling outside, and the clock on the wall indicated it was half-past three in the afternoon... She had slept till now.


    Knock, knock. Dahlia stepped in, nked by four maids.


    Two set about tidying the room, while the other pair assisted Sadie with her bath and getting dressed. Dahlia checked her for injuries, tending to and redressing her wounds.


    As night fell, avish dinner was delivered to the room.


    Seeing the spread of food, She ate voraciously, pausing abruptly as a reminder of her children struck "Your phone is broken," Dahlia informed her, handing over a new one. "Shall I swap in your SIM card?"


    "Sure." Sadie''s gaze lingered on the mangled remains of her old phone, snapped in two by brute force.


    Probably from a callst night that sent Micah into a rage.


    Once the new card was in, Sadie called Brenda right in front of Dahlia...


    Brenda''s voice was fraught with urgency, pressing for Sadie''s whereabouts.


    Dodging the depth of the issue, Sadie reassured her, "I''ll be back soon, don''t worry."


    "Your children miss you dearly..."


    "I know, and I miss them too. Hang in there for a couple more days, Brenda, until I get back."


    "Okay."


    After ending the call, Sadie looked up. "Where is he?"


    "Micah''s out handling business. He probably won''t be back tillte," Dahlia said, her gaze heavy with unspoken words. "About those kids..."

 Chapter 244 Rare Grace

    "The kids are mine, no one can hurt them."


    Whenever her children were mentioned, Sadie became fiercely emotional.


    "Of course, no one will harm them," Dahlia soothed her with a brief word, not borating further. "Miss Roth, rest up. If you need anything, just call. The staff are on standby outside."


    Sadiey in bed, her body aching and utterly fatigued after the meal.


    Clinging to a pillow, shey on her side, facing the window and gazing at the scenery, lost in thought.


    The curtains were drawn back, revealing through the French windows a dense forest outside, dotted with the asional streetlight a faint glimmer of hope in the dark.


    As a soft drizzle persisted, a chill swept through, making Sadie shiver and burrow deeper into her covers, quickly falling into a heavy sleep.


    Late into the night, a tall and athletic silhouette entered, shedding his coat and tossing his tie aside carelessly, slowly unbuttoning his shirt as he approached the bed.


    Sadie slept deeply, but a sudden warm breath tickled her ear...


    Like a beast capturing her scent before delicate kisses, like droplets of rain, peppered her cheek, neck, shoulders, and corbone, trailing downwards.


    A tingling sensation spread across her body, as if small currents were moving through her,trembling gently.


    Sadie''s body tensed as her eyes slowly fluttered open to the darkness. She recognized the familiar face and with drowsy affection, she murmured, "You''re back!"


    "Mhm," whispered Micah, his kisses softening as his fingers tenderly traced her arm and gently lifted her chin, coaxing her face up towards his. "Miss me?"


    "So much," Sadie breathed out, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning in for a passionate kiss.


    Despite the deep-seated fear and trepidation she felt towards this man, her body had grown ustomed to his presence. In his presence, she became increasingly submissive. Without even thinking, her body would instinctively respond, endure, and even... revel in it!


    Sadie''s docility pleased Micah immensely.


    This time, their love-making wasn''t fierce and wild,ced with aggression as before - now it was tender...


    After their intimate moments, he wrapped his arms tightly around her from behind and kissing her hair, slowly drifted off to sleep.


    Awaking in the morning to brilliant sunlight, Sadie instinctively reached for the pillow next to her.. Just as she was about to sit up, she saw the familiar silhouette sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows on the couch, sipping coffee.


    His gaze, deep and unfathomable, lingered on her, carryingplex thoughts. Her instinctive search for his presence had affected him, revealing a dependency that couldn''t be feigned...


    "I want to go home," said Sadie, sitting up and looking at him timidly.


    Micah remained silent, continuing to taste his coffee.


    "I can''t stay here forever, right?" Sadie ventured cautiously. "I cane over when you want to see me."


    She hade to terms with their arrangement, maybe all he needed was apanion in bed...


    As long as he left her family and friends alone, she would tolerate it.


    Micah''s silence persisted, though a frown briefly crossed his brow.


    Sadie threw off the covers and approached him, gently shaking his shoulder. "Please, I really need to go back..."


    Before she could finish, he pulled her into his embrace, her frail body nestling into his, appearing utterly vulnerable and dependent. "You''re not to see Mason, or Ronan Potter," Micahmanded forcefully.


    "Yes, yes," Sadie nodded hurriedly before adding, "But I need to pick up the kids and say goodbye to Mason, rify a few things."


    His expression darkened, prompting her to quickly add, "I''ll tell him I''m with you now, and after that, there will be no more meetings, I promise!"

 Chapter 245 A Smile of Gratitude

    "Remember your promise!" he warned.


    Micah''s hand ventured inside her clothes, growing bold once again.


    In an instant, Sadie melted into his embrace, as pliable as wax softened by heat.


    Her freedom came at the price ofpliance.


    Leaving the Clemens family estate, Sadie felt as if she were walking out of prison, tasting freedom for the first time. She rolled down her car window, closed her eyes, and savored a moment of liberty in the sunlight and breeze. "Miss Roth, your new ce is all set up, and no one but Mr. Clemens will know your new address," Dahlia informed her with respect.


    Sadie blinked in surprise. "What? I didn''t ask you to do that. I just rented a new ce."


    "I took the liberty of canceling that lease," exined Dahlia. "Folks from the Whites, Potters, and ckwells all knew about it. It wasn''t safe for you there."


    "But..."


    "Don''t worry," Dahlia assured her. "Although Micah bought the house for you, he won''te by to bother you. You and the kids will be safe. If Micah wants to see you, I''ll arrange it."


    "Got it," Sadie said reluctantly, though the arrangement made her uneasy, almost as if she were under surveince.


    She remained in the palm of Micah''s hand.


    He had treated her well, considering he mistakenly thought her child was with another man.


    Now that all secrets wereid bare, there was no more hiding. Her life could be out in the open-a good thing, perhaps?


    Her rtionship with Micah was tenuous but likely temporary. Men''s intrigue fades, and once Micah''s loses interest, he would leave, granting her true freedom...


    At that thought, Sadie found herself almost hopeful.


    Arriving at her destination before she knew it, she peered out the window to find herself at 1 Prosperity Lane. The ce made her pause¡ªit was where she once lived. Prosperity Lane marked where wealth and poverty intersected¡ªthe first ter residences were luxurious homes in the so-called affluent district. Beyond thaty the rundown area formoners. The higher the number, the poorer the inhabitants. Sadie had once lived in number 32, a humble abode with cheap rent and basic living conditions.


    But now, within days, she was moving into the coveted number one address on Prosperity Lane!


    Craning her neck out the car, she gazed up at the grand building with a mix of awe and apprehension turning to ask, "How much is this ce?"


    "Not much," Dahlia smiled. "Just over 1.3 million. It''s 1,985 square feet with four bedrooms and two living areas¡ªperfect for when the kids grow up." "When did you buy it?" Sadie pressed on.


    "An hour ago," Dahlia said with a smile. "This building was developed by VIC Group''s subsidiary. The unit I''ve reserved for you is the model apartment. It''s been open for half a year. Just a few touch-ups and new furniture and appliances, and you can move in. I''ve got a team taking care of everything..."


    She nced at her watch and added, "Once you say goodbye to Mr. Chase and have lunch with the kids, everything will be ready by the time you get home."


    "And your luggage, and Coco, will be delivered to your new ce soon. Your reinstatement at work is all set up too..."


    Dahlia had arranged everything and informed Mason to meet Brenda and the kids at a restaurant near the new home.


    Sadie couldn''t fault the impable arrangements, yet she felt an unsettling sense of being controlled...


    It felt like like Micah held the reins of her entire life!


    The feeling was suffocating.


    But all Sadie could do was smile and say, "Thank you!"

 Chapter 246 A Man of Noble Character

    Finally, she saw her long-missed children at the restaurant...


    Sadie squatted down, opening her arms and calling out, "Noah, Nathan, Mia..." "Miss, little..."


    Brenda''s words were cut off by the children''s chorus of "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!"


    Little Mia, with her short legs, ran excitedly and flung herself into Sadie''s arms, toppling her over.


    Sadie''s bottom hurt from the fall, yet sheughed through tears, "Good girl, Mia, Mommy loves you!" "Mommy, Mia loves you too, mwaa~"


    Mia puckered her lips and nted a strong kiss on Sadie''s cheek.


    "Mommy, Mommy, Nathan missed you so much!" Nathan squeezed into Sadie''s embrace, one hand around her neck and the other clenched in a fist to show off his strength. "Mommy, Nathan''s been practicing his boxing every day so I can protect you!"


    "Mommy..." Noah, usually mature and steady, also longed for a hug. Seeing no space to squeeze in, he felt disappointed.


    "Noah,e here!"


    Sadie stretched out her arms, drawing all three kids close and kissing each one on the forehead. "Mommy''s sorry for not being there for youtely. But now, we can be together every day again." "That''s awesome! Yay!!!"


    The children cheered and clung to Sadie, unwilling to let go.


    Brenda watched from the side, wiping away tears.


    Lost in the warmth of family love, Sadie had forgotten someone else was present.


    Brenda softly reminded her, "Miss, Mr. Chase is still here."


    Sadie was jolted back to reality and looked up at Mason, who stood quietly at the entrance with a gentle smile on his face and a hint of tender emotion in his eyes.


    "Go ahead to the private dining area and order some food, kids. Mommy will join you after saying a few words with Mr. rk," Sadie said, patting the backs of her three children.


    The kids nodded obediently and greeted Mason, "Thank you for looking after us these past few days, Mr. rk."


    "Mr. rk, we''re gonna grab a bite now. See you in a bit!"


    "See you soon!"


    Mason waved back, his smile exuding warmth.


    The restaurant had been entirely reserved. Aside from a few essential waitstaff lingering at a distance, only Sadie and Mason remained. "You don''t look so good," said Mason, reaching out to touch Sadie''s cheek.


    Sadie instinctively dodged his touch; her body, seemingly cursed by Micah''s threats, naturally recoiled from the closeness of any other man. His hand froze mid-air, a mix of embarrassment and disappointment on his face.


    "Sorry, Mason," Sadie apologized sincerely. "I''ve put you through a lot. Has Micah given you or your family any trouble?"


    "None," Mason''s face turned somber. "The ckwells have no business with him. He can''t trouble us. Besides, I''ve done nothing to offend him." Sadie opened her mouth, struggling to speak.


    She didn''t know how to tell Mason about the lie. She felt guilty for seemingly dragging him into this mess.


    "Let''s sit down and talk," Mason ushered Sadie to take a seat. "What''s really going on between you and Micah?"


    "I don''t know how to tell you..." Sadie hesitated.


    "Who is the father of the children?" Mason asked softly.


    Sadie was silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and then looked up, "Mason, I''m sorry..."


    "Spit it out. What''s going on?" Mason urged, anxiety creeping into his voice.


    "You''d better not know too much about it," Sadie said with a furrowed brow, the gravity in her voice. "I don''t want to drag you into this."

 Chapter 247 Wishing You Happiness

    "In our case, what''s this about ''dragging''? I wasn''t there for you four years ago when you needed help. But I''m here now, and no matter what you''re facing, I''ll be there for you!" Mason pleaded. "Thank you, Mason," Sadie was genuinely grateful. "But right now... I..."


    She paused, gathering courage before confessing, "I have a boyfriend now. He''ll take care of me!"


    Mason was taken aback, speechless for a moment before finally reacting, "Boyfriend??"


    The news struck him like a bolt out of the blue...


    He''d only been back in town for a few days when the first bombshell dropped - headlines about Sadie''s cozy encounters with Ronan Potter. By day three, he learned not only did Sadie have a child, but she also narrowly escaped an abduction. Now, she was confessing that she had a boyfriend.


    "Yes..." Sadie''s whispered, her eyes anchored to the ground, avoiding his gaze. "Mason, I''m really sorry. I don''t even know how to put this, but thank you, seriously, for everything. I''ll always be grateful for how kind you''ve been but, moving forward..."


    With gritted teeth and a burst of courage, she finished, "I think it''s best if we don''t see each other anymore!"


    The words fell, and her head dropped even further.


    Sadie felt terrible, having just taken advantage of Mason''s help and now saying something so cruel.She felt inhuman.


    Yet, to keep from causing Mason any more trouble, this was what she had to do.


    "Uh." Mason seemed to take a heavy hit, standing still as a statue, and took a long moment to process her words. "Sadie, is someone... threatening you?"


    "No..." Sadie blurted out frantically, bracing herself to continue, "I just think that when you have a boyfriend, you should... keep a safe distance from other guys..." "Your boyfriend, he wouldn''t happen to be... Micah, would he?"


    Mason asked tentatively, with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.


    "Um." Sadie nodded, still avoiding eye contact. ¡°I''m sorry!¡±


    Mason said nothing, simply picking up his coffee and taking a drink, doing his best to temper his emotions and remainposed.


    "Mason, I owe you so much, and I promise to repay you someday, but for now, for both our sakes..."


    "I just want to ask you one thing," Mason interrupted, his voice low. "The father of the child, it''s him, isn''t it?"


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat. She hadn''t expected Mason to guess the truth.


    She thought he knew nothing, had no reason to suspect.


    Maybe it was just intuition, yet he had hit the nail on the head.


    "It seems I''m right."


    Mason''s gaze grewplex, his hand tightening around the coffee mug.


    "No one knows, not even he''s aware," Sadie rushed to exin, her voiceced with urgency. "Mason, it''splicated, and I don''t know how to exin everything to you, I just don''t want to drag you into this mess...'' "I understand!" Mason cut her off gently, "It''s okay. Now that you''ve made your choice, I wish you all the best."


    Sadie froze, her eyes finally lifting to meet his.


    Mason, d in white, was bathed in the noon sunlight streaming through the window, but even the bright light couldn''t dull his radiance...


    Regrettably, she had let him down once again.


    "I''m sorry..."


    Guilt welled up inside Sadie. Besides those words, she didn''t know what else to say.


    11


    "Fool, you haven''t done anything to offend me," Mason said, holding her hand gently. "What I''ve done for you is nothing, even as a friend I should lend a hand when needed. Besides..." He trailed off, eyes cast downward, a bittersweet smile on his lips. "I prefer your happiness over us being together!"


    His sincerity made his words all the more precious because they came from the heart.

 Chapter 248 A Letter

    A twinge in her nose brought tears to Sadie''s eyes, threatening to spill.


    "My gut tells me your choice is probably the wrong one," Mason sighed with a sense of helplessness, "but what can be done? You''ve always been so stubborn. I have no confidence in convincing you, just like four years ago..." Pausing, forced a self-deprecating smile and continued, "So, I must let you fly free to face the world. One day, after you''ve tasted life''s bitterness, you''ll realize I was the best for you."


    "When that timees, turn around, and you''ll find me.


    At his words, Sadie could no longer hold back her tears.


    She quickly covered her mouth, careful not to let the children in the booth hear, silently crying without making a sound.


    "Stop crying, silly," Mason hurried to wipe her tears with a tissue, trying to lighten the mood, "If you cry like this, the kids will think I''m bullying you. I''ve just managed to build a bond with them these past few days, they''ve all taken a liking to me, even saying they want to introduce me to your dog Coco..."


    "Mommy, Mommy!" The familiar voice interrupted,ing from the doorway.


    Sadie quickly dabbed away her tears and turned around. Coco burst through the door, pping his not-yet-fully-healed wing clumsily, nearly crashing into the chandelier.


    "Coco..." Sadie reached out her hand.


    Coconded on her hand, rubbing his fluffy head against her cheek.


    As Sadie stroked his wing, she noticed a ck and gold ring on his leg marked with a golden ''S'' - Micah''s insignia.


    A shock ran through her, and suddenly she was on edge.


    Looking around in a panic, she noticed the Clemens'' family car still parked by the curb downstairs. They were reminding her in their own way that she belonged to Micah!


    "So this is Coco? Very cute," Mason said, reaching out to stroke Coco''s wing.


    Coco pecked at him suddenly and red his wings, staring him down fiercely. Mason hissed in pain, instinctively pulling back his hand.


    "Coco, that''s rude," Sadie chided sharply.


    Coco sulked, hiding his head under his wing, silent.


    "Is Coco back? Coco..." Mia''s sweet voice wafted from the private room.


    "Mia, Mia!" Coco darted off to find her without hesitation.


    "Did you hurt your hand?" Sadie checked Mason''s hand, her voice lined with regret. "I''m so sorry, Mason. My Coco can be so impolite. I''ll make sure to teach her some manners."


    "It''s okay, animals can be wary around strangers they''re not familiar with." Mason wasn''t bothered. "Sadie, what are your ns moving forward? Brenda told me your previousndlord reimed the space. Where are the kids staying? Have you found a new ce yet?"


    "It''s all been taken care of," Sadie nced outside.


    Mason followed her gaze and saw the Clemens'' family car, his brows furrowing. "Alright, if it''s inconvenient, I should head out."


    Setting down his coffee, he stood up, reminding her, "My number, Brenda has it. Jot it down and call me anytime if you need anything."


    "Take care of yourself, don''t worry about me," Sadie replied with a hint of shame.


    "Get back what your father left you as soon as you can," Mason added.


    Sadie was jolted, shocked. "How do you know about that?"


    "He wrote me a letter before... before the incident," Mason sighed, feeling guilty. "I only saw it recently. It''s because of that letter I came looking for you!"

 Chapter 249 The Best Reward

    "Sadie eagerly asked, "A letter from my dad to you? "What did it say?""


    Mason hesitated, then said lightly, "He just asked me to take good care of you, nothing much more... Also, he mentioned he left something for you. If after five years you hadn''t sought out Jonathan Chase, he wanted me to retrieve it and bring it to you."


    Hearing this, Sadie''s emotions churned, tooplex to express.


    She never imagined that before her father''s untimely passing, he had written Mason a letter.


    Her father probably worried about her inability to let go of the past and start anew even after five years, hence he requested Mason''s help...


    She was sure that the contents of the box mentioned by Jonathan Chase had nothing to do with her father''s sudden death.


    So what exactly had her father left her?


    "Sadie..." Mason''s voice broke through her reverie. She snapped back to the present and looked up at him. "Thank you, Mason. You should get going. Take good care of yourself!" "Yeah, goodbye."


    Mason gave her a lingering look and then turned to leave.


    Watching his lean figure disappear, Sadie felt a pang of guilt. She should never have dragged him into this.


    She hoped that Micah would keep his word and not cause him any trouble.


    "Mommy, mommy, mommy..." Mia burst out of the booth with Coco in tow, holding a little cupcake high, "Mommy, this cupcake is so yummy, you have to try it."


    "Wow, it looks amazing." Sadie knelt down to embrace Mia, taking a bite of the cupcake, "Delicious!"


    "Mommy, this banana milkshake is really good too."


    Nathan brought over his banana milkshake and offered it to Sadie.


    "Yum, it''s tasty. Mommy likes it," said Sadie after trying Nathan''s milkshake.


    "Mommy, did Mr. rk leave?" Noah emerged with an ice cream in hand, his charming big eyes searching the surroundings, "He likes vani vor, and I was just about to share with him."


    "I saved some mango pudding for Mr. rk too," Nathan quickly chimed in, raising his hand.


    "I want to introduce Mr. rk to Coco." Mia proudly raised her eyebrows while holding Coco, "I told him Coco can sing, but he didn''t believe me."


    "Mr. rk had to leave for some work," Sadie exined. "Did you guys thank him for looking after you these past days?"


    "Yeah, we all thanked him properly." The three kids quickly said, "We even made ns to go to the amusement park this weekend."


    "Mr. rk is pretty busy; he might not have time. How about Mommy takes you there, is that okay?"


    "Okay..."


    "Mommy, let''s go eat, the steaks are getting cold!"


    "You got it!"


    Sadie, holding the hands of her three children, headed back to the booth. Noah, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for her. She nted a kiss on his handsome little face and praised, "Thank you, Noah!"


    "Mommy, Nathan wants a kiss too."


    "Mommy, Mia wants one too... Mia wants one as well..."


    "Mommy, mommy, I want one too!"


    Laughter and chatter echoed in the private room.


    ncing out the window, Sadie saw the ckwell family car drive away, followed by the disappearance of the Clemens'' as well...


    A resigned, bittersweet smile yed on her lips. Micah''s people, they were thorough to the core!


    While the kids were off ying, Brenda slid next to Sadie and asked in a whisper, "Miss, has Mr. Lewis left?"


    "Yeah, he''s gone," Sadie nodded.


    "He''s a real good guy," Brenda marveled. "He drove out to pick us up from the countryside, took us in, and made sure we felt at home. The kids were initially standoffish, still shaken up, you know? But he took care of them with such patience and warmth, slowly earning their trust. They''ve be as thick as thieves over these past few days."


    "I know..." Sadie let out a sigh, deep in thought. She felt the best way to repay Mason, to show her genuine gratitude, was to keep her distance, to stop causing him any more trouble...

 Chapter 250 A Visit to the Cemetery

    After dinner, Sadie brought Brenda and the kids home.


    As the family approached the entrance of theirmunity, they were warmly greeted by the developer''s representatives and the property management team. A security guard even helped Brenda with her bags, lending a hand with the family'' parcels and packages.


    Brenda couldn''t help but praise them for their excellent service, then she leaned in to whisper to Sadie, "Miss, the HOA fees here must cost a fortune, right?"


    "They''re a bit pricey, but don''t worry about it. I got a raise," Sadie whispered back, not wanting to cause Brenda any concern.


    "But no matter how much you''re making now, it seems like a big spend for rent and HOA feesbined, doesn''t it?" Brenda said with a worried look.


    "The house is bought and paid for. All the paperwork is ready. We just need Miss Roth to sign on the dotted lines," the developer''s representative interjected with a smile. "Bought it?" Brenda''s eyes widened in surprise. "Miss, where did you get the money?"


    "I achieved something big for thepany, and my employer rewarded me," Sadie murmured. "Don''t stress about it, Brenda. Let''s just enjoy our new home as a family."


    Brenda was silent after that, her expression still serious.


    Once inside, the family was stunned. Their new home was nothing like the ces they had lived in before. It was modern, spacious, and bright, with a romantic and cozy atmosphere.


    Every piece of furniture and every decoration had been chosen with care clearly a lot of thought had gone into each selection.


    The staff led them through the rooms. The master bedroom was vast,plete with a walk-in closet, a desk, and an en suite bathroom.


    There were two kids'' rooms, one designed for a princess and the other for a prince.


    The princess room was beautifully adorned, just like something out of a fairy tale, decked in pink and white tones with elegant drapes and an assortment of dolls that would make any girl''s heart soar. "Wow, it''s so beautiful!!" Mia eximed as she burst into the room, bounding onto the bed with joy.


    "Come and see our room!" Noah and Nathan couldn''t wait to show off their prince-themed room.


    Their room featured two beds against a backdrop of sci-fi inspired decor. One bed was fashioned like an airne and the other like a car.


    And there were toys everywhere-toys that the boys had longed for but could never afford.


    "Wow! This is awesome!" one of the boys shouted.


    "I love it, too!" agreed the other, as they excitedly explored and yed with every toy before piling onto their beds, theirughter filling the room. "Brenda, this is your room. Pleasee have a look," said one of the staff members, leading Brenda to her space.


    Sadie quickly followed them into the room.


    For Brenda, there was an ergonomic bed designed for seniors and aforting massage chair. Consideration for herfort was evident in every detail.


    Brenday down to test it out and sighed with relief. "Man, this feels great. After a long day''s work, my back''s usually killing me. Going out for a professional massage? Costs money and time. Now, I can get some relief right at home." "That''s specially set up for you," the staff member said with a smile.


    "Thank you! Thank you so much!" Brenda replied, deeply touched.


    The property manager demonstrated how to use thetest household appliances and adjusted the central air conditioning and venttion system for Brenda. After ensuring everything was in order, they left.


    Sadie watched Brenda and the kids reveling in their happiness and felt a surge of contentment. Yet, her emotions were mixed. Everything was wless, arranged down to thest detail by Dahlia. But ultimately, everything came from Micah. What if he became upset one day and took it all back? The disappointment would destroy the kids.


    Shaking her head, Sadie stopped herself from spiraling into worries.


    After ying with the kids for a bit and putting them down for their nap, Sadie quickly changed clothes, grabbed her purse, and prepared to head out.


    "Say-Say, are you going out?" Brenda, just back from shopping, chirped. "There''s a market right here in theplex. I bought groceries. I''ll cook up something delicious tonight to celebrate our move!"


    "No need to prepare food for me. I''m going to visit the cemetery. I''m not sure when I''ll return."

 Chapter 251 Father’s Letter

    Sadie looked up on her smartphone''s GPS and found the cemetery was over 40 miles away.


    "You''re going to visit your father? It''s not his death anniversary. Something wrong?" Brenda''s face grew solemn.


    "No big deal. I just miss Dad and want to visit," Sadie replied, a bit wistful. "A lot has happenedtely. My thoughts are all scrambled. Maybe seeing him will give me some rity." "That''s a good idea," Brenda replied with teary eyes. "Send him my regards."


    Sadie purchased ca lilies, her father''s favorite, and took a cab to Autumn Hills Cemetery. As night fell, a light drizzle chilled the air. Arriving at her father''s grave, Sadie looked at his photo etched on the tombstone, feeling a pang of heartache In Sadie''s memories, Edmond was always warm and approachable, radiating kindness. He conducted his affairs with honesty and never got involved in any scandals. He was always generous and preferred to be owed than to owe. He was known by everyone who knew him as a good-hearted and just man. However, such a virtuous person was inexplicably taken from this world...


    Now, he was lying there all by himself, exposed to the harsh elements. Sadie''s heart felt like tumultuous waves were tossing it.


    Sheid the ca lilies at her father''s grave, bowed deeply as if to speak to him onest time, and then made her way to the mausoleum''s storage area for personal effects.


    Finding her father''s safety deposit box, Sadie used her mother''s birthday as the code, a spark of genius from the past. It clicked open, revealing the familiar mahogany box a little piece of her father in the otherwise sterile room. Sadie held the mahogany box in her hands, She was overwhelmed with emotions-a flood of memories about her father began to wash over her, each one a bittersweet touch to her soul.


    She took a deep breath to steady herself, gently pulled the box from its secure ce, and unlocked it. Inside, there was an envelope, a photo album, and a silver document holder.


    Sadie carefully opened the envelope with trembling hands. She recognized the handwriting immediately-her father''s neat and stylish handwriting was as honorable and humble as he had been. Yet, the hurried strokes betrayed an urgency no typical of his calm demeanor.


    She sensed the haste in which he had written the letter. It was as if he had known the end was near and there was no turning back,mitting his final thoughts to paper for his daughter to find.


    Every word wasden with love, worry, and the difficulty of farewell.


    Tears blurred Sadie''s eyes as she read each sentence slowly:


    "Sadie, by the time you read this, I may no longer be here. Don''t be sad or grieve for me. I''ll be watching over you from heaven, hoping my Say-Say leads a life of peace and happiness.


    "Looking back on my life, through its triumphs and storms, and seeing where it has ended up, I have no resentments. If me must be assigned, let it be on my own inadequacies. I gave it my all, imed my piece of the sky, yet I couldn''t stand against the weight of that family.


    "The one regret that haunts me is not being able to find your mother, not being able to apologize to her in person. I chose the path of least resistance to protect you, our home, and in doing so, I drove her away.


    "If you ever have the chance to see her, please tell her that I loved her, that she was my one true love in this lifetime and if there''s an afterlife, I wish to be with her again, hoping for another chance. "Sadly... I don''t even know if she''s alive or has already joined paradie, apanying the angels...


    "Well, enough of that am I making youugh at your old man again?


    "Ever since you were little, whenever I had a drink, I''d reminisce about your mother till you''din your ears were calloused from my stories... Well, I won''t have the chance to ramble anymore. "You have always been my greatest concern. For 19 years, I''ve done everything to love and cherish you, but I forgot to teach you how to safeguard yourself..."

 Chapter 252 Fathers Keepsakes

    "I always thought I would be there to guide and protect you throughout your life. That, all you needed to do was to grow and thrive happily.


    "But now, it seems I have to depart first, leaving you alone in this harsh world to brave the inevitable storms...


    "I can almost envision the struggles you''ll face without me.


    "People out there will go to extreme lengths, using every trick in the book to get their hands on your wealth. Seems you''re only safe when you have nothing left. "So, I didn''t dodge the inevitable. Let them fight over the scraps for all I care¡ªI don''t have much left, anyway.


    "But, I''ve left you a way out...


    "There''s a silver document holder with bank information inside. It''s for a private ount I set up for you in Switzend.


    "Ever since you turned 13, I''d deposit $10,000,000 per year, not once touching it, no matter how tough times got for thepany.


    "I''ve entrusted this ount to someone reliable for management. By the time you read this, there should be at least $100,000,000 waiting for you.


    "That sum will easily secure the rest of your life. I hope you''ll live modestly, one day marry a man who truly loves you, and lead a simple life-that, too, is happiness.


    "Of course, those are just my hopes. Your life''s path may not unfold as smoothly as I wish. "And if you ever face an insurmountable crisis or danger, I''ve left you another lifeline... "Inside the silver document holder, you''ll find not only the bank details but also a ck card. "On it is a phone number. If you''re ever backed into a corner, call it, and say your mother''s name.


    "He''ll show up without dy, ready to tackle any colossal problem you face!


    "But remember, Sadie, only in dire straits, when you''ve hit rock bottom, should you make that call. Because once you do, a different life awaits you... "Remember this well!"


    Finishing the letter, Sadie''s emotions were tangled. She was suddenly aware of the many secrets her father held.


    ''What is this invincible family he spoke of? Did they have anything to do with his demise?


    ''Who is the mysterious person behind that phone number? Why would one call herald an entirely different life? ''And how could they solve any massive problem?''


    Sadie was at a loss. It felt like the mythical door in fairy tales¡ªthe more forbidden it was, the more one was drawn to it. She opened the silver document holder and took out the ck card with a phone number handwritten in golden letters. The number was international.


    Sadie checked on her phone and found it to be from some Zone 9 country-easy to remember with the five nines in a row. She recited it a few times and memorized it. ''Who could that person be?'' The question surfaced involuntarily in Sadie''s mind, but she quickly pushed it away.


    Sadie tucked the card and the bank details into her wallet and was about to look through photos in an album when her cell phone rang-it was a call from Micah. To receive his call now, at this ce, filled Sadie with an inexplicable sense of apprehension, almost reluctance.


    However, she still answered the call. "Hello?"


    "I need to see you," Micahmanded with his usual domineering assertiveness. "Now. Right away!" "I''m out in the suburbs..."


    "Just give me the address. I''ll send someone to pick you up." Micah left no room for her to resist.


    Sadie wanted to say she wasn''t in the mood and that she didn''t want to see him, but she was all too aware of the consequences any defiance might bring. Taking a deep breath, she tried to keep her voice soft. "It''s okay, going there and back will take time. I''ll grab a cab instead. Are you at home?"


    "Out. I''ll text you the address," he said.


    "Alright," Sadie replied, getting ready to hang up.


    "30 minutes!" Micah added before abruptly ending the call.

 Chapter 253 A Special Day

    Upon hearing the busy tone on the phone, Sadie was very angry. Micah didn''t care how far away she was; he ordered her to be there within 30 minutes. Micah was really unreasonable.


    Receiving a text message on her phone, Sadie opened the address search navigation. Even if she took a taxi immediately, it would still take forty minutes. If she dyed any longer, Micah would have to wait too long. Micah''s cold eyes shed in her mind, making Sadie shiver. She immediately used her phone''s ride-hailing app.


    Putting down her phone, she looked at her father''s belongings, feeling very conflicted.


    After careful consideration, she took out her bank card and the ck card from her wallet and put them back in the silver envelope.


    Then she packed her father''s letter back into the box in its original state, locked the box again, and ced it back in the storage unit.


    Carefully closing the storage unit, Sadie checked it multiple times for any mistakes before hurriedly leaving.


    Sadie urged the driver repeatedly and arrived at the agreed location in a rush, but she was still eleven minuteste.


    Getting out of the taxi, Dahlia immediately came over with an umbre and whispered, "Miss Roth, today is a special day. Micah is not in a good mood, so be careful!" "Oh?" Sadie felt even more uneasy upon hearing this. "What day is it today?"


    "You''ll find outter," Dahlia said softly. "No matter what, don''t make him angry today."


    "Well, I understand." Sadie frowned and walked in quickly.


    Micah sat by the window, quietly gazing at the rainy scene outside.


    "Sorry for beingte." Sadie apologized softly. "I took a taxi as soon as I received the call, but the journey was a bit far, so..."


    Micah turned to look at her, his expression calm.


    "Aren''t you angry?" Sadie asked fearfully.


    "Where did you go?" Micah looked at her intently.


    "To the cemetery," Sadie replied candidly, "to visit my father."


    As long as Micah didn''t know the secret of the heirloom, there was nothing she couldn''t say.


    Upon hearing this, Micah lowered his gaze. Without saying anything, he handed her the menu and gestured for her to order.


    "You can decide," Sadie handed the menu to the restaurant manager waiting nearby, pretending to be rxed. "Why did you suddenly invite me out for dinner today?"


    It seemed to be the first time he had taken her out to dinner as Micah.


    After a moment of silence, Micah suddenly said, "Today is my birthday."


    "Oh?" Sadie was stunned. She had no idea it was his birthday today, and she hadn''t prepared anything.


    "I also went to the cemetery," Micah swirled his highball ss, his gaze deep and his voice low, "to visit my mother."


    The light shone on Micah''s face, dim and mysterious, as if he had something on his mind.


    "Alright," Sadie responded cautiously. She wanted to ask where his mother was buried, but she didn''t dare say much.


    She felt that he was acting a bit strange today, and she was afraid of identally provoking him.


    "How''s the new house? Are you satisfied with it?" Micah changed the subject, looking at her.


    "It''s pretty good." Sadie smiled and nodded. "Thank you!"


    "Have a good weekend, ande back to work on Monday." Micah took a sip of his drink. "Okay." Sadie raised her ss to him. "Happy birthday..."


    "Don''t say that." Micah suddenly interrupted her, frowning with a chilling glint in his eyes.


    Sadie was taken aback. Why was he unhappy? It was his birthday today, and she wished him a happy birthday. Why would he be upset? Seemingly realizing his inappropriate mood, Micah clinked sses with her to lighten the atmosphere, then downed his drink in one go. Sadie also finished her drink, took a deep breath, and sighed, "This drink is strong."


    Chapter

 Chapter 254 Unhappy Birthday

    All secrets could be shared, except for the one about the keepshakes.


    Micah''s eyes dropped, and he silently slid the menu toward her with a gesture suggesting her to ce an order.


    "Surprise me." Sadie handed the menu back to the hovering restaurant manager, feigning nonchnce. "What''s gotten into you today, inviting me out for dinner?" It seemed to be the first time he had taken her out as Micah.


    He paused for a moment, then suddenly announced, "It''s my birthday today!"


    "What?" Sadie was taken aback. She had no idea it was his birthday and had nothing prepared.


    "I also visited the cemetery," he said, his voice low as he swirled his wine ss with a deep gaze. "To see my mother."


    The dim light cast on his face, revealing an inscrutable somberness.


    "Oh..." Sadie replied cautiously, curious about where his mother rested but too apprehensive to probe further.


    Something felt off about him today, and she feared that a misstep might provoke his ire.


    "How''s the new house? Are you settling in well?" Micah shifted the conversation, looking up at her.


    "It''s great." Sadie nodded with a smile. "Thank you!"


    "Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday at the office," he said, taking a sip of his drink.


    "Sure." Sadie raised her ss to him. "Happy Birth¡ª"


    "Don''t say it." Micah cut her off abruptly, his brow furrowed, a chilling intensity in his eyes.


    Sadie was stunned. ''What is wrong with him? Isn''t it his birthday? What could be wrong with wishing him well?'' Sensing the tension, Micah clinked his ss against hers as a peace offering and drained his wine in one go.


    Sadie also finished her drink, exhaled deeply, and remarked, "That''s some strong liquor."


    "You can drink a little more tonight." Micah chuckled, liking how the wine brought a charming flush to her cheeks and a lively sparkle to her eyes that seemed to dance like ripples on a pond.


    "I really shouldn''t." Sadie touched her warm face. "I''m a lightweight and not exactly the best drunk. A few drinks and I start rambling..."


    "Yeah, I''ve noticed." Micah recalled herst inebriated incident, passionate and forward like a wild me that he found irresistible.


    A subtle yearning flickered in his throat as his eyes darkened with a rising desire.


    Sadie felt uneasy. "What are you staring at..."


    Just then, the manager served avish French dinner.


    "Did you prepare a cake by any chance?" she inquired.


    "No, but I''ll take care of it right away," the manager replied promptly.


    "No need." Micah waved a hand dismissively. "Everyone can clear out."


    "As you wish." The manager hustled away.


    The vast dining room quieted down, leaving just the two of them to dine in peace.


    Soft, romantic piano melodies wafted through the air, blending with the aroma of red wine and fine cuisine, adorning the amorous night. "Why didn''t you want the cake? It feels like something''s missing," Sadie murmured gently.


    "There''s no need for it." Micah poured himself half a ss of wine.


    Sadie was worried. "But I didn''t even get you a birthday present."


    "You are the best present."


    Micah''s gaze held a suggestive warmth as he filled her ss halfway.


    "I really shouldn''t drink any more..." Sadie''s cheeks were already a bit flushed.


    "It''s okay to get drunk. I''ve got you."


    Micah returned to his drink, his meal untouched.


    "What''s going on with you today?" Sadie noticed something was off. "Are you not in the mood?"


    Micah downed his wine in one go and then spoke slowly. "Today... marks the anniversary of my mother''s passing, too."


    Sadie was taken aback. ''That exins it...''


    She began to understand the reason he didn''t want to hear "Happy Birthday", the absence of a cake, the visit to the gravesite, and the somber mood. "That''s why I never celebrate my birthday." Micah continued to pour himself more wine.


    "I''m sorry..."


    At that moment, Sadie realized Micah had his own burdens. He wasn''t capricious or temperamental-he simply hid pains she knew nothing about. Unsure how tofort him and wary of saying the wrong thing out of ignorance, she hesitated to speak.


    "You seem to be scared of me?" Micah looked her straight in the eye. "You weren''t like this before."


    "You weren''t so intimidating back then..." Sadie couldn''t help but sigh. "Ah, if only life were as it is at first sight... I still prefer how you were as a male escort."


    She remembered how arrogant she had been when she first mistook him for a male escort. She had berated and shouted at him, forced him to sign a debt repayment agreement, coerced him to entertain three wealthy women who together weighed over 700 pounds...


    At the thought, she couldn''t help but burst intoughter. "Those threedies canceled their check the next day. There went my $100,000."


    "Serves you right!" Micah red at her, still irritated by the memory. "To think you''d sell me out over $100,000, your conscience must''ve been eaten by a dog!"


    "It was you who ate it!"


    The words slipped from Sadie before she could stop them, and she quickly mped her hand over her mouth, anxiously looking at him.


    "Got some nerve, huh?" Micah raised an eyebrow, staring back at her.


    "Sorry, I was just joking..." Sadie apologized in a hushed tone.


    "Hitting up the club tonight?" Micah blurted out.


    "Huh?" Sadie blinked, her excitement bubbling over. "You thinking of ying gigolo for the night?"


    "Pay up," Micah said, extending his hand. "All night, $10,000."

 Chapter 255 The Despicable Ones

    "Uhh..." Sadie rummaged through her purse and found only $130 in cash. She was reluctant to part with it and gave him a feeble look. "Can I run a tab?" "Run a tab with an escort?" Micah was incredulous.


    "That''s all the cash I have," Sadie said, pulling out all the bills and stuffing them into his hand. "See what services this gets me."


    "Deal!" Micah pocketed the money, got up, and with a pull, they were out the door.


    Andrew and the bodyguards quickly followed suit, but he gestured them back. "Stand down. Tonight, I''m flying solo!"


    The bodyguards exchanged nces, but Andrew simply stepped aside. Tonight, no one dared to utter a word of protest. Micah grabbed Sadie''s hand as they jumped into the car, speeding off to the club.


    ...


    At 9:00 p.m., the scene was bustling with activity.


    The nightclub was packed. shy lights were flickering, while young men and women were dancing to the music with abandon.


    On stage, a stripper twisted and turned, here-hither moves captivating the crowd.


    Masked and sporting a shy jacket, Micah led Sadie through the throngs towards the VIP area.


    In this space, Sadie let go of her fear, caution, and vignce, embracing a carefree joy.


    She discovered that behind the mask, the Male Escort Micah didn''t possess that intimidating aura. Instead, he radiated a captivating charm and surprising warmth. The club manager came to greet Micah.


    Micah signaled for him to back off, making the manager think he was concealing his identity from Sadie and hastily retreat to avoid a slip.


    Sadie clutched at Micah''s arm, whispering in his ear, "Let''s just hang out here, where it''s lively. Let''s loosen up, just for tonight."


    Micah eyed the packed crowd with faint distaste. He disliked intimacy with strangers and the noisy atmosphere...


    But seeing Sadie''s joy, he chose to indulge her.


    They settled at the bar, each with a cocktail in hand, clinking sses. They sipped their drinks and watched the stage, where men were throwing money and jewelry like mad, vying for the dancers'' attention. Even the guys sitting at the back were swept up in the excitement, swaying their bodies and having a st.


    Everyone, except for Micah he sat rigidly on a bar stool, his brow slightly furrowed, exuding an air of aloofness.


    "Why isn''t this tickling your fancy like the other guys?" Sadie teased, propping her chin in her hand as she looked at Micah with a yful grin.


    "I''m just not into this whole cheap thrill scene," Micah retorted, his fingers lightly pinching her chin. His eyes were drawn irresistibly to hers, gleaming with a mischievous sparkle.


    Whenever she had a little too much to drink, she became this tantalizing blend of innocence and desire thatpletely captivated him.


    "You need to loosen up when you''re out having fun," Sadie cooed, her hand gently smoothing out the crease in his brow. "Stop frowning. Be happy..."


    Suddenly, Micah grabbed her hand and pulled her into his embrace.


    Her forehead bumped against his solid chest a little painful, yes, but it positioned her perfectly to hear the steady thrumming of his heartbeat. Suddenly, her own heart began to pound wildly in response.


    A blush spread across her cheeks, enhancing her beauty.


    Admiring the flush on her face, Micah was about to lean in for a kiss when suddenly someone kicked Sadie from behind.


    "Ow!" Startled, Sadie lurched forward and spun around. "What the Who did that?"


    "There you are, you little tramp."


    Three plump middle-aged women nked by their bodyguards stood there, poised for confrontation.


    One of the women, with curly hair, noticed Micah and excitedly eximed, "Isn''t that the stud we were eyeingst time?"

 Chapter 256 My Man

    "So, you two are in cahoots," another woman with bold red lips quickly deduced and gnashed her teeth in anger. "Last time you swindled our money and knocked us out cold. Won''t get so lucky this time!" "What are you waiting for? Get them!" urged the woman in the miniskirt as her bodyguards eagerly advanced.


    "Hey! What do you think you''re doing?" Sadie yelled, panicked, "This is a public ce. You can''t make a scene here!"


    "Either this stud gives us the night of our lives..." demanded the curly-haired woman. Her gaze was fixed on Micah, and her eyes practically sparkled. "Or the two of you get carried out of here. Your choice." "Yeah!" echoed the other two women. "If he takes good care of the three of us tonight, you''ll be off the hook."


    Sadie was seething with anger as she recalled the possibility of having once used Micah as a decoy to make her escape. But now, the very thought was something she couldn''t even entertain. "Answer thedy," Micah said while gently lifting Sadie''s chin. "What do you have to say?"


    "Absolutely not!"


    Never before had Sadie stood with such a resolute air of defiance. She stood before Micah with her hands on her hips and dered loudly, "This is my man, and no oneys a finger on him!"


    Even if there was a hint of pretense in her words, Micah couldn''t help but curve his lips into a satisfied smirk. It was like a flower blossoming in his heart, an inexplicable joy washing over him. "You little tramp, looking for trouble?" The curly-haired woman pointed at Sadie and gnashed her teeth in anger. "You''ll regret not epting a cordial gesture. Take her down!" "Yes!" Two beefy bodyguards stepped forward without hesitation.


    Startled, Sadie quickly sought refuge in Micah''s embrace.


    A mocking sneer yed on Micah''s lips as he was about to retaliate when suddenly¡ª


    "Stop!" A voice cut through sharply.


    Sadie looked up, shocked to see it was Arianna.


    "Mrs. Frostwood, Mrs. Vivienne, Mrs. Aurelia, quite the spectacle," Arianna mocked with a cold sneer. "Do your husbands know you''re in a nightclub, fighting over a male escort?" The three women immediately panicked.


    "Miss rk, w-why are you here?"


    "It''s all a misunderstanding."


    "Yes, she bumped into me, and that''s why we¡ª"


    "Miss Roth is a friend of mine," Arianna said, ncing at Sadie. "Making things difficult for her is making them difficult for me."


    "Uh..." The three women, thrown off, quickly apologized, "Sorry, we didn''t recognize your importance. We''ll leave right away."


    With that, the three women, along with their bodyguards, made a hasty exit.


    Sadie frowned, not in the mood to appreciate Arianna''s aid.


    Micah could have easily handled the situation without her intervention. They hade here to unwind, and this little interruption was merely an added amusement.


    Arianna failed to recognize Micah and seemed like she was offering assistance. However, in truth, she was merely mocking Sadie in a different guise. "Sadie, I didn''t know you had a taste for such diversions!"


    Indeed, just as Sadie had suspected.


    Arianna''s eyes roved over Micah, and her mouth curved in a derisive smile.


    "It''s none of your business," Sadie shot back coldly, taking Micah''s hand to leave.


    Then, Arianna added, "Ronan wants to see you!"


    Immediately, Sadie tensed. ''Great, discussing this in front of Micah! Will he get the wrong idea?''


    "He''s in the VIP room." Arianna approached, smiling invitingly. "It''s just old friends catching up. What''s there to fear?"


    "There''s nothing to discuss," Sadie replied coolly.


    "Feeling guilty, are we?" Arianna taunted, "Or are you scared your friend here might find something out?"

 Chapter 257 Grave Mistake

    "You..."


    Micah suddenly broke the silence. "Since Mr. Potter is so eager to see you, why don''t we just meet him?" Sadie''s heart tightened even more. Micah was probably curious about what Ronan was up to.


    If Ronan did or said something that might give Micah the wrong impression, they would be in deep trouble.


    "At least someone here is a gentleman," Arianna said with a faint smile, gesturing towards the private booth. Reluctantly, Sadie followed her inside.


    Micah casually draped an arm over her shoulder, putting on a show of intimacy.


    Catching a glimpse, Arianna sneered. "My brother would be so surprised if he knew about your unique tastes."


    "He''d be even more shocked if he knew about you getting cozy with Ronan," Sadie retorted coldly.


    Arianna faltered for a moment, then feigned confusion. "What are you talking about? Ronan and I are just friends. He''s been downtely, and as a friend, what''s wrong with offering somefort?"


    Sadie raised an eyebrow with a mocking smile. "Comfort in the backseat of a car?"


    "You..." Arianna was taken aback, apparently not expecting her secret to be known.


    But she quickly regained herposure, stating coolly, "Any usation will do when you''re looking to condemn."


    She had put on that show at the restaurant just for Sadie to see.


    It was no surprise to Arianna that Sadie would guess she was the woman in those rumors. She was confident Sadie had no proof and could be stonewalled.


    Sadie gnashed her teeth in anger. She would have exposed Arianna''s true ugly, hypocritical nature if it weren''t for the fact that she had to consider her ties with Mason.


    The petty squabbles between women seemed utterly trivial to Micah.


    However, seeing Sadie at a disadvantage, he feltpelled to intervene. "If it''s evidence you need, it''s always avable."


    Arianna stopped in her tracks, looking at him in bewilderment. "What do you mean?"


    "Just what I said."


    With a cool smile, Sadie grabbed Micah''s hand and pushed open the door to the private room.


    "Get out, all of you¡ªOUT!"


    As they entered, a flying bottle narrowly missed them.


    Thankfully, Micah reacted swiftly and pulled Sadie out of harm''s way.


    The bottle shattered against the wall, sending fragments of ss scattering everywhere.


    Several servers scurried out in panic.


    "What''s gotten into you, Ronan?" Arianna, her arm nicked by ss, rushed to calm Ronan. "Stop drinking. You''ve had enough for today."


    Ronan drowned his sorrows in a bottle, his appearance ghastly and disheveled. Upon noticing Sadie, he froze momentarily, frantically attempting to smooth out his clothes and hair. Sadie''s heart twisted at the sight of him. He used to be suave and genteel, but her memory of him was tarnished now. Those good impressions slowly shattered.


    "Sadie, why... Why are you here?" Ronan nervously got to his feet. "I''ve been meaning to talk to you, but..."


    He hung his head, eager yet afraid to look at Sadie.


    His helplessness made her eyes well up with tears.


    Nheless, she couldn''t let Micah see her like that. Taking a deep breath, she pretended to be indifferent. "Why are you giving up on yourself? Who are you trying to impress with this mess?" "What did you just say?" Arianna snapped angrily.


    Micah''s piercing gaze swept over, causing her to panic and shut up immediately.


    "It''s... It''s all my fault," Ronan admitted with shame. "Everything... it''s all my fault..."


    That sentence encapsted all his emotions.


    Indeed, breaking off the engagement, marrying Leah, pining for Sadie, and choosingpany interests over her were all grave mistakes.


    From start to finish, he was utterly misguided.

 Chapter 258 A Heart Clear as Glass

    Seeing Ronan like this softened Sadie''s heart, and she spoke with earnestness. "Ronan, everyone faces setbacks in life. It''s not about never falling. It''s about getting back up after a fall..." "Setbacks?" Ronan let out a bitterugh. "It was Micah who caused all my setbacks!"


    rmed, Sadie instinctively nced at Micah.


    Micah sat arrogantly to the side, uncorking a bottle of whisky and drinking in silence. He appeared indifferent to Ronan''s words and actions, with only a mocking smile on his lips, quietly watching Ronan''s self-destruction. "Ronan, you''ve had too much to drink," Arianna intervened urgently. "Stop talking nonsense..."


    "What''s the harm? There''s no one else here." The tipsy Ronan staggered over and reached for Sadie. "Sadie, there are so many things I want to tell you..."


    Before he could touch her, someone yanked Sadie back, causing her to fall onto the couch.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    Only then did Ronan notice Micah. He did not immediately recognize Micah, who was now dressed differently from his usual dominant Mr. Clemens persona.


    "Do I even need to ask?" Arianna scoffed. "It''s one of the club''s performers. Miss Roth almost got into a fight with a bunch of socialites over him just now." "Sadie..." Ronan couldn''t believe his eyes as he looked at her.


    "You still don''t believe it?" Arianna looked at Sadie with contempt. "Four years ago, this she made headlines as a bouncer_"


    "Shut up!" Ronan cut her off, pleading anxiously, "Sadie, tell me it''s not true. You''re not that kind of person..."


    "What kind of person should I be?" Sadie shot back with a coldugh. "You think you know me?"


    Ronan stood there, stunned into silence.


    "You''ve never really known me. It was true then, and it''s true now."


    Sadie uttered the harshest words in the sweetest voice, "It''s simple, really. When I loved you, you were my everything. When I stopped loving you, you became nothing. "When I needed you four years ago, you let go of my hand. From that moment, it was over between us.


    "If you stayed the kind soul you once were, I might still respect and keep you in my heart like a cherished memory. But look at you now..."


    She gave him a once-over. "What a letdown!"


    Ronan, deeply hurt, hung his head in silence.


    "Sadie!" Arianna shouted indignantly. "How can you say that to him? He''s be this because of you, hasn''t he?"


    "Because of me?" Sadieughed. "I may not understand business matters, but I''m no fool. If the Potter family had a strong foundation, why would they need to beg the VIC Group for a partnership? Isn''t it obvious there were issues from the start, hoping for the VIC Group''s investment and handing over crucial decision-making power to Micah?"


    Micah raised an eyebrow, surprised. He had assumed she was clueless, but clearly, she understood the situation very well.


    Ronan remained silent, his head down.


    "Before giving Micah that power, you should have known he''s unpredictable. Yet, you did it anyway. This suggests the Potters had major problems, and you had no other choice..." Sadie got to the heart of the matter. "If that''s the case, he has the right to make or break you!"


    "That may be true, but if it weren''t for you, Micah wouldn''t have cut off Ronan''s escape routes," Arianna defended Ronan.


    "He''s a shrewd businessman. He wouldn''t ruin opportunities over a woman unless the deal wasn''t significant to begin with... easily expendable," Sadie said.


    She nced at Micah, who confirmed her suspicion with his expression. She had guessed right.

 Chapter 259 Life and death are determined by ones mood

    "Why do you keep defending him?" Ronan challenged, his voice betraying his dissatisfaction. "Is he really that great in your eyes?" "He''s alright, I guess."


    Sadie didn''t want to sing Micah''s praises with him standing right there. However, truth be told, when considering the bigger picture, Micah clearly outshone Ronan


    "You''ve changed," Ronan remarked bitterly, his heartache evident. "You used to never give yourself to someone for any reason. And now, for power and status, you just... You just..."


    He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence as an image of Sadie and Micah intimately close shed in his mind, stabbing at his heart like needles.


    "Who wouldn''t want a powerful king?" Sadie teased, poking at his pride. "Would you rather have a destitute and powerless man?"


    Micah raised an eyebrow at her, a satisfied curve forming on his lips.


    "You..." Ronan stared at her in utter disbelief as if the woman before him was aplete stranger.


    "Just take care of yourself," Sadie said. She was no longer willing to continue the conversation and pulled Micah away with her.


    "Sadie!" Ronan shouted, calling her name directly for the first time ever.


    Sadie paused in her step but didn''t look back, waiting for him to finish.


    "I''ll remember every word you said today..." Ronan was seething, gritting his teeth as he uttered each word. "You''ll regret this. I promise you that!" Sadie walked away without a word.


    Ronan grabbed a bottle of liquor from the table and smashed it onto the ground, the shattered ss mirroring the irreparable break in his feelings for Sadie.


    ...


    Sadie quickened her pace, eager to leave the lounge and Ronan''s world behind.


    At that moment, the cherished tender feelings she had held in her heart were like broken ss, beyond mending.


    Deep down, Sadie knew Arianna had orchestrated the meeting with Ronan to reveal his downfall, to utter wounding words, including the scene at the Citrus Bar, all contributing to the buildup.


    All of it was to sever tiespletely between Sadie and Ronan.


    And now, she had gotten her wish.


    Should she be secretly rejoicing?


    But that didn''t matter. What mattered was that Ronan, once enraged, would find the strength to rise again.


    And with Micah witnessing Sadie''s cold stance towards Ronan, any lingering bitterness in his heart would be gone. This would ensured that he wouldn''t make things difficult for Ronan anymore in the business world. "It''s aplicated web you weave!" Micah eximed as they stepped out of the nightclub.


    "What?" Sadie felt a flicker of unease inside.


    "That was quite the performance!" Micah said, tossing his car keys as he walked toward his vehicle.


    "I meant everything I said..." Sadie hurried to catch up, anxiously rifying, "I had the wrong idea about you. But now that I think about it, you''re pretty thorough with your work. Maybe the Sisson Project was doomed from the start. That''s why


    you


    "


    "You''ve got it all wrong!" Micah interrupted her, his voice indifferent. "The projects thate to me are the ones struggling to turn a profit. Theye to me hoping I can flip them around.


    "I could have given the Potter family a shot, but Ronan waned to y the saint and make a buck off me at the same time, which I find repulsive. So, I decided to pull the plug.


    "There''s a bit of truth to what you said, though. When they put life-and-death decisions in my hands, I have the power to make or break them. It all depends on my mood!" With that, he pinched her chin and bit softly on her delicate lips. "It all depends on you!"


    A tingling pain spread through her, reminding Sadie that her fate was in Micah''s hands, too. His mood would decide her destiny.


    And that mood hinged on her performance.

 Chapter 260 Before or After Me

    The Aston Martin sped away into the night.


    Micah drove with one hand, the other resting on the window frame, a cigarette between his fingers. Sadie sat silently, her emotions in turmoil.


    Being with a man like Micah was always intense and unpredictable. She felt as though no matter what she did or thought, he could see right through her. She was transparent to him and had no private thoughts to keep unless hecked interest, in which case she could keep her secrets.


    As such, she fiercely guarded the mystery surrounding her father''s legacy.


    Fortunately, Micah showed no interest in it, so there was no need for him to pry.


    Lost in thought, Sadie suddenly heard her phone ring and saw that it was Brenda calling.


    Sadie nced at Micah and answered, "Brenda."


    "Miss, it''s sote. Why aren''t you home yet? Is everything okay?" Brenda asked with concern.


    "I''m fine. I''ll be backter. You go to bed¡ª"


    "Mommy!"


    "Mommy!"


    "Mommy!"


    Before Sadie could finish, her kids'' voices calling for her came through the phone.


    Startled, Sadie instinctively looked at Micah before turning away and covered her mouth to quietly reply, "Why are you still up?"


    "Mommy, Mia wants a bedtime story. When are youing back?"


    Mia''s adorable voice melted Sadie''s heart. "Mommy will be home soon. It''s already 11:00 p.m., time to sleep..."


    Sadie stole another nce at Micah, fearing his anger.


    He gazed straight ahead, his expression unreadable, but the tension in the air made the car''s atmosphere heavy.


    "Mommy, you''re still workingte?" Nathan grabbed the phone, his voice serious. "Is your boss keeping you froming home? Just tell me his name, and I''ll give him a piece of my mind." "No, it''s not..." Sadie began to panic. "Nathan, you need to behave..."


    "Give me the phone." Noah snatched the phone and asked in earnest, "Mommy, where are you? Are you safe?"


    "I''m perfectly safe." Noticing Micah''s darkening expression, Sadie quickly said, "Noah, be a good boy and take your brother and sister to bed. Mommy has to work."


    "Got it, Mommy, don''t worry..."


    "Noah, I have to go now. Be good!"


    Sadie hung up in a hurry and turned back to Micah with a timid gaze.


    Micah remained silent, just snuffing out his cigarette and rolling up the window.


    The silence became oppressive.


    Sadie felt suffocated, her heart racing.


    Today of all days was a bad one for him, and she shouldn''t have made him angry...


    Just when the tension had seemed to ease, it returned...


    Suddenly, the car merged onto the freeway, speeding off into the distance.


    Sadie grew more tense, pressed back into her seat. She didn''t dared to move, and even her breathing was cautious.


    After a long silence, Sadie couldn''t help but ask, "Where are we headed?"


    Micah still didn''t speak.


    "Don''t be mad." Sadie looked at him with trepidation. "I just took a call..."


    Micah finally spoke. "The kids, four years old, right?"


    "Yes." Sadie instinctively responded.


    "Before me or after?" Micah pressed.


    "What?" Sadie panicked internally, uncertain of what to say.


    "It must be after..." Micah concluded, "That night four years ago, it was your first time, no doubt about it."


    On that night, she had bled a lot. Despite being under the influence of drugs and filled with passion, the genuine innocence of youth remained unmistakable.

 Chapter 261 The Only Woman for You

    "Why bring this up now?" Sadie asked anxiously, sensing the chill in Micah''s tone.


    "So that means..." Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously, "After you slept with me four years ago, you quickly got together with Mason."


    Sadie''s heart sank, realizing she had overlooked that.


    Every time Micah heard something about the kids now, it would stir up thoughts of her closeness with Mason.


    The air turned stiflingly tense; the spacious car interior seemed to shrink in an instant.


    The temperature rose, making it harder to breathe.


    Sadie was a bundle of nerves, clueless on how to diffuse the danger that hung in the air.


    "Speak up!"manded Micah, his anger palpable.


    "I... I don''t know what to say," Sadie blurted out in a frantic scramble for words. "That''s all in the past. We weren''t officially together back then. You can''t be mad about it forever..."


    "Really?" Micah snapped, grabbing the back of Sadie''s head and pulling her face to his, his fury closing in. "Yet I''ve only ever been with you, haven''t I?"


    Sadie was taken aback, her eyes widening in disbelief. That very thought had never crossed her mind.


    A man as arrogant and esteemed as him would surely have women throwing themselves at his feet.


    It wouldn''t be surprising if he had been with other women.


    But he was saying...


    "It was an ident that I still took seriously," Micah said, his brows knitted and eyes cold as ice. "All these years, I didn''t go out of my way to see you, but I''ve also stayed away from other women. That''s the difference between us." "No, that can''t be?" Sadie gasped in disbelief. "You''re so... skilled. It doesn''t seem like..."


    "How would you know I''m skilled? Got anyone topare with?" Micah''s face darkened even more.


    "No, that''s not what I meant..." Sadie shook her head desperately, at a loss for words.


    She had always been clueless about such matters,cking any point of reference. His intensity had simply made her assume he was experienced.


    After all, he was the only man she had ever been intimate with.


    Even with Ronan, during their passionate courting phase, it was never more than kisses on the forehead or tender embraces.


    But now, the situation was beyond redemption. No exnation could clear things up.


    "So, when you kept insisting you had a boyfriend before, you weren''t referring to my other identity, but to Mason, right?" Micah interrogated, his grip tight on her cheek. His focus was entirely on her, not the road ahead.


    Thankfully, the car''s cruise control kept them moving steadily.


    "It''s not like that..." Sadie was at a loss, her own lies now twisted beyond unravelling. Her anxiety peaked as she urged, "Please, focus on driving; this is dangerous." "You''ve really pissed me off," said Micah, anger propelling him to shove Sadie aside as he took the next exit off the freeway.


    "If you really hate my past that much, then let''s... break up," Sadie tentatively suggested, her voice unsure. "I can pay you back for the ne, and we''ll be even." Her father had left her the hefty sum of $100,000,000, enough to settle any debts and provide a luxurious life for her and her children.


    "Hah!" Micah gave a cruel, mockingugh. "Now that you''re all set up, you''re throwing around money like it''s nothing."


    Sadie stumbled over her words, too messed up to make any sense.


    In a secluded forest area, Micah parked the car and turned off the engine. He shrugged off his coat, then slowly started undoing his shirt, button by button. "What are you doing?" Sadie''s voice quivered with panic as she fumbled for the door handle, trying to escape.


    But the door was locked, trapping her inside.

 Chapter 262 Buying Sanitary Pads

    "Run then. See how far you''ll get!" Micah said, his voice cool andposed as he finished unbuttoning his shirt and adjusted his seat with a sinister grin. "Don''t you dare..." Sadie was on the brink of tears. "I''m not feeling well today..."


    "Oh, really?" Micah pinned her under him, mocking her, "We were fine this morning. What''s the act for?"


    "I''m serious..." Sadie squirmed ufortably, her hands weakly pushing against his shoulders. "Please, just stop... Ah..."


    Her plea was cut short as he forcefully tore her dress and reached beneath it.


    "Stop..." Sadie closed her eyes in despair.


    Biting her neck like a vampire intent on dominating his prey, Micah froze when he sensed something was wrong... Looking at his hand, he found blood.


    He was stunned, utterly baffled. "Damn! I haven''t even touched you, how can you be..."


    "I''m on my period," Sadie mumbled, biting her lip and struggling with the words.


    Micah paused, slowlying to his senses and rolling off her with an angry scowl.


    After cleaning his hands with a wet wipe, he started the car and drove back to town.


    Curling into a ball, Sadie didn''t dare speak or move, though her difort was growing steadily worse. She had had an inkling something was off during the drive, hoping to get home quickly, but things had escted unexpectedly. Micah drove distractedly, seemingly searching for something along the roadside.


    ''I just want to go home. Please, just let me go back...'' Sadie prayed silently.


    Micah ignored her, pulled the car over near a store, stepped out, and entered the store.


    Seeing her chance, Sadie pushed open the car door, ready to flee, but then she realized her torn dress exposed her. Quickly, she grabbed his coat to cover herself and darted away.


    Micah strode into the store, his gaze darting around as if he was searching for something.


    d in ck, adorned with a mysterious and chilling mask, his sharp eyes emitted an aura of dominance.


    ''Could it be... a robbery?'' The overnight staff, pale-faced with fear, huddled to the side and clutched their phones, ready to dial 911 at any moment.


    "Um..."


    "Ah!"


    Just as Micah began to speak, two female clerks screamed in terror.


    Another male clerk, wielding a makeshift weapon, asked quaveringly, "What do you want? We don''t have much cash in here..."


    Micah sighed, an incredulous look crossing his face, and asked in a deep voice, "Do I really look like I''m here to rob you?"


    "You do! You really do!" The male clerk''s voice was shaking.


    "You guys are clueless."


    At that moment, a woman in her 50s, a long-time member of the staff, came out of the back room and said disdainfully, "Ever seen a robber as handsome, with a build like his? With his looks, he could be starring in movies, or at least making waves on social media, not robbing a ce like this!"


    Hearing that, the two female clerks took a closer look, and their moods brightened immediately. "Wow, he is handsome!"


    "Starstruck fools," the male clerk muttered with contempt.


    "Cut the chat," Micah said, clearly impatient. "I need to find something."


    The two female clerks flocked to his side. "What are you looking for? We''ll help you."


    "Well..." Micah touched his nose awkwardly and lowered his voice, trying to exin, "It''s something women need every month." "Skincare products?"


    "Makeup?"


    The clerks spected.


    Micah frowned. Were the youngsters these days really this dumb?


    He suddenly felt the girl at home was actually somewhat smart.


    "Oh for heaven''s sake! He''s talking about sanitary pads," the senior clerk intervened briskly. "Which brand do you want? I''ll grab it for you." "Any will do. Just the best and most expensive one."


    Micah nced outside and unexpectedly noticed the car door left open. That silly woman must have... run away?

 Chapter 263 But You Cant Escape My Grasp

    Micah''s narrowing eyes glinted coldly, yet he made no move. Instead, he took out a brand-new phone from his pocket and casually spun it in his hand. "Where''s my phone?"


    Sadie had bolted over 200 meters before realizing she didn''t have her phone with her. Today, she had given all her cash to Micah, and now she was penniless. She looked around. Her ce was over 50 kilometers away, so walking back wasn''t an option.


    She had no phone or money and couldn''t get back. What now?


    It waste at night, and only those 24-hour convenience stores were still open. All other shops were closed.


    There was nowhere to hide.


    Moreover, there were no payphones or taxis in sight.


    Sadie let out a long sigh and turned back, thinking, ''Screw it. Wrestling with this devil is still better than being homeless on the streets.''


    ...


    "Sir, what brand of pads would you like?" the store clerk asked cheerfully.


    "Doesn''t matter." Micah nced at his watch. "She''ll be back in under three minutes."


    "Do you need overnight or regr?" she asked.


    "Either." Micah''s brow furrowed in irritation.


    "And do you want the kind with wings or without?" she probed further.


    Micah rubbed his forehead, feeling a headacheing on. "Just mix it up, okay?"


    "Mix it up?" she pressed. "Like, a mix of each brand and type, or a mix of winged and wingless, or maybe¡ª"


    "Enough!" Micah snapped, on the brink of losing it.


    "Sir, if you don''t specify, I don''t know what you want..." The clerk''s voice trailed as she persisted in fine-tuning her inquiry. Micah''s fists clenched.


    "PureSoft, overnight, one pack, thank you!"


    A familiar voice broke the awkward standoff.


    Sadie witnessed the scene from the doorway, aplex mix of feelings swelling inside her.


    He had stepped out to buy pads for her, and she had been thinking of running away.


    The clerk paused, then asked, pointing towards Micah, "Together?"


    "Uh-huh." Sadie nodded, embracing Micah''s arm with familiar ease.


    Micah red at her and whispered, "I thought you took off?"


    "Like I could ever escape your grip." Sadie stuck out her tongue at him, took the pads from the clerk, and nudged him. "Pay up!"


    Micah pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket, threw it on the counter, and they left together.


    Back in the car, Sadie looked at the sanitary products and snorted withughter. "Never thought you''d be out shopping for me. I assumed..." "Shut it!" Micah grumbled, not in the mood to talk.


    His first time in a convenience store turned out to be an errand for feminine products. It made people treat him like a criminal, followed by an inquisition by a relentless clerk. The whole experience left him feeling utterly humiliated.


    Sadie pursed her lips and didn''t dare to speak, just feeling how foul his mood was.


    Micah drove to the Cloud Hotel, the familiar spot, and booked their usual room. He pushed her into the bathroom, tossed the pads her way, and closed the door. Then, he headed to the shower. After the shower, Sadie wrapped herself in the warmth of freshly sanitized clothes that had beenid out for her.


    Despite the soothing hot water bath, she shivered with cramps.


    Stepping out of the bathroom wrapped in her bathrobe, Sadie found Micah leaning against the couch, nursing a drink, again.


    "Drinking again?" she remarked, copsing onto the bed and pulling the covers tightly around her.


    "Come here!" Micahmanded.


    "I''m too exhausted..." Sadie murmured, clutching her pillow and curling into the nkets.


    Micah turned to look at her and saw her huddled up, shivering under the covers, which made him frown with concern.

 Chapter 264 His Warm Side

    Sadie buried her face in the pillow, sumbing to exhaustion, and just as she was drifting off, arge hand reached over. Startled, she scooted away. "What are you doing? With me like this, you still want to¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Micah''s warm palm rested on her forehead, checking her temperature. He reached for his phone and called Dahlia. "Come over to the Cloud Hotel..." "No need, no need," Sadie quickly interjected. "It''s just cramps, not sickness. No need for a doctor."


    "Are you sure?" Micah frowned. "You don''t look well."


    "I''ll be fine with some hot water and sleep," Sadie reassured, softening her voice as she ced her face into his broad palm. "It''s 3:00 a.m., no need to bother Dr. Rey." All she wanted was to rest, without any more fuss.


    And his care already filled her with warmth.


    "Alright," conceded Micah, ending the call and then using his phone to search for something.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie peeked over, her eyes widening in astonishment.


    Micah was googling how to boil water!


    Apparently following the instructions, he poured bottled water into an electric kettle, set it on the base, and pressed the button. He then stood by, watching it intently. "What are you doing?" Sadie almost burst outughing. "You seriously don''t know how to heat up water?"


    "Shut up!"


    Micah shot her a re. He wouldn''t allow anyone tough at him for anything, even something as simple as boiling water. And now he had mastered it. Seeing his earnest manner, Sadie couldn''t help butugh behind her hand. She had never realized he had such an adorable side.


    They said men looked handsome when they were serious, but she thought he was not only handsome but also cute. Absolutely endearing!


    Micah suddenly remembered something else and picked up his phone again.


    Apparently finding typing too cumbersome, he simply asked Siri, "Hey, Siri."


    "How can I help you?"


    "What to do for a woman with menstrual cramps?"


    "I found this content online..." Siri responded.


    Micah, engrossed in his reading on the phone, made a quick call to room service for some brown sugar and ginger.


    The hotel delivered swiftly, and Micah filled a hot water bottle and wrapped it in a towel to help ease the cramps.


    Ten minutester, a steaming cup of ginger tea with brown sugar sat on the nightstand. "Let it cool for five before you drink. I''ll go wash my hands," he said with a seriousness akin to handling a matter of great importance. Sadie watched his retreating figure, feeling a warm surge in her heart. She was moved and couldn''t deny it.


    Indeed, moved by the very devil himself!


    She never knew he had such warmth in him.


    One moment he was angry and rough with her, and the next he was off to the corner store getting her sanitary napkins.


    One moment he couldn''t stand her, the next he was making her sweetened ginger tea, taking care of her with such tenderness.


    To any other guy, these details might not mean much.


    But Micah the fiercely proud man who had never set foot in a convenience store and didn''t even know how to use a kettle-broke his routine, searched up instructions, and slowly learned how to care for someone. This special favor was truly different.


    Micah came back from the bathroom, helped Sadie sit up, and even tucked a pillow behind her back. He then stared at his watch. "55 seconds to go!"


    "Huh? 55 seconds to what?" Sadie asked curiously.


    "Until the five minutes are up." Micah kept his eyes on the time. "44 seconds, you can drink then!"

 Chapter 265 Adorably Clueless

    Sadie couldn''t help but burst outughing. "How can you be so adorable? So clueless..."


    "Really?" Micah frowned, puzzled by what he was doing wrong.


    "No, it''s just... You''re really cute like this," Sadie said, cradling his face in her hands. "I wish you could always be this way."


    She realized then, when he wasn''t moody, he was actually quite charming.


    "I just can''t stand to see you looking so miserable," Micah said coldly, turning his face away and handing her the cup. "You can drink now."


    "Thank you!" Sadie carefully took the cup and sipped the warm ginger tea.


    Back in the day, giving birth to her three kids in a rural clinic with limited facilities had left her with certain ailments, not having properly recovered during her postpartum period. This led to her body bing sensitive to cold and the trouble of painful periods.


    Usually, during her period, Brenda would make her a pot of sweetened ginger tea, which soothed the pain with a warm sensation inside. Today, it came early, and she thought she would suffer some, but she didn''t expect Micah, of all people, to take such care of her. The warmth enveloped her along with the ginger tea, filling her with a blissful sense of happiness.


    After sipping some sweet ginger tea, Sadie licked her lips, feeling much better. She stretched, intending to ce her cup back on the table.


    Micah reached out, took the cup from her hands to set it aside, and casually handed her a napkin to wipe her mouth.


    She paused, struck by the instinctive nature of his actions. It was so unexpected to her.


    "Time to sleep," Micah said as he flipped back the covers andy down, naturally pulling her into his embrace.


    Sadie''s face nestled into the crook of his neck, and her soft hair spread across the pillow, the pearl-like smoothness of her skin touching his like satin.


    In that position, with those movements, their hearts instantly felt closer.


    His hand gently caressed her shoulder, and he couldn''t resist kissing her forehead, but that wasn''t enough. Hisrge palm cradled her face, pressing her closer to him. Then, tender kisses scattered across her eyelids, nose, earlobes, and lips...


    With her eyes closed, Sadie savored his gentle kisses and clung carefully to him, daring not to stir.


    She could sense his breathing growing heavier, worrying that his self-control was slipping...


    But he stopped before the passion consumed him, embracing her and then staying still...


    With her eyes still closed, Sadie felt his wild heartbeat, heavy breathing, and burning temperature, knowing he was holding back.


    A surge of emotions unexpectedly welled up inside her.


    Perhaps he wasn''t as brute as she had imagined. He had a side that was tender, warm, and kind. She should take time to uncover and appreciate it.


    That night, they both slept soundly.


    Perhaps exhaustion yed a part, their breathing lulling each other into a tranquil rest so deep that neither dreamed.


    When Sadie awoke, she stretchedzily, sighed contentedly, and reached for the pillow beside her. It was empty.


    Opening her eyes, she noticed Micah''s absence.


    He was always like this, rising earlier than her and leaving silently.


    Feeling a hint of emptiness, Sadie got out of bed to freshen up in the bathroom, where she saw a familiar sticky note: [Call for room service to order breakfast when you wake up, and they will arrange a car to take you home. Your clothes are in the closet!]


    It was signed with a simple stick figure of a male escort!


    Seeing the note, Sadie couldn''t help but smile.


    She took the sticky note, carefully tucking it into her pocket.


    She wanted to keep it and reminisce about his warmth the night before¡ªa sweet memory.


    After getting dressed, Sadie called the manager to have a car take her home directly.


    It was time to join the kids for breakfast.


    Just as she stepped out of the room, her phone rang. It was a call from the preschool teacher, Levi.

 Chapter 266 A Happy Family United

    Hurriedly, Sadie answered the phone.


    Levi greeted politely before cutting to the chase, saying Billy had transferred schools and inquired when Mia might return to preschool after her extended leave.


    Sadie said she would discuss it with the kids before getting back to him.


    After hanging up the phone, Sadie''s heart felt troubled. The White family had caused quite a stir, but she knew the children were innocent. She disliked when conflicts between adults affected the kids. Then again, she thought, even if the Potters had fallen on hard times, they still had some resources. It wasn''t as if they would crumble at the first sign of trouble.


    Ronan must have moved Billy to another school. He wouldn''t let their kid suffer.


    With that thought, Sadie stopped worrying.


    ...


    Back home, Brenda was a whirlwind of activity. The kitchen was alive with the hiss of frying eggs and the gentle bubbling of simmering oatmeal, while the triplets called out for her attention.


    "Brenda,e quick and braid my hair. It''s going all crazy!" Mia''s chirpy voice filtered out from her room. Her thick and plentiful hair was a morning challenge that needed taming before she could wash up. "I''m on it!" Brenda called back, spooning corn kernels into the oatmeal.


    "Brenda, we''re out of toilet paper!" Nathan shouted in distress from the bathroom. "I''m not done here!"


    "There was a roll this morning; Noah must have used it all up," Brenda responded in a fluster. "Hang on, I''ll get you more just sit tight!"


    "Brenda, where''s Coco''s breakfast?" Noah''s voice boomed from the balcony. "It''s whimpering with hunger, and I can''t find its food."


    "I took out a new pack yesterday. Is it on top of the dryer maybe?" Brenda yelled back, on the verge of exhaustion. "Hold on, I''ll be right there."


    Turning down the kitchen stovetop, Brenda rushed to deliver a roll of paper to the bathroom, then scurried to the balcony with Coco''s food for Noah.


    After washing her hands, she hurried over to Mia''s room to braid her hair.


    Mia sat in front of her little vanity, busily braiding her Barbie''s hair, chatting to it as if it could hear her. "Arabe, be good at preschool today, drink lots of water, and eat less sugar, or you''ll get cavities. Visiting the dentist is sooo painful!" Then she switched to dressing another doll, lecturing, "Ste, listen to your sister, okay? During art ss, don''t get paint on your dress."


    "Ha, is this the sixth one?" Brenda teased, working on Mia''s braids, "How many more dolls are hiding in your closet? Do they all have names?"


    While watching Mia''s endearing antics, Brenda''s fatigue seemed to melt away.


    "Yeah, yeah, they''ve all got names. We''re up to nine treasures now!" Little Mia cocked her head, beaming as she said, "I can''t wait to show the new additions to our family to Mommy when she gets back!" "Okay, okay..."


    "Mommy''s back!"


    At that moment, Sadie walked through the door, armsden with bags of specialty breakfast treats, and called out, "Guess what yummy things Mommy got for you?" "Mommy..."


    The three kids rushed toward her.


    Noah was holding a bag of parrot food, with Coco nibbling away in the palm of his hand.


    Nathan, with his pants halfway up, sprinted towards the door,pletely unaware of the toilet paper entwined around his foot, trailing behind him like a white tail. "Mommy, Mommy..."


    Mia had finished braiding one side of her hair, while the other side was still loose.


    Brenda, holding a hairbrush, hurried after her, calling out, "Mia, stop running! That braid still needs a hair tie.''


    "Mommy..."


    "Oof, slow down, slow down!"


    Sadie crouched down, opening her arms to brace for the kids'' charge, only to be knocked over by the trio of chubby cuties, ending up seated on the floor. Her bottom might have been sore, but her heart was filled with sweetness.

 Chapter 267 A Childs World

    "Alright, settle down everyone. Wash your hands ande to the table to eat," Sadie instructed.


    With Sadie back, Brenda''s workload lightened. She distributed the responsibility of the kids, arranged the breakfast treats on tes, and set them out on the dining table. Added to that were Brenda''s homemade fried eggs and corn oatmeal, rounding out a hearty and tasty breakfast.


    The family gathered at the table, happily enjoying their meal.


    Sadie promised to take them to the amusement park in the afternoon, on condition that they help Brenda wash the dishes and tidy the kitchen afterward.


    The children enthusiastically raised their hands in agreement.


    Brenda smiled contentedly at the happy faces of the children. However, noticing Sadie in new clothes, she couldn''t help but feel a bit concerned.


    After breakfast, with the children helping clean up the kitchen, Brenda took the opportunity to pull Sadie aside and ask quietly, "Say-Say, do you have a boyfriend now?¡± "Mhm." Sadie didn''t want to hide it.


    "Who is he? Do I know him?" Brenda pressed.


    "You don''t. It''s just the beginning, and it''s not stable yet, so I haven''t brought him home. But don''t worry. I have grown up and won''t make foolish mistakes like when I was little. I know what I''m doing," Sadie assured her, skirting around the details.


    "Alright then..." Brenda, still a bit concerned, didn''t press further but cautioned, "Be safe out there, and don''t let anyone take advantage of you."


    "I will. Don''t worry."


    ...


    That afternoon, Sadie and Brenda took the kids to the amusement park.


    Since the kids were still young, they stuck to the basic rides at the amusement park, which meant the day wasn''t as exhausting for the adults. However, Brenda had been feeling under the weathertely, getting winded easily with every few steps andining about her aching back. Feeling guilty that Brenda might be overworked, Sadie suggested hiring a part-time cleaner while the kids took a breather.


    Brenda was adamantly against it, arguing that it was too expensive and that having a stranger in the house simply didn''t feel safe.


    Before Sadie could further try to persuade her, Mia''s voice suddenly echoed. "Billy!"


    Instinctively, Sadie turned to look. Not far off, Ronan''s mother, Linda, apanied by a few bodyguards, had reserved the entire carousel exclusively for Billy. She went a step further and instructed them to distribute cash to the other waiting families, encouraging them to explore alternative attractions.


    However, Billy''s countenance mirrored that of a stern judge eyebrows furrowed, distinctly unappreciative of the VIP treatment.


    All that changed when he saw Mia.


    "Mia!" he yelled with excitement, trying to leap off the moving carousel. Unfortunately, he fell, nearly getting caught in the turntable''s motions.


    "Oh my God, Billy!" Linda cried out in rm, and the bodyguards quickly intervened to ensure Billy was safe.


    Clinging to her grandson and trembling from the scare, Linda said, "Billy, you scared Grandma to death. Why would you jump off like that? Don''t you know it''s dangerous?"


    "I saw my


    ssmate."


    Billy disregarded the scrape on his knee, shrugged off his grandmother, and ran towards Mia.


    Sadie, keen to avoid another sh with the Potters, hurriedly tugged Mia away.


    But the boy had already reached them, grabbing Mia''s hand excitedly. "Mia, it''s been so long! How have you been?"


    "I''m doing great, how about you?"


    Children lived in a wonderfully simple world. Mia was just as happy to see Billy.


    She noticed his injury and asked in concern, "Did you hurt your knee? Does it hurt?"


    "Not anymore. Not since I saw you," Billy said with a genuine smile.


    Mia happily pulled out a cartoon bandage from her pocket and offered it to Billy. "I have a band-aid for you."


    "Thanks!" Just as Billy reached for it, arge hand swatted the bandage away.

 Chapter 268 Cherishing the Present

    Linda red at Sadie frostily while speaking to Billy. "Come on, sweetie. Let''s get that knee checked out."


    "But Grandma " Before he could protest, Linda was already dragging him away.


    Billy struggled. "I don''t want to see the doctor. I want to y with my friend..."


    "Grandma will try to find other kids for you to y with," Linda coaxed Billy. "Remember how you yed with Sophie, little Jake, and the others?" "No, I only want to y with Mia."


    Billy tugged at Linda''s arm and plopped down on the ground, refusing to budge.


    "Why are you being so stubborn?" Linda grew frustrated. "There are plenty of other kids in the world! Why must it be her?"


    "I just want to y with Mia! That''s all!" Billy was adamant, not moving an inch.


    Linda gave a subtle cue, and a bodyguard stepped forward, scooping up Billy and quickly walking away.


    "Let me go, let me go¡ª"


    Billy''s cries and struggles attracted the attention of many onlookers.


    Behind Sadie, Mia said timidly, "Poor Billy..."


    Sadie couldn''t bear to watch but felt helpless as she led Mia away.


    "Stop right there!" Lindamanded sharply.


    Sadie furrowed her brow and signaled Brenda with a look.


    Brenda stepped forward, taking Mia''s hand gently: "Come on, honey. I will take you to find your brothers."


    "Oh." Mia gave Sadie a reluctant nce and followed Brenda.


    Linda approached, her tone icy as she interrogated, "I hear you''ve been seeing Micah now?"


    "Mrs. Potter, I don''t see how that''s any of your business."


    Seeing Linda again after all these years stirred a whirl of emotions inside Sadie. Back in the glorious days of the Roth family, Linda had been incredibly attentive to her and her father, enthusiastically pushing for her marriage with Ronan. Sadie had once respected this woman and been close to her. But the moment the Roths suffered business setbacks, Linda quickly called off the engagement herself.


    She was two-faced, her acting skills Oscar-worthy.


    "Quite the act." Linda sneered with a hint of mockery. "I must have underestimated you!"


    Sadie didn''t want to engage further and turned to leave.


    "Your father must be turning in his grave, having a daughter who sides with a traitor!" Linda added in a taunting tone.


    Sadie froze, turning back to confront her. "What do you mean by that?"


    "It means nothing." Linda''s smile held a mocking edge. "Figure it out yourself."


    With that, she turned and walked away.


    Sadie pondered deeply over Linda''s words, her emotions tangled.


    Ronan, Felipe, Kathleen-they all hinted in the past that her father''s death was connected to Micah. And now Linda''s strange remarks... ''Could it be...''


    Sadie''s heart fluttered with unease, but then the thought struck her they were all against her, wishing she would just disappear. She couldn''t trust a word they said. "Mommy!"


    Suddenly, the children returned.


    Noah held a toy car, his face alight with excitement. "Mommy, I just entered a toy car race over there and won first ce! They even gave me this little car as a prize." "Wow! Noah, you''re amazing!" Sadie crouched down to give Noah a kiss.


    "Mommy, mommy, I climbed to the top of the rock wall! Look what I won!" Nathan held up arge dinosaur plushie triumphantly. "Do you like it?"


    "It''s awesome, Nathan. You''re amazing, too," praised Sadie, wrapping Nathan in a hug.


    "Mommy, I didn''t win anything..." Mia pouted, her lips quivering a bit.


    "It''s okay. I''ll give you my toy car," Noah offered, passing the car to Mia.


    "And you can have my dinosaur," Nathan said, handing over the plushie to her.


    "Thanks, brothers!" Mia giggled, holding up a pretty cartoon wallet. "I''ll buy you cotton candy!"


    "Yay! Thanks Mia..."


    Hand in hand, the three siblings went to buy cotton candy.


    "Take it easy. Don''t trip," Brenda called out with a smile.


    A radiant smile spread across Sadie''s face as she watched her kids beam with joy. She reminded herself not to overthink and cherish the present moments.

 Chapter 269 The Beautiful Mrs. Clemens

    On the way back from the amusement park, Sadie discussed with the kids about returning to preschool. After getting their eager approval, she met with Mr. Levis alone, expressing her desire for the kids to be treated fairly and to grow up healthy and happy in preschool.


    Mr. Levis reassured her repeatedly, asking her not to worry. He also hinted that the Potter family had divested from Little Apple Education, ensuring that all its educational ventures had parted ways with the Potters. Sadie courteously acknowledged Mr. Levis'' assurances, mentioning she would drop off the kids on Monday.


    On her way back home, Sadie''s emotions were a mix of thoughts. Pulling out of an educational investment was a minor move, but if the Potters were divesting, their troubles were likely far deeper than she had imagined. The pleasant weekend passed swiftly, and before she knew it, the hectic rhythms of Monday morning returned.


    Sadie rose early, braided Mia''s hair, and reminded Noah and Nathan to get dressed after washing up.


    Now that they had moved to a bigger house, one feature was especially wee: having two restrooms meant the morning battles for bathroom time were over.


    Brenda was bustling about in the kitchen, whipping up a hearty breakfast. Sadie often said to keep it simple, but Brenda, meticulous by nature, insisted on preparing at least four or five dishes every morning.


    Sitting around the dining table and sharingughs and stories over the meal was Brenda''s little slice of heaven.


    After an extended break, the kids were buzzing with excitement to head back to school.


    Following breakfast, Sadie and Brenda waved them off on the school bus before rushing to the office.


    Sadie''s previous run-in with Leah at work had led to a temporary suspension, stirring up plenty of office gossip that probably had spread like wildfire. She wondered what the atmosphere would be like now.


    Arriving at the office, Sadie felt a bit uneasy, but as soon as she entered the lobby, she realized no one even batted an eye. Her colleagues were too preupied, anxiously crowding the elevator to avoid beingte and facing deductions from their bonuses.


    Cornered in the elevator, Sadie tuned into the idle conversation and office banter around her.


    None of it concerned her, so she heaved a sigh of relief.


    The elevator ascended steadily, stopping at each floor, until only a few, including Victoria, reached the 68th floor, where Micah''s office was located.


    "Good morning, Victoria," Sadie greeted cautiously.


    "Morning," Victoria replied politely. "Hope you haven''t forgotten everything after your break."


    "No, not at all. I was reviewing justst night," Sadie swiftly assured her.


    "That''s good. Keep it up," Victoria said with a smile before elegantly stepping out of the elevator.


    Relieved, Sadie stepped out at her stop and made her way to her desk, the reception area of Micah''s suite. The job wasn''t too demanding, yet it wasn''t a walk in the park either.


    Barely had she settled in when a stack of documentsnded on her desk. Victoria instructed with particr emphasis, "There''s an important meeting today with some top executives from our partner firms. Check the guest list carefully. We can'' afford any slip-ups."


    "Got it." Sadie nodded eagerly, surveying the list of high-profile visitors with due diligence.


    One by one, the bigwigs arrived, and Victoria was there to greet them personally at the elevator and escort them to the meeting room.


    Sadie noticed one key yer was still missing. As she pondered their absence, the elevator dinged open.


    A towering figure emerged, nked by four assistants,manding the space with their presence. As Sadie looked up, her eyes lit up at the sight...


    Amelia, the woman in question, seemed to be in her mid-20s, standing at approximately 5''7" with a model-like, slim, and statuesque figure, exuding an elegant and sophisticated air.


    Her exquisite features showcased a blend of ethnicities, creating a beauty so captivating that approaching her felt almost offensive.


    "Are you Ms. Amelia from the Luminex Group?" Sadie immediately recognized her and greeted her respectfully, saying, "Right this way, please!"


    However, the young woman didn''t even nce at Sadie. Instead, her gaze fixed beyond her, lighting up with a radiant smile as she saw Micah. "Micah!"

 Chapter 270 The Clemens Weddings

    "Amelia!" Micah came out to wee her personally, naturally opening his arms wide.


    Amelia, wearing high heels, moved quickly past a stunned Sadie and jumped into Micah''s arms with evident joy.


    Sadie watched in shock,pletely petrified.


    Micah draped an arm around Amelia''s shoulder, leading her into the boardroom. "Why didn''t you let me know you wereing to Newark?"


    "I wanted to surprise you!" she replied. Her voice was as soft as marshmallows, and her eyes sparkled.


    "Yeah, it surely is a surprise."


    Micah''s figure gradually disappeared from view, and Sadie was still out of sorts...


    Was this an illusion? Or a hallucination?


    Micah, who was always so unyieldingly proud, never condescended to wee anyone like that. And in front of so many colleagues, he was so openly affectionate and tender...


    To say there was nothing between him and Amelia was a story no one would buy!


    But...


    This man, just the day before yesterday morning had been passionately in love with her, taken care of her tenderly at night, and slept in her embrace. How could he suddenly show such affection to another woman now? And besides, hadn''t he said that she was the only woman for him from the very start? Who was this Amelia, anyway?


    "Sadie! Sadie! Sadie!" Victoria called out three times, but Sadie didn''t hear until she pushed her, prompting Sadie to snap back.


    "Huh?"


    "What are you daydreaming about?" Victoria frowned and chided, "You''ve taken quite a long break, and just got back to work. Why are you still out of it?" "I''m sorry, I..."


    "Pull yourself together, or nobody will be able to save you," Victoria warned sternly. "Get your head straight ande help in the boardroom." "Right, right."


    Sadie took a sip of water, took a deep breath, and followed Victoria through the back door into the boardroom.


    Victoria excused herself to handle some other matters, teaming up with the other secretaries to prepare the necessary paperwork.


    Every major shareholder of the VIC Group was present today, supplemented by the executives from four otherpanies; it was truly a gathering of the elite. Even in such a prestigious atmosphere, everyone seemed to be vying for Amelia''s favor...


    "Amelia is truly distinguished. She has his father''s grace!" someone eximed.


    "Absolutely, taking over the group at such a young age. He has a promising future ahead!" another added.


    "Amelia and our own Mr. Clemens have been best friends since childhood, and now they''re joining forces in business. A perfect pair, indeed!"


    "That''s right. Last time I saw Amelia with the old man, they were reminiscing about that very thing..."


    "Why not take this opportunity, with the new coastal development project underway, to celebrate the Clemenses'' partnership as well?"


    The speaker was a director from the Luminex Group, his tone filled with both inquiry and anticipation.


    All eyes turned to Micah and Amelia as if waiting for them to speak up.


    Amelia looked at Micah with a bashful, affectionate gaze.


    Sadie, clutching a stack of documents, couldn''t help but lift her gaze towards Micah. Her heart pounded chaotically, almost bursting from her chest.


    "What are you doing?" Victoria snapped quietly, "The others are distributing the documents. Why are you just standing there?"


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie hurried to follow the other secretaries to hand out documents.


    "We''re here to discuss business today," Micah said coolly.


    "Right, today''s meeting is about partnership. Let''s leave the jokes aside, shall we?" Amelia chimed in with a smile. "It''s ths Luminex and VIC Groups'' first coboration, and I''ve only just stepped into my role, so I''ll be counting on your guidance!"


    "Of course," replied a senior Luminex executive. "With the VIC and Luminex Groups working together, our sess is certain!"


    "It''s so unusual. These meetings are usually so stern, but with young Amelia here, the atmosphere is much warmer."

 Chapter 271 The High-End Rival in Romance

    "Is that so?" Amelia said yfully, "Is Micah too imposing?"


    Micah replied with a soft smile, "Not as approachable as you are." "That''s for sure," Amelia said with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.


    Their interaction was full of suggestive remarks and a sense of intimacy that was rare to witness. They seemed to be in perfect sync with each other.


    The onlookers watched them with knowing looks-few could resist rooting for this pair. After all, they matched perfectly in both background and rapport, a union that would only make them stronger. The Livingston family was brimming with anticipation for the uing wedding.


    Sadie watched the unfolding scene, her insides wed at by what felt like a horde of feral cats-distress was an understatement.


    Yet, she constantly reminded herself, ''Be cool. Cool!''


    She joined the other secretaries, carefully and respectfully arranging the documents in front of the executives before preparing to step back.


    That''s when Mr. Wood recognized her. With a nod, he asked in his friendly way, "Sadie? You''re back at work?"


    "Yes, Mr. Wood." Sadie nodded with a smile.


    "Good to have you back," Mr. Wood said with relief. "Keep up the good work!"


    "Mhm." Sadie ced the documents down, but her gaze inadvertently caught Micah exchanging a knowing look with Amelia. Their silentmunication was in perfect sync.


    Sadie''s hand trembled, causing her to bump into the documents and, in turn, knock over Mr. Wood''s teacup.


    With a loud "clunk", the teacup tipped over on the table, pouring scalding tea onto Mr. Wood and onto Sadie''s leg.


    A burning pain shot through Sadie''s leg.


    Mr. Wood jumped up, hissing from the burn.


    "I''m so sorry! So sorry!" Ignoring her own pain, Sadie hurriedly apologized to Mr. Wood while frantically trying to clean up the mess.


    "Mr. Wood, are you all right?" Victoria rushed over, handling the situation and snapping at Sadie, "What did you do? Get out!"


    "It''s okay. Don''t me her."


    Mr. Wood was quick to defend Sadie. Luckily, he was wearing cks and wasn''t burned.


    "I''m sorry..." Sadie apologized again before withdrawing with her head down.


    Only then did Micah nce up at her, but he quickly looked away.


    Amelia cast a deep look at Sadie before turning her concern to Mr. Wood. "Mr. Wood, are you sure you''re alright? Any burns? Do we need to go to the hospital?" "No burns, just a wet shirt," Mr. Wood said.


    "Head back to your office and take care of it," Micah instructed.


    "Alright." Mr. Wood left with his assistant.


    "Let''s start the meeting," Micah announced.


    ...


    In the restroom, Sadie applied a cold, wet, disposable towel to the burned area.


    The damage didn''t seem too severe just a patch of red skin that stung fiercely.


    She figured it might get better soon and decided not to worry about it.


    "Sadie!" Victoria rushed in, holding burn ointment. "Here, apply some of this."


    "Thanks, Vicki," Sadie said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    Victoria was a tough but fair boss. She didn''t hold back when Sadie made a mistake, but she always helped her fix the problem afterward.


    "What''s got you so scattered today?" Victoria asked with a tone of concern. "Trouble at home, or just not feeling well?"


    "Must be that time of the month, feeling a bit off," Sadie lied, hoping the excuse would suffice. "I''m so sorry about earlier. Did Mr. Wood get burned?"


    "Just came from checking on Mr. Wood. He''s fine, only got his clothes wet," Victoria replied, furrowing her brows. "You''re lucky it was him. If it had been another shareholder or a client from anotherpany, you''d be in serious trouble." "Yes..." Sadie hung her head, ashamed.


    "You''re not at your best today, so stay away from the front desk. Do some support work instead," Victoria instructed. "Clean up the break room and go tidy up the conference room at 11:00 a.m." "Okay!"

 Chapter 272 Strength in Detachment

    After Victoria left, Sadie washed her face at the sink and reminded herself to keep it together and not make another faux pas.


    Every time she thought of Micah, her heart filled with indignation.


    It was Micah who was two-timing, openly flirting with others right in front of her. He was always soposed, so why should she be the one flustered as if she had done something wrong? Their rtionship had never been normal. It had started as a secret, something to be hidden away.


    Could she really expect him to be as loyal as a partner in a regr rtionship?


    Looking back, she had never intended to seriously be with him. She was coerced and powerless and just went along with his demands.


    Hadn''t she been hoping that one day he would tire of her and set her free? Why was she now falling apart at the sight of him being slightly affectionate with another woman? This wasn''t right! It couldn''t go on like this!


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie forced a smile and whispered to herself, ''Stay calm,posed, and detached...''


    If she didn''t care, she wouldn''t be affected.


    Silently repeating these words to herself, Sadie left the restroom and began her work with renewed focus.


    After tidying up the break room, it was just about 11:00 a.m., and the meeting was over.


    The janitors were cleaning up, and Sadie joined Cissy, the secretary, in sorting through the documents to be shredded.


    In the midst of her tasks, a familiar figure entered, casting a tall andmanding shadow over Sadie.


    "Mr. Clemens!" everyone greeted, heads bowed.


    Sadie nced up at him briefly before returning to her work, more determined than ever.


    Micah signaled for everyone to clear out. As Sadie started to step away, he seized her arm, guiding her onto the smooth ck leather of the executive chair.


    The chair shifted backward with the force, but Micah swiftly hooked it with his foot, pulling it back towards him.


    With his hands resting on the armrests, he leaned in closely to Sadie, his presence dominating.


    Sadie lifted her piercing blue eyes and red at him in silence, bubbling with rage and riddled with questions, awaiting his exnation.


    "Ha!" Micah couldn''t help but chuckle at her expression, pinching her chin as he taunted, "Jealous, huh?"


    She didn''t respond, but her expression turned even sourer.


    Wasn''t she entitled to a bit of jealousy?


    Micah yfully squeezed her puffed-up cheek, then leaned down to nip at her pouting red lips.


    Sadie angrily pushed him away.


    "Let''s see. Did it leave a burn?" Micah reached to lift the hem of her dress, ostensibly to check her thigh... "Micah!"


    Suddenly, Amelia''s call came from outside, followed by the conference room door swinging open.


    His hand snapped back instantly as he straightened up, kicking the executive chair away with one swift motion.


    The chair glided slickly across the floor, nearly sending Sadie tumbling, but she managed to grab onto the armrest just in time.


    "I''ve been looking everywhere for you." Amelia walked in with a smile. "Do you mind if Ie to your office for a bit?"


    "Of course."


    Micah extended a graceful gesture of invitation and then whisked Amelia away.


    Amelia shot a chilly nce at Sadie.


    Seated, Sadie watched their retreating figures and swore under her breath, venomous and seething, "Jerk!"


    As her colleagues returned to their tasks, Sadie fought to quell her roiling emotions and resumed organizing papers.


    Soon after, Victoria came in with instructions. "Sadie, clean up Mr. Clemens'' office, will you?"


    "I..."


    "Hurry up and grab the cleaning supplies."


    After quickly rying her orders, Victoria hurried off.


    With no choice, Sadie fetched the cleaning supplies and headed to Micah''s office. The short walk there was filled with dread.


    What if she bumped into Micah and Amelia? What if she witnessed something she shouldn''t?

 Chapter 273 A Rivals Insult

    Just as Sadie was about to knock, the door swung open, and Andrew stepped out, bumping into her. Caught off guard, he stumbled, "Sadie..." He almost said something else, then abruptly changed it to, "Need something?"


    "Victoria asked me toe and clean up."


    Sadie''s eyes nced past Andrew''s shoulder, peering inside.


    Micah sat on the couch, his back turned to her. Nearby, Amelia leaned in with a radiant smile, whispering sweet nothings into his ear.


    The unmistakable closeness and intimate gestures made Sadie''s chest tighten, prompting her to avert her gaze and lower her head.


    "I''ll juste backter then if it''s inconvenient," she said as she turned to leave.


    "Wait a minute!" a pleasant feminine voice called out.


    Andrew briefly shut his eyes, his frustration evident.


    "Andrew, I identally spilled some wine. Could you let her in to clean it up for us?" Amelia''s tone was polite butmanding as she made her request to Andrew.


    Andrew looked at Sadie, unsure of what to do.


    Sadie waited a couple of seconds for Micah to say anything, but silence ensued.


    With no other choice, she gathered her cleaning supplies and walked in.


    By that time, Amelia had moved aside, putting some distance between herself and Micah. Still, they sat side by side on the couch, close together. The wine had spilled onto the coffee table and carpet right in front of them.


    Sadie approached, knelt down, and began to dab at the wine stains on the table with her cloth.


    Amelia sized her up and half-jokinglymented to Micah, "The secretaries at yourpany seem to be getting more and more attractive."


    Even without makeup and in in clothes, Sadie possessed an undeniable charm that couldn''t be ignored.


    And this beauty was natural, innate there was an indescribable spirit about her!


    "Yeah, she''s alright," Micah remarked nonchntly.


    Sadie seethed inwardly. ''Alright? Really? Then why did youe chasing after me with such persistence?''


    "But some manners seem to becking," Amelia added, her tone carrying a lightness that appeared careless but harbored a clear undertone of hostility.


    For a brief moment, Sadie''s movement paused, suppressing her anger. She chose silence and continued with her cleaning.


    "There''s more over here!" Amelia pointed with the tip of her stiletto at a stain on the floor, signaling Sadie to clean it.


    Sadie stared at the stain, unmoving. Getting closer would mean practically kneeling before Amelia to clean it up.


    "What''s the matter?" Amelia sneered, her raised eyebrows conveying disdain. "Didn''t see it, or you don''t feel like cleaning?"


    Sadie''s hand tensed, and she clutched her cloth. Professionally, she couldn''t retaliate, but personally, she couldn''t tolerate the insult.


    To exacerbate matters, Micah remained silent, disying no intention ofing to her defense.


    The sting of the moment weighed heavily on Sadie''s heart.


    "Let me do it!" Andrew chimed in eagerly.


    "Oh,e on. Why would I bother someone like you with such a menial task?" Despite addressing Andrew, Amelia''s gaze was fixed on Sadie, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Too important to help out with this, huh? Or did you think I wouldn''t ask?"


    Sadie took a deep breath, fought back the rage swelling within her, and turned away, cloth in hand. But in a clumsy mishap, the soiled rag dropped onto Amelia''s feet.


    "Disgusting!" Amelia jumped up with a look of utter repulsion, her footing down hard on Sadie''s hand.


    "Ah!" A sharp cry escaped Sadie as the painnced through her.


    The stiletto heels were sharp as nails and pierced the skin on the back of her hand instantly, drawing blood. Micah couldn''t sit back any longer. Standing abruptly, he shoved Amelia aside and pulled Sadie to her feet. "Micah!" Amelia fell back onto the couch, staring at him in disbelief.


    "You can''t even clean properly? Useless!" Micah barked at Sadie. "Get out!"


    Tears welled in Sadie''s clear eyes as she looked up at him, a silent defiance in her gaze. She grabbed her belongings and stormed off.

 Chapter 274 The Future Lady Boss

    "This is outrageous!" Amelia fumed. "Micah, your secretary has such poor manners." Micah didn''t address herint and instead asked, "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine, but why did you push me?" Amelia pouted, trying to appear wounded. "You stepped on her hand."


    Micah''s response was straightforward, but Sadie had already left the office by that time. "She dropped that dirty rag on my foot," Ameliained, frowning. "It was filthy!"


    "So, your reaction was to step on her?" Micah retorted.


    Caught off guard, Amelia scrambled for an excuse. "No, it wasn''t intentional. It''s her own fault for leaving her hand there..."


    "Your father should have taught you to be kind to others." Micah frowned, displeased. "We''re not in feudal times anymore. There''s no ce for that kind of superiority here. Everyone''s equal." "It was just a secretary. Why are you making such a big deal?" Amelia''s confusion was palpable. "Unless there''s something between you and-"


    "Even if she is ''just a secretary'', she''s still a person on my team," Micah cut her off, a serious undertone in his reminder. "Remember when you threw a tantrum and broke a ss, hurting my cat..." "And you didn''t speak to me for three years," Amelia blurted, her earlier poise slipping into panic. She clutched at his sleeve, pleading, "I''m sorry! I know it was wrong. I''ll be better. Don''t be mad!" "You should apologize to her," Micah said coolly, pulling his sleeve free from her grasp.


    "You want me to apologize to her?!" Amelia''s eyes widened in disbelief. Glimpsing Micah''s icy demeanor, she quickly changed her tune. "Alright, alright. I''ll apologize. Don''t be upset." With that, she grabbed her purse and strode out of the room.


    Micah signaled with a hand gesture, and Andrew promptly followed her.


    Sadie''s hand was scraped, blood gushing; her colleagues were shocked, rushing to get a first aid kit to attend to her wounds.


    When Victoria rushed over, concerned, she asked, "What happened?"


    "I" Sadie started to speak, but Amelia marched over. "Do we need to head to the hospital?"


    Suppressing tears, Sadie retorted, "No need!"


    "I''m really sorry about before. It wasn''t on purpose."


    Amelia''s apology seemed insincere as she carelessly offered a check from her purse to Sadie, "Here, for your medical expenses. Fill in whatever amount you think it''s worth!" After uttering those words, she was ready to leave with her bodyguard in tow.


    "Wait!" Sadie eximed furiously. "You think you can just "


    Victoria interrupted Sadie, offering a solemn shake of her head before turning to Amelia with respect. "Ms. Amelia, please take your time leaving."


    As Amelia gracefully entered the elevator, she shot a haughty smirk in Sadie''s direction.


    Sadie, shaking with anger, received sympathetic looks from her colleagues, who wisely refrained from saying more.


    "Everyone, back to work," ordered Victoria.


    The colleagues shuffled out, heads down.


    "I know this is upsetting, but she''s out of your league," Victoria said as she applied ointment to Sadie''s hand. "Amelia is not only Mr. Clemens'' partner at the Luminex Group but also his childhood friend. Word has it they might be nning a merger through marriage, and she could very well be our boss someday..."


    Hearing this, Sadie felt even worse. Was Amelia the fianc¨¦e Leah had mentioned about Micah?


    "Even if you''re not with the VIC Group, you need to make a living, right? Offending Ms. Amelia, you''ll find trouble anywhere you go. Better to swallow your pride," Victoria advised earnestly. "Next time shees around, I''ll have you reassigned to avoid any run-ins. This tension will ease in time. As for that check, I suggest you return it. Consider it a favor bought."

 Chapter 275 Birds of Different Feathers

    After giving her piece of advice, Victoria patted Sadie on the shoulder. "Just something to consider," she said.


    Sadie hung her head, silent.


    Why did people still throw their weight around as if everyone in society wasn''t supposed to be equal? Micah did it. Amelia did it, too. ''Birds of a feather,'' she mused. ''No wonder they were friends.''


    "Are you okay?" Andrew asked softly.


    Sadie red at him, grabbed her first-aid kit, and stormed off without a word.


    Andrew stood there, looking confused and dejected. How had he managed to earn her ire?


    ...


    At noon, Sadie was so upset she had no appetite. Victoria handed her a sandwich and suggested she stick to light duties for the afternoon. Micah left the office in the afternoon, ncing at Sadie at the front desk but saying nothing before stepping onto the elevator.


    Bent over her paperwork, Sadie vowed inwardly to have nothing more to do with that jerk.


    ...


    When she got home that evening, she had already lifted her spirits.


    "I''m home!" she called out with a smile.


    "Mommy"


    Her three kids rushed over and threw themselves into her arms, demanding kisses and cuddles.


    Spotting the firm bandage on her hand, Noah immediately asked, "Mommy, what happened to your hand?"


    "Just a little ident at work," Sadie replied with a grin. "It''s nothing to worry about."


    "Mommy, why do you always get hurt? Is your job dangerous?" Nathan asked anxiously.


    "Yeah. If it''s dangerous, you should quit and find a safer job," Mia said, holding Sadie''s hand with concern. "Mia doesn''t want Mommy to get hurt!" "Neither does Noah..."


    "Nathan, too!"


    "Coco as well!"


    Coco echoed, copying the others.


    "It''s not dangerous. It''s just me being clumsy." Sadieughed it off. "Don''t worry. I''ll be more careful from now on..."


    "Say-Say, you''re hurt? Let me see," Brenda called out, rushing from the kitchen upon hearing themotion.


    "It''s really nothing." Sadie quickly changed the subject. "Brenda, is dinner ready? I''m starving."


    "Yes, it''s ready, but..."


    "Did you make my favorite beef stew today?"


    "Yes. Alright, go wash up. I''ll have dinner on the table in a jiffy."


    ...


    The family gathered daily, enjoying lively meals and chatting about the trivial things in life.


    For Sadie, the contentment she felt was a kind of bliss she treasured deeply. Her current life was something she held dear and didn''t want disrupted by anyone.


    Had Micah been an average Joe, the father and his children might have had a shot at a joyous reunion. Unfortunately, he wasn''t.


    The other night, wrapped in each other''s embrace, she hade close to wavering and telling him the truth for the chance of a family reunion.


    Yet, even after all that Linda had said, Sadie never doubted him.


    But today, Amelia''s sudden appearance extinguished whatever thoughts of kinship Sadie had entertained.


    Lying in bed alone at night, she gazed at her injured hand and reflected on the day''s events, her emotions aplex blend that left an ufortable taste in her soul.


    Previously, she had been concerned with Micah''s vtile moods and nature and potential involvement in her father''s death. These were reasons enough to deem him unsuitable for fatherhood.


    But now, Sadie faced another barrier, realizing there was a chasm between her and Micah that seemed insurmountable.


    It wasn''t just about their temperaments or the man-made obstacles thaty between them, but societal status and family backgrounds.


    She was just a regr employee, struggling to make ends meet, while he was a man of high stature.


    They were not cut from the same cloth.

 Chapter 276 Never Amounted to Much

    Sadie''s father had once told her that marriages among the business elites were seldom matters of the heart. They were alliances ofmerce or power, all in the service of familial interest.


    Surely, Micah wouldn''t be an exception.


    The thought of Micah eventually marrying another woman set a fire aze in Sadie''s heart. Unconsciously, she gripped her dinosaur pillow tight, nearly tearing a hole in it.


    In her anger, she cursed inwardly, ''Damn men! Since he''s engaged, why the hell did hee flirting with me?'' She resolved to keep her distance from now on. If he sought her out, she wouldn''t give him the time of day. ncing at her phone, she decided if Micah called, she''d either ignore it or hang up-let him stew in that! But that night, he didn''t call.


    ...


    In the days that followed, Micah didn''t show up at the office, making Mr. Clemens'' workload considerably lighter.


    The first couple of days, Sadie relished the peace and wished the devil would stay away forever, sparing everyone the constant dread.


    But a week passed, and still, Micah hadn''t returned to the office.


    Sadie felt a disconcerting unease. Where the heck had he gone? He hadn''t actually gone off to marry Amelia, had he?


    While debating whether to call or text him, Sadie identally overheard a few secretaries whispering in the break room.


    "Hey, why do you think Mr. Clemens hasn''t been to the officetely?"


    "Well, obviously he''s with Ms. Amelia," someone said without a doubt.


    "Totally. Ms. Amelia''s firm is based in Mexico. Now that she hase to Newark to discuss a partnership with the VIC Group, they ought to show her some proper hospitality." Another chimed in. "But Mr. Clemens doesn''t have to do it personally," a third voice remarked.


    "You guys don''t get it. Mr. Clemens and Amelia have been childhood sweethearts. Of course, he''d take care of her personally. Who knows? She might even be our employer''s future wife." "Really? Is that true?"


    "It''s for real. I heard it from Victoria herself..."


    "What are you all gossiping about?" Victoria''s stern voice cut through their chatter.


    The secretaries quickly scattered, returning to their stations and diving into their work.


    Sadie carried her coffee back to her desk, appearing tranquil, but her mind was in turmoil.


    Micah had never been away from the office this long. Even when traveling abroad on business, he''d be back within three or four days. Now, it had been a week with no sign of him.


    It seemed he truly was with Amelia.


    "There''s an urgent document that needs to be signed by Mr. Clemens at Noble Summit Golf Club," Victoria announced, holding a document envelope. "Sienna, you-"


    "Victoria, I ate something bad yesterday. I''ve been dealing with an upset stomach all day..." Sienna blurted out hastily. "Noble Summit is too far, and I''d hate to embarrass myself and the VIC Group." "Then let''s have Eva do it," Victoria said, turning to another secretary.


    "Remember, Victoria, Rose and I have to apany Mr. Wood to meet with the presster," Eva replied weakly.


    Victoria frowned and scanned the room, eventually resting her eyes on Sadie. "You''re up, Sadie."


    "Me?" Sadie stuttered, quickly adding, "I''m afraid I might not handle it well."


    "You''lle with me." Victoria nced at her watch. "You need to get out and gain some experience. You can''t stay at the front desk forever without ambition."


    "Okay, got it." Sadie rxed a bit knowing Victoria was going, too. "When do we leave?"


    "Now. I''ll get the papers ready. Meet me at the elevator in ten minutes."


    "Alright."


    As Victoria drove towards Noble Summit, she turned to Sadie with a meaningful question, "Sadie, did you know that Mr. Clemens has 18 secretaries, all with different sries? Any idea why?" Sadie shook her head. "I don''t know."


    "Do you have any clue what my monthly earnings amount to?" Victoria probed further.


    "How much?" Sadie asked timidly, looking at her.


    "$13,000," Victoria divulged.


    "Wow! That high?" Sadie was genuinely astounded.

 Chapter 277 The Darling in His Arms

    "That''s just the base sry, not including bonuses and other perks," Victoria said with a slight smile. "With everything added together, my annual paycheck is close to $200,000." "Gosh, I''m so jealous." Sadie couldn''t hide her envy.


    "Don''t underestimate the role of a secretary. With the right dedication, the sky''s the limit," Victoria advised earnestly. "If you want a good life, you''ve got to work hard for it and not just drift through your days." Hearing that, Sadie felt a pang of shame she had to admit, she had never been particrly ambitious in her career.


    "Keep pushing." Victoria sighed. "Your dad was an incredible man. I have faith that you can be, too!"


    Sadie was taken aback. "You knew my father?"


    "Mr. Roth of the Roth Group? Who wouldn''t recognize his name?" Victoria said lightly, skirting around the subject. "The Roth surname is unusual, and your remarkable poise makes it easy to put two and two together." "Oh," muttered Sadie, preferring not to dwell on the past.


    "We''re nearly there. Take a look at the documents to get acquainted."


    "Okay."


    ...


    After a two-hour drive, they finally arrived at Noble Summit.


    Victoria parked the car by the golf club and walked with Sadie toward the green.


    Upon learning their purpose, the staff member greeted them with reverence and promptly arranged a tour cart to take them to Micah.


    Sadie had been to this ce before. After all, her father had been a regr, often entertaining clients here.


    "Isn''t that Mr. Clemens?" Victoria pointed to a figure in the distance on the course.


    Sadie looked up to see the familiar silhouette indeed, it was Micah, holding someone petite and delicate... undoubtedly, Amelia!


    "Uh..." Victoria''s expression froze, and she turned awkwardly toward Sadie. "I''ll take the documents over myself. You wait here for me."


    While others at thepany were sluggish to notice, Victoria had seen it all along the special bond between Sadie and Micah.


    Direct ess to Mr. Clemens'' office for Sadie had been an explicit order from Andrew, and any issues that arose were personally negotiated by him.


    Everyone was aware that Andrew was Micah''s right-hand man; his words were essentially Micah''s directives.


    Micah was famously impersonal, a man who didn''t do favors except for Sadie, who seemed to be the exception to his rules again and again. Naturally, Victoria was privy to all these subtleties-something she wouldn''t overlook.


    "Got it," Sadie replied, pulling her gaze back with a poised expression.


    Her heart might have rippled with emotion, but her face betrayed nothing.


    She understood her rtionship with Micah was a contractual affair, merely a game. The first one to fall for real was the loser.


    Desirelessness was strength, and indifference meant no heartache. This had be her motto, her line in the sand that she dared not cross. The golf cart halted nearby, and Amelia''s excited voice echoed. "Wow, I nailed it, Micah! I''m so awesome!"


    Micah nodded slightly. "Not bad."


    "Teach me some more! My moves aren''t quite on point yet." Amelia leaned closer to Micah.


    "Let Mr. Waters give you pointers."


    Micah casually tossed his golf club to Andrew and turned to leave, but his eyes fell upon Sadie and Victoria, standing by the cart.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Victoria approached briskly with documents in hand. "I''ve got the papers you requested."


    Sadie remained still, lowering her head in a swift nod of respect. She then stood quietly, her gaze directed downward.


    Micah spared her a nce and instructed Victoria, "Hand these to Amelia."


    "Yes." Victoria stepped forward, respectfully presenting the documents to Amelia. "Ms. Amelia."


    "Thank you." Amelia smiled warmly, taking the papers. "I appreciate you making the trip."


    "It''s no trouble at all," Victoria quickly replied.


    "We''re just about to have lunch, join us," Amelia called. She then caught up to Micah and naturally slipped her arm through his before turning to Sadie. "Come with us!"

 Chapter 278 Stirring the Love Pot

    The offer sounded almost like a grand act of charity!


    Sadie was tempted to retort, but she bit back her words.


    "Thanks, Ms. Amelia," Victoria expressed with respectful politeness. "We won''t keep you and Mr. Clemens from your conversation any longer. We need to head back to the office." "No rush. You''ve got to eat, too," Amelia said cozily, leaning into Micah''s side. "Right, Micah?"


    "Yeah," Micah agreed with a nod. "You should join us."


    "Sure," Victoria replied, not daring to say more. She took Sadie by the hand, and they climbed into the tour tram, sitting directly behind Micah and Amelia.


    Sadie appeared rtivelyposed today, not panicked and out of control like she had been previously.


    However, this was only a facade. Inside, she was already cursing the couple...


    Wishing daily constipation on them, hoping they''d face the inconvenience of wetting the bed every night, and that every morning would greet them with impotence...


    "Micah, I bought a new swimsuit. Let''s unwind in the hot springs tonight," Amelia whispered intimately to Micah. "After several days of hard work, you must be exhausted. Let''s rx tonight..." At Amelia''s suggestion, Sadie felt a shudder, her mind thrown into disarray.


    Several days of hard work? They had been engrossed in each other, unable to keep their hands off one another, insatiable.


    Images of their love-making marathon filled her mind.


    Sadie felt like she was burning up, mes of rage surging within her and threatening to erupt.


    "Sadie. Sadie..." Victoria gently nudged her. "Are you cold? You''re not wearing much today."


    "I''m fine, thanks, Victoria." Sadie managed a strained smile, trying to project calm.


    She repeated to herself inwardly, ''Don''t get angry over such a man! Let him be with whoever he wants, live his life however he chooses-it''s none of your concern.


    ''He might as well marry Amelia immediately. Let those two arrogant souls join together. They''re so stuck-up, they may just trip over their own egos one day.


    ''Now that he''s with another woman, he''ll no longer bother me, and I can focus on my work, take care of the kids, and start anew... ''From now on, he should be a stranger to me.


    ''Even if he unts his rtionship with Amelia in front of me, I will still have to maintain yourposure and apud their spectacle...'' "Sadie..." Victoria patted Sadie''s shoulder again.


    "Huh?" Sadie snapped back to reality, just to realize the golf cart had stopped at the entrance to a restaurant.


    Micah and Amelia had already disembarked, while she sat there, lost in her thoughts.


    "What''s wrong? You seem distracted," Victoria whispered.


    "I''m fine." Sadie quickly got out of the car, following Victoria into the restaurant.


    "Mr. Clemens, Ms. Amelia, right this way!"


    Waters, the Vice President of the Luminex Group, had already arrived and was greeting Micah and Amelia at the entrance.


    "Mr. Waters, I''ve heard you''re quite the golfer," Amelia chatted casually with Waters. "It seems like there''s nothing you can''t do. You must be married, right?" "Ha! You tter me, Ms. Amelia." Waters chuckled heartily. "Embarrassingly enough, I got divorced a few years back and haven''t remarried."


    "Too picky, perhaps?" Amelia joked. "What kind of woman catches your eye?"


    "Kind, pretty, and agreeable," Waters replied, his gaze drifting over to Sadie. "And who is this?"


    "She''s a secretary from the VIC Group, here to deliver some documents for Mr. Clemens," Amelia introduced eagerly. "She happens to be single, too."


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat as she looked up at Amelia.


    "I''m not wrong, am I? Sadie?" Amelia said with a beaming smile, looking at Sadie. "Maybe you should give our Mr. Waters a thought. He''s a bit older, sure, but mature, stable, and sessful."

 Chapter 279 Deliberately Disgusting Her

    Sadie nced at Mr. Waters, feeling deeply insulted.


    A bit older? Judging by his beer belly and the wrinkles on his face, he seemed about her father''s age.


    Amelia was ying a cunning game, pushing this older guy on her to eliminate her as a romantic rival. Was it necessary?


    Sadie hadn''t fought for attention or interfered with Amelia''s flirtations with Micah. Why was Amelia targeting her?


    Last time Amelia had deliberately made things difficult, stepping on her hand. Sadie didn''t hold a grudge and even gave the check back to Victoria to help return it. And now, Amelia brought this older man just to disgust her? "Sadie looks quite young. How old is she?" Mr. Waters seemed quite intrigued, his gaze on Sadie taking on a new depth.


    Sadie remained silent, struggling to keep herposure.


    "Ms. Amelia sure knows how to joke." Victoria quickly jumped in to defuse the situation. "Our Sadie is just starting out, nowhere near a match for someone like Mr. Waters."


    "How could she not be a match-"


    "Weren''t you the one who said you were starving?" Micah abruptly interjected, his voice cold, cutting off Amelia. "Why all the chatter?"


    Amelia''s face stiffened in an instant; it was clear Micah was siding with Sadie.


    "Oh, right, right, After a morning of golf, you must be starving. Let''s have lunch now," Mr. Waters remarked perceptively.


    "Come join us, everyone. Please have a seat," Waters invited everyone individually, trying to engage Victoria and Andrew in casual conversation to ease the awkward tension. Andrew and Victoria were trying to smooth things over as well.


    Micah took the head of the table, sipping red wine with elegance.


    Amelia was humiliated from Micah''s earlier remark and sat simmering with anger, her expression sour as she downed her ss in one gulp.


    Sadie, brimming with agitation, found it challenging to remain seated, yet leaving was not an option. Thus, she silently stayed put, nursing her water.


    "Mr. Clemens, this is a wine I''ve treasured for many years. Please, have a taste!" The server poured Micah half a ss at Mr. Waters'' gesture, then filled one for Amelia. "Ms. Amelia, the chairman also tried this winest time and couldn''t stop praising it. Give it a try!"


    "Hmm, not bad," Micahmented after a sip.


    "Andrew, and you as well, let''s all have a taste... Sadie included!"


    Mr. Waters proceeded to pour the wine for everyone. Just as it was Sadie''s turn, a foot stealthily extended beneath the table, deliberately tripping Mr. Waters. He nearly lost his bnce, the decanter quivering in his hand and spilling all the wine on Sadie.


    "Ah!" Sadie shrieked, jumping up in a panic.


    The red stain spread down her cor, saturating her white blouse. The outline of her delicate, white bra became faintly visible, akin to a tender bud on the verge of blooming. "I''m very sorry!" Mr. Waters immediately apologized, grabbing a napkin to help Sadie, his hand almost touching her chest.


    Micah''s eyebrow furrowed, his eyes conveying a chill.


    Sadie stepped back. "I''ve got it."


    "Are you okay?" Amelia asked with feigned concern, "Oh dear, Mr. Waters, how could you be so careless?"


    "I..." Waters was at a loss for words. She knew who had tripped him but dared not say it.


    "Your blouse is all wet. Come to my room, I''ll give you something dry to wear," Amelia instructed, waving her hand. "Take her to change!"


    "Yes." A staff member approached, "Miss Roth, this way, please."


    "No need..." Sadie didn''t want to wear anything of Amelia''s, nor did she want any further setups.


    "You''ve been caught red-handed," Amelia said with a wry smile. "Mr. Waters couldn''t take his eyes off you. Are you nning to give everyone a free show by not changing?" Mr. Waters chuckled awkwardly. "Well..."


    "Enough!" Sadie snapped, intolerant of the teasing.


    "Just get her a room." Micah finally spoke up, his tone decisive. "And bring her a change of clothes."

 Chapter 280 Resolute Decision

    "Yes, sir," Andrew replied, standing up to take care of it himself.


    "Go with her," Micah ordered Victoria.


    "Right away, Mr. Clemens." Victoria quickly ushered Sadie out of the room.


    Amelia''s face couldn''t hide her irritation anymore, and she confronted Micah in front of Mr. Waters, "She''s just an assistant, Micah. Why are you so protective over her?" Micah ignored her and turned his cold gaze to Mr. Waters. "Mr. Waters, you''re off this project."


    Waters paled, pleading frantically, "Mr. Clemens, please tell me what I did wrong. Give me a chance to make it right!"


    Micah hurled his wine ss to the floor without a word.


    The sound of the ss shattering echoed throughout the room.


    Mr. Waters jumped in his seat, his body going limp.


    Amelia''s face turned a ghastly white, her hands trembling as she clutched her ss.


    Without uttering another word, the lethal look in Micah''s eyes said it all-just like the shattered ss spilling its contents.


    "Bring a new bottle," Micahmanded.


    "Yes, sir!" The server hurried to rece the red wine and ss, much like Mr. Waters was being reced.


    Mr. Waters stood up, bowed deeply to Micah, and apologized, "I''m sorry, I was blind. Please, Mr. Clemens, have mercy on me."


    After his plea, he bowed to Amelia and then left, a cloud of shame hanging over him.


    Amelia sat there, her face shifting between shades of anger and embarrassment.


    Mr. Waters was no fool. He could see from Micah''s reaction that there was something special between him and Sadie, which was why Micah had lost his temper. His admission of being "blind" was an acknowledgment of his failure to recognize the rtionship between Sadie and Micah sooner, which roused Micah''s ire. Regardless of Amelia''s scheming, Mr. Waters knew he should never have entertained the thought.


    To harbor such thoughts, even for a minute, was a grievous offense.


    His parting words to Micah were a plea for leniency, a wish for clemency.


    In the cutthroat world of high-stakes business, everyone''s mind was razor-sharp.


    Mr. Waters knew that all too well.


    "Weren''t you starving?" Micah asked as he sliced his steak, looking across at Amelia. "Aren''t you going to eat?"


    Amelia had lost her earlier arrogance and now sat quietly, head bowed, cutting her steak without a word.


    "Let''s not y footsie under the table anymore, okay?" Micah said nonchntly, popping a piece of steak into his mouth.


    Amelia jolted, her hands trembling slightly as she paused in her steak-cutting.


    ...


    Noble Summit boasted a stable, a golf course, and a hot spring resort.


    Sadie and herpanions were dining at the resort''s hotel.


    A bellhop had checked her into a room, and Andrew arrived with a maid carrying a set of fresh clothes.


    Victoria epted the clothes with gratitude, closed the door, and chuckled. "Mr. Clemens sure looks out for you, even delivering a whole new outfit, down to the intimates. Very considerate." Sadie was lost in thought on the sofa, not registering her words.


    Victoria approached gently, patting her hand, "Go freshen up, take a shower, and change into somethingfortable."


    "Victoria, I want to go back." Sadie snapped back to reality. "Let''s head back after I change."


    "I..." Victoria was about to respond when her cell phone rang. She answered promptly. "Andrew? What happened? Okay, okay. I''ll be right there."


    After hanging up, she whispered, "Mr. Waters got kicked off the project. I need to head over right away and get the new information ready."


    "What?" Sadie was shocked. "But Mr. Waters is a high-ranking executive at the Luminex Group. How could..."


    "You should know why," Victoria replied with a sly smile. "Mr. Clemens doesn''t treat you like he does everybody else."


    Sadie''s emotions were in turmoil. What was Micah up to?


    If he liked her, why would he ignore her and spend time with other women? Yet, if he didn''t, why would he have the Luminex Vice President ousted for her?

 Chapter 281 Beyond the Door

    "I have to go. Get yourself together and rest up," Victoria said as she dropped the clothes and rushed off.


    Sadie drew the curtains and ventured to the bathroom. She was about to step into the shower after undressing when she faintly heard the door open-it sounded like someone hade in. "Victoria, is that you?" she called instinctively.


    No answer came.


    "Victoria..." Sadie called out again, her voice echoing slightly in the emptiness.


    No response.


    A pang of unease settled in her gut. Was she imagining things?


    Preparing to wrap herself in a towel and investigate, a recognizable figure walked in...


    "Yo-" Sadie''s eyes went wide with disbelief as she stared at Micah.


    Shrugging off his coat and tossing it aside, Micah began unbuttoning his shirt as he strolled towards her.


    "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice a mix of rm and confusion.


    Sadie instinctively crossed her arms over her chest and stepped back, only to inadvertently step under the showerhead.


    Scalding water cascaded down, and she shrieked, clumsily stepping away. A pair of arms enveloped her, one hand expertly adjusting the temperature while the other drew her close under the running water. "Let go of me!" Sadie protested, pushing against him, only to find herself pinned against the shower wall, warm water soaking her hair and body.


    Her vision blurred with the water''s spray, a careful hand swept back her damp hair.


    Suddenly, a kiss caught her off guard, intense and overwhelming, leaving her breathless...


    "Mmm..." Sadie struggled, shaking her head, but he cupped her face, holding it still.


    His kiss was dominating, a tempest that swept her up, leaving her unable to resist, forced to endure.


    Apparently deciding she was too short, he lifted her, forcing her legs to wrap around his waist as he deepened his im...


    Sadie''s resistance was met with a firm but gentle insistence, as if coaxing her to let go of her anger.


    In the bathroom, love and fire raged, the water no match for the ze.


    In the throes of passion, a door opened somewhere outside, followed by Victoria''s voice calling out, "Sadie, are you in the bathroom? Did you see my USB drive?" While calling out, Victoria searched the room, "Strange, where did I put it?"


    Sadie tensed up, her hand mped over her mouth, not daring to breathe.


    The bathroom door was ajar, unlocked. If Victoria walked in, it would be mortifying!


    "Did you find it?"


    Amelia''s voice joined in, the sound of her heels clicking on the floor.


    "Still looking," Victoria answered respectfully. "Ms. Amelia, what brings you here? Please, go rest. As soon as I find it, I''ll bring it with the files."


    "I''ll wait," Amelia said, her gaze sweeping around. "Isn''t this Sadie''s room? Where is she?"


    Panic surged through Sadie. ''Oh no! Amelia too! Micah is still here! What to do?!''


    "She must be showering. Her clothes were drenched in red wine," Victoria mused, ncing absentmindedly towards the bathroom, only to jolt with a sudden start.


    At the bathroom door, a pair of men''s dress shoes sat ominously-shoes that appeared strikingly simr to Micah''s!


    Inside the bathroom, Sadie mped her hand over her mouth, desperately pushing against Micah and trying to make him stop. Unfortunately, it was as if he couldn''t hear themotion outside and persisted in his movements.


    "Mr. Waters can be such a klutz, especially for his age," Amelia said icily. "Still, my matchmaking for him and Sadie came from a good ce. He is well established and poised, mature beyond his years. How could he not be right for her?" Quivering, Sadie felt weak and exhausted, her nails digging into Micah''s shoulders to the point of drawing blood.


    Micah, however, was persistent, his actions conveying an urgency that spoke of deep emotions.

 Chapter 282 Admiring His Stamina

    "Yes, Mr. Waters is impressive." Victoria chuckled. "Ms. Amelia, let me walk you to your room. I''ll have Sadie bring the USB drive over in a bit." "Sure. How long can one take to bathe..." Amelia cast another look at the men''s shoes by the bathroom, her eyes narrowing with a glint of icy sternness.


    She clutched her designer handbag so hard it distorted, her visage freezing over, storm clouds gathering. Yet, she managed a calm,posed smile. "I''d appreciate that, dear. Have Sadie bring the items to my roomter. I have something to discuss with her anyway."


    "Of course, of course." Victoria quickly ushered her out. "Take some rest, perhaps a nap? We cane to see you at two, alright?"


    "Fine by me."


    With Amelia gone, Victoria sighed deeply and closed the door hurriedly behind her before swiftly departing.


    In the bathroom, an infuriated Sadie pounded on Micah''s chest, "Bastard, let go of me -"


    "Quiet!" Micah silenced her with a kiss, their exchange fierce.


    With a venomous bite, Sadie left deep marks on his shoulder.


    ...


    It took a while before Micah finally released Sadie, wrapping her in a towel and carrying her out of the bathroom.


    Roughly tossing her onto the bed, he sat on the couch and dried his hair with a towel.


    "You repulse me!" Sadie hurled a pillow at him, furiously cursing, "You spend your days with other women, going round after round in their beds, and now youy hands on me?!" The pillow thudded against Micah''s body before tumbling to the floor.


    Micah paused, looking up at Sadie. "What, a multi-day battle royale, like going 300 rounds in bed?"


    "Isn''t that the case?" Sadie red at him, clearly miffed.


    "Hmm..." Micah continued to dry his hair, a smirk on his lips. "Looks like you have a high opinion of my stamina!"


    "You..." Sadie was at a loss for words.


    "Get some rest." Micah shrugged off the towel wrapped around his waist and began leisurely dressing.


    "You''re engaged, so stop touching me!" Sadie tried to negotiate with him. "Just let me go, I don''t want to mess with your rtionship, nor do I want to be a target="


    "You''re overestimating yourself," Micah cut in coldly, "You couldn''t impact anything."


    As he stood up, he nonchntly tossed the pillow back onto the bed. "As for being targeted, that''s because you''re just not smart enough."


    "You..."


    "Stay put." Micah finishedcing up his shoes and strode out the door.


    Sadie stared at his retreating figure, her heart sinking. Just a few minutes ago, he had been showering Amelia with affection, and now he was back to iming her. The difference was, Amelia could be disyed in public while she was like a mistress hidden in shadows.


    The feeling was terrible.


    She wanted it to end, but this rtionship wasn''t hers to control. She couldn''t fathom what he was thinking. With Amelia in his life, why couldn''t he just leave her alone? Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door.


    "Sadie, it''s Victoria. May Ie in?"


    "Just a sec." Sadie quickly pulled on her clothes and went to open the door. "Hey Victoria!"


    "I''m looking for my USB drive. Have you seen it?" Victoria asked.


    "It should be in the filing bag, let me check." Sadie hurried back into the room to search. Victoria didn''t enter and just stood at the doorway.


    In no time, Sadie found the USB drive in her bag. "Oh, here it is."


    "Great." Victoria took the USB drive eagerly. "I''ll bring this to Amelia. You get some rest."


    "Wasn''t I supposed to deliver it?" blurted out Sadie.


    "Uh..." Victoria''s expression stiffened before she said, "She might make it tough for you. I''ll make an excuse. She''ll just give me a dirty look and won''t do anything to me." "It''s okay, I''lle with you." Sadie was already slipping on her shoes. "I know Amelia''s temper. I won''t let her give you a hard time because of me."

 Chapter 283 $100,000 Companionship

    "Uh..." Victoria''s expression stiffened before she said, "She might make it tough for you. I''ll make an excuse. She''ll just give me a dirty look and won''t do anything to me." "It''s okay, I''lle with you." Sadie was already slipping on her shoes. "I know Amelia''s temper. I won''t let her give you a hard time because of me."


    Sadie followed Victoria to Amelia''s room to drop off some documents.


    Micah wasn''t there.


    Amelia slipped into afy robe, lounging on the couch with a drink in hand. Her long, graceful legs were stretched out on the coffee table, exuding a blend of aloofness and elegance. "Ms. Amelia, here are the files we''ve just finished, along with the USB drive containing the project ns and proposals," Victoria said respectfully, offering the items to Amelia. "Thank you," Amelia''s gaze settled on Sadie. "Just put them down."


    "Yes." Victoria ced the materials on the coffee table. "Well then, we''ll just-"


    "You go ahead. I want to have a word with Sadie." Amelia gestured, seemingly polite. "Sadie, what are you standing there for? Sit!"


    Victoria frowned at Sadie.


    "Thanks." Sadie sat down casually.


    "I''ll be off then," Victoria said meaningfully. "Sadie, if Ms. Amelia asks you anything, answer properly. And if you''re unsure about anything, give me a call."


    Sadie smiled at Victoria. "Got it. You go on, Vic."


    Victoria nodded and left.


    A staff member delivered a cup of coffee to Sadie and then left the room.


    "Looking quite flushed and healthy, I see," Amelia told Sadie with a smirk, her eyes cold.


    "What do you want to say, Ms. Amelia?" Sadie asked bluntly.


    Amelia sat up, pulled out a checkbook, wrote an amount, and handed it over to Sadie with an air of condescension.


    "What''s this about?" Sadie asked, puzzled.


    "I did some checking," Amelia said, arching her brow and scoffing. "You know, there are girls who''d go for a few hundred at a time. Prettier ones on the fringes go for three grand. Then there are the social media models and fresh faces whomand between $8,000 to $10,000. As for B-list celebs, their rates vary-"


    "What are you getting at?" Sadie interrupted, agitation in her voice.


    Amelia looked her up and down with a sneer, "At best, you''d be worth $10,000. But since Micah fancies you, I won''t insult his taste."


    Amelia leaned in, tapping Sadie''s cheek with the check. "From now on, for every time you sleep with Micah, I''ll give you $100,000. Consider it a token of my gratitude for keeping my fianc¨¦ satisfied in my stead!"


    "Enough!" Sadie pushed her away furiously. "You''re out of line!"


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk!" Amelia cooed mockingly. "Seething with rage, are we? You seemed to enjoy yourself well enough in bed with Micah just a minute ago. But don''t get toofortable. You''re nothing more than an outlet for his desires, you know." "You" Sadie was about to retort when the door swung open and Micah stepped in.


    Spotting Amelia''s smug smirk and Sadie''s fuming demeanor, Micah''s brow furrowed. "What are you doing here?" he asked icily.


    "She was just dropping off some papers for me," Amelia replied with feigned politeness. "Earlier Mr. Waters had the misfortune of spilling red wine on her, so I offered her a check aspensation. Unfortunately, she declined!" "No need." Micah plucked the check from Sadie''s hand and tossed it into the trash. "My employees, I handle myself."


    "Well then," Amelia purred, sidling up close to him. With a raised eyebrow, she turned to Sadie and asked, "Aren''t you leaving?"


    Enraged, Sadie''s face turned ashen as she stood up and stormed out.


    "Wait a minute," Amelia called after her.


    Sadie paused in her tracks but did not turn around, waiting for Amelia to finish speaking.


    "There''s a party tonight. You shoulde," Amelia generously suggested. "I''ll have a dress sent over to youter-get all dolled up." "No, thanks." Sadie couldn''t wait to get out of there.


    "Ohe on," Amelia said with a sugary smile. "An old friend of yours will be there too. Friends gathered together makes for a lively party!"

 Chapter 284 The Sensual Dress

    Sadie had no choice but toply. As long as Micah didn''t object, Amelia''s words might as well bew.


    Back in her room, Sadie was so livid that she threw all the pillows on the bed to the floor. She felt humiliated being with Micah, like a disreputable mistress kept in the shadows, repeatedly shamed by Amelia, the legitimate wife. However, she wasn''t the other woman. Micah was not married, nor had he dered anymitment to Amelia.


    Besides, Sadie had no idea that Amelia even existed when she was with him.


    "Sadie!" Victoria''s voice came through, "Your door was open, so I just came in."


    "Victoria!" Sadie quickly asked, "Are you leaving? I''ll go with you."


    "I''m staying to help sort things out," Victoria replied. "My room is right next door to yours. Let''s stay here tonight and head back to the office tomorrow together." Sadie felt helpless. "Alright then."


    "Amelia sent over a dress," Victoria motioned towards the doorway.


    "Please,e in." Sadie didn''t want to make things difficult for the staff.


    Two stylists walked in carrying a designer gown, apanied by a makeup artist, who held an elegant box filled with jewelry and shoes.


    One of them said politely, "Miss Roth, this ensemble was sent over by Ms. Amelia. Are you avable now? May we assist you with your look?"


    Sadie nced at the gown, considering how best to decline. She wasn''t keen on attending the so-called party.


    In a hushed tone, Victoria advised, "It''s a star-studded event tonight, with many business moguls attending. With so many eyes on you, Ms. Amelia won''t dare do anything improper."


    "There''s no point in me going if it''s filled with hotshots," Sadie replied to the stylists. "Please let Ms. Amelia know I appreciate the thought..."


    The stylists looked at her with pleading eyes. "Ms. Amelia said if you don''t show up, we shouldn''t bother returning."


    Hearing that, Sadie relented. "Alright, then."


    "I''ll discuss some matters with Andrew. Get yourself ready," Victoria said before hurrying off.


    Seated at the vanity, Sadie let the stylists work their magic.


    Her hair had just been washed and was simply styled into loose curls after a light makeup application; her wless skin made the process quick and easy.


    The stylists began to help her into the dress.


    Once on, Sadie was taken aback. "Isn''t this dress a bit too revealing?"


    The daring deep V-cut both in the front and back showcased her cleavage and nearly bared her back down to the lower spine. The dress was long, but the high slit on the right leg risked exposing more with just a slight movement... The dress'' pearly white color was stunning, and the satin-like material was soft and smooth. Any hair falling on it would just slide off...


    Not just anyone could pull off such a gown. It demanded a perfect figure: a full bust, a sensual behind, a waspish waist, and wless skin.


    And Sadie had it all!


    "My goodness, Miss Roth, your figure is simply impable. This gown seems too challenging for most, but on you, it looks like it was made to measure." "Absolutely, it''s breathtaking~"


    "Seeing Miss Roth out of her work uniform and into this, you can''t help but stare!"


    Amid the stylists'' excited exims, Sadie contemted her reflection. Even with her hair cascading around her, she couldn''t help but feel exposed.


    "A dress so few in the world could wear, and Ms. Amelia chose to send it to me. She sure thinks highly of me," Sadie mused with a mix of sarcasm and ttery. Even though her hair covered some of her skin, the gown left little to the imagination, revealing more than intended.

 Chapter 285 The Siren

    "Miss Roth, Ms. Amelia just means well," a stylist said with a smile. "This gown is designed by a famous Italian designer and costs a pretty penny. She gave it to you so that you could be the center of attention!" "Indeed, she wants me to be the center of attention!"


    At such a star-studded party, everyone presented themselves with elegance and poise.


    Yet, dressed like that, she wondered how many would scoff behind her back,beling her as a woman of loose morals.


    This could lead Micah to start despising her.


    Sadie saw right through Amelia''s scheme; she was no fool.


    Biting her lip with anger, Sadie suddenly thought this might be for the best. ''If Amelia keeps ying these games, perhaps Micah will tire of me and eventually give up... Then, I coan regain my freedom!'' "That''s great. Why don''t you try on some jewelry?"


    The stylists began to adorn Sadie with various pieces.


    She didn''t resist, letting them dress her up, and slipped into the high heels they provided.


    Once fully dressed, Sadie hardly recognized herself in the mirror. Her reflection was unbelievably sensual, leaving her to wonder what thoughts might stir in the minds of men who saw her.


    "Sadie, are you ready?" Victoria knocked and entered, pausing in shock at the sight. "That dress..."


    "Pretty, right?" The stylists began to tter the fit of the gown on Sadie''s figure.


    Victoria was about to speak when the bodyguard knocked. "Time to go."


    "Maybe wear a coat over it?" Victoria suggested with a frown.


    "It won''t look good with a coat." Amelia''s haughty voice echoed, and the stylists stepped back.


    Sadie looked up to see Amelia in a champagne-colored mermaid gown that highlighted her tall figure. Not exactly sensual, but it exuded an air of refinement...


    Compared to Sadie''s intoxicating allure, Amelia looked like nothing less than royalty!


    Amelia was ying a deep game, using Sadie''s sultriness to entuate her inherent poised elegance...


    "Stunning!" Amelia surveyed Sadie from head to toe, beaming with satisfaction. "Quite a figure you''ve got. No wonder men are drawn to you. Although, your makeup could be bolder." "Should we intensify it?" asked one of the stylists promptly.


    "No, we''re short on time." Amelia chuckled, eyeing Sadie. "Take your makeup kit and give her a fiery red lip on the way!"


    "Yes," the stylists said, preparing immediately.


    "No need. This makeup looks great," Victoria suggested cautiously.


    "You don''t get it. Sadie''s outfit calls for a bold red lip to really pop," Amelia said with a raised eyebrow and a smile. "I''m heading downstairs, hurry up!"


    With that, she sashayed away, her figure a perfect curve disappearing into the distance.


    Sadie watched her go and snorted coldly, thinking, ''Amelia is really cunning...''


    "Sadie..." Victoria''s brow furrowed with worry, and she whispered, "Why don''t you talk to Mr. Clemens and find an excuse to bail?"


    "Why wouldn''t I go?" Sadie replied through clenched teeth, her smirk cold. "How else can I thwart her ns?"


    "What?" Victoria didn''t quite follow.


    "Never mind, let''s go."


    Sadie took Victoria by the arm and led her downstairs, dead-set on ying along with Amelia''s charade for the evening. She hoped that Micah would grow so disgusted with her tonight that he''d want her gone for good. Should he be the one to end things, she would undoubtedly avoid the severance penalty. She might even walk away with a tidy break-up bonus.


    "Sadie, your dress is truly..." Victoria''s words faded as a breeze swept through, tousling Sadie''s long hair, almost revealing her captivating ''assets''.


    In that instant, Andrew strolled past, his steps halting abruptly as he caught sight of Sadie, utterly stunned by her breathtaking appearance...

 Chapter 286 The Schemer

    "Um..." Victoria pointed to Andrew in astonishment, "Mr. Andrew, you''re "


    Amelia''sughter filled the room, genuine and unrestrained. "Andrew, this side of you is quite the revtion. It''s not every day we witness such a spectacle."


    Andrew covered his nose hastily, a frenzy of panic inside. Thankfully, Micah was nowhere to be seen or he''d be done for. He might''ve lost an eye if Micah had witnessed the scene! Sadie, however, didn''t pay much mind to Andrew''s reaction. She nced around but didn''t see any sign of Micah.


    "Where''s Micah?" Amelia asked with a yful grin.


    "Mr. Clemens had to leave early on business," Andrew muttered, looking down. "He sent me to pick you up."


    "You go with Sadie. I''ll drive myself," Amelia saw her chance and cast a meaningful smile at Andrew. "This "


    Before Andrew could finish, Amelia was already in her car, zooming off into the night.


    With few options left, Andrew invited Sadie and Victoria to join him in the Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    Upon getting into the car, Andrew slid into the passenger seat, his gaze fixed downward, no longer daring to look at Sadie.


    Victoria sat in an awkward silence, tinged with worry.


    Meanwhile, Sadie appeared nonchnt, her eyes lingering on the passing scenery. She secretly hoped Amelia''s scheme would work quickly and that Micah would dump her soon. Then she could resign from the VIC Group, take Brenda and the kids, and start anew in another city.


    Thanks to the inheritance from her father, she and her children wouldn''t have to fret about the future. Her n was set-she would open a charming bakery with Brenda. It was perfect since her three little ones adored cakes. They wd get to savor treats made by their mother and Brenda daily.


    A close-knit family living a simple, happy life...


    Lost in her daydreams, Sadie barely noticed as the car pulled up to the Noble Summit''s banquet hall.


    As Sadie stepped out into the gusty evening, her dress billowed up, prompting her to quickly clutch at the hem in a scene reminiscent of a Marilyn Monroe moment. Suddenly, a camera sh cut through the air.


    Looking up, Sadie spotted a handsome, well-dressed young man discreetly attempting to snap her picture with his phone. Caught in the act, he blushed, then promptly shed her his screen as if to show he had deleted the photo. Sadie paid it no mind and followed Victoria into the g.


    "Sadie, so many guys are checking you out," Amelia said with a sly grin. "See, the dress I picked is a hit, isn''t it? You''re the center of attention now. Though your makeup is a tad too subdued. Didn''t you have time for a touch-up?" Sadie ignored her.


    Neither did Victoria nor Andrew speak up.


    It didn''t bother Amelia; her intention was clear.


    The opulent banquet hall shone in splendor, the brilliant lights creating an effect as bright as day. Soft, romantic music filled every corner as elegantly attired guests mingled with champagne in hand, exchanging pleasantries with grace. As soon as Amelia walked in, she became the focus of rapt attention, with eager onlookersing over to greet her. Many eyes turned to Sadie, and whispers inquired about her identity to Amelia.


    Amelia confidently drew Sadie in, introducing her to the crowd, "This is my friend Sadie. I''ve brought her along to expand her horizons. Please, give her a warm wee!"


    Sadie cursed inwardly, ''Damn snake.''


    Amelia''s insincerity knew no bounds.


    Expand her horizons? Amelia had effectively broadcast to everyone that Sadie was a naive beauty, all looks and no substance, an easy target to charm. "She''s beautiful!"


    Several gentlemen immediately gathered around, eager to ask Sadie for a dance.


    Just as Sadie was about to decline, a man''s voice echoed. "She doesn''t dance!"


    Following that, a pair of slender, fair hands draped a ck suit jacket over Sadie''s shoulders from behind.


    Turning around, Sadie was momentarily stunned.

 Chapter 287 The Improper Lady

    "Mason?!" Amelia eximed. "What are you doing here?"


    "What? Am I not wee?"


    Mason, dressed in a simple beige suit, looked even more strikingly handsome. His androgynous beauty had already caught the attention of many women at the event. "Why would you think that?" Amelia said with a smirk, eyeing Mason and Sadie. "Do you two know each other?"


    Mason slung an arm around Sadie and said with a clear voice, "Sadie and I go way back to our college days. I''ve always been there for her, like a guardian angel."


    "I see," Amelia said, smiling meaningfully. "Just like Micah and me, then!"


    Amelia never missed an opportunity to remind Sadie of the special rtionship she had with Micah. However, mentioning Micah also inadvertently reminded Sadie of a promise she had made to him-to keep her distance from Mason... ''If that devil finds out about this run-in, there will be hell to pay.''


    With this thought, Sadie shifted slightly to the side, stepping away from Mason''s embrace.


    Mason paused, a hint of dejection in his eyes.


    "Well, if Sadie''s got someone looking out for her, I won''t intrude." Amelia grinned effortlessly and walked away.


    Andrew went off to find Micah with her.


    Victoria threw Sadie a nce and followed suit.


    As Sadie hurried to catch up, she felt a tug on her arm-it was Mason. "Sadie, we need to talk."


    Sadie quickly pulled away, whispering, "Mason, remember we agreed to keep our distance."


    "Uh..." Mason''s hand froze in mid-air, his expression forlorn.


    "I''m sorry." Sadie didn''t dare look at him and lowered her head as she walked away.


    After a few steps, she noticed Micah standing not far off, watching her. He was holding a wine ss, nked by several distinguished-looking business and political figures, seemingly discussing something important.


    He asionally chimed in, but his eyes never left Sadie. He must have seen everything that happened, and now his gaze was ice cold.


    With her head lowered, Sadie swiftly navigated toward the back hall, aiming to evade the crowd. Despite averting her gaze, she couldn''t shake the oppressive feeling of their unsettling stares. Regardless of gender, they all seemed to view her with disdain, suspicion, and ridicule.


    She even overheard a few women whisper among themselves.


    "That outfit just screams ''not the reputable sort.""


    "That''s one of those wannabe celebs or inte stars, doing anything to rub elbows with the high-flyers."


    "Exactly. Look at her, with her chest and thighs virtually on disy-nothing but bait for the men!"


    "How did someone so tacky crash a high-ss event like this?"


    "Seriously, who let her in? She''s bringing down our whole vibe."


    "I heard it was Amelia. Drop it. She''s not someone to mess with."


    "Amelia''s a kind soul. She''s probably been bewitched by her dubious charms." "Absolutely! No doubt about it!"


    ...


    Sadie couldn''t take it any longer and briskly walked away. She wasn''t a VIP or anything; just another body filling the space. The party would go on with or without her. All she wanted now was to find a quiet corner to hide and wait for the event to end and leave with Victoria.


    The back hall was much less crowded, with only a few staff members and servers.


    Sadie spotted an empty lounge and headed for the door when suddenly, a stern voice boomed. "What have you done? How can you injure yourself right before your performance at such an important event? Is this your idea of a problem for me?"


    "It wasn''t on purpose, Vicky! I swear!" A young woman sobbed. "I identally bumped into Ms. Amelia while passing through the banquet hall.


    "She got mad, shoved me hard, and I crashed into a server, scattering wine sses all over the floor-and then Ms. Amelia..."

 Chapter 288 Taking Her Place On Stage

    At this point, the young woman cried even more bitterly and blurted out through her tears, "She stomped on my hand over the shards of ss, so I¡ª"


    "No more excuses," Vicky snapped back. "Everyone here tonight is a member of high-society or wealthy. You miss your cue, and you can kiss this industry goodbye." She protested., "But I-"


    "String section, you''re up now. Get ready," Vicky directed without further notice and strutted out in her stilettos.


    Sadie quickly stepped aside as Vicky, dressed in a sleek ck pantsuit, headed into the makeup room across the hall, pping her hands and calling out, "Violinists, get set. You''re on in three minutes!" Sadie turned to see a young young woman with delicate features emerge from behind a folding screen, weeping profusely-her hands were trembling and soaked in blood, a harrowing sight.


    The young woman sat alone on a chair, awkwardly fumbling with an emergency kit in an attempt to tend to her wounds.


    But her hands were injured, her actions clumsy. She fumbled with the container for what seemed an eternity, unable to get it open.


    Sadie rushed over to help. "Let me do that for you."


    The young woman looked up at Sadie, startled at first, but then quickly murmured, "Thank you."


    Sadie opened the first-aid kit, reached for the iodine to disinfect the young woman''s wounds, and carefully used tweezers to remove the fragments of ss embedded in the skin.


    The young woman trembled with pain and bit her lip hard, trying not to cry out, though tears streamed down her face.


    "Your hands are badly injured. They need professional medical attention," Sadie said urgently, wincing in empathy. "You have to go to the hospital now, or you might not be able to use your hands again."


    "I can''t leave now. If I mess up this performance, it won''t matter if my hands heal. I''ll never y again." The young woman wept. "Please, just bandage them up to stop the bleeding. I''ll wear white gloves on stage..."


    "Are you kidding me? How can you y like this?" Sadie''s heart ached, her anger stoked by thoughts of Amelia''s actions. "Amelia is outrageous!"


    "It wasn''t a big deal. I just bumped into her. But she pushed me so hard, and when I fell, she actually stepped on my hand, pressing it into the ss..."


    The young woman shook with sobs.


    "It hurts so much. I cried and begged her, but she wouldn''t stop and kept pressing down. If it weren''t for thisdy pulling her off me, my hand would be ruined..."


    "Stop crying." Sadie wiped away her tears. "Here''s what we''ll do. I''ll perform in your ce."


    "You?" The young woman was taken aback. "You can y the piano?"


    "Yeah. Give me the sheet music, and I''ll go on stage for you," Sadie reassured her. "Don''t worry. I''ve won some international awards and performed on prestigious stages." "But won''t Vicky notice?" The young woman worried.


    "So what if he does?" Sadie responded bluntly. "She just wants toplete the mission and report back. As long as the performance goes well, it doesn''t matter who''s on stage."


    "You''re right." The young woman quickly fetched the music sheets, handing them over with her injured hands. "Thank you! You''re a lifesaver!"


    "No worries." Sadie nced at the white ballet-inspired dress the young woman was wearing. "We need to swap clothes."


    "Okay." The young woman nodded, then added cautiously, "But your clothes won''t fit me. I''ll wear my street clothes. Your dress looks expensive. I''ll take care of it, and we can swap back after you perform. I need to return this dress to Vicky." "Sounds good."

 Chapter 289 Yes, It Was Her

    Sadie closed the door and quickly exchanged clothes with the young woman.


    Although the young woman''s figure wasn''t as impressive as hers, their heights were simr enough that the cocktail dress fit just right. Once Sadie slipped it on, the simple dress transformed into an emblem of elegance. To conceal her identity, Sadie donned a whitece manti veiling her face, leaving only her sparkling, clear eyes visible.


    "You''re amazing! No one will recognize you now!" the young woman eximed, her excitement palpable.


    "Just wait here for me. I''lle find you after the performance," Sadie instructed, handing her purse to the young woman. "Keep these safe for me."


    "Got it." The young woman nodded vigorously. "By the way, my name''s Serena, I study at Newark Music Conservatory. What''s your name?"


    "I''m Sadie." As she spoke, a knocking sound echoed from outside, followed by Vicky''s angry bellow, "Why is this door locked? Serena, do you still want your job?"


    Panic gripped Serena. "What should we do?" she whispered.


    "Don''t worry." Sadie swiftly tucked the first aid kit and Serena behind a folding screen, then stepped out with the sheet music in hand.


    "What are you up to?" Vicky mistook Sadie for Serena. "Why are you wearing a veil? And your hand-can it still y?"


    He noticed Sadie''s uninjured hands, save for the faint scar on the back of her left hand.


    "You..." Vicky was taken aback.


    "I''m off to the stage," Sadie said, not giving her a chance to recover, and headed for the banquet hall with her music. "Wait, who are you? Don''t mess this up," Vicky hastily followed.


    By then, the violin performance had ended, and Sadie made her way onto the stage with the music score.


    "Hey!" Vicky tried to follow, but as the spotlight hit, she stepped back, anxiously peering from the edge of the stage. Sadie bowed gracefully in front of the piano, then sat down and began ying "Rhapsody in Blue".


    Soon, the guests were captivated, their attention entirely drawn to her.


    Her fingers danced over the piano keys like sprites as if she was breathing life and soul into the piece.


    The audience, a gathering of affluent and distinguished guests ustomed to world-ss concerts, knew quality when they heard it. Initially, they only expected a college performance to serve as background music. Yet, they found themselves treated to a surprise masterful experience.


    "Who''s the pianist you found? She''s incredible," a guest asked Vicky.


    "Uh..." Vicky hesitated at first, then replied with a smile, "From the conservatory, indeed. What do you think?"


    The cover of anonymity lent Sadie not just protection but also the window to astound an unsuspecting audience with her virtuosity.


    "That was incredible," the guest eximed genuinely. "That was a world-ss pianist performance right there!"


    "Really? That good?" Vicky, a mere dabbler in music, was genuinely surprised by the praise. Looking around, she noticed that the other guests had ceased their mingling and turned to enjoy the piano recital on stage.


    She couldn''t help but sigh in relief, and a smile quickly spread across her face. ''It looks like it is a blessing in disguise! Whoever she is, as long as the performance goes smoothly, that is all that matters.''


    Backstage, Serena heard the music and her furrowed brows rxed. Now she could finally tend to her wounds with peace of mind.


    ...


    In the middle of the banquet hall, surrounded by people, Micah turned his head towards the stage.


    Those masterful piano skills, those clear, expressive eyes-they were familiar!


    He remembered Sadie ying behind a mask at the DTT Bar.


    Back then, he hadn''t recognized her, but she couldn''t fool his eyes now.


    His gaze fell upon her left hand, where the scar from Amelia''s high heel still lingered, its healing not yetplete. ''Yeah, it has to be her!''

 Chapter 290 A Symphony of Ten Fingers

    The melodious piano music echoed through the banquet hall like a sprite, lifting one''s spirits, making troubles seem miles away.


    What was meant to be just background music for the event had transformed into an intimate concert. All the guests stood still and looked back, captivated by Sadie''s piano performance. In a corner, a pair of ice-blue eyes watched Sadie intently, filled with unexpected admiration and surprise.


    Mason paused to listen for a while but soon shifted his gaze and hurried to the back hall. He hadn''t recognized Sadie on stage, so he went to the back hall to look for her.


    ...


    Soon, the piece ended, and thunderous apuse resonated throughout the room.


    Sadie rose and took a bow, then sat back down to start the next piece, Chopin''s "Grande Valse Brinte".


    This piece was light and joyful, like a maiden in love performing a solo ballet by thekeside, awaiting her beloved''s arrival...


    The mood brightened, and everyone gently swayed to the music, unable to stop smiles from spreading across their faces.


    Even Micah, normally so stern and cold, allowed a slight smile to grace his lips. He had never had the chance to appreciate her music fully in the bar before. Now, he realized that this seemingly clumsy woman wasn''t useless, after all. At least, her piano skills were genuinely gifted.


    "Is it really that good?" Amelia muttered under her breath. "What''s so great about these college students from music academies with subpar talent?"


    "That kind of skill is rare in the world, and you call it subpar?" Micah rarely showed such scorn towards Amelia. "You just don''t appreciate talent!" "It''s not that, Micah-"


    "Hush!" Micah interrupted Amelia, refusing to let her disrupt the beautiful melody unfolding around them.


    Amelia fell silent, biting back her defiance that churned within.


    On stage, Sadie finished the second piece, and then began her third, Liszt''s "Liebestr?ume".


    But as she started the intro, she noticed the bottom half of the sheet music had been torn off.


    Panic struck her.


    She had yed this piece before, but after four years away from the piano, the notes had escaped her. Now, the music was as foreign as a distant memory. ''What to do?''


    She kept ying the upper half, but she was quickly nearing the torn edge, forced to rely on her fading recollections.


    Soon, something felt off...


    Several guests in the audience noticed as well, their enchantment with the previously wless piano performance turning into furrowed brows. Some even began whispering amongst themselves. Fear gripped Sadie as she contemted stopping.


    Then, suddenly, a pair of slender hands appeared on the keys, harmonizing with her own...


    These hands disyed a mastery surpassing Sadie''s, and the stranger yed from memory with ease, flowing like water over the keys.


    Guided by his lead, Sadie caught up with the rhythm.


    Together, their fingers danced across the keyboard, four sprites ying in seamless tandem.


    Overwhelmed with relief, Sadie looked to her side, only to be taken aback.


    Beside her was a striking young man, his ssical features wless, his skin as pale as snow, and his ice-blue eyes clear and prating...


    He was like a prince out of Greek mythology, radiating an innate aristocracy.


    With a heavenly smile that seemed to bless all in its glow, he diverted her focus back to the keys with a nod of his chin, and she turned her attention back to the concert. Thunderous apuse erupted from below.


    Micah watched the duo with aplex expression, knitting his brows.


    Amelia was caught off guard and whispered, "Is that..."

 Chapter 291 The Mysterious Young Man

    Micah said nothing and walked away.


    When the piece was over, Sadie stood to take a bow, turning to thank the young man, but he had vanished.


    Feeling a twinge of loss, she couldn''t linger-amidst the apuse, she hurried off to find Serena in the earlier box.


    "Sadie, you''re back!" Serena had been waiting eagerly at the door. Seeing Sadie, she burst with excitement. "I heard your ying-absolutely incredible!" "It''s been so long since I yed," Sadie replied with a smile. "Let''s change our clothes."


    "Mm-hmm," Serena said, leading Sadie behind a folding screen to change clothes.


    A knock sounded from outside, followed by Vicky''s voice, "Serena, some guests are here to see you. Hurry up and get changed; I''lle to get you shortly." Vicky''s tone had softened, a stark contrast to her former sharpness.


    Serena panicked upon hearing this and whispered to Sadie, "What do I do?"


    "Just go," Sadie suggested as she slipped off her white dress and handed it to Serena. "Put it on, along with the veil, and act like you were just finishing a performance."


    "Is that okay?" Serena hesitated. "Isn''t that like pretending to be you?"


    "I was pretending to be you in the first ce," Sadie said with a smile, slipping into her own outfit and grabbing her purse, ready to leave.


    "Sadie..." Serena said, pulling at her arm, "Can we exchange numbers? I would love to repay your kindness when I get the chance."


    "Sure," Sadie obliged, and they quickly exchanged numbers before she hurried off.


    Once outside, where no one was around, Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. She was back in her revealing dress, sensual and alluring-a far cry from her earlier innocent stage persona. "Sadie!" A familiar voice reached her ears, and she turned to see Mason.


    "Mason, what are you doing here?" Sadie nced around, worried about being seen.


    "I''ve been looking all over for you," Mason said, striding toward her. "We need to talk."


    "Is something wrong?" Sadie kept her distance on purpose.


    "Come with me." Mason pulled her into a small private room and closed the door behind them.


    "Why did you bring me here? What if someone sees us..."


    "Who are you afraid of? Micah?" Mason frowned, eyeing Sadie. "Did he make you wear this?"


    "Mind your own business." Sadie tried to dodge him, eager to leave. "I need to go."


    "Why? There''s nothing for you outside."


    Mason pushed her onto an armchair, his hands propped on the armrests, cornering Sadie with the kind of dominance Micah was fond of.


    Aside from the fact that while Micah''s presence was akin to a lion, Mason''s resembled an elegant arctic fox!


    "Mason, what are you doing?" Sadie was surprised; she didn''t expect Mason to show such assertiveness.


    "Sadie, I respect your choices, but I refuse to watch you demean yourself!" Mason''s voice held a note of exasperation. "I just don''t get it. Why do you let him control you? Does he have something on you? Tell me, and I''ll help you sort it out." "It''s not..." Sadie struggled to find the words to exin.


    "Why the hell?" Mason tugged at her dress. "Look at what you''re wearing. It''s just "


    He bit back the harsh words on the tip of his tongue and said with urgency, "You weren''t like this before..."


    "I know what I''m doing, Mason," Sadie whispered back. "I''ll be back to my own self soon enough..."


    Before Sadie could finish, Amelia''s voice suddenly echoed from outside. "Micah, I''m getting tired. Can we take a break here? Will you keep mepany?"

 Chapter 292 Making a Move

    "I''ve got something else to do!"


    "Just ten minutes. No, five minutes. Even three minutes, okay? Please?" "Fine, three minutes."


    As Micah spoke, someone pushed the door open.


    Sadie pushed Mason away in a panic, but it was already toote. The folks at the door caught sight of Sadie and Mason and werepletely taken aback!


    At that moment, Sadie was perched provocatively on the couch, her outfit revealing more than intended, while Mason loomed over her with his hands bracing the armrests, his body arching like a bow... Their poses, their proximity, the whole scene smoldered with suggestion!


    And just as the door swung open, a draft lifted her precariously open dress, exposing her thighs.


    The atmosphere instantly froze over as if the air itself had turned to ice.


    Sadie could almost feel the murderous re in Micah''s eyes charging toward her like an army. Her heart pounded as if ready to burst from her chest while she frantically adjusted her dress. "Oops, didn''t know you were here. Sorry to interrupt. Carry on, carry on!"


    Amelia''s words came at just the right moment, reigniting the tension.


    The mes in Micah''s eyes seemed ready to spew forth...


    "Let''s go, Micah. Let''s not disturb them," Amelia said, chuckling as she pulled at Micah.


    Micah roughly shook off her hand and strode forward.


    To Sadie, it felt as if a predatory beast was advancing on her. She rushed to stand up from the couch, her heels wobbling, nearly causing her to fall.


    "Careful!" Mason caught her just in time.


    Sadie hastily pulled away, stepped back, and stammered, "We... I¡ª"


    "Misunderstand? Just talking?" Mason interjected, seeing Sadie''s panic. Despite his difort, he tried to rify.


    "Really?" Micah''s gaze was cold and piercing as he ran a finger over her silky garment, a scornful sneer ying on his lips. "Dressed like this... just talking?"


    "This dress..."


    "The hall is vast. Nowhere is off-limits for a conversation," Amelia interjected, her graceful stride taking her into the room. "But I have a feeling you two were doing more than just talking, right?" "Are you telling me you didn''t n this whole outfit thing?" Sadie red at her, seething.


    ''use me all you want, but I won''t let Mason take the fall!''


    "Sure, I set it up, but you had to be willing to wear it!" Amelia raised an eyebrow, herugh chilly. "What did I do? Hold a knife to your throat and force you into it?" "You-"


    "She''s right," Micah cut Sadie off, seizing her cheek with a rough grip. "If you act trashy, don''t me others!"


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock; she never expected Micah tosh out at her like that.


    Trashy? Who was the one pursuing her relentlessly?


    "Let her go!"


    Mason moved to push Micah away but was knocked down with a solid punch to the ground.


    "Ah! Mason..." Sadie cried out and rushed to his side, only to be seized by Micah with a grip so tight it felt like her bones were nearly crushed.


    "Let me go!" Sadie struggled furiously.


    Meanwhile, Masony there, blood streaming from his nose.


    Amelia and Victoria were terrified, their faces pale as they stood silently, barely daring to breathe.


    Andrew, who was waiting by the door, quickly entered and shut it.


    "Micah, have you lost your mind?!" Sadie roared, furious, "If you''ve got a problem, take it out on me! Why hit him?"


    "Does that hurt you?" Micah demanded, his fingers digging into the back of her head. He pushed her in front of him, his words like venom. "What did you promise me, huh?"

 Chapter 293 Terrifying Possessiveness

    "I..." Sadie faltered.


    "Mr. Clemens, calm down," Andrew urged softly, his voice low, "We have many esteemed guests tonight, including members from the ckwell family. We don''t want to cause a scene."


    "Right, right. No need for bloodshed over a girl." Amelia chimed in hastily, her voice tingd with panic. "It''s not worth it!"


    That struck a nerve with Micah. He flung Sadie onto the couch, and his demeanor instantly returned to a chilling calm. "Mason is so fragile. He can''t even handle a single punch? And he has the nerve to fight me over a woman?" Mason climbed to his feet, wiping the blood off his face, teeth clenched as he advanced on Micah, ready to strike.


    With a sharp nce, Micahshed out with a kick. But Sadie darted forward like lightning, shielding Mason with her own body.


    Micah''s kicknded on her, and with a thud, Sadie and Mason crashed to the floor together. Sadie felt as though her back was about to break, lying on top of Mason, shivering from the pain.


    Micah stood frozen, staring in shock at Sadie. He could never have imagined Sadie would recklessly throw herself into harm''s way to save Mason.


    ''Could it be that Mason''s safety is more important than her own life in her heart?''


    His hands clenched into fists, the tips of his fingers digging into his palms.


    "Sadie..." Mason hugged her tightly, his hands trembling. "Why would you do something so foolish..."


    "I''m okay." Sadie gasped, her face pale as she broke out in a sweat, forcing a stiff smile. "You get out first."


    "Sadie..."


    "Get out!" She pushed him weakly.


    "Mason, let me help you out," Andrew said quickly, supporting Mason up, his voice soothing. "Miss Roth will be alright. The further you are from her, the safer she''ll be." That convinced Mason.


    Lifting his head, Mason red at Micah. "Micah, we''ll see about this!"


    "Let''s go..." Andrew said, half-dragging Mason out of the room.


    Micah''s gaze remained fixed on Sadie, his eyes cold as ice yet fathomless.


    "Micah..." Amelia said softly, trying to calm him, "Don''t get upset over this kind of woman- "


    "Get out!" Micah''s voice was low and frosty.


    "Micah..." Amelia started to say more, but meeting his murderous gaze, she quickly left the room.


    Victoria opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but she didn''t dare to speak and followed Amelia out of the room at a brisk pace.


    Micah slowly approached Sadie, his figure towering over her like a devil.


    Panic-stricken, Sadie attempted to retreat and get up from the floor, but the sharp pain in her lower back immobilized her.


    Finally, Micah stopped, crouching down to stare at her. His eyes held a chilling, inscrutable coldness.


    Sadie didn''t dare meet his gaze and kept her head down, tremblingly she exined, "Mason and I... it''s really nothing. We just exchanged a few words..."


    Micah gripped her chin, lifted her face, and sneered ominously. "You truly love him, to the point of forsaking your own life for him!"


    "I just didn''t want him to be dragged down with me," Sadie said through gritted teeth, drenched in sweat that had soaked her dress. "He''s innocent..."


    "Innocent? To the point of having three kids with you? Innocent to the point of throwing himself over you??" Micah''sughter was bitter, like he had heard the world''s most ridiculous joke. "Do you think I''m a fool? Huh?!" "No, that''s not it..." Sadie became frantic. "He was just "


    "Shut up!" Micah hissed furiously. "Don''t test my patience, or I swear I might lose control..."


    He approached her with a menacing aura, his warning stern and deliberate. "I''ll take him out!"


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock, only now grasping the terrifying extent of Micah''s possessiveness and jealousy...


    So terrifying, it might actually bring Mason to his demise!

 Chapter 294 Grandpa Clemens

    Panic surged through Sadie as she blurted out, "No, it''s not like that! Mason''s innocent! There''s nothing going on between us..."


    "If we hadn''t walked in on you two in time, you''d probably be all over each other by now, wouldn''t you?" Micah sneered, his hand smacking Sadie''s swollen cheek. He had misunderstood, thinking she was referring to the incident moments before.


    "No," Sadie shook her head frantically, trying to exin, "Mason isn''t really¡ª"


    Before she could finish, urgent rapping at the door cut her off. Then Andrew''s voice echoed. "Mr. Clemens, Your grandfather is here!"


    "Got it." Micah frowned, acknowledging him. He then squeezed Sadie''s cheek, his warning serious. "Sadie, this is yourst warning. Don''t push me!"


    Sadie looked at him terrified, not daring to utter a word.


    "Maybe I can''t bring myself to hurt you." Micah squinted, his threat chilling. "But your friends and family, including those three kids, they''ll pay for your foolishness!"


    Sadie''s eyes went wide with horror as she shook her head vehemently. "Don''t! Please, don''t hurt them! I beg you..."


    "Then be a good girl!" Micah scooped her up onto the couch, draping his jacket over her, before turning and walking to the door, instructing, "Send for Dahlia!" "Yes!" Andrew nced at Sadie inside the room, then slowly closed the door.


    Sadie trembled on the couch, from both pain and fear.


    The thought of Micah snapping and harming the children filled her with dread. She was scared out of her wits, debating whether to tell Micah the truth.


    If he knew the kids were his, would Mason and the children be safe?


    But then again, how could children grow up healthy with such a violent father?


    Her mind was racing when suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Immediately after, Dahlia entered with a medical kit in hand. "Miss Roth, are you injured?" "Dr-Ah!" As Sadie attempted to sit up, a sharp pain in her lower back immobilized her.


    "Hold still, let me check." Dahlia approached to examine her. "You haven''t broken anything, but you should still get an X-ray just to be safe. I''ll arrange it right away." "Dr. Rey, have you seen Mason? Is he okay?"


    Sadie was concerned about Mason''s injury. He had always been frail, and she feared the punch he took earlier might have been serious.


    "I just came from over there. He''s fine." Dahlia spoke softly. "Miss Roth, why do you insist on butting heads with Mr. Clemens? It''s not good for you or your friends." "I didn''t want to provoke him. He just lost it," Sadie said, feeling helpless.


    Dahlia sighed and called for help to take Sadie to the hospital.


    Soon, a team of paramedics came with a wheelchair, carefully helping Sadie into it before wheeling her out the back door.


    Outside, a light rain started, bringing a chill to the air.


    Sadie cutched Micah''s jacket around her and curled up, shivering, her face pale. As she was getting into the vehicle, Sadie caught a glimpse of Micah rushing out with his entourage as if to meet someone important. Guests lined up neatly on either side as a car approached.


    Micah himself opened the car door and respectfully assisted the person in the back seat to get out.


    "Who''s that?" Sadie was taken aback, never expecting to see someone who could make Micah bow his head.


    "Mr. Clemens Sr.!" Dahlia whispered. "Mr. Clemens'' grandfather!"

 Chapter 295 An Alliance at Nightfall

    Hope reignited in Sadie''s heart; she had finally found someone who could influence Micah. She wondered if pleading with Micah''s grandfather would grant her freedom.


    "Mr. Clemens Sr.''s temper is even more unpredictable than Mr. Clemens''," Dahlia said, seeing right through Sadie''s thoughts. "Miss Roth, I''d advise you to keep your distance from him." Sadie was at a loss for words. She should have realized that if Micah was so cruel and twisted, his grandfather was unlikely to be any more congenial.


    "Careful!" Dahlia directed the medical team as they lifted Sadie onto the ambnce stretcher.


    Lying there, Sadie let out a resigned sigh. She realized she might just have to wait until Micah grew tired of her and let her go.


    While she was lost in thought, her phone chimed with a message. It was from Serena.


    Serena: [Thank you so much, Sadie. With your help, I''ve been offered a position at a majorpany with great pay. Vicky even gave me a bonus for medical expenses.] Sadie: [Congrattions, keep it up!]


    Sadie felt a measure of sce in her heart; her biggest takeaway from today''s event was probably the help she gave to Serena.


    The car eased into motion, drifting away as the music from the banquet hall faded into the distance.


    The party continued unaffected by Sadie''s departure. A character as inconsequential and detestable as she didn''t make a ripple.


    ...


    The old man''s arrival cast an air of tension and gravity over the banquet hall.


    Guests lined up neatly in two rows, respectfully greeting and bowing to Micah''s grandfather as he entered. With a slight nod, he swept his gaze over the crowd and proceeded directly towards the back of the hall. Amelia stayed close by his side, tenderly holding his hand with the care and closeness of a family member.


    In contrast, Micah appeared detached, quietly following along at some distance.


    Once they left, the guests began buzzing with excitement. Given the current situation, an alliance between the Clemens and the Luminex families seemed inevitable.


    ...


    Sadie underwent X-rays and examinations at the hospital to confirm that no bones were broken, though her lumbar strain couldn''t be ignored.


    Dahlia administered the necessary treatment before sending Sadie back to the Clemens mansion.


    Two nurses helped her onto the bed to lie face down. Sadie was eager for a bath, yet her wishes were vetoed by Dahlia, who insisted no water that evening. A maid wiped her down instead, as Dahlia instructed her to rest well. After everyone had left, Sadie felt as if her entire body were falling apart. Her back, stered with a pain-relieving patch, faintly emitted the scent of medicinal herbs.


    With every pang, she gritted her teeth, cursing Micah silently...


    Ever since she''d been with him, injuries seemed never-ending. She couldn''t help but wonder what childhood shadows had shaped his violent temperament. How she longed to be free from him...


    As night deepened, Sadie clutched her pillow, drifting off amidst a whirl of chaotic thoughts.


    In her hazy slumber, a hand reached out, gently caressing her waist...


    Half-awake, she sensed someone behind her, but the familiar scent allowed her to lower her guard. She remained asleep, letting the exploring hand continue its quest, and then felt the covers lift as someoney beside her... Micah carefully nestled up to Sadie, sliding one arm under her neck to pull her close while his other hand tenderly stroked her.


    Dahlia had reported no bone damage, just a muscr injury requiring therapy.


    The moment he had kicked her, his heart had nearly stopped, torn between agony and anger.


    The fact she risked her life to protect another man fueled a fierce rage within him.

 Chapter 296 The Future Granddaughter-in-Law

    A sudden pinch on Sadie''s thigh jolted her awake from her sleep, her body shifting as she turned her head, and Micah took the opportunity to kiss her.


    Sadie tried to push him away, but a sharp pain in her back twisted her face in agony the moment she reached out.


    Micah quickly let her go. "What''s wrong?"


    "It hurts." Sadie''s forehead was slick with sweat, and she froze in ce, afraid to move.


    Micah didn''t dare touch her again and carefully turned her to maintain her position, lying on her side with her back to him.


    Sadie curled up, shivering. Her silk nightgown was soon soaked with sweat.


    Micah frowned, picked up his phone, and called Dahlia. "Come over, please."


    "No need," Sadie immediately protested. "Dr. Rey said it would hurt tonight but get better by tomorrow."


    On the other end, Dahlia carefully assured, "Yes, Mr. Clemens. She has strained her back muscles. It''ll be tough tonight, but much better tomorrow. If the pain''s too much, she can take the painkillers I left on the nightstand..." Micah got up to fetch the painkillers for Sadie.


    But Sadie shook her head, refusing them, "I just need to sleep. Turn off the lights; they''re bothering my eyes."


    Micah set the medicine down and looked at her in her pained state. His eyes betrayed his concern, though his words were harsh. "Serves you right. Why did you have to stand in front of him?" Sadie red at him as if mes were about to burst from her eyes.


    "re at me like that again, I dare you," Micah snapped coldly.


    Sadie turned her gaze away, her eyes filled with tears.


    Upon seeing her like this, Micah''s heart burned with frustration, yet he couldn''t bring himself tosh out at her. He simply dressed, turned off the lights, and left.


    While listening to the footsteps receding, Sadie''s heart was a tangle of emotions, indescribablyplex. She didn''t understand what he really felt.


    Saying he loved her, yet always hurting her; iming not to care, yet obsessed with possessing and controlling her, and asionally showing her warmth and concern... What was he even thinking?


    ...


    Andrew was about to knock as Micah opened the door. He paused upon seeing Micah, then quickly reported with urgency, "Mr. Clemens, your grandfather''s car has entered the driveway!" Micah frowned. "What''s he doing here thiste?"


    "He''s not alone. Ms. Amelia hase too," Andrew added.


    Micah paused for a brief moment, said nothing more, and closed Sadie''s door.


    In the dimly lit room, Sadie''s chest tightened with anxiety at the sound of the voices. Micah''s granfather had arrivedte in the night with Amelia. Could it be they were here for her? "Grab me a coat," Micah''s voice demanded from outside.


    "Right away!"


    The sound of footsteps indicated that Micah was probably greeting his grandfather with others in tow.


    Restless in bed, Sadie propped herself up with her arms, feeling worry prickling at her heart as she carefully got up.


    Downstairs, the sound of a car pulling up transformed the once dim vi into a beacon of light, as bright as day.


    The harsh light spilled onto the balcony, intensifying Sadie''s unease.


    Squinting, she tiptoed over and peered through a sliver of space between the curtains.


    Micah, apanied by Andrew and several others, stood by the entrance to greet his grandfather.


    The neatly lined-up bodyguards and staff reverently greeted him, "Wee, Mr. Clemens Sr.!"


    Micah stepped forward and personally opened the car door to help his grandfather out.


    On the other side, Andrew opened the passenger door, and out stepped Amelia, d in attire that entuated her gentle elegance. Even her usually piercing gaze was softened by a warm smile. "Grandpa, let me help you," offered Amelia as she moved to his side.


    "Mm, good girl," Micah''s grandfather said affectionately, obviously pleased with this future granddaughter-inw.


    "I''m here all thanks to you." Amelia yfully chided Micah, "He never brought me here before."


    Micah kept silent.


    Unable to resist ament, Micah''s grandfather caught Micah''s eye and instructed, "Your beach house is too remote. From now on, you''ll stay here."

 Chapter 297 For That Woman

    "Really?" A surge of joy overtook Amelia, but she quickly cast a careful nce at Micah. "Micah, is that okay with you?"


    Before Micah could respond, Micah''s grandfather overrode the conversation, "No need to ask for his opinion. I say it''s fine, so it''s fine!"


    "Thank you, Grandpa." Sticking her tongue out yfully at Micah, Amelia helped Micah''s grandfather into the vi.


    Behind them, the bodyguards brought by the old man began moving the luggage, and Andrew and the others received them with respect.


    Micah''s gaze fleetingly touched the window of Sadie''s room on the second floor.


    In a panic, Sadie snapped the curtains shut and scurried aside. Her heart raced with fear. With Micah''s grandfather and Amelia moving in, Sadie wondered about her own ce in the vi. And did the old man even know of her existence? Would he join Amelia in tormenting her if he knew? Mocking her?


    Sadie paced her room, her mind a tempest of worry. ''What to do?''


    She contemted waiting until they were asleep to make her escape.


    As she pondered, footsteps approached, then halted outside her door. Her heart tightened. Barefoot, she tiptoed over, straining to hear the sounds from the corridor.


    "Micah, I wanna stay in this room." Amelia''s voice wafted through.


    Through the gap beneath the door, Sadie spotted shadows, surmising a group stood outside.


    "Pick another one," Micah replied coolly.


    "Why?" Amelia cooed. "I just wanna be next to you."


    Sadie frowned and held her breath, listening intently.


    Did Amelia know she was here? Was this deliberate?


    Surely, Micah wouldn''t agree. His coat, his shoes, were still in the room, along with his toiletries in the bathroom. Anyone seeing her like that and the way the room was set up would deduce their connection. How would they exin thister?


    "The room next door is also beside mine," Micah pointed out. "Stay there."


    "Fine by me," Amelia agreed with a smile. "Grandpa, I''m gonna go organize my things."


    "Go on, dear," Micah''s grandfather gave the door a lingering look, then instructed Micah, "Come to my room for a talk."


    "It''ste. Don''t you need rest?" Micah tried to decline.


    "A little longer won''t hurt," Micah''s grandfather said, heading into his own quarters.


    Andrew led the way, ordering the staff to prepare Micah''s grandfather''s favorite ck coffee.


    Micah reluctantly followed him inside.


    Sadie, hands on her hips, crept to the balcony to eavesdrop. The adjoining balconies of her and Micah''s rooms meant she could hear their conversation if the door was ajar. "Everyone, leave us,"manded Micah''s grandfather.


    "Yes, sir," Andrew led the others away.


    "Grandpa, your coffee," Micah brewed a cup of the prized coffee beans himself.


    "Hmm." Micah''s grandfather took a sip, then sighed. "Coffee brewing is an art that demands skill. Such a waste of good coffee beans when it''s not done right."


    "I''ll have a professional coffee pourere tomorrow," Micah offered.


    "No need," Micah''s grandfather resplied tly. "I''ve already called my usual coffee pourer for tomorrow."


    "How long do you n on staying?" Micah finally managed to ask after a moment of surprise. "What, you want me out of here already?" Micah''s grandfather''s voice took on a chilly tone. "It''s not that..."


    "You worried I''ll cause trouble for that woman?" Micah''s grandfather cut to the chase.


    In the next room, Sadie, who had been eavesdropping from behind the balcony window ledge, shivered all over, her heart pounding with unease.


    "Surely, with everything you have on your te, you didn''te to Newark over something this trivial, did you?" Micah was remarkablyposed. "Did my aunt talk to you?" "Hmph," Micah''s grandfather snorted, his voice growing harsher. "So you do remember she''s your aunt?"

 Chapter 298 Mr. Clemens’ Sacrifice

    "She started it," Micah said haughtily.


    "Who provoked whom first?" Micah''s grandfather pressed. "Would your aunt have gone after yourpany if you hadn''t stirred up trouble first?"


    "It was Edge who provoked me," Micah retorted coldly.


    "Over a woman?" Micah''s grandfather was enraged. "Edge is your cousin, and you almost choked him to death for her!"


    "He''s not dead, is he?" Micah was disdainful.


    "Insolent!" Micah''s grandfather mmed his cane on the floor, producing a resonant thud.


    Startled, Sadie trembled so violently that her heart felt like it would burst out of her chest.


    As she listened to the conversation, she finally grasped that Edge was Micah''s cousin. That tragic night, when she was nearly vited after being drugged, it was Micah who hade to her rescue and beaten Edge up. And it was that incident that had drawn his aunt''s wrath.


    So, at the VIC Group''s new productunch, the assant... Was it really Micah''s aunt?


    With a shock, Sadie realized that she had inadvertently sparked a feud within the Clemens family. Micah''s grandfather surely must hold no love for her and probably even see her as a thorn in his side. "He''s not that tough," Micah mumbled under his breath.


    "Let''s put an end to this matter," Micah''s grandfather ordered coldly. "I had a word with your aunt. She''ll back off from yourpany, and you''re not to provoke her again."


    "As long as she leaves me alone, I won''t touch her," Micah replied indifferently. "Let''s stay in ournes."


    "The woman, she''s here, isn''t she?" asked Micah''s grandfather in a haunting tone.


    Sadie nearly copsed with fear; the old man was too sharp-he had figured she was in the adjacent room all along.


    "Uh-huh," Micah admitted, to her surprise.


    "You''ve gone that far?" Micah''s grandfather sneered, a sarcastic edge in hisugh. "What''s next? nning to marry the girl?"


    This time, Micah fell silent, his reply noting as quickly.


    Sadie''s heart clenched. She held her chest, holding her breath, and waited with trepidation for his response.


    After what felt like an eternity, Micah finally spoke. "No, that''s not my n."


    Sadie felt a chill as if doused with ice water. But she quickly regained herposure, realizing she knew it all along-he''d never been serious about her; she was just a toy in the palm of his hand. How could he ever be?


    "That''s more like it," Micah''s grandfather''s tone softened slightly. "That kind of woman is just for fun. Don''t take it to heart!"


    Sadie was speechless. ''What kind of family raises such a person? To the old man, women of lower status are just for casual flings? No wonder Micah is so twisted...''


    "Amelia is the better match for you," Micah''s grandfather added. "The Luminex family and our Clemens family have had a good rtionship for generations. Amelia''s your distant cousin Richard''s only daughter. Marrying her would unite the families, making us stronger together!"


    Sadie snorted inwardly. ''Yeah, let them marry. Two insufferable people together are indeed a perfect match!''


    "It''s the Luminex family who will gain ''wings'' by this union, not us. I''m notcking anything!" Micah said tly. "You..." Micah''s grandfather''s face turned ashen with rage.


    "The Luminex family far beneath out family. A marriage would be a huge boon for them, but what good does it do for me?" Micah''s arrogance was on full disy. "If we''re talking about elevating our status, I should marry one of the North girls. Now there''s a family that can match the Clemens stride for stride."


    "Nonsense!" Micah''s grandfather snapped. "The Norths have been our rivals for generations. How could we even consider a marriage alliance?"


    "Exactly. So let''s drop the idea of an alliance." Micah steered the conversation back on track. "The Clemens family didn''t work hard for generations so I could trade on my looks."


    "You ungrateful brat..." Micah''s grandfather was seething, clutching his chest and coughing uncontrobly.

 Chapter 299 Anger That Kills Wont Compensate

    "Don''t let the anger ruin your health," Micah said with grave sincerity. "At your age, you should take it easy. The children and grandchildren will find their own way..." "You little punk, I''ll throttle you-" Micah''s grandfather bellowed, followed by a series of loud thuds.


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock. Her hand flew to cover her mouth, stifling any sound, as her heart clenched in fear.


    Had Micah really been hit? Could he be...


    "Look at you, hitting someone like it doesn''t even hurt. You''re getting old," Micah''s voice teased,ced with amusement.


    "You little... You..." Micah''s grandfather was fuming, soon gasping for air.


    "Grandpa!" Micah rushed to console him, "Are you okay? Where''s your medicine?"


    "Someone, help!"


    Hasty footsteps approached swiftly from the next room.


    Sadie paced the room nervously, tugging at her heart. She hoped Micah''s grandfather was fine; any trouble with him would spell more for her.


    "Grandpa, what''s happening? Don''t scare me!" Amelia''s anxious voice echoed from the other room. "You were just fine!"


    "Quiet!" Micahmanded sharply.


    Soon after, the room next door went silent, then Micah spoke. "Everyone leave."


    "Yes." The group retreated.


    "Grandpa, let me walk you back to your room," Amelia offered sweetly.


    "I''ll do it." Micah moved to assist.


    "Get away from me!" the old man snapped. "You''re just trying to be the death of me, aren''t you?" "No way," Micah murmured.


    "Hmph!" grumbled Micah''s grandfather, casting a furious nce at Micah as Amelia helped him away. Finally, it was quiet outside, and the hallway and the main room began to dim as lights were turned off.


    Sadie breathed a sigh of relief,ying carefully on her bed, her emotions tangled and unspoken.


    Was Micah refusing to join families with the Luminexes because of her? Or was it as he said, that such a union wouldn''t benefit the Clemens family much, and so he wasn''t interested? As she pondered, the door opened, and Sadie nearly jumped out of bed in fright.


    "It''s me," Micah announced.


    In the darkness, Sadie recognized his familiar outline. He locked the door behind him, then began to unbutton his shirt while walking towards her.


    "How dare youe here?" Sadie''s voice was a low whisper, fearful of being overheard. "Aren''t you afraid of being found out?"


    Micah ignored her question, tossed his shirt onto the couch, closed the balcony''s sliding doors, drew the curtains, and headed straight for the bathroom. "Hey, you..."


    Before Sadie could say more, the bathroom door closed behind him.


    She was at a loss for words and equally perturbed, imagining the absolute fury of Micah''s grandfather and Amelia if they ever found out Micah was with her. They would surely rip her to shreds!


    Micah emerged from the bathroom shortly after with a towel wrapped around his waist. He seemed a bit drained from dealing with his grandfather earlier, so he sat down, cracked open a bottle of water, and guzzled it down. "Use their downtime to help me escape," Sadie whispered. "If they catch us in the morning..."


    "And then what?" Micah asked, giving her a cool nce.


    "It''ll be super awkward... Your grandfather definitely doesn''t like me. He might even insult me..."


    "Don''t worry about that," Micah said, continuing to dry his hair.


    "But-"


    Before Sadie could get another word out, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by Amelia''s gentle voice. "Micah, are you asleep?"


    Sadie froze, realizing that voice wasing from next door. Amelia was knocking on Micah''s door, but Micah was in her room!


    In a panic, she motioned to Micah, signaling urgently for him to do something.


    Micah rolled his eyes at her, tossed the towel aside, and got into bed, wrapping his arms around her to sleep.

 Chapter 300 The Heart Feels No Pain When It Is Still

    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock; she was too afraid to move a muscle or make a sound, worried that those outside might hear. Outside, Amelia continued. "Micah, I need to talk..."


    The man she was calling for was now holding Sadie from behind, his hand slipping under her shirt and gently caressing her chest. Sadie covered her mouth, not daring to breathe out loud...


    "Micah..." Amelia kept knocking.


    But Micah showed no intention of acknowledging her; his hot lips approached from behind, kissing Sadie''s shoulder and neck...


    A tingling, electric sensation flooded through her, and Sadie tensed up, her heart pounding fiercely.


    Dahlia arrived,ing to the rescue. "Ms. Amelia, Mr. Clemens is really tired tonight. He''s probably in the shower. Maybe you can talk to him tomorrow?" "Alright then." Amelia was clearly not satisfied but didn''t want to intrude further. "Goodnight, Dr. Rey."


    "Goodnight."


    Finally, the noise outside ceased, and the hallway lights dimmed.


    Sadie''s tense heart finally rxed as she softly scolded Micah, who was still gently nipping at her neck. "Stop it- Mmm!"


    Her protest was cut short as Micah''s passionate kiss sealed her lips.


    This time, he seemed to have learned from experience. He didn''t awkwardly twist her body as before. Instead, he let her lie on her side in her original posture, carefully avoiding her injured waist.


    Sadie tried to push him away, but he nibbled on her earlobe and murmured in a low growl, "Don''t move around. You might get hurt... and I won''t be held responsible."


    She truly didn''t dare to move after that not only to avoid the pain, but more so to avoid making too much noise and alerting someone outside.


    Her eyes squeezed shut as he enveloped her in kisses, entangled in his embrace.


    His desire burned fiercely. Every time he held her, he found himself yearning uncontrobly...


    Furthermore, he grew ustomed to her presence more and more. Without her beside him in bed, sleep eluded him. Even on nights of exhaustion when he managed to drift off, he would awaken multiple times.


    A week without seeing her, and spotting her on the golf course today stirred something deep within him...


    Even the encounter they had at Noble Summit wasn''t nearly enough.


    Her appearance at tonight''s party in that seductive dress had drawn countless enticing gazes, and it had made him fiercely jealous!


    He wanted to imprint himself onto her, to ensure she was acutely aware that she belonged to him-now and forever.


    Outside, tree branches swayed against the floor-to-ceiling window, mirroring the passionate intertwining of the two beneath the sheets. Another night of fervent intimacy unfolded.


    Sadie couldn''t resist Micah''s passion and sumbed to his enveloping touch once more...


    Tonight, he was especially gentle and cautious, mindful of her back injury even amidst their heated embrace.


    Perhaps that''s why he seemed somewhat unfulfilled when he held her close to sleep, whispering by her ear, "Make sure you follow through with your therapy tomorrow and get better soon."


    Then, he drifted off into a deep slumber...


    Lulled by the soft snores beside her ear, Sadie found her emotions tangled. With Micah''s grandfather personally overseeing matters and Amelia showing up at her door, why wouldn''t he just let her be? Continuing like this would only bring trouble.


    With a deep sigh, Sadie turned to gaze at Micah lying behind her.


    He seemed exhausted, sleeping deeply, his handsome face serene and captivating even in the shadowy darkness...


    She didn''t know when it had started, but she had gotten used to his closeness, to him holding her like this, without any trace of reluctance.


    Jealousy and anger seized her when she saw him being affectionate with Amelia. She couldn''t help but suspect something more between them...


    She wasn''t sure if these feelings meant she was falling for him. All she knew was that these fleeting moments of tenderness were destined to end. Thus, she constantly reminded herself, ''If the heart doesn''t move, the pain won''t follow. I mustn''t, under any circumstances, take this seriously!''

 Chapter 301 How Did You Get In?

    Waking up in the morning, Sadie found the spot beside her empty.


    Sadie felt a twinge of unease. Today was different, with Amelia having moved in and Micah''s grandfather visiting.


    As a lover who must stay hidden, she didn''t know how to face the situation.


    While Sadie was lost in her thoughts, there was a knock on the door. It was Dahlia.


    Sadie had intended to tidy up the disheveled king-size bed, but Dahlia was already wheeling in the medical cart, with two maids and two nurses in tow. She felt mortified, but it was just another day at work for them.


    Dahlia inspected Sadie''s wounds, instructed the maids to assist her with a bath and a change of clothes, and nned to reapply her medication afterward.


    A bath was precisely what Sadie craved, feeling sticky and ufortable all over.


    The maids helped her bathe and slipped her into a cozy cotton dress.


    By the time she returned, the room had been cleaned,plete with fresh sheets on the bed.


    Dahlia dressed her wounds, getting her ready for a physical therapy session at the hospital.


    Sadie whispered, "Uh, is Mr. Clemens Sr. still around? And Ms. Amelia?"


    "They''re downstairs having breakfast with Mr. Clemens," Dahlia reassured with a smile. "Don''t worry, Mr. Clemens''s got everything under control." That was exactly what worried Sadie.


    The unease churned inside her, but what could she do? She couldn''t stay hidden in her room forever.


    Besides, it wasn''t like she was the one clinging desperately to the rtionship.


    If Micah''s grandfather saw her, blew his top, and kicked her out-ordering Micah never to see her again that would be a twisted kind of relief. With that thought, Sadie took a deep breath, stood up, and started walking out.


    "Miss Roth, take it easy. I''ve got you." One of the nurses hurried to assist Sadie, worrying she might stumble.


    Descending the spiral staircase, Sadie glimpsed the lively family scene in the dining room.


    Amelia was cosying up to Micah''s grandfather, frequently teasing Micah.


    Micah offered only a half-smile in return, his attention fixed on the Wall Street Journal.


    "Focus on your breakfast now, you can readter," Micah''s grandfather said, tapping the table. "Amelia is talking to you; what, are you deaf?"


    Micah reluctantly set aside the journal, ncing at Amelia. "What''s up?"


    "I was saying, let''s go check out the construction site together this afternoon?" Amelia suggested with a radiant smile.


    "The site''s a mess. You should better not go. We''ll let someone else handle it."


    Micah''s eyes followed Sadie as she descended. She was wearing a white cotton dress with her hair loosely draped around her shoulders, lookingfy and clean, albeit a bit timid. Dahlia escorted her over, with Sadie appearing somewhat nervous.


    "Sadie''s awake?" Amelia greeted her with a warm smile. "Join us for breakfast."


    "Thanks, but I''ll pass," Sadie replied politely, "I just..."


    "What''s there to be polite about?" Amelia approached, offering her support with a smile. "Micah lost his temper yesterday and hurt you. As your superior, it''s only right for me to let you stay here to recover. Don''t be scared, make yourself at home." Sadie was left speechless by Amelia''s forthright assurance. She couldn''t tell whether it was an excuse concocted by Micah or a story spun by Amelia herself.


    It was absurd. Everyone knew her true circumstances, yet they all seemed to ept this tantly flimsy excuse as validation.


    Micah''s grandfather sized up Sadie with a cool gaze and asked bluntly, "What''s your name?"


    "It''s Sadie Roth," she replied, a touch of nervousness in her voice.


    "How old are you?" It was like Micah''s grandfather was interrogating a servant.


    "23," she answered softly.


    "I hear you''re a secretary at the VIC Group?" he continued, his questioning unrelenting.


    "Yes," Sadie confirmed with a nod.


    "I''ve seen your resume. You didn''t finish college, and you have no special skills," Micah''s grandfathermented disparagingly, tossing a stack of documents onto the table. "With qualifications like that, you''d barely qualify for a janitorial position at the VIC. How did you manage to get in?"

 Chapter 302 A Slew of Suitors

    Sadie kept her head down nervously, afraid to even breathe.


    She couldn''t say that she was handpicked by Samuel Brown, who was once an underling of her father. Her eptance had less to do with her qualifications and more with Samuel''s dishonorable intentions. "It was me who hired her," Micah said indifferently.


    "Shut your mouth!" Micah''s grandfather shot him a furious re.


    "Alright," Micah relented, but he reached out to pull out a chair next to him, gesturing for Sadie to sit down.


    Sadie nced at Micah''s grandfather, hesitant to take the seat.


    Amelia''s face turned various shades of anger, seeing Micah defend Sadie in this manner.


    "Sit," Micah''s grandfather surprisingly offered in a generous tone.


    Only then did Sadie take a seat, though she still kept her head down, too intimidated to speak.


    When the staff brought in new cutlery and breakfast, Sadie spoke softly, "No need, I should be going."


    "Who said you could leave?" Micah''s grandfather asked, his tone cold and arrogant. Startled, Sadie looked up at him.


    "Every person ought to know their ce," Micah''s grandfather casually said, tossing a slice of bread in front of Sadie. "Like this bread. It''s just an appetizer, something to tide you over, but it''s never the main event." "That''s so true, Grandpa," Amelia said with a beaming smile, casting a provocative nce at Sadie. "Of course, for those from the slums, who can''t even secure a proper meal, bread might be all they have for the day." Micah frowned slightly but remained silent.


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie finally looked up at Amelia and sneered. "And what do you see yourself as, Ms. Amelia? The main course of a rich man''s table? Aren''t you just another steak to be carved up?" "You..." Amelia was at a loss for words for a moment.


    Sadie turned her gaze to Micah''s grandfather, speaking withposure, "Sir, the bread never wished to be on your dining table. It was content in its bakery, cherished by many who valued it. It was brought here to be an appetizer without its consent. I believe you shouldn''t me the bread but rather the person who insists on bringing it here."


    Micah''s eyes narrowed in a dangerous squint, turning to re at Sadie.


    "How dare you!" Micah''s grandfather bellowed. "Are you saying Micah forcibly imed you and won''t leave you alone?"


    "That''s shameless!" Amelia''sposure finally shattered. She couldn''t bear the thought that the man she longed for, the one she couldn''t attain, was being spoken of by another woman as if he were an annoyance.


    "In any case, I''m not the one clinging to him," Sadie took the opportunity to state her position. "If you dislike me, you''re free to tell him to stop seeking me out."


    She had had enough of Amelia harassing and humiliating her repeatedly.


    And now there was this old man? She wondered how much more bullying she would have to endure... As such, it was time toy it all out on the table.


    She had made her stance clear. If Micah kept pursuing her after this, she wouldn''t be to me.


    "You heard her?" Micah''s grandfather fixed his gaze on Micah.


    "Yeah." Micah nodded, lifted the wine ss before him, and downed his drink in one gulp. Then, with a nonchnt tone, he admitted, "Indeed, I''m the one who took her, bothered her, and controlled her." He spoke with rhythm and a sense of imagery, using three terms that captivated everyone present.


    Every person in the room was stunned.


    Sadie''s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at him. Had she heard him right? Was he admitting, in front of his grandfather, Amelia, and all these witnesses, that he was the one pursuing her? Was he throwing away all his pride?


    Amelia stood there, dumbfounded, questioning her own hearing.


    "You..." Micah''s grandfather''s face suddenly turned a grim shade of purple as he clutched at his chest, pointing angrily at Micah. "Do you evenprehend the gravity of your words?"


    "Easy, Grandpa." Micah lounged back in his chair, a smile ying on his lips as he regarded his grandfather "It''s prettymon for a guy to have a few mistresses on the side, as long as the main squeeze is someone you''re proud to bring home."

 Chapter 303 You Monster!

    "You monster!!!" Micah''s grandfather trembled with rage.


    Amelia covered her forehead, at her wit''s end. She had thought that by bringing Micah''s grandfather to confront Micah, it would subdue him, promptly leading to a joyful alliance through marriage. But she had not foreseen this...


    Sadie''s lips twitched, on the verge of tears; she had believed that revealing this information would enrage Micah''s grandfather enough to cast her out, then forbid Micah from ever seeing her again. She would thus be free from his clutches. Yet, she had underestimated Micah''s devilish charm!


    "Don''t be mad, Grandpa." Micah rose to his feet and walked over, gently patting his grandfather''s back. "It''s no good for your health. What if something happened to you? You wouldn''t get to see your great-grandchild''s birth." Sadie''s heart skipped a beat; she absolutely couldn''t let the old man find out about the children, or he would surely take them away from her.


    "You monster!" Micah''s grandfather, shaking with fury, tried to punch Micah.


    "Grandpa, please calm down," Amelia quickly interjected, attempting to soothe him while she shot a furious look at Sadie. "This is all your fault. Get out of here now!"


    Snapping back to reality, Sadie hurriedly left the room.


    Dahlia stepped forward to support her.


    Once in the car, Sadie slumped into the seat, a picture of utter despondency.


    Was thisst chance gone? Was she destined to never break free from Micah?


    "Mr. Clemens is also adamant about avoiding this forced marriage, deliberately defying his grandfather," Dahlia said with a chuckle. "At a critical time like this, you should be aligning with him."


    "Me?" Sadie gave a wry, helpless smile. "I wish he''d marry Amelia and get it over with, to be rid of me."


    As she spoke, there was a pang of insincerity. She truly wanted to escape him, but the thought of him marrying Amelia... That was something she didn''t want to see...


    That woman was much too cunning, not deserving of him.


    "Miss Roth, Mr. Clemens truly cares for you." Dahlia couldn''t help but sigh. "I''ve never seen him so devoted to a woman."


    "He''s just intrigued for the moment," Sadie said, drained. "Besides, I can do without that kind of fierce devotion."


    "But I..." Dahlia''s words were cut off by the ringing of Sadie''s cell phone. It was Brenda calling.


    She quickly answered, "Hey, Brenda!"


    "Hi, I''m calling from Blissville property management. An elderly woman copsed at the entrance of themunity. Are you a rtive? Pleasee to the Compassionate Care Clinic across from ourmunity as soon as possible." "Yes, that''s me, I''m on my way..." Sadie''s heart raced with panic as she urgently told Dahlia, "Come on, take me to the Compassionate Care Clinic."


    "Don''t worry." Dahlia instructed the driver to head over immediately.


    On the way, Sadie confirmed the details with the property manager: Brenda had fainted in the elevator this morning on her way back from grocery shopping. The property staff saw it on the surveince and immediately took her to the clinic. Arriving at the clinic in haste, Sadie rushed to Brenda''s bedside. "Brenda..." she uttered with urgency.


    In her anxiety, she felt a sharp pain in her lower back again, and sweat poured down like rain.


    "Say-Say, are you alright?" Brenda, pale and weak, was concerned for Sadie.


    "I''m fine." Sadie held Brenda''s hand, asking anxiously, "How are you feeling? What''s wrong?"


    "I just didn''t sleep wellst night, feeling a little dizzy. I''ll go home, have some ginger tea, and get some rest. I''ll be fine," Brenda said, attempting to get out of bed. "Let''s go home, Say-Say."


    "No, you''ve been looking paletely, and you really need to get checked out." Sadie quickly turned to Dahlia. "Dr. Rey, please help us!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got it."


    Dahlia promptly arranged for Brenda to be taken to her hospital for aprehensive check-up.


    Sadie tagged along, also taking the opportunity to get her back injury treated.


    Brenda kept reminding her, "Say-Say, the kids get out of school at three-thirty, and there''s no one at home. Make sure you remember to get back early."


    "I will, don''t worry."

 Chapter 304 Brendas Illness

    As Brenda was wheeled into the examination room, a worried Sadie waited outside.


    The medical staff encouraged Sadie to go and get her back treated, but she refused, insisting on staying put until Brenda''s test results were in.


    "Sadie, the full examination takes time. There''s no point in waiting here. You should really get your back treated," Dahlia advised earnestly. "You need to heal quickly so you can take care of your family." "Alright." Sadie realized she made sense and followed the medical staff to receive treatment for her back.


    As shey on the treatment table, her mind was still uneasy.


    "Dr. Rey, Brenda will be okay, won''t she?" she asked.


    Dahlia pondered for a moment before gently saying, "You might want to brace yourself. Things don''t look too promising for Brenda."


    "What do you mean ''not too promising''?" Sadie asked hastily, concern etching her face. "Is there some major issue?"


    "I got some information from the Compassionate Care Clinic. Brenda had stopped by recentlyining about frequent dizziness. The doctor suggested a thorough check-up, but she said she didn''t have time and kept putting it off. Before she knew it... she fainted in the elevator." Dahlia summarized the gravity of the situation, "This means her health issues have been around for a while."


    Hearing this, Sadie felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. "It''s all my fault. I''ve been so caught up in my own stuff, not paying enough attention to her. She''s been caring for my three kids all by herself, busy from dawn till dusk, without a moment to spare for a doctor''s visit..."


    "Don''t worry, let her get the care she needs with me," Dahlia soothed, "I''ll make sure she is looked after."


    "Thank you, Dr. Rey," Sadie managed to say, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Please let me know the moment you have any updates on Brenda''s tests."


    "Rest assured. She''ll be in good hands. I''lle to find youter."


    With Sadieforted, Dahlia went off to take care of other matters.


    ...


    At noon, Brenda was wheeled out of the examination room and settled into a hospital ward. She was in a daze, with an IV needle in her arm, mumbling indistinctly, "Miss, miss..." "Brenda, I''m here," Sadie reassured her, grasping her hand tightly.


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia..." Brenda mumbled in confusion, "Remember to pick up the kids."


    "Yes, yes, I know."


    Sadie felt a mix of emotion and guilt; even in this state, Brenda was concerned about the children.


    She owed Brenda more than she could ever repay...


    Checking the time, Sadie noted it was still early. To avoid missing the pickup time for the kids, she set an rm for 3:00 p.m..


    ...


    At 3:00 p.m., Dahlia approached Sadie with a stack of reports in hand and guided her to an empty office to break the news: Brenda had suffered a moderate stroke. The news hit Sadie like a thunderbolt, nearly knocking her off her feet...


    Dahlia caught her. "Don''t panic, we have excellent treatments for this."


    "Why is this happening?" Sadie''s tears poured out. "Brenda is so kind, positive, and lively. How could she fall victim to this? It must''ve been the exhaustion. It''s all my fault..."


    "Miss Roth, please don''t be distressed. There''s a strong chance of recovery as long as it''s not toote." Dahlia reassured her, "We need to start Brenda''s treatment immediately. You should go home and take care of the kids for now, leave Brenda to us."


    "Dr. Rey, no matter the cost, you have to make sure Brenda gets better," Sadie implored, her voice edged with urgency. "I''ll go get the money right away." "There''s no need to worry about finances," Dahlia reassured her, patting her hand gently. "It''s gettingte. I''ll have someone drive you to pick up the kids." "No, I''ll go by myself."


    Sadie didn''t want the Clemens family getting too close to the kids. Sadie nced at the clock, and it read 3:15 p.m. She hurriedly left the hospital and hailed a cab at the entrance to rush back to Bliss Avenue.


    The first ten houses on Bliss Avenue belonged to an upscale neighborhood, encircled by a greenbelt. Since outside vehicles were not allowed in, the kindergarten bus would drop the kids off at the entrance of the street for the parents to pick


    up.

 Chapter 305 Trouble with the Children

    Every afternoon, Brenda would be at the entrance, waiting to pick up the kids.


    But today, as the children disembarked from the bus, Brenda was nowhere to be seen.


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia, aren''t your folks here?" Jonathan from the Sunflower ss asked with concern, "Should I call your parents?"


    "It''s okay," Noah responded with a maturity beyond his years. "Brenda has been a few minuteste sometimestely. We can wait for her here."


    "Alright then, but stay put and don''t wander off," Jonathan instructed. "Noah, you''re the eldest. Look after your brother and sister, got it?"


    "Got it, Jonathan. Don''t worry," Noah puffed out his small chest with determination. "I''ll take good care of them."


    Reassured, Jonathan didn''t ponder further and allowed the school bus to drive away.


    Lately, it was not unusual for Brenda to arrive a few minuteste. In the past, the bus had waited for her toe, but repeated dys led toints from other parents, making Jonathan reluctant to keep the bus waiting any longer. Convinced that Brenda would soon arrive and knowing that they were close to home, Jonathan didn''t feel as concerned.


    "Brenda walks slowly She might still be on her way," Nathan said, kicking a pebble on the roadside. "Noah, let''s y a game."


    "No games," Noah said, looking towards home with a responsible air. "Brenda has been feeling poorly these days; she struggles to breathe when walking and always arrives soaked in sweat. Let''s head towards home so Brenda won''t have to walk as far."


    "Noah''s right," Mia chipped in, lifting her pudgy hand in agreement. "We''re big kids from kindergarten now; we can''t just think about ying. We need to help alleviate some of the pressure on Brenda and Mommy."


    "Okay, my bad." Nathan hung his head in guilt. Eager to make up for it, he added, "I remember the way home, I''ll get us back."


    "I remember, too. Let''s head out."


    The triplets, strolled down the homeward path hand in hand, singing nursery rhymes as they went.


    Passersby couldn''t help but gaze at them, each one utteringpliments about how cute and adorable the three were. They wondered whose little treasures they were.


    For the first few minutes, they focused on the path ahead, but it wasn''t long before their attention was captured by the world around them.


    Nathan spent the walk kicking pebbles along the way.


    Noah peered at the cars parked along the curb, hoping to spot his mom''s car returning from work.


    And then there was Mia, drawn to a ragdoll cat on the sidewalk, pointing with her chubby finger. "Look at that pretty cat! Do you think she lost her owner and can''t find her way back home?" "Mhmm." Noah nodded thoughtfully, analyzing, "Such a pretty and clean cat can''t be a stray."


    "Her owner must be so worried," Nathan said, looking at the cat, imagining, "They might be searching for her right now."


    "We should take her to the police station," Mia suggested earnestly. "That way, she can get back home."


    "I''m all for it!" Nathan immediately raised his hand in agreement. "But..."


    "Oh no! It ran into the woods!" Mia suddenly cried out in distress.


    Nathan dashed into the thicket in pursuit of the ragdoll cat.


    "Wait for me, Nathan!" Mia hurried after him, her plump little legs not as fast.


    "Nathan! Mia, stop!" Noah couldn''t catch them and followed. "Don''t run off or Brenda won''t be able to find us..."


    The two didn''t listen, still chasing after the cat.


    Nathan ran fast, following the cat through woond and onto another road.


    Suddenly, a stretch limousine came speeding along...

 Chapter 306 The Children Are Missing

    The driver saw the little boy and the cat in the middle of the road and mmed on the brakes. But it was toote. Even though the car slowed down urgently, it still hit Nathan!


    Nathan''s small body was sent flying several yards, and hended on the ground, motionless.


    Mia covered her small face and screamed in terror.


    "Nathan, Mia!" Noah rushed over in a panic.


    Inside the car, the driver froze in shock, but the person in the passenger''s seat was moreposed. "We braked hard, so it was just inertia. He should be alive. Call an ambnce, quickly." "Right, right." The driver immediately called for an ambnce.


    "What''s going on?" asked a deep, aged voice from the back seat.


    "Mr. Clemens, a child has been hit. I''m calling an ambnce," Yensen reported from the passenger seat.


    "Nathan!" Noah panicked, rushing over to where Nathany in a pool of blood.


    "Help! Somebody, help!" he shouted with a trembling voice.


    "Waaaah, Nathan, waaaah..." Mia stood by the roadside, trembling and sobbing uncontrobly.


    From the backseat, Micah''s grandfather rolled down the window and peered out to see a young boy lying in the middle of the road, blood pooling from a wound on his head.


    Beside him, another boy cradled the injured child, crying out for assistance, while a little girl wept beside them.


    The scene tightened the old man''s chest with anguish.


    Micah''s grandfather emerged from the car without hesitation, leaning on his cane as he approached. He swiftly checked Nathan''s breathing before issuing amand, "Forget the ambnce. Gather the children and ce them in the car. We''re heading to the hospital immediately."


    "Yes, sir."


    ...


    It was 3:40 p.m., and Sadie was still in the taxi, concerned about her kids and on her way back home. She hastily called Jonathan, as bright as a sunflower, "Jonathan, Brenda is ill and couldn''t pick up the kids today. I''m hurrying home. Could you please "


    "Oh, Miss Roth, the children were already off the bus," Jonathan interrupted anxiously. "They got off right on time at the drop-off spot at 3:30 p.m. Brenda has been a few minuteste these past few days, so I figured they''d just wait there for a bit. I had no idea-oh, you should have told me beforehand."


    "They''re off the bus? Where are they now?" Sadie panicked.


    "They should be at the drop-off spot." Jonathan was flustered. "I instructed them repeatedly to stay put and not to wander off. Can you go check on them? Call me if there''s any trouble." "Alright, I''ll see when I get there."


    Urging the driver to speed up, Sadie finally arrived at the drop-off point at 3:50 p.m.


    Stepping out of the car, she was stunned. Where were the children?


    They weren''t at the drop-off point at all.


    Wondering if they might have gone to the nearby woods to y, she frantically searched but found no sign of them.


    She ignored her aching back and searched all the way home, calling out the kids'' names as she wen.: "Noah! Nathan! Mia!" There was no response.


    Her mind raced with worry but clung to a glimmer of hope that perhaps the children had made it home on their own. The three kids were smart and knew their way back. Plus, with Noah there, she reasoned they should be safe. Rushing into the house, she found it empty, greeted only by Coco flitting towards her, chirping, "Mommy, Mommy!" "Coco, have you seen Noah, Nathan, or Mia?" Sadie asked frantically.


    "No, no." Coco shook its tiny head.


    A chill went through Sadie, but hope still clung to her as she searched each room, calling out, "Noah, Nathan, Mia,e out! Don''t scare Mommy!" "Come out! Come out!" Coco echoed, shouting alongside her.


    Regrettably, the three children remained nowhere to be found.


    By now, Sadie was frantic, sweat soaking her back. She leaned on her injured waist to catch her breath, repeatedly telling herself, ''Stay calm! I must stay calm.''

 Chapter 307 Grandpa Clemens Learns a Lesson

    The kids are so clever! They must be fine!


    ''Maybe they just got carried away ying and ran off to the neighborhood park?


    ''There are plenty of ygrounds, gardens, and basketball courts in the area, and other kids... ''They must have gone to y!''


    Carrying Coco along, Sadie continued her search throughout the neighborhood.


    In the meantime, she called themunity management to ask if they had seen her children.


    Upon hearing the kids were missing, the management immediately dispatched staff to assist in finding them.


    6:40 p.m....


    Night had fallen, and the children were still not found.


    Unable to hold back any longer, Sadie covered her mouth and burst into tears...


    She med herself for noting back earlier; Brenda was half-conscious in her hospital bed, repeatedly reminding her to pick up the kids.


    But she still messed it up.


    She despised her own ipetence; she couldn''t take care of Brenda or protect her children. She was unable to do anything... ''I''m just so useless!''


    "Miss Roth, please don''t think that way," a staff member from the management office urgently soothed her. "Our colleagues are still looking for them, we''ll find the kids for sure. If we don''t find them by 8:00 p.m., we''ll call 911." Call 911!


    This word jolted Sadie! She suddenly thought. ''What if someone has kidnapped the children? Could it be Amelia? Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens? Or the White family mother and daughter?''


    Sadie''s mind was in turmoil, and she hastily dialed 911.


    At the hospital...


    Mia was so terrified and had cried so much that her tonsils became inmed, causing her to vomit and cough incessantly, even starting to run a fever.


    Micah''s grandfather immediately had a pediatric specialist treat her.


    Noah stood anxiously at the emergency room door. In reality, he was so terrified he had been trembling the whole time Nathan was rushed in.


    Seeing Mia also fall ill made him even more distressed. He held Mia''s hand, reassuring her, "Don''t be scared, Mia! I am here. I''ll protect you. Just be brave for the doctor, don''t worry!"


    After Mia was taken for treatment, Noah remained standing there, unable to snap back to reality for a long while.


    As the emergency room door swung closed behind him with the familiar click of atch, he found himself back in the hallway, clenching his fists and furrowing his brow in anxious anticipation. His clear, bright eyes were glued to the light above the door, praying for a positive sign.


    Micah''s grandfather watched Noah with a gentle warmth. In spite of his young age, the boy stayed remarkably calm amidst the chaos. His small body shivered with fear, yet he fiercely protected his brother and consoled his sister just as bravely.


    Memories of little Micah from years past flickered in his mind. He recalled a family crisis when Micah, at six, had maintained remarkable poise and cool-headedness in the face of adversity.


    Micah''s grandfather felt his heart stir as he watched Noah, speaking softly to reassure him, "Kid, don''t worry. Your brother''s going to be just fine."


    Noah spun around, ring at him with indignation.


    "You remind me of my grandson when he was your age," Micah''s grandfather mused, studying Noah closely. "You don''t look much alike, maybe just a little, but there''s something about your eyes, your expressions, and those small gestures that are spitting images."


    Noah turned away coldly, uninterested in engaging.


    "And that stubborn look? It''s the very same," Micah''s grandfather ventured, subtly probing, "Are you and your siblings triplets?"


    "At a time like this, you find it appropriate to bring this up?" Unable to contain his exasperation, Noah used, "That road may not have had a traffic light, but with crosswalk stripes and being an internal roadway, thews dictate drivers should slow down.


    "Your chauffeur didn''t decelerate. He vited trafficws and injured my brother. That carries legal consequences.


    "I respected you as an elderly gentleman, which is why I refrained from reproaching you after you rushed us to the hospital. Yet, you seem to have not a sliver of regret, and instead choose to make small talk? Despicable!"

 Chapter 308 Mommy, Dont Cry

    "Presumptuous!" barked an assistant by the side.


    For the first time ever, Micah''s grandfather, a man used to calling the shots, was taken aback by confrontation.


    Oh wait, that wasn''t entirely true. Micah had stood up to him like this once when he was a boy...


    To be precise, this was the first time someone other than his grandson had dared to challenge him.


    And it was by a three-year-old child!


    Micah''s grandfather frowned and shot a nce at the assistant, who instantly withdrew to the side, silencing any further objections.


    "Am I wrong?" Noah asked with dignified defiance. "Don''t think because you drive fancy cars that you''re superior or above anyone else. My mommy says all people are created equal, and those who don''t show respect to others won''t receive it in return."


    "You''re absolutely right," Micah''s grandfather replied, not angered in the least but instead smiling broadly. "Such logic and rity from a three-year-old-it''s impressive!!!"


    "Humph!" Noah fumed, hands on hips, like a little lion ready to roar.


    "There''s no need to worry," Micah''s grandfather said with a reassuring smile. "I''ve spoken to the doctor, and your brother''s going to be just fine. I''ll take care of everything. Just give me your dad''s number, and I''ll get someone to call him to discusspensation."


    "I can handle this myself," Noah retorted, his tone serious and steely. "I''ve done my homework on thew, especially on the everyday stuff, so don''t think you can pull one over on me!"


    Noah''s thoughts were on protecting his clueless mother. If she got involved, could she stand up to this sly old man?


    Better he deal with it himself.


    "Ha! Interesting." Micah''s grandfatherughed. "So, what do you propose I do by way ofpensation?"


    "First, I need to know my brother is safe." Noah red at him. "Only if he''s out of danger will we even talk aboutpensation. If anything happens to him, I will take legal action..." "Clear thinking!" Micah''s grandfather nodded in approval.


    "I''m really not in the mood for small talk. Please, just keep it down and don''t bother me!"


    And with that, Noah turned away, dismissing Micah''s grandfather.


    Micah''s grandfather watched admiringly, thinking how much he''d like a great-grandchild as bright as Noah one day.


    Seizing a moment to slip away to the restroom, Noah quietly borrowed a nurse''s phone to call Sadie.


    But Sadie''s phone was off.


    He tried calling Brenda-off as well.


    Anxiety welled up inside him, but all he could do was wait.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was at the police station filing a report. The police had already taken down her case and told her to go home and wait for news.


    She couldn''t sit still and insisted on joining the search, but the police officer objected, "We understand you''re anxious, but with your injuries, you''d only be in the way. We have all the information we need and will do everything to find your kids. Go home and keep your phone on. We''ll call you with any updates."


    It was then Sadie remembered her phone was dead. Not wanting to hinder their work, she took a cab home.


    Upon entering, she instinctively called out, "Noah, Nathan, Mia..."


    The silence was only broken by Coco''s soft reply: "Mommy!"


    Sadie''s eyes instantly welled up with tears...


    The kids still hadn''t returned; it had been five hours, and there was still no word.


    Sadie was on the brink of falling apart...


    Dragging her injured body into the room, she plugged her phone into the charger, and then went to fill Coco''s bowl with food and water.


    Coco seemed to sense her sorrow, rubbing its little head against her cheek as if to say, "Mommy, don''t cry, don''t cry."

 Chapter 309 Rushed to the Hospital

    Hearing "don''t cry" only made Sadie sob harder. She looked up at the family portrait on the wall. "Coco, where are Noah, Nathan, and Mia? Do you think they got taken by the bad guys?" "Bad guys, bad guys..." Coco echoed.


    The thought of Micah crossed Sadie''s mind. Could it be him who took the kids? She had said some harsh words today before leaving the Clemens residence. Did she infuriate him enough to take her children? Surely not...


    Just then, her phone rang. Sadie rushed back to her room, bumping hard against the wall, her back screaming in pain. Ignoring the agony, she dove onto the bed to grab her phone.


    It was Micah calling.


    She answered with a tentative "Hello?"


    "Where are you?" Micah asked.


    "Micah, did you take my kids?" Sadie demanded, breathless with fear and anger.


    "What nonsense are you talking about?" Micah snapped back. "Why would I take your kids?"


    Stunned for a moment, Sadie quickly collected herself: "Never mind, it''s nothing."


    She knew Micah. For all his brutality, he had one virtue-he never yed dirty. More urately, he disdained it. If he had taken the kids, he would have admitted it outright, even bragged about it. His genuine surprise meant it wasn''t him. "What''s going on?" Micah pressed.


    "Nothing, I have to go..."


    Sadie, her mood turbulent and downcast, had no patience to entertain his probing and abruptly ended the call.


    On the other end, Micah clearly wasn''t expecting to be hung up on. He furrowed his brow deeply in confusion...


    Noticing the dark expression on Micah''s face after Sadie''s abrupt dismissal, Andrew cautiously ventured, "Sir, Dahlia just told me that Miss Roth''s nanny, Brenda, is sick and staying at her hospital. Maybe that''s why she''s upset..."


    "Is that supposed to involve me?" Micah replied icily. "Did I make this Brenda ill?"


    "No, I just meant..."


    "Shut up!" Micah shot him a re and stormed out, car keys in hand.


    "Micah, where are you off to?" Amelia''s voice sang out as she breezed through the front door of the expansive mansion. "I''ve got some king crab, and I''m whipping up dinner tonight. Join me?"


    "No time." Micah didn''t even throw her a nce, just beelined for the exit.


    "Micah! Micah..." Amelia called after him, her voice trailing off.


    He ignored her and strode away, leaving her stomping her foot in frustration. She had tried her best to win his favor, yet he was giving her the cold shoulder. She remembered the day of her return when he had weed her warmly, but his demeanor had since turned frosty...


    It was all Sadie''s fault!


    Even the thought of Sadie made Amelia grit her teeth in anger.


    But she wasn''t one to back down easily-especially with Micah''s grandfather on her side.


    "Ms. Amelia, what should we do with the king crab?" an aide inquired cautiously.


    "Just eat it yourselves," she said dismissively before her tone became noticeably sweeter as she spoke on the phone to Micah''s grandfather. "Grandpa, I''m cooking your favorite vegetarian dish tonight. How about having dinner together?"


    "I''m at the hospital, no need to go through the trouble." Micah''s grandfather replied.


    "What? You''re at the hospital?" Amelia''s voice spiked with concern. "What happened? Are you feeling alright?"


    "No, my driver identally hit a kid, so I''m here sorting things out." Micah''s grandfather nced at his watch. "Oh, look at the time, it''s already 8:00 p.m. Tell you what, whip up that vegetarian meal and bring it over to City Hospital." "Right away, I''m on it."


    After hanging up, Amelia ushered her staff into the kitchen to assist her, even giving the Clemens family chef the night off.


    As she shut the kitchen door, Amelia idled on her phone, prodding her staff, "Hurry up, the old man''s waiting." "Yes, ma''am."


    "Remember, you''ll say I made it, understood?"


    "Absolutely clear!"

 Chapter 310 Touched by Noah

    Noah paced anxiously outside the ER, his small frame showing signs of fatigue.


    "Hungry?" Micah''s grandfather offered him a burger and a juice box. "I''ve got a nutritious vegetarian meal on the way, but it might take a while. Have these to tide you over." "No, thank you," Noah replied.


    His stomach growled loudly at the sight of the burger, and his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    Of course he was hungry. Usually, he''d have a snack when he got home at 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. But today had been different-no afternoon snack, no dinner, not even a sip of water. Now, feeling utterly drained, his pale face and chapped lips only seemed to brighten when he instinctively licked them for moisture.


    "Eat up," Micah''s grandfather said, splitting the burger in half and handing one piece to the boy. "I can''t finish this whole burger by myself. Consider it a favor to an old man. Your teachers must have taught you about the joy of helping others!"


    "Sure," Noah epted the burger half-heartedly, saying with mock arrogance, "Elderly folks like you should eat less of this stuff. It''s hard to digest."


    "You got it." Micah''s grandfather chuckled. "Dig in."


    "You go ahead. I gotta go check on my sister."


    Noah''s gaze lingered on the burger, swallowing with evident desire, yet not taking a bite. He carefully held onto it as he walked towards the elevator. Moved by curiosity, Micah''s grandfather followed Noah silently...


    Arriving at the hospital room downstairs, Noah first approached a nurse and requested a disposable cup. After obtaining it, he filled it with warm water. Carrying the cup and the burger, he entered the room to find Mia asleep in her bed, apanied by a nurse sitting beside her.


    "Mia!" Noah whispered her name gently, but Mia didn''t wake, still deep in slumber.


    Not wanting to disturb her, Noah gave the warm water and the burger to the nurse, softly requesting, "Nurse, when my sister wakes up, could you please feed her?"


    From outside the door, Micah''s grandfather watched this scene, deeply touched by the boy''s kind gesture to bring the burger down for his sister.


    "Is this for your sister?" the nurse asked, taking the items with curiosity. "Such a caring little guy, and you''re only what? Three years old? Taking care of your sister like that, you''re so good!"


    "I''m the big brother. It''s my job to look after my siblings," Noah said proudly, puffing up his chest. "Nurse, how''s my sister doing? Is it serious?"


    "Not at all!" The nurse knelt down, speaking tenderly, "Don''t worry, your sister will be fine. She''s just got a case of tonsillitis. After her medication, some rest, and plenty of fluids, she''ll recover quickly."


    "My mom says that for tonsillitis, you should eat nd foods, drink lots of water, and have vegetable soup..." Noah nced at Mia, feeling guilty. "but I can''t reach my mom or Brenda right now, and I''ve got no money to buy soup. She hasn''t eaten dinner and must be hungry."


    The nurse''s eyes glistened with emotion as she steadied Noah''s shoulders. "Don''t worry, little man, I''ll take good care of your sister. I can order some soup for delivery, and when she wakes up, I''ll make sure she eats."


    "Thank you," Noah said, bowing gratefully to the nurse. Then he pulled a storybook out of his backpack and handed it to her. "Keep this as coteral, and when my mom gets here, she''ll pay you back for the soup." Micah''s grandfather''s eyes watered, his hand trembling slightly on his cane.


    Noah had touched the softest part of his heart. He never would have imagined that a three-year-old could be so responsible and grateful. It was simply remarkable!


    "No need..." the nurse hastily declined.


    "Please take it!" Noah insisted firmly.


    Reluctantly epting, the nurse quickly passed the half-eaten burger by her side to him. "Your sister can''t have the burger and juice. You take it; you probably haven''t eaten tonight, right?"


    "Yeah..." Noah took the burger, his throat tightening as he swallowed. But instead of eating, he carefully wrapped it back up and ced it in his backpack. "I''ll save it for Nathan, for when he wakes up."

 Chapter 311 The Older You Get, The Less You Like It

    Tears streamed down Mr. Clemens'' face as he stood there watching. "Growing old," he murmured, "makes for a lower threshold for tears."


    That night, he was utterly moved by the young boy''s words.


    "Is Nathan your brother?" asked the nurse.


    "Yeah, he was in a car ident; they''re treating him now." Noah''s eyes reddened, and his voice choked with emotion. "It''s my fault. I should have held onto him tighter. Then he wouldn''t have chased after that cat. He wouldn''t have gotten hit." "Don''t worry, he''ll be okay," the nurse assured, tears slipping down her cheeks as she quickly wiped them away. "Are you hungry? Let me get you something to eat."


    "No, that''s okay," Noah hastily declined. "My mom taught me not to bother people unnecessarily. I had to ask for your help for my sister because I had no choice but to be fine. I can''t trouble you more." "But..."


    "I need to see my brother now," Noah interrupted the nurse. "Please take good care of my sister. Thank you!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of her; you have my word," the nurse said, wiping away her tears.


    "Thanks," Noah said before turning away.


    Mr. Clemens quickly hid behind a nearby cab, peeking out to spy on Noah.


    Noah stepped out of the room, got a disposable cup from the nurse, filled it with water from the cooler three times, gulped it down, and belched before he headed upstairs. Tears filled Mr. Clemens'' eyes again. He trembled and slowly ascended the stairs, leaning on his cane.


    Ss rushed from behind. "I''ve been looking for you everywhere! I thought something had happened to you. It scared me half to death!"


    "How''s the kid?" Mr. Clemens asked, his usual stoic demeanor returning instantly.


    "He''s out of the ER. The doctors say there''s no threat to his life," Ss reported. "He has a fractured ankle, some abrasions, and a slight concussion."


    "Instruct the hospital to provide the best care and the finest doctors. Spare no expense. I want this child to recover fully, without anyplications," Mr. Clemens ordered.


    "Yes, of course," Ss nodded emphatically. "The hospital knows it''s your order. They take it very seriously. The Chief of Medicine and pediatric specialists are involved as well."


    "Mm." Mr. Clemens nodded, then pointed towards the room behind him. "And the little girl also needs the best care not just medically. Ensure all her needs are met, arrange the best professional care, and spare no expense on her well- being."


    "Understood. I''ll see to it immediately," Ss said, proceeding to ry the orders, then turned to assist Mr. Clemens. "It''ste, Mr. Clemens. Shall I take you home to rest?"


    "I can''t rest until those three kids are fine," Mr. Clemens muttered, using his cane to make his way upstairs. At ny-six, he marveled; a child had touched his heart. He was just three years old, and yet he was already understanding enough to save his hamburger for his little brother and sister. He chose to quench his hunger with tap water instead.


    The nurse had promised to get some food for his sister, and the child offered his book as coteral. "Such good upbringing," he reflected. "What kind of parents raise a child this exceptional?"


    The sight of the kid reminded him of Micah, his rascal of a grandson. "Cute as a button when he was ad, and now, well..." Memories of Micah deliberately vexing him that morning darkened his mood. "The older they get, the more they get on your nerves!"


    Ss couldn''t help but chuckle. "Mr. Clemens, you''re all bark and no bite. You''ve always had high expectations for Micah; naturally, you''re strict with him. But he''s all grown up with his own way of thinking. You can''t keep tabs on him like when he was a boy."


    "He''ll always be my grandson, no matter his age," Mr. Clemens said sternly. "He lost his parents when he was just a child. I raised him alone. I''ll be damned if I let him follow his father''s path."

 Chapter 312 Frank or Blunt?

    Mr. Clemens wore a look of steely resolve, his gazeplex with emotion. Ss bowed his head, remaining silent.


    Every member of the Clemens family knew the painful history-the early demise of Mr. Clemens'' son and daughter-inw was a thorn in both Mr. Clemens'' and Micah''s sides and a taboo subject within the Clemens family. A topic only they could broach.


    Because of that past tragedy, Mr. Clemens held tightly to Micah''s heartstrings.


    Micah, now twenty-eight, never had a serious rtionship. Perhaps because of his upbringing, he was obtuse and even obstinate regarding romance.


    There had been recent rumors of a woman in Micah''s life who almost caused him to strangle his cousin n Davis, sparking a vengeful response from an aunt.


    Consequently, Mr. Clemens hurried to Newark to handle the matter himself. Even if Micah resented him for it, Mr. Clemens knew he must maintain strict control to prevent history from repeating itself. "Mr. Clemens!" A soft voice rang out.


    Turning around, Mr. Clemens'' lips curled up into a smile. "Amelia''s here!"


    "Sorry I''mte," Amelia apologized, bustling over with two insted food containers. "I''ve made you oatmeal, applesauce, scrambled eggs, and veggies!"


    "Thank you; you''re such a thoughtful child," Mr. Clemens praised.


    Ss took the thermos food container from Amelia and, noticing the bandages around two of her fingers, asked with concern, "Amelia, what happened to your hand?"


    "It''s nothing," Amelia said, quickly hiding her hand behind her back.


    "Let me see," Mr. Clemensmanded.


    "Mr. Clemens..." Amelia pouted, "I just cut myself while chopping vegetables. It''s a minor wound."


    "Next time, don''t cook anything," Mr. Clemens advised with concern. "Let the staff handle it."


    "I wanted to cook a meal for you myself," Amelia said sweetly. "Consider it a small token of my respect!"


    "That''s my girl," Mr. Clemens said, nodding appreciatively. "I''ve always said that Micah made a wise choice in marrying you."


    "You can''t force these things," Amelia sighed.


    "What''s wrong?" Mr. Clemens sensed there was more to her words. "Did he make you angry again?"


    "How could I be mad at him?" Amelia forced a bitter smile. "Tonight, I prepared a special dinner with king crab, but he just grabbed his car keys and rushed out without looking at me. He was probably going to see that woman." "Ridiculous!" Mr. Clemens scowled, clearly upset. "I''ll see to it when I get back."


    "Please don''t be angry, Mr. Clemens," Amelia quickly tried to calm him down. "The more you push him, the more he resists. He might even start to resent me. Let''s just let things take their course."


    "Alright, I''ll handle it," Mr. Clemens reassured her, patting her hand. "Go rest now, and thank you for the dinner."


    "Don''t be so formal with me; it feels so distant," Amelia said coquettishly, yfully shaking Mr. Clemens'' arm.


    "There, there," Mr. Clemens said with a chuckle. "Go home now."


    "Isn''t itte for you too?" Amelia asked with concern. "If the car ident wasn''t serious, let the staff take care of it. If it was, that''s okay; I can call the authorities. You don''t need to worry about these minor issues." The words spilled out before she could think.


    After speaking, Amelia noticed Mr. Clemens'' furrowed brow and the darkening of his expression.


    Realizing her mistake, she hurriedly tried to exin, "I mean... What I..."


    "It''s fine; I know you''re frank," Mr. Clemens cut her off. "Go home."


    "Oh."

 Chapter 313 Sharper than Most

    Amelia dared not speak anymore and, with a nod to Mr. Clemens, turned and left.


    Ss voiced his concern while watching her retreat, "Do you really think Amelia is a good match for Mr. Potter?"


    "What are you trying to say?" Mr. Clemens inquired.


    "One''s opinions mirror one''s soul," Ss said diplomatically. "To dismiss a death as a trifle? That doesn''t sound very kind."


    "Amelia has been spoiled. She''s a bit headstrong and direct, but she''s not ill-intentioned," Mr. Clemens frowned. "Most importantly, I''ve known her father since he was a boy. His integrity is beyond reproach, so I''m willing to broker this engagement."


    "But Amelia-"


    "Enough," Mr. Clemens cut him off, instructing, "Take this food to the boy; he''s still hungry."


    "To the boy?" Ss was surprised. "Miss Amelia made this for you and brought it here..."


    "Why all the fuss?" snapped Mr. Clemens impatiently.


    "Yes, sir." Ss picked up the items, ready to leave.


    "Never mind," Mr. Clemens said, "I''ll go myself."


    The duo headed upstairs, where Nathan had just been wheeled out of the emergency room and settled into the private suite.


    Tailgating with a backpack, Noah anxiously asked, "Doctor, how''s Nathan doing?"


    "He''s going to be okay; don''t worry," the doctor reassured him. "Be careful not to trip now."


    Seeing a child so young taking care of his brother was enough to soften and warm any heart.


    Upon reaching the ward, the medical staff fitted Nathan with a new wristband, started an IV drip, and connected him to an oxygen supply and ECG monitor. Noah watched, fraught with worry.


    Once the doctors finished, he approached again, inquiring, "Doctor, what''s happening with Nathan? Why hasn''t he woken up yet?"


    "Where are your parents?" the doctor asked gently.


    "I can''t reach my mom." There was a catch in Noah''s voice, but he quickly gathered himself and stood tall, saying, "You can tell me what''s going on. It''s just the same."


    The doctor paused, then crouched down, gently asking, "How old are you? There are things to discuss with your parents. You look a lot like this injured kid; are you twins?" "No, we''re triplets." Noah politely replied, "I''m Noah, this is Nathan, and we have a sister, Mia. She''s got tonsillitis and is resting in a ward downstairs." "Oh, triplets, is it?" A few nurses gathered around, chuckling and chatting.


    "She''s adorable, even prettier than those child actors on TV."


    "Are you mixed?"


    "Where are your parents?"


    "Ladies, my little brother is hurt and needs quiet." Noah frowned deeply, his tone serious as he said, "Can we please not have these idle chats here?"


    The nurses were taken aback, their faces flushing with embarrassment as they repeatedly apologized, "Sorry, so sorry."


    The doctor chuckled, reassuring him, "Kid, don''t worry; your brother''s fine."


    "He''s fine? Then why hasn''t he woken up yet?" Noah pressed urgently, "Doctor, don''t think I''m too young to understand; just tell me my brother''s condition clearly. I can handle it." "Alright." The doctor suppressed his smile, speaking professionally, "Your brother has a fractured ankle and several abrasions on his body, along with a mild concussion."


    "So, he hasn''t woken up yet because of the concussion?" Noah sought confirmation again. "Are you sure it''s only mild? Could there be anyplications?"

 Chapter 314 Extraordinary Intellect

    "You do know your stuff." The doctor eximed, amazed, "Such a bright child for only three years old!"


    Noah scrunched up his little brow, his face stern. "Stick to the facts, please!"


    "Of course, of course." The doctor quickly turned serious. "Yes, the head injury and some blood loss are why he''s still unconscious, but he should be waking up soon.


    "Besides, we are a professional hospital, and we take responsibility for every patient. I''ve conducted a thorough examination to ensure that there are no other issues and that he won''t have anysting effects. You can rest easy."


    "That''s a relief!" Noah finally breathed easier. "Doctor, could you please give me a copy of my brother''s medical records and all treatment documents? I need them for ourwyer since we''ll be pressing charges against the person responsible." "Uh?" The doctor was left stunned. Was this a three-year-old speaking? This child''s intelligence and logic were more advanced than many adults!


    "Do as he says!"


    A venerable voice called out.


    The doctor turned to see an elderly figure entering swiftly. He stood up at once to greet the man respectfully. "Mr. Clemens!"


    "No need for formalities."


    As Mr. Clemens spoke, the hospital director rushed over with a group of specialists.


    All of them greeted Mr. Clemens with utmost respect.


    The director exined anxiously, "Mr. Clemens, as soon as I heard the news, I organized a team of experts and came here at full speed. I''ve been informed about the situation; rest assured, I''ll take care of your grandson''s matters." "Ahem, ahem." Ss cleared his throat twice, interrupting the director. "This child is not Mr. Clemens'' grandson."


    The Dean''s face went pale, and he quickly corrected himself, "I''m sorry, I made a mistake."


    "It may not be my grandson, but he''s family all the same," Mr. Clemens instructed. "Dr. Charles, please ensure he gets the best medical care andprehensively meets his needs."


    "Of course."


    Dr. Charles kept nodding.


    The other doctors and nurses also nodded in agreement.


    "And one more thing." Mr. Clemens pointed at Noah and said, "Please provide all the information and documents this young man requests urately without dy."


    "Yes, understood. "Dr. Charles nced at Noah with respect.


    "This boy has a sister," Mr. Clemens continued. "She''s been crying for a long time, causing tonsillitis. She''s currently downstairs getting an IV. Please, provide her the same top-notch treatment and care." "I''ll arrange it right away."


    Dr. Charles personally asked about the situation inside the patient room and made new arrangements.


    Noah stood by, watching until everything was set in ce. He had received all the test results and paperwork, which finally eased the frowns on his forehead.


    Mr. Clemens watched him tenderly, and seeing Noah rx, he approached with a smile and asked, "Feeling better now?"


    "Thank you." Noah''s hostility towards Mr. Clemens had diminished. "My mom says, ''To err is human, to rectify, divine.'' You made a mistake, but then you made amends, so I''ve decided to forgive you!" "Ha-ha-ha, thank you!"


    Mr. Clemensughed and nodded, genuinely fond of the boy, whose every word and expression reminded him of Micah when he was young.


    Not only did he look simr, but his mannerisms and even the way he thought and spoke were alike.


    "However, your driver hasn''t shown up yet, and I wonder if he''s realized his mistake," Noah said in a more serious tone. "You should consider whether he''s still fit for his job."

 Chapter 315 Good People Reap Good Rewards

    "You''re right; I will give it serious thought," Mr. Clemens nodded.


    "Also, could you please have my sister moved here? I''d like them to be in the same room so I can take care of her."


    As Noah spoke, several pediatric doctors and nurses quickly wheeled his sleeping sister into the room.


    "It''s all taken care of," Mr. Clemens said with a smile. "Any other concerns?"


    Noah looked down, pondered for a while, and then shook his head. "That''s all for now."


    "Alright, now that I''ve done my part, could you do me a favor?" Mr. Clemens asked earnestly.


    "What''s up?" Noah was curious. What could he do for him?


    Mr. Clemens gestured towards two stacked lunch boxes and said warmly, "My family sent me these vegetarian dishes, and my stomach''s been acting up. I can''t eat it all, but I hate wasting their thoughtfulness. Could you lend a hand?"


    Ss set the lunch boxes on the table as he spoke and carefully opened each tier.


    The aroma of the food wafted through the air.


    Noah''s stomach immediately rumbled, and his eyes fixated on the spread, unable to look away.


    "It''s quite a lot of food." Mr. Clemens looked troubled. "Oh dear, you might not be able to finish it alone. Your siblings might need to help out, too."


    "They''re still asleep..." Noah began speaking, but Mia''s sweet cries filled the room before he finished, "Mommy, mommy..."


    "Mia!" Noah rushed over, gently patting her shoulder, soothing her. "Don''t be scared, I''m right here."


    "Noah..." Mia buried herself in Noah''s arms, crying sadly. "I want Mommy!"


    "It''s okay. Mommy will be here soon," Noah assured her, wiping her tears. "Hungry, right? Let''s eat something first."


    "Mhmm, hungry," Mia said, licking her pink lips.


    "Just wait a sec." Noah helped Mia sit up and thanked Mr. Clemens. "Thank you!"


    "No need to say thanks," Mr. Clemens replied quickly. "You''re doing me a favor here."


    "Still, we''re eating your food," Noah said earnestly, tilting his head. "When my mom and Brenda get here, I''ll have them return the favor. Brenda''s cooking is amazing. We''ll pay you back double!" "We''ll hold you to that two portions," Mr. Clemens said with emotion, impressed by the boy''s empathy.


    "Okay, go ahead and eat," Mr. Clemens encouraged them fondly. "Mia''s hungry!"


    "Right!" Noah hurried to get the things. The young nurse caring for Mia immediately came over to help. "Let me give you a hand while you wash up." "Thanks," Noah said.


    When he came back after washing his hands, the nurse had already set up dinner on the hospital tray table. Another nurse brought over a chair for Noah and used a disinfectant wipe to clean Mia''s hands. "Time to eat." Noah lifted a bowl of vegetable porridge. "Mia, let me feed you."


    "I can eat by myself." Mia rubbed her swollen eyes and said with consideration, "Noah, go ahead and eat. You must be starving. I heard your stomach rumbling."


    Noah chuckled sheepishly and patted his tummy.


    "Thank you, Mr. Clemens!" Mia, confined to her hospital bed, showed her gratitude. "Mom always says what goes aroundes around, and you''re one of the good ones!"

 Chapter 316 Sipping Milk Without a Bottle

    "A..." Ss felt his heart melting. "This littledy is just too adorable!" "Thanks, Mia!"


    Mr. Clemens felt a lump in his throat. It was the first time he saw Mia fully awake. For some reason, there was a warm, familiar feeling in his heart toward the doll-like little girl, as if she was already a part of his family. "Mia, these are for Nathan. You eat this batch first, and I''ll eat after you''re full."


    Noah separated a portion for Nathan and prioritized Mia for the rest.


    "The takeout I ordered earlier for Mia is still untouched," the chubby nurse said softly. "Maybe..."


    "No need for takeout." Mr. Clemens cut in promptly. "Kids, I''ll have some food sent over right away. Eat to your heart''s content, and don''t hold back; as long as your little tummy can handle it, there''s plenty to go around." "No, it''s okay..."


    "Thanks, Mr. Clemens!"


    Just as Noah started to decline, Mia thanked him with her charming smile and offered Mr. Clemens a hard-boiled egg. "For you!"


    "Uh..." Ss hesitated.


    "Ha, sure thing." Mr. Clemens walked over, took the egg, and started eating eagerly. "Mmm, delicious!"


    For the first time in a long while, he found such simple food pleasing.


    He hadn''t enjoyed a meal this much since twenty-two years ago. It was when Micah was six.


    That evening, Mr. Clemens'' memories were repeatedly stirred by the tenderness these three kids evoked, reinforcing his resolve to see Micah settle down sooner. Just look at these adorable little treasures! "It''s gettingte. I should take you back to rest."


    Ss was concerned about Mr. Clemens staying up toote.


    "I''ll wait till they fall asleep," Mr. Clemens instructed. "Are the nkets on these three beds enough? Won''t it be cold at night?"


    "The nkets are sufficient, Mr. Clemens," the head nurse immediately said. "If you''re concerned, I can spare another one for them. Dr. Charles has been waiting outside. He has instructed us to take good care of these three kids." "Make sure there''s a nurse on duty around the clock; don''t ck off," Mr. Clemens advised.


    "Don''t worry, everything is set."


    "And," Mr. Clemens suddenly remembered something and turned to Noah earnestly, "do you need milk at night? I can have it prepared." "Mia needs milk," Noah blurted out, then promptly puffed up his little chest, adding, "I''m a big boy now; I don''t drink milk." "Ha-ha-ha, drinking milk doesn''t stop you from being a big boy!" Mr. Clemens couldn''t help butugh.


    Ss and the nurses covered their mouths,ughing as well.


    Noah''s face turned red as he quickly exined, "I drink milk in the morning, but I don''t use a bottle."


    "I want a bottle," Mia dered with a pout, innocently stating, "Anyway, I''m not a big girl!" "Ha-ha-ha-ha!" Mr. Clemens burst intoughter, and joy filled the room, lifting everyone''s spirits.


    The previously somber atmosphere instantly became rxed and joyful.


    Ss watched Mr. Clemensughing so heartily and felt a wave of contentment. How long had it been since Mr. Clemens hadughed like this? Almost twenty years, perhaps.


    Micah was once this adorable at a younger age, but that innocence ended when he turned six.


    Now, Mr. Clemens was rediscovering that sense of joy with these three children.


    It must be fate!

 Chapter 317 Anxious Heart

    Late into the night, when the three children had finally fallen asleep, Mr. Clemens left the hospital, reassured. Before leaving, he once again instructed Dr. Charles to take good care of the children, insisting there be no negligence!


    He also mentioned that although they weren''t his grandchildren, they were dearer to him than his own.


    If anything were to happen to the children, he would hold only himself responsible!


    Dr. Charles repeatedly assured him that he would personally watch over them in the hospital, ensuring no errors would ur.


    Mr. Clemens finally departed.


    Mia was asleep. Noah climbed out of bed, gently tapped the dozing nurse''s shoulder, and whispered, "Could I borrow your phone for a moment?"


    "Of course." The nurse promptly handed over the phone.


    To avoid making noise and disturbing others, Noah retreated to the bathroom with the phone to call Brenda, only to be greeted with an automatic message indicating that her phone was switched off.


    He then tried calling his mom.


    This time, the call connected, but no one picked up.


    An uneasy feeling settled in Noah''s stomach as he wondered, "Could Mom be on another business trip and not home yet? Maybe she saw the unfamiliar number and thought it was a telemarketer, so she didn''t answer." With that thought, Noah texted Sadie: "Mom, it''s Noah. Call me back when you get this message."


    Afterward, he returned the phone to the nurse, adding politely, "My mom didn''t pick up. She might be out of town for work and probably mistook this number for a spam call. I sent her a text with your phone so she could call back. If she does, could you please let me know?"


    "Of course, don''t worry about it," the nurse reassured him with a nod. "Now go get some sleep!"


    "Thanks." Exhausted, Noah copsed onto the bed and swiftly fell asleep.


    The young nurse also dozed off beside the bed.


    ...


    Micah dialed Sadie''s number to no response, his brow furrowing with irritation. What was she ying at now? Another trouble on her hands?


    He called Dahlia to ask for Sadie''s apartment number.


    After getting the information and hearing about Brenda''s illness, Micah parked his car on the curb, hopped the fence into theplex, and got upstairs to find Sadie.


    The front door was securely locked. He knocked twice to no avail.


    Swiftly, Micah used a card to bypass the keyless lock and entered quietly.


    On the balcony, Coco the parrot woke up with a start, pping its wings and squawking, "Intruder, intruder!"


    "Shut it!" Micah hissed.


    Silenced, Coco huddled back into its cage, trembling slightly and squawking, "Mommy, mommy, an intruder''s here!"


    Micah ignored the bird, finding his way to the main bedroom in the dark. He pushed open the door and froze at the sight before him.


    Sadie had copsed on the floor, her clothes drenched, her face as pale as the moon.


    "Dammit!" Micah cursed under his breath as he swiftly picked up Sadie and exited.


    "Mommy, mommy-" Coco burst out of its cage, fluttering behind Micah.


    As Micah carried Sadie into the elevator, Coco followed in without making another sound, settling on Sadie, nibbling at her hair as if trying to rouse her.


    Micah had no time for the foolish bird; he let it be as it clung to her.


    Emerging from the elevator, he left the housingplex and got into the car, with Coco trailing behind. The little fur ball nestled anxiously in Sadie''s embrace, whimpering like a child. Micah drove with one hand while dialing Dahlia with the other. "Be ready at the hospital entrance."


    "Got it!"


    After hanging up, Micah floored the gas pedal, his eyes darting to Sadie''s feeble form, anxiety consuming him.

 Chapter 318 Micah and the Silly Bird

    Regret and anger churned within him as he recalled the unintentional harm he had caused Sadie. That foolish woman, why did she throw herself in harm''s way to shield Mason? Would she forsake her own life for that man?


    Now, here she was, copsed in pain at home. If he hadn''t arrived in time, she might have died unnoticed!


    The more Micah thought about it, the angrier he became.


    "Mama, scared," Coco shivered and curled up on Sadie, mimicking human speech as parrots do.


    "Shut up," Micah barked. "Keep making noise, and I''ll pluck you bare!"


    Coco, weeping softly, nestled deeper into Sadie''s hair as if to hide.


    They soon reached the hospital where Dahlia worked.


    Dahlia, with her medical team, was already waiting at the entrance. As Micah carried Sadie out of the car, they rushed to meet them, immediately starting the examination.


    Following close behind, Micah prodded anxiously, "What''s wrong with her? Why did she faint all of a sudden? Could there be something else?"


    "I''ve checked thoroughly; there''s nothing else," Dahlia reported. "But Miss Roth has been through a constant cycle of injuries and illnesses over the past couple of months. She''s run down, and Brenda''s illness today took an emotional toll, which might also affect her."


    "Do a full check-up, now."


    "Right away."


    They wheeled Sadie into a room, and Dahlia took charge of her care.


    Micah paced outside, racked with concern. Coco flew in circles in the room, but soon, with its injured wing faltering, it settled onto his shoulder.


    He turned and red coldly at Coco.


    Coco trembled and shielded its face with its wings, not daring to look but also not flying away.


    It seemed to understand that although this "bad man" was fierce, he was a protector when it counted most.


    So maybe he was on its side.


    Micah frowned in disdain but didn''t shoo Coco away.


    After all, it was Sadie''s pet. If that silly woman woke up and didn''t see it, she''d worry and panic, possibly even hampering her recovery. Fine, he''d let it be.


    In the worst-case scenario, he''d get a new suit.


    Micah suddenly remembered the first time they met when that darn bird had shamelessly dropped a bomb right onto his clothes. He warned Coco with an icy threat, "You do that again, and you''re dead meat, understand?"


    Trembling with fear, Coco nced at Micah, her feathers ruffled, a clear testament to her terror in the face of his intimidating presence. Suddenly, her nerves gave way, and with a soft plop, an unfortunate, steaming giftnded directly on Micah''s shoulder.


    Micah was livid, his face turning an ominous shade of green as his fists clenched tightly.


    "Mama, mama..."


    In a frantic flutter, Coco flew off, desperately seeking her ''mama,'' but bumbled like a headless chicken right into the door and then tumbled to the floor.


    Micah stared at the silly creature, speechless and bemused. No wonder they say pets take after their owners.


    This bird, just like Sadie, is unbelievably ridiculous!


    Carefully, he slid out of his zer, avoiding the mess, and draped it over a nearby chair. Bending down, he picked up Coco.


    Coco squawked in its mimicry of human speech, "Bad man, mama, scared..."


    Coco mistook his intentions, pping wildly in fear, pecking at Micah''s hand with her sharp little beak.


    Unfazed, Micah scrunched his zer into a makeshift nest and ced Coco inside it. He pointed a stern finger and warned, "Stay put; don''t make a move, or I swear I''ll wring your neck. Got it?" Coco shook uncontrobly, gazing at him, cautiously nodding its head.


    It was resigned to its fate.

 Chapter 319 Getting Coco Drunk

    Outside the hospital, Dahlia witnessed themotion and couldn''t help but snort withughter.


    But upon catching Micah''s frosty gaze, she quickly pped a hand over her mouth andposed herself before briskly approaching him. "Ahem, Micah, Miss Roth just fainted due to weakness and stress. She shoulde around soon."


    "Stress?"


    Micah frowned. So just because Brenda fell ill, Sadie had worked herself into a faint?


    Brenda meant more to her than he realized.


    "Yeah, probably just worn out," Dahlia said thoughtfully. "She''s injured herself, Brenda''s sick, plus taking care of the three kids, it''s got to be tough." "What''s the issue with Brenda?" Micah inquired.


    "Moderate cerebral infarction. Needs gradual treatment," replied Dahlia.


    "Arrange the best possible care. Bring in specialists from abroad if necessary," Micah ordered.


    "You wouldn''t have to say a word; I would have done it anyway." Dahliaughed. "Micah, you do love everything associated with her, don''t you?"


    "I''m just a kindhearted guy!" Micah retorted coolly, yet even he didn''t believe his own words.


    Dahlia muffled her giggles behind her hand, careful not tough too loudly.


    "Keep an eye on this bird," Micah instructed, nodding toward Coco before he tiptoed into the hospital room.


    By now, the nurses had changed Sadie into clean clothes and gently wiped her down.


    As they caught sight of Micah, they quickly greeted him respectfully.


    Micah gestured for them to skip the formalities, then sat quietly to the side, watching over Sadie. She seemed to be hurt or sick all the time. Was she really that fragile? Or had her string of bad luck begun with meeting him? Just then, a nurse opened the door to leave.


    Seizing the opportunity, Coco flew in andnded beside the pillow, tenderly pecking at Sadie''s hair and softly calling, "Mommy, mommy..."


    "Don''t disturb her!" Micah hissed.


    Coco red timidly at him, falling silent and curling beside Sadie, its wing gently caressing her hair.


    Moved by the scene, Micah felt a stir of emotion. This foolish bird genuinely cared for its owner. He remembered thest time Sadie was attacked, Coco had fearlessly dashed to her rescue, injuring its wing in the process, an injury that had yet to heal fully.


    With this in mind, Micah directed the nursing staff, "Bring some parrot food."


    "Yes, sir."


    They quickly returned with the parrot''s food.


    Micah poured some into his hand and extended it toward Coco. The bird hesitated, then flew over and started to eat from his palm, genuinely hungry. Sadie had only fed it a little that evening before returning to her room to take a call and hadn''t reemerged.


    Coco thought she had fallen asleep and didn''t dare to disturb her, only realizing something was wrong when this ''viin'' entered.


    "Micah!" Dahlia arrived with a tray of chilled wine and pastries, whispering, "It''s from Andrew, sent over from the house."


    "Got it," Micah acknowledged with a nod, signaling her.


    Dahlia gestured for the medical team to leave.


    Outside the door, Andrew stood waiting with a few bodyguards.


    Micah had gone out alone that night, and even though Andrew was worried, he dared not pry; only after Dahlia''s call did he learn that Micah was at the hospital. Thinking that his boss hadn''t eaten dinner and was ustomed to his evening chilled wine, Andrew had the bodyguards bring the items over.


    He also stayed nearby, ready to attend to any requests at a moment''s notice.


    Micah sipped his drink while watching Coco feast, his gaze softening; what a cute little thing.


    Pecking away, it didn''t take long for the food in his palm to vanish.


    Coco chirped for water, fluttering its wings softly in his hand.


    "Well, aren''t you bold? You just finished eating, and now you''re asking for a drink," Micah said casually, handing over his ss for it to sip, "Drink up; this is the good stuff!"

 Chapter 320 Not My Kid

    Coco, parched, dove into the cup and gulped down the liquor.


    Micah looked on with gant amusement. This was quality booze; he hadn''t even shared it with Andrew!


    After its fill, Coco released a satisfied burp and fluttered over to Sadie''s pillow to sleep.


    Micah poured himself a new ss, knocked back a few drinks, and then walked over to the bed to gaze quietly at Sadie. Seeing her frail and lean, he reminded himself to control his fiery temper in the future.


    He must nevery a hand on her again!


    He leaned down, gently kissed Sadie''s forehead, and then settled onto the couch next to her, gradually falling asleep.


    Dahlia knocked on the door but didn''t receive a response. Not daring to disturb Micah, she withdrew.


    "What''s the matter?" Andrew asked softly.


    "Brenda''s in the hospital sick, Sadie fainted, and there''s no one at home. What about the kids?" Dahlia frowned, her voiceced with worry, "I wanted to inform Micah and have someone look after them, but he''s asleep, and I can''t wake him up."


    "Uh... I''m not sure what to do here."


    Without Micah''s direction, they hesitated to take any action.


    Those weren''t Micah''s kids, after all. None could bear the brunt if something went wrong and he blew up.


    But if they did nothing and the children got into trouble, they''d have difficulty exining themselves.


    "Forget it; I''ll just go check myself," Dahlia pondered, then decided, "If Micah has to me someone afterward, I''ll take the responsibility!" "Appreciate it," Andrew patted her on the shoulder.


    Upon arriving at Sadie''s with two childcare experts, Dahlia was shocked to find the house empty. What if something awful had happened?


    She rushed back to the hospital, nning to report to Micah.


    But Micah was still asleep in the ward.


    Learning of the situation, Andrew hesitated, "Maybe Sadie left the kids somewhere else? Or perhaps the ckwell family took them? If it''s thetter and you report this to Micah, wouldn''t Sadie suffer the consequences?" "Right..." Dahlia murmured, her voiceced with anxiety, "Let''s wait until the morning when Miss Roth wakes up." "Yeah, that''s safer."


    ...


    In the morning, Sadie woke up from a nightmare screaming, "No, don''t hurt my baby!"


    Micah rushed to her side and held her hand firmly. "It''s okay, don''t be scared!"


    Sadie''s eyes snapped open, filled with terror, as she gasped and cried out, "My baby, my baby..."


    "What happened?" Micah frowned at her.


    "My child is gone." Sadie clung to his hand desperately, her tears flowing. "Micah, please help me... please..."


    Micah felt a pang of sympathy as he looked at her helpless and distraught state, but then he thought of the three children from the ckwell family.


    He hesitated.


    "Please..." she begged, gripping his hand like it were herst lifeline.


    Finally, his heart softened, and he called, "Andrew!"


    Andrew hurried in. "Micah!"


    "Go and-"


    "What are you stopping me for? Let me through."


    Suddenly, Mason''s agitated voice came from outside, cutting off Micah''s words.


    In that instant, reason took over!


    It dominated all thought.


    Micah coldly withdrew his hand and said heartlessly, "They''re not my kids. Why should I help you?"


    "You..." Sadie was shocked, staring at him in disbelief.


    How could he say such a thing?


    They are your children. Do you know that?


    If anything happens to them, you''ll be toote to regret it.

 Chapter 321 Youre Asking for It, Ill Oblige

    "Sadie, Sadie..." Mason shouted from outside, "Sadie, are you okay?"


    "Micah, I''m warning you, if you hurt even a hair on Sadie''s head, I won''t let you off."


    "Mason, this is a hospital. Please keep your voice down."


    Dahlia arrived in a hurry and scolded him sternly.


    "Brenda called me and said the kids were missing." Mason''s anger erupted, "Did Micah take him? That bastard! Did he stoop so low as to harm a three-year-old? Does he not realize who that child is..." "Enough! stop it," Dahlia interjected, annoyed, "You''re going to cause harm to Miss Roth."


    "What are you talking about? How could I possibly harm her?" Mason didn''t want to continue arguing with her and turned back to yell at the room, "Micah, get out here¡ª"


    His words barely left his mouth when the door swung open.


    Micah stood just inside the door, sporting a white shirt, his tie loosely around his neck. Even with his messy, casual air, an intimidating aura about him could easily take one''s breath away.


    His eyes pierced Mason frigidly as he interrogated, "Mason, when will you stop hounding me?"


    "Micah, was it you? Did you take those three kids? Tell me!" Mason demanded, his voice raw with emotion.


    Micah said nothing, his eyes narrowing dangerously, fierce anger burning.


    "Mason!" Sadie struggled to her feet, clutching her wounded waist painstakingly, and pleaded urgently, "He didn''t take the kids. This isn''t your fight. Please, go."


    "Sadie, what happened to you?" The sight of Sadie''s pale, weakened form tore at Mason''s heart. He rushed to support her, asking, "Are you hurt? Who did this to you?" Micah knocked Sadie to the ground with a kick at the party that day. The situation hadn''t seemed that dire at the time.


    But now, she appeared to be in a much worse state.


    "It was me!" Micah provoked deliberately, "What are you going to do about it?"


    "You bastard!" Mason swung his fist, ready to strike Micah.


    "Don''t!" Sadie grabbed him desperately, her frail body trembling as she held on to him, "Mason, stop this madness; I''m begging you just go..."


    She wished Mason would leave her be. His involvement only served toplicate matters further.


    Dahlia watched the fiasco with a throbbing headache. She knew all too well that Micah cared deeply for Sadie; his tough exterior belied a tender heart. A few sincere pleas from Sadie would be enough to get Micah to agree to look for the kids. But Mason''s outburst...


    It was bound to backfire!


    "Sadie,e with me." Mason tried to take Sadie away.


    "You think you can take her from me?" A mocking sneer yed on Micah''s lips as he reached out abruptly and seized Mason by the throat. "Looking for trouble? I''ll give it to you!"


    In an instant, Mason was gasping for air, his eyes rolling back, his face turning a ghastly shade of purple, his mouth gaping in the throes of death.


    "No-stop!"


    Sadie screamed in terror, rushing forward to intervene, only to be shoved aside by Micah.


    She fell to the ground, her pain turning her face deathly white.


    Dahlia hastened to help her.


    "Micah, cool off!" Andrew intervened urgently.


    "Shut up!"


    Micah was truly enraged now; he felt he had been too lenient.


    Sadie and Mason''s child had disappeared, and here she was, begging him for help. He had been on the brink of giving in to his softened heart. Mason had stormed in with no regard,unching into a tirade of abuse and insisting on taking Sadie away.


    How could he possibly tolerate such an insult?


    Today, he felt less of a man for not killing Mason!


    His hand was still clenched tight.

 Chapter 322 Minor Injury, Major Insult

    "Micah, please..." Sadie begged, scrambling to her feet, only to be held back by Dahlia. "Sadie, the more you do this, the quicker Mason meets his end!" "But..."


    "That man-" Suddenly, Brenda charged with a broom in hand, "I won''t let you get away with this, you bully!"


    Unfortunately, before she could strike Micah, two bodyguards grabbed her.


    "Let me go, let me go..." Brenda struggled and shouted furiously, "You bully Sadie, you kidnapped my three darlings, and you harassed Mr. Potter! I''ll kill you!" Brenda, cursing as she went, suddenly hurled the broom at Micah.


    The broom hit Micah''s head with a dull thud and fell to the ground.


    Everyone was stunned.


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock; her heart nearly stopped.


    At that moment, the only thought in her head was, "It''s over, it''s over, it''s over."


    The broom hadn''t caused severe harm, but it was a great insult!


    Micah''s face immediately clouded over, his eyes zing with rage, and his grip on Mason''s neck slowly loosened. He turned his frosty gaze onto Brenda. Like the Grim Reaper signaling, "Your time is up!"


    Brenda shivered, her flesh quaking in fear, only now understanding dread.


    Sensing catastrophe was about to ur, Brenda and Sadie nearly copsed in fright.


    "Brenda, you''re mistaken." Dahlia hastily interjected, "It wasn''t Micah who took the children."


    "Not him? Then who took them?" Brenda''s voice trembled but persisted, "Miss Bell called me today asking if I''d found the kids. When I inquired further, I learned they were missing. I tried calling Sadie, but there was no answer, so I contacted Mr. Potter. He immediately checked the house and discovered Sadie was gone, too.


    Right after, I heard from the nurses that Sadie had been brought to the hospital by Micahst night."


    Brenda, shaking, pointed at Micah. "Ever since Sadie met you, she''s been falling ill or getting hurt all too often."


    Lately, our home has been gued with one disaster after another. Burrs have broken in to steal from us; someone''s even tried to bomb our house to kill us. And now, our child is missing..." Brenda''s voice broke as she spoke, the tears starting to fall. "Our baby is only three and a half. What have they done to deserve this? Why would anyone want to hurt a child?"


    "Brenda, I swear Micah had nothing to do with your child''s disappearance," Dahlia said, her voice tinged with urgency. "You''ve got to believe me." "Brenda, is it?" Micah''s voice cut through the tension. He advanced toward Brenda with deadly calmness. "Who told you I took your child, huh?" "It was... it was..." Brenda nced involuntarily at Mason before swiftly averting her eyes, correcting herself, "I guessed it myself!"


    "He didn''t take your child, Brenda." Sadie rushed over, grabbing Brenda''s arm, her exnations spilling out in panic. "Listen to me; I''ll handle this. Just go back to your room, please!"


    "Sadie..." Brenda started to protest, but Sadie, with tears streaming down her face, begged her, "Please, just go."


    Sadie was terrified, fearful that Micah would harm Brenda. This ''devil'' had been untouchable since childhood no one dared toy a finger on him. Today, Brenda was genuinely walking a tightrope with death. "But, you..." Brenda began, but Micah was already in front of her before she could finish.


    Sadie was petrified, stepping protectively in front of Brenda, sobbing hysterically, "If you need to kill someone, kill me, but don''t touch my family!"


    "Hmm." Micah chuckled coldly, nodding. "I don''ty hands on the elderly or children. So, you''ll be the one to settle this ount!"

 Chapter 323 Sealing the Accusation

    Upon hearing this, Brenda became frantic. She quickly shielded Sadie and shouted defiantly, "Don''t you dare bully Sadie. If you have an issue, youe at me!" Micah was not interested in continuing the conversation and gestured with a wave.


    Two bodyguards immediately grabbed Brenda and started dragging her away. Brenda fought back fiercely, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Help, somebody help me!" The bodyguards were forced to cover her mouth.


    "Brenda..." Sadie was worried they would hurt Brenda.


    "Miss Roth," Dahlia whispered soothingly, "Micah won''t harm Brenda, trust me."


    "But..."


    Before Sadie could finish, Micah seized her chin viciously, forcing her to face him. His eyes burned with a fierce me, his expression dark and intimidating. "Since I''m being falsely used, maybe I should just embrace the charges, huh?" "What do you mean by that?" Sadie turned pale with fear and hurriedly tried to exin, "I didn''t doubt you; it''s all a misunderstanding."


    "Andrew!" Micah didn''t ept any apologies or exnations. He ordered, "Go bring those three little bastards back here, now."


    "Right away." Andrew nced at Sadie and set off with his team.


    "No, wait..." Sadie wanted to stop them, but Micah grabbed her and pulled her into the room with force.


    "Micah, you son of a bitch!" Mason bellowed in rage, "You think you''re above thew? I''ve called the cops, and if you don''t release Sadie, the police will..."


    "Let theme!" Micah interrupted him with a cold snap. "What are you waiting for? Get this trash out of here."


    "Understood!" Two bodyguards dragged Mason away.


    Mason''s shouting drew the attention of many onlookers - patients and their families - but upon seeing themotion, they quickly backed off, not wanting to get involved.


    In the hospital room, Sadie was thrown onto the bed, her back in such pain it felt like it was about to break.


    "If you don''t want to die, stay down!"


    Micah looked at her with cold indifference as though she were a stranger.


    "Micah, don''t do this." Sadie''s forehead was slick with sweat, and she spoke weakly, "Mason just misunderstood you; that''s why he spoke out of turn, but I''ve always believed in you..." "Really?" Micah let out a coldugh. "Believe in me while suspecting I took your kid?"


    "No, I didn''t..."


    "I won''t be ndered for no good reason." Micah sat on the couch, crossing his legs gracefully. "Since you''re allbeling me as some sort of devil, a viin, a bad guy-then I might as well y the part!" "Please... no..." Sadie begged, shaking her head in tears.


    "Save your strength. You might need it to plead for your kids."


    With a final cold nce, Micah stood up and left the room.


    "Micah, please..." Sadie tried to call him, but the door had already closed.


    Nurses outside locked the door.


    Sadie banged on the door; no one answered. She was left alone in the room, in sheer despair.


    Brenda had fallen ill, the children were missing, and she was already frantic; now she''d crossed Micah.


    She didn''t want to imagine what would happen if Micah''s people caught the kids!


    Dahlia entered, pushing a medical cart, and announced, "I''ve brought your medication."


    "Dr. Rey..." Seeing Dahlia was like grasping a lifeline. Sadie pleaded, "Please, I beg you to speak to Micah for me. Please ask him not to hurt my children." "Do you think that''s a good idea?" Dahlia said suddenly.


    "What?" Sadie couldn''t wrap her head around it. "Micah sent someone after my child; how could that be good..."


    Her words hung unfinished in the air when the realization struck her: her child was missing. If Micah sent someone, they first had to locate her child.

 Chapter 324 Oblivious to the Chaos

    "Micah is just a tough talker with a soft heart," Dahlia sighed in frustration. "He sent someone to look for the child but dressed it up as ''going to catch'' the child."


    "Really?" Sadie was skeptical. "Would he be that kindhearted?"


    "He rushed to your cest night after finding you passed out. He carried you all the way downstairs and drove you straight to my hospital. While you were unconscious, he spent the entire night by your side. Didn''t you feel his concern at all?"


    Dahlia said this in one breath, clearly a bit dissatisfied.


    Sadie''s eyes fell on the couch beside her, noticing Micah''s coat.


    On the small coffee tabley the signature Clemens family crystal sses, a porcin te, and unfinished pastries and fruits. She recalled how he had rushed to her window that morning, taking her hand, his words and expression filled with concern. When she had begged him to help find her child, he didn''t refuse her.


    It was after he heard Mason''s voice that his demeanor changed. Maybe it was true...


    "Micah loves you deeply," Dahlia stated emphatically. "Even as an outsider, I find it moving. How can you remain so indifferent? He might be temperamental and a bit obsessive, but he''s straightforward. If you understand and treat him with your heart, none of this will happen."


    Sadie pondered Dahlia''s words; they seemed to make sense, but her mind was elsewhere. "As long as he can help me get my child back without harming my family, I''ll be very grateful to him."


    "With Andrew on the case, your child should be found quickly." Dahlia changed the subject. "Now, lie down so I can treat you. Your home is a mess; if you don''t recover physically, you won''t have the strength to care for everyone." "Thank you."


    Convinced by Dahlia, Sadie decided to focus on getting better.


    After Dahlia administered her medication and left, the nurses brought in a light breakfast.


    After eating, Sadie wanted to call Brenda using her phone but realized it was missing. Left with no choice, she borrowed the nurse''s phone to make the call.


    Brenda answered, her emotions high-pitched, repeatedly ensuring Sadie was unharmed before she could rx.


    Knowing that Brenda was being treated in the same hospital, Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Dahlia was right; Micah was all bark but no bite, and he hadn''t harmed Brenda.


    Sadie urged Brenda to focus on her recovery and reassured her that the kids would be home before she knew it.


    Brenda remained uneasy, repeatedly warning Sadie to be cautious of Micah, deeming him a devil incarnate.


    When Brenda expressed her concern, Sadie felt an unsettling pang. She had always wanted to keep Brenda out of her tumultuous rtionship with Micah-both Brenda and the kids had been blissfully unaware of the troubles. This time, however, Brenda had identally found out about the children''s disappearance. She called Mason for help, and Mason''s deep-seated misunderstanding of Micah had inadvertently influenced Brenda''s perception, resulting in significant misconceptions about him.


    The situation had be incredibly convoluted.


    Sadie feared that Brenda might hurl insults at Micah impulsively or, worse, resort to violence. She dared not imagine the consequences.


    Thinking ahead, Sadie resolved to have a heart-to-heart with Brenda once the children were found.


    "Hey, what''s wrong with this little parrot?"


    "While tidying up the room, one of the healthcare staff noticed the unconscious Coco."


    Sadie rushed over and was horrified to find Coco limp and unresponsive beneath a pillow. Panicking, she gently tapped Coco''s body, calling out its name, "Coco, Coco!" Coco showed no sign of life.


    "It''s not... dead, is it?" blurted out the young nurse before pping a hand over her mouth.


    Sadie went pale with shock, carefully cradling Coco to check on it. Though its heartbeat was faint and its breath was barely perceptible, it was still alive, yet deeply unresponsive.

 Chapter 325 Escaping Alive

    "Oh my, how did Mr. Clemens'' clothes get dirty?" At this moment, another doctor who was tidying up the room eximed, "What is this?" "Let me see." The young medical staff member leaned over to take a closer look and said, "If I''m not mistaken, it should be bird droppings."


    "Could it be from that little parrot?" Two medical staff members looked at the unconscious Coco in astonishment.


    "Yes, yes, it''s from it." A doctor came out of the bathroom, excitedly saying, "I saw that little parrot pooped on Mr. Clemens'' shoulderst night, and Mr. Clemens looked really unhappy at that time." "Could it be...?" Several medical staff members looked at Coco with sympathetic eyes.


    Sadie was suddenly stunned, staring nkly at Coco. A thought shed through her mind, ''Did Micah strangle Coco?''


    Sadie''s body went weak, almost falling onto the bed.


    "Miss Roth." The young doctor immediately supported Sadie andforted her softly, "Don''t be too sad. This little parrot is still breathing. Find a vet to take a look. Maybe there''s still hope." "We have other matters to attend to, so we''ll leave first."


    Several medical staff members, feeling uneasy, hurriedly ran out.


    "Wait for me." The young doctor also followed suit, afraid that Sadie would get angry and implicate them.


    Alone in the room, Sadie watched Coco struggling for breath, filled with resentment towards Micah.


    All that talk of good intentions, of being tough but kind-hearted-fake, all fake.


    She thought, ''Coco just had an ident on Micah''s shoulder, and he was ready to kill Coco heartlessly. This devil, this devil!''


    The more Sadie thought, the more agitated she became, consumed by hatred, wishing she could strangle him.


    At the same time, she couldn''t help but wonder, if Micah could harm a small parrot, would he do the same to three children... Sadie shuddered, feelingpletely panicked.


    Micah thought the three children were hers and Masson''s, harboring resentment for a long time, he might really harm the children.


    Thinking of this, Sadie became even more fearful and restless, pacing back and forth in the room.


    At that moment, Sadie suddenly noticed that the door was ajar and not closed properly. She immediately walked to the doorway to peek outside, where a female medical staff member was on the phone. The Clemens family''s bodyguards, for some reason, all hurriedly moved aside...


    Seizing this opportunity, Sadie quietly slipped out with Coco. Barefoot, she didn''t even have time to put on shoes, desperately running towards the elevator.


    The doctor on duty btedly realized what was happening and shouted in a panic, "Oh my, Miss Roth..."


    Sadie dashed into the elevator with a single stride, hastily pressing the elevator button.


    At this moment, the Clemens family''s two bodyguards also spotted her and hurriedly chased after her, but the elevator doors had already closed.


    Sadie anxiously stared at the elevator numbers, hoping she could break free from Micah''s control this time.


    Luckily, she was on the fourth floor, and the elevator quickly descended.


    The elevator doors opened, and Sadie rushed out, running desperately outside.


    "Miss Roth," the Clemens family''s bodyguards shouted from behind.


    Sadie paid no attention to them at all; at this moment, she just wanted to escape from Micah''s grasp.


    The several bodyguards moved swiftly, and they were about to catch up with her.


    In her desperation, just then, a Lamborghini parked by the roadside, its convertible top open, with Masson in the driver''s seat, shouting, "Sadie, get in quickly!" "Masson?" Sadie stopped in her tracks, hesitating, not wanting to involve Masson.


    "Get in the car quickly." Masson urged, unbuckling his seatbelt and pulling Sadie into the car directly.


    "Miss Roth!" When the two bodyguards caught up, the Lamborghini sped away. One of them caught a glimpse of Masson in the driver''s seat and urgently said, "Quick, call Andrew." Chapter

 Chapter 326 Innocence and Bliss

    Mason, still wounded, with a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth, couldn''t bother with his injuries any longer; his only thought was to get Sadie away as quickly as possible.


    Cradling Coco close to her chest, Sadie breathed heavily, still reeling from shock.


    As she nced at the rearview mirror, watching the Clemens family''s bodyguard disappearing into the distance, she felt a momentary relief from the pursuit. Yet, her heart had no sense of joy or release, only a growing unease. A nagging feeling haunted her as if she had made a terrible mistake.


    "Don''t be afraid," Mason soothed gently. "You''re safe now!"


    "The kids... we still haven''t found them, and Brenda''s in the hospital." Sadie sounded utterly defeated. "If Micah finds out I got away, would he harm Brenda? And the kids..."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll figure something out," Mason reassured her, taking her hand. "I refuse to believe that Micah can control everything!"


    He paused before adding, "If ites down to it, I''ll go to Mr. Clemens. He''s bound to stand up for what''s right!"


    "Mr. Clemens?" Sadie furrowed her brow. "He seems quite unpredictable, and he doesn''t like me. I doubt he''ll lend a hand."


    "He''s not doing it for you; he''s doing it for himself," Mason insisted with a frown. "If he wants the Night and Linger families to unite, he should keep Micah away from you!"


    "Alright, if we''re truly out of options, that might be a path to consider." Sadie''s mind was a jumble. "Right now, we need to find the kids. I''m worried about them. And Coco''s still unconscious. Could you find a vet for me?" "I''ll take care of it, don''t worry."


    ...


    Up on the 68th floor, in Mr. Clemens'' office.


    Micah was sifting through paperwork when Andrew barged in, knocking frantically. "Micah... uh..."


    He hesitated, then cautiously delivered the news, "Miss Roth took off!"


    Micah''s fingers, poised over the keyboard, froze. He looked up sharply at Andrew. "What did you say?"


    "Miss Roth, she..." Taking a deep breath, Andrew steeled himself to finish, "She''s gone!"


    "Gone?" Micah raised an eyebrow, disbelief written all over his face. "You''re telling me that woman, under the watchful eyes of so many, fled from the hospital?"


    "Mason and a dozen bodyguards barged in, drawing all attention. In the chaos, Miss Roth slipped away. By the time our guys gave chase, she was already in Mason''s car."


    Micah''s brow furrowed deeply, a chill re in his eyes, and his grip on the pen tightened until it snapped in half!


    Andrew''s face turned ashen with fear as he hurriedly stammered, "Micah, cool it, man. I''ve found out that Mason took Miss Roth to his vi in the western suburbs. I''m about to take a team over..." "No need," Micah cut him off, his voice icy. "She''ll return on her own!"


    "What about those clowns left at the hospital? They couldn''t even keep an eye on one woman. What''s their use?"


    "Yes." Andrew quickly responded, "I know what to do now."


    At that moment, Rn knocked and entered, holding a stack of documents. "Micah, I went to the daycare and found that the three kids were dropped off at the corner of Bliss Street at 3:30 p.m. after school yesterday. Usually, Brenda would be there to pick them up, but she was sick in the hospital yesterday and couldn''t make it. Miss Roth was rushing back but was twenty minuteste, so the kids just..."


    Micah leafed through the files, and his gaze turnedplex as he looked at the photos of the three children.


    Adorable kids with delicate and handsome features and bright, beaming smiles.


    The rity in their eyes from the pictures spoke volumes, radiating an exceptional vivacity!


    Like angels descended from the heavens, pure and beautiful!

 CChapter 327 Taking Matters into His Own Hands

    Though they were someone else''s children, Micah found his heart softening as he looked at the photo.


    After a while, hemanded, "Get in touch with the Department of Transportation. I want all surveince footage from around Bliss Street No. 1. I''ll handle this personally!" "Yes!"


    ...


    Mason had brought Sadie to his vi, arranging for her and Coco to get medical check-ups and care.


    Sadie was restless, her mind consumed with thoughts of the children and Brenda''s safety.


    Mason utilized many of his connections for the investigation, and finally, around 8 p.m., he found a lead. Hurriedly grabbing hisptop, he called out to Sadie, "Sadie,e take a look." "What is it? Did you find something?" Sadie hastened over.


    Mason opened a surveince video showing the three children descending from the bus, lingering for a minute or two on the curb, probably receiving somest words from Miss Bell from daycare, before the school bus drove off. The three kids exchanged a few words and then began walking toward home.


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia..."


    Tears streamed down Sadie''s face as she saw her children.


    "Calm down, let''s keep watching," Mason urged as he opened the second video.


    The first clip ended with the children walking down the street, the camera capturing only a brief segment.


    In the second clip, the three children walked hand in hand along the road, but soon, they stopped and began to frolic on the wayside yfully. Then Mia pointed towards a grove of trees beside them, prompting Nathan to dash into it. Mia gave chase, and so did Noah.


    The footage was silent from a street''s surveince camera, but Sadie could guess the trio had wandered into the grove lured by yful curiosity.


    The video ended there, the final frame resting on Noah''s retreating figure.


    "Is there more footage?" Sadie pressed, urgencycing her voice.


    "That''s all we have." Mason''s face was taut with seriousness. "I''ve been to the scene. There''s no trace in the grove, no cameras there either. Across the street from the grove is another road, but strangely, the surveince footage has been wiped clean. I couldn''t retrieve anything."


    "How can that be?" Sadie nched, her mind racing with dreadful possibilities. "Could it be, could it be..."


    A grim conjecture shed through her mind had the children encountered trouble on that road?


    And did the culprit erase the surveince to cover up the incident?


    "Don''t panic yet." Mason took her hand in aforting grip. "I''ve checked all hospitals in Newark that I can influence; none admitted the three kids in the past couple of days." "Are there hospitals in Newark you can''t influence?" Sadie asked urgently, trying to grasp at any straw. "What about Dahlia Hospital?"


    "Not only that one." Mason''s brow furrowed. "There''s also a premium private hospital owned by the Clemens family, which most can''t afford. I can''t ess their records."


    A shiver ran down Sadie''s spine. Could the children''s disappearance be connected to Micah?


    "And there''s more..." Mason continued, "I''ve spent a lot of money and pulled some serious strings at the DMV, and even with that, I couldn''t get the footage. This suggests..." "It suggests whoever erased the footage has more power than you?" Sadie concluded swiftly.


    "Exactly." Mason nodded.


    "It has to be him..." Sadie clenched her teeth in rage, "Micah, you monster!"


    "I don''t understand. Why would he kidnap those kids?" Mason asked, befuddled. "Does he know about the kids'' heritage?"


    "I...I don''t know," Sadie admitted, panic seizing her. "If he knew, I wouldn''t be as worried."


    It could be a matter of wanting the children back if he knew. It was the not knowing that posed the real danger.

 Chapter 328 Personal Escort

    "Why would he do this?" Mason pressed with urgency. "You have to tell me everything. Only then can I approach Mr. Clemens."


    "He must''ve thought the child was...," Sadie''s voice trailed off as she looked at Mason, "yours."


    "What?" Mason was stunned. It took a moment before he regained hisposure. "No wonder he''s been so hostile towards me, targeting me every time we met, as if he wanted me dead."


    "I''m sorry, Mason." Sadie''s guilt was palpable. "I dragged you into this mess."


    "No, no, no, you did the right thing."


    Mason, regaining his senses, analyzed the situation rationally, "Sure, these things can make anyone mad, but a mature and reasonable person wouldn''t resort to violence out of jealousy, let alone kidnap a child. His actions reveal that he''s inherently violent and paranoid. Being around him is dangerous; you were right to keep your distance."


    "It wasn''t my intention to use you as a shield..." Sadie hurried to exin, "He found out about the kid and kept pressing me for answers. Just then, you arrived at his ce with Mr. rk, which led to his misunderstanding. At that moment, silence was the only option."


    "Afterwards, I tried to keep my distance to avoid dragging you into further trouble. Still, we kept running into misunderstandings, and you got hurt because of it. I''m sorry."


    "That''s not important," Mason dismissed it. "The worst he could do is throw a punch; he can''t hurt me. But you''ve been in trouble ever since you met him. You should''ve cut ties and stayed away from him for good."


    "I wanted to, but what should I do now?" Sadie was at her wit''s end. "Could he hurt the child?"


    "Don''t panic. I''m going to see Mr. Clemens," Mason said, standing up. "You stay home and rest. I''ll call you the moment I have any news."


    "I''ming with you," Sadie insisted, grabbing his arm. "I can''t rest until I see my child."


    "Alright." Mason wrapped an arm around her. "Put on a coat, and I''ll wait for you outside."


    "Okay."


    ...


    Inside a Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    Micah frowned as he watched a video on his tablet.


    He had discovered the footage of the three children even before Mason did and also found out about Mr. Clemens'' car hitting one of them before taking them to the hospital. It was Micah who had the footage wiped clean to prevent leaks.


    As a result, Mason could only obtain the earlier footage, not the part covering the ident.


    Now, Micah was on his way to X Pharmaceuticals.


    "Unexpectedly, Mr. Clemens'' car hit Miss Roth''s child," Andrew said tentatively. "If Sadie finds out the truth, she might misunderstand again."


    "Hasn''t she misunderstood me enough?" Micah said icily, "One more or less doesn''t matter. What''s important now is that Mr. Clemens can''t find out those three kids are Sadie''s!"


    "Uh... got it!"


    It was only now that Andrew realized the depth of Micah''s feelings for Sadie surpassed his expectations. Micah''s determination to keep the truth from Mr. Clemens hints at his hopes for a future with Sadie. "Micah, the information from the hospital."


    Rn handed over the hospitalization reports for Nathan and Mia and briefed him.


    "Nathan was hit by a car. He suffered a mild concussion and a fractured left ankle, along with several scrapes. He woke up this morning and is now out of danger."


    "Mia, that''s her name, was traumatized by seeing her brother hurt, which led to tonsillitis. She had a slight feverst night, but it has stabilized now. Noah is fine."


    "Mr. Clemens was at the hospital managing everything personally after the ident. He left at midnight and was back again just after eight this morning. He''s still there, keepingpany with the three kids."

 Chapter 329 The Fierce and Nasty Boss

    In the hospital


    Nathan had awakened, sitting in bed while a nurse fed him some steamed mashed potatoes for nutrition.


    Noah and Mia were sharing the food with him.


    Every so often, Noah would dab Nathan''s mouth with a tissue and ask with concern, "Nathan, how are you feeling? Does it hurt?"


    "A bit, but it''s bearable." Nathan lifted his fist, trying to look tough. "A little scratch like this is nothing."


    "Put that down; you still have an IV in. Don''t act tough."


    Noah, taking on the role of the older brother,manded earnestly.


    "That''s right, Nathan. You''re a patient now, so be careful, understand?"


    Mia furrowed her little brow, reprimanding Nathan.


    "Alright." Nathan pouted and continued eating his mashed potatoes, then turned to the young nurse and said, "You''re beautiful. Got a boyfriend?" The nurse couldn''t help butugh, "No, are you offering to set me up with someone?"


    "How about me?" Nathan gave a mischievous wink.


    The nurse burst intoughter, joined by a few doctors nearby who couldn''t contain their amusement.


    "What''s so funny here?"


    The voice of Mr. Clemens came apanied by the sound of his footsteps and cane.


    Ss was helping him into the room, followed by the head doctor, two pediatric specialists, and some bodyguards.


    "Good to see you, Mr. Clemens!" Noah and Mia greeted politely.


    "Is this the guy who caused the ident?" Nathan cocked his head to one side, scrutinizing Mr. Clemens. "You look too kind to be a bad guy."


    Mr. Clemensughed heartily. "Of course, I''m not a bad guy. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be here to see you!"


    "Well, if you''re not a bad guy, you must have hit me by ident." Nathan licked a crumb from the corner of his mouth, seriously analyzing, "Since it was an ident, I guess I can forgive you." "Thank you for being so magnanimous!"


    Mr. Clemens beamed at Nathan, noticing the stark difference in personality from Noah despite their identical looks. Noah took more after Micah, severe and meticulous, disying precocious wisdom and a logical mind. Nathan, by contrast, seemed to embody the carefree and innocent Micah from before the Clemens family''s tragedy. More urately, Nathan represented the other persona that Micah deeply aspired to be.


    Mia was like a sacred haven in Micah''s world, the angel he was determined to protect!


    These three kids, each with unique traits, had won entirely over Mr. Clemens'' heart.


    "Don''t mention it; from now on, we''re family." Nathan said heartily, handing Mr. Clemens a toast, "The best things are meant to be shared. Have some!"


    "Ha, thanks!" Mr. Clemens didn''t mind the streaks on Nathan''s hand and began eating, remarking, "My grandson used to love these too, but he stopped eating themter."


    "Why?" the kids asked curiously.


    "Oh, it''s nothing." Mr. Clemens smiled, swiftly changing the subject, "So, have you reached your mom yet?"


    "No..." Noah''s little face darkened with disappointment, his head drooping sadly.


    "Wahhh..." Mia''s lips quivered at the mention of ''mommy,'' and tears began to stream down her face. "Mommy doesn''t want us anymore; she neveres to see us." Their innocent cries tugged at everyone''s heartstrings, filling the room with a shared concern.


    "Don''t cry, don''t cry." Mr. Clemens panicked at the sight of Mia''s tears and quickly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe them away. "I''m here, aren''t I? I''ll take care of you."


    "No crying, Mia," Noah said as he wrapped his arms around her, trying to be strong, "Mommy wouldn''t leave us. She must be on a business trip, remember? Mommy has that mean and nasty boss who always makes her workte."

 Chapter 330 Becoming Your Guardian Angel

    "Yeah!" Nathan eximed with a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "It must be that creep of a boss holding Mom back at work so she can''te home." Mia''s chubby cheeks glistened with tears as she pouted, "I''ve seen that meanie. He''s so scary. He almost choked Coco. I hate him!"


    "When he came to the daycare, he was all haughty. He didn''t even talk to me directly but sent his cronies," Noah scowled in disgust, "I hate him too!" "That jerk!" Nathan clenched his tiny fists in anger. "How dare he bully my mom and Noah, Mia, Coco? I''ll teach him a lesson if I see him again!"


    "Who is this guy anyway? Picking on women and kids," Mr. Clemens, feeling indignant after hearing the kids, offered, "Tell me who he is, and I''ll set him straight!" "But you''re elderly; you can''t beat him," Nathan said earnestly to Mr. Clemens. "He''s got a bunch of tough-looking bodyguards!"


    "Yeah, his eyes are so intimidating." Mia recalled the viin from the mall, still feeling the fear, "His eyes were like a lion''s as if he wanted to devour me!" Mia''s little mouth turned down again as she spoke, tears welling up, looking pitiful.


    "Aw, sweetheart, don''t be afraid," Mr. Clemens, his heart melting, quickly hugged Mia tofort her. "Lion or tiger, I can handle him!"


    "Right," Ss chuckled from the side, "There''s no one Mr. Clemens can''t handle!"


    "Really?" Nathan perked up, pulling on Mr. Clemens'' sleeve, "Mr. Clemens, do you know martial arts?"


    Mr. Clemensughed heartily, "I might not know martial arts, but I have this!" He tapped his head and said, "With wisdom and skills, you''ve got nothing to fear!"


    "Mr. Clemens is right; that''s what my mom always says," Noah spoke with conviction. "So we need to study hard, grow up to be useful people, and no one can bully us!"


    "Good kid, you got it!" Mr. Clemens gently ruffled Noah''s hair, looking at him tenderly. "You''re so young; you don''t have to be so sensible yet."


    That was something Mr. Clemens had always wanted to tell Micah but never had the chance.


    Now, he said it to Noah with the same sentiment.


    He resolved silently and spoke to the three children sincerely, "Meeting you kids has been quite the twist of fate. Before, I wasn''t around to protect you, but from now on, consider me your guardian angel. No one will ever bully you again!" Mia''s tears overflowed as she wrapped her little plump arms around Mr. Clemens'' neck and sobbed uncontrobly.


    "There, there, sweetie, no more tears," Mr. Clemens'' heart melted as he quickly dabbed at Mia''s tears with his handkerchief. "It hurts my heart to see you cry."


    "Mr. Clemens, thank you!" Nathan''s voice wavered, his eyes welled up, but he fought back the tears. "You''ve been so good to us. When I grow up, I''ll protect you too!"


    "And me!" Noah chimed in, puffing out his little chest firmly. "When we''re grown, we''ll protect Mr. Clemens together!"


    "My dear kids, that''s wonderful!" Mr. Clemens, overwhelmed with emotion, embraced all three children and dered to everyone nearby, "Remember this: these kids are now dearer to me than my grandsons. No one is allowed to hurt them!"

 Chapter 331 An Unbelievable Stroke of Luck

    "Yes, sir!"


    Behind him, the headmaster, the doctors, and a dozen loyal members of the Clemens family all nodded to acknowledge hismand.


    Ss smiled at the three children, feeling incredibly fortunate. With Mr. Clemens'' word, they wouldn''t have a care in the world for the rest of their lives!


    It made him wonder what good fortune their parents must have stumbled upon.


    "Come, tell Mr. Clemens..." he asked, gently pinching Noah''s tender cheek, "Where does your mother work? I''ll have someone look into that nasty boss and take care of him immediately!" "She works at VIC."


    "Mr. Clemens!"


    The urgent report from a bodyguard cut off Noah. "Micah''s here!"


    "What''s he here for?" Mr. Clemens frowned.


    "Who''s Micah?" Nathan asked, curious.


    "He''s my good-for-nothing grandson!" Mr. Clemens'' face darkened at the mention of Micah, but he quickly turned tofort the children with affection, "You little angels, go ahead and eat. I will be back in an instant!" "Oh!" Noah, wise beyond his years, gently pulled Mia away and helped Mr. Clemens to his feet, "Mr. Clemens, please go ahead with your work; don''t worry about us. We''ve eaten, and we''ll y by ourselves." "Good kids!" Mr. Clemens patted his head, then assured Nathan and Mia, "I''ll be back shortly."


    "Bye, Mr. Clemens!" Nathan and Mia waved farewell to him.


    "You all step out and let the children rest," Mr. Clemens instructed while walking out with his cane. "Just keep a few nurses here to look after them." "Understood."


    The room quieted, and Nathan and Mia resumed their earnest eating, cheeks puffed with food while Noah appeared lost in thought.


    "Noah, what''s wrong? Don''t you like the food?" Nathan noticed his preupied look.


    "I can''t get a hold of Mommy or Brenda. I''m worried something''s happened to them." Noah furrowed his brow.


    "What?" At that, Mia''s anxiety spiked, "Did something happen to them? Did bad guys take them?"


    "We have to rescue Mommy," Nathan dered, throwing off his nket, ready to get out of bed.


    "Cut it out," Noah intervened sternly, "We can''t do anything right now. We should stay put; at least you can get treated here, and someone''s caring for Mia."


    "But we can''t just wait here forever," Nathan implored, tugging at Noah''s arm, "Let''s call Mr. rk; maybe he can help find Mommy."


    "I wish I could, but I don''t have Mr. rk''s number."


    Noah was frustrated, a knot forming between his brows.


    "What should we do then?" With his appetite gone, even the pastry in Nathan''s mouth lost its taste.


    "I want Mommy, I want Brenda..." Mia''s bottom lip trembled as tears welled up in her eyes.


    "Don''t cry, sweetie. Mommy will be here to pick you up soon," a nurse quickly came over to console her. "Little one, you must stop crying, or your tonsils might get inmed again." "Maybe we should ask Mr. Clemens for help finding Mommy and Brenda?" Nathan suggested to Noah, "He must know a way."


    "That could work," Noah pondered, "I''ll try calling Mommy again, and if we still can''t reach her, we''ll ask Mr. Clemens for assistance!"


    "Yeah," Nathan nodded vigorously.


    "Excuse me, nurse, may I please borrow your phone?" Noah asked politely.


    "Of course, you can." The nurse handed over her phone to Noah.


    Noah took the phone and stepped out onto the balcony to call Sadie. This time, the call went straight to voicemail. It seemed her phone was turned off.


    Disheartened and increasingly anxious, Noah couldn''t help but worry-could something have happened to his mom? Earlier attempts to call her had only been met with a resounding silence, and fearing she might mistake his number for a spam caller, he had sent her a text message. But there was still no response, and now her phone was off.


    The more he thought about it, the more uneasy Noah felt. He decided to wait for Mr. Clemens to return so he could ask for help in finding his mom.

 Chapter 332 Blood Ties or Their Ties

    Meanwhile, Mason and Sadie had just arrived at Mr. Clemens'' suburban mansion. Mason got out of the car to seek an audience with Mr. Clemens.


    The security guard informed him that Mr. Clemens had gone out early in the morning and was still determining when he would return. Mason decided to wait for Mr. Clemens at the gate; the security guard didn''t object.


    An impatient Sadie in the car asked, "So what''s happening?"


    "Mr. Clemens has gone out. I''m going to wait here for him. Do you want me to have someone take you back home in the meantime?"


    "How can I rx without having found the kids?" Sadie was visibly upset. "Mason, I left my phone at the house. I need to get it in case the kids call. I can''t afford to miss it." "Alright, I''ll go with you," Mason instructed the driver to take them to her house.


    ...


    At the hospital, Mr. Clemens confronted Micah in the director''s office with a frigid tone, "What are you doing here?"


    "As if I had a choice?" Micah looked exasperated. "Your chauffeur hit someone with my car. The kid''s parents filed a police report, and the traffic department hounded me."


    "What? The child''s parents called the cops?" Mr. Clemens was taken aback. "Where are they? I''ve been meaning to get in touch."


    "Let me handle this," Micah interjected with a feigned excuse. "We wouldn''t want others to take advantage of the situation."


    "Handle what?" Mr. Clemens immediately rejected the offer. "I''ve grown fond of those three kids. Their welfare is my responsibility. I promised to protect them."


    "But no matter how much you protect them, that''s no substitute for their parents, right?" Micah argued confidently. "They have to be returned to them."


    "That''s true," Mr. Clemens conceded, "Alright, bring them here. I''ll apologize to the parents, discuss thepensation, and personally hand over the kids."


    "The car involved is mine, and the traffic department''s been contacting me," Micah spoke with a hint of pretension. "If someone with an agenda blows this out of proportion, I could throw myself in the river and still note out clean. You wouldn''t want me to get trapped in a whirlpool of public opinion, would you?"


    Mr. Clemens nodded, convinced by the logic of it. "So, what''s your n?" he asked.


    "The right thing to do would be to return the kids to the parents and offerpensation to make things right," Micah replied, all serious. "I checked with the hospital; the kids are fine; they''re just scared. I doubt the parents will kick up a fuss." "Hmm," Mr. Clemens murmured, nodding gravely. "Those three kids are quite a delight. I''ve grown quite fond of them. Don''t shortchange them, you hear? Whatever the parents ask for, try to amodate. Got it?" "Understood, don''t worry," Micah said with a nod, then turned to Andrew, "Take Mr. Clemens back home!"


    "Right away," Andrew stepped forward.


    "Hold on, I''d like to say goodbye to the kids first."


    Using his cane, Mr. Clemens headed toward the ward and gave Ss an order along the way.


    "Get the gifts I bought for the kids, and, oh, the smartwatches with phones I got for them. Store my number in them so they can reach me anytime."


    "Right on it," Ss said with a bow.


    "What''s Mr. Clemens'' deal?" Micah muttered, watching Mr. Clemens'' retreating figure with a frown. "Handing out gifts and leaving his number? Is he trying to y the family card?"


    "I just heard from Ss," Andrew spoke cautiously, "Mr. Clemens is fond of those three and has been by their side in the hospital these past few days. Look, Micah, Mr. Clemens is serious. Those kids are off-limits." "They''re not even Clemens''s blood," Micah spat, vexed. "Who''s closer to Mr. Clemens? Me or those brats?"


    "You, of course, but..."


    "Zip it." Micah cut him off. "Do as I''ve instructed."


    "Understood."

 Chapter 333 Father and Son Encounter

    Grandpa Clemens made his way back to the hospital room, with a few bodyguards trailing behind him, armsden with a heap of presents. They systematically arranged the gifts on the hospital bed, covering it entirely. "Grandpa..." Mia dashed over immediately, flinging herself into Grandpa Clemens''s embrace, cooing, "Grandpa, I''m so d you''re back, please help us find mommy."


    "Grandpa, I still can''t reach mom, I might need your assistance." Noah approached Grandpa Clemens and gave a respectful bow, "I hate to impose, but thank you!"


    "Hold on, my dears, your mom and dad have already gotten in touch with my grandson through the police." Grandpa Clemens enveloped Noah and Mia in a warm hug, reassuring them gently, "Don''t worry, he will ensure you get home safely." "Oh, are we going home? That''s great, that''s great!" Mia pped her hands excitedly and jumped up.


    "Grandpa, can I go home too?" Nathan asked anxiously, "I don''t want to stay in the hospital. I want to be with Mommy and Brenda."


    "I asked the doctor. You can go home to recuperate; juste back for a check-up every month." Grandpa Clemens said lovingly, "Don''t worry; I will visit you often in the future."


    "That''s great!" Nathan was very happy and chatted with the pretty nurse next to him, "Sister, don''t miss me too much after I leave."


    "We will definitely miss you." Several nurses were amused by Nathan and smiled.


    "Grandpa, I invite you toe to my house as a guest. Brenda cooks so deliciously." Mia excitedly raised her eyebrows and gestured with her small hands. "The bread she makes is so big, and the corn porridge is so fragrant." "Wow, Grandpa is drooling just listening." Grandpa Clemensughed. "Then I muste and taste it!"


    "Yes, you muste. We have a deal." Mia extended her chubby little hand to hook with Grandpa Clemens. Whoever breaks the deal is a big fool!"


    "Grandpa can''t be a big viin."


    Grandpa Clemens high-fived Mia, and they both smiled.


    Noah remained silent on the side, feeling that something was off. He thought, ''Mom and Dad? They don''t have parents at all... Could Grandpa have been deceived?''


    "Grandpa Clemens, the car is ready." Ss came to report.


    "Okay." Grandpa Clemens gave a nod, addressing the three kids, "Little ones, Grandpa has to leave now. My grandson will be here soon to take you all home. Once you''re reunited with your mom and dad, make sure to give me a call." Saying this, he personally fastened three phone watches around the children''s wrists.


    "These are the phone watches that Grandpa got for you. I''ve saved my number in them. Whenever you''re missing Grandpa, feel free to give me a call, alright?"


    "We got it!" Both Nathan and Mia chimed in simultaneously, "Thank you, Grandpa!"


    "Noah, why are you so quiet?" Grandpa Clemens noticed Noah''s preupation and gently patted his head and asked, "Are you going to miss Grandpa?"


    "Grandpa, does this phone watch have a tracking system?" Noah raised the phone watch on his right hand and asked, "Will the system send you a message if we are in danger?"


    "Does it have this function?" Grandpa Clemens asked Ss.


    "The watch has a built-in tracking function, but it''s notprehensive enough." Ss shook his head and asked, "How about letting Mr. Clemens install one? VIC Group specializes in tech products, so installing high-end tracking software on the phone watch shouldn''t be difficult."


    "VIC Group?" Noah''s face changed immediately upon hearing this word, and he hurriedly asked, "Grandpa, is your grandson''spany called..."


    "VIC Group!" A cold and arrogant voice interrupted Noah''s words.


    Along with it came a tall and slender figure.


    Chapter

 Chapter 334 Have a Naturally Stern Face

    Noah looked up and met a pair of domineering and icy eyes, with a smirk ying at the corner of his lips. "Little one, have you heard of the VIC Group?" Micah, towering and proud like a beast, looked down at the small Noah.


    At this moment, the contrast between the big and the small, the two facing each other, created a strong disparity.


    "It''s you." Noah stared directly into Micah''s eyes, and his small brows furrowed tightly, hands clenched into fists.


    Mia suddenly screamed in fear, then hid behind Grandpa Clemens, clutching his coat, trembling in fear.


    "Don''t be scared!" Grandpa Clemens swiftly moved Mia behind him, gentlyforting her, "Mia, this is my grandson; he''s not a viin."


    Then, he pointed the finger at Micah, reprimanding him, "Look at what you''ve done. You''ve scared the children."


    "He''s your grandson?" Noah eximed in surprise.


    Mia was so terrified that she was stuttering, unable to articte her words. Noah was cowering behind Grandpa Clemens, trembling with fear.


    "What? Doesn''t we look alike?" Micah curled up his lips, disying a feigned smile, saying, "Don''t worry, Uncle won''t harm you. Uncle will take you home."


    "We don''t need your help." Noah crinkled his tiny eyebrows, ring at him in anger.


    "Noah, what''s wrong?" Grandpa Clemens sensed that something was bothering Noah and quicklyforted him. "Don''t be scared. If you don''t want him to take you, I will." Immediately, Grandpa Clemens looked at Micah sternly, "See how you''ve terrified the kids. You don''t need to take them; I''ll do it."


    "I didn''t do anything." Micah spread his hands in resignation. "Perhaps I just look a bit intimidating?"


    "Get out, don''t frighten the kids." Grandpa Clemens gave him an impatient shove.


    "Grandpa, I am your real grandson." Micah retorted.


    He was speechless, as his grandpa didn''t even recognize him upon seeing other people''s children.


    "I told you to leave, didn''t you hear me?" Grandpa Clemens raised his cane as if to strike him. "Noah, Nathan, Mia..."


    At that instant, several soft voices echoed as Mr. Brooks, Miss Bell, and the childcare provider from Sunflower Nursery briskly stepped into the hospital room "We finally found you; you''ve given your teachers quite a fright."


    "Indeed, we even alerted the police."


    "Miss Bell!" Mia hurriedly dashed andunched herself into Miss Bell''s arms, nearly toppling the frail Miss Bell over. "I''m so happy to see you!" "We have been searching everywhere for you. We were anxious." Miss Bell embraced Mia tightly.


    "How did you happen toe?"


    Upon seeing the teachers and the police officers behind them, Noah''s initially clenched brows finally eased, instantly feeling a sense of security.


    "Mr. Brooks..." Nathan felt as though he was looking at his own kin upon seeing the teachers, and he was desperate to get out of bed.


    "Stay put." Mr. Brooks advanced tofort Nathan. "Don''t worry, I''m here to take you home."


    "Are you feeling better now?" Micah said to Grandpa Clemens, "You can go home at ease; leave this to me."


    "You''ve handled this quite well," Grandpa Clemens red at him, solemnly reminding him, "Make sure the children are safely returned to their parents and do not scare them anymore." "I just have a naturally stern face. What can I do?" Micah looked helpless.


    "Can''t you smile? Be more amiable?" Grandpa Clemens said impatiently, "With that serious expression and furrowed brows, how can the kids not be scared of you?"


    "They''re not my sons. Why should I smile at them?" Micah retorted.


    "You brat, you''ll drive me crazy sooner orter!" Grandpa Clemens fiercely smacked Micah on the butt with his cane. "If you can have such adorable sons, I won''t scold you!" Chapter

 Chapter 335 Continue the Rebuke

    The three children hugged Mr. Clemens tightly before parting ways.


    The hospital staff loaded the trio into an ambnce, apanied by a pediatrician, three nurses, and three teachers who would escort them home. With such an impressive procession, their departure was the envy of other children in the hospital.


    Leading the way was a police cruiser, followed by the ambnce in the middle and Micah''s car bringing up the rear, heading towards Prosperity Drive. Meanwhile, at home, Sadie found her cell phone battery dead and decided to charge it.


    "Charge it in the car; it''s not safe here at home," Mason said as he handed her a jacket.


    "Okay." Hurriedly, Sadie followed him out.


    They got in the car and headed straight for Mr. Clemens'' French-style garden vi on the outskirts of town.


    Looking out the car window at the familiar roads churned Sadie''s stomach. She longed to see the kids soon and vowed never to be separated from them again, no matter what. "Don''t worry, Sadie," Mason said, gripping her hand. "Once we talk to Mr. Clemens, I''m sure he''ll order Micah to release the kids."


    "I hope so..." Sadie sighed deeply, turned away from the window, and powered up her phone.


    Unaware to her, on the road across the woods, the children''s convoy was heading toward home.


    When the phone booted up, Sadie saw several missed calls from unknown numbers and a text message, eximing, "Oh my God, Noah called me, and I missed it." "When did he call?" Mason asked anxiously.


    "It''s all my fault, all my fault!" Sadie was full of self-reproach. "Why didn''t I keep up with their updates? Noah must have been so anxious about not getting a hold of me." "Let''s not talk about that now. Call him back quick," Mason urged.


    "Right." Sadie dialed the nurse''s number, and soon, the call connected.


    "Hello?"


    "Hi, this is Noah''s mom, Sadie. Are my three kids with you?"


    "The three little ones have been staying with us for the past couple of days, but they were picked up half an hour ago."


    "Picked up? By who?" Sadie asked urgently.


    "Mr. Clemens," the nurse said without hesitation. "Haven''t they already contacted you? Didn''t you know?" Hearing those words sent a chill down Sadie''s spine. Micah had taken the kids. Just half an hour ago. "Hello? Are you still there?"


    The nurse was calling from the other end of the line, but Sadie couldn''t listen. She hung up the phone and dialed Micah immediately.


    "Just calm down, Sadie." Mason was about to end the call, but it was already connecting.


    "Oh, now you''re looking for me?" Micah''s voice was chilling.


    "Micah, you lunatic, lunatic-" Sadie was roaring with anger, "Why would you take my children? Why?!"


    On the other end of the phone, Micah nearly went deaf as he turned on the speaker and said coldly, "Don''t want to see your kids? Then keep yelling!" With that, he hung up.


    "You..." Before Sadie could finish, she heard the busy tone of her phone. Furious and distraught, her hand holding the phone was shaking.

 Chapter 336 The More You Resist, The More Dangerous It Gets

    "Just calm down, Sadie," Mason urged. "He''s got the kids. Have you considered the consequences of getting so worked up?"


    "What am I supposed to do?" Sadie was sobbing, shaking uncontrobly. "I''m at my wits'' end with him. He''s a madman."


    "Take a deep breath, calm down." Mason rested a hand on her shoulder tofort her, "Call him back and ask what he wants. We can negotiate anything as long as he doesn''t hurt the kids." Sadie took a deep breath as instructed and redialed Micah''s number.


    This time, the phone rang for a long time with no answer.


    Sadie''s heart was in her throat as she waited anxiously.


    Finally, the call was answered. This time, Micah remained silent.


    "Please, just let my kids go..."


    Sadie''s voice was trembling, tearful; for the sake of her children, she had lowered all her pride to beg him.


    "That''s better!" Micah''s lips curled into a smirk. "There''s a right way to beg."


    "What do you want?" Sadie choked up, "Just let my children go, and I''ll do anything you say."


    "Good," Micahughed with satisfaction. "Mason''s there, right? Put me on speaker."


    Obediently, Sadie turned on the speakerphone.


    "Tell him to mind his own business from now on," Micahmanded. "Ask him not to interfere with things between you and me."


    Sadie looked up at Mason, tears in her eyes, "Did you hear that, Mason? Please, stay out of this from now on."


    "Sadie..." Mason clenched his teeth in anger, but for the safety of the children, he just nodded, "I heard it."


    "Swear on your child''s life," Micahmanded again, "you will honor our debt repayment agreement from here on out. You will not defy, betray, or rebel against me!" "Micah, you''re way out of line!" Mason bellowed in outrage. "Karma''s gonna get you!"


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Micah scoffed coldly. "Just a minute ago, you promised to stop being nosy, and you''re already reneging? Seems like you don''t care about your child''s safety." With a signal from Micah, Andrew yed a recording on his cellphone of Mia''s crying that he had illicitly captured at the hospital, "Mommy, Mommy, I want my Mommy..." "Mia-" Sadie''s heart shattered as she sobbed and cried out, "I promise you, I promise you, I agree to everything."


    Raising her hand to vow, she dered, "I, Sadie, swear that I will fulfill my debt repayment agreement with Micah without defiance, betrayal, or rebellion. If I ever go back on my word, may I be struck by lightning and meet a terrible end!" "You''re supposed to swear on your child," Micah emphasized.


    "Please, Micah, I beg you...I-"


    Sadie''s overwhelming emotions caused her breathing to bebored, and she nearly passed out.


    "Sadie..."


    "Enough!" With kindness, Micah said, "Wait for further instructions!" and hung up the phone.


    "Micah..."


    After a desperate cry from Sadie, the phone''s busy tone rang out again. Clutching her cell, she copsed into tears.


    "Sadie, don''t panic; nothing will happen to the kids," Mason hurried to console her. "I''ll help you; I''ll go to Mr. Clemens right now."


    "It won''t work," Sadie said quickly, grabbing Mason and shaking her head as she wept. "The more I resist, the more danger the children are in. Micah''s a devil; we can''t fight him..."


    Now, she understood that obedience was the only way to keep her family safe.


    She should never have defied him, doubted him, fled from the hospital, or gotten entangled with Mason initially.


    If she had just obeyed, at least Brenda and the children would be safe.


    She finally saw the truth; there was no escaping Micah''s grasp. She had to ept her fate.

 Chapter 337 Mr. Clemens Eldest Grandson

    Micah held his cell phone, and the corners of his mouth twisted into a mocking curve.


    He was mocking Sadie''s naivety for suspecting him of kidnapping her child.


    He alsoughed at himself for stooping to such extreme measures to force her to stay with him.


    "Why bother?" Andrew couldn''t help butment. "You''re helping her find her child, yet you''re beingbeled as a kidnapper."


    "It doesn''t matter," Micah said with nonchnce. "She''s so keen on doubting me; it''d be a shame not to live up to her suspicions, right?"


    "You always y it tough; you never exin ormunicate. It just makes things worse," blurted out Andrew, then immediately covered his mouth.


    Micah''s face darkened instantly, his cold eyes piercing through Andrew.


    He pped himself in a sh of regret and said, "I''m sorry, Micah. I spoke out of turn."


    Micah remained silent, gazing out the window at the night view, lost in thought. He couldn''t fathom why, despite his kindness, Sadie always doubted him, feared him, and preferred to keep her distance. Andrew''s words had struck a chord. Does his wed approach need to be revised?


    "Micah, we''re here!"


    Rn''s voice pulled him from his reverie. Micah returned to reality, noticing the car had pulled up to 1 Happy Street.


    As he stepped out, the paramedics and preschool teachers were already taking three children out of the vehicle. As Micah approached, Mia scurried behind Miss Bell, clutching her dress with tiny trembling hands, peering out with one doubtful eye.


    So adorable, yet sad.


    And there was Noah, arms outstretched, bravely shielding his siblings, his stubborn re not showing any sign of weakness.


    Only the injured Nathan remained oblivious to the situation, snoozing against Mr. Brooks, carefree.


    Micah paused, watching them from a distance, and instructed the doctors and teachers, "Take good care of them. Don''t let them out of your sight until their mother returns."


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," they responded in unison with due respect.


    "Get some sleep, and by morning, you''ll see Mom," Micah said softly, his gaze softening as itnded on Noah. "Take care of your sister."


    Noah''s brow furrowed tightly, silent.


    Micah nced again at the slumbering Nathan and said to Mia, "Your little parrot is quite cute!"


    "His name is Coco!" Mia pouted, slightly annoyed.


    "Right." Micah gave a forced smile, then turned and walked away.


    The group stood there, watching Micah''s car pull away and disappear from view before they exhaled in relief, taking the children upstairs.


    "Why are you all so afraid of him?" Noah asked, tilting his head in confusion.


    "It''s because he paid us top dor to look after you," Mr. Brooks said with a smile.


    "And you guys?" Noah asked the medical staff around him.


    "Just the same," giggled a few nurses, "Mr. Clemens offered us a hundred times our usual pay to take care of you all."


    "And you?" Noah''s gaze turned to the police officers.


    The officers quickly retorted, "Protecting themunity is our duty!"


    "Alright then." Noah averted his eyes, looking in the direction where Micah had left, his expression tinged withplexity.


    "Noah," Mia whispered, tugging at Noah''s hand, "Mr. Clemens'' eldest grandson seems like he might not be a bad guy. He hired so many people to look after us. Aren''t we being a bit rude to him?"

 Chapter 338 The Eldest Grandson

    "Yeah, I''ve meant to say that Mr. Clemens has been good to you. It seems like you don''t quite like him?" Levis asked curiously, "Is it because of that chip search incident? Though their presence can be intimidating, they always handle things with precision and politeness."


    "That''s right, Mr. Clemens meticulously made arrangements and took the care to handpick the hospital''s best nurses to attend to you. He''s been very attentive," added the pediatrician, "He might look a bit intimidating, but he''s Mr. Clemens'' grandson; he won''t harm you."


    "Yeah, exactly, he''s Mr. Clemens'' eldest grandson. If he ever mistreated us, Mr. Clemens would spank him," Mia said seriously, tilting her head, "Today at the hospital, I saw Mr. Clemens tapped him with his cane!"


    "They invested so much money, thought, and time, even personally escorting you back home. You could at least be polite," Levismunicated patiently. "Noah, don''t you think I''m right?"


    Noah felt a pang of guilt. The teacher and the doctor made sense; he should at least say thank you.


    But soon enough, he puffed out his chest and dered with conviction, "The guy is intimidating and brought us plenty of trouble searching for that chip. Plus, Mommy always gets hurt working for him. As the saying goes, ''It''s better to be safe than sorry.'' It''s always right to be cautious!"


    "Yep, yep." Mia nodded vigorously, her chubby cheeks nearly bouncing, "Noah''s right; we should listen to Noah!"


    "Come on, let''s head home!" Noah led Mia forward, "Once we''re home, there''s nothing to fear. I''ll make you a bottle of milk!"


    "Thank you," Mia said gratefully, then asked hopefully, "Micah said if we have a nap, mommy will be back. Is it true?"


    "Did Micah say that? I was too busy ring at him; I must''ve missed it."


    "Yeah, he did," Mia imitated Micah, pulling a severe face and narrowing her eyes. "Get some good sleep, and you''ll see Mommy when you wake up!"


    "Well, if the big guy said it, it must be true," Noah sighed deeply, sounding like a wise little man. "These past few days have been exhausting. I hope I can sleep properly tonight and see Mommy in the morning!"


    "God willing!" Mia sped her hands together, making a wish to the moon above, "I hope we see Mommy when we wake up tomorrow."


    "Mommy..." Half-asleep, Nathan turned in Miss Bell''s arms, drooling on her shoulder.


    Miss Bell held Nathan''s back with one hand, supported his bottom with the other, and whispered, "God, is it raining? Why is my shoulder all wet?" They all burst intoughter, unable to hold it in.


    Mia and Noah joined in theughter, clutching their bellies and doubling in mirth.


    Soon, they would be home; soon, they would see Mommy. With that security, they could finally feel pleased.


    ...


    The Rolls-Royce Phantom sped towards home.


    "Shouldn''t we tell Miss Roth soon, Micah? The kids want to see her too," Andrew asked cautiously.


    "You''re more anxious than I am." Micah shot him a look, coldly saying, "Tell her tomorrow morning at six; let her agonize one more night." "Uh, okay then!"


    Andrew didn''t dare to say more, thinking Micah could be stubborn and stern.


    Although he had been incredibly gentle with the kids earlier.


    ...

 Chapter 339 Coco Gets Drunk

    Micah was right; the night was pure torture for Sadie.


    Mason arranged for a staff member to draw her a hot bath, telling her to soak and try to get some sleep.


    But she couldn''t sleep; she just sat hunched in the tub, staring at her phone''s dimming screen, spaced out. She was waiting for a call.


    She was scared to blink, too afraid to breathe too loudly or let her heart beat too fast; she feared missing any news about the kids. Now, she felt that she would do anything for Micah if only she could see her children-if only they could live a safe, peaceful life. But...


    After an hour, her eyes were almost aching from the strain, but the phone still hadn''t rung.


    Sadie buried her face in her knees, letting her tears fall into the bathwater.


    Knock, knock! The staff worried that she might be in trouble, so they came in and helped her out of the bathtub. They dried her off, wrapped her in a robe, and blow-dried her hair. By the time they finished, it was already one in the morning. Not a peep from her cell phone.


    Sadie''s heart was in agony, as though it was being fried in a pan. She couldn''t stand it anymore and dialed Micah''s number.


    Ring, ring...


    The phone kept ringing, but no one answered until it finally cut off.


    Sadie''s hand was trembling as she held her phone. But she dared not call again for fear of angering Micah, worried he might take it out on the children.


    Yet, she couldn''t bear the agonizing wait.


    So she texted Micah.


    "I know I was wrong. I''ll do anything you ask; please let my children go."


    "From now on, I''ll do whatever you say. I''ll be your ve, I''ll never defy you again. Please, Micah, I''m begging you to let them go." "Please..."


    She sent three messages in a row but didn''t receive a reply.


    Sadiey in bed, her tears nearly dried up.


    She couldn''t sleep or cry; she was on the verge of an emotional breakdown.


    Regret flooded her heart; she cursed her inability to see earlier that one can''t harden an egg against a rock.


    She should have been a soulless servant.


    She never should have humiliated him before Mr. Clemens and Amelia, let alone defy or run away.


    On the other end, Micah''s brows furrowed as he looked at the messages.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he still made a callback.


    "Hello?" Sadie answered almost instantly, her hand and voice quivering. "I swear I''ll be obedient from now on; I will, just please release my kids. Please..." "Remember what you promised!" Micah warned coldly.


    "I remember, I do!" Sadie nodded frantically. "I won''t forget this time." "The kids are at home," Micah finally disclosed. "Go see for yourself." With that, he hung up.


    In a rush, Sadie grabbed her phone and ran to find Mason. "Mason, Mason, hurry and take me home. The kids are found." Mason, changing clothes in the room, jumped as the door burst open, stumbling andnding awkwardly on the bed.


    Without a second thought, Sadie pulled him up, "Mason, please arrange for the driver to take me back. They found the kids." "Hold on, let me get dressed, and I''ll take you," Mason said, his face flushed. "And you, go change. Oh, and make sure to bring Coco." Only then did Sadie remember that Coco was also at Mason''s ce, having been treated by the vet that day.


    Sadie immediately went out to look for Coco. The staff swiftly called the vet, who handed Sadie the cage containing Coco and said, without a trace of expression, "There''s nothing wrong with her health; she''s just drunk." "Excuse me?" Sadie was stunned. "Drunk?"


    "Yes, she got into quite a bit of alcohol. She''s still out of it." The vet cautioned, "This little parrot is lucky though. Birds usually can''t handle that much alcohol; it can be fatal. But she seems fine. I''d expect her to sleep it off for a couple of days."

 Chapter 340 Beyond Kidnapping

    Sadie gazed at Coco in the cage, trying hard to observe the rise and fall of its slumbering body. Coco was so still that it might have been mistaken for dead if not watched closely.


    But who could have fed Coco alcohol?


    A devilish face shed in Sadie''s mind. Who else could it be but him?


    "We can go now!" Mason, having changed his clothes and grabbed his car keys, hurried out the door.


    "Okay."


    They got into the car and sped away.


    A few guards, tasked with ensuring Mason''s safety, followed in another vehicle.


    The car ride was silent until they reached the intersection of the main street. Sadie finally broke the silence and said, "Mason, I know it''s awful to say this, but we can''t see each other anymore." Her voice cracked as she spoke, "I can''t drag you down with me. I''m really done with all the turmoil."


    "I understand." Though reluctant, Mason conceded. "Right now, I can''t stand up to Micah. Every time I try to help you, it only makes things worse or get you into deeper trouble. Maybe it''s better for me to stay away." "I''m sorry..." Sadie took a deep breath, wiping away tears. "Take care of yourself, alright?"


    "I will." Mason managed a smile. "Don''t cry. Anyway, finding the kids is good news."


    "Yeah." A new hope flickered in Sadie when she thought of the children.


    Soon they arrived at the base of Fountain Avenue, where Mason opened the car door for Sadie. "Let me walk you up."


    "No need," Sadie hastily declined. "I can''t cause you more trouble."


    "What if it''s a trap?" Mason was worried. "I must make sure you and the kids are safe."


    "Don''t worry," Sadie gave a bitter smile. "Micah has many ws, but he''s true to his word. If he said the kids are home, they''re definitely there."


    "Alright then." Mason didn''t press further. "You go up. I''ll wait here. Once you''re up there, if everything''s alright, flick the light off three times consecutively, so I''ll know you''re all safe."


    "Okay," Sadie hugged Mason. "Take care, Mason!"


    "You too," Mason watched her go away with a great sense of reluctance. "If you ever leave Micah, or need anything, just reach out to me."


    "I will."


    Sadie looked back at him and then turned, walking briskly into the block, soon breaking into a run.


    She was desperate to see her children. She couldn''t tolerate another moment.


    As Sadie emerged from the elevator, she hastily unlocked the door with her fingerprint. To her shock, two police officers were standing in the living room, guns drawn and aimed just at her. "Ah!" Sadie screamed in fright.


    "It''s Mia''s mom!" Mr. Brooks recognized Sadie and quickly approached to rify. "Officers, this is the children''s mother."


    The police officers immediately holstered their weapons, gazing at Sadie, and nodded. "Just like in the picture, the real one."


    "How can she be the fake one?" Mr. Brooks retorted with an incredulous smile.


    "What''s going on here?" Sadie looked around in utter confusion.


    The room was filled with two police officers, Miss Bell, the teacher from ss Sunflower, a doctor, and three paramedics.


    "Mr. Clemens sent all of us to take care of the kids," Mr. Brooks exined. "He instructed us to stay with the children until you returned."


    "Oh..." Sadie was filled with doubt. Had Micah really arranged all this? It hardly seemed like a kidnapping.


    What on earth was happening?


    But her mind wasn''t on those questions now. She rushed toward the bedroom. "Where are the kids?" "They''re asleep. Go ahead and see them."

 Chapter 341 Mummy’s Back

    Sadie worryingly entered the bedroom to see Mia, only to find out that she was sleeping soundly on her pink bed, with her beloved alpaca doll in her arms. On the nightstand, an unfinished bottle of milk and a family photo with six smiling faces emerged into her sight.


    "Before Mia fell asleep, she kept asking if Mommy wasing back," Miss Bell whispered. "She cried so hard and clutched that family photo so tightly that it took ages to soothe her to sleep." "Thank you," Sadie said, her voice quivering as tears streamed down her face. She tiptoed over, kissed Mia''s forehead, and whispered, "Mia, Mommy''s back, and I''ll never lose you again." Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell watched on, their eyes wet.


    Sadie hugged Mia, tucked her in the little nket, removed the milk bottle and the photo frame, and then quickly headed to the next room, gently pushing the door open.


    Turning on the wall light, she saw Noah and Nathan sleeping deeply on their beds too.


    Nathan, with his stic gun still in his arms, was drooling on the pillow, his casted right leg carefully ced. His other leg was propped against the wall. His little body was sprawled in every direction, just like his lively personality, and the nket had fallen to the floor.


    "Ha!" Mr. Brooks chuckled, covering his mouth. "I had just set his leg right and tucked him in, but look at him now-it''s only been a few minutes!"


    "He slept just as usual," Sadie said as she leaned in for a closer look, then quickly asked with concern. "What happened to his leg? And what''s with the bandage on his head?"


    "I''ll exin everything in a bit," Mr. Brooks whispered. "Why don''t you stay with the kids for a while? We''ll be right outside waiting."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded. She made sure Nathan''s nket was snug around him, repositioned his leg, and straightened out his sleeping posture. She gently removed the stic gun from his grasp, then bent down to nt a tender kiss on his forehead.


    "Wow, what a pretty girl!" Nathan mumbled as he turned over in his sleep.


    A snort ofughter escaped from Sadie as she gave his chubby little bottom a soft pat, thinking to herself, "Little one, you''re dreaming of pretty girls when you should be thinking of Mommy-such a little bad boy!" Sadie wiped the drool from Nathan''s mouth with a tissue, lovingly pinched his adorable cheeks, and then turned to check on Noah.


    Noah''s sleeping position was much more reserved, with his small brows furrowed in worry. In his arms, he clutched a family portrait, and beside himy a self-defense baton.


    Sadie had always worried about Noah''s premature seriousness and its effect on his mental well-being. But then, she thought, if she were a stronger mother, if she could provide them with enough security, would Noah still worry so much? Wasn''t it because she hadn''t given enough that he felt the need to shoulder her burdens?


    Touched by these thoughts, Sadie gently stroked Noah''s cheek, smoothing out his furrowed brow, and kissed his eyelids. As she pulled back, she realized Noah''s eyes were open.


    "Mommy..." Noah stared at her nkly, taking a moment toe back to reality before vigorously rubbing his eyes. "I''m not dreaming, am I?"


    "No, my love." Sadie cradled his face tenderly. "Mommy''s back!"


    "Mommy!" Noah eximed, throwing himself into her embrace, his voice filled with emotion. "I missed you so much. I was so scared I''d never see you again." "Little fool! Mommy''s here to watch you grow up." Sadie held him close, gently patting his back and soothing him. "I''ll never leave you all again." "Mommy..."


    Noah, who had been strong for so long, finally couldn''t hold back any longer and began to cry in his mother''s arms.

 Chapter 342 Cause

    These past few days, it''s been Mia in tears and Nathan undergoing treatment. Noah, as the eldest, had been taking care of them both. On top of that, he had to worry about Mom and Brenda and guard against any threats toward his younger


    siblings.


    At just three and a half years old, he possessed maturity and wisdom unusual for his age.


    He never cried for anything. Even with red eyes and a choked voice, he''d quickly regain control of his emotions.


    But now, gazing at his mother, he could hold back no longer.


    All his strength crumbled at this moment, and he allowed himself to be a child again, releasing his pent-up emotions in his mother''s embrace.


    Sadie''s heart ached for him as she continuously kissed Noah''s head, gentlyforting him. "Don''t be scared, Noah. Mommy''s here now, and I won''t leave again."


    It took a while for Noah''s emotions to settle. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at Sadie. "Mommy, what actually happened? Where have you been thesest two days? Why couldn''t I reach you? Did someone hurt you? Were you bullied?" "I''m perfectly fine, sweetie."


    While dabbing his tears with a tissue, Sadie exined with a catch in her voice.


    "I was at work when I got a call that Brenda had fallen sick and fainted. I rushed to the hospital to take care of her. By the time I was able toe for you, I was twenty minuteste. When I reached the corner of Fountain Avenue, you were all gone. I''ve been searching for you ever since."


    "Brenda fainted? What happened to her?" Noah asked anxiously.


    "Brenda is sick, but one of my doctor friends is taking care of her now. She has been receiving treatment. Don''t worry," Sadie told him as she caressed his handsome little face. "Everything''s all right now, Noah. Mommy''s back, and I''m not going anywhere. Go to sleep, and I''ll make breakfast for you in the morning after I sort things out with the teachers and the policemen."


    "Okay," Noah nodded obediently. "You go ahead, Mommy. Just make sure you get some restter."


    "I will." Sadie kissed Noah one more time and left the room quietly.


    Closing the door behind her, Sadie pulled Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell into her room to enquire about the details.


    Mr. Brooks exined that the school staff had been frantic when the children went missing, and they had been searching everywhere and yet found no trace at all. They reported it to the police station, only to find out that Sadie had already done so. They tried contacting her, but her phone was unreachable, and they had no choice but to await news from the policemen.


    It was at six o''clock tonight that she received a call from the policemen informing her that the children were found and asking her toe to the Mount Sino Hospital. It was only at the hospital that they learned what had happened: the children were walking home from school when Nathan, in pursuit of a cat, darted into the woods and out onto another street, where he was struck by a luxury car. Fortunately, the car''s owner took them to the hospital for treatment. Then, Andrew showed up with a wad of cash, asking them to take care of the kids for the night.


    At this point, Mr. Brooks hurriedly chimed in, "Actually, taking care of the kids is something we ought to do without expecting anything in return. We would have done it wholeheartedly even without the money, but the guys from VIC Group insisted on paying, so we just..."


    "It''s fine, VIC Group is loaded with wealth. Why shouldn''t you take it?" Sadie was rather straightforward. "Keep it. It''s not my money anyway. But do you know who caused the ident?"


    "On our way back, we chatted with some paramedics and found out it was Mr. Clemens from VIC Group," Miss Bell whispered.


    Sadie''s face turned pale with shock. It was Mr. Clemens who had hit Nathan and then took them to the hospital!


    What a coincidence!


    Was it truly just a coincidence, or was there something more?

 Chapter 343 Perfect Plan

    "Yes, Mr. Clemens even bought the kids a bunch of gifts, filling up an entire car," Miss Bell added earnestly. "While we were at the hospital, Mr. Clemens mentioned something aboutpensation." Sadie remained silent, deep in thought.


    If Mr. Clemens had identally hit Nathan, promptly taken him to the hospital for treatment, had taken good care of Noah and Mia, and dealt well with the aftermath of car ident, she really was in no position to reproach. But if that was the case, why would Micah use the kids to threaten her?


    And why was the CCTV footage from that road missing?


    Was it Mr. Clemens who had it cleared through the traffic department, or was it Micah?


    What was really going on here?


    "Sadie," Mr. Brooks said softly, "since you''re back, I guess our job here is done, right?" "Oh, thank you so much."


    Sadie snapped back to the reality, quickly stood up to express her thanks, and escorted them out.


    Outside, two police officers and paramedics were also waiting for her.


    The officers mentioned that they could leave once the parent returned as instructed, but added that they would strengthen patrols to ensure the residents'' safety.


    Sadie thanked them profusely, seeing them out with all the proper courtesies.


    Once everyone had left, Sadie asked the pediatrician about Nathan''s detailed condition.


    The pediatrician handed Sadie aprehensive file of the medical examination and the treatment invoice. "Nathan has a fractured right ankle. It will need some time to heal, but everything else is minor, and he''ll recover quickly. Don''t worry." "That''s a relief. That''s a real relief," Sadie exhaled. "I don''t know how I should thank you..."


    "Here is the thing, Sadie," the pediatrician said earnestly. "We''ve been instructed to continue caring for the three kids until everything is settled at your home!"


    "Yes, each one of us is responsible for them, and Dr. Charles is in charge of Nathan''s treatment."


    The trio of healthcare professionals beamed, "We''ve been trained in nursing and early childhood education, and we even know how to prepare baby meals. Taking care of the daily needs of the three infants is no problem at all; rest assured." Sadie hesitated, a touch of concern in her voice. "But my ce is a bit small. Where will you all stay?"


    "That man named Andrew has already purchased the house across the street." The pediatrician pointed out the window. "It''s fully furnished, and we''ll be staying there temporarily." "Huh?" Sadie was visibly surprised. "Is his name actually Andrew?"


    "Yes, yes, yes." The nurses nodded vigorously.


    "Alright, I understand." Sadie nced at the clock. "It''s already 3:30 in the morning. You better head over and get some rest. See youter."


    "Of course, you get some rest too. We''ll be here at 7:00 a.m. sharp to prepare breakfast for the kids."


    "Oh, thank you so much for your hard work."


    After seeing the paramedics out, Sadie sighed deeply, locked the door, and went to the balcony to see if Mason''s car had left.


    In the rush to get home and see the kids, she had forgotten to signal him.


    As she approached the window, a knocking sound came.


    Startled, Sadie grabbed a baseball bat for self-protection and peered through the peephole at the door, only to find Mason outside.


    She hurriedly opened the door. "Mason?"


    "You forgot Coco!" Mason handed over the golden-colored cage to Sadie.


    Coco was nestled inside, sound asleep,pletely unaware she had been left behind.


    "Thank you," Sadie said quickly, taking Coco and exining, "I was in such a hurry to see the kids that I forgot to signal you. Everything''s fine and secure here, don''t worry."

 Chapter 344 An Ungrateful Soul

    "I noticed," Mason replied with a slight smile. "I was speaking with the kindergarten teachers downstairs a while ago. Seems like there''s another version of the story." "Hmm?" Sadie frowned, feeling perplexed herself.


    "Whatsoever," Mason changed the subject of conversation, "as long as you and the kids are safe, it''s the only thing that matters."


    "Yes." Sadie didn''t want to dig any deeper. No matter what the truth was, she knew she couldn''t stand against it. Now her priority was to ensure her children''s safety. All the other things could wait. "I''m leaving. Take care of yourself," Mason said with a deep gaze at her face before walking away. He paused at the elevator entrance, turning back to her. "Sadie, you always have another choice." "What do you mean?" Sadie didn''t understand his implications.


    "There are people who can protect you if things get too tough," Mason said with a meaningful tone. "Just think about it."


    He stepped into the elevator.


    Frowning in confusion, Sadie closed the door. As she turned around, her father''sst will popped into her mind.


    Her father had mentioned that in a dire situation, she could call a number from state M. No matter the trouble, that person would solve it for her!


    How could she have forgotten that?


    It mighte in handy if she faced another crisis. But then again, she remembered her father''s stern reminder in the will, advising her not to contact that person unless absolutely necessary. Doing so would lead to her life taking a dramatic turn.


    Mason was probably hinting at this person. It seemed he knew about the will''s contents.


    Weighed down by these thoughts, Sadie shook her head, telling herself not to dwell on it. For now, she needed to tackle the immediate problems. Back in her room, she changed into pajamas,y in bed, and sent Brenda a text: "Brenda, the kids are safe. Don''t worry. I''ll drop by tomorrow night!" Exhausted, she fell asleep with the phone still in her hand.


    ...


    At the Clemens residence, Micah sat on the balcony in his robe, staring into the starry sky, silently sipping his drink.


    Andrew reported beside him, "Miss Roth has returned home. Levis and Miss Bell from the kindergarten have left, and the paramedics stayed there as you requested to take care of them. And..."


    He hesitated before continuing cautiously, "Mason went upstairs to drop off Coco, chatted for two minutes, then left. He didn''t enter the house. I think he understands the consequences now and won''t bother Miss Roth again." "Hmm," Micah grunted, taking another drink beforemanding. "Make sure Grandpa Clemens doesn''t find out the children''s real identities."


    "Understood," Andrew nodded, then added. "But once those kids reach out to Mr. Clemens by themselves, it''ll be out of my hands. Mr. Clemens bought them smartwatches and left his phone number."


    "You don''t need to worry about that," Micah said coldly. "Sadie would hate it for Grandpa Clemens to find out she''s the mother of the children even more than I would."


    "Alright," Andrew sighed, relieved. "It''s gettingte. You should get some rest."


    Micah waved him off, and Andrew bowed his head, backing out of the room.


    Micah continued to drink, his eyes fixed on his phone.


    No messages, no calls, nothing at all.


    The woman had found the children, learned the truth from the teacher, and still wouldn''t call to weep and apologize to him.


    Had her conscience been lost?


    Or did she still suspect a conspiracy in this?


    These thoughts darkened Micah''s face, and he cursed Sadie in his mind truly an ungrateful soul!

 Chapter 345 Family Reunion

    In the morning, while Sadie was still deep in sleep, Mia burst into her room, leaping into her arms.


    "Mia!" Sadie woke up immediately, barely processing herself before Mia was all over her face with kisses, leaving her cheek wet. "Mommy, Mia missed you so much!!" "Mommy missed you too!" Sadie hugged Mia tightly. "Mia, my sweet girl, Mommy will never leave you again."


    "Mia will be mad if Mommy doesn''t keep her promise," Mia pouted, her eyes brimming with tears. "If Mommy leaves Mia behind again, Mia won''t talk to Mommy again."


    "Mommy didn''t leave you behind; I was just dyed and didn''t pick you up in time," Sadie exined urgently, cupping Mia''s chubby cheeks. "Mommy apologizes to you, okay? Could Mia stop being mad at Mommy?" "Hmph!" Mia turned her head away, pouting. "Only if you make me waffles!"


    "Okay, okay, Mommy will make you waffles right away," Sadie said, getting out of bed quickly.


    "Mommy, Mommy..." Nathan''s anxious calls came from the next room. "Noah, help me go see Mommy!"


    "Hold on, there''s someone at the door. I''ll go check who it is."


    Noah slipped on his little slippers and went to answer the door.


    "Mia, let''s go see Nathan together," Sadie suggested, picking up Mia and walking barefoot.


    Mia wrapped one arm around Sadie''s neck and waved the other towards Nathan, "Nathan, we''reing!"


    "Mommy..." Nathan opened his arms, calling for Sadie.


    "Mommy!" Noah''s voice boomed from the living room. "Dr. Charles and the nurses are here."


    "Good morning!" The paramedics greeted them.


    "Morning, pleasee in," Sadie urged, quickly weing them.


    "Mia,e down, sweetie," the doctor called out urgently when he saw Sadie holding Mia. "Your mom has a waist injury. She shouldn''t be lifting anything heavy."


    A nurse quickly stepped forward to take Mia from Sadie''s arms, cooing gently, "There you go, Mia. Mommy''s waist was hurt, so I will take care of you for a few days. Is it okay?"


    "Okay!" Mia nodded obediently, tilting her head to look at Sadie. "Mommy, what happened to your waist?"


    "Just a little injury, nothing serious. It''ll recover in no time," Sadie reassured her, turning to Dr. Charles with a puzzled look. "How''d you know I hurt my waist?"


    "Andrew mentioned it," Dr. Charles whispered. "He said you had a waist injury and shouldn''t do any heavy lifting. He made sure we took extra care and mentioned a doctor woulde today to treat your waist." While they were talking, Brenda''s excited voice came from outside. "Are the kids back home now? Noah, Nathan, Mia..."


    "Brenda!" Noah and Mia, hearing her voice, dashed out immediately.


    Mia, like a little cannonball,unched into Brenda''s arms, hugging her neck affectionately. "Brenda, we missed you so much!"


    "My sweet Mia, I missed you too," Brenda said, her eyes welling up with tears as she pulled Mia and Noah close for a thorough check. "Let me look at you. Are you both okay? Did anyone hurt you?" "No, we''re fine," Noah quickly replied, his eyes catching the needle marks and bandages on Brenda''s hands. "Brenda, what happened to you? Are you sick?"


    "I''m okay, really. Seeing you two makes me feel better already," Brenda said, tears streaming down her face as she embraced Mia and Noah. "Where''s Nathan?"


    "He''s in the room," Mia said, pointing inside. " His leg was hurt, so he couldn''t get out of bed."


    "What? What happened to Nathan?" Brenda panicked. "Take me to him right now."


    "It''s just a minor injury. Don''t worry," Sadie approached with reddened eyes, grabbing Brenda''s arm. "Why are you back? Weren''t you in the hospital?" "Doctor Rey brought me back." Brenda gestured towards Dahlia and the two medical staff behind her.

 Chapter 346 Solved or Not

    "Miss Roth, good morning!"


    Dahlia greeted her with a smile as she walked in, followed by two medical assistants carrying a medical kit.


    "Good morning!" Sadie instantly understood that Dahlia was the one Andrew had mentioned woulde to treat her waist.


    "I wasing over to treat your waist injury, so I thought it would be best to bring Brenda along to see the kids. She still needs to head back to the hospitalter for treatment," Dahlia exined with a smile. "Oh, it''s just a minor illness. There''s no need for hospitalization," Brenda protested quickly. "I feel morefortable at home, and being with the boys and girls just makes me happy."


    "Brenda, you can''t do that," Sadie said sternly, her face set in seriousness. "You need to be hospitalized to get proper treatment. You have to set a good example for the kids." "Miss..."


    "Brenda, we''ll visit you in the hospital frequently. You have to focus on your treatment," Noah chimed in, lifting his little head to encourage Brenda.


    "Brenda''s sick?" Mia finally caught on, hurriedly cradling Brenda''s face. "Brenda, when you''re sick, you must listen to the doctor, okay? You always encouraged me to do the same when I was ill." "Alright, alright!" Brenda conceded, seeing that the children all felt the same, and she nodded with a smile. "I will be good!"


    "That''s right." Sadie smiled with relief. "Today you can take a half-day off to spend some quality time with the kids."


    "Yes, yes, yes, you haven''t had breakfast yet, have you? I''ll go make it for you right now," Brenda, passionate as usual, hurriedly rolled up her sleeves and headed for the kitchen. "Hey!" Sadie pulled her back immediately. "You''re a patient in need of proper rest."


    "Exactly, we''ve got the kitchen in control now. Just rx and y with the kids," the three nurses said with cheerful grins.


    "Who are..." Brenda pointed at them, looking at Sadie with confusion.


    "It''s the... uh," Sadie choked up a bit before saying, "They have been arranged here for the three children."


    "We were sent by Mr. Clemens," Dr. Charles quickly rified.


    Brenda frowned slightly and yet said nothing.


    "Brenda, Mommy, don''t leave me alone!" Nathan''s anxious voice called out from the room.


    "Ha-ha, we almost forgot you! Nathan is still in his room! Let''s go keep himpany," Sadie suggested, linking arms with Brenda.


    "Yes, yes, yes!" Brenda''s mood lifted seeing the children.


    The family enjoyed a brief reunion in the children''s room before Sadie returned to the master bedroom, where Dahlia attended to her injury with a new application of medicine. "Doctor Rey, thank you for this," Sadie murmured softly. "How is Brenda''s health?"


    "She''d hardly eaten anything. She was unable to fall sleep for the past few days, and she was even uncooperative with the treatment," Dahlia said with a wry smile. "Seeing you and the kids now might perk her up a bit. But there''s a misunderstanding about Micah that''s quite deep-rooted in her mind. You might need to work on clearing that up with her."


    "Understood," Sadie nodded and thanked her sincerely.


    "And you? Any progress in clearing things up with Micah?" Dahlia inquired.


    Sadie furrowed her brows, the words stuck in her throat. Clear things up? Micah had used the kids to threaten her into sheer desperation and hopelessness. How could such a knot ever be unraveled? Regardless of the hidden truths, she was truly scared.


    At the very least, from now on, she knew better than to cross him or defy any of his wishes.


    Otherwise, the fake threat could turn real.


    She couldn''t afford the possible lose!


    Dahlia let out a sigh, speaking earnestly, "I don''t know why your misperception of Micah is so severe. Actually, he..."


    "Knock, knock, knock!"


    Before Dahlia could finish, there was a knock at the door.


    Immediately after, Brenda entered the room. "Miss, how are you feeling? How''s your waist?"


    "Much better," Sadie said hastily. "Brenda, please, have a seat."


    "We''ll step out," Dahlia said, exiting with the medical staff.


    Once the door closed, Brenda pulled Sadie aside and asked anxiously, "Did that scoundrel cause your injury?"

 Chapter 347 A Good Day

    Sadie''s eyes flickered, tempted to lie, but Brenda immediately burst out in agitation, "I knew it was him, that asshole. He will be cursed by God!" "No, you''ve got it wrong..." Sadie tried to exin.


    "Wrong about what?" Brenda, red with anger, interjected. "You''ve never been good at lying. I can tell exactly what happened."


    "It was him indeed, but he wasn''t hitting me. He was after someone else, and I... I stepped in and got hurt."


    "So it was his doing!" Brenda eximed angrily. "The next time I see him, I''ll teach him a hard lesson."


    "You mustn''t," Sadie opposed. "He''s a devil. Thest time you confronted him, it was already dangerous enough. If it happens again, it might..."


    "What? Is he going to kill me?" Brenda said defiantly. "I''m ready to risk it. I''m not scared!"


    "He might not kill you, but he would definitely punish me." Sadie yed her trump card.


    "Oh?" Brenda deted instantly. "Alright, then I better not provoke him."


    As she spoke, she clutched Sadie''s hand. Her voice was tinged with urgency. "Sweetie, let''s keep away from him, okay? We don''t need his house, his hires, or his hospital. Let''s choose Mr. Potter instead." "Didn''t you see how badly Mason got beaten?" Sadie''s brows furrowed with concern. "Mason''s no match for him."


    "Not even Mr. Potter?" Brenda''s eyes widened in shock. "Is that scoundrel really that strong?"


    "Don''t jump to conclusions," Sadie soothed with a change of tack. "He''s not all bad. He''s saved my life more than once. If it hadn''t been for him, I wouldn''t be here..."


    "Really?" Brenda was startled. "When did all this happen?"


    "It was those few times..."


    Sadie recounted the dangers she had faced: the explosions at home, the attacks, and how Micah hade to her rescue each time.


    Hearing all this, Brenda was visibly shaken.


    Finally, Sadie added, "He''s not a bad person. He just has a lousy temper, so let''s not provoke him."


    "Okay, I see..." Brenda exhaled deeply. "I just wish for the peaceful days toe back. We were poor, and we struggled, but back then life was peaceful. With all that''s been happening, I''m living in fear every day." "It won''t be like this anymore," Sadie silently resolved. "Don''t worry."


    "Miss, you gotta take care of yourself," Brenda''s voice broke as she held Sadie''s hand. "Before the old master passed, he only wished for your safety and happiness. That''s all he wanted!"


    "Yes, I know." Sadie nodded with moist eyes. "We''ll both be fine. You need to focus on getting better, so you can help me with the kids!" "Mmm."


    ...


    By noon, Dahlia had taken Brenda back to the hospital. Dr. Charles and the nurses would look after the three kids, allowing Sadie a brief respite. Levis called to check if Sadie needed to take extended leave for the kids.


    After discussing with them, Sadie decided they''d go back to daycare tomorrow. Dr. Charles and the nurses would provide their full support. Nathan was an energetic child who couldn''t stay put at home.


    Mia was also itching to go out, and although Noah could settle down, he was eager to return to learning new things at daycare.


    Life was temporarily in order. With Monday approaching, Sadie had made up her mind to return to work at thepany.


    She was determined that whatever demands Micah might make, she wouldn''t defy him.


    Only if she does not cross him again could her family have some good days ahead...

 Chapter 348 Possibly Your Children

    Micah spent the entire day with his eyes glued to his phone, waiting for a call from Sadie that never came.


    In the evening, Dahlia came by to update him and mentioned with a thoughtful tone, "Miss Roth''s waist injury has improved significantly. With a bit more rest, she''ll be fully recovered. Oh, and I texted her this afternoon. She''s nning to return to work tomorrow."


    "Hmm," Micah grunted, casually inquiring. "Did she say anything else?"


    Deep down, he was eager to know if she had mentioned him at all.


    "She... she also said that everything you arranged was very thoughtful and thorough." Dahlia carefully fabricated the story. "Including securing housing arrangements for the doctors and nurses and making it easier for them to look after the kids. It really solved a big problem for her, and she''s extremely grateful to you."


    "You''re getting bolder," Micah cut her off, eyeing her coldly. "How dare you lie to me?"


    "Please forgive me, sir!" Dahlia apologized immediately.


    Micah''s brow furrowed he knew it was a lie. That ungrateful woman certainly wasn''t thankful; how could she say such things?


    "Leave," Micah said, lowering his gaze to continue with his drink.


    "Yes," responded Dahlia, heading out. As she departed, she met Grandpa Clemens and greeted him, "Good evening, Mr. Clemens!"


    "Hmm," he grunted back, proceeding to sit in the armchair opposite Micah. "Is the case closed?"


    "What case?" Micah blurted before catching himself. "Oh, yes, it''s closed!"


    "That''s good to hear," Grandpa Clemens nodded approvingly. "With VIC Group growing stronger day by day, we have to be careful about public opinion. I hope my recent mishap hasn''t brought you any negative impact."


    "No worries. It hasn''t," Micah assured him. Eyeing Grandpa Clemens'' neatly tailored clothes and healthy glow, he teased, "All dressed up today? Do you have a date with a lovelydy?"


    "Get out!" Grandpa Clemens yfully swatted at him with his cane. "Naughty kid, now you''re making fun of me!"


    Micah chuckled, "So where are you really off to?"


    "I''m going to see my three little grandchildren." Grandpa Clemens'' face lit up with an affectionate smile at the thought of the children. "I just called them up. I''m nning to take them out for dinner."


    Micah frowned. "Come on, they''re kids you''ve just met recently. Why are you treating them like your own flesh and blood?"


    "These three kids must be fated to cross my path," Grandpa Clemens chuckled. "The moment I set eyes on them, I felt this warm familiarity, and you know, I think they bear a resemnce to you, even in their temperaments, especially Noah." "Cut it out!" Micah interjected, his tone sour. "Those wild-"


    He stopped himself abruptly and switched gears. "Don''t start pinning it on me. I don''t have a slew of lovers!"


    "I know you''re very strict and disciplined, or else I might suspect they were indeed your own kids!" Grandpa Clemens shot him a look and sighed.


    "I spent all those years keeping you in line, making sure you didn''t mess around, and now, seeing these three kids, I kind of wish you had, even if it was just once."


    "Have you lost your mind?" Micah''s face darkened. "What nonsense is this?"


    "Enough, I''m done with you." Grandpa Clemens stood up and walked away. "You''re just like the old antique, not funny at all. I''m off to see my grandkids. They''re so adorable!"


    Micah, at a loss for words, felt a pang of unease recalling the fondness Grandpa Clemens showed for Mason''s children. He picked up the ss of whiskey next to him and took generous swigs. "Micah," Andrew murmured, "do you think the old man will figure out who those three kids really are? Should we give Miss Roth a heads-up?"


    "She''s not brainless," Micah retorted, irritated. "Can''t she think for herself?"


    "Yes, yes!"

 Chapter 349 Merely Coincidence

    Sadie was visiting Brenda at the hospital. She had juste back home.


    Mia waddled over with her plump little legs, bubbling with excitement, "Mommy, Mommy, we''re going out for dinner with Grandpa tonight, and I''d like to wear my pink ballgown. Where''d you put it?" Sadie paused, puzzled. "Grandpa? Which Grandpa?"


    "The Grandpa who took good care of us in the hospital," Mia said, lifting her head innocently. "He''s taking us to the Kids'' Castle for dinner."


    Those words struck Sadie, and suddenly she remembered what Levis had told her: "On our way back, we chatted with some paramedics and found out it was Mr. Clemens from VIC Group. He was so kind to the children, and by the time we left, the children were already attached to him. Mr. Clemens even bought a carload of gifts for the kids."


    Sadie''s face turned pale as she asked the paramedics, "This Grandpa Mia''s talking about, do you know who he is?"


    "It was Grandpa Clemens," said the pediatrician with a chuckle. "Our very own big boss."


    Hearing this, Sadie''s heart pounded with anxiety. She rushed to find Noah and Nathan. "Noah, Nathan."


    "Mommy, we''re over here."


    Noah was ying Legos in the room with Nathan. Both the children were seated on the carpet, assembling a spaceship out of the colorful blocks. "Noah, Nathan, Mommy wants to talk to you. Do you have a moment?" Sadie asked politely.


    "Just a sec." Noah ced thest block on his creation and pped his hands excitedly. "Done!"


    "Noah, you''re amazing." Nathan looked at Noah with admiration. "I tried so long to make that spaceship and couldn''t do it, but you finished it so fast."


    "Ha, I''ll show you next time," Noah said confidently, dusting off his hands and turning to Sadie. "Okay, Mommy, I''m ready now!"


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Mia followed, her chubby little face looking up in confusion. "Don''t you want us to have dinner with Grandpa?"


    "No, it''s not that..."


    Sadie closed the door. She sat on the carpet, pulling Mia into herp, and enquired, "How did you get to know that Grandpa? And what really happened to Nathan''s leg? Levis and Miss Bell told me the gist, but Mommy wishes to hear it from you."


    "It was Grandpa''s driver who identally hit me, but they didn''t do it on purpose."


    "Mommy, Grandpa has been so nice to us..."


    "Yeah, he came to the hospital to visit us every day and bought us lots of stuff. Grandpa even said he''d be our guardian. If someone bullied us, he''d take care of them..." "That''s right, he did say that."


    "Stop!" Noah cut off Nathan and Mia''s chatter. "Let me exin."


    "Okay," Sadie nodded eagerly. "Go ahead, Noah."


    Then Noah recounted the events of that day after school, all the details in the hospital, and even the unexpected appearance of Micah.


    As Sadie listened, her heart skipped with both concern and shock. She hadn''t realized the kids had encountered so much in just two days, and that incidentally, they had met Micah at the hospital. But if this was the reality of their story, then Grandpa Clemens probably wasn''t aware of their true identity, and the car ident was just that an ident.

 Chapter 350 Grandpa Clemens at the Doorstep

    "Mommy, Mommy..." Noah''s call snapped Sadie out of her reverie.


    Coming back to the present, she spoke with guilt, "It''s all Mommy''s fault. If I hadn''t beente, Nathan wouldn''t have been in that ident, and you kids wouldn''t have suffered so much." "Don''t say that, Mommy," Noah said, reaching out to touch Sadie''s face with aforting gesture. "You''re working hard and taking great care of us. We should always be here assisting you." "Yeah, Noah''s right," Nathan added, counting on his fingers with a sheepish look. "If I hadn''t gone chasing after a cat in the woods, I wouldn''t have been caught in the ident." "It''s my fault, I was the one who spotted the cat." Mia pouted, her chubby cheeks forming cute dimples.


    "So, Mommy mustn''t bete anymore, and you kids mustn''t neglect your own safety while having fun," Sadie discussed with the children, seeking mutual improvement. "Let''s all make a deal to do better, okay?" "Okay!" The three children chimed in unison.


    "Now, let''s discuss whether we should ept Grandpa''s dinner invitation for tonight," Sadie gently proposed, though she thought to herself that Grandpa Clemens was actually their great-grandpa, a generation away.


    "Mommy, I wish to go there," Mia said timidly, raising her little hand. "Grandpa is really nice to us. I like him!"


    "Me too," Nathan quickly agreed. "I like Grandpa, and I promised him I''d go."


    "Mommy, are you worried about Grandpa''s grandson causing trouble?" Noah caught on, asking considerately. "He''s your boss, right?"


    Sadie paused before realizing, "Yes, he''s my boss."


    Noah thought for a moment and said earnestly, "He looks kind of fierce, but when he brought us homest night, he was decent enough, and he didn''t do anything to hurt us." "He brought you back home?" Sadie was surprised.


    The children nodded in agreement.


    Images of Micah interacting with the kids filled Sadie''s mind. He was probably as stone-faced as usual, the epitome of unapproachability.


    With that kind of demeanor, it would be odd if the kids weren''t afraid of him.


    "Mommy, Grandpa''s been nice to us. We really like him," Noah said empathetically. "But if you are unwilling to see us get too close to your boss''s grandpa, then we won''t go." Hearing those words, Nathan and Mia both hung their heads in dejection.


    Nathan fiddled silently with the Lego bricks in front of him, messing up the spaceship he had just finished building.


    Mia twirled her fingers as tears threatened to spill over from her eyes.


    Sadie looked at their forlorn expressions with a pang ofpassion, but she still didn''t want them getting too close to Grandpa Clemens, so she said, "Mommy knows this makes you sad, but for some reasons, Mommy still hopes that you guys can..."


    "Ding-dong!"


    Before Sadie could finish, the sudden sound of the doorbell interrupted her, followed by an excited voice. "Grandpa Clemens, you''re here!"


    Hearing this, Sadie''s face turned paled. "Oh no, Grandpa Clemens actually showed up at our doorstep!" she thought.


    If they ran into each other now, it would be a disaster.


    "I''m here to pick up the kids, and I''d also like to meet their mother and offer an apology in person," Grandpa Clemens said.


    "Grandpa!" Mia ran towards the door, thrilled.


    "Mia!" Sadie quickly grabbed her. "Not now!"


    "Mommy..." Miapressed her mouth into a thin line. There were tears in her eyes. "Mummy, I''d really like to meet Grandpa."

 Chapter 351 Our Secrets

    "Mom, if you don''t want us to go out for dinner, that''s okay, but we should at least go say hi to Grandpa," Noah said thoughtfully. "We can''t just leave him waiting on our doorstep. After all, he is our guest." "Absolutely." Nathan nodded vigorously, sweat beading on his forehead.


    "I didn''t mean that..."


    "Sadie, Grandpa Clemens is at the door."


    Before Sadie could finish, the voices of the paramedics could be heard from outside.


    "Noah, go greet him," Sadie whispered to Noah. "Just exin that I''m not feeling well and it''s not a good time to receive guests. Ask Grandpa not toe in and to wait outside. Once you''ve changed, we can all go out to have dinner with him."


    "What?" Noah furrowed his brow in confusion. "Mommy, why? He''s already here. It doesn''t feel right to treat him this way."


    "I agree!" Nathan and Mia chimed in, voicing their agreement.


    "Well, you see, I''ve met Grandpa before, and there''s been some misunderstanding between us," Sadie exined carefully. "I don''t want him to know that I''m your mommy."


    "Oh!" Nathan and Mia nodded, seemingly getting it but actually not.


    "I''m with you," Noah said, fully grasping the situation. "No worries, Mommy. We''ll keep your secret."


    "Yes, we''ll keep your secret!" Nathan and Mia echoed again.


    "That''s my gang!" Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. "If Grandpa asks about your parents, don''t give him a clear answer, okay?" "Okay!" All three children replied in unison.


    "Nathan and Mia, if you aren''t sure what to say, keep quiet and let Noah take the lead, okay?" Sadie reminded them once more. "Off you go," she said, releasing Mia.


    "Thanks, Mommy!" Mia scampered out with her short legs, calling out affectionately, "Grandpa, Grandpa!"


    "Hey there, sweetie!" Grandpa Clemens'' excited voice came from outside.


    Nathan was overwhelmed with happiness and started wheeling himself out.


    "Take it easy." Noah quickly took charge and pushed Nathan''s wheelchair himself and closed the door behind them.


    Sadie remained in the room for fear of going out, pressing her ear against the door to listen.


    "Grandpa, I''m sorry, but my mommy is not feeling well and can''te out to greet you," Noah followed Sadie''s instructions and exined politely. "Our home''s a bit chaotic with a patient there. Could you please wait at the doctor''s house across the street? We''ll be there soon after we freshen up a bit."


    "Of course," Grandpa Clemens replied promptly. "Kiddo, what''s wrong with your mommy? Does she need a doctor to check on her?"


    "No, mommy just got back from the hospital," Noah said with certainty, then turned to the pediatrician and added, "Dr. Charles, could you please take care of Grandpa for a moment?"


    "Sure, no problem!" Dr. Charles readily invited Grandpa Clemens and his men to the house across the street, "Right this way, Grandpa Clemens and Ss."


    "Take your time changing. There is no rush. I''ll wait for you kids," Grandpa Clemens said indulgently to the three kids.


    "Yeah, thanks, Grandpa," the children responded politely with nods.


    "This is for your mommy and Brenda."


    While Grandpa Clemens spoke, Ss came up with several gifts, intending to bring them inside. Noah quickly stepped forward to take them. "I''ve got it. Thanks, Grandpa!" "Don''t mention it!" Ss cast a nce inside the house but said nothing.


    "Give us ten minutes, Grandpa."


    Noah waved him politely before closing the door.


    The three children hurried back to their room to change clothes. Sadie gathered their clothes and handed them to the paramedics while reminding Noah, "Remember what I said." "Got it! Don''t worry, Mommy," Noah said earnestly.

 Chapter 352 The Arrogant Old Lady

    The three children went to visit Grandpa Clemens next door.


    Sadie pressed her ear against the door, listening to the chatter outside as the three children and Grandpa Clemens talked nonstop. She heard Grandpa calling them "my little ones," with bursts of heartyughter filling the air from time to time. The warm and cheerful atmosphere enveloped Sadie too, her furrowed brow rxing and a slight smile emerging on her lips.


    If possible, she would definitely wish the children had more family members to care for them.


    However, the mere thought of Micah with his violent temper sent chills down her spine.


    Despite the hidden truths behind the car ident, Micah had inflicted deep psychological wounds upon her.


    The three days in extreme panic without thepany of her children had taught Sadie a hard lesson.


    That sense of despair had nearly crushed her.


    She cannot bear even the possibility of losing them again.


    She did not harbor the slightest expectation of Micah''s humanity!


    "Sadie, the kids are out, so we''ll head over there now. Call us if you need anything, alright?" A paramedic''s voice interrupted Sadie''s thoughts.


    Called back to reality, Sadie nodded, "Thanks for your hard work."


    "You''re wee." The paramedic left.


    Alone in the luxury house, she watched the empty room around her. Her thoughts drifted to Brenda and the children, and a wave of loneliness overwhelmed her.


    She knew the kids were just out for a meal and would be back soon, but anxiety still seized her.


    What if Grandpa Clemens uncovered their true identity?


    What if it was all a plot to deceive the children and whisk them away?


    Would she be able to see her children again?


    The more Sadie dwelled on those thoughts, the more terror gripped her. Restlessness prevailed, and she rushed back to the room. Hastily, she finished changing, with sunsses, the mask, and the cap all donned, before dashing out the door.


    However, Sadie realized she had no idea which restaurant they had gone to.


    Pausing in the distance, she racked her brain until she was finally able to recall ament from Mia: "Grandpa is treating us to a meal at the Castle Restaurant."


    The Castle Restaurant!


    With the crucial information in hand, Sadie hastily hailed a taxi and headed to the restaurant.


    By the time she arrived, Grandpa Clemens had already brought the children in.


    The Castle Restaurant specializes in entertaining children aged one to twelve years old, offering not only nutritious kid-friendly delicious food, but also an expansive indoor yground and a library. Entry is permitted only for adults apanied by children, and everyone is expected to be dressed in their finest attire.


    Little Mia was draped in a pink ballgown, her naturally wavy hair cascading down her back, crowned with a tiara. She attracted numerous admiring gazes as she entered.


    "Oh my, what a stunning and adorable little angel! She looks just like a Barbie doll!" eximed a bystander.


    "Yes, she''s absolutely stunning! Oh, and look at those dashing young boys beside her!"


    The presence of Noah and Nathan was pretty noticeable too. Despite Nathan being in a wheelchair, his kid-sized smart suit made him look as regal as a little prince from a fairy tale.


    Noah, exuding a slightly colder and more serious demeanor, bore a striking resemnce to a miniature version of the formidable Mr. Clemens.


    The three siblings attracted all the onlookers, prompting many to snap photos and record videos.


    Just as a frown began to crease Noah''s brow, which apparently showed his intent to say something under such condition, the Clemens family''s bodyguards stepped forward.


    Grandpa Clemens leaned in and whispered, "Are you feeling ufortable? I can arrange to have the whole ce reserved for us."


    "No need," Noah replied, shaking his head. "Many kids are having fun now. If we reserve the ce for ourselves, they would have to leave."


    Grandpa Clemens smiled warmly at Noah''s kindness, gently patting his head. "Such a thoughtful child! Very well, we won''t reserve it then. Let''s proceed to our meal."


    "Hmm," Noah agreed, reaching for Mia''s hand to lead her inside, when suddenly, an arrogant voice cut through the air. "I''ll pay double the price; clear this ce out now! I want my grandson to have it all to himself!"

 Chapter 353 Who Dares Bully My Grandson

    Noah nced up and frowned slightly. "It''s Billy again!"


    "Again?" Nathan''s impatience was evident on his face. "Remember at the amusement park when his grandma rented out the carousel just to keep us from using it? And now they''re trying to book the entire Castle Restaurant? Are we going to miss out once more?"


    "Billy''s grandma is so intimidating," Mia whispered, seeking refuge behind Noah and clutching the back of his shirt, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.


    Grandpa Clemens, catching the children''s conversation, furrowed his brows and exchanged a significant look with Ss.


    Ss immediately stepped in to handle the situation.


    "Don''t worry, my little ones. As long as Grandpa is here, no one can bully you." Grandpa Clemens reassured them, bending down to affectionately tousle Mia''s hair.


    "Grandpa, maybe we should just leave," Noah suggested, grasping Grandpa Clemens''s hand. "Billy is our ssmate, and yet his mom, maternal grandma, and fraternal grandma can be quite mean. They''ve had arguments with our mommy before, which really upset her."


    "They are making a big mistake," Grandpa Clemens stated, squatting down to hug Noah. "All three of you are such good kids. Your mommy has to be an exceptional person."


    "Yes, our mommy is the best," Nathan agreed, nodding vigorously.


    "Billy''s mommy and maternal grandma started it. Mommy was just standing up for us." Mia pouted, looking quite indignant.


    "With Grandpa here today, nobody will mess with you," dered Grandpa Clemens, leading the children inside. "Let''s go in!"


    "I''m scared..." Mia hesitated, seeking refuge behind Grandpa Clemens, too afraid to proceed.


    "Don''t be! I''m right here," Grandpa Clemensforted her, taking her hand.


    "Grandpa, let''s just forget it. We can go next door for pizza; I don''t want to cause any trouble for mom." Noah tugged at Grandpa Clemens''s sleeve.


    "Sweetie," Grandpa Clemens said, gently stroking his hair.


    "Isn''t Billy''s grandma going to reserve the ce? She''ll kick us out, won''t she?" Nathan worried, his small brow furrowed.


    "No, she won''t be able to do it," Grandpa Clemens assured him confidently, gazing in the direction of themotion.


    "What? Someone bought it out?" Linda eximed in shock. "When did this happen? It was fine just two minutes ago! Howe suddenly you''re saying that the Castle Restaurant has been bought out?"


    "It was just confirmed," the restaurant manager replied politely. "The call from our boss came in one minute ago."


    "But..."


    Linda tried to speak further, but the manager had already brushed her off, moving swiftly to greet Ss with respect.


    Ss whispered a few words, and the manager''s face went pale. He quickly led all the employees out to extend a warm wee to Grandpa Clemens and the three little ones.


    Lined up neatly in two rows, thirty-six employees simultaneously offered a unified greeting: "Good morning, Grandpa Clemens! Wee, dear kids! We''re honored to have you here!"


    The three children exchanged bewildered nces, utterly perplexed by the situation unfolding before them.


    "So here are those little troublemakers!" Linda''s expression darkened as she marched over to confront them. "You mischievous trio, where did youe from?"


    "Silence!" Grandpa Clemens'' booming voice cut through the air. "How dare you address my grandchildren in such a disrespectful manner, you old crone! Have you lost your mind?"


    "You... you..." Linda trembled with rage, her face flushing a deep shade of crimson. Never in her life had she been spoken to in such a way. Turning to the bodyguards behind her back, she bellowed, "Are you all deaf? Get over here, now!" The bodyguards, who had been keeping an eye on Billy at the yground, were startled by the chaos. They quickly moved in on Linda''s call.


    They rolled up their sleeves, preparing for a confrontation, but their confidence waned as soon as they saw Ss and his men.


    "Did that old man just insult me? Take him out!" Linda shouted, pointing at Grandpa Clemens.


    "Ma''am..." one of the bodyguards murmured in her ear, "that''s Grandpa Clemens from the Clemens family!"


    Linda''s heart skipped a beat. "Gr... Grandpa Clemens?"

 Chapter 354 He can’t have his own kids

    "Do you think you can take me out?" Grandpa Clemens raised his eyebrows.


    "I wouldn''t even dream of it," Linda quickly backtracked. "I''ve been barking up the wrong tree. Please forgive me!" "What''s thetest result?"


    Grandpa Clemens ignored Linda''s apologies and instead turned his attention to Ss.


    "We''ve confirmed that her husband is the chairman of the Potter Group," Ss reported with his head bowed.


    "The Potter Group is falling apart, yet they still strut around with such arrogance," Grandpa Clemens scoffed. "You know what needs to be done, right?" "Yes," Ss nodded in an affirmative tone.


    "No, please..." Linda''s legs buckled, and she almost fell to the ground.


    The bodyguards caught her swiftly.


    In a desperate plea, Linda cried out, "Grandpa Clemens, I beg you to spare the Potter family. It''s all on me. Whatever punishment you decide, I''ll ept..."


    "Enough of the noise!" Mr. Clemens frowned.


    With a signal from Ss, some bodyguards whisked Linda away.


    In a heartbeat, the world fell quiet.


    Nathan and Mia stood there, stunned, struggling toprehend what was going on.


    In contrast, Noah observed everything with aposed demeanor and a peculiar glint in his eyes.


    "What''s wrong? Did Grandpa startle you?" Mr. Clemens knelt down to reassure them.


    "Absolutely not! Grandpa is just looking out for us." Nathan quickly regained hisposure, his eyes shining. "Grandpa, are you a king? Why did that olddy seem so scared of you?" Grandpa Clemens chuckled heartily. "I''m far from being a true king, but if that''s what Nathan wants, I could buy an ind and be its ruler. That''ll make you a true little prince." "Really? That''d be awesome!" Nathan was so excited that he almost jumped in the air.


    "Yes, then I''ll be a real princess!" Mia raised her little chubby hands in glee. "I want to live in a castle and ride a white horse!"


    "Ha, it''s a deal!" Grandpa Clemens chuckled happily, then turned to Noah. "And what about you, Noah? What do you wish for?"


    "I want supreme power," Noah replied, gazing towards the door with a distant expression. "Like Grandpa, wherever I go, I will be greeted with respect from the good guys and fear from the bad guys. This way, I can also protect Mommy and my siblings."


    "Well done!" Grandpa Clemens gave him a tight hug. "You''re destined for something great!"


    Internally, he was overwhelmed with emotion. "You know, almost the same words were once said to me."


    "Really? By whom?" Noah asked, intrigued.


    "My grandson," Grandpa Clemens replied wistfully. "When he was five, he said the same words to me, and I was so touched, believing that the future of the Clemens family was secure in his hand."


    Grandpa Clemens tousled Noah''s hair, sighing. "It would be amazing if you truly had the Clemens family''s blood in you."


    "What blood?" Nathan, who was focused on ying, hadn''t caught the phrase. "Grandpa, I want to go y over there."


    "I see ice cream. I''m going to have some ice cream."


    Mia, clutching the hem of her ballgown, darted away like a little bird set free.


    Two bodyguards hurried to keep pace.


    "Mia, wait up for me!" Nathan called out anxiously as one of the bodyguards maneuvered his wheelchair behind her.


    Only Noah had caught Grandpa Clemens''s cryptic remark. "Grandpa, can''t your oldest grandson have his own kids?" he asked in confusion.


    "Pfft!" Grandpa Clemens couldn''t help butugh and choke.


    Despite Noah''s cleverness and maturity, he was still just a child. He misunderstood the meaning behind the phrase, assuming that Grandpa Clemens envied others because his grandson was unable to have his own children. He couldn''t help but feel sorry for Grandpa Clemens'' grandson, thinking how unfortunate it was for him.


    "No wonder he was so touchy."


    "It''s alright, we''ll be like your grandkids," Noahforted Grandpa Clemens with his empathetic nature. "Come on, Grandpa, let me escort you inside. There are some tasty pastries over there."

 Chapter 355 A Fool

    Upon entering the children''s yground built in the form of a castle, Mia immediately spotted Billy.


    Seated alone in a corner, he stared nkly at a doll. The sparkle and arrogance that once filled his eyes were now reced by emptiness and mncholy. Mia hesitated briefly but then approached him with an ice cream cone, saying, "Billy, this is for you!"


    Billy slowly raised his head, and upon seeing Mia, his eyes lit up. "Mia!"


    "Here, take it quickly. It''s melting."


    Mia handed him the ice cream, inadvertently brushing it against Billy''s nose.


    Taking it from her, he felt the coolness on his nose and nced down.


    Mia chuckled at his amusing reaction, herughter echoing through the air.


    "Hehe!" Billy, at first embarrassed, couldn''t help but join in herughter.


    The other children nearby, uncertain of what had happened, beganughing along as well.


    Before long, the castle yground was alive with the sound of children''sughter, just as one might imagine in a storybook world, filled with innocence and joy.


    Grandpa Clemens, entering with Noah, witnessed all the childrenughing and couldn''t resist joining in the joy.


    "Grandpa, that''s Billy," Noah pointed out, looking up at Grandpa Clemens with sincerity. "Can we not ask him to leave? Even though his mom, grandma, and nanny can be mean and disrespectful, he''s not a bad kid." "Alright," Grandpa Clemens nodded proudly, moved by his grandson''spassion. "My dear grandson is so kind-hearted!"


    His fondness for the children stemmed not just from their good behavior, cuteness, politeness, and understanding, but also from the pure and kind spirits they possessed.


    "Thank you, Grandpa." Noah sighed with relief.


    "Go y with the other kids!" Grandpa Clemens said affectionately as he tousled Noah''s little head. "Just watching you all makes me happy!"


    "Okay, I''m off!" Noah dashed eagerly into the crowd and started ying with Nathan.


    "As per your instructions, all well-behaved and courteous children can visit here for free from now on." Ss approached Grandpa Clemens to report.


    "Got it." Grandpa Clemens, observing the children, couldn''t help but feel happy. "It''s refreshing to be around the kids. The world seems so pure, clear, and innocent - free from all the troubles!"


    "Absolutely! Being around them brings me joy as well," Ssmented with a smile. "Those three, the more I see them, the more lovable they seem."


    "Of course! Isn''t that what you''d expect from my grandchildren?" Grandpa Clemens gave him a delightful look.


    Ss chuckled, pausing as if he wanted to hint more.


    "Come on, say it!" Grandpa Clemens encouraged him, giving him a quick nce.


    "I have a feeling that the children''s mother is deliberately avoiding you," Ss whispered. "When I stopped by their house today, they didn''t invite you inside. I tried to bring some gifts in, but Noah swiftly took them from me. It seems a bit intentional."


    "Noah mentioned his mom wasn''t feeling well," Grandpa Clemens responded. "Based on our interactions over the past few days, I''m pretty sure it''s just their mommy and Brenda in that house, with no father figure. Two women raising three kids and no man in the house - it''s understandable they''re not ustomed to having men around."


    "That makes sense," Ss nodded.


    "What sort of schemes could a child have?" Grandpa Clemens looked at Noah with affection. "My grandson is just too sensible. He is so lovely."


    "Mr. Clemens was just like that as a child," Ss reminisced about Micah''s younger days. "Now that I think about it, Noah and Nathan really do resemble Mr. Clemens, especially Noah, even in temperament."


    "That troublemaker, if he could have fathered these three cuties, I''d wake upughing from my dreams," Grandpa Clemens grumbled at the thought of Micah. "All he does is annoy me. It took him ages toe to his senses, to start considering love, and then he goes for a woman who''s nothing but trouble. What a fool he is!"


    "Exactly!"

 Chapter 356 Free for Everyone (words: 654)

    The Clemens family


    Micah sneezed twice in a row, a sudden sensation washing over him as if someone was speaking ill of him. Was it Sadie, that little troublemaker?


    "Micah, I just heard that Grandpa Clemens has banned the Potter family," Andrew informed him, approaching with news.


    "Why is he still so temperamental?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "What did the Potter family do to infuriate him so much?"


    "Rumor has it that Ronan Potter''s mother, Linda, caused a scene at the Castle Restaurant and offended Grandpa Clemens," Andrew recounted the incident, then added, "Grandpa Clemens has now made the restaurant free for everyone. What used to cost a hundred bucks for parent-child admission is nowplimentary."


    "That''s childish!" Micah was at a loss for words. "He''s acting like a child despite his old age!"


    "They say an old soul isn''t all that different from a child," Andrew chuckled. "I''ve heard that ever since Grandpa Clemens got to know those three kids, his mood has been fantastic - withughter all day and high spirits. That''s a good thing, right?"


    "A good thing?" Micah red at him frostily. "Do you think Grandpa Clemens getting close to Mason''s kids is a good thing?"


    "No, no, that''s not what I meant..." Andrew hastily covered his mouth. "I misspoke!"


    Micah''s expression darkened, and he downed his ss in one gulp. Suddenly, he stood up. "Get the car ready."


    "Yes, sir!"


    ...


    Meanwhile, Sadie stepped out of a taxi, pulling her hat low and wearing a mask and sunsses, sneaking her way into the Castle Restaurant.


    Inside, she noticed many parents sitting in the lounge area, casually chatting while enjoying pastries and drinks, excitedly discussing, "Before, it was a hundred dors for one adult and one child together. We could onlye here once a month. Now that it''s free and all the treats are there for you, I''m nning to be here every day!"


    "I''m so lucky we were here today. We saved a hundred bucks right there!"


    "Yes, but word is getting out. More parents are lining up at the door with their kids. I bet they''ll start limiting entries soon."


    "They''ll have to enforce crowd control. Even though the owner is rich, this ce can''t amodate everyone. Plus, with too many people, the service is bound to deteriorate."


    "Well, even with crowd control, it''s still a bargain."


    "Oh, I wish I knew which wealthy man bought out this restaurant, making it free for everybody. If I ever run into him, I''m gonna thank him big time!"


    "Same!"


    Overhearing this conversation, Sadie felt puzzled. She had only brought her kids here once, and that time it had cost her and Brenda an arm and a leg for a couple ofbo tickets and an extra single kid''s ticket.


    "Is it free now?" she wondered.


    Lost in thought, Sadie''s ears perked up at a familiar voice. "Let me in, let me in! My grandson''s still in there."


    Not wanting to be recognized, Sadie quickly ducked behind a cartoon character statue, craning her neck to see what was happening.


    Soon enough, an employee escorted Billy out of the yground and handed him over to Linda and the Potter family''s bodyguards.


    Billy looked back longingly but was hurriedly dragged away by Linda with anxiety.


    The two employees watched them leave, murmuring to each other, "Thedies of the Potter family sure know how to throw their weight around. Last time, the young Mrs. Potter insisted on having the ce to herself, kicking out all the other kids and leaving a trail of tearing kids and raged parents. Today, the old Mrs. Potter, strutting again as the young one, didn''t expect to meet someone of even higher stature. Grandpa Clemens bought the Castle Restaurant for his triplet grandkids and opened it up for the public, free of charge. Now that''s the kind of ss thates with real wealth!"


    "Absolutely!"

 Chapter 357 The Best Parenting

    Overhearing this conversation, Sadie froze. Someone bought the entire Castle Restaurant for their triplet grandchildren?! Could they be talking about her kids?


    "Grandpa, I''m hungry," came the sweet, innocent voice of Mia. Sadie turned to see Grandpa Clemens holding Mia''s hand, Noah on the other side, and Ss pushing Nathan''s stroller, with a crew of attendants following them, heading for the restaurant.


    To avoid interfering with all the kids having fun now, the Clemens family''s bodyguards stayed outside the yground.


    Parents resting in the resting area noticed them. They quickly called the waiters over and asked, "Is that the gentleman who bought the Castle Restaurant?"


    "Yes, that''s him," the staff member replied with a smile. "Hisst name is Clemens, and we all call him Grandpa Clemens!"


    Several parents, stirred with gratitude, approached Grandpa Clemens, calling out, "Thank you, Grandpa Clemens!"


    "Thank you for opening the Castle Restaurant to the public, for giving our kids such a beautiful ce to y!"


    "Yes, thank you!"


    A wave of gratitude from the parents enveloped Grandpa Clemens and Mia.


    Grandpa Clemens was a man ustomed to good deeds, brushing off praise as if it were nothing more than a light drizzle on his broad shoulders. He''d respond with a nod and a smile, unfazed by the minor attention his actions garnered. For the three little ones, however, it was a first-time adventure into the grand theater of life.


    Mia''s cheeks blushed a rosy red as she clung tightly to Grandpa Clemens''s finger, her grip steadfast, curiosity sparkling in her violet eyes.


    Nathan was a tad more daring than Mia, waving cheerfully and responding with a friendly "You''re wee!" to passersby who greeted them.


    Noah, though polite with a nod, remained silent throughout the encounter, giving the impression of a seasoned veteran unfazed by such asions.


    Grandpa Clemens was proud of the kids. Despite their young age and limited exposure to the wider world, they carried themselves with a calm poise in the face of new experiences.


    He saw great potential in Noah, a child brimming with ambition and dreams. Deep down, he even entertained the thought of handing over the destiny of the Clemens family to Noah if they were truly his great-grandchildren. As for Nathan, he wished for him to pursue whatever profession that brought him joy.


    And Mia, their little princess, no matter her age, would always be under the steadfast guardianship of the men in the Clemens family, ensuring a life filled with happiness and love for her.


    From a distance, Sadie''s heart stirred as she watched the scene unfold.


    Since Mia''s birth, she had never exposed the children to grand asions or given much thought to their cultural cultivation.


    Her focus had been on providing a solid home education, creating a loving environment, instilling strong values, and enrolling them in a decent preschool.


    That was the extent of Sadie''s capabilities, and it consumed all her efforts.


    She had always believed the children were too young for considerations of their further development. Those were concerns forter.


    But now, observing her children experiencing a different side of life, Sadie suddenly realized that nurturing should be subtle, an unconscious influence thates with consistent exposure, and should begin with providing an excellent environment at an early stage.


    Grandpa Clemens showered them with care and affection simply because of a chance encounter.


    Had he known they were Micah''s children, the assistance he offered might have been far more substantial.


    Wouldn''t that have been even better for the children''s growth? Especially for Noah?


    Since he was little, Noah had always been precocious and fond of learning, thinking, and exploring new ideas.


    And here she was, as their mother, struggling to provide an adequate intellectual environment while he was growing up so rapidly.


    At just three and a half years old, she already found it challenging to satisfy his persistent curiosity. As he grew older, perhaps the feeling of deficiency would only intensify.

 Chapter 358 The Daddy of Three Angels

    "Hello?" The server''s call snapped Sadie out of her reverie. She turned her head, startled to find that the cartoon character blocking the view was actually a server in costume who had now walked away. She remained standing there, dazed. A nearby server, thinking something was wrong, hurried over to ask, "Is everything okay with you?"


    "I''m fine, I''m fine," Sadie replied hastily, turning back to see Grandpa Clemens entering the restaurant with the three kids. Noah nced back and locked eyes on her.


    He waved at her and then followed Grandpa Clemens inside.


    Sadie hesitated for a moment, then quickly ducked into the restroom of the lounge.


    She was disguised to the hilt, but Noah still recognized her - that''s her kid.


    But luckily, it was Noah, the sensible and mature one, who wouldn''t blow her cover.


    After washing her face and sighing deeply into the mirror, Sadie reflected on the day they''d been here for the kids'' birthday, bracing herself for the expense.


    As for Grandpa Clemens, to prevent Linda from bullying the kids, he bought the Castle Restaurant outright and opened it up to the public for free, all for the kids'' happiness and security. What a contrast to her perceived inadequacies as a mother!


    "Micah, Grandpa Clemens and the kids are in the restaurant." A familiar voice suddenly came from outside.


    It was Andrew!


    Startled, Sadie quickly put on her hat, sunsses, and mask, and peered out from the exit.


    As expected, Micah walked out of the restroom and headed straight for the restaurant.


    Keeping it low-key, besides Andrew, he only had two bodyguards with him.


    But even such an entourage made him the center of attention; his regal presence as he approached the corridor elicited excited screams from young mothers. "Oh my God, is that a celebrity? He''s so handsome, so cute!"


    "Is that the father of those three angelic kids? He looks like them."


    "They must be a family; Grandpa Clemens and this guy look alike, and so do the three kids."


    Hearing these remarks, Micah''s brows furrowed as if he had been insulted, and a wave of indignant fury rose within him.


    Upon seeing his facial expression, Andrew quickly gestured for everyone to be quiet.


    Then he and the bodyguards pulled up a cordon, escorting Micah swiftly away.


    Sadie watched this scene with a frown. Those are your kids! Why do you have to be so mad about it?


    That''s your own flesh and blood, and you dare to scorn them?!


    This isn''t right. Why is Micah showing up now? Is he nning to harm the kids? Or could it be that he''s jealous of Grandpa Clemens treating them so well, and he wants to cause some trouble? After all, he still believes that they are Mason''s kids.


    At this thought, Sadie''s anxiety surged. Following the previous incident when she lost contact with the kids, her concern for their safety intensified. She couldn''t let them face danger again. She wanted to check on them, but being alone and without the kids, she couldn''t enter the main dining area. What to do?


    After pondering for a moment, Sadie noticed a janitor with a bag walking into the changing room for staff. A short whileter, she came out in in clothes and clocked out. Taking advantage of the distraction, Sadie swiftly snuck into the changing room.


    Due to special circumstances today, the entire Castle Restaurant underwent significant changes, and all the staff were attending to Grandpa Clemens and the kids, leaving the area deserted. Sadie quickly changed into the janitor''s uniform, donned the designated hat and mask, revealing only her eyes, and with mop in hand, she sessfully slipped into the Castle Restaurant.

 Chapter 359 Let Go of My Granddaughter

    At the Castle Restaurant, every waiter and waitress would dress up as a character from fairy tales.


    Waiters and waitresses are dressed as angels or elves, bodyguards are dressed as hunters and knights, while the bartenders are dressed as witches.


    Every child entering the restaurant gets to wear their favorite character''s costume. Little Mia transformed into the Little Mermaid, while Noah and Nathan were dressed as the Little Prince.


    Grandpa Clemens was also dressed in the attire of an old king, while Ss was ordant to his true profession, dressed as the butler from fairy tales.


    Grandpa Clemens, gazing at his reflection, let out a heartyugh. "I must say, it really suits the asion!"


    "Grandpa Clemens, you exude such grandeur!" Ssplimented him sincerely. Despite his age, he stood tall and full of vigor.


    The three children cheered with excitement, "Grandpa, you truly look like a king!"


    "If I''m a king, then you are my little princes and princess!" Grandpa Clemens beamed with joy as he led the children. "Let''s go dine!" "Yay, it''s time to eat!" Nathan shouted cheerfully.


    "Oops, I can''t walk!"


    Mia, the Little Mermaid, awkwardly wriggled her tail, unable to take a step, and nearly tumbled over.


    Thankfully, Prince Noah was quick to steady her.


    "Haha!" Grandpa Clemens burst outughing. "Adorable, yet mischievous! Our mermaid hasn''t turned into a human yet, so she can''t walk. Grandpa''s got you!" Saying this, Grandpa Clemens bent down to pick up Mia.


    "Oh no, I should do it," Ss said.


    "How inconsiderate!" Grandpa Clemens shot him a re and squatted down, saying, "Come on up, Mia!"


    Ss didn''t dare object any further.


    Mia mbered awkwardly onto Grandpa Clemens''s back, wrapping her arms around his neck, and shouted joyously, "Grandpa, you''re the best!"


    "You are so light. I could carry the three of you with no trouble at all," Grandpa Clemens said, feeling a surge of vitality. With one hand supporting Mia''s little legs and the other bracing against the wall, he stood up. But just as he straightened his back, a "crack" sounded, and his back seized up, rendering him unable to move.


    "Grandpa!" Ss quickly steadied Grandpa Clemens, asking, "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine, I''m fine," Grandpa Clemens replied, clutching his lower back, sweat beading on his forehead.


    "Grandpa, what''s wrong?" Mia''s little face turned pale with fright as she asked anxiously, "Am I too heavy?"


    "No, no, it''s not about you, Mia." Grandpa Clemens tried to straighten his back with some difficulty, still attempting to maintain his sense of humor. "It must be some witch who has hexed me!" "Grandpa..." Ss was very worried but didn''t have the heart to confront Grandpa Clemens.


    "Mia, get down," Noah said, noticing the issue, and quickly went to help Mia off.


    "No need, I can carry her," Grandpa Clemens insisted, still trying to act tough. "She is a three-year-old child. How could I not carry her? Back in my day, I was unbeatable in any fight." "At your age, you''re still showing off!"


    A haughty voice suddenly cut through.


    Noah looked up, his small brow furrowed, his eyes bing guarded.


    Micah reached out to take Mia from Grandpa Clemens''s back, intending to set her down on the ground, but the hem of her mermaid dress caught on the button of his sleeve, and for a moment, it wouldn''te free, so he held her aloft. "Let me down, let me down!"


    Mia was scared at the sight of this frightening stranger and started to cry, her chubby little face frowning and her small legs kicking as if she truly were a mermaid squirming her tail.


    "Quiet!" Micah said, holding her up in one hand and helping Grandpa Clemens with the other. "Are you okay? Do we need to head to the hospital?" "I''m fine!"


    Grandpa Clemens braced his aching back, looking up to see Micah twisting Mia''s arm as if she were a little chicken.


    Mia''s lips puckered in distress, her eyes brimming with tears as she pleaded for rescue, "Grandpa, save me!"


    Grandpa Clemens''s heart clenched in pain. With a swift smack on Micah''s head, he barked, "You little scoundrel, let go of my granddaughter!"

 Chapter 360 My Poor Dear

    Micah was utterly speechless. Who exactly was the apple of Grandpa Clemens'' eye?


    Without a word, Micah let go of Mia.


    "Ah!" Mia screamed, nearly toppling to the floor.


    However, her mermaid dress caught on Micah''s sleeve, slowing down her fall.


    In that moment, Mia clung to Micah''s arm tightly, her small legs carefully tucked within the folds of her skirt, terrified of falling. She looked absolutely endearing!


    Micah couldn''t help but smile from the deepest corner of his heart, amused by her clumsy demeanor, which so resembled Sadie''s.


    He casually hoisted Mia onto his shoulder, steadying her plump little bottom to keep her from slipping.


    Fearing the fall, Mia''s chubby hands clung tightly to his hair.


    Micah frowned, his expression darkening as he said, "Why are you pulling my hair?"


    "I... I''m scared of heights. Please help me!" Mia''s voice quivered adorably as she confessed.


    "You little scoundrel, what''s wrong with pulling your hair a little bit?" Grandpa Clemens snapped when he heard Mia''s crying. "You are too tall. You scared my little girl!" Micah''s forehead creased with three dark lines, a storm brewing on his face as he red at Mia.


    With her lips pursed like a little duck, tears burst from Mia''s eyes as she started sobbing loudly.


    At that very moment, Sadie, disguised as a janitor, had just snuck into the restaurant and overheard Mia''s cries. She looked up to see what was happening.


    Mia was perched on Micah''s shoulder, with Micah ring at her fiercely.


    One thought exploded in Sadie''s head: this devil was tormenting her little Mia!


    A rush of protectiveness surged through Sadie, and she charged with her mop.


    "Mia!" Noah, seeing his sister cry, rushed forward and shouted at Micah, "Let go of my sister!"


    "Bad guy! Let go of Mia!"


    Nathan wheeled over with his little fists raised menacingly at Micah.


    "You''re scaring her, you little scoundrel!"


    Grandpa Clemens was frantic to take Mia into his arms, but his back was throbbing with pain again.


    "Grandpa Clemens, don''t get mad," Ss said, quickly moving to support him.


    "You gotta take it easy at your age. There''s no need to be a hero."


    Micah, out of respect for Grandpa Clemens, stopped resisting and let Mia clutch his hair. He shot Noah and Nathan a cold look before turning and heading towards the dining table. He came face to face with Sadie, who was rushing towards them. Startled, she quickly scampered off with her mop.


    "Hey, let go of my sister!"


    Noah was shouting anxiously as he followed them.


    "Noah, Mia..." Nathan called out, attempting to catch up in his wheelchair.


    "Don''t worry, don''t worry, I''m here. He wouldn''t dare hurt Mia," Grandpa Clemens hurried to reassure everyone, then turned to Ss and ordered, "What are you waiting for? Help me over there."


    "Right away." Ss helped Grandpa Clemens to follow.


    A bodyguard pushed Nathan''s chair along behind them.


    Reaching the long table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Micah tried to get Mia off, but she clung to his hair out of fear.


    The more he pulled, the tighter she grasped, her chubby little body even trembling.


    "Will youe down or not?" Micah raised an eyebrow at her.


    Mia pouted, her chubby face scrunched up, and her eyes began to well with tears. She was on the brink of crying.


    "Don''t cry, don''t cry, please..." Micah hastily reassured her. "If you want to sit, you can."


    Mia managed to hold back her tears but continued to gaze at him with a pout, her eyes filled with unshed tears.


    Micah felt sweat forming on his forehead, inwardly puzzled by this being who seemed to cry at the slightest provocation, unable to be scolded, reprimanded, or even spoken to without tears welling up. Was he truly that intimidating?

 Chapter 361 Yanked Out Mr. Clemens Hair

    Micah didn''t dare to disturb Mia any further. He let her sit on his shoulders and then pulled out a chair to sit down.


    As Noah approached and saw that Micah wasn''t harming Mia but was instead carefully consoling her, he began to let his guard down. Micah looked at Noah and said in a peer-like manner, "Are you nning to let your sister sit on my shoulders forever?"


    Noah hesitated momentarily before hurriedly helping Mia down. "Mia,e down."


    Seeing her brother, Mia felt less scared and cautiously slid down from Micah''s shoulders...


    Andrew promptly stepped up to assist, ready to ce Mia on the chair beside Micah.


    "No, I don''t wanna sit beside him," Mia protested, her feet not yet touching the floor. "Alright, alright!" Andrew carried Mia to a chair on the opposite side. "Is this spot okay?" "Mhm." Mia nodded, pouting.


    Andrew gently ced her on the chair as if he were handling a fragile piece of ss.


    After ensuring she was seated securely, he breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had aplished a major task.


    Yet he still guarded her cautiously, fearing she might slip off the chair...


    "Mia, are you okay?" Noah asked with concern.


    "I''m okay." Mia shook her head. Then, noticing something in her hands, she raised her chubby hands and found a few strands of hair...


    "Uh..." Mia looked up at Micah with an innocent look and held out the hair. "Is this yours?"


    Such innocence! Andrew''s mouth twitched a few times. He was almost beside himself with frustration.


    Noah nced at the hair in her palm and then at Micah, feeling a bit sheepish.


    They were definitely in the wrong...


    Micah stared at the hair in Mia''s chubby hand, his face turning stormy like the looming dark clouds before a tempest...


    In his life, who had dared to sit on his shoulders?


    Who had dared to yank his hair while sitting on his shoulders?


    Who had dared to do all this and then rip his hair out???


    Only the plump little girl in front of him....


    Sadie, witnessing everything from a short distance, felt a surge of fear...


    What were they going to do? How could Mia have ended up on this devil''s shoulders and pulled out his hair?


    It was all over now. The devil was about to lose it!!!


    "What''s wrong?" Grandpa Clemens came over and noticed the strands of hair in Mia''s hand and Micah''s gloomy face. He coughed awkwardly and then offered a feeble constion. "You have so much hair. Losing a few strands won''t matter." Micah narrowed his eyes, utterly incredulous. "Are you really my grandfather?"


    "Nonsense!" Grandpa Clemens red at him. "You''re not seriously going to hold a grudge against a three-year-old, are you?"


    Micah fell silent. He was tumultuous inside, and his facial expressions were beyond control.


    "Sorry. I''m so sorry..." Mia apologized cautiously with her sweet and adorable voice. "I didn''t mean to do it!"


    Micah looked at her coldly, clearly wanting to get angry, but his anger seemed to quell inexplicably under her soft gaze, unable to re up.


    It was infuriatingly frustrating!


    At this moment, the server began to bring out the food, arranging an array of pretty, delicate pastries on the table, apanied by various drinks.


    Mia picked up a pink cotton candy that looked like a little cloud and offered it to Micah sincerely. "Here, for you. Don''t be mad!"


    Micah shot her a nce. He didn''t ept it and instead sipped his drink in silence.


    Mia stood up, leaned over the table, and extended the cotton candy to Micah. "I''m sorry, Big Guy, don''t be mad!"

 Chapter 362 Call Him Big Bro

    Micah was taken aback and looked up at her. "What did you just call me?"


    "Big Guy!" Mia''s face was full of innocence as she stuffed the cotton candy into Micah''s mouth and patted her plump hands with a smile. "Eat the cotton candy, and we''ll call it even, okay?" Micah sat frozen with the cotton candy stuffed in his mouth, mes burning in his eyes.


    Andrew cursed under his breath. Micah had his patience tested time and again by this little rascal today. His inner rage was boiling, yet he couldn''t vent it. His subordinates would have to bear the brunt of it. "Ahem!" Ss cleared his throat and warned in a low voice, "Mia, that''s not an appropriate title. You can''t call him that."


    "Why not?" Mia looked over, her confusion apparent.


    "Hahaha, kids will be kids. No harm done!" Grandpa Clemens roared withughter. In his heart, his three precious grandchildren could do no wrong.


    "Mia, you can''t call him that." Noah gently cautioned her. "We need to be polite!"


    "Okay." Mia pouted, looking aggrieved. "So, what should we call him?"


    "Call him Big Bro!" Nathan blurted out unexpectedly.


    "Whoa!" Grandpa Clemens was so surprised by hisment that he nearly choked on his coffee. He knew his little grandson had a penchant for martial arts, but he never realized the boy had such a streetwise edge, reminiscent of his own younger days.


    "Right, ording to seniority, Big Bro is proper," Noah agreed. "We''re Grandpa''s grandchildren, and so is he. Since he''s the oldest, we should call him Big Bro."


    Micah was at his wit''s end, a dark cloud of frustration brewing over him.


    What bad luck had he brought upon himself to end up here today?


    These creatures were untouchable, immune to scolding or stern looks...


    Or else they''d burst into tears and set his nerves on edge.


    So, regardless of what they said or did even if they plucked hair from his head or called him "Big guy"-he had to endure it...


    But since when did the word "endure" exist in Micah''s dictionary?


    Was it all for that foolish woman and her children with another man?


    A fire seethed in Micah''s chest. He couldn''t stand staying another second here. He abruptly stood up, ready to leave...


    The moment he stood up, he caught sight of a janitor lurking suspiciously near a pir. When their gazes met, she quickly turned away and scurried off with her mop in a panic. Micah''s eyes narrowed dangerously at the retreating figure...


    "Micah, calm down. I''ll get the car ready." Andrew mistook Micah''s intentions for leaving and gestured to the bodyguards.


    But then Micah sat back down and artfully ced a napkin on hisp, gearing up to dine. "Not leaving?" Grandpa Clemens asked, surprised at the sudden change in his behavior.


    "I won''t leave without eating." Micah took a sip of red wine and started cutting his steak.


    "Big Bro," Mia corrected herself, abandoning the nickname at her lips. Her voice timid, she continued, "Here, this is for you. Thank you for carrying me!"


    She extended her chubby hand, offering Micah a fried chicken wing.


    It was her favorite, thest one on her te, yet she chose to share it with Micah.


    Despite his stern and icy appearance that had even brought her to tears, he hadn''t mistreated her and had even carried her back to her seat...


    Mia, sensible as she was, knew she owed him thanks.


    Micah nced at Mia''s greasy little hand, then at the chicken wing and frowned...


    This little girl, just like her mother, liked eating with her hands.


    "Eat with a fork. Don''t use your hands," Micah instructed.


    "Oh!" Mia put the chicken wing down and meticulously cleaned her hands with a wet wipe before picking up the wing with a fork and offering it to him again. "It''s okay now!"

 Chapter 363 The Miracle Janitor

    Micah frowned at the chicken wing held up by the fork, his face a mask of disgust.


    Mia sensed the rejection. Her spirits fell as she lowered her head and withdrew the chicken wing.


    "Damned kid..." Grandpa Clemens began to scold.


    Micah reached out, took the chicken wing along with the fork, ced it on his te, and handed Mia a new fork.


    From a distance, Sadie''s lips curved into a pleased smile as she watched this scene. Although she didn''t intend to have her children recognize rtives, seeing this interaction still brought her joy. Mia giggled cheerfully, gesticting with her chubby hands. "These chicken wings are really tasty, Big Bro. Try it quickly."


    "Don''t call me that!" Micah frowned.


    Mia froze, her lips pursing in a pout.


    Sadie''s brow knitted. The devilish nature of Micah''s mood swings-making Miaugh one moment and cry the next, joyful now and sulking shortly after-was concerning.


    This couldn''t be good.


    "Don''t scare the child." Grandpa Clemens shot him a look, though his tone had softened considerably. After all, his fastidious grandson epting a chicken wing that Mia had held was already a concession. He used to worry that Micah would choose to be childfree, as the young man had always disliked children and seemed indifferent and cynical about love...


    Now, seeing some improvement in his interaction with Mia, Grandpa Clemens felt reassured.


    "Here, Mia, eat." Noah moved the chicken wing from his te to Mia''s and grabbed a little cupcake for her. "Once we finish eating, we should go home early. Mommy is waiting for us." "Okay." Mia nodded and started eating.


    "Don''t rush, kids. I''ll drive you back hometer," Grandpa Clemens said lovingly. Then he instructed the manager, "Bring them some more chicken wings. The kids haven''t had enough." "Right away." The manager promptly made arrangements.


    "I hurt my leg today and missed out on a lot of fun," Nathanined, a touch of dejection in his voice. "Grandpa, can wee back when my leg''s better?"


    "Of course," Grandpa Clemens answered. "We cane back tomorrow or anytime you like. I''lle pick you up whenever you''re ready."


    "But Grandpa, we have preschool tomorrow." Noah was the only one mindful of their schedule. "We''re only free on the weekend!"


    "That works too. I''ll pick you up on the weekend," Grandpa Clemens said with a smile.


    "Yay, we cane back this weekend!" Nathan waved his arms excitedly.


    "We shoulde earlier next time so we can y more." Mia puffed out her cheeks with glee. "Next time, I want to dress up as Princess Elsa."


    "Hahaha, seeing you guys having so much fun makes me happy too." Grandpa Clemens smiled widely while looking at them. "If there''s anything else you want, let me know. I''ll have the waiter bring it over." "I want ice cream!" Mia immediately raised her hand.


    "Me too..." Nathan also raised his hand.


    "Alright, it''sing right up!"


    Grandpa Clemens gestured to the restaurant manager, who was standing by, and he promptly instructed someone to take care of it.


    "Ah!" Andrew suddenly eximed.


    Everyone turned to look and saw that Micah had identally knocked over his te with the chicken wing that Mia had given him, which had rolled off of him and onto the floor.


    "Did you get your clothes dirty?" Andrew craned his neck to look. "If they are, I''ll have someone bring you a change of clothes."


    "Don''t worry about it. Let''s have someone clean up first." Micah wiped his clothes with a napkin, his movements calm and graceful.


    The restaurant manager, who was waiting behind them, immediately came forward with a waiter to clean up.


    Micah nced at a "janitor" not too far away and casually knocked over the wine ss in front of him.


    The ss tipped off the table and rolled onto the floor. Red wine spilled everywhere...


    "I''m so sorry, Mr. Clemens. I''ll get the janitor right away," the manager apologized. He beckoned to the "janitor" nearby. "Come quick!"

 Chapter 364 Deliberately Provoking Her

    Sadie saw someone waving at her. She wanted to avoid it, but he had already shouted "janitor", and many people were looking at her. If she avoided them now, it would be too suspicious...


    And it would be embarrassing to have her identity exposed in public.


    So Sadie could only bite the bullet and go over.


    "There''s been a spill. Please clean it up," the manager directed.


    "Okay." Sadie started picking up the pieces of broken ss on the floor while being careful not to be recognized.


    Micah had moved his chair aside and was sitting to one side, meticulously wiping the stains off his hands with a wet wipe.


    "Micah, shall I apany you to change your clothes?" Andrew asked gingerly.


    "No need. Only the jacket is dirty." Micah took off his jacket and handed it to Andrew. Then he picked up his wine ss and continued drinking.


    "Wow, you''ve got muscles!" Nathan eximed upon seeing Micah''s strong and toned physique. Eagerly, he asked, "Big Bro, how do you work out?"


    Sadie, who was cleaning up, paused and looked up at Micah. ''Big bro? What''s going on?''


    "Boxing," Micah answered simply.


    "You box? What kind of boxing?" Nathan''s interest was immediately piqued. His hand holding the knife and fork paused as he eagerly anticipated Micah''s response. "I know every fighting style," Micah replied indifferently.


    "Really? I''d love to spar." Nathan was obsessed with martial arts.


    "Spar with me?" Micah chuckled. "I could beat you with just one finger!"


    "Psh, I don''t believe you." Nathan pouted defiantly, waving his little fists. "My leg is injured right now, but once it''s healed, I''ll show you what I''m made of."


    "We''ll see about that!" Micah didn''t even nce at him and continued sipping his wine.


    Mia handed Grandpa Clemens a piece of candy. Her voice sweet and endearing, she said, "Grandpa, we''re starting preschool tomorrow, and we can''t wear our smartwatches there. If you miss us, you can call us after school." "Why can''t you wear smartwatches? What if you get lost likest time?" Grandpa Clemens frowned.


    "I don''t know. The teacher said we can''t wear them at preschool." Mia yed with the cherry ice cream in her bowl.


    "What''s the name of your preschool?" Grandpa Clemens asked.


    "Sunflower Nursery!" Mia raised her hands and beamed. "That''s the name!"


    "Mhm." Grandpa Clemens gave Ss a meaningful look.


    Ss immediately understood and stepped aside to take care of it.


    "You shouldn''t spoil the kids like that," Micahmented quietly.


    "That''s how I like it," Grandpa Clemens retorted irritably.


    Micah couldn''t care less about arguing with him. He nced down at the janitor crouching nearby, busily cleaning, and a smirk yed on his lips. "Since you love these kids so much, why not just have them move in with you? Their house is too small. Shuttling back and forth isn''t convenient."


    Sadie tensed up, a sense of urgency in her heart, quietly hoping to herself, ''No, don''t agree...''


    "That sounds great!" Grandpa Clemens embraced the idea warmly and lovingly asked, "Kids, how about you stay over at Grandpa''s ce? I can take you to preschool every day and pick you up after."


    "Yeah!" Mia answered without hesitation, her little chubby hands rubbing together excitedly. "Then, can we stille here to y after school?"


    "Of course." Grandpa Clemens nodded with a smile. Then he said to Nathan, "I can even get a coach to teach you how to fight. You can learn any style you want."


    "Really? Awesome!" Nathan gestured excitedly with his fists. "Can I learn Taekwondo?"


    "No problem. I''ll have the world''s best Taekwondo instructore and teach you," Grandpa Clemens said. Just as he was about to signal Ss to make the arrangements...

 Chapter 365 Grandpa Will Buy for You

    "Grandpa!" Noah suddenly spoke up. "We''re touched by your kindness, but we can''t move in with you."


    "Why not?" Grandpa Clemens felt a hint of disappointment.


    "Because we have Mommy, and Brenda, and Coco," Noah said earnestly, tilting his little head. "Brenda got sick taking care of us, and Mommy''s injured and still healing. We can''t leave her alone at home." "What a good boy!" Grandpa Clemens was deeply moved and stroked Noah''s hair tenderly. "You''re such a thoughtful child!"


    "Grandpa, we''re sorry. We need to look after Mommy and Brenda." Nathan bowed his head in guilt.


    "Right." Mia fought back tears, her voice choking. "Mommy hurt her back and can''t hold me. We need to take care of Mommy and go to the hospital to visit Brenda."


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens, seeing both children on the verge of tears, hurriedlyforted them. "You don''t have toe to Grandpa''s now. When Brenda and your mother are better, you''ll all go over to my ce as guests." When Sadie heard this, a wave of relief washed over her. Thest thing she wanted was to visit his house. She was afraid she''d be kicked out before even stepping through the door...


    "I will arrange for the best doctors to treat them." Grandpa Clemens immediatelymanded Ss, "Contact Memorial Medical Center..."


    "No need!" Micah interrupted Grandpa Clemens. "I''ve got it all sorted."


    "Huh?" Grandpa Clemens was taken aback. "When did you do that?"


    "Just the other day when I took the kids home." Micah nced at Noah. "I handled it then."


    "Right." Noah also nced at Micah and reassured Grandpa Clemens, "Brenda and Mommy are getting excellent care. You can rest easy."


    "That''s good to hear." Grandpa Clemens advised Micah, "Make sure to get the best doctors."


    "I''ve put Dahlia in charge," Micah replied. "Isn''t that enough?"


    "I trust Dahlia''s expertise." Grandpa Clemens nodded. Then he turned to the three children. "Don''t worry, kids. Your mother and Brenda will be better soon." "Thank you, Grandpa!" the three little ones chorused in gratitude.


    "For safety, you should still wear your kiddie watches to preschool so that you can call me immediately if there''s any danger," Grandpa Clemens instructed. "But..."


    "Don''t worry about the teachers. I now own Sunflower Nursery," Grandpa Clemens announced with a smile. "From now on, I make the rules!" "What?" All three children''s eyes widened in shock.


    Sadie was also stunned. Did the old man already know these three were his great-grandchildren?


    Such a grand gesture!


    "Grandpa, you bought the whole preschool?" Nathan asked incredulously. "Really?"


    "To be precise, I''ve acquired the entire Sunflower Nursery Education Group, including-How many is it?" Grandpa Clemens looked at Ss.


    "Twenty-six preschools, seventeen private elementary and middle schools, and fifty-two training institutions..." Ss reported with a smile. "In any case, the two young masters and the little princess won''t have to worry about school anymore!" "Uh..." Mia''s eyes, big and round as grapes, were wide with disbelief.


    "Isn''t this the education group that belongs to Billy?" Noah asked with confusion. "I thought I heard his mom and grandma say that the Potters were the major shareholders?"


    "The Potters pulled out their investment a long time ago. Now, Sunflower Nursery is run by the Clemens." Grandpa Clemens grinned smugly. "Do you want anything? Just tell Grandpa, and I''ll buy it for you!"


    Micah was at a loss for words, visibly displeased. "Old man, none of them carry the Clemens name!"

 Chapter 366 Doubting the Childrens Father

    "You little bbermouth," Grandpa Clemens scolded before quickly reassuring the three tots, "Kids, don''t mind him."


    "Grandpa, you''re so good to us." Mia clung to Grandpa Clemens, her cute and sweet voice nearly melting his heart.


    "Grandpa, when I grow up, I''ll repay you!" Nathan dered confidently, patting his little chest. "I''m going to make something of myself, and then, whatever you want, I will buy it for you!" "Hahaha, great!" Grandpa Clemensughed heartily, clearly thrilled.


    "That kid sure has a way with words." Andrew chuckled appreciatively. "No wonder he''s got the old man wrapped around his finger."


    Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Noah reined it in quickly and didn''t fall into Micah''s trap.


    But she noticed that Micah seemed to be deliberately performing for her. Had he recognized her?


    Not daring to linger, she quickly gathered her things to leave.


    "Wait!" Micah suddenly said.


    Sadie stopped in her tracks, head bowed, waiting for his instructions.


    "There''s more here." Micah pointed to a wine stain on the table.


    Reluctantly, Sadie went over to clean the table.


    Noah frowned, watching Sadie with a mix of turbulent thoughts in his eyes.


    "Grandfather, did you get the parents'' consent for all those arrangements?" Micah asked deliberately. "What if the children''s father doesn''t like it?"


    When the three children heard this, their spirits dampened. They had faced ridicule for not having a father at the daycare...


    "Why are you asking so many questions?" Grandpa Clemens had long suspected that the kids came from a single-parent household and didn''t want to reopen their wounds. "What''s your dad''s name?" Micah ignored the elder and pressed on.


    The three kids exchanged helpless nces, unsure of how to respond.


    Sadie''s anger red, her hand trembling as it gripped the cloth, furious at Micah''s intentional provocation.


    Putting her on the spot was one thing, but why cause distress to the children in front of so many people?


    She longed to p him across the face!


    "Didn''t your mom tell you?" Micah asked proddingly.


    "Why should we tell you?" Noah red at him angrily. "Don''t you think it''s impolite to keep prying into other people''s business?"


    Micah was taken aback by Noah''s angry response. He couldn''t believe that they had no idea that Mason was their father, given how close Mason had been with them.


    Even if the kids didn''t know, wouldn''t Mason want to acknowledge them?


    Could this silly woman have... concocted a lie to deceive him?


    ''The children aren''t Mason''s?''


    This thought shed through Micah''s mind, and he suddenly felt a rush of excitement. Just as he was about to probe further, the juice ss in front of him was knocked over, spilling all its contents on him...


    Micah frowned and stared coldly at the "janitor" beside him.


    He knew it was intentional.


    "I''m so sorry. I didn''t mean to," Sadie apologized profusely while wiping his clothes with the cloth she had used for the table.


    "Get away from me!" Micah pushed her irritably. She stumbled to the floor...


    Noah suddenly stood up and cried out, "Mommy!"


    Everyone looked at him. Grandpa Clemens asked with confusion, "Noah, what''s wrong?"


    "I..." Noah quickly averted his eyes and hurriedly said, "I just remembered that Mommy''s home alone and hasn''t eaten dinner yet."


    "That''s right. We need to take something back for Mommy to eat." Mia immediately began to pack the food from her te into a bag to take home for her mother.


    "I also want to bring something for Mommy to eat." Nathan joined in to help her.


    "No need for that. I''ll have someone pack up something fresh," Grandpa Clemens quickly suggested. "You good kids eat up. Once everything''s ready, I''ll drive you home."

 Chapter 367 What If Theyre Mine

    "Thanks, Grandpa!" The children thanked him in unison.


    By now, Sadie had picked herself up off the floor, and the restaurant manager was quietly scolding her. With her head down, she quickly left with a mop in her hand. Micah suddenly stood up, tied his jacket around his waist, and hurried after her...


    Noah watched their retreating figures, his brows furrowed with worry that the bad man would hurt his mother. He slid off his chair and said, "Grandpa, I need to go to the bathroom." "Noah, I''ll apany you." Ss walked over to join him.


    ...


    Sadie entered the restroom, set her things down, and prepared to leave.


    Her main reason for being here today was to ensure the kids'' safety. Now that she saw how well Grandpa Clemens was treating them, she felt relieved.


    And since they were going to head back soon, there was no reason for her to stay any longer.


    Feeling the weight of Micah''s suspicion growing heavier, Sadie knew she had to leave before he uncovered the truth. She swiftly ced the cleaning supplies in the maintenance closet of thedies'' room, peeled off her gloves, and prepared to make her exit.


    As she turned to leave, a familiar, towering figure suddenly filled the doorway.


    "Ah!" Sadie gasped. This was the first time she hadid eyes on him since her escape from the hospital, the first time she was confronting him up close...


    The days they had been apart were fraught with turmoil. Her emotions had been a rollercoaster, nearly leading to a breakdown. With her fate and that of her children in his hands, escaping him seemed futile. His influence was inescapable. Facing him again after several days, Sadie felt a rush of fear and trepidation.


    Taking a deep breath, she lowered her gaze, feigning ignorance. "This is thedies'' room, sir. You''ve entered the wrong ce."


    Micah was silent and just watched her with a cold stare.


    Sadie tried to sidestep him, but as she drew near, he grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the wall with domineering force. "What are you doing?!" she cried out in a panic. "Do cleaners entice you?"


    Disguised as a cleaner in unttering attire, with a cap on her head and reeking of disinfectant, Sadie felt that she was unrecognizable.


    "Are you really a cleaner?" Micah''s hand gently brushed her hair aside and then tilted her chin up, forcing her to look him in the eye. With a mocking chuckle, he said, "No matter what disguise you wear, I''ll recognize those eyes anywhere." With that, he rudely tore off her mask...


    Her beautiful, innocent face was revealed, showing restrained anger and fiery indignation sparkling in her eyes.


    "You recognized me all along." Sadie red at him in usation. "You''ve been deliberately making things difficult, questioning my kids right in front of me."


    "Questioning?" Micah scoffed with a dismissiveugh. "I''ve been more than fair to them."


    Sadie bit her tongue. To her surprise, his treatment of the kids had appeared decent...


    "They really don''t know who their father is?" Micah taunted while forcing her chin up to meet his gaze. "Mason has been around them enough. Haven''t they recognized each other?" "What''s it to you?" Sadie retorted with a deep frown.


    "Are the kids Mason''s?" Micah probed with a prating stare.


    "Of course they are..." Sadie averted her eyes, unable to meet his gaze.


    "Just so you know..." A sinister smile crept onto Micah''s lips, his voiceced with a veiled threat. "I can have Mason and those bastards taken in for paternity testing at any time."


    "You..." Overwrought, Sadieshed out without thinking, "Are you sick? What does the identity of their father have to do with you? Why can''t you just leave it alone?"


    "Of course it matters..." Micah''s cold, thin lips grazed her beautiful cheek as he whispered into her ear, "What if they''re mine?"

 Chapter 368 Come at Me

    Sadie''s body jolted, panic shing in her eyes, but she quickly retorted, "How is that possible? Get your head out of the clouds." "Really?" Micah pinched her cheek and pulled her towards him. "Let''s do a paternity test then."


    "Are you out of your mind?" Sadie cursed in agitation. "Don''t touch my children!!!"


    "It seems you''ve forgotten the vows you made the night beforest." Micah sneered wickedly. "No matter how many lessons you receive, you never learn. So, you''ll have to be reminded every single day..." Micah stripped off Sadie''s janitor uniform, revealing her delicately enticing body, now as vulnerable as a flower bud without its wrapping...


    "What are you doing?" Sadie panicked. She tried to struggle, but Micah turned her around and pressed her against the wall.


    "Micah, stop messing around. Someone coulde in at any moment." Sadie certainly knew what he wanted. Trembling with fear, she whispered anxiously, "Please, I''m begging you..."


    "It was you who provoked me first!" Micah pulled down her pants, intent on taking her from behind.


    "No, please..." Sadie was on the verge of tears.


    "I can go in by myself. Thank you, Grandpa Ss!" Suddenly, Noah''s voice came from outside.


    "Alright, I''ll wait for you out here," Ss replied.


    Sadie quickly covered her mouth, not daring to make a sound.


    Micah halted his movements, frowning and waiting for Noah to leave.


    But Noah didn''t head towards the men''s restroom. Instead, he stood by the door of the women''s and whispered, "Mommy, Mommy..."


    Sadie clenched her mouth shut, twisting her head and begging Micah with her eyes to let her go.


    Despite Micah''s cold face and chilly gaze, he relented and let her go.


    Sadie hurriedly straightened her clothes.


    "Young Master Noah, why aren''t you going in?" Ss walked over.


    "Oh, I''m going right now." Noah entered the men''s restroom, aware that his mother''s disguise was meant to keep her from being recognized...


    Hearing the voices outside, Sadie breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Damned luck," Micah muttered with a frown.


    Remembering the lessons from thest time her children had gone missing, Sadie softened her tone and pleaded humbly, "Micah, if you''re upset,e at me, but please don''t hurt my children!" "Alright!" Micah spread his arms. "You''ve stained my clothes. Now clean them up!"


    Sadie stared at him, stunned. His white shirt and pants were soaked with juice...


    "This is impossible to clean up," Sadie said timidly. "Just change your clothes. I''ll take this set for dry cleaning aspensation."


    "Well, then, get me a change." Micah raised an eyebrow icily.


    "I..." Sadie was at a loss for words. Indeed, it was her fault that his clothes were dirty, so it was only right for her to find him new clothes to change into. Suddenly, the devil was making sense, and she had nothing to counter with.


    "There''s a mall right next door. How about I buy you a new outfit and bring it here?" Sadie asked tentatively.


    "We''ll go together." Micah picked up his jacket from the floor and tied it around his waist again.


    "Do we have to?" Sadie really didn''t want to go with him. "You haven''t finished your dinner, and your grandfather is still here."


    "You think I can keep dining, looking like this?" Micah pointed at himself.


    "Alright," Sadie conceded reluctantly. "You go first. I''ll be right there."


    "Hurry up!" Micah red at her before swiftly exiting.


    Sadie tidied up the janitor''s clothes, ced them in the utility closet, washed her hands, put on a mask and hat, and hurried off...


    Noah came out of the restroom just in time to see her leaving. He thought about following her, but Ss approached, so Noah pretended not to notice.

 Chapter 369 Brown-nosing

    With the brim of her hat pulled low, Sadie hurried outside, but a staff member stopped her to ask questions since she wasn''t with a child. Micah stood at the entrance, watching her impassively, waiting for her to seek his help.


    Instead, she humbly preferred to exin to the staff member.


    Micah gestured to Andrew, who stepped in to resolve the situation, and the employee retreated hastily.


    Sadie walked quickly towards Micah.


    Yet he nced at her with disdain and left without a word.


    All the women around were gawking at him with admiration, specting excitedly, "Is that hottie a celebrity? Why haven''t I seen him on TV?"


    "I haven''t either, but his demeanor screams VIP."


    "He looks almost exactly like Grandpa Clemens. He must be rted to Grandpa Clemens."


    "Really? Could he be Grandpa Clemens'' grandson, the father of those three famous babies?"


    "Maybe..."


    Hearing this, Sadie felt a twinge of unease. Was it that obvious?


    Her daughter, Mia, didn''t resemble Micah much, which was why she could deceive Micah by iming the child wasn''t his.


    But why then were so many people guessing he was the father?


    As Sadie watched Micah''s retreating figure, she couldn''t helpparing him to her own Mia, and then she thought about it. Although they didn''t look that simr, Noah and Nathan did seem to have Micah''s vibe... Especially Noah, even his gaze was strikingly simr!


    "Hurry up!" Micah turned and snapped at her sharply.


    "Oh." Sadie hurried to catch up to him.


    Together, they entered the mall, where Micah once again became the center of attention. However, he didn''t feel pride but had an air of annoyance.


    People were taking pictures of Micah and Sadie. Sadie, wearing a mask and a hat, was indifferent, but Micah didn''t want to be exposed in the media. One re from him was enough to make those people freeze.


    Sadie sighed, feeling that going out with this man was a disaster. Everywhere they went, they became the center of attention, with absolutely no privacy.


    Sadie just wanted to get away from Micah as soon as possible, so she pulled him into a clothing store nearby.


    "Wee!" A female store attendant greeted them. "We''re having a sale, 20% off everything. Feel free to pick anything you like, and you can try them on to see if they suit you. Over there, we have clearance items at a 50% discount!" "Clearance? Which ones?" Sadie''s eyes lit up at the mention of a deal.


    "Everything on this rack." The attendant led her to the clearance area, but her eyes kept admiring Micah. "Although the clothing on this gentleman isn''t branded, the quality and cut are obviously high-end. Does he have any interest in these clearance items?"


    "It''s just a quick fix. It doesn''t matter." Sadie picked out the cheapest set. "These will do. Please find his size for me."


    "Right away." The attendant went to fetch the clothing.


    "You''re kidding, right? You expect me to wear those?" Micah''s face turned sour. "Even my house cleaner wouldn''t wear them."


    "You''ll only wear them for a bit and then go back. Why do you need something expensive?" Sadie blurted out and then quickly stered on a smile. "Besides, you have a great figure. Anything looks good on you." "Really?" This did the trick. Micah seemed to buy into the ttery and checked himself out in the mirror. "I have a great figure?"


    "Of course. You have the best build among all the men I know." Sadie wasn''t shy aboutying it on thick. "Even regr clothes can''t hide your unique charm!"


    Micah red at her from the mirror. "Phony!"


    "Found them!" The attendant reappeared with the clothes, eager to assist. "Sir, do you need help with changing?"

 Chapter 370 Shopping with Mr. Clemens

    Micah frowned at Sadie.


    She was still browsing other clothes, not noticing him at all. Feeling ignored, Micah let out a displeased growl. "Sadie!"


    Sadie shivered and hurried over. "What''s wrong?"


    "Help me change," Micah said while striding straight into a fitting room.


    Left with little choice, Sadie took the clothes from the sales attendant''s hand and followed him in. But just as she entered, she remembered a white T-shirt she had picked out but forgot to bring with her, so she went back to grab it. This was when she overheard the sales girls speaking to a colleague at the cash register...


    "That guy earlier was so hot. He oozes charisma. But that girl looks so shabby. I don''t get what he sees in her."


    Seeing Sadie, the colleague hurriedly gestured for the sales girl to stop talking. "Shh."


    The sales girl turned around and saw Sadie. Her face stiffened with embarrassment.


    Without saying a word, Sadie picked up the T-shirt, ready to return to the fitting room.


    But Micah stepped out, discarded the piece of clothing she was holding, and grabbed her hand to leave.


    "Hey handsome, you don''t want the clothes?" the sales girl called after them.


    "Seeing your shabby attitude made me lose my appetite," Micah snapped back coldly.


    The sales girl stood frozen, her expression sour...


    Sadie looked up at him deeply. Regardless of everything else, she found his protective nature quite endearing.


    "Are you out of your mind?" Micah roughly pinched her cheek, his tone annoyed. "They insulted you, but you didn''t even know to fight back?"


    "It wasn''t really an insult, just a casual snark," Sadie said with an awkward smile. "Besides, she wasn''t wrong. Next to you, I do look a bit shabby."


    "Didn''t I give you two million? You didn''t even use that money to buy a house. Do you have to be so frugal?" Micah frowned at her. "A discount to $10 a piece, and you thought that was a good deal?" "We''ve got a long way ahead, so we should save every bit where we can." Sadie tugged at the clothes she was wearing. "I got a bunch of these T-shirts online for $5 each and bought ten to rotate through." Micah was speechless. He pulled Sadie over to the directory kiosk, searched for brands, and then took her straight up to the third floor, the domain of high-endbels.


    "I can''t afford the clothes here," Sadie protested while clinging to a column, refusing to enter.


    "I''m buying." Micah walked in without a second thought.


    "If you''re paying, that changes things." Sadie quickly followed. "Hey, since you''re buying the clothes, let me at least get you a pair of socks!"


    "Deal!" As soon as Micah stepped into the store, several associates greeted them warmly, "Wee!"


    "Show me your store''stest collection, for both men and women." Micah settled on a sofa, crossed his legs with poise, and patted the seat next to him, inviting Sadie to sit. "What are you waiting for? Come sit!"


    After Saide rushed over to sit beside him, she was immediately greeted by two servers bringing freshly ground coffee and pastries. Other people crouched down to assist them with swapping their shoes for slippers. Sadie had been pampered like this before, but having not visited this ce in over four years, it all felt strangely foreign to her, and her anxiety grew.


    After the servers swapped their footwear forfy slippers, they proceeded to manage their coats.


    Leaning towards Micah, Sadie whispered, "Are you sure you''re picking up the tab?"


    Micah looked at her with a cold, annoyed gaze.


    "Alright, alright, I''ll drop it," Sadie conceded, knowing his patience was wearing thin, changed the subject. "Don''t forget. I promised you a pair of socks as a peace offering!"


    "I want white ones," Micah replied unabashedly.


    "No problem." Sadie got up to choose the socks. But upon seeing the price tag, her face turned pale with shock. A pair of men''s socks cost $1,888!

 Chapter 371 A Rare Patience

    After four years of scraping by, how could Sadie, who grabbed socks on clearance for just $18.80 for a box, bring herself to splurge on a pair that cost $1,888? But the words were out, and there was no turning back now. With a sigh, she bit the bullet, bought the white socks, asked the clerk to wrap them nicely, and handed them to Micah. "Here, I got these for you. I''ve already paid!"


    Micah opened the package and examined the white socks. It was a in-looking pair, nothing special, but he couldn''t be happier. It was the first gift he had ever received from Sadie. The corner of his mouth curled into a smile. "Thank you!" "Huh?" Sadie was taken aback, almost certain she had misheard. She couldn''t recall ever hearing him say these words before and had begun to think that he simply didn''t know how. Now, hearing them, she started to doubt her ears. "Good evening, sir." A sales associate approached with enthusiasm. "These are thetest seasonal arrivals for both men''s and women''s wear. Please feel free to try anything on."


    Several clerks wheeled racks of clothing over, eagerly urging Micah to browse.


    "Let''s take a look." Micah nodded slightly.


    "I don''t need to try anything on. It''s not like I''ll get a chance to wear such clothes," Sadie remarked, eyeing the garments on the racks. They were indeed beautiful. She had enjoyed picking out this brand when her father was alive. But now, even if she bought them, she felt she had no asion to wear any.


    Micah, uninterested in small talk, stood up, picked out a suit for himself, and then casually selected seven dresses for Sadie. "Come on, try these on!"


    "I said I didn''t want to..." Sadie attempted to refuse, but knowing Micah''s temperament, she didn''t want to make a fuss in front of so many people, so she reluctantly agreed to try them on.


    "Thedies'' changing room is right over here." Two female clerks ushered Sadie away, while two male clerks attended to Micah.


    Micah quickly changed into the fresh clothes, instantly feeling morefortable, and the slight furrow in his brow eased. Meanwhile, Sadie stepped out of the dressing room in the first shirt dress. Standing before the mirror, she regarded her reflection as if she were looking at a stranger.


    "That looks good. You can wear it on a business trip," Micah suggested, finishing with his cufflinks and stepping out.


    Sadie looked up to see Micah, freshly attired and still infuriatingly handsome. The suit was a touch more casual than his usual attire, lending him a softer edge to his usually imposing demeanor. "It looks good on you." She eyed him up and down. "How much is it?"


    "One hundred and eighty-three thousand," the clerk replied with a polite smile.


    "Uh..." Sadie swallowed and looked down at her own shirt dress. "And how much for this one?"


    "Oh, this piece is not that expensive. It''s sixty-eight thousand," the clerk replied with a respectful tone.


    "Let''s just forget it..." Sadie thought of changing back.


    "Wrap it up!" Micahmanded directly. "Try on something else."


    "Do we have to?" Sadie whispered. "Why on earth are you buying me clothes?"


    "You gave me a gift. I should return the favor." Micah tapped the sock gift box beside him. "Go on. I''m rarely this patient."


    "Miss, right this way, please." The service here was proper, not overly eager yet warm and polite.


    Reluctantly, Sadie continued trying on clothes, and in the end, Micah bought all seven outfits he picked for her, including several pairs of high heels and two sets of jewelry.


    When it came time to pay, the total was over two million. three hundred thousand.


    Sadie''s heart bled, but Micah casually remarked, "Just make do with these for now. I''ll have my designer tailor something for youter."


    "The gentleman is so kind to hisdy. I''m envious!" a clerk couldn''t helpplimenting.


    Sadie''s face turned crimson, and she quickly rified. "No, you''re mistaken..."


    "It''s fine." Micah cut Sadie off and gestured at the pile of bags. "Grab them, let''s go!"

 Chapter372 Going to My Place

    All the warmth from before seemed to descend upon them again...


    But since when did a woman have to carry the shopping bags?


    Yet, with Micah, that was exactly the case.


    From a young age, he never had to carry things himself. In his world, that was the norm!


    Sadie found it ridiculous, but she could only follow behind Micah,den with bags...


    "Sir, your previous outfit has been packaged for you," the clerk called out, running after them.


    "Trash it," Micah said without looking back.


    "Uh..." The clerk was stunned. That suit was more expensive than everything they had bought this eveningbined, and he just wanted to throw it away? What a waste...


    "Don''t throw it away. Give it to me." Sadie hurriedly took the clothes. "Thank you!"


    "You''re wee."


    They descended the esctor. Micah was only holding the sock gift box, hisother hand in his pocket.


    Sadie, loaded down with bags, followed behind, looking every bit like a personal assistant.


    At that moment, her phone rang, and she had to set the bags on the floor to fish her phone out of her pocket to answer the call. "Hello, Noah, are you home yet? Mommy''s fine. I''ll be back soon." While Sadie was still on the call, the elevator doors opened. Clumsily, she held her phone between her face and shoulder and tried to gather the purchases.


    Micah looked back at her but didn''t show any sign of helping her carry them.


    Sadie silently cursed the man for hisck of chivalry, annoyance gnawing at her.


    "I''m at the mall shopping. It''s alright. Don''t worry...


    "I''m hanging up now. Mommy will be home in half an hour at most. Is the nurse taking care of you guys? Go take your baths. I''ll tell you a story when I get back..." After Sadie ended the call, her phone slipped from her grasp and fell to the floor. She eximed in surprise and quickly crouched to pick it up.


    Micah paused and turned back to wait for her.


    At that moment, some young guys walked by and caught sight of Sadie. Their eyes lit up.


    It was then that Micah noticed Sadie was wearing her new shirt dress, which barely covered her hips, and crouching down meant she might reveal too much...


    He immediately walked over, stood behind her to block any risky angles, and gave the young men a sharp look.


    The young men quickly looked away and walked around them.


    "Why didn''t you help me pick it up?" Sadie said, frustrated yet helpless. "The screen''s cracked now!"


    "Why didn''t you ask for help if you needed it?" Micah effortlessly picked up the bags and helped her up. "You can''t even walk without trouble. What can you do?" "You..." Sadie was speechless. Did this man have only one track mind? Couldn''t he see her struggle with the bags and offer to help instead of ming her for not asking? "Micah!" At that moment, Andrew arrived in a hurry with his bodyguard.


    "Perfect timing." Micah handed over the bags except for the box of socks, which he kept for himself.


    The bodyguard quickly took the items and followed them.


    The group exited the mall, where a car was already prepared at the entrance.


    The bodyguard opened the rear door and bowed respectfully in wait.


    Micah got into the car directly.


    "I''ll just take a cab outside. Thank you," Sadie said, wanting to get home sooner.


    "Get in," Micah ordered.


    Sadie knew better than to disobey him and got into the car.


    The bodyguard ced the newly purchased clothes in the trunk and then got into the car behind them.


    The car started and slowly pulled away.


    Sadie checked the time on her phone, eager to get home as soon as possible, but she quickly realized that the car wasn''t heading towards Blissful Lane but rather toward the Clemens residence''s direction. She asked anxiously, "Where are we going?"


    "To my house," Micah replied, spinning his phone in his palm.


    "I need to go home," Sadie pressed. "The kids are waiting for me."

 Chapter 373 Reluctant Farewell

    Micah ignored her and just silently stared out the window as if her concerns didn''t matter.


    Sadie''s brows were tightly furrowed with worry, but she knew that a head-on confrontation, like in the past, would only backfire.


    She took a deep breath and softened her tone. "There''s been a lot happening at home recently, and the kids feel insecure. I really need to be there for them. Once Brenda''s back, I''ll make it up to you, okay?" "How long will that be?" Micah finally spoke, his voice detached, but he opened a door for dialogue.


    "It shouldn''t be too long. You''ll have to check with Doctor Rey." Sadie watched his expression closely. "I start my job tomorrow. We''ll see each other at the office."


    "The office?" Micah leaned in close, his hand slowly wandering up under her shirt dress, his cold lips gently grazing her earlobe. "That''s not a bad idea."


    Sadie knew what he was implying and quickly rified, "I meant seeing each other, not... you know..."


    "Stop pretending." Micah captured her earlobe with his teeth, his hot breath stirring her already frantic heart. "Your body doesn''t lie..." "Micah... oh..."


    Before she could finish, Micah''s lips sealed hers.


    His imposing kiss pried her lips apart and invaded her mouth, iming every inch of territory fiercely...


    Sadie couldn''t resist his kiss. She could only yield as he took what he desired, but her anxiety caused her delicate frame to tremble in his arms...


    Up front in the driver''s cabin, Andrew sensed themotion behind and quietly drew the partition.


    The driver, the same n as before, was just as jittery asst time. His hands were shaking on the steering wheel, his face flushed crimson.


    "Cough, cough!" Andrew cleared his throat andmanded in a low voice, "Focus on the road."


    "Oh!" n responded, then cautiously asked, "Why does Micah always like it in the car?"


    "It''s the thrill," Andrew replied nonchntly.


    "Huh?" n couldn''tprehend.


    "Don''t ask if you don''t get it. Just drive," Andrew ordered coldly.


    "Oh!"


    ...


    "Forget it, I''ll let you go!" Micah didn''t go further. At the critical moment, he reluctantly pulled away from Sadie, rested his forehead against hers, and cupped her face with one hand, silently regaining hisposure. Sadie gasped for air like a fish out of water.


    "Be good, alright?" Micah nibbled at her ear.


    "Mhm, I understand." Sadie nodded obediently. She knew onlypliance would ensure a calm life for her and her children...


    With his temperament, he''d tire of her soon enough, wouldn''t he?


    Once he did, she could take Brenda and the kids to another city and start a new life.


    "Head to Blissful Lane!" Micah suddenly ordered.


    "Yes." The two in the driver''s cabin exchanged a look and breathed a sigh of relief.


    The bodyguard immediately turned the vehicle and headed straight for Blissful Lane. The two ces weren''t too far apart. After a fifteen-minute drive, they pulled up at the entrance to the Blissful Lanemunity. Andrew got out of the car and went to open Sadie''s door.


    n popped open the trunk, carefully took out the newly purchased clothes, and handed them over with respect. "Miss Roth!"


    "Shall I walk you up?" Andrew asked.


    "No need. I can make it on my own," Sadie replied and then turned to Micah. "Thank you for bringing me back. Goodnight!" Facing her polite gratitude, Micah was somewhat taken aback. He looked at her and replied indifferently, "Sure, take care!"


    As if given an executive pardon, Sadie quickly walked away and broke into a jog after a few steps, eager to get back to her children.


    Micah watched her through the rearview mirror and couldn''t help wishing that, one day, she would rush to see him with the same urgency...

 Chapter 374 Brainless Fool

    Sadie arrived home and tiptoed out of her shoes, nning to put her things away in her room, when Mia came running out from hers. "Mommy''s back. Mommy-" "Oh my, Mia, did you just take a bath?" Sadie quickly crouched down to hug her and gently ruffled her damp hair.


    "Mommy, we brought you lots of yummy things. They''re in the kitchen." Mia, fresh out of the bath, was wrapped in a cute pink little bathrobe with her hair still dripping, her delicate little cheeks almost seeming to glisten with moisture. "Thank you, Mia!" Sadie kissed her cheek, her eyes filled with tender love. "Did you have fun today?"


    "Yeah! Grandpa bought us lots of snacks, and he even bought the Fairytale Castle, and oh, Grandpa purchased Sunflower Nursery..." Mia excitedly recounted the day''s events, her face animated with delight. "Hehe, it''s great as long as you''re happy."


    Witnessing Mia''s joy, Sadie felt content, knowing well that children needed more than just a mother''s love. They needed the warmth of a family.


    No matter how good of a mother she was, she could never rece other forms of affection...


    "Mia, it''s time to dry your hair. You''ll catch a cold otherwise," the charming nurse called out to Mia with a smile.


    "Off you go." Sadie gently nudged Mia.


    "Okay, Mommy, I''m going to dry my hair. Then I''ll talk to you after," Mia said.


    Waddling her chubby little bottom, Mia toddled off towards the bathroom.


    Sadie watched her with a beaming smile until she disappeared from sight. Only then did she turn around to find Noah standing at the doorway of his room, quietly observing her. "Noah!" Sadie called out and walked over with some items in hand. She noticed that Noah had already changed into pajamas, and his hair looked freshly washed. "Did you take a bath?" "Yep." Noah nodded. His gaze fell onto the garment bags in her hand. "Mommy, did you go shopping?"


    "Yeah, I saw a sale at the mall next door and picked up a few things," Sadie lied, avoiding Noah''s eyes. "These clothes were such a steal. Each was just a few bucks."


    "Mommy, you should buy more new clothes. Other kids'' moms always look so nice." Noah emerged from the kitchen with a box of pizza and a carton of juice. "Mommy, this is for you, along with some chicken wings..." "Perfect. I''m just getting hungry." Sadie was visibly ted. "Noah, just put it on the table. I''ll change and be right there."


    "Okay." Noah ced the items on the dining table, where the nurse had also left them two ss cups.


    Soon after changing, Sadie came out. Noah poured her some juice.


    Sadie gulped down the juice and eagerly devoured the pizza. "It''s still warm and so good."


    "I asked the nurse to heat it up," Noah replied. He sipped juice and kept Sadiepany during her meal. "Noah, have some too." Sadie offered a slice of pizza to Noah.


    "I''ve already eaten, and I''m still full." Noah patted his round belly. "I can''t sleep because I ate too much."


    "Then walk around a bit or y with Coco." Sadie gently rubbed his stomach.


    "Coco''s been sleeping a lot these past few days. It seems like he just can''t wake up." Noah''s face fell at the mention of Coco. "He woke up tonight, squawked a few times, and fell back asleep. Mommy, is he sick? Should we take him to the vet?" "I already took him to the vet. The doctor said he was just drunk and he''d wake up on his own after three days. No worries." Sadie took another sip of her juice.


    "Uh... drunk?" Noah looked puzzled. "How did Coco get alcohol?"


    "Some idiot fed it to him," Sadie said offhandedly, after which shes of Micah''s icy demeanor rattled her...

 Chapter 375 Ill Protect You When I Grow Up

    "Is he an idiot or just mean?" Noah furrowed his brows angrily. "Even a three-year-old like me knows parrots can''t drink alcohol. How could he not know that? He''s not stupid. He''s just bad." "It''s not that serious..." Sadie didn''t want her child to hate his biological father, so she quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, did you have fun today?"


    "I had a st. Fairytale Castle has some really cool stuff that we don''t have at home, and I even ran into a ssmate from preschool," Noah reported maturely. "It was Billy!" "Do you guys still argue?" Sadie asked gently while setting down the pizza.


    "No." Noah shook his head, his face full of sympathy. "He''s not the same as before. He''s not cocky anymore but has be introverted. He doesn''t y with other kids, except for Mia." Hearing this, Sadie fell silent. Ever since the mother and daughter of the Whites found out that Micah was the man from four years ago, they had stopped troubling her.


    But Sadie knew that the Potters were declining day by day, and the Whites were getting dragged down with them. Investors were pulling out, and thepany was struggling to stay afloat...


    Moreover, Ronan Potter was now set on divorcing Leah White, and these issues would likely affect Billy...


    Really, adult problems shouldn''t spill over onto children.


    Although Billy had had conflicts with Mia in the past, Sadie always felt that the child wasn''t bad by nature.


    It was such a shame that his situation had turned out this way because of family issues.


    "Mommy, why did you disguise yourself as a cleaner and go to Fairytale Castle?" Noah finally asked after seeming to have pondered for a while."Was it to protect us?"


    "Yes." Sadie nodded and said softly, "I was worried and wanted to check on things, but I didn''t want to affect your fun, so I just..."


    "Mommy!" Moved, Noah reached out his little arms and hugged Sadie tightly.


    "Noah, Mommy knows you''re smart and sensible." Sadie soothed him, patting his back gently. "But I want you to be happy and be yourself. Let me handle the rest, okay? I''ll take good care of us, understand?"


    "I''m worried about you," Noah said, holding back tears, voice choking. "I don''t want you to be bullied. I want to protect you, Mommy!"


    "Silly child..." Sadie''s eyes reddened, but she took a deep breath and strove to keep her voice steady. "Mommy won''t let anyone bully her. Don''t worry!"


    "Okay..." Noah nodded, falling quiet.


    Smiling, Sadie cradled his little face and kissed his forehead. "Alright, it''s time for bed. It''ste. By the way, where''s Nathan?"


    "He''s been asleep for a while now." Noah rolled his eyes with a pout. "He said he would wait for me to finish bathing so we could y with LEGOS together, but when I came out of the bathroom, he was asleep on the carpet, cuddling the LEGOS. The nurse had to carry him to bed, and he wouldn''t let go of her neck."


    "Haha..." Sadieughed. "Nathan is such a sweetheart!"


    "Mia fell asleep too." The nurse chuckled as she emerged from the bathroom, holding the chubby Mia in her arms. "I was just blow-drying her hair, and suddenly, her little head just drooped. I took a closer look and found that she passed out. Haha..."


    "Looks like she really yed herself out today." Sadie looked at Mia with a smile.


    "She might be small, but she''s got some heft." The nurseughed.


    Another nurse quickly went over to help and urged, "Let''s get her to bed."


    Together, they carefully ced Mia in her princess bed, tucked her in, and softly closed the door before saying goodbye to Sadie.


    After taking a shower, Sadie checked on the kids in their room, making sure their nkets were snug. Watching their peaceful, sleeping faces brought a content smile to her lips...

 Chapter 376 Back to the Office

    Monday came around again, ushering in a bustling morning.


    At six-fifty, Brenda called on time. Her voice filled with anxiousness, she reminded Sadie, "Miss, it''s Monday. Remember to dress the kids in their uniforms and pin their school badges!" "Got it." Sadie quickly changed her clothes and peeked outside her room.


    The three nurses had arrived five minutes early. One was preparing breakfast, another was braiding Mia''s hair, and the third was helping Nathan with his medication and clothes. Sadie closed the door and went to freshen up in the master bathroom.


    "Also, Mia has art ss today, Noah has robotics, and Nathan has ser. Though with Nathan''s foot injury, I doubt he''ll be able to participate. But don''t forget to inform the nurses about these extracurricrs," Brenda continued, only to be interrupted by another voice on the phone. "Brenda, Doctor Rey is here for rounds. Could you please end the call now? We need to check your blood pressure."


    "Just a minute. I haven''t finished," Brenda insisted. Then she continued speaking to Sadie. "Miss, Noah doesn''t like egg yolks. Make sure to coax him to eat it all. Nathan keeps secretly spilling his milk into the flower pot. Keep an eye on him. And Mia needs the cream skimmed off her milk, or she''ll get an upset stomach..."


    "I know, Brenda," Sadie answered while brushing her teeth. "Take care of yourself. I''ll make time to bring the kids to see you in the next couple of days."


    "Alright, let''s leave it at that. Make sure you hurry up and eat breakfast."


    After hanging up, Sadie felt a warmth in her heart thinking about Brenda''s caring reminders...


    With the help of the three nurses, this morning was much more organized than usual.


    By the time Sadie was ready, breakfast was served, and the kids were neat, hairbed, sitting obediently at the table.


    Sadie grabbed a quick bite, then went downstairs with the kids to send them off on the school bus before hailing a taxi to head to the office.


    Lately, things had been going haywire at work. Sadie had been inconsistent, alternating between being productive and neglecting her duties. She felt a pang of guilt and made a silent vow to herself to buckle down starting today.


    She arrived at the office earlier than usual, avoiding the usual crowd at the elevator. Just as she was about to step in, she caught sight of Victoria Lynn and several senior executives inside. Hastily, she stepped back. "Go ahead. I''ll catch the next one."


    "Come on in." Victoria shifted to make space.


    Head down, Sadie entered.


    The executives were discussing business, paying no mind to Sadie.


    "Miss Lynn, is today''s press conference at one? Will Mr. Clemens be attending himself?" one of the executives suddenly asked.


    "Of course. For such an important event, Mr. Clemens will definitely attend," Victoria answered with a smile.


    "Is Miss Amelia from the Lingston Group attending too? I haven''t seen her around for a few days."


    "Miss Amelia is talented, capable, and personable, not to mention approachable."


    "Absolutely. I ran into her once at the restaurant on the 17th floor, and she even greeted me."


    "I heard Mr. Clemens and Ms. Amelia are considering a merger through marriage. Is that true?"


    "I''m not sure about that..." Victoria nced at Sadie with a smile."Today''s press conference is crucial. We all need to prepare for it instead of gossiping." "Ha! That''s right!"


    They continued their conversation while Sadie remained silent, pondering. No wonder Amelia has been absent. She''s been abroad.


    She wondered if Amelia''s return today would stir up any trouble.


    During the event at Noble Summit, Amelia had caused quite the scene, targeting andplicating things for Sadie and even getting Mason wrapped up in the mess. But what was this press conference at thepany today all about?


    She was out of the loop.


    Thest time there was a new tech productunch, Micah hadn''t made a personal appearance. But today, he was attending personally, which meant it must be significant...

 Chapter 377 Unintentionally Offended

    Upon reaching Mr. Clemens'' office, Victoria informed Sadie directly that her position had been changed.


    She would no longer manage the front desk reception but was reassigned to the document center to handle printing and organizing tasks.


    Having been working here a while, Sadie was aware that this new position was just as low-level as her former job at the front desk on the 68th floor.


    At least at the front desk, she had the chance to see Mr. Clemens and other executives regrly. Moreover, if she made a good impression or caught the higher-ups in a favorable mood, there was always a shot at a promotion. Being relegated to document printing was like being sent to the doghouse.


    Every day at work meant hunkering down in a tiny office, waiting for senior secretaries to send over a barrage of electronic documents to print them, file them neatly, and deliver them to the appropriate personnel. It was a role with no prospects of advancement but little room for error.


    Sadie knew she hadn''t been performing welltely. A transfer was only to be expected.


    So she packed up her things without protest and moved to the file room.


    There, she met three girls responsible for the same tasks, idly scrolling through their phones when things were slow but buzzing with activity when there was work to be done. One girl, upon seeing Sadie arrive, said coldly, "Great, another insider dumped on us. What a nuisance!"


    "Insider?"


    "Think about it. A regr receptionist is always taking days off, but she hasn''t been fired yet. If that''s not insider treatment, what is?"


    "Yeah, you''re right..."


    Sadie overheard this chatter but said nothing. She just ced her belongings on her desk and concentrated on reviewing the training materials.


    Here, there was more downtime and ample opportunity to study.


    Sadie had a light morning. She printed a few documents for Victoria and then sat down to read some materials, learning about a new project through these documents by chance.


    It turned out that the Lingston Group had approached the Clemens to partner up and develop 2,000 acres ofnd near Foothill Lake into an international brand amusement park,plete with an adjacent theme park hotel and other facilities. This massive project required investment to the tune of over forty billion dors, which was well beyond the Lingston Group''s solo financial capacity, hence the partnership with the Clemens.


    Micah had seen the potential in this venture and had beenquick to make a deal!


    After carefully reviewing the relevant documents, Sadie noticed an issue. Not all of the 2,000 acres were vacant. Part of it required demolition, including seven factories and old residences owned by the Roth Group.


    Sadie didn''t much care about the other areas, but the Roth Group''s caught her attention immediately.


    Though the Roth Group had fallen into the hands of Felipe and a few of her uncles, it still bore the Roth name. After all, it was the empire her father had built from the ground up, not to mention the vi he had constructed especially for her... Now that it was in the possession of Felipe''s family, Sadie felt deeply ufortable, and the thought of it being demolished left her feeling like she would lose even the memories.


    "Sadie, Sadie..." An irritable call snapped Sadie out of her reverie.


    She turned to her colleague, "What''s up?"


    "Why are you daydreaming during work hours?" Her coworker scowled disapprovingly. "Take these papers over to Miss Lynn." "Certainly." Sadie swiftly grabbed the documents and hurried off to find Victoria.


    Victoria was busy doling out work assignments. As Sadie approached, she gestured for her to wait a moment.


    Clutching the stack of papers, Sadie stood by for twenty minutes, but Victoria didn''t even nce her way and continued her work.


    An uneasy feeling started creeping up on Sadie. She wondered if she had somehow unintentionally offended Victoria...


    "Hand it over!" Victoria finally took the documents without so much as looking at Sadie and briskly headed towards Mr. Clemens'' office.


    Feeling somewhat deted, Sadie was about to return to her post when a familiar voice called out. "Hey, isn''t that Sadie? I was wondering why I hadn''t seen you today. You''ve been transferred, huh?"

 Chapter 378 Somethings Off

    Sadie turned around to see Amelia, dressed in a chic white suit, exuding a cool and captivating aura, with a mocking smirk on her lips and her gaze fixed on her. "Good morning, Miss Amelia!" Sadie greeted with a bow, ready to move on.


    "Bring me a coffee." Amelia''s voice was haughty. "American style, no sugar!"


    "Miss Amelia, I''ve been moved to the file room," Sadie replied calmly.


    "So what?" Amelia raised an eyebrow with a cold chuckle. "Does that mean I can''t give you orders?"


    "The file room doesn''t require serving drinks-"


    "Shut up!" Amelia cut her off with a harsh rebuke.


    Victoria quickly approached andmanded sternly, "If Miss Amelia asks you to make coffee, you go do it. Why are you talking back?"


    Sadie looked at Victoria in confusion, not understanding why her attitude had changed so suddenly. Reluctantly, but obediently, she headed to the break room.


    "Make sure it''s freshly ground," Amelia ordered with an air of arrogance. "I can''t stand instant."


    "Don''t worry, Miss Amelia. I will personally oversee it," Victoria assured respectfully.


    "Miss Lynn, I trust you to handle things," Amelia responded with a satisfied smile before gracefully proceeding towards Mr. Clemens'' office.


    Sadie, grinding the coffee in the break room, was flooded with mixed emotions......


    She didn''t understand why Victoria''s attitude had changed so suddenly. Sure, she had been reprimanded before in the interest of the bigger picture, but this time, something felt off... "Did you hear all of that?" Victoria''s voice came from behind her.


    Sadie snapped back to reality and whispered, "It was loud enough that ignoring it wasn''t an option."


    "Since you''re aware, make a good coffee and take it to Miss Amelia," Victoria instructed before turning and walking away.


    Watching her walk away, Sadie let out a long sigh.


    Shortly after, she carried the freshly brewed coffee and knocked on Mr. Clemens'' office door.


    "Come in!" Andrew called out.


    When Sadie stepped in with the coffee, Andrew, who was standing near the door, paused briefly but quickly reached out to take it. "Just leave the coffee with me. You can get back to work." Andrew could tell that Amelia was intentionally giving Sadie a hard time.


    "Thank you." Sadie gave him a grateful nce and prepared to leave.


    "Wait!" Amelia called out to Sadie.


    Sadie stopped in her tracks, head down, waiting for hermand. Micah, engrossed in his documents, showed no reaction.


    Andrew was somewhat nervous, afraid that Amelia would stir up more trouble. "Thank you!" Amelia finally spoke but offered nothing more than that.


    A bit startled, Sadie responded, "You''re wee!" Then she turned to leave...


    Andrew breathed a sigh of relief and presented the coffee to Amelia. "Miss Amelia, your coffee."


    "Thank you." Amelia took a sip. "It''s a bit hot, I''ll drink itter."


    She then continued reviewing documents with Micah...


    Andrew was puzzled. Amelia hadn''t given Sadie a hard time after all. Was the coffee delivery just to show off her power? "Micah, my father''sing to the press conference at one this afternoon," Amelia suddenly mentioned. "You don''t mind, do you?"


    "Of course not," Micah replied, a bit surprised. "When did Uncle Lingston arrive in Newark? Why didn''t he tell me?"


    "He flew back with me this morning." Amelia smiled. "He went to have morning tea with your grandfather. Didn''t your grandfather tell you?"


    "The old man doesn''t need to report to me." Micah checked his watch. "It''s gettingte. I need to handle some things before joining you for lunch."


    "I''ll be off then." Amelia took a few more sips of her coffee and began gathering her documents. "Shall I meet you at the restaurant on the 17th floor?" "Alright." Micah nodded and instructed, "Please escort Miss Amelia out."


    "Yes," Andrew approached with respect. "Miss Amelia, this way, please!"

 Chapter 379 Intercepting the Old Man

    After seeing Amelia off, Andrew hurried back to Mr. Clemens'' office and reported, "Micah, the press has started to arrive downstairs. The PR department has arranged for them to dine on the 13th floor, and there''s a private room reserved for you and Miss Amelia on the 17th floor. We might need to hustle a bit..."


    As Andrew finished speaking, he noticed Micah sitting on the couch, seemingly lost in thought while looking at the documents in his hand, showing no intention to move.


    "Is something wrong?" Andrew asked cautiously.


    "Do you think the old man is plotting something by suddenly calling Nelson Lingston here?" Micah asked in a low tone.


    "Well..." Andrew hesitated to speak. "You know what''s going on. Why make me say it?"


    "Is it amusing?" Micah leaned back on the couch with a look of annoyance. "At his age, he still wants to control others."


    "You''re not just anybody. You''re his grandson." Andrew observed Micah''s expression. "The Clemens have depended on a single heir for seven generations, and everyone is counting on you."


    "So, he''s forcing a marriage?" Micah groused unhappily. "Is my worth just to breed and provide a bunch of heirs for the Clemens?"


    Andrew remained silent, not daring to utter a word.


    "Call Rn here," Micah instructed.


    "What are you nning?" Andrew panicked. "The press conference is about to start. This isn''t the time for rash actions. Besides, the old man might not do anything. Maybe we''re overthinking it."


    "If he does nothing, that''s for the best. If he tries something, I''ll be ready." Micah red at him. "What''s the matter? Are you not listening to me now?"


    "It''s not that... "Andrew, unable to dissuade him, reluctantly made the call to Rn.


    "Micah!" Rn had been busy handling external matters and had returned just for today''s press conference to maintain order.


    "Listen carefully." Micah pointed at him andmanded firmly, "I don''t want to see the old man or Nelson Lingston at the one o''clock press conference!"


    "Uh..." Rn''s eyes widened in astonishment. "You mean, you want me to intercept the old man and Nelson Lingston? That might not be a good idea..."


    "If Nelson Lingstones alone, let him in. After all, he''s mild-mannered. Withoutthe old man around, he won''t get pushy," Micah said seriously. "However, if he shows up with the old man, you MUST stop them!!!"


    "Uhm..." Rn''s face turned pale. "How could I dare to do that?"


    "Whatever it takes, you follow through, or you can pack your bags," Micah said domineeringly.


    Rn''s expression was that of a man sentenced to death. His eyes pleadingly turned to Andrew.


    Andrew spread his hands helplessly, signaling there was nothing he could do.


    "Alright, everyone out." Micah rubbed his temples wearily. "Tell Amelia I won''t being down for lunch. I''ll see everyone in the conference room at one."


    "Yes, sir." Andrew, dragging the dismayed Rn out of the office.


    "I''m supposed to stop the old man? Isn''t this a death sentence?" Rn whispered with a face full of sorrow.


    "Worse than death," Andrew replied sympathetically. "But what can you do? You know how Micah is."


    "What am I going to do?" Rn sighed deeply.


    "Just pray silently for now," Andrew murmured. "Maybe Micah is overthinking, or maybe Miss Amelia ising alone. The boss didn''t even give a heads-up. He might not show up." "And if he does?" Rn red at him coldly.


    "Well..." Andrew was at a loss for words. "Then, you''ll just have to bite the bullet."


    "Damn it," Rn cursed through gritted teeth. "It''s me who''s going to suffer, not you. Enjoy the show!"


    "Hey, you think I have it easy?" Andrew''s face was a picture of misery. "If things get out of hand at the conference, I''ll be in a world of pain too."


    "Forget it. I don''t want to talk anymore," Rn left in anger.


    Watching his departure, Andrew sighed deeply...

 Chapter 380 Shared Pain

    Sadie was about to go downstairs for lunch when Victoria approached her with a folder of documents in hand. "Take this to Mr. Clemens'' office." Sadie frowned as she took the folder, knowing that Micah wanted to see her.


    Otherwise, for such important documents, Victoria should have delivered them herself instead of sending her.


    "Make it quick," Victoria said with a meaningful tone. "There''s an important announcement on the 66th floor at one o''clock. Miss Amelia is dining on the 17th floor and mighte up any time." "Got it." Sadie felt Victoria must have figured out her rtionship with Micah and despised her, which was why her attitude had changed.


    Burdened with concern, Sadie entered Mr. Clemens'' office, only to find Andrew waiting outside.


    "Miss Roth, what''s that?" Andrew gestured at the folder in her hands.


    "Miss Lynn asked me to bring it over," Sadie said.


    "Got it." Andrew stepped aside to let her pass.


    Sadie knocked on the door, which swung open on its own.


    There was a surveince camera hooked up to Micah''sputer, so he could see who was knocking.


    She walked in and ced the folder in front of Micah. "Here are the documents you requested."


    "Sit down." Micah was in the process of lighting a cigar.


    "This is an office," Sadie reminded.


    Micah ignored her, lit his cigar, took a deep drag, and blew a ring of smoke at her.


    Sadie frowned and covered her nose and mouth with her hand. "What''s wrong? Is the press conference not going well?"


    She knew he didn''t often smoke cigars. It was usually a sign he was upset.


    "In my world, there''s no such thing as ''not going well''." Micah''s tone was arrogant.


    "Then, what is this about?"


    "My old man is pushing for me to get married." Micah puffed on his cigar while studying her through the curling smoke without a trace of emotion showing.


    Sadie paused, a flicker of panic in her eyes, but she quickly regained herposure and asked calmly, "With Miss Amelia?"


    "Does it matter?" Micah feigned detachment. "It''s certainly not you!"


    "Oh!" Sadie nodded. She tested the water. "Well, if you''re getting married, I suppose you won''t be needing me anymore, right?"


    Micah''s brow furrowed, and his gaze fixed on her coldly. "Is that your answer?"


    Sadie hesitated before blurting out, "What else?"


    She genuinely didn''t know how to react. Was she expected to break down in tearsand plead for him not to marry so that he could continue tormenting and controlling her? She wasn''t crazy!


    "So, you want me to get married?" he challenged.


    "It''s not about what I want." Sadie thought for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "It''s not something I can control."


    Disappointed, Micah looked down, seemingly unemotional, but the cigar between his fingers snapped...


    The burning stub sunk into his palm, sending a piercing pain shooting through.


    "My God, what are you doing?" Sadie hurriedly pulled his hand away, attempting to take the burning stub.


    Micah suddenly grabbed her hand tightly, forcing her to share the pain, andughed sinisterly. "Sadie, remember, you''ll never escape the palm of my hand in this lifetime!" "Let go. It hurts..." Tears streamed down Sadie''s face from the scalding pain.


    Micah didn''t let go of her. Instead, he pinned her down on the table and sealed her lips with an angry kiss...


    "Micah, you monster!!!" Sadie screamed as she pounded on his chest in a futile attempt to fight him off, but his grip was too strong, and he bit down on her lip hard.


    The sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting elongated shadows of their entwined bodies. They were like vines tangled in a desperate embrace, impossible to separate...


    With tears blurring her vision, Sadie red at Micah, whose angry expression was quickly reced by lust as he indulged in the pleasures of her body with obsessive delight.


    She despised him, feared this twisted obsession...


    She wanted nothing more than to escape...

 Chapter 381 Powerful Genes

    "Where''s Micah?"


    Suddenly, Amelia''s voice came from outside.


    "Oh, Micah is working on some important documents." Andrew quickly intercepted her. "He should be done soon. Please head directly to the conference room." "He hasn''t had lunch yet." Amelia held up a sandwich with a smile. "I made this myself in the kitchen. I''d like him to try it."


    "Miss Amelia, that''s thoughtful of you." Andrew forced a smile. "You can leave it with me. I''ll make sure he gets it. Why don''t you go and take a break?"


    "Can''t I go in?" The smile on Amelia''s face suddenly turned cold as she eyed the door, seeming to be able to see through it...


    "Sadie''s in there, isn''t she?"


    Despite the chilling gaze in her eyes, her lips maintained her smile when she spoke.


    "Um..." Andrew was flustered, but he was an honest man at heart.


    "It''s fine. Men will be men, ying their games. I understand." Amelia''s lips curled into a smirk as she handed the sandwich to Andrew. "Make sure you tell him I made it myself." "Yes, of course." Andrew nodded repeatedly.


    "I''ll be in the conference room. Tell him to take his time, no rush."


    With a graceful smile, Amelia turned on her heels and quickly left.


    Andrew sighed in relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead, thinking to himself how formidable this woman was!


    ...


    After a long while, Micah finally stopped his rough handling and turned to straighten his clothes.


    Sadie hurriedly dressed, ready to leave.


    "You''re going out like that?" Micah snapped coldly. "Go clean up in the bathroom."


    With a resentful re, Sadie marched into the bathroom.


    She rinsed her body with hot water, the pink marks on her fair skin a testament to his forcefulness.


    Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she felt like a stranger to herself.


    She was truly tired and unwilling to continue like this...


    He would always lose control without warning, taking her recklessly, never showing her respect or caring for her feelings. She felt like she was just a tool.


    But what could she do?


    She simply couldn''t break free from him......


    Maybe things would get better if he got married.


    With a deep sigh, Sadie straightened her clothes and hair and walked out.


    Micah was sitting silently on the couch, nursing his drink. There was a first-aid kit on the coffee table.


    "Treat yourself," Micah said without looking back, aware that Sadie hade out.


    Sadie took a seat on the couch and began disinfecting and bandaging her hand while wincing in pain.


    Micah''s gaze fixed on her hand, and then he suddenly remarked, "My father, he looked a lot like my grandfather."


    Sadie shot him a chilly nce and kept tending to her wound.


    But inside, she wondered, He didn''t apply any medicine himself!


    "I look like them too, and so do my aunt and n Davis. You can tell we''re all Clemens. Just one nce, and you know we''re from the Clemens family!" Micah took another sip and went on, "The Clemens'' genes are strong. Anyone born a Clemens practicallyes from the same mold!"


    A shiver ran through Sadie as she realized what Micah was implying...


    He was saying that Mia didn''t look like him!


    That exined why she had managed to deceive him in the first ce and why he had never truly considered investigating who their father was...


    He had always believed in his heart that Mia wasn''t his child.


    Otherwise, why didn''t she resemble him?


    In fact, Mia looked more like Sadie. Perhaps her family''s genes were even stronger?


    Her father had said Mia was nearly the spitting image of her mother...


    Maybe her mother''s family also had strong genes.


    "I even doubted whether those three children were mine, but the second I saw their faces, I dismissed the thought," Micah said with a self-deprecating sneer. "The old man said they look like me. I''ve even thought that maybe, just maybe, there could be a fluke in the way genes are passed on."


    "What are you trying to say?" Sadie felt uneasy.


    "Onest time," Micah said intensely, staring into her eyes "Are they or are they not my offspring?"

 Chapter 382 The Perfect Match

    "You''ve asked that many times already." Sadie frowned deeply.


    "Answer the question," Micah pressed again.


    "No." Sadie coldly averted her gaze. She couldn''t let him take her children, couldn''t let them live with this erratic tyrant......


    "Good, very good!" This time, Micah seemed calm. He chuckled, nodded, downed his drink, and thenmanded, "You can leave now."


    Sadie stood up and left without a moment''s hesitation.


    Micah lifted his gaze only once the inky doors clicked shut, his eyes lingering on their sealed frame as a mocking sneer curled at his lips. How foolish to even harbor a glimmer of hope...


    The office was eerily quiet, apart from Lucia at the reception desk. Her coworkers were nowhere in sight.


    Half an hour to go before the press conference, everyone must be busy prepping.


    Sadie, with no appetite to speak of, drifted into the break room and warmed up some milk, her mind elsewhere. As she reached for a mug, her palm grazed the wound she''d forgotten about, and she recoiled instinctively...


    With a crash, the mug plummeted to the floor, shattering.


    She gazed down at the shards scattered across the tiles, her mood sinking even further...


    "You okay?" A gentle voice reached out.


    It was Lucia, a fellow secretary, no different in rank from her.


    "I grabbed this pineapple bun for a snack earlier and then remembered my diet. It seems like a waste to toss it. Want it?" Lucia offered Sadie the uneaten bun.


    "Thanks." Sadie smiled, epting the gesture of kindness.


    "Why not warm up another cup of milk? There are fresh mugs beneath the cab," Lucia chirped bubbly, pointing to the cupboard under the microwave. "Hang in there!" With a smile, Sadie gave back a gesture of encouragement.


    "I have to run." Lucia dashed back to her post.


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie warmed another cup of milk, sat down, and started snacking on the bun and sipping the milk.


    Suddenly, a flood of security guards filled the area. Soon after, Rn began barking orders. "Shut down the elevators in ten minutes. No one gets in or out of Mr. Clemens'' office.


    "Notify all secretaries who haven''t gone that they must go down to the 66th floor to assist. Except for my security team, I don''t want anyone here."


    "Oh, looks like we missed one. I''ll go tell her now." Lucia hurried to the break room. "Sadie,e with me. They''re about to lock down Mr. Clemens'' elevators."


    "Oh." Sadie quickly set down her food, wiped her mouth, and followed Lucia out.


    Walking past the front desk, Rn nodded slightly in a gesture of acknowledgment and reminded, "Today''s press conference is crucial. Our security has takenprehensive measures. Stay on the 66th floor and don''t wander around." "Yes, Mr. Rn!" Lucia bowed her head without making eye contact.


    "Thank you." Sadie expressed her gratitude and pulled Lucia into the elevator.


    The two arrived on the 66th floor, where the conference had already begun. As mere underlings, they couldn''t squeeze into the packed room and had to help out in the hall.


    But overdrawing from the main event were clear echoes. It was probably Micah making his entrance, followed by the media''s exuberant cheers and then thunderous apuse.


    This was Micah''s first public appearance in domestic media and his official foray into the domestic market!


    Sadie stood on her tiptoes and craned her neck to see.


    The audience was abuzz. All spotlights were on him as photographers snapped pictures and took videos tirelessly while reporters jostled to ask questions.


    Micah sat on the stage and politely waved to the crowd, sporting a faint smile on his lips.


    Beside him, Amelia radiated joy while warmly greeting the major media outlets and even calling out some of the famous reporters by name to the surprise and delight of many, leaving an excellent impression. Really, from any perspective, they seemed like the perfect match...

 Chapter 383 A Sensational Press Conference

    "Stop standing around." Victoria hurried over and instructed Sadie, Lucia, and a few other secretaries, "Get inside and help!" "Miss Lynn, we can''t squeeze in," Lucia whispered.


    "Follow me." Victoria Lynn led them inside while instructing them. "These gifts and envelopes are to be handed out to all members of the mediater, one per person, without exception. Help package them into gift bags here, and I''ll take you with me to distribute them when the timees, got it?"


    "Understood!"


    The seven secretaries were in a side hall packaging gifts. The door was slightly ajar, allowing them to see Micah and Amelia on stage, along with their bodyguards and assistants.


    As she worked, Sadie couldn''t help stealing nces at Micah.


    He was in a formal suit, hair well-groomed, and though still reserved and sparing with words, he remained the center of attention.


    "A guy like Mr. Clemens is like a god, perfect in every way. He probably sets his sights so high, us ordinary people can''t catch his eye," Lucia murmured. "Only someone of Miss Amelia''s noble birth can be a match for him." "You''re right," Sadie replied and returned to her work.


    "Hey, more people are arriving," a secretary eximed suddenly. "The outer hall is electric."


    "Who is it?" Several secretaries stretched to see.


    "It looks like... Miss Amelia''s father." Someone recognized the figure. "Miss Amelia has gone to greet him, calling him daddy and all."


    "Miss Amelia''s father is the chairman of the Lingston Group. His presence shows just how significant this coboration is," another secretary said excitedly.


    "Nonsense," a secretary said in a hushed tone. "The Lingston Group has been eager to partner with the Clemens. Of course, the chairman himself would show up."


    "Miss Amelia is already a Clemens," one secretary spected. "Her presence alone says enough. I think Miss Amelia''s father isn''t here just for a partnership..." "Could it be... an announcement of a marriage alliance?"


    "It must be!"


    The junior secretaries were buzzing with excitement, unable to contain their enthusiasm.


    Sadie watched Micah on stage, her feelings a tangled mess...


    Were they really getting married?


    Could this mean her release?


    A secretary identally bumped Sadie''s hand. "Oops, sorry, Sadie. Did I hurt you?" "It''s fine."


    A searing pain shot through her palm as Sadie nced at the scars on her hand...


    The one on the back of her hand was a reminder of Amelia''s high heel, and the one in her palm was from Micah''s scalding earlier.


    The scar on the back of her hand told her to keep her distance from Micah, yet the one in her palm echoed Micah''s words. "Sadie, you won''t escape my grasp in this lifetime..."


    What was she to do?


    "Mr. Lingston, did you personallye to sign the contract with Mr. Clemens?" a journalist asked from below the stage.


    "Yes." Nelson Lingston, a suave middle-aged man, arrived and immediately extended a weing handshake and embrace to Micah before turning to the press with a charming smile. "The Lingston Group holds this partnership in high regard and is very thankful to the Clemens for this opportunity. We also appreciate the media for being here to witness our contract signing..."


    Amelia gleamed with admiration and pride as she watched her father.


    Micah, however, kept ncing at his watch and asionally touched his Bluetooth earpiece, as though he was on a call.


    "The signing ceremony will nowmence!"


    Following the announcer''s statement, Micah and Nelson signed the contract amidst the witness of hundreds of media outlets.


    After signing, both men shook hands for the cameras and exchanged documents.


    Suddenly, amotion stirred outside, even more sensational than when Micah had first appeared. Micah''s expression shifted, and he quickly signaled to Andrew beside him.


    Andrew rushed towards the entrance to intercept, but Grandpa Clemens had already made his entrance...

 Chapter 384 Permitting Her Existence

    Andrew halted in his tracks and hastily paid respects to Grandpa Clemens.


    Grandpa Clemens curled his lips into a smug, cold smile, then leaned on his cane as he strode inside. Nelson and Amelia hurried over, each taking an arm to support him.


    Micah remained seated on the stage, his face a mask of icy detachment as he observed his grandfather.


    Behind Grandpa Clemens followed Rn and two capable bodyguards. Rn looked crestfallenand didn''t dare meet Micah''s eyes.


    With a charming smile, Ss said in a low voice, trying to smooth things over, "Mr. Clemens, don''t be upset. Rn can''t possibly beat me."


    His words wereced with innuendo, implying that Micah stood no chance against Grandpa Clemens.


    After all, there was no beating the cunning of the old fox!


    The old man had instructed Nelson to go ahead alone, making Rn lower his guard. Then they found another way in...


    Even though Rn had locked down the entire VIC Group building and stood guard with strict orders to prevent anyone from entering including Grandpa Clemens!-the old man had still found a way...


    After all, Rn and Andrew had been both trained by Ss. Their skills were all learned from him, so it was no issue for Ss to bring the old man inside smoothly.


    Sadie realized the situation just by looking at Micah''s expression...


    Micah had been resisting an arranged marriage, which was why Rn had locked down the VIC Group building.


    But it had been a step toote, and Grandpa Clemens had outmaneuvered him!


    It seemed the alliance through marriage was inevitable today.


    Would Micah fiercely resist at all costs?


    Or would hepromise?


    Sadie''s heart couldn''t help tightening...


    Rationally, she hoped Micah would go through with the marriage. Then, he would be too busy to bother her, and maybe he would let her go before long.


    But for some reason, when she realized the current situation, her heart was in turmoil...


    An instinctual voice inside her was telling her that she didn''t want Micah to get married...


    "What are you trying to do?" Micah demanded through gritted teeth, barely containing his anger.


    "It''s simple!" Grandpa Clemens said with a smirk. "I want a great-grandson!"


    Micah''s face nearly turned green, but he managed to keep his temper in check and said in a low voice, "Can''t I just find someone to bear you one? Let''s not make a scene today." "That won''t do." Grandpa Clemens was adamant. "I''m already ny-six. How many years do I have left? I want to hold my great-grandson as soon as possible!"


    "Don''t you already have three little grandchildren?" Micah brought up Mia and the other two. "You were having a st ying with them just yesterday."


    "Those three are sweet and adorable, but they don''t carry the Clemens name..." Grandpa Clemens said coldly, "You''re the one who reminded me of that."


    Micah was speechless. "Enough already. I promise you I''ll tie the knot and have kids as soon as possible. Happy now?"


    "You''ll never settle down if I don''t push you." Grandpa Clemens was unmoved. "Besides, I''m not necessarily pleased with your choice!"


    As he said this, his gaze shifted towards the side room,nding on Sadie with a chilling coldness.


    Feeling a shiver, Sadie hurriedly lowered her head, not daring to look back.


    Following the old man''s gaze, Micah noticed Ss, nked by two bodyguards, approaching Sadie...


    With a fierce look in his eyes, Micah sprang to his feet, but Grandpa Clemens said cooly, "If you want her to stay alive, you''ll do as I say." Micah''s face darkened, and his fists creaked from the tension.


    "Be good!" Grandpa Clemens pulled Micah back to his seat and whispered into his ear, "As long as you obey, I''ll tolerate that woman''s presence."


    "What do you mean?" Micah furrowed his brow.


    "A man not enjoying life in his youth is a waste," Grandpa Clemens remarked with a carefree tone. "Marry Amelia as yourwful wife, and I won''t interfere with you keeping a few mistresses on the side!"

 Chapter 385 Announcing the Alliance

    Hearing this, Micah wavered. To him, marriage had no real significance.


    He had always felt that marriage was just a means to maintain social order.


    For themon folk, it was about continuing the family line, providingfort, and reducing the cost of living.


    For the elite, it was amercial alliance.


    It had nothing to do with love!


    Were it not for Sadie, he wouldn''t care whom he married...


    So, before Sadie came into the picture, he was indifferent to Grandpa Clemens''s meddling and control over his love life, which had only encouraged the old man to push further and harder... And now, it was toote to change that dynamic.


    Above all, the old man had made his fortune in dubious careers in his youth and was resolute and ruthless in his ways. Provoking him could put Sadie in real danger...


    Considering this, Micah relented...


    "That''s my boy." Grandpa Clemens'' lips curled into a satisfied grin as he gave Nelson a knowing look.


    Overjoyed, Nelson exchanged a triumphant nce with his daughter, Amelia.


    Instantly, the whole room, except for Micah, burst into smiles.


    "Everyone, please, quiet down!" The host began to maintain order, asking the restless media to be quiet, before deliveringplimentary remarks to wee the arrival of Grandpa Clemens. The audience erupted into a thunderous apuse once again...


    In the side room, Sadie sat still, not daring to move a muscle.


    All the other secretaries had been dismissed, leaving only Sadie and Ss''s team in the room.


    Ss had appeared out of nowhere not long ago. He smiled at her warmly. "Miss Roth, we meet again."


    "You..."


    "The old man needs to discipline his grandson, and we require your cooperation."


    Although Ss was smiling, his smile was cold and terrifying. He spoke politely and respectfully, but it inexplicably terrified Sadie.


    Sadie shivered, suddenly realizing that the folks from the Clemens were not to be underestimated!


    When they wanted to treat people well, they would go to great lengths to please them, like Grandpa Clemens did with the triplets, or how Micah treated her...


    But if someone crossed them, they could instantly turn into a frightening devil and cause a mental breakdown...


    "I''m just a lowly person of no significance. I can''t influence anything." Sadie''s heart was racing as she forced herself to stay calm. "Perhaps the old man is giving me too much credit?" "The old man never overestimates anyone. It''s Mr. Clemens who is lifting you up!" Every word from Ss was loaded with hidden meaning.


    "Then, you should be talking to Micah," Sadie retorted with a frown. "What''s the point ining to me?"


    "You''re the root cause of the issue, and to remove the weed, you must pull it out from the roots!" Ss maintained his friendly demeanor, showing no signs of making a threat.


    "..." Sadie finally understood the formidable nature of this old butler. No wonder even Rn treated Ss with the utmost deference, and even Micah had to give him respect. Even though she was full of resentment, Sadie didn''t dare say another word.


    She could only sit obediently, quietly waiting to see how things would unfold.


    "Now, we have an important announcement from Chairman Nelson Lingston," the announcer dered.


    Nelson stood up and said with an air of modesty, "The Lingstons and Clemans have cherished a close rtionship for three generations. It is with the help and support of the Clemens that the Lingstons have achieved our current status. My daughter, Amelia, has admired Micah for many years, and today we will..."


    "Ah!" Grandpa Clemens cut off Nelson''s speech and said impatiently, "Nelson, you are quite the wordsmith, always beating around the bush with so many words. Just get straight to the point."


    Grandpa Clemens pped the table and cut straight to the chase. "I dere that my grandson Micah and Amelia will be officially engaged on the tenth of next month!"

 Chapter 386 Trouble Hits

    "Hahaha, the old man''s straightforward..." Nelson Luminexughed heartily.


    Micah''s grandfather alsoughed. At the same time, he squeezed Micah''s thigh under the table, a firm reminder for him to smile!


    Micah couldn''t manage a smile, but his silence andck of protest were taken as consent!


    Amelia was overjoyed. She nted a deep kiss on Micah''s face, then snuggled into his shoulder, clinging to his arm coquettishly. Her happiness was evident for all to see.


    Apuse thundered below; everyone was snapping photos, capturing the joy of this grand union.


    Sadie watched Micah, her heart shattering into pieces, then plummeting into an abyss...


    Wasn''t this what she wanted?


    But why did her heart hurt so much upon hearing the news and seeing Amelia so close to him?


    She bowed her head, struggling to control her emotions. She reminded herself to smile-she had to smile!


    In times like these, she ought to beughing heartily, showing Micah that she was unfazed and offering him congrattions. This approach would likely make him resent her and decide to move on. But she couldn''t muster a smile...


    "You can go now." Ss led his people away.


    Sadie knew she was safe; rather, she had lost her value now.


    That''s right, even threats required one to be of value!


    She was nowpletely useless.


    Sadie stood up and staggered toward the backstage. She wanted to leave this noisy ce; it was too loud as if everyone was congratting the couple. And she should be congratting them, too! Micah turned his head and saw Sadie walking away indifferently as if it all had nothing to do with her.


    Indeed, she didn''t care at all. Not one bit!


    His eyes dimmed as a fire zed in his chest; he got up, ready to leave...


    "Micah!" Amelia reached out to pull him back but couldn''t hold on. Micah strode away, but a dull thud erupted behind him a few stepster.


    Micah instinctively looked back to see Amelia on the ground, coughing up blood and moaning in pain, "It hurts..."


    "Amelia, Amelia..." Nelson rushed to pick her up. "What''s wrong with you? How did this happen?"


    "Get a doctor now," ordered Micah''s grandfather immediately.


    "Yes, sir," Ss swiftly arranged for a doctor.


    Rn and Andrew swiftly dispersed the press, ensuring they didn''t capture the moment Amelia copsed. They sternly reminded them that this incident was off the record. Micah scooped up Amelia in his arms and dashed towards the back lounge.


    Sadie was heading towards the staircase in a daze when someone bumped into her. As a result, she twisted her ankle and fell to the ground.


    As she looked up, she saw Micah, holding Amelia, rushing into the lounge with urgency.


    She froze, her heart sinking...


    "Move!" A group of people hurried from behind, nearly knocking her over again.


    Fortunately, someone pulled her aside. It was Victoria!


    "There''s trouble. Don''t stay here. Head upstairs," Victoria said with knitted brows and a grave expression.


    "Okay." Sadie, clueless about what had happened, limped towards the staircase.


    Meanwhile, the venue was abuzz with curious journalists asking about Amelia''s condition, with someone asking, "Why did Miss Amelia suddenly vomit blood and copse? This doesn''t look like a sickness. Could it be poisoning?" "Which outlet are you from? Do you want to keep your job?" Rn roared, intimidating.


    "Yes, sorry..."


    The media fell silent, promising not to report the incident or take photos...


    Witnessing this scene, Sadie felt an ominous anxiety. Amelia had an ident-how could she be poisoned out of the blue?


    For some reason, despite having no connection to the incident, a sense of panic gripped her along with an ill-boding premonition...

 Chapter 387 Framed

    As expected, shortly after Sadie returned to the 68th-floor office, Ss arrived with bodyguards to take her: "Come with us!" "What?" Sadie was bewildered.


    Ss wasted no words, signaling, and two bodyguards promptly escorted her down.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie struggled frantically. "Let me go, let me go!"


    She was quickly brought to the conference room on the 66th floor...


    Micah''s grandfather sat in Micah''s leather chair, leaning on a cane. He stared at her with eyes sharp as arrows as if to pierce Sadie with a thousand bolts. "Why are you detainng me?" Sadie demanded angrily.


    "I thought you were just low-born, but you''re vicious too!" Micah''s grandfather said coldly. "How dare you poison Amelia?"


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock, her face a mask of disbelief. After a moment, she regained herposure and eximed, "I don''t know what you''re talking about! I didn''t do anything!"


    "Enough talk!" Micah''s grandfather had no patience to y games with her. "Come clean, and maybe you can walk away from this in one piece!"


    "I really didn''t..." Sadie was in a panic. "What evidence do you have that I poisoned her? Don''t nder me."


    Micah''s grandfather frowned deeply, his interest in the conversation dwindling fast.


    Ss said calmly, "Miss Amelia didn''t eat anything else today. She only had the coffee you prepared for her. Half an hour ago, she suddenly fell into aa due to poisoning."


    Sadie froze, realizing what she should have anticipated. Amelia had asked her to bring a cup of coffee to the office today and hadn''t given Sadie a hard time about it. In fact, she had even thanked her.


    She had found it odd at the time, wondering why Amelia was so amiable today.


    ''So, the nasty trick had yet toe.''


    "Nothing to say now?" Ss asked, his voice cold.


    "Just because she drank the coffee I prepared, I''m the poisoner?" Sadie countered, desperate. "There''s nock of reasons when you''re eager to use someone! How can you be sure she didn''t eat anything else? She had lunch on the 17th floor."


    "We don''t detain people without cause."


    Ss gestured, and the bodyguard produced a coffee cup sealed in a stic bag, with some of the coffee liquid still inside.


    "I had someone retrieve this cup from Mr. Potter''s office before it could be dealt with. A test confirmed there was poison in it," Ss remarked, pointing at the sealed bag.


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock. Amelia had gone too far, poisoning the coffee she served to herself and framing Sadie?


    "We shouldn''t waste words on this kind of person!" Micah''s grandfathermanded, "Take her and the evidence to the police."


    "Yes!" Ss nodded, ready to arrange it.


    "I didn''t do it! It''s really not me!" Sadie frantically protested, "Think about it! If I were the one who poisoned her, why wouldn''t I dispose of the poisoned coffee? Why leave it there for hours, waiting for you to test it?" Micah''s grandfather didn''t want to hear any more, gesturing coldly.


    The bodyguard stepped forward, ready to drag Sadie away.


    "Hold on!" At that moment, Micah rushed in, his jacket removed. He wore a white shirt stained with blood on the cor and chest, looking hasty and neglected.


    "Grandpa, the incident happened at mypany. Let me do a thorough investigation first," Micah said.


    "Ss has already done a thorough job for you," Micah''s grandfather replied coldly, "What? Isn''t the evidence conclusive enough?"


    "Cases have rules, and with this scant evidence, you can''t prove a thing." Micah nced at Sadie. "I know this woman; she''s not the brightest bulb in the box and too timid to hurt a fly."


    "What about the coffee, then?" Micah''s grandfather pointed his cane at the cup in question. "Could someone be framing her?"

 Chapter 388 A Family Dispute

    "It''s not out of the question..." Micah''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    "So tell me, who''s setting her up?" Micah''s grandfather raised an eyebrow, waiting expectantly. "Ss went through the security footage. From grinding the beans to brewing the coffee, all the way to carrying it to your office, she didn''te into contact with anyone."


    Micah''s grandfather paused as if recalling something and added with a sneer, "Oh no, that''s wrong. She ran into Andrew at your office door and handed him the coffee. You mean to say that Andrew poisoned the coffee and pinned it on her?" "Ah!" Andrew''s eyes widened in shock. "I didn''t do anything."


    "After Andrew took the coffee, he entered your office, and we lost sight of him on the cameras." Ss bowed respectfully toward Micah and added with a smile, "Logically speaking, Andrew is a suspect, too. If you think I''m not being fair, I can hand Andrew and Miss Sadie over to the police and let them decide."


    Andrew looked at Micah nervously, not daring to say a word.


    "Or, you could check your office cameras to see if Andrew did something," suggested Ss.


    "No need." Micah sat back in his chair, his voice cold. "There are no cameras in my office!" "Then-"


    "Andrew''s clean," Micah cut in decisively. "He''s been with me for ten years his entire life is invested in me. He wouldn''t pull such a boneheaded move." "And..."


    Micah looked sternly at Sadie. "She''s clean too. After the fact, she went back to my office. If she had put the poison, she could have simply taken the coffee cup and covered up all traces. Even if she isn''t the sharpest tool in the shed, she wouldn''t be that dumb."


    "You''re obviously biased." Micah''s grandfather barked angrily, "Amelia is your fianc¨¦e, for heaven''s sake! She is lying in aa because of poisoning, and you still defend another woman at a time like this?" "I''m simply stating the facts," Micah insisted firmly.


    Sadie looked at him deeply, feeling a wave of relief. At the crucial moment, he still believed in and defended her...


    "Enough!" Micah''s grandfather was done wasting time. "I owe it to Nelson to sort this out."


    "What are you waiting for? Take them away."


    "Yes, sir." Ss promptly obeyed.


    "Don''t..." Sadie panicked instantly.


    "Who dares?" Micah''s thunderous voice halted everyone.


    Ss hesitated, not daring to make a move.


    "Dare to cross me?!" Micah''s grandfather was furious, mming his cane down with force.


    Micah had no patience for chatter and gestured with his hand.


    Rn and his crew swiftly encircled Ss and his people.


    "I''m sorry, master," Rn said meekly.


    Ss frowned deeply and looked at the old man.


    "You, you..." Micah''s grandfather trembled with anger, his grip on his cane shaking. "You ungrateful brat, you dare to..."


    "Sir, please calm down." Ss rushed to cate him. "Mr. Clemens isn''t defying you; he just wants to investigate personally."


    "Ss is right," Micah conceded, stepping down the staircase. "Grandpa, I promise to get to the bottom of this and will report back to you and Mr. Luminex, but for now, you can''t take my people away." "I must deal with this woman today," Micah''s grandfather stood his ground, "Who knows what trouble she''ll cause next time!"


    "Grandpa..."


    "Calm your anger, old man!" At that moment, Nelson hurried over to interject, "Amelia has woken up. Dr. Rey says she''s not in any danger."


    "Amelia''s awake? That''s good, that''s very good." Micah''s grandfather breathed a sigh of relief. "Let''s go. I want to see her."

 Chapter 389 The Truth Lies in the Hands of the Victor

    "I want to see her too."


    As Micah spoke, he gave Andrew a look, signaling him to take Sadie away.


    "This woman cannot be released." Micah''s grandfather was not senile yet and ordered S as he stood up, "Follow mymands."


    "This..." Ss looked over at Micah, conflicted.


    "Don''t mind him," Micah''s grandfather zed, "I''m not dead yet! The Clemens family is still under mymand!"


    "Such an old age and still such a foul temper," Micah said helplessly, "Right, Mr. Luminex?"


    Although Micah was always proud and often indifferent, he showed a polite yet distant curtsey toward Nelson.


    Suddenly speaking out like that was also to have Nelson try to persuade the old man.


    Nelson quickly tried to smooth things over. "Old man, just take it easy. Give Micah some time to handle it."


    "Nelson, you don''t know the full story," Micah''s grandfather frowned. "I have never wronged a good person. After the incident urred, I had Ss look into it first. All the evidence points to that woman, which is why I had her brought in. She has no room for excuses, so naturally, I have to turn her over to the police."


    "You did the right thing," Nelson nodded repeatedly, turning his gaze to Sadie, "What did my Amelia do to offend you, that you had to harm her¡ª"


    Nelson didn''t finish his sentence before freezing, eyes widening in disbelief as he looked at Sadie.


    It was as if he were seeing a monster!


    "I really didn''t poison anyone," Sadie insisted again. "If you don''t believe me, I''ll confront Ms. Amelia face to face."


    "Good, let''s have the confrontation." Micah''s grandfather gestured. "Bring her here!"


    With that, Micah''s grandfather walked with his cane toward the adjoining lounge...


    Nelson remained where he was, staring at Sadie,pletely dumbfounded.


    "Nelson, Nelson?" Ss tapped Nelson.


    Coming to his senses, Nelson asked in confusion, "Who is this girl?"


    "She''s Sadie Roth, an employee of the VIC Group," Ss answered.


    "A Roth?" Nelson muttered the name, "How old is she?"


    "Uh..." Ss paused. "She''s probably in her early 20s, why?"


    "Nothing," Nelson looked away and quickly caught up to Micah''s grandfather, "Old man, slow down."


    Ss, oblivious, gestured to Sadie. "Miss Roth, this way, please."


    The two attendants released Sadie.


    Sadie followed Ss to the lounge, casting aplex look at Micah as she passed by him.


    Micah was frowning deeply, a look of frustration on his face. ''Such a blockhead!''


    He had just managed to get Nelson on his side and could have had her released with a little more persuasion. Then, he could figure out how to downy the whole situation...


    Yet, she insisted on confronting Amelia face-to-face. Wasn''t that a death wish?


    Amelia considered Sadie a thorn in her side, and regardless of whether Sadie was responsible for poisoning her, Amelia would confront her this time. Now weakened by the poison, Ameliay helpless in bed, a vulnerable figure bound to elicit sympathy from those around her.


    Even Micah couldn''t object.


    By then, Sadie would indeed be in a position where she couldn''t clear her name even if she threw herself into the Mississippi River!


    "Mr. Clemens, what do we do now?" Andrew asked in a low voice.


    "Let her dig her own grave!" Micah snapped angrily, "I pulled her back from the brink of death, and now she''s willingly jumping back in!"


    Andrew sighed, concerned about Sadie''sck of street smarts. She was too naive and overly trusting in human nature, always assuming that distinguishing between right and wrong would be clear.


    But in reality, if someone really wanted to put her in a dire situation, whether she was guilty or not was irrelevant.


    The truth was often in the hands of those who prevailed...

 Chapter 390 Without a Leg to Stand On

    The lounge was filled with doctors and medical staff.


    Dahlia and her team, apanied by the hospital director and several specialists, had arrived. They formed a group of over 20 medical professionals, presenting an impressive sight! Sadie was a little intimidated, thinking Amelia''s poisoning was life-threatening.


    As she approached, Sadie noticed Amelia propped up in bed. Amelia was fully conscious despite her weakened state, and herplexion wasn''t as pale as Sadie had expected.


    Indeed, status made a difference; as a wealthy heiress, life itself seemed more precious.


    Sadie''s own father had been treated the same when he was alive.


    Now, with her father gone, her life was as insignificant as that of a de of weed!


    This thought brought a bitter feeling to Sadie...


    "Gentlemen," the medical team greeted Micah''s grandfather respectfully.


    "How is she doing?" Micah''s grandfather asked.


    "We''ve done aprehensive exam on Miss Amelia; it was food poisoning. We caught it early, so there''s no life-threatening danger," Dahlia reported. "We just pumped her stomach, and she''s a bit weak now but should be fine after some rest." "That''s a relief," Micah''s grandfather breathed easier and told the medical staff, "You all may leave. Dahlia can stay."


    "Yes."


    The medical staff gradually left, and the room quieted down.


    Micah''s grandfather approached the bed and asked with concern, "Amelia, how are you feeling?"


    "I''m still a bit ufortable, but it should be nothing serious," Amelia said weakly. Thank you, Grandpa, for your concern."


    "Sweetheart." Micah''s grandfather berated himself with guilt, "I failed to protect you, but don''t worry, I''ll make things right for you and your father!"


    With that, hemanded furiously, "Bring the person here!"


    A bodyguard shoved Sadie to the edge of the bed. She tried to rise, but the bodyguard pinned her shoulders down.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie asked, livid. "I''m not a criminal! Why are you treating me like this?"


    "Shut up!" Micah''s grandfather red at her and then softened his tone as he turned to Amelia. "Amelia, tell me, what have you eaten today?"


    "I... I flew back early this morning and went straight to the VIC Group since I was caught up in preparing for the press conference. I didn''t eat anything and didn''t even have time for a sip of water. I just had a cup of coffee¡ª" At this point, Amelia''s eyes widened as she looked at Sadie as if waking from a dream. "Could it be something was wrong with that coffee?"


    "Mhm." Micah''s grandfather nodded, "It''s been tested-the coffee was poisoned."


    "You, why would you try to harm me?" Amelia pointed at Sadie with trembling emotion. "Sure, I can be hot-headed, but I never did you wrong. Why are you so malicious?"


    "Do you honestly believe I''d harm you?" Sadie met Amelia''s gaze in disbelief. "You''re the one who gave me a hard time, demanding me to serve you coffee. How could I possibly get poison into it?"


    "That''s enough, no more excuses," Amelia said, visibly angry. "Is it because I identally exposed your affair with Mason, causing Micah to take action? You''ve been holding a grudge against me, so you poisoned me?" "That''s not it at all..."


    "Silence!" Micah''s grandfather barked in a formidable tone, "I had no idea about this twist. That''s how you operate, hiding things from me?"


    "I¡ª"


    "Adding poison to the coffee seems to be her signature move," Amelia glowered hatefully at Sadie. "She once tampered with Mr. Wood''s coffee, and it almost choked him to death. Everyone in thepany knows of that incident." "That does ring a bell," Ss nodded in agreement, "I''ve heard about it."


    "Perfect." Micah''s grandfather sneered with scorn and shouted, "Why are you still standing there? Take her away!" "Wait!"


    The voice that spoke out belonged not only to Micah, who had just entered the break room, but also to Nelson!

 Chapter 391 The Poison Was My Doing

    However, Nelson''s words were overshadowed by Micah, and only Ss, who stood by his side, heard them.


    Seeing Micah step forward, Nelson held back from any further action.


    "What else do you have to say?" Micah''s grandfather pointed at him with his cane, his voice filled with unforgivable fury. "Is what Amelia said true? Is it true this woman has put stuff in Ryan''s coffee?"


    "Yes, it''s true." Micah nodded in admission. "But this poisoning, it really wasn''t her doing."


    "You dare defend her?" Micah''s grandfather''s face turned ashen with rage. "I''m telling you, no one is going to save her today, not even if God showed up to plead her case!"


    "Calm down, sir." Nelson quickly interjected, "Let''s talk this out."


    "Drag this wicked woman away," Micah''s grandfather demanded, rising to his feet with his cane, seething with anger. "If you try to interfere again, I won''t just hand her over to the cops-I''ll exact justice on her right here and now!" "You wouldn''t dare!" Micah''s voice thundered with defiance.


    "Watch me!" Micah''s grandfather was utterly provoked.


    Sadie tensed up, not daring to make a single move. She could feel the murderous intent radiating from Micah''s grandfather, even more foreboding than Micah''s...


    If the standoff continued, she feared she might truly die here...


    "You can''ty a hand on her."


    Micah was starting to panic; he knew that although his grandfather hadn''t shed blood in decades, the ferocity within him couldn''t be concealed.


    "There''s nobody I can''t touch if I decide to!" Micah''s grandfather sneered ominously. "That includes you!"


    Micah clenched his fists, his brow furrowed as he looked at Sadie, before blurting out, "You really can''t touch her because... Because it wasn''t her who poisoned the coffee. It was me!"


    Everyone was shocked at his confession. They all stared at Micah in disbelief, including Sadie and Amelia!!


    Amelia''s eyes were wide with astonishment as if she couldn''t believe her own ears. Her hands involuntarily clutched the nket, nearly tearing the silk fabric.


    "What did you say?" Micah''s grandfather''s eyes widened in shock.


    "I..." Micah thought quickly, fabricating a lie on the spot. "I didn''t want to be forced into marriage, so I had Andrew slip something into Amelia''s coffee."


    Andrew stood there, dumbfounded.


    "The substance wouldn''t harm Amelia. It would''ve just caused a stomachache at most," Micah continued to borate his lie, "Probably Andrew used a bit too much, which is why Amelia ended up vomiting blood and passing out!" Andrew''s lips quivered, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. ''Micah, oh Micah, you yed the hero, sacrificing yourself for others. Just don''t drag me into this mess!''


    "Based on my calctions, Amelia should have had a reaction ten minutes earlier," Micah whispered, his voice fading. "Perhaps skipping lunch caused the medication to take effect more slowly. By the time everyone learned of the engagement, it had just kicked in..."


    Micah''s voice trailed off as Micah''s grandfather, shaken with anger, approached him step by step, leaning on his cane-a once fierce wolf still capable of lethal force.


    "Grandpa, please calm down..." Nelson hurried to Micah''s grandfather''s side, desperately trying to defuse the situation. "Amelia is fine now. Let''s just forget this happened, shall we?" With that, Nelson exchanged a meaningful nce with Amelia.


    "Yes, yes, Grandpa, I''m fine now. My stomach doesn''t hurt anymore. Let''s just let it go," Amelia pleaded for Micah, anxiously attempting to get out of bed.


    But it was toote...


    "You ungrateful wretch!" Micah''s grandfather''s hand trembled as he delivered a resounding p to Micah''s cheek.


    The sound echoed throughout the room.


    Dahlia, Andrew, Rn, and the rest of the underlings shivered in fear. They stepped back and lowered their heads, not daring to look.

 Chapter 392 A Resounding Slap

    Sadie stood petrified, eyes wide in shock, staring at Micah. Micah''s head was tilted, his brow furrowed, not saying a word.


    A bright red mark swiftly bloomed on his cheek, the imprint of a hand slowly materializing...


    "I neverid a hand on you throughout your childhood," Micah''s grandfather said in a terrifyingly low voice, a murderous look still in his eyes. You were smart, obedient, and understanding, never a disappointment. Until now¡ª"


    "I am not a puppet!" Micah cut him off sharply. "Nor am I your tool to fix mistakes!"


    "What did you say?" Micah''s grandfather''s voice shook, his gaze stunned.


    "Isn''t it true?" Micah''s mocking sneer cut through the air. "My father was trapped in a love affair and died unexpectedly, so you pinned all your hopes on me. You strictly controlled my rtionships, who I dated, whom I married, even who I befriended-all had to have your approval!"


    "Micah..."


    "What? Was one p not enough?" Micah lifted his chin defiantly. "Then go ahead, give me a few more. Consider them returned!"


    "You-inexcusable beast..." Micah''s grandfather trembled with fury, raising his hand for another strike.


    "Mr. Clemens..." Nelson hastily rushed over to intervene, "Please, calm down. Take it easy!"


    "Grandpa, I''m so sorry, it''s all my fault." Amelia hurried over and grasped at Micah''s grandfather''s sleeve, her voice quivering with tears. "Please don''t hit Micah anymore! Don''t be hard on him, please!"


    Micah, annoyed, simply closed his eyes briefly and then turned to leave...


    "Stop right there!" Micah''s grandfather bellowed from behind.


    Micah didn''t slow down in the slightest. He just kept walking away without a backward nce.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew quickly followed after him.


    Everyone else hung their heads low in the room, not daring to make a sound.


    Only Sadie stood there, stunned, staring at the direction Micah had left, seemingly unable to snap back to reality...


    She couldn''t believe it. To protect her, Micah had stood up against his grandfather and even taken the me for her, resulting in that harsh p...


    Micah was such a proud person; it wasn''t just about getting hit-for him, even a slightck of respect in someone''s words could warrant punishment. But today...


    In front of all these people, Micah''s grandfather had struck him!!


    To get pped was one thing, but for a man like him, his dignity and pride were more precious than his own life...


    "Femme fatale!" Micah''s grandfather red furiously at Sadie.


    Sadie bowed her head, not daring to breathe too loudly.


    "Mr. Clemens, let''s just leave it," Nelson implored anxiously. Micah has already said it. Whatever happened with the poisoning, it must have been a misunderstanding. Let''s just chalk it up as a favor for me and put an end to this matter. No further pursuit."


    With that, he cast a knowing nce at Amelia...


    In a rush, Amelia began crying out, "Grandpa, I won''t press this matter. Let''s not pursue it any further. Don''t let this incident affect your rtionship with Micah. I don''t want him to resent me, please."


    "If it weren''t for their pleading today, you''d be done for!" Micah''s grandfather pointed at Sadie, his warning sharp and fierce, "Get out, and don''t let me see your face again!"


    Sadie picked herself up from the ground and quietly left.


    Dahlia gave a sign, and a medic quickly followed to support her.


    "Mr. Clemens, let''s all just cool off." Nelson soothed, "This is Micah''spany, and we shouldn''t overstay our wee. I''ll take Amelia home now."


    "Alright," Micah''s grandfather patted the back of his hand, "That boycks discipline. I''m sorry you had to go through this today. Later, I''ll make sure he receives a proper lesson."


    "Don''t say that," Nelson, well over 100 years old, said with his usual good temper, "It''s normal for kids to grow up and have their own ideas. Don''t be angry anymore. I''ll find some time to have a chat with him alone." "Okay."

 Chapter 393 Ask Her Not to Come Again

    The Luminexes took Amelia and left first. As a doctor, Dahlia apanied them the whole time.


    Worried that the old man''s blood pressure would spike, Ss cajoled him back home and notified the staff at Tai Chi Hospital toe check on him. Gradually, everyone drifted away, and it seemed as if calm was being restored.


    Nelson was thest to leave, with Rn escorting him downstairs.


    Before getting into the car, Nelson said with a gentle smile, "I had nned to talk to Micah, but he probably doesn''t want to see me right now. Please convey my apologies to him. This incident... Our Luminex family also has its faults." "If you put it that way, we feel even more ashamed," Rn said, feeling genuinely apologetic.


    "No, the one who should be ashamed is me." Nelson sighed. "If I had known Micah''s heart belonged to someone else, I never would have pushed for his marriage to Amelia." "Uh..." Rn was at a loss for words, unsure of what to say.


    Nelson proved his acumen as a businessman; though he hadn''t known anything in advance, he could tell that Micah had stepped up to take the me to protect Sadie.


    In the end, it didn''t matter who was behind the poisoning; what mattered was where Micah''s hearty, and whoever it pointed to was the winner.


    "That girl''s name is Sadie?" Nelson asked suddenly.


    "Yes." Rn nodded.


    "Sadie Roth?" Nelson asked again.


    "Yes," Rn replied, a bit puzzled why Nelson was asking so meticulously. Was he trying to investigate Sadie?


    "That''s a rarest name," Nelson mused, "Twenty years ago, I had a good friend with the samest name!"


    "Oh?" Rn felt relieved, realizing it was just an old acquaintance he was asking about.


    "Alright, I won''t keep you any longer. I''m off."


    Nelson patted Rn on the shoulder, turned, and got into his car.


    Rn watched him drive away, then went upstairs to find Micah.


    Micah''s office was in disarray; Micah had thrown everything that could be thrown, and Andrew had narrowly missed getting his head smashed, thanks to some quick reflexes. Rn was about to knock when Andrew whispered, "You trying to get yourself killed by knocking now?"


    "What else can we do? We gotta report in, even if it means facing death." Rn furrowed his brows, then remembered something. "Oh, what about Miss Roth?"


    "Sent someone to take her home," Andrew muttered. "I think we can''t keep her in thepany any longer. Miss Amelia causes trouble every other day. It''s pretty scary." "I feel the same." Rn took a deep breath and knocked on the study door.


    No response came from inside. Rn hesitated, contemting withdrawing, when the door swung open.


    Rn and Andrew exchanged a nce and carefully stepped in.


    Micah''s ck leather chair faced away from them. His handsome profile reflected against the floor-to-ceiling window, seeming rather lonely.


    "Mr. Clemens, everyone''s gone." Rn spoke softly, "Your grandfather is furious. Ss coaxed him home, worried about his blood pressure, and even called a doctor over."


    Micah didn''t respond. His gaze was lowered, and his fingers fidgeted with a Rubik''s cube.


    "Dahlia escorted Miss Amelia home and treated her," Rn continued the update. "I just walked Mr. Luminex downstairs, and he asked me to convey his apologies to you and said... had he known your heart was taken, he would never have pushed for this marriage."


    Micah remained silent...


    "Lastly, Nelson confirmed Miss Roth''s name with me." Rn watched Micah closely, speaking cautiously, "He mentioned he had a friend with thest name Roth 20 years ago."


    Pausing briefly, Rn added, "Right, Andrew arranged for people to escort Miss Roth home!"


    Micah finally spoke, "Tell her not toe to thepany anymore."


    "Yes." Rn knew that he and Andrew were on the same page as Micah so that she could avoid running into Amelia and Micah''s grandfather at the VIC Group.


    That would be the only way to keep her safe!

 Chapter 394 A Vow of Vengeance

    "No matter what it takes, handle Amelia''s entourage and find out who''s responsible for that poison!" Micah finally turned around. His eyes were still downcast as he twisted the cube in his hands, but his gaze was as cold as a scythe from hell!


    "Understood!" Rn bowed, epting the order.


    In fact, Rn and Andrew both realized that Micah was convinced Amelia had poisoned herself. But in today''s situation, they couldn''t expose her without proof.


    Of course, they all knew Amelia was targeting Sadie. She wanted to seize the opportunity to deal with Sadie thoroughly before Micah''s grandfather and Nelson. Little did she expect that Micah would rather take the me himself in an effort to protect Sadie!


    This led to Micah''s grandfather erupting in anger before everyone and even pping Micah.


    Who was Micah, after all? A man who never let any offense go unavenged!


    Who would dare touch a hair on his head? He''d topple their entire world.


    And a p? Though it came from his grandfather, Micah had to count it against Amelia.


    Actually, whether to marry or not wasn''t important, but... if the poison really was Amelia''s doing, then Micah would never keep such a calcting woman by his side!


    "Then, I''ll handle it now," Rn said as he turned to leave. Something else came to mind, and he cautiously asked, "Mr. Luminex seems quite interested in Miss Roth''s situation. Should we provide her with protection?"


    "No need," Micah answered decisively. "There''s nothing to question about his character but not so much about Amelia."


    "Yes." Rn nodded. "About dismissing Miss Roth, should we help her find a new job?"


    "There''s no need," Micah said coldly, his words steeped with resentment. "Not only is there no need, but make sure she can''t find a job either. This foolish woman needs to taste the hardships of life. That might teach her a lesson!" "Understood!" Rn bowed his head and left.


    "How did it go?" Andrew asked anxiously.


    "Much calmer now." Rn sighed. "I''ll go take care of things. Be careful around him."


    "Mhm..."


    ...


    Sadie had the driver stop at the corner of Blissful Lane 1 and walked home alone.


    So many things had happened today, and she was in a whirlwind of emotions, reying the scene where Micah had protected her...


    Her feelings were tumultuous and indescribable.


    She wondered how he was faring. Was he simmering with anger, alone in his office, venting his frustrations by smashing objects? Perhaps the bottles of expensive liquor and luxury itemsy shattered by now. Had the red imprint of the p on his cheek begun to fade? Did it sting physically? Perhaps the pain in his heart cut deeper still..


    Sadie let out a deep sigh. Sometimes, she just didn''t understand him. He was always domineering and controlling towards her, ready to torment her like a madman at the smallest sign of defiance...


    Yet, every time she was in trouble, he appeared like a guardian angel to rescue her from disaster.


    It struck Sadie as odd that he would go to such lengths to help her. In her estimation, he should have been grilling her intensely, possibly even taking her to the police station. Why protect her at all costs? She couldn''t figure it out...


    Suddenly, the ringing of her phone cut through her thoughts. It was a call from Victoria.


    Without dy, Sadie picked up. "Hello?"


    "Sadie, I''m calling on behalf of thepany to inform you that you''ve been officially terminated. Your final paycheck will be deposited into your ount shortly. I''ll mail you anything you left in the office. Just text me the address," Victoria rattled off in one breath.


    Sadie froze, taking a moment to process the information. "Okay, got it. I don''t have anything important there. You can just toss it out."


    "Alright then," Victoria didn''t linger on the conversation, "Take care."


    "You too, goodbye!"

 Chapter 395 Fathers Legacy

    Sadie had seen this daying. Everyone knew Micah had taken the fall for her. Even if his grandfather dropped the poisoning issue, he''d never let her stay by his side. Maybe leaving was for the better. Less contact, less conflict.


    She sighed deeply and picked up her pace, heading home. That''s when her phone buzzed again. It was Kathleen.


    That name hadn''te up in ages. The White mother and daughter duo had given Sadie a hard time, though Micah had given them their dose of payback. Once they realized Sadie had Micah''s support, they backed off. Why would Kathleen reach out now? Had she heard about Sadie''s firing from the VIC Group?


    Whatever the reason, Sadie wanted nothing more to do with them. She declined the call and kept walking. But then the phone rang again...


    Frowning, Sadie debated for a moment before answering. "Hello?"


    "It''s me." Kathleen''s voice came through. "You don''t need to worry. I''m not going to cause any trouble. I just want to propose a deal."


    "A deal?" Sadie scoffed. "What kind of deal could we possibly have?"


    "Don''t you want the house your father built for you? Don''t you want his life''s work, his legacy?" Kathleen got straight to the point. "If you do, meet me."


    "What''s the catch?" Sadie''s frown deepened.


    "You''re overthinking it. You belong to Micah now, and we, the White family, are just barely hanging on. How could we dare to pull any tricks on you?" With a bitter smile, Kathleen said, "Leah and Ronan are divorced. We''ve lost our backing and want to sell the estate for some cash and move to France."


    "Leah and Ronan got a divorce?" Sadie was visibly surprised; she had always known that their end woulde, just not so quickly. It seemed Ronan had had enough of Leah.


    "They''ve been apart for several days now," Kathleen said in a low voice. "We haven''t seen the kid for nearly a month. Leah''s at home, starving herself and crying over Billy''s photos every day."


    "Oh..." Sadie responded coolly, "Try to look on the bright side."


    "I know you''re probably reveling in our misfortune in your head, maybe even want tough. It''s fine. The White family has already be the brunt of jokes. We don''t mind one more personughing." Kathleen spoke icily, "The Potters are a mess, too. If they''re divorcing, who cares? It''s just that Leah didn''t get a dime in the settlement-the Potters stripped her clean. That''s just cruel."


    "That''s not my concern." Sadie didn''t want to continue the conversation.


    "Alright, back to business." Kathleen steered the topic. "We can''t stay in Newark any longer. We''re nning on moving to France. After our family''s downturn, your uncle''s factory has been losing money. We crunched the numbers recently, and instead ofing out ahead, we''re in the red...


    "Basically, we''re desperate for cash and want to sell this mansion and those factories. Finding a buyer would take time. We can''t wait, so I wanted to see if you''re interested. If so, we can meet and discuss."


    "Don''t you think you''re overestimating me?" said Sadie, frowning. "I''m broke as a joke. How could I afford to buy a mansion and factories?"


    "You might not, but Mr. Clemens does." Kathleen was anxious. "After being with him for so long, you must have gotten your hands on some money. A little from him would be more than enough to buy back these properties." Sadie thought for a moment and asked, "Give me a ballpark figure."


    "For the three factories and the mansion? Not much, $70,000,0000." Kathleen added, "Mr. Clemens supports you, and I wouldn''t dream of deceiving you.. The price is fair. You should consult with him."

 Chapter 396 Taking Ownership

    "I''ll think about it..." Sadie said as she was ready to end the call.


    "Wait a second!" Kathleen called out anxiously. "The price is negotiable. Think it over and contact me anytime you''re ready."


    "You guys don''t even have $70,000,0000?" Sadie was puzzled. "That ruby ne alone must be worth a fortune, not to mention your other assets..."


    "Don''t get me started!" Kathleen fumed. "Leah sold off all our valuable jewelry, cars, and some real estate behind our backs in a desperate attempt to save her marriage. She turned over more than $300,000,000 to Ronanr''spany to keep it afloat and ended up losing everything.


    "You don''t have to worry about me ying tricks. Mr. Clemens is your backer. How could I dare to cross you? Think it over. If you''re interested, give me a call."


    With that, Kathleen hung up.


    Sadie''s emotions were mixed while listening to the dial tone on the other end...


    Of course, she didn''t want to see her father''s legacy ruined or her once warm and happy home sold to strangers.


    She could use her father''s inheritance to buy those properties. However, if she bought the factories, how could she manage them without any management experience?


    Given her current lifestyle, which requiredmuting by car, the mansion is sorge that it would require at least four or five housekeepers. Without money-making skills, how could she afford to maintain it after purchasing it? Her father had left her a significant amount of money, but she couldn''t just live off it forever.


    Moreover, given the current situation between her and Micah, she likely became a thorn in the side of Micah''s grandfather and the Luminex family. Who knew what may happen in the future...


    Not to mention that she was already mentally and physically exhausted; she didn''t want to deal with all this anymore. More importantly, Brenda and the kids couldn''t handle the strain either. She now genuinely wanted to take Brenda and the kids and leave this ce for a quieter life elsewhere...


    As she was lost in her thoughts, Sadie''s phone rang again; it was Jonathan Chase calling.


    She quickly answered, "Mr. Chase!"


    "Miss Roth, I''d like to meet with you. Are you avable?"


    "Yes, I am. Should Ie to your office?"


    "No, I''lle to you. Send me the address."


    "Okay."


    After hanging up, Sadie texted the address of a nearby caf¨¦ to Jonathan. She then called Noah and instructed him to bring his siblings home with the caregivers after school, stay put, and not wander off. Noah promised repeatedly, telling her to focus on work and not worry about home, adding that they would call her if anything came up.


    Sadie was reassured. With the three kids now having phone watches, contacting them had be much more convenient.


    ...


    Sadie had been waiting at the coffee shop for over ten minutes when Jonathan rushed in, his forehead drenched in sweat, gasping for air.


    As soon as he saw her, he blurted out, "Miss Roth, did you know? The Roth Group is being sold!"


    "I just heard the news." Sadie nodded. "Did my unclee to you?"


    "He didn''t specificallye to me, but he''s been reaching out to the former CEO''s subordinates to see if anyone''s interested in buying," Jonathan replied with a furrowed brow and a tone filled with righteous indignation. "The guy''s despicable! He seized the CEO''s legacy with underhanded tactics by capitalizing on his connections with the Potter family and made a fortune for a few years. Now that he can''t run the business, he''s throwing it away for a song. It''s aplete disgrace to the CEO''s hard work!"


    After speaking, Jonathan seemed uneasy. "Miss Roth, I shouldn''t be telling you all this. I''m just worried. I don''t want to see the business the CEO worked so hard to build fall into someone else''s hands."


    "I understand," said Sadie, nodding. "I''m not a kid anymore. There are things that I would know, even without you telling me."


    Jonathan let out a deep sigh. "I just don''t have the capital. If I had the money, I''d buy those factories in a heartbeat..."

 Chapter 397 About Mother

    Hearing these words, Sadie fell into deep thought. She considered the possibility of purchasing the factories herself and asking Jonathan and a few of her father''s former colleagues to assist in their management. This way, she could familiarize herself with the business... With everything that had happened recently, she increasingly realized how well-protected she had been by her father,cking survival skills and resilience. She was even struggling to keep a regr job and earn enough to support her kids... Even though her father had left her with ample financial security, she couldn''t just burn through her inheritance. Plus, as a mother, she should set a good example for her children. But purchasing and rebooting the factories wasn''t going to be easy...


    She had never managed apany before and knew little about her father''s business. The idea of spending $70,000,000 to acquire the factories and starting from scratch was daunting...


    "The Roth Group used to focus primarily on real estate but also operated ten factories producing clothing and jewelry. Seven were in other states and shut down with the Roth Group''s bankruptcy. These three factories were saved by the CEO''s connections, hoping to leave them for you. Unfortunately, they were snatched through vile means by Felipe and Frank..." Jonathan recounted the past bitterly.


    "I hate that I was powerless against them and just resigned to the fact that these factories were still churning. But to think that these people couldn''t keep things running after just four years..."


    "They were just parasites living off my dad''s sess, with no real skills of their own. After my dad passed away, theytched onto the Potter family for a few years. Now that the Potter family has fallen apart, naturally, they can''t keep the business afloat," she exined.


    Sadie sighed and tentatively asked, "Mr. Chase, are you here to suggest that I buy those factories?"


    "No, no, no," Jonathan shook his head emphatically. "With the CEOgone and your useless uncles and cousins, you, as a woman, already have a hard enough life. Where would you get the money to buy factories?" "What do you intend to do, then?"


    "I''ve talked it over with a few of your father''s trusted former subordinates. If we pool our money, we can just about afford one factory. We have confidence that we can turn it around and make it sessful in the future." Jonathan spoke with passion, "I want you to join us as a stakeholder. Not for you to put in money but to bring your expertise to the table. Didn''t you study design back in the day? These factories are all about clothing. Your skills would be perfect." Hearing this, Sadie was deeply touched. This wasn''t just about getting her to invest; it was clear that they knew about her current unsettled life andck of steady work. They were looking out for her future and giving her a chance to earn an ie.


    "Even though you graduated from a prestigious university, youck work experience. Outside, you might only get secretarial jobs, which don''t offer much of a future," Jonathan continued. "Come work with us, and we can pass on everything your father taught us. Once you''ve mastered it, you can go and do your own business. That''ll give you some confidence for the road ahead in life."


    "Thank you, Mr. Chase..." Sadie''s eyes brimmed with tears of gratitude, "I really appreciate it."


    "Don''t mention it. We all benefited from your father''s kindness. Now''s our time to pay it forward," Jonathan said, smiling modestly. "Besides, taking over that factory could be profitable for us."


    "I''ll need to think it over and get back to you in a few days. Is that okay?" Sadie wanted to be cautious.


    "Of course, take your time to think." Jonathan nodded. "By the way, have you received the things your father left for you?"


    "Not yet, I''ve been there once," Sadie replied. "For now, keeping it at the cemetery seems safer."


    "You should check what he left sooner rather thanter, especially anything about your mother. It might be useful to you..."

 Chapter 398 Two Million Investment

    As Sadie left the coffee shop, her mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Jonathan''s proposal seemed enticing, yet with a family relying on her, uprooting wasn''t as simple as it sounded. Brenda remained hospitalized, and Nathan was recuperating from a broken leg. This wasn''t the opportune moment for any major changes.


    In the vicinity of Newark, the towns housing the factoriescked adequate educational and medical resources.


    Education could wait a bit-after all, the kids were young, and a dy of a year or two wasn''t a big deal-but she couldn''t afford to take it lightly when it came to treatment.


    If Nathan''s broken right leg didn''t heal properly, what would they do about potentialplications in the future?


    And then there was Brenda, suffering from a moderate stroke, still in the hospital...


    Staying in Newark, they could receive the best care. Once they left, there were no guarantees for these issues.


    Regardless, she had to wait until both Brenda and Nathan''s conditions were stable.


    That night, Sadie tossed and turned, unable to sleep as she contemted her options.


    The first thing she did the next morning was to approach Nathan''s pediatrician. "Dr. Charles, how''s Nathan''s leg? When can we expect a full recovery?"


    "Kids recover faster than adults, typically in about three and a half months. Nathan is a strong boy, so he might heal even sooner."


    After thanking Dr. Charles, she sent the kids off to school and visited Brenda in the hospital.


    Dahlia mentioned that Brenda needed surgery, as well as physical therapy. With both treatments, she could be back to her old self in approximately two months.


    With this information, Sadie made her decision and immediately called Jonathan for a meeting.


    "You''ve made up your mind so quickly?" Jonathan was surprised.


    "Mr. Chase, I can''t leave just yet. Give me three months to settle things here, and then I''ll join you folks," Sadie said, pulling out her bank card and handing it to Jonathan. "Here''s $2,000,000, all my savings. Consider it my share in the investment."


    "This... This won''t do," Jonathan refused, flustered. "You cane to work at the factory in a few months. We''re still getting things ready-your expertise is your investment, so why give me money?" "You have to take this money," Sadie insisted firmly. "Being part of the investment means getting shares with clear justification. Otherwise, how could I ept any profits in good conscience?" "But..."


    "I know you''re looking out for me, and I understand that buying those factories is no small venture." Sadie sighed. "Those three factories cover a vast area, plus the machinery-it all costs money." "Yeah, buying all three is out of reach," Jonathan admitted. "Leung, Geng, and I put together just enough to buy one, and that alone costs $10,000,000."


    "Isn''t that settled then?" Sadie stuffed her bank card into Jonathan''s hands. "I''ll put in $2,000,000. Just give me a 20% shareter on."


    "No, no, no, we''d give you a share regardless of your investment," Jonathan refused to take her money, expressing his concern. "You''re a young woman and need to keep some cash on hand."


    "If I don''t put in money, there''s no way I''ll ept any shares from you." Sadie was getting anxious. "Please, I''m begging you, don''t make me feel like a parasite!"


    With her standing firm, Jonathan fell silent and took the bank card. "Alright, we''ll split it evenly among the four of us. You''ll get 25%."


    "I won''t stand on ceremony then." Sadie knew that to continue would be endless. "You guys go ahead and start the preparations. I''lle find you once I''m done with my affairs here."


    "Got it," Jonathan nodded eagerly, "The factory is in Biston, a little over 400 kilometers from Newark. I''ll arrange everything and wait for your arrival!"


    "Remember, we have to keep this lowkey. No one can know I''m investing," Sadie instructed seriously. "And don''t let anyone know I''ll be joining the factory." "Understood, don''t worry about it."

 Chapter 399 Capturing Her in One Fell Swoop

    After leaving Jonathan, Sadie felt a weight lifted off her shoulders, feeling like she had a goal in life again. Once she sorted everything out here, she nned to take Brenda and the kids to Biston. A fresh start, far from theplexities of this bustling city.


    As the taxi stopped at a red light, Sadie''s gaze unintentionally caught the sight of the VIC Group building. A gigantic electronic billboard was ying the news conference from the other day... Micah''s enchanting and handsome face on the screen drew the attention of many passersby. The beautiful Amelia was also very noticeable.


    Especially when her eyes locked onto Micah with such deep affection, it made people believe they were a perfect match made in heaven.


    The news about their union must be ying next...


    A bitter smile spread across Sadie''s lips, her emotions impossible to put into words. She recalled vividly how Micah had shielded her, no matter the obstacles that had arisen between them that day... Past events flooded her mind, bringing a mix of sentiments.


    Sometimes, she couldn''t even tell if she had any feelings left for him...


    As the car pulled away, Sadie looked away, but she spotted a familiar figure in the corner of her eye.


    Not far, by the roadside, there was that Rolls Royce Phantom; Micah was getting into the car surrounded by several bodyguards.


    Then, the vehicle entered the same street.


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat; she quickly ducked and covered her face with her hand, afraid of being spotted by Micah.


    He had fired her and hadn''t contacted her in the past couple of days. Perhaps he wanted to cut ties with herpletely. She shouldn''t show up anymore and trouble him.


    Maybe never seeing each other again was the best ending for them.


    "A luxury car is a luxury car. It takes off so fast," the taxi driver eximed as he watched the Rolls-Royce Phantom speed away. "Ah, when will my beat-up ride turn into a Rolls-Royce?"


    Sadie remained silent, sitting up straight as she stared thoughtfully in the direction the Phantom had disappeared. Her mind was involuntarily pondering whether he would really marry Amelia. Inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom...


    Micah looked back subconsciously, feeling as though he was being watched.


    But when he looked back, he saw no familiar vehicles. It was probably just some starstruck passersby.


    Micah refocused and resumed reviewing the footage Rn had sent him. The segment consisted of highway surveince clips indicating that Amelia hadn''t headed straight to the VIC Group afternding at the airport. Instead, she had driven to the outskirts.


    The dash cam had captured what happened on the outskirts: a doctor awaited her there, handed her a small vial of liquid, and informed her that it would take effect in 90 minutes, advising her to manage her timing carefully...... Amelia asked, "It won''t cause any problems, right?"


    "Don''t worry, the dose I''ve prepared is small. Even though you''ll vomit blood and faint from the abdominal pain when it takes effect, the symptoms will dissipate after an hour. Once you get back, I''ll take care of you. You''ll be as good as new in a few days."


    "But Micah is very astute. He''ll see through it if I try something right under his nose." Amelia was still hesitant.


    "I''ll teach you a trick," the doctor whispered. "The liquid is as dark as ink. You can draw it up into a pen''s reservoir-then he''ll never notice."


    "That''s a smart solution." Amelia nodded. "Remember, this must stay between us. If it leaks, you''re finished!"


    "Of course, we are in this together!"


    "Pleasure doing business with you!"


    As she got into her car, Amelia asked her assistant, "Are you sure Sadie is at thepany today?"


    "Positive. I just called, and she''s already there," the assistant assured her. "Don''t worry, we will definitely take her down today." "Good."

 Chapter 400 The Older the Foolisher

    Micah''s brow furrowed deeply upon hearing this, his expression darkening ominously...


    He had always known Amelia was willful and would stop at nothing to get her way, but he never imagined her to be so vile and malicious. To think she would poison herself and frame Sadie!


    "Mr. Clemens, even though this came up, we need to tread carefully," Andrew cautiously advised. "The news about your engagement with Miss Amelia has already been released, along with the coboration between the VIC Group and Luminex Group..."


    "My grandfather is really persistent," Micah scoffed with mocking derision. "So what if he released it? Can he force me into an engagement if I''m not willing?"


    "But challenging your grandfather like this doesn''t do you any good," Andrew whispered. "It''s not great for Miss Roth either..."


    "That''s exactly why I fired her, to get her out of my way so I can handle things."


    Micah twirled his phone in his hand, gaze drifting out the window. What was that foolish woman doing now? He had stood up to his grandfather for her, even taking a p. Yet, she hadn''t even sent a text. Had she no conscience at all?!


    "Alright then," Andrew said, no longer daring to press the issue. He knew that no one could stop Micah once he made up his mind.


    "It''s strange," Micah said coldly. "Mr. Luminex is such a mild person; how could he have raised such a daughter?"


    "It''s said that Miss Amelia isn''t his legitimate wife''s child. She was raised outside and only brought back at ten. She probably picked up some venomous traits. And, Mr. Luminex apparently has another daughter with his legitimate wife, a year older than Miss Amelia. I think she mute and her name is Ling Yun," Andrew exined.


    "I''ve seen her as a child. She looked clean enough, just a bit withdrawn," Micah recalled. "I''m really curious: Why does my grandfather insist I marry a daughter from the Luminex family? Just because he admires Mr. Luminex?"


    "I think I heard Mr. Ss mention that Mr. Clemens and Mr. Luminex were like brothers in their youth, and Mr. Luminex once saved his life. When Mr. Clemens had troubles, Mr. Luminex stayed by your grandfather''s side. Truth be told, the Clemens family owes a great debt to the Luminexes!"


    "So I''m the one to repay it?" Micah snorted.


    "It''s not exactly like that," Andrew replied objectively. "Mainly, Miss Amelia seems a good match, can charm your grandfather, and she''s hidden her true colors well, which is why he''s been fooled."


    "Even my grandfather makes mistakes," Micah muttered under his breath. "The older he gets, the more senile!"


    "You shouldn''t speak so disrespectfully," Andrew said carefully, watching him.


    "Do I need your nonsense?" Micah red at him. "Did he go see those three brats again today?"


    "Yeah, I heard he went straight to the kindergarten," Andrew said with some concern. "Your grandfather loves those three kids so much and hates Miss Roth with a passion. Who knows how he''ll react if he finds out they''re Miss Roth''s kids?" "I''m curious myself..." Micah smirked. "Doesn''t he pride himself on being so virtuous? This will teach him a lesson about not being so sure of his own judgment." Andrew fell silent, not daring to continue.


    At the kindergarten...


    As the tripletss were getting ready to board the school bus, a stretch Rolls-Royce pulled up.


    The car door opened, and Ss helped Micah''s grandfather out.


    From a distance, Micah''s grandfather waved to the children. "Kids, Grandpa''s here to see you!"


    "Grandpa!" Mia ran towards him like a little bird, nearly knocking Micah''s grandfather over.


    "Whoa there, my little treasure, take it easy," Ss eximed, his heart almost leaping out of his chest. "Grandpa can''t take such a hit. It could be dangerous." "What could possibly go wrong?" Micah''s grandfather red at him. "A three-year-old is going to injure me?"


    "Yes..." Ss bowed his head, choosing not to say more.

 Chapter 401 Raising a Ruler

    "Grandpa, I missed you so much." Mia clung to Micah''s grandfather''s neck, acting spoiled. "Did you miss me?"


    "I missed you..." Micah''s grandfather felt his heart melt, rubbed Mia''s hair, and said lovingly, "That''s why I came to see you all, isn''t it?"


    "Grandpa, you''re the best!" Mia cheered, raising her chubby little hands.


    "Grandpa!"


    Just then, Noah and Nathan came over, apanied by the nurse.


    Micah''s grandfather squatted down, first hugging Noah, then Nathan, his smile beaming.


    Anxious on the side, Ss urged, "Sir, please stand up. You can''t squat for too long."


    "Nonsense!" Micah''s grandfather scolded.


    "Grandpa, how''s your back?"


    Noah didn''t say anything; just reached out to support Micah''s grandfather.


    With that support, Micah''s grandfather effortlessly stood back up, patted his lower back, and dered, "It''s nothing, no big deal! How about Grandpa takes you to the fairytale castle?" "Yay!"


    The three kids answered in unison. They were thrilled to go to the fairytale castle; Mia even pped her hands while jumping excitedly.


    "Let''s go, get in the car."


    Micah''s grandfather took Noah and Nathan by the hand and led them into the car.


    Just as Sadie was about to step out of the cab, she caught sight of Micah''s grandfather and quickly ducked back inside the vehicle. Her heart was pounding wildly. ''Why on earth is Micah''s grandfather here?''


    "Are you getting out? We''re here," the cab driver asked.


    "Just a moment," Sadie whispered from the back seat, hunching down. "Keep the meter running. Consider it another fare."


    "Ever since you got in, you''ve been all secretive. What are you up to?" the cab driver grumbled, frowning. "You''re not nning on kidnapping a kid, are you?"


    "Of course not," Sadie hurriedly replied. "I''m here to pick up a child."


    "Then why don''t you get out?" the cab driver said impatiently. "Hurry up, or I''m calling the cops."


    "Just wait..." Sadie was frantic with worry. If she went outside now, she would be spotted by Micah''s grandfather.


    Peeking outside, she saw the bodyguard wheeling Nathan to the car and then lifting him inside. The car door shut.


    "Are you getting out or not?" the cab driver pressed.


    Cornered, Sadie stepped out of the cab and hid behind a nearby trash can, craning her neck to sneak peeks.


    The car hadn''t left but was still running, stuck as thene was filled with school buses at dismissal time, yielding to the buses as they passed.


    "Wow, look at all the Barbie dolls and princess dresses, so pretty!" Mia eximed with delight as she got into the car, surrounded by beautiful Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, and a variety of Disney princess dresses, waving her arms and feet with glee.


    "Haha, d you like them," Micah''s grandfather said, smiling brightly at Mia''s joyful expression.


    "Wow, so many toys!" Nathan was also excited, spotting all his favorites-aplete set of Transformers, Power Rangers figures, and various Marvel superheroes.


    "These are all for you. Do you like them?" Micah''s grandfather asked affectionately, stroking Nathan''s hair.


    "I love them! Thank you, Grandpa," Nathan said, happily unwrapping the toys.


    "Noah, this is for you," Micah''s grandfather handed Noah a separate box.


    "Thank you, Grandpa," Noah replied, taking the box and looking inside to find a custom ultra-thinptop. He was surprised. "Grandpa, I don''t really know how to use aputer."


    "You''ll learn," Micah''s grandfather said with a tender touch to his hair. "You''re very smart and talented. It shouldn''t go to waste. I''ll introduce you to the basics today. After school, you''ll receive two hours of online lessons from world-ss teachers every day. Before long, you''ll be a prodigy."


    "Thank you, Grandpa!" Noah''s eyes sparkled with unusual brilliance. "Now I can protect Mommy and my little brother and sister."


    "What a good boy!" Micah''s grandfather hugged Noah, filled with a sense of aplishment, "I will make sure to raise you to be a king!"

 Chapter 402 Almost Gave It Away

    "Grandpa, thank you..." Noah''s eyes brimmed with tears of gratitude. "How did you know this is what I wanted most?"


    "Of course, I knew," Micah''s grandfather said with tender affection. Your thirst for knowledge and power resembles my grandson''s when he was little! Toys and gifts are never enough for you. You were both extraordinary children from the start What you really want is to stand at the top of the world and be a king!"


    Micah''s grandfather thought of Micah with a proud and arrogant gleam in his eye.


    Yet, in a sh, his mood soured...


    Micah had made him so angry yesterday that he felt his blood pressure skyrocketing. Only by visiting his three grandchildren today did his mood start to lift.


    "Grandpa, you''re so good to me. I''ll make sure to repay you someday."


    Noah sniffled, his eyes welling up with moved tears. To him, Micah''s grandfather understood him better than anyone else in the world.


    Mia sat in the backseat, absorbed in her Barbie game when a sudden thought struck her. Tilting her tiny head, she pouted and reminded, "Noah, shouldn''t we call Mommy? Otherwise, she won''t know we went out with Grandpa, and she''ll worry."


    "Right, I''ll call Mommy right away."


    Noah used his watch to dial Sadie''s number...


    Sitting beside a trash can, Sadie was startled and scrambled to silence her ringing phone before answering the call. She quickly covered the mouthpiece with her hand and whispered, "Hello?"


    "Mommy, Grandpa came to take us to the fairytale castle, so you don''t have to wait for us for dinner," Noah''s obedient voice came through.


    "Alright..." As Sadie spoke, a car horn sounded in the background.


    Noah paused when he heard the noise on the phone.


    Micah''s grandfather also heard it because the watch he was using was on speaker.


    "Is your mommy nearby?" Micah''s grandfather asked curiously. "Did shee to pick you up?"


    "Mommy, are you here?"


    Noah looked out the car window, lifting his hand to bring the watch closer to his ear while turning down the volume.


    "No, I''m on the road..." Sadie said in a fluster, "Okay, Noah, you go eat with Grandpa. Mommy is busy right now, we''ll talk at home, bye."


    With that, Sadie hastily hung up the call...


    Sadie rubbed her troubled forehead. She had never been one to lie, and her story from earlier was riddled with holes, seemingly destined to unravel. She pondered whether her bluff had been exposed... ''No, the phone watch must have been on speaker.


    ''Oh no! Could Micah''s grandfather have overheard?''


    Sadie pped herself on the face and mentally berated her own stupidity.


    "Did you see your mommy?" Micah''s grandfather asked, peering out the window.


    "No," Noah replied, his gaze resting briefly on a pair of small white shoes sticking out from behind a trash can on the curb. But he didn''t blow the cover and instead calmly drew the curtains and sat back down. "She''s probably on her way from work. Could be stuck in traffic," he said.


    "Yeah," Micah''s grandfather nodded, not thinking too much about it. "We''re caught in traffic over here too."


    "It''s all clear now, sir," Ss chimed in.


    The car began to move and slowly made its way out.


    With the extended Rolls Royce finally gone, Sadie stood up and took a deep breath of relief.


    She had returned from Jonathan and had intended to pick up the kids for a meal-she hadn''t expected to run into Micah''s grandfather. Hopefully, her cover hadn''t been blown. Fortunately, Noah had called in. He was so clever he''d surely find a way to manage the situation.


    Surely, Micah''s grandfather wouldn''t suspect a three-year-old''s words!


    With that thought, Sadie rxed and headed to the nearby subway station to go home.


    On the way, she mulled over the forty-plus resumes she had posted online in thest few days, trying to find temporary work, but no one had responded.


    She knew that manypanies needed long-termmitment, so she targeted temporary positions but did not receive a reply.


    Was finding a job really that tough these days?

 Chapter 403 A Bizarre New Job

    Sadie had invested the $2,000,000 given by Micah with Jonathan for the factory. Now, she was down to a few tens of thousands of dors, and even covering living expenses for the next few months seemed daunting. Micah''s grandfather fully covered Nathan''s treatment since he was responsible for the ident; it was only right for him to cover the expenses.


    But Sadie still needed to settle the cost of Brenda''s treatment at Dahlia''s hospital.


    So, she really needed to ramp up her efforts to earn money.


    If only the DTT bar were still open. She used to make a lot per night performing there.


    But sadly, the bar had closed down.


    Maybe she could find a bar to perform at. A gig like that wouldn''t require a long-termmitment and couldst three months.


    With that thought, Sadie opened a job-searching app on her phone and looked for gigs performing at bars or restaurants. There were a few listings, but the pay was much lower than what she earned at DTT.


    Sadie remembered it must have been n who had put in a word for her, which was why Jonny had offered her a good rate.


    But now, she couldn''t be choosy. Even $10 an hour would suffice. A penny earned was a penny saved.


    She sent her resume to several bars and restaurants.


    She had two versions of her resume ready-one forrge corporations like the VIC Group, applying for secretarial work, and the other for singing or piano gigs at bars and restaurants. After sending out all her applications, all she could do was wait.


    "Sadie, is that you?" A surprised voice suddenly rang out.


    Sadie looked up and saw a pretty girl with cute dimples. She seemed familiar...


    "It''s me, Serena!" The girl excitedly moved closer. "Do you remember me?"


    "Oh, yes, it''s you."


    Sadie remembered. At thest party at Noble Summit mansion, she had helped a pianist, a music student from Newark, named Serena.


    "I didn''t expect to run into you here. What a coincidence," Serena said joyfully. "I''ve been meaning to contact you, but I''ve been so busy with work and had some family issues."


    "No worries," replied Sadie with a smile, fondly remembering theirst interaction. "If we''re meant to cross paths again, we will! How are your hands? Let me see!" "It''s mostly healed..."


    Serena hesitated to show her hands, but Sadie gently pulled them closer.


    "Uh..."


    Sadie was stunned. Although the wounds had nearly healed, Serena''s once delicate and beautiful hands were now covered with scars, and some injuries affected the tendons in her fingers, which could hinder her piano ying. Thinking of Amelia''s cruelty, Sadie felt a surge of anger but didn''t mention it. She softly asked, "Can you still y?"


    "I can, but it''s not the same. No one wants to hire me now."


    Tears filled Serena''s eyes.


    "Last time, you yed in my ce and stole the show. Because of that, Inded a fantastic job opportunity. The boss said I could start once my hands were healed. But when I went to take the job the other day, I couldn''t perform well..." Serena took a deep breath, forced a strong smile, and continued, "The boss was kind and gave me $2,000, hinting I should think about a career change."


    "Don''t worry. Other opportunities wille," Sadie said with empathy. "I''ll think of something to help you out..."


    "Sadie, don''t worry about me. I''ve found a new job," Serena said with optimism. "I''m working as a server at a ce where I make 1,000 bucks every night, plus other bonuses. I''m earning more per month now than I ever did before!" "That much?" Sadie''s eyes lit up. "Where at? Take me with you."

 Chapter 404 At a Dead End

    "Uh, well..." Serena''s face turned awkward as if she was finding it hard to exin.


    "Is it because they''re not hiring anymore?" Sadie realized her possible rudeness and quickly added, "It''s okay. I was just asking. Don''t worry about it." "No, they''re still looking for people. It''s just..." Serena hesitated.


    "Just what?" Sadie asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "I''m afraid you''ll look down on me if I tell you," Serena confessed, her head bowed in shame.


    "How could I?" Sadie reassured her quickly. "We don''t steal or rob; we earn money with our own hands. There''s honor in that. Why would I look down on you?" Encouraged by Sadie''s words, Serena leaned in and whispered, "I work as a server at a nightclub!"


    "A nightclub?" Sadie was taken aback. The thought had never crossed her mind.


    The wages for servers at nightclubs were indeed high. Even for just carrying trays and serving beer, the pay was good, and with generous patrons, tips could be substantial.


    However, it was a messy ce, easy to be taken advantage of and cheated.


    For Sadie, nightclubs held too many memories of Micah. She didn''t want to be reminded of the past or risk bumping into Micah there.


    "I''m just a server, nothing else," Serena quickly rified, seeing Sadie''s hesitation, and worried that Sadie might think she was involved in shady activities. "You believe me, don''t you?"


    "Of course, I believe you," Sadie said, holding her hand sincerely. "I''ve been to that kind of ce a few times before. There''s nothing shameful about being a server there. I was just... wondering if I could go too."


    "I think you better not," Serena advised earnestly. "You y the piano so well you can definitely find a better job. You don''t need to work as a server."


    "Yeah, I''ve sent out some applications. Maybe I''ll get some responses soon."


    Sadie also felt that if there were other options, it was best to steer clear of nightclubs.


    "Then wait and see. If a better jobes up, congrattions. If not, maybe I can ask for you?" Serena said kindly.


    "Okay," Sadie nodded. "I''ll keep an eye out for you too, see if there''s anywhere I can help."


    "Thanks, sis. My stop ising up; I''m going to get off here."


    "Sure, let''s stay in touch."


    After splitting from Serena, Sadie still harbored hope. She felt confident that with her piano skills and the des she had amassed in the past,nding a gig as a pianist at a reputable jazz bar or upscale restaurant would be a cinch. However, her optimism was quickly dashed.


    For three days, Sadie didn''t receive a single callback.


    She even took the initiative to follow up via phone, but the moment the bars and restaurants heard her name, they concocted excuses to turn her away. Sadie was puzzled and couldn''t understand why this was happening.


    Yes, she had been involved in a scandal that made the trending searches a while back, but it was quickly removed, and that incident was long over. How could these people act as if her name was cursed, refusing to employ her? Was someone sabotaging her behind her back?


    Images of a few individuals shed across her mind¡ªMicah, Amelia, Micah''s grandfather?


    Whoever it was, they were not people she could afford to confront.


    Sadie was frantic. Was she really going to end up at a nightclub?


    No, she could always get a job as a server at a fine dining establishment, even if it meant earning less.


    With this thought, Sadie decided to lower her standards and continue sending out her resume.


    Then, she received a bittersweet call from Dahlia''s charity hospital, pressing her to pay Brenda''s hospital and treatment bills totaling $178,800!


    Sadie was stunned. She thought she could stall a bit longer, waiting until Brenda was discharged to settle the full amount with Dahlia, but now...

 Chapter 405 Working at the Nightclub

    Sadie quickly promised to pay as soon as possible. The caller was understanding and said there was no rush it was just a reminder.


    After the call, Sadie immediately pulled out herte father''s bank card, hoping to withdraw some funds. To her dismay, the bank informed her the ount was still frozen. She needed to contact her designated financial advisor in Switzend to activate it beforehand.


    Sadie knew this was her father''s way of safeguarding the inheritance from others'' clutches by setting up a protective system.


    Activating the ount would involve going through some procedures and meeting with the Swiss financial advisor.


    Sadie returned the card to her purse. If she were to tap into this money now, it would mean she''s starting to live off her father''s legacy...


    She felt so ipetent.


    Could she not make her own living?


    After much consideration, Sadie called Serena...


    "Hello, Sadie..."


    The call was overwhelmed by the ring sound of heavy metal music, nearly drowning out Serena''s voice. Sadie could only make out the incessant "hello, hello" from the other end.


    After a while, things quieted down on the other end, and Serena spoke loudly, "Sadie, it was too noisy just now. I''m in the private booth area, did you need something?"


    "I, um..." Sadie chewed her lip. "Just wanted to ask if you guys are hiring?"


    "Yeah, I actually introduced a ssmate to join today. Do you want toe?"


    "Mm, I''ve had no luck with job interviews elsewhere, and we need money at home. I''m looking to find a job to work for a few months. Could you help me get an introduction?" "Of course, no problem. I''m at the nightclub right now, youing over?"


    "Yes, I''ll be right there."


    "Okay, call me when you


    arrive."


    After hanging up, Sadie hugged her kids and told them to y a bit before going to bed early, as she needed to step out for a bit.


    The kids were all obedient and sweet, each kissing Sadie and telling her to return home soon.


    Dressed in casual attire and donning a mask and a baseball cap, Sadie headed out.


    Taking a cab to the nightclub and seeing the familiar scene, Sadie felt a pang of nostalgia. There was a time when she frequented the nightclub, solely to supervise a male escort as he worked to make money.


    Reflecting on it now, Sadie still thought that the male escort was the most endearing. Despite his ever-stern face, he''d dutifully hand over his earnings every day. Whenever she found herself in danger, he would seemingly drop from the sky to rescue her from dire situations.


    Back then, there was no animosity, no Amelia, no Micah''s grandfather...


    There was no societal judgment, consideration of social standing, or a tangled web of love and hate-none of that existed.


    However,ter on, when the male escort reimed his identity as Micah, everything changed...


    Countless unexpected problems emerged, adding twists and turns to their rtionship. They were on and off, torturing each other, with pain outweighing happiness.


    Now, they had finally separated, and perhaps this was for the best.


    "Sadie!"


    A clear voice rang out, interrupting Sadie''s reverie.


    Sadie looked up to see Serena and couldn''t help but smile. "Serena, aren''t you supposed to be working?"


    "I was worried you couldn''t find me, so I came out to meet you," Serena said, pulling her in. "I''ve already spoken to our manager. He said you can have an interview, and if all is well, you can start tonight."


    "Thank you," replied Sadie, her emotions a mix of anxiety. She had been here before and had even apanied Micah a few times. Would the nightclub''s manager remember her, and if so, might that lead to Micah finding out?


    "The new manager is pretty great. With him taking over, we need to hire a bunch of new waitstaff. It looks like we''ve stumbled upon an opportunity," Serena said.


    When Sadie heard this, she felt relief. The nightclub''s new manager would certainly not recognize her. This was the break she needed.

 Chapter 406 Job Secured

    Serena took Sadie to the manager''s office located in the back hall. When Sadie saw him, she froze it was Jonny, the former owner of the DTT bar! "It''s you?" Jonny was just as shocked to see Sadie.


    "Long time no see," Sadie muttered awkwardly. She was well aware that the closure of the DTT bar was somehow connected to her and had caused Jonny substantial losses. Could he really trust her with a job now? "You know each other?" Serena was surprised.


    "Yeah," Jonny said with a slight smile. "Serena, you go ahead with your work; I''ll take care of her."


    Serena nced at Sadie, who nodded at her. "I''ll get back to work then. Call me if you need anything." "Sure."


    Jonny pulled a chair out for Sadie and offered her a drink. "Serena mentioned she was introducing a friend to work here as a waitress. I thought it would be another music student. Never expected it to be you."


    "I didn''t expect to see you here either," Sadie admitted, clearly ufortable. "I caused you a lot of troublest time and never had the chance to apologize..."


    "It wasn''t your fault," Jonny said with a yful smile. "n offended Mr. Clemens, and that dragged me down with him. It''s his tab to settle, not yours." Sadie managed a stiff smile and stayed silent.


    "Truth is, he didn''t mean to treat you that way. Someone drugged him," Jonny probed gently. "That night... nothing happened between you two, right?" "Nothing, absolutely nothing." Sadie shook her head vigorously.


    "That''s good," Jonny sighed in relief. "Actually, n really likes you. I''ve never seen him treat any girl as well as he treated you. That night was just an ident."


    "Let''s not dwell on the past," Sadie changed the subject. "So, can you amodate me here?"


    "Why not? It''s just a word from me," Jonny said with augh, then added, "Wait, aren''t you Mr. Clemens''s girl? Why are you applying for a waitress position here? Did you two... break up?"


    "Yep." Sadie nodded, giving a self-deprecating smile. "Strictly speaking, I was never really his girlfriend."


    "I saw the news. He''s apparently getting engaged to the Luminex heiress," Jonny said, probing further.


    "Yeah, I caught that news," Sadie said with forced nonchnce, trying to appear indifferent. "Just your ssic match made in heaven."


    "This sort of thing? Seen it a million times," Jonny spoke with the voice of experience. "In those high society circles, they don''t get a say in their own marriages. Don''t hold it against Mr. Clemens..." "No hard feelings. We parted on good terms."


    As Sadie said this, the image of Micah''s icy eyes shed through her mind, along with something he once said...


    "In this lifetime, you''ll never escape the palm of my hand."


    Could they really part on good terms? Would hee looking for her?


    "If that''s the case, then stay," Jonny said with a smile. "You''ll start tonight. I''ll have someone take care of your onboarding processter. But this time, you''ll get paid just like everyone else. After all, I''m not the boss anymore, just an employee, and I don''t know any generous shareholders like n."


    "I understand," Sadie quickly said. "Thank you!"


    "We''re all in this together, no need for thanks."


    Jonny called over the supervisor, Rose, and instructed her to help Sadie with the paperwork and get her a new uniform.


    While handling the formalities, Rose exined the policies andpensation, "Base pay of $300 a day, 30% on all drink sales for you, tips are yours to keep, and based on performance, the top three get a bonus at the end of the month." "Got it, thanks!"


    Sadie was ted. Her trip wasn''t in vain; she secured her job...

 Chapter 407 Bunny Girl

    Afterpleting the orientation process, Rose handed Sadie a uniform and reminded her, "Change into this, and I''ll show you around. The job''s pretty straightforward; you''ll catch on quick."


    "Sure, thanks, Rose."


    Sadie went to the changing room, got dressed, and was taken aback as she faced the mirror.


    The skirt was scandalously short. When Serena wore it, it didn''t seem shocking at first. However, once she put it on herself, she felt exposed. The form-fitting white V-neck blouse paired with the short ck skirt barely contained her curves. The addition of the pink and white bunny ears gave it a yful touch, almost like a costume from a risqu¨¦ fantasy.


    "Isn''t this neckline a bit too low? And the skirt, way too short..."


    Sadie felt vulnerable, as if her defenses were down.


    "Everyone wears the same uniform, Serena included didn''t you notice?" Rose chuckled. "It''s just that with your figure, you''re bound to turn heads."


    "But..." Sadie was hesitant.


    "No choice for now. Wear it today," Rose said, giving her a reassuring pat. "You can alter it a bit tomorrow as long as the changes aren''t too extreme. Also, this..."


    Rose handed her a ckce mask, "Uniform masks for the waitstaff!"


    "Thanks." Sadie put on the mask, hoping that Micah wouldn''t recognize her even if she ran into him.


    "Alright, follow me," Rose instructed, "I''ll show you around the bar and help you get acquainted with the liquor, and you need to memorize the price list." "Okay."


    Sadie followed Rose to the foyer.


    The club buzzed with energy as several women performed seductive pole dances on stage, eliciting excited screams from the men below. Some of them had even stripped off their shirts and were swinging to the music. "See that?" Rose chuckled, "All the men''s eyes are glued to the stage. No one''s paying attention to you. Rx."


    "Mhm." Sadie also noticed that the women on stage, wearing only bikinis and sheer fabrics, unted their voluptuous figures, drawing all the attention away from her.


    Rose continued, "Even if the private booth patrons give you a nce, they normally won''t bother you too much. We''ve got beauties here with fair skin and long legs. When ites to finding a woman, these guys got plenty of choices!" "That''s true." Sadie felt more at ease.


    Rose took Sadie over to the bar and introduced her to the various imported spirits, having her match them with photos on the price list. Themon beers, cocktails, and beverages didn''t need memorizing those were cheap and could be ordered straight from the menu.


    Rose exined that she needed to find ways to upsell the more expensive spirits. She pointed out that the top-earning waitstaff could make hundreds inmissions in one night. With tips, some even broke past $10,000.


    Hearing this, Sadie felt a surge of excitement. $10,000 in just two weeks, she could pay off Brenda''s medical bills.


    Just then, Serena came running over, excited: "Rose, my booth just ced a big order! Can you check mymission?" "Let me see." Rose nced over the bill, patting her shoulder, "$4,800!"


    "Oh my gosh, that''s amazing!" Serena almost jumped with joy.


    "Congrattions, Serena." Sadie smiled.


    "Sadie?" It took Serena a moment to recognize Sadie. "Wow, you look so different in that outfit. I almost didn''t recognize you."


    "I could recognize you even with a mask on."


    Sadie thought Serena had a distinctive look, her petite and slender build somewhat out of ce in such a setting.


    "I know. I''m the ttest one here." Serena said, a bit embarrassed.


    "Alright, Serena, show her the ropes. I''ve got to get back to work."


    With that, Rose handed Sadie off to Serena and then headed off.


    "Come on, Sadie, join me in the private room," Serena tugged at her, "The guy in there is a big spender. If wend another order, we''ll split themission fifty-fifty." "Sure, thanks."

 Chapter 408 An Unexpected Encounter

    Following Serena to the private room, Sadie immediately regretted her decision. The man inside was none other than Waters Brownly, the former Vice President of the Luminex''s Group. Previously, Amelia had tried to set Sadie up with Waters at the Noble Summit retreat. He had taken a liking to Sadie, which enraged Micah, leading to Waters being ousted. In her attempt to appease Micah, Amelia had had Waters fired.


    Sadie had not seen him since. But the man had suffered because of her, and now he likely harbored resentment. He could make things difficult for her if he discovered her true identity. With this in mind, Sadie made to leave, but a drunk patron grabbed her arm. "Nice figure, I''ll take this one."


    Sadie quickly shook off his grip, taking a step back. "I''m a waitress, not one of the girls."


    "Gentlemen, your gals will be here shortly," Serena swiftly stepped in to defuse the situation.


    "This waitress sure has a killer body." The man sized up Sadie, his eyes filled with primal desire. "Let''s see how pretty that face is."


    He reached out to remove Sadie''s mask...


    Sadie stepped back, her mask peeling away, revealing most of her face.


    Sitting on the couch, Waters first looked stunned and then fixed her with an intense gaze...


    "What the hell''s with the act?" the drunk patron cursed loudly at Sadie. "Isn''t everyone here for sale? What''s the difference? Name your price; I can afford it."


    "Sir, our staff is not for sale. If you''re looking forpany, plenty of women are avable," Serena said, her voice tinged with distress.


    "You talking back to me?" The man raised his hand, poised to strike Serena.


    Sadie quickly grabbed his arm, "Enough, don''t overdo it!"


    "Overdo it? I''ve taken a liking to you today." The inebriated patron said, "Such smooth hands must belong to a real beauty."


    He grasped Sadie''s hand...


    Disgusted, Sadie pulled away, trying to leave with Serena.


    The drunken patron gestured, and his bodyguard immediately blocked the door, preventing their exit.


    Serena turned pale with fear.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Sadie demanded angrily.


    "Of course, I want to fuck you," slurred the drunken patron as he leered at Sadie. "Just give me good service, and I can pay you double!"


    "You better watch yourself; this is a nightclub, not some dive where you can do whatever you want," Sadie warned him, shooting a meaningful nce at Serena. Serena finally snapped out of it and hurriedly called Jonny for help.


    "Bitch!" The intoxicated man snatched Serena''s phone and threw it viciously to the ground. "Refuse a toast, take the punishment! Take them down!"


    No sooner had his wordsnded than two bodyguards pinned Sadie and Serena on the couch.


    The drunk was reaching to rip off Sadie''s mask when a voice drawled leisurely, "Valterri, sober up!" "Waters, why are you taking their side?" the drunk asked, puzzled.


    "Let''s not make a scene here," Waters responded coolly, "This nightclub has some serious backing. You don''t want to mess with that."


    "Right, Valterri, if you want to y with women, there''s no shortage here. Why stir up trouble over a waitress?" the other patrons chimed in. "We''re here to entertain Waters. Let''s not make it ugly." "Fine!" The drunk reluctantly released Sadie.


    The bodyguards backed off.


    Sadie quickly grabbed Serena, and they dashed out.


    Serena was shaking and said with a choked voice, "I was so scared just now."


    "I''m so sorry; it''s my fault," Sadieforted her, patting her shoulder. "Your phone is broken now. I''ll buy you a new one tomorrow."


    "It''s not a big deal about the phone," Serena said uneasily. "Should we tell Jonny?"


    "We should...," Sadie was saying when Waters emerged from the private room, smirking, "Miss Roth, didn''t expect to see you here!"

 Chapter 409 It Takes the One Who Tied the Bell to Untie It

    Sadie panicked. Her mask hadn''t been removed; how could Waters recognize her?


    "Do you know him?" Serena whispered.


    "No," Sadie feigned ignorance and tried to pull Serena away.


    "After all, I just helped you out. That''s pretty ungrateful," Waters said in a tone tinged with disappointment.


    "Sadie, if it hadn''t been for him, we would''ve been in serious trouble," Serena was still somewhat grateful to Waters, who had been quite generous and respectful when ordering earlier. Sadie gently pushed Serena. "Serena, go find Jonny,"


    "Okay." Serena turned to Waters, said "Thank you," and left quickly.


    "Chat for a bit?" Waters made a gracious gesture, inviting Sadie to speak privately.


    Sadie followed him to a secluded booth, but she stood at the entrance on high alert. "What do you want to talk about?"


    "About what happenedst time, I want to clear things up," Waters began earnestly. "I didn''t mean to spill the drink on you. Someone tripped me under the table."


    "I figured as much. Amelia, right?" Sadie said with a cold chuckle. "Everyone knows what she did. They just didn''t call her out on it."


    "The truth is, it''s both of you locking horns, and I got caught in the crossfirepletely innocent," Waters exined with a helpless look. "Even though I''m quite fond of you, I''ve never been disrespectful, have I? Mr. Clemens knew it was Amelia''s mischief, yet he kicked me off the project. Amelia even used it as an excuse to fire me. After all my years at the Luminex''s Group, to end up like this-do you think that''s fair?"


    "It''s definitely not fair!" Sadie said sincerely. "Although I was a victim too, the situation started because of me, and I owe you an apology. I hope you find a better opportunity in the future!"


    "You''re so understanding. No wonder Mr. Clemens has taken a liking to you," Waters praised her with admiration, then sighed with regret. "Leaving the Luminex Group was a massive loss for me. Now that the word is out that I''ve crossed Mr. Clemens, nobody dares to hire me. I''ve encountered so much trouble trying to start my own business-"


    "Sorry, there''s nothing I can do to help," Sadie cut him off, eager to leave. "I have to get back to work."


    "What''s the rush?" Waters smiled slyly. "I''m not done talking."


    "Is there anything else?" Sadie asked, feeling a twinge of unease.


    "The one who tied the bell must untie it," Waters said, locking eyes with her intently. "You started this mess; you''re the one who can help fix it."


    "You''re giving me too much credit," Sadie responded with a wry smile.


    "You can do it," Waters said confidently. Just put in a good word for me with Mr. Clemens. Have him speak to Amelia, and I can get back to the Luminex Group."


    "Sorry, I don''t have that kind of influence," Sadie said helplessly. "I''m working here as a waitress now. Do you think I carry any weight with Micah anymore?" "You do," Waters insisted firmly. "The fact that you still dare to use his first name tells me your rtionship with him is quite special."


    "You''re reading too much into it," Sadie said, somewhat exasperated. "Since when does using someone''s first name mean anything out of the ordinary?"


    "I''ve seen it all before. Many from the upper echelons of society choose partners who match their social status for marriage yet harbor love for another on the side," Waters said with a smile. I can tell Mr. Clemens has special feelings for you. Right now, he''s just keeping his distance, but one day, he''lle looking for you!"


    "Maybe," Sadie replied politely. "Best of luck to you, goodbye!"


    She pushed open the door of the booth and hurried away...


    Waters watched her leave, a mischievous smile lifting the corners of his mouth as he made a call. "Spread the word to Amelia that Sadie is working at a nightclub."

 Chapter 410 All About the Money

    After Sadie''s brisk departure, she was relieved Waters didn''t follow and caught her breath. She had learned her lessons after so many incidents and was now more cautious and guarded. In the past, Micah would have been on hand for protection, but now she was on her own and had to learn to protect herself.


    "Sadie!" Serena''s anxious voice reached her. "I''ve been looking everywhere! Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." Touched by her concern, Sadie said, "Thanks, Serena."


    "What for? We''re good friends, after all. Last time, you saved me." Serena chuckled. "Come on, let''s get you to work. You haven''t made any sales tonight, we can''t have that." "Yeah," Sadie agreed and joined Serena for work.


    Aside from the earlier unpleasant encounter, the rest of the night in the other booths went smoothly. While Sadie''s striking figure still drew some men''s gazes, they limited themselves to some verbal teasing and didn''t bother her further since they had already orderedpanions.


    The night passed without incident, and Sadie finally racked up a few sales. Excited, she asked Rose about hermission, and Rose told her it was just over $300.


    Sadie was dumbfounded. Why did Serena make over $4,000 inmission from her sales when hers was so little?


    Rose exined that the tables Serena worked sold expensive foreign liquors with high profits, hence the heftymissions. Sadie''s tables ordered standard drinks with lower profits and, therefore, lowermissions. Feeling a bit dejected, Sadie realized that money wasn''t easy toe by.


    Serena''s clientele, such as Waters, who had a penchant for fine liquor, were rare. Most patrons came here for thepany of women, with drinks merely serving to enhance the ambiance they hardly ever ordered the expensive stuff. Opportunities to earn tens of thousands in one night were notmon.


    Serena consoled her not to lose heart and keep striving in the future.


    That night, Sadie didn''t clock out until four in the morning. She and Serena tallied up the night''s earnings, with Serena racking up a whopping $5,000, including tips andmissions.


    Meanwhile, Sadie had made a mere $700!


    She reassured herself that it wasn''t too bad for her first day on the job. Seven hundred dors was a decent start, and she was determined to keep pushing forward.


    For the following days, Sadie worked from seven in the evening until four in the morning. Although the seven-hour night shift turned her days and nights upside down and was exhausting, the money was substantial.


    In just a week, she had saved $30,000. Adding a little to her initial savings, she paid $50,000 dors for medical bills at the Heartfelt Hospital and decided to pay off the restter.


    During this time, she hadn''t seen Dahlia, who reportedly had been dispatched to care for Amelia.


    Sadie felt a pang in her heart; Dahlia used to be almost exclusively at her service, and now everything had changed...


    With a bittersweet smile, she hailed a cab to the nightclub.


    All she wanted now was to earn enough to pay for Brenda''s medical bills. Once that was achieved, she nned to leave the nightclub behind and find a legitimate job.


    On this particr night, Serena showed up an hourte.


    Noticing her red eyes and somber mood, Sadie asked with urgency, "Serena, what happened?"


    "My mom''s condition has worsened again," Serena wept. "I''ve been earning as much as I can to afford her treatment. It looked like she was improving, but now suddenly..."


    "No wonder you work so hard..." Sadie felt a surge of empathy. "Don''t panic. Tell me what''s wrong with your mom. I have a friend who''s an exceptional doctor; maybe she can help." "Four years ago, my mom fell from an upper floor and has been in a vegetative state ever since..." Serena exined briefly. "She''s been in the hospital all this time..."


    "You''ve really had it tough," Sadie embraced her. "Before work tomorrow, I''ll apany you to the hospital to see your mom and see if I can do anything to help." "Thank you." Serena wiped away her tears. "Let''s go to work. We need to make more money."


    "Mhm."

 Chapter 411 He Didnt Recognize Her

    While they were working, Sadie caught a glimpse of a familiar figure that made her heart skip a beat... It was him!


    Whenever Micah came to the nightclub, he always wore a ck leather jacket and that mysterious and foreboding ck half-mask. His tall and upright silhouette stood out even in the dimly lit corridor, exuding an air of dominance. It was as if he were a god from hell itself, instilling fear and chilling awe.


    What was he doing there? Was he just like the other men, seeking pleasure?


    Thoughts swirled through Sadie''s head, her feelings aplex web, as her eyes remained fixed on him, unable to look away.


    It wasn''t until she stepped into the familiar private booth that she allowed her gaze to drift away...


    "Sadie, what''s up?" Serena tapped Sadie on the shoulder.


    "It''s nothing." Sadie came back to reality, "Table V11 wants some ice. I''ll go get it."


    "Let me handle that. There''s a new guest in one of the upfront booths; you should greet them. You might snag a few big checks." Serena took the tray from her hands. "Go on, hustle!" "Ha, got it!"


    Serena''sment amused Sadie, who had been working there for a week and consistently brought in the least revenue.


    Rose had lectured her several times, insisting on thick-skinned flirts and aggressive charm to push sales. Otherwise, Sadie would be scraping by on minimum wage.


    Rose even demonstrated how to coax customers into spending more, but Sadie just couldn''t grasp it. This infuriated Rose to the point of issuing a yellow card warning that if she ended the month at the bottom in sales, she''d be out on her ear That lit a fire under Sadie, who asserted her determination to improve.


    To lend a helping hand, Serena went out of her way daily to direct orders Sadie''s way.


    "You''reughing?" Serena was conflicted between amusement and concern, "Look at us, elite servers picked for our education and looks, assigned to the private booth section-how lucky! The other girls catch on in three days, save a tidy sum in three months, and can buy a house after a year. And you? Bottom of the barrel every day for a week I guess you''re not hurting for cash."


    "How could that be? I''m really strapped for cash. I just can''t let loose." Sadie admitted sheepishly, "But I''m trying..."


    "That''s the spirit." Serena patted her shoulder sympathetically. "Save enough to get out of here sooner rather thanter¡ªthis can''t be our forever gig, right?"


    "I know." Sadie nodded, psyching herself up, "Tonight, I''ll aim for the top spot!"


    "Go get ''em. And remember that booth is for our top-tier VIPs, no cking!"


    "Mhm."


    With Serena gone, Sadie took a deep breath, mustering the courage to enter the so-called supreme booth.


    Of course, she knew that big money was on the line here. The client was Micah, who had pricey bottles on reserve, each with a six-figure tag, and his tips were also famously generous.


    But would he recognize her?


    Dressed in the nightclub''s standard-issue outfit, albeit customized slightly, she became a captivating blend of vulnerability and allure, from the plunging neckline to her provocative curves. Her disguise featured a ckce mask with bunny ears,plemented by a red wig, light purple contacts, and striking fiery-red lipstick.


    Now, she was hardly recognizable.


    Even Serena might struggle to identify her without seeing the name tag.


    With these thoughts, she took another deep breath and knocked on the booth''s door.


    Micah lounged on the couch with an air of arrogance, his eyes glued to his phone as if he was scrutinizing some document, not once lifting his eyelids.


    "Shall we dip into the stash fromst time?" Rose was there catering to them personally.


    "Yeah," Andrew responded. "Bring over two buckets of ice."


    "Sure thing." Rose motioned to Sadie with a nce, "Go get the ice."


    "Oh," Sadie acknowledged. She made her way behind the screen to the small bar, opening the freezer to retrieve the ice.


    Andrew looked up at her, his gaze filled with curiosity.

 Chapter 412 Fallen So Far

    "There''s a minibar here? I had no idea."


    Rose was astonished. She hade to the nightclub with Jonny, and despite it only being a month since she started, she had already mastered her job. However, she had never taken the initiative to explore this particr private room before and was unaware of its unique features.


    "I..." Sadie seemed guilty, ncing at Micah with nerves fluttering as she spoke, "I only just found out, too."


    Micah was still engrossed in his phone, possibly troubled by some bad news as hisplexion was a bit off.


    It had been about half a month since theyst met, and he seemed to have lost some weight...


    "You''ve got sharp eyes," Rosemented casually. "Get ready. I''m going to open the red wine."


    "Okay." Sadie came back with two buckets of ice.


    Rose had uncorked the red wine and was preparing to pour it into the decanter.


    Sadie hastily interjected, "Hold on. Roll the decanter with ice first, then pour. It enhances the taste." "There''s such a method?" Rose whispered.


    "Yes." Andrew eyed the girl before him; she had a great figure, though her outfit was quite tacky. "Let her handle it." Andrew gestured.


    Rose passed the red wine and the decanter to Sadie.


    Crouching, Sadie began the aeration process, seamlessly adding a few ice cubes to the decanter and swirling them elegantly and proficiently.


    Her wrists made ample movements, yet the ice made no sound within the decanter...


    After a minute, she discarded the ice and slowly poured the red wine along the edge of the decanter.


    Lastly, she took Micah''s wine ss, rolled it with a lighter, then clinked it with an ice cube, and finally poured the wine.


    All her motions were carried out with great expertise.


    "You''ve got good technique there." Andrew was surprised. "Where''d you learn that?"


    "Saw it online." Sadie kept her voice pressed, worried they''d recognize her.


    Micah nced up at her briefly, then kept focusing on his phone.


    Clearly, he did not recognize her.


    Sadie was torn. Part of her was relieved not to be identified, avoiding potential entanglements. Yet, there was a touch of sadness that he didn''t even recognize her after just a month...


    Back at the fairytale castle, she was bundled up from head to toe, yet he could instantly recognize her.


    It seemed he had already hit it off with Amelia, practically erasing her from his memory...


    "Everyone clear out," Andrew ordered, aware of Micah''s preference for quiet.


    Rose bowed gracefully and backed away.


    Following her lead, Sadie performed a polite curtsy and left with her.


    "Mr. Clemens, is there a serious issue with the new tech product?" Andrew asked cautiously.


    "There shouldn''t have been any." Micah frowned, his brow knitting together. "It looks like someone has tampered with the programming."


    "Rn is on it. We can expect results soon."


    Andrew watched his face and passed him the wine ss.


    Micah took the ss, sipped, and his eyebrows lifted slightly.


    "Tastes good, doesn''t it?" Andrew remarked. "A mere waitress understanding the art of decanting."


    "Perhaps not a mere waitress," Micah mused.


    "Why do you think that?" Andrew was surprised.


    "Not many know about that small bar..." Micah spoke offhandedly, then hesitated, "Call her in!"


    "Yes!" Andrew summoned Rose. "Bring that waitress here."


    "What''s wrong? Did she do something?" Rose asked anxiously.


    "No, she has a knack for wine service. Have here and serve," Andrew invented an excuse.


    "Yes, right away. She should have gone to Section C by now; it might take some time."


    "Make it quick."


    "Of course."


    In the private room, Micah contemtively tasted his wine.


    Andrew whispered, "It couldn''t possibly be Miss Roth, could it? You just gave her $2,000,000 not long ago; she wouldn''t stoop to serving here."

 Chapter 413 Bound to Happen

    "Nothing''s impossible for that foolish woman!"


    Micah''s mood was bleak. If it were her, she might as well be a ghost in that pale attire, serving as a waitress here she must be tired of life.


    At that thought, he grew restless. "What''s taking so long?"


    "The manager said she''s serving in Section C," Andrew spoke tentatively. "They''ve already gone to get her." "You go in person,"manded Micah.


    "Yes." A knock came from the door as Andrew was about to head out. He promptly responded, "Come in!"


    A female waitress entered, knocking politely. Dressed identically to the others, with the same stylistic uniform and a badge numbered 118, she didn''t seem any different from the girl before. Yet, something felt off...


    The girl bowed, asking respectfully, "Hello, how may I assist you?"


    Her legs trembled slightly due to nerves!


    Ten minutes earlier...


    Sadie and Serena were serving in Section C when Rose rushed to find her, saying that the person in the supreme VIP lounge was asking for her and that she needed to go there immediately. Sadie knew something was off as soon as she heard it. Micah must have sensed something. If she went there, he would surely uncover her identity.


    Thus, she found a girl with a simr figure and used a hefty tip as a bargaining chip to have the girl put on her wig and badge and go to the lounge in her ce.


    But as soon as the girl entered, Micah''s haughty demeanor scared her into trembling, and she didn''t even dare to look him in the eye.


    "The liquor is finished," Andrew instructed. "The way you woke up thest bottle was excellent. Come over and wake up another."


    "Yes!" The girl promptly advanced to perform the task. Sadie had taught her and Serena how to properly decant wine, a skill she had practiced many times and earned her many generous tips. That''s why Sadie trusted her to impersonate herself.


    Sadie didn''t anticipate that the girl''s technique was clumsy due to her excessive nerves, and she nearly knocked over Micah''s wine ss.


    "Leave," Micah said coldly.


    "Yes!" The girl hurried out.


    "This one seems..."


    "It''s not her," Micah immediately discerned. Sadie wasn''t afraid of him¡ªshe always carried herself with calmposure in his presence. That''s why her wine decanting had been so elegantly skillful. Other women would tremble at the sight of him. Even those with simr decanting skills could fumble due to nerves.


    "So, that one just now¡ª"


    Andrew started to speak when Micah abruptly stood up and walked briskly outside.


    Andrew immediately followed.


    Sadie was still busy in Section C.


    Lucian rushed over, almost in tears. "Sadie, that guy in the supreme lounge is so scary. I started shaking the moment I went in. His subordinate asked me to decant wine, but he told me to leave before I could finish." "Did they give you a hard time?" Sadie asked anxiously.


    "No, not really," Lucian shook her head and then pulled out a stack of money from her bra, excitedly saying, "When I was leaving, his bodyguard handed me a stack of money, exactly $10,000." "Wow, is that a tip? That''s incredibly generous!" Serena was enviably impressed.


    "Damn, why didn''t I get that when I went?" Sadie was covetously envious.


    "Hahaha, jackpot," Lucian pulled out four bills, handed two to each of them, "This is your share. Serena, thank you for getting me this job, and Sadie, thanks for sending me to that lounge."


    "Since you''ve got all these tips, you won''t be needing thatmission anymore, right?" Sadie asked with a cheeky grin.


    "How can that be?¡± Lucian became extremely agitated at the mention of money. ¡°I risked my life going in there. You have no idea how nervous I was; my heart was about to leap out of my chest¡ª¡± Lucian''s words were abruptly cut off. " Sadie, think that guy is heading this way!"

 Chapter 414 Trouble

    Sadie turned around and, sure enough, Micah was striding towards them with Andrew and a few bodyguards in tow... "Isn''t that the guy from the partyst time?"


    Serena instantly recognized him. At the gathering at Noble Summit, he had stood out as the center of attention, surrounded by aristocrats and celebrities eager to connect with him. His esteemed status had been evident in the way he hadmanded the room.


    "What do we do?¡± Lucian''s face turned pale, and her legs trembled, ¡°Do you think he knows I was pretending to be you and ising to make trouble for me?¡±


    "Don''t be scared." Seeing Lucian in such a state, Sadie couldn''t bear to put her at risk any longer. She quickly swapped their badges back. "Go on and get busy, I''ll handle this." "Okay, okay, I''m off." Lucian sprinted away faster than a rabbit.


    "Sadie, did you offend that guy?" Serena worried.


    "Maybe." Sadie thought to herself that if she hadn''t recognized Micah back then or mistaken him for a male escort to toy with, they wouldn''t be in this tangled mess now. "They''re almost here, let''s go." Serena pulled her quickly away.


    The two skillfully navigated through the private booths'' corridor, returning to Section A. Looking back and seeing no one, Sadie finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Today, Rose ordered us to help out in Section C, and now we''re back in Section A. What if she finds out? Could we get in trouble?" Serena was a bit anxious. "Go on to Section C for your work," Sadie urged her. "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine."


    "Okay then, that guy probably won''t be able to find you now." Serena said, "There are plenty of guests here. It''s no problem for you toe back alone. Just say a regr wanted your service." "Sure."


    Serena left, and it wasn''t long before Sadie was called over to take an order.


    The nightclub was always busy, with every booth filled every night, and reservations needed to be made in advance, or a booth wouldn''t even be avable.


    A team organized a party in Section C today, but they were short-staffed. That''s why Rose had asked the two of them to lend a hand.


    The guests in this booth ordered plenty of fine liquor. Seeing therge order, Sadie was thrilled and enthusiastically threw herself into her work. She wheeled in a trolley full of premium alcohol, crouching down to pour drinks for them. group of businessmen, each with an arm around ady, lounged on the sofas, enjoying drinks, flirting, and having a grand time.


    A


    One man held a woman close while his eyes roamed over Sadie, his foot brushing her thigh provocatively. "Hey babe, you''ve got a nice figure. How about a drink or two?" "Thanks, but I don''t drink," Sadie shifted aside.


    "How can you work at a nightclub and not drink?" The man sneered with malicious intent. "A thousand bucks a drink, how about that?"


    "Hahaha, Mr. Mario knows how to have fun."


    The other men erupted in rowdyughter.


    "Aw, she''s just a little girl. We''ll keep youpany," the women tried to deflect for Sadie.


    "Little where?" The sleazy man ogled Sadie. "She doesn''t look little to me."


    Sadie frowned deeply, rising to leave.


    Suddenly, the man stood and grabbed her. "Beauty, don''t refuse a toast, or you''ll have to face the consequences!"


    "Let go!" Sadie snapped.


    "I won''t!" The man shamelessly leaned in closer. "You smell so good..."


    Repulsed, Sadie tried to pull away from his grasp, but he held her wrist too tightly to shake off.


    The door swung open right then, and a tall, imposing figure strode in.


    The man''s merry mood soured, and he barked, "Who the hell is¡ª"


    The neer, who exuded an aura of authority, choked off the man''s words. With piercing, dark eyes that glistened fiercely in the dim light, the neer fixed his gaze on the man. His entourage stood grim and menacing.


    Sadie instinctively nced back, then quickly turned away again, her heart pounding erratically.


    ''Damn it! How did he find me here?''

 Chapter 415 Tip

    Micah''s gaze narrowed dangerously at the sight of Sadie''s captured hand.


    "Are you not letting go?" Andrew''s icy voice demanded. "Do you want to lose that hand?" Panicked, the man hastily released Sadie and stumbled backward, copsing onto the couch.,


    "W-Who are you guys?" he askeding in a scared, shaky voice., "W-Who are you guys?"


    Everyone else on the couch was petrified, too afraid to even breathe.


    "Whichever hand touched her, break it!"


    Leaving that grimmand behind, Micah turned and walked away.


    Sadie stood frozen in ce, her eyes wide with shock. Before she could grasp the situation, a pitiful scream echoed from behind her.: "Ah!"


    Instinctively looking back, Sadie instinctively looked back and saw Andrew crushing the man''s hand against the wall. T, the sound of bones breaking pierceding through the air!... The man''s face contorted in agony as he fought in vain.


    The rest were too terror-stricken to move, curling up in the corner, silent as the grave.


    The womenprincesses, unustomed to such brutal scenes, were trembling in shock, their hands covering their eyes.


    "Idiot!" Andrew hissed coldly, retracting his foot.


    The man copsed on the floor, passing out from the intense pain.


    Sadie was frozen in ce, and it took her a moment to snap back to reality.


    "What are you spacing out for?" Andrew said, motioning her forward with a "Please!"


    So far, Andrew was still not sure if this tacky-dressed girl was indeed Sadie.


    Trying to muster her calm, Sadie followed Andrew towards the private room.


    As she made her way there, a sense of dread filled her. Had Micah recognized her? How would he punish her?


    Upon entering the room, Micah was already lounging on the sofa. He was silently sipping his drink, his eyes downturned, appearing calm and indifferent.All the way there, a sense of dread filled her. Had Micah recognized her? How would he punish her?


    Upon entering the room, Micah was already lounging on the sofa, silently sipping his drink with his eyes downturned, appearing calm and indifferent.


    Sadie stood at the doorway, too scared to step inside.


    "Please.," Andrew gestured again.


    She had no choice but to takewalk a few steps forward, stopping in the middle of the room, her eyes fixed on Micah with apprehension.


    Micah remained silent, not looking at her, just quietly drinking.


    After he finished his drink and set the ss down, he finally gave amanded, "Go wash your hands."


    Sadie hesitated for a second, then went behind the screen to the bar sink to wash her hands.


    Andrew stood by, perplexed by the situation.


    "I''m done," Sadie said after washing her hands, standing timidly, uncertain of what Micah would do next.


    Micah nodded. "Decant another bottle.," Micah nodded towards his chin.


    Sadie knelt down, opened a bottle of wine, and began to skillfully aerate it.


    Micah watched her hands intently.


    Sadie knew that he ha''d asked her to wash her hands for two reasons. O: one was that someone else had touched her hands and he found that dirty. T; the other was that he wanted to check her identity through the scars on her hands. She was nervous, but thankfully, the cut on the back of her hand had healed without leaving a scar.


    But the burn scar from the cigar on her palm was still clearly visible...


    Fortunately, decanting the wine wouldn''t reveal her palm unless he were to pull her hand over for inspection.


    Once the wine was ready, Sadie poured Micah half a ss. Afterward, she stood back quietly, head bowed, awaiting his direction without once meeting his gaze. Her poise remained unbroken.Once the wine was ready, Sadie poured Micah half a ss.


    She then stood up, stepped back, and waited quietly with her head down, awaiting his direction.


    Throughout this time, she never once lifted her gaze toward him.


    She kept her poise!


    Micah took a sip from his ss without a word and continued to drink in silence.


    Andrew watched everything, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    ''What on earth doesid Mr. Clemensicah want?


    WaIs this girl really Miss Roth?''


    The ss was soon empty again.


    Micah spoke indifferently, "You may go."


    "Huh?" Sadie was stunned. Had Micah seen through her identity?


    If he had, why didn''t he confront her?


    If he hadn''t, why go through all the trouble to find her?


    Why break someone''s hand for her?


    "Get out!" Micahmanded.


    Andrew hastily walked up to show the guest out., "Please!"


    Sadie gave Micah a polite nod, then turned and left...


    As she approached the door, Andrew casually grabbed a few stacks of cash from the box and handed them to her., "You''ve earned it!" Upon seeing the amount, Sadie''s eyes widened¡ª$50,000fifty grand. If only Andrew''s hands were bigger, there might have been more...

 Chapter 416 Taking Coco to the Kindergarten

    Thrilled with the $50,000fifty thousand dor tip, Sadie was buzzing with excitement. After work that evening, she invited Serena and Lucian to join her for ate-night bite. KLucian, knowing about the hefty tip, Lucian was green with envy. Meanwhile,


    Serena, on the other hand, was thrilled for her, realizing that at this rate, they''d soon have enough to leave the nightclub Night Club behind at this rate.


    Lucian had different ns in mind. She proimed her love for the nightclubNight Club, where earning money was fast and easy. She wanted to save a good sum to buy a house in Newark.


    She even fantasized about snagging a rich patron at the nightclub Night Club and bing a trophy wife that was the life she aspired to.


    Serena warned her that being a trophy wife wasn''t all it was cracked up to be.


    But Sadie figured everyone had their own dreams, and if that''s what Lucian wanted, so be it.


    Sadie and Serena agreed to meet the next day at 2:00 p.m.two in the afternoon to visit her mother, and then they each went their separate ways.


    Serena and Lucian lived together in a rented apartment, bncing school during the day and work at night. It was a tough grind, but they were both determined to achieve their individual goals.Serena and Lucian, living together in a rented apartment, juggled school by day and work by night, a tough grind, but they were each determined to reach their own goals.


    Sadie arrived home at 5:30 a.mhalf-past five in the morning. After a shower and changing clothes, she lovingly prepared breakfast for her three angels and left heartfelt Post-it notes on the table...


    Post-it #1: [Mommy has been reallyso busy with work., I haven''t been able to spend much time with you, but you''ve been good and obedient, going to school every day with the caregivernurses without a fuss, and that makes me so proud.] Post-it #2: [Once I get through this busy period, I promise to give you all the attention you deserve. Love, your mommy!]


    She signed off with a sketched heart and a kiss mark, then retreated to her room and copsed into a weary slumber.


    She could only afford five hours of sleep, for she had a 2:00 p.m.one o''clock appointment with Serena at the local hospital...


    When the triplets woke up, the caregivernurses were already there, each taking care of one child, telling them that Sadie Mommy had prepared breakfast and it would beas ready once they freshened up.


    The children were delighted; it had been a long while since they''d had a breakfast made by Sadie Mommy.


    In the living room, they discovered a spread of delicious food along with Sadie''s heartfelt notes, warming their little hearts.In the living room, they came upon a spread of delicious food and the loving notes from Mommy, which warmed their little hearts.


    They tiptoed into Sadie Mommy''s room and, gently kissed her sleeping cheeks., and They then quietly closed the door behind them and, obediently settleding down for breakfast.


    Before they left, Noah left a Post-it of his own on the dining table.:


    Post-it: ["Mommy, we love you!]"


    "Noah, make sure you put my name on it too," Mia said as she tiptoed to peek at the sticky note.


    "And me!, I love Mommy too!," Nathan quickly interjected, worried he might be left out.


    "Love Mommy, love Mommy!" Coco mimicked their chant.


    "Shh!~~" Mia made a shushing gesture, her little face stern with warning., "Coco, you mustn''t wake up Mommy, understand?"


    Coco copied her, covering its sharp little beak with its wings and making a shushing sound.


    Ever since Coco slept off its drunken stupor the other day, it had been unusually lively, chirping nonstop every day.


    "We should take Coco to school," Nathan suggested seriously, furrowing his small brow. "Otherwise, it''ll disturb Mommy." "Agreed.," Mia put up her chubby little hand.


    "Alright.," Noah, the oldest among them, nodded and asked the caregivernurse, "Could you please open the cage for me?" "Sure thing!" The caregivernurse hurried to the balcony to open the cage.


    Coco immediately fluttered its wings andnded on Noah''s shoulder, nuzzling against his handsome little face with its soft, fluffy head., "Noah, Noah!" "Quiet," Noah instructed firmly. "Today, I am taking you to school. You have to behave, got it?"


    "I got it, got it," Coco chirped happily. It wanted nothing more than to go to the kindergarten with the three of them, not to stay home alone.


    "Ha ha!, Coco is such a cutie!" Tthe caregivernursesughed. "Let''s go, time for school."

 Chapter 417 A Bizarre Twist of Fate

    When Sadie woke up, thea surge of warmth filled her heart upon seeing the kids'' messages. It had''s been nearly 20twenty days since she was let go from the VIC Group. She spent her days leaving early and returningte, barely having time to


    share dinner with the children before rushing off to work again.


    She would return at the crack of dawn when the kids were fast asleep, not having a moment to exchange even a few words...


    Luckily, the tripletthree little ones were all very considerate and caring. They knew how to spare her feelings and look out for her.


    However, Sadie still felt guilty. She was determined to make enough money to pay off Brenda''s medical bills and return to a normal life, spending more time with her children. The phone rang. Serena checked if Sadie was up yet.


    Sadie quickly got ready and dashed out, heading to the hospital to meet Serena.


    Serena waited for Sadie at the hospital entrance. On their way to the inpatient department, Sadie inquired about Serena''s mother''s condition.


    ThroughAmidst her sorrow, Serena recounted her story, "In junior high, Dad passed away unexpectedly. Mom worked as a cleaner in apany downtown to put me through school.


    "The boss of thatpany''s owner was a really good person and knew about my mom''s situation. He even sponsored my studies in the city, covering my tuition and living expenses since high school. "During my senior year, the boss''spany''s owner ran into some trouble, and the police got involved in an investigation.


    "One day, a mysterious figure burst into thepany looking for the ownerboss. My mom thought he meant harm, so she tried to warn him. Somehow, she identally fell from an upper floor... "Although shended on a terrace below and her life was spared, she has been lying in a hospital bed,atose, for four years..."


    Upon hHearing this, Sadie''s heart clenched. She pulled Serena aside to a secluded spot and anxiously asked, "Serena, what''s the name of thepany your mom worked for? And the ownerboss''s name?"


    "Thepany is Roth Group Real Estate, and the ownerboss''s name is Edmond," said Serena. "It''s the samest name as yours, so it felt really familiar when we first met and you told me your name, it felt really familiar." Sadie was stunned, speechless for quite some time.


    "Sadie, what''s wrong?" Serena looked at her in bewilderment.


    "I can''t believe we have this kind of connection." Sadie was visibly moved. "Edmond Roth was my father!"


    "What?!" Serena was shocked. "I heard from my mom that Mr. Roth had a daughter, but I never guessed it was you."


    "My dad died four years ago, did you know?" Sadie asked with tears in her eyes. "He died by jumping off a building."


    "I know, I saw the news," Serena replied, her eyes reddening. "I remember clearly., m My mom''s ident was on April 20th, and Mr. Roth''s was on the 21st."


    "You said your mom saw someone who wanted to harm my dad?" Sadie pressed urgently.


    "Yes, she called me that day, frantic, saying a mysterious person had entered thepany looking for your fatherthe boss and she felt he was in danger. She wanted to warn him. I was so worried for her and; I told her to find security first, but she hung up before finishing., and wWhen I called back, her phone was off. That evening, I got the news that she had fallen..." Serena''s tears fell as she recounted the story.


    "When I arrived at the hospital, my mom was already unconscious, and Mr. Roth was outside the emergency room, consumed with guilt. He took off his watch, gave it to me, and then walked away without a word."


    "I waspletely lost until I watched the news the next day. I realized Mr. Roth probably didn''t have much left to give me. That watch was hisst valuable possession. He wanted me to sell it to pay for my mom''s treatment..."

 Chapter 418 The Eyewitness

    Upon hearing these words, Sadie''s tears poured out. Her father had been kind and helpful to many during his life, and thus some werethere were those who were grateful to him, like Serena''s mother. "Sadie, I owe you," Serena grasped Sadie''s hand gratefully, "Your fatherFinn has always been a decent guy. He didn''t forget my mom''s medical bills even during the toughest times."


    "Your mom got into that ident trying to save my dad. We ought to cover her medical expenses," Sadie responded with a hint of guilt.


    "The watch your dad left behind, I sold it for $1,000,000. It''s paid for my mom''s medical bills all these years." Serena''s voice carried a tone of embarrassment., "Honestly, I shouldn''t have sold it, but I was still in high school and Mom hardly had any savings, so..."


    11


    "I understand.," Sadie nodded empathetically., "You and your mom are good people, Serena."


    Serena sighed deeply., "I just don''t get it. Why is life so unfair? Why don''t good people get their due?"


    "Yeah, it baffles me too.," Sadie exhaled, before probing further, "By the way, did your mom ever mention who that mysterious person was? Any distinctive features?"


    "She didn''t say.," Serena shook her head., "She was so frantic at the time; she wasn''t concerned with those details. I didn''t even get to finish my sentence before she hung up the phone." "Alright, let''s go in and see your momaunt," Sadie suggested.


    Sadie led Serena into the hospital ward to find her mother''s room.


    Gioannay quietly on the bed, covered in tubes, skeletal thin. She was iIn her fortie40s, yet she looked disturbingly aged.


    Serena skillfully bathed her mother, changed her clothes, and took care of the catheter bagbedpan...


    It was clear she had been shouldering this burden for years.


    A pang of sorrow and a sense of remorse washed over Sadie as she watched. If GioannaMrs. Gao hadn''t been trying to save her father, she wouldn''t have ended up in this state. It was a tough life for Serena, so young and already bearing so much.


    Sadie wished she could do something to help.


    Thinking this, she pulled Serena aside to speak with the doctor to understand Gioanna Mrs. Gao''s condition and even had the medical records printed. Then she called Dahlia. She didn''t want to trouble Dahlia, but feltpelled to try for Serena''s sake, she feltpelled to try.


    Sadie believed Dahlia was a good person; aside from her connection with Micah, she could be a friend. Sadie knew Dahlia would handle the medical bills; she just wanted rity on the situation. The phone rang for a while before Dahlia answered, "Miss Roth?"


    "Dr. Rey, I need a favor. Are you avable to talk right now?"


    "Sure, I''m avable. What do you need?" Dahlia''s voice was still respectful towards Sadie.


    "I have a friend who''s been hospitalized for four years, undergoing treatment. Her condition has recently worsened. I know you''re very skilled in medicine, and I wanted to ask if there''s anything you could do." "Do we have a case file? If not, just give me the patient''s details, and I''ll have someone look it up."


    "We do have a paper file. When would you be free? Should Ie see you and give it to you in person?"


    Sadie hesitated to disclose Gioanna''s details to Dahlia. If the incident from years ago truly had ties to the Clemens family, delving into her identity could unravel everything.


    Thus, she opted to bring the paper file instead. Dahlia would only glimpse the medical condition, sparing her from unnecessary spection.Sadie didn''t want to tell Dahlia about Gioanna''s details. If the incident from years ago was really connected to the Clemens family, probing into her identity would blow everything wide open. As such


    So, she decided to take the paper file over. Dahlia would only see the medical condition, not the identity, so she wouldn''t have anything to overthink.


    "I''ll be at the hospital tomorrow morning."


    "Alright, I''lle and find you then."


    After hanging up, Sadie reassured Serena, "My friend is a fantastic doctor. She might be able to find a way to help, don''t worry."


    "Thank you so much, Sadie," Serena said gratefully.


    "We''re family, don''t mention it.," Sadie patted her shoulder. "I''ll do everything I can to help you."


    "Thank you..." Serena said, crying and hugging her.


    "Come on, no more tears. Let''s grab something to eat and get ready for work."


    "Okay."

 Chapter 419 Encounter with a Beastly Man

    Ever since discovering that Sadie was the daughter of her benefactor, Serena grew even fonder of her.


    And because of the tenuouslight connection to Serena''s mother, Sadie took extra care of her.


    That evening, they arrived at the nightclub to work, with Serena showing Sadie how to take orders in Section C.


    A waiter hurried over to them., "Serena, a guest at C28 has requested you and 118 to serve them."


    Sadie nced down at her name tag; she was 118. In this establishment, all waitstaff wore masks, making identification reliant on the badge number.Here, the waitstaff all wore masks, so identity was confirmed by the number on the badge. "Who is it?" Serena felt it was odd.


    "It''s probably a regr of yours," the waiter said excitedly., "They look quitevish and, ordered several bottles of expensive liquor right off the bat. I was about to write up the order, and they asked for you." "Okay, I''ll be right there."


    Hearing about the generous customers, Serena quickly pulled Sadie along with her.


    "Waitstaff have regrs?" Sadie found it strange.


    "Not usually. Only those VIP hostesses have regrs; we''re just floating staff," Serena said casually.


    "Then why would they specifically ask for us?" Sadie grabbed her urgently., "There''s got to be something wrong!"


    "No worries. Jonny has beefed up security now, and even equipped us with walkie-talkies. Anything happens, we call it in and security will be here in a sh."


    Focused solely on earning, Serena hurried along and pushed open the door to private room V28.


    Sadie was, concerned that Serena might be at a disadvantage on her own, so she had no choice but to follow.


    "Good evening, sirboss!" Serena greeted cheerfully. "What can I get for you? I''ll be right with¡ª"


    Her words hung in the air as she froze, spotting a man on the private booth''s sofa. It was Mr. Valterri, the same drunk from thest time she''d seen him with Waters.


    Today, he arrived alone, apanied by six burly bodyguards. Today, he came alone but with six burly bodyguards.


    "We meet again," Mr. Valterri spoke with a cigar clenched in his mouth and a wine ss in hand, his face oozing arrogance. "Last time you dodged a bullet, but you won''t be so lucky tonight!" One of the bodyguards pushed her and Sadie forward.


    Serena stumbled, nearly falling if not for Sadie who caught her just in time.


    "What do you want?" Sadie red coldly at the man before her.


    "Isn''t it obvious? I want you.," Mr. Valterri''s lips curled into a sinister smirk. "Name your price. If you take good care of me tonight, I might consider keeping you around." "Disgusting!" Sadie shot him a look of revulsion and tried to leave with Serena.


    But the bodyguard quickly locked the door and another ripped the walkie-talkie from Serena''s hand.


    "What are you going to do?" Sadie stood protectively by Serena near the door.


    "D-Don''t try anything stupid. W-We have security patrolling here!," Serena''s voice quivered with fear.


    "You seem to have forgotten how soundproof this ce is. I could have my way with her in here, and nobody outside would hear a thing..."


    Mr. Valterri''s lewd smirk broadened as he spread his legs and pointed down provocatively, telling Sadie, "Make mefortable, and I''ll let you go, or else... Hehehe..." "Shameless!" Sadie clenched her teeth in anger.


    "I''ll show you shameless.," Mr. Valterri signaled with a wink, and .


    Hhis henchman yanked Sadie by her hair, dragging her in front of Mr. Valterri...


    "Let me see your face." Mr. Valterri pressed Sadie onto the couch, reached for her mask, and lifted it. His eyes lit up with excitement.and upon lifting it, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Msr. Amelia didn''t lie; you indeed are top-notch!" With everyone watching, he began tearing at Sadie''s clothes in his eagerness...


    "Let me go! Let go!" Sadie struggled fiercely.


    "Let her go..." Serena screamed as she rushed forward to save Sadie but was held back by a bodyguard and yelled in distress, "You animals!, Yyou''ll get what you deserve!"


    A p echoed as the bodyguard hit her.


    Serena fell to the ground, blood streaming from the corner of her mouth.


    Meanwhile, Sadie''s skirt was already being ripped apart...

 Chapter 420 Be in trouble

    Mr. Valterri couldn''t wait as he dropped his pants, eager to have Sadie,ughing viciously., "I heard you used to be Mr. Clemens''s woman? Ha-ha-ha!, I can''t wait to find out just how exquisite it will be..." At that critical moment, the door to the suite was suddenly kicked open, and a voice alive with righteousness boomed, "Stop!"


    Several bodyguards rushed in, pushing Mr. Valterri aside and rescuing Sadie.


    Looking up, Sadie was shocked to see Waters.


    "You animal, Valterri!," Waters pointed at Mr. Valterri, his teeth clenched with fury. "How could you stoop so low?!"


    "Waters, why do you always protect this woman? What is she to you?" Mr. Valterri asked, annoyance in his tone.


    "You''re really asking for it! D, don''t you realize whose woman she is?" Waters barely finished his sentence when the door was kicked open.


    A tall, imposing figure charged in like a deity from hell, with a chilling aura.


    In a panic, Sadie turned her head and fumbled with her mask, hoping to shield her disheveled state from Micah''s view...


    But it was toote. Micah had already noticed, his eyes fixated on her torn dress and exposed body, a chilling killing intent brewing in his gaze.In a panic, Sadie turned her head and fumbled with her mask, not wanting Micah to see her in such a disheveled state...


    But Micah had already seen her, his eyes trained on her torn dress and exposed body, a terrifying murderous intent rising in his gaze.


    "You''ve got a death wish, you bastarddog!" Andrew lunged forward in a sh, fiercely grabbing Mr. Valterri by the throat. "You dare to touch Mr. Clemens''s woman?!"


    "I, I, I didn''t know..." Mr. Valterri stammered in panic., "I really had no idea..."


    "Like hell you didn''t!." Waters barked in anger, "I told you before¡ªshe''s Mr. Clemens'' woman. I told you to leave her alone, but you just wouldn''t listen."


    "Waters, you son of a bitch..." Mr. Valterri was livid, grinding his teeth., "How have I wronged you that you set me up like this?"


    He then turned to exin to Micah, "Mr. Clemens, it was Msr. Amelia who sent me. She said if I got with this woman, she''d give me a chance to coborate." Micah took off his coat and threw it over Sadie,manding coldly, "Get out now!"


    Sadie quickly wrapped herself in the coat, running awkwardly to help Serena up, and they fled in disarray.


    As soon as they left, the room filled with screams like a pig being ughtered...


    Serena shook violently with fear, her legs turning to jelly, nearly copsing.Serena shook violently, struck with fear, her legs turning to jelly, almost copsing. Sadie steadied her quickly.


    "That was terrifying. Who are they?" Serena clung to the wall;, her body wouldn''t stop shaking.


    "They''re all no good," Sadie said as she supported Serena toward the backstage. "I''ll take you to Jonny., Yyou a''re hurt and, you need to go to the hospital."


    "I''m fine, just a p. A little ice on my face and I''ll be good," Serena insisted, holding onto her. "What about you? Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine..." Sadie looked at her friend''s swollen face with a pang of guilt. "It''s my fault you got dragged into this."


    "Don''t say that, we''re friendsisters. There''s no such thing as dragging each other down," Serena said uneasily. "But who exactly is this Mr. Clemens? Is he your boyfriend? Why did they keep saying you''re his woman?" "It''splicated..."


    Before Sadie could borate, Jonny rushed over with some people. "Are you two alright?"


    "Jonny!," Serena hurried towards him, gripping his arm., "Iit was terrifying earlier! S, someone tried to rape Sadie, and then¡ª..."


    "Mr. Clemens showed up?" Jonny interrupted Serena, turning to Sadie.


    Sadie nodded. "Yeah."


    "Great. Now I''m in for it again.," Jonny pped his own face in distress. "I thought you two had really broken up, but... I shouldn''t have let you stay."


    "I''m sorry, I''ll talk to him. I''ll get him toy off you," Sadie said quickly.


    "You can barely take care of yourself, and you want to plead for others?"


    A disdainful voice sliced through the dim corridor, further chilling the already dark space as though hell itself had infiltrated...A disdainful voice cut through the dim corridor, making the already dark space feel more chilling, as if hell itself had crept in...

 Chapter 421 Youve Really Crossed the Line

    Sadie shivered, her eyes wide with fear as she looked up at Micah.


    Micah''s eyes were dangerously narrowed as he stalked towards her.


    "Mr. Clemens, I... I thought¡ª"


    "Thought what?" Micah cut off Jonny''s words, his voice cold, "You thought I was done with her, so you let her entertain other men here?" "No, no, that''s not what I meant¡ª..."


    Micah interrupted Jonny before he could finish his sentence, seizing him by the throat with a vice-like grip that threatened his life.


    Jonny''s mouth hung open, his eyes rolled back, veins pulsing on his forehead. His hands reached out weakly as if to resist, but they fell limp.Micah didn''t let Jonny finish his sentence and grabbed him by the throat with a vice-like grip that could have easily ended his life.


    Jonny''s mouth was agape, his eyes rolled back, veins on his forehead throbbing, his hands reached out as if to struggle, but they fell powerless.


    "Stop..." Serena cried out as she lunged forward, "Let him go!"


    The bodyguards stopped her; she couldn''t get anywhere near Micah.


    "It''s not his fault P, please, let him go!," Sadie begged urgently.


    Micah remained indifferent, his hands still tightly sped around Jonny''s neck, threatening to choke the life out of him.


    "Micah..." Sadie''s panic was palpable as she shouted, "You''re the one who got engaged to someone else, you''re the one who fired me, and now you''re here acting like the good guy?"But Micah was indifferent, hands still sped tightly around Jonny''s neck, visibly close to choking the life out of him.


    "Micah..." In a panic, Sadie yelled, "It was you who got engaged to someone else, it was you who fired me, and now you''re here ying the good guy?"


    Her words seemed to have an effect.


    Micah slowly loosened his grip, his gaze turning cold as he fixed his eyes on her. "What did you say?"


    "I-I..." Sadie stuttered, her mouth going dry as words failed her. She had only intended to provoke him into letting Jonny go¡ªnever had she truly dared to me him.Micah slowly released his grip, turning with a cold re to fix his eyes on he "What did you say?"


    "I..." Sadie stuttered, her mouth going dry as words failed her. She''d only meant to provoke him into letting her go¡ªnever had she truly dared to me him.


    "SADIE!" Micah clutched the back of Sadie''s head and, pulleding her beforein front of him, his gaze chilling her to the bone., "You really have pissed me off now!"


    With that, he yanked her by the hair, dragging her towards his private booth...


    "What are you doing? Let her go!" Serena tried to intervene but was stopped by Andrew., "Don''t worry, sweetie., Tthey''re just a couple having a spat."


    "How can a lovers'' quarrel be this violent?" Serena wasn''t convinced., "You can''t do this!, Llet her go or I''ll call the cops."


    "If they weren''t a couple, why would we bother saving her?" Andrew calmly tried to exin, "We''ve got better things to do."


    "But..." Serena was about to protest further when Jonny took hold of her.


    Jonny, his voice hoarse as he clutched his own neck with one hand and pulled on Serena with the other, rasped,: "Mr. Clemens is Sadie''s boyfriend." Upon hearing this, Serena finally backed off. She turned to see Sadie already dragged into the booth.


    "Ah, that hurts..."


    Sadie felt like her scalp was being torn off, her hands wing at Micah''s arms in desperation to break free.


    Micah flung her onto the couch and picked up a bottle of red wine from the coffee table, pouring it over her face.


    Sadie whimpered, frantically shaking her head trying to dodge the stream, but Micah pinched her cheeks, immobilizing her head, leaving her no room to escape. Soon, the bottle was empty.


    Sadie choked, coughing violently and, gasping for air as her face turned beet red.


    Micah tossed the bottle aside, tookaking a seat at a distance, litghting a cigar, and watcheding her with an icy stare.


    A fire zed within him, though he struggled to express it.


    Whenever she faced trouble, he instinctively rushed to her aid.


    Learning she had children with another man ignited a storm of anger, fury, and jealousy within him, yet he found himself unable to release her grip on his heart.


    For her, he had stooped to disgrace, shouldered me, and even endured a rift with his grandfather, culminating in a stinging p across the face...


    This was the first time he had ever been struck in his entire life.A fire zed within him, though he was never good at expressing it.


    Every time she was in trouble, he would rush to save her without a second thought;


    When he learned she had children with another man, he was angry, furious, jealous, yet he still couldn''t let her go;


    For her, he had disgraced himself to take the me, even fell out with his grandfather, enduring a p across the face...


    In his entire life, this was the first time he had been hit.


    And this damn woman had the nerve to use him of ying the good guy?


    Fuelled by these thoughts, Micah felt an urge to choke the life out of her...


    Discarding his cigar, he lurched forward and, toreearing at Sadie''s clothes like a wild beast.


    "No!, dDon''t!, Llet me go..." Sadie struggled in vain, powerless against his strength.


    It didn''t take long for Micah to strip her down to her white lingerie.


    Yet, he was still not appeased. Gripping her face, he proceeded to remove her colored contact lenses...

 Chapter 422 Giving Her a Bath

    Sadie''s eyes stung with pain, her hands relentlessly scratching across Micah''s arms, drawing lines of blood.


    But Micah seemed utterly unfazed, letting her scratch him while he wiped off her lipstick. and He gritted his teeth and scoldedin a furiouslys scold, "Look at yourself, you''ve turned yourself into a mess like a cheap hooker!" "It''s none of your business!, Llet me go, sob sob..."


    Sadie struggled furiously.


    Micah opened another bottle of liquor and poured it all over her face and body.


    It was as if he wanted to wash away the stains on her with that method.


    Sadie finally began to calm down as the alcohol soaked into her, lying on the couch, her body twisting as if in steam. Her lips were slightly parted, her breath fragrant like an orchid.


    She squirmed like a fish out of water and her chest heaved, her wless skin gleaming seductively under the wine and the lights.


    Desire burned in Micah''s eyes, yet he refrained from touching her. Instead, he removed his coat, wrapped it around her half-naked body, and lifted her gently before striding out. With the alcohol soaking her, Sadie finally calmed down, lying on the couch, twisting her steaming body, her lips slightly parted, her breath as fragrant as an orchid...


    She writhed like a fish out of water, her chest heaving up and down, her wless skin gleaming seductively under the wine and the lights.


    Desire burned in Micah''s eyes, yet he didn''t touch her but instead took off his coat, wrapped it around her half-naked body, picked her up and strode out.


    Sadie nestled quietly in his arms, no longer having the strength to struggle.


    Micah carried her straight to the car and drove off single-handedly.


    Andrew and the bodyguards wisely stayed back, not following.


    The nightclubNight Club wasn''t far from the Cloud Hotel, just a few minutes away.


    As always, Micah''s car stopped at the back entrance of the hotel, where the manager awaited, having prepared everything in advance.


    Micah carried Sadie up and immediately dropped her into a tub full of water.


    He was about to go to the other bathroom to shower when he heard a sshing sound from the tub and hurried over to check...


    Sadie was floundering in the bathtub, gasping like someone about to drown.


    "Idiot!"


    Micah was exasperated; if she drowned in the bathtub, it would be a first.


    Tonight, she was truly intoxicated by him,pletely befuddled andcking even the most basic self-care ability.But tonight, she truly was drunk senseless by him,pletely befuddled,cking even the most basic self-care ability. With no choice, Micah had to hoist her up and bathe herhergive her a bath himself...


    He stripped off herst barrier and carefully washed her body.


    Her skin was smooth, pleasurable to touch, but marred with marks from her earlier struggle.


    His throat tightened with desire, a fiery longing flickering in his eyes, though he fought to suppress it.


    He attempted to wash her hair, but found women''s hair to be quite troublesome¡ªtangled,plicated, and challenging to clean properly. It nearly strangled her, adding to the difficulty.


    Additionally, with her drowsiness and grogginess, he had to use one hand to keep her shoulders down, preventing her from slipping and choking on the bathwater.He tried to wash her hair, but found women''s hair to be a real hassle, tangled andplicated, not knowing how to clean it properly, and it almost strangled her.


    Plus, with her drowsy and groggy, he had to use one hand to hold her shoulders down to keep her from slipping and choking on the bathwater...


    It took him more than an hour to finally finish the ordeal.


    Micah scooped Sadie up, wrapped her in a bath towel, and ced her on the couch before sitting down to blow-dry her hair...


    Shey motionless, cheeks flushed, lips slightly parted, murmuring dreamily, "Thirsty, need water..."


    Micah fetched a bottle of spring water and held it to her lips.


    Like a lost wanderer in a desert, she clutched his hand and gulped down the water greedily, quickly finishing the entire bottle.


    He continued blow-drying her hair with a frown, gently teasing the strands with his fingers., He was perplexed by how abundant and long women''s hair could be. Washing and drying hair seemed like such a hassle... After a while, her hair was finally dry. He put away the hair dryer and turned to go to the bathroom.


    His clothes had been dirtied by her, and he couldn''t stand the difort, but he had to tend to her needs first.


    Somehow, the man who was always served by others found himself making exceptions for her, and without realizing it, she had broken all his precedents...


    A sudden noise came from outside.


    Micah rushed out to see what had happened and found Sadie had fallen off the couch.


    With a scowl, too annoyed to bother with her, he went back to his shower...

 Chapter 423 Have You Fallen for Me?

    MicahHe was showering when a blurred figure stumbled in search of water...


    As Micah turned around, she bumped into him and, lookeding up, drinking the water that showered down on her.


    Like someone emerging from the desert, longing to quenchfor quenching her thirst.


    Her skin glistened, sleek and moist, akin to pearls. Her tiny tongue darted out to lick her lips, while her eyes squinted seductively, resembling those of a kitten... Her skin was wet and sleek, as smooth as pearls, her tiny tongue licking her lips, he eyes squinting seductively, like a kitten...


    Micah was mesmerized, struck by her beauty, which always stirred his heart...


    Heat surged through him again, and he pulled her into his embrace, kissing her passionately.


    "Mmm~"


    Sadie moaned softly like a kitten, as her frail body trembled in his arms. Yet, she did not attempt to resist. Her body, seemingly driven by instinct, had grown ustomed to his presence and adapted to his scent.her frail body trembling in his arms, but she made no attempt to resist. Her body, out of instinct, had grown ustomed to his presence, adapted to his scent.


    She yielded to his fervent kisses, her small bodypliantly surrendering, allowing him to lift her, iming her fiercely...


    She clung to his neck, trembling and sobbing helplessly amidst the spray of water...


    Perhaps holding back for too long, Micah was particrly wild that night, ravishing Sadie over and over. From the bathroom to the couch, then to the bed, she cried for mercy, and yet he relentlessly pursued her.


    By dawn, he finally stopped, carriedying her to bed, and curleding around her, sinking into deep sleep.


    Sadie was exhausted, her delicate body nestled quietly in his arms, lulled to sleep by the rhythm of his heartbeat.


    On the carpety his suit jacket; Micah''s phone vibrated incessantly, waking him up. He squinted at the screen, nudged Sadie closer, and drifted back to sleep.


    "Water..." Sadie murmured groggily, her thirst overwhelming her after consuming copious amounts of alcohol earlier. All she could think about was quenching that desire.


    Micah rolled over, reached out, grabbed a bottle of water, and opened it for her to drink.


    Propped up against Micah''s chest, Sadie tilted her head back, clutching the bottle and gulping down the water eagerly.


    The sight resembled that of a hungry baby fervently nursing, endearing to the core.


    A captivating smile curled up the corners of Micah''s lips as he silently watched her.Sadie murmured groggily, overwhelmed with thirst from the copious amounts of alcohol she had consumed earlier; her mind fixated on quenching that desire. Micah rolled over and, reaching out, grabbed a bottle of water and opened it to let her drink.


    Propped up against Micah''s chest, Sadie tilted her little head back, clutching the bottle and gulping down the water eagerly.


    The sight resembled a hungry baby fervently nursing, endearing to the core.


    A captivating smile curled up the corners of Micah''s lips as he watched her silently.


    After releasing a satisfied belch, Sadie handed the bottle back to him.


    With a casual toss, Micah threw the bottle to the floor, flipped over, and pinned her down beneath him.


    "Again?" Sadie frowned, her expression a mix of tears andughter., "I''m about to fall apart."


    "This time, I''ll be gentle..." hHe promised.


    Micah kissed her lips, using his tongue to wipe away thest traces of water. Then, he pulled the covers over them, enveloping her in his dominating presence as he imed her.Micah kissed her lips, cleaning off thest traces of water with his tongue, and then pulled the covers over them, trapping her beneath his dominating presence as he imed her.


    Sadie cradled his face, gazing at him through half-lidded eyes.


    In his gaze reflected an intense infatuation and bliss, along with her own silhouette...


    And clearly, she was relishing every moment!


    During their passionate embrace, he nibbled her earlobe, whispering her name, "Sadie..."


    She held him tight, eyes squeezed shut, and softly moaned in response, "Mm~"


    "Do you love me?" Micah suddenly asked.


    Sadie froze, her eyes widening as she stared nkly at the ceiling, at a loss for words.


    Micah''s unanswered question left him feeling a heavy pang of disappointment, as though a weight had mmed against his heart. He even regretted asking something so foolish...Sadie froze, opening her eyes wide and staring nkly at the ceiling, at a loss for words.


    His question left unanswered, Micah felt a pang of heavy disappointment, as if a weight had mmed against his heart. He even regretted asking something so foolish...


    If only he could take it back.


    Feigning indifference, he disengaged and prepared to get out of bed.


    As Micah walked away, Sadie''s voice followed him., "Micah, have you... Hhave you fallen for me?"


    She felt it; she truly did...


    The fervent, obsessed yet tender way he made love to her;


    The look in his eyes when he gazed at her, full of love yet tinged with pain;


    The restless nights, where even the slightest movement from her would startle him awake. He''d wrap her tight, soothe her with gentle pats on her back, and tenderly kiss her forehead...The restless sleeps in the middle of the night, where the slightest movement from her would startle him awake, and he would wrap her tight, soothe her with gentle pats on her back, and kiss her forehead tenderly...


    All signs of love, weren''t they?

 Chapter 424 Heartless

    Micah, his back turned to her, offered no response. After a brief pause, he rose and headed to the bathroom.


    Sadie pouted and nestled her head back onto the pillow, drifting back into sleep. She remained utterly exhausted and sore, her body feeling fragile as if it might crumble at any moment.


    The previous night''s lovemaking blurred in her memory, but presently, all she desired was to stay in bed and do nothing at all. Micah, with his back to her, didn''t reply; he merely paused for a few seconds, then promptly got up and went to the bathroom.


    Pouting, Sadiey her head back down on the pillow and continued to sleep.


    She was still utterly exhausted and sore, her body felt fragile, as if it could fall apart at any moment.


    She couldn''t recall just how many times they had made love the night before, but right now, all she wanted was to lie in bed and do absolutely nothing.


    Micah emerged from the bathroom with the lower half of his body wrapped in a towel, drying his hair with another. He picked up the cell phone from the floor; it was a missed call from Amelia, three missed calls, to be exact.


    He tossed his phone aside without even ncing at the several unread messages from Andrew.


    Looking up, he saw Sadie had fallen asleep again, which made his blood boil.


    When he asked if she loved him, she couldn''t answer.


    How could she still sleep now?!


    Micah walked over, yanked the covers off, and pped her butt hard.


    "Ah!" Sadie yelped, turning over with a pitiful look., "What are you doing?"


    "Heartless creature," Micah growled, pinching her face.


    "I''m so tired..." Sadie pushed his hand away, clinging to the pillow., "I want to sleep more."


    "No sleep!" Micah ripped the pillow from her grip, seized her wrists above her head, andmanded assertively, "And no more working at the nightclub Night Club, got it?"


    "Bro, I''ve got a family to feed..." Sadie''s eyes drooped with exhaustion., "I can''t find another job out there. I have to pay for Brenda''s medical bills and support three kids. I need to make money."


    "Didn''t I give you $2,000,000?" Micah interrogated, "You spent it all already?"


    "I took it to..." Sadie almost slipped up but caught herself just in time. "Yeah, it''s gone."


    "You run out and you don''te to me?" Micah gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Twenty-one days without a call or a text, what''s the point of having a phone?"


    "I have my pride too." Sadie pouted unhappily. "You got engaged to another woman and kicked me out. How could I shamelesslye back to you?" "Are you jealous? Huh?"


    Micah narrowed his eyes, searching for any sign of her love for him.


    "It''s not jealousy," Sadie retorted stubbornly. "It''s about dignity."


    Hearing that, Micah felt a pang of difort and pushed her away coldly before turning to get dressed.


    "You''re leaving?" Sadie didn''t understand what she did wrong and felt utterly helpless.


    Micah calmly buttoned his shirt and ignored her.


    "Fine, I''ll get up too."


    Sadie got out of bed and headed to the wardrobe out of habit, finding one filled with clothes suited for her, along with new underwear.


    She picked out a set at random, got dressed, and then started looking around the room., "Have you seen my phone?"


    Micah still didn''t acknowledge her.


    Anxious, Sadie headed to the bathroom to look and finally found her phone by the tub.


    The phone was quite wet, but thankfully it was waterproof. After drying it off, she swiped the screen and saw several missed calls-two from Serena and the others from Noah, Nathan, and Mia. ncing at the clock, Sadie realized it was already 11:00 a.m., t


    The weekend was there, and she had promised to spend time with her children.


    She hurriedly freshened up, quickly slipping on her shoes before tellingHurriedly freshening up, she was slipping on her shoes when she spoke to Micah, "I need to go. Got stuff to take care of at home." "I''ll give you a ride," Micah said, putting on his coat.


    "No need for that..." Sadie started to decline when Micah grabbed her by the nape and ushered her out of the room.


    "Easy!" Sadie frowned and snapped softly, "You''re always so rough."


    "Zip it!" Micah looped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. With the height difference, it was as if he was holding a child...

 Chapter 425 Lover in the Shadows

    Sadie, toozy to struggle, yawned and nestled into Micah''s embrace.


    Feeling a bit cold, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist. She then buried her face in his chest andzily closed her eyes, letting him lead the way. Feeling a bit cold, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist, buriedying her face in his chest andzily closeding her eyes, letting him lead the way.


    Their intimacy had all the hallmarks of a couple in sync, the sight of it as warming as a cozy nket.


    AIn the elevator, a mother and daughter entered the elevator. The little 5-year-old girl, about four or five, pointed at Sadie and whispered to her mom, "Mommy, why is thatdy sleeping while standing?"


    "Thedy is very tired," her mommy exined, squatting down. "Let''s keep it down so we don''t wake her."


    "I thought only little kids could sleep being held, turns out adults can too," the innocent little girl remarked.


    The mommy chuckled, looking on enviously, "To her boyfriendbndrother, thedy is still a little kid!"


    Hearing this, Sadie instinctively looked up at Micah, who was also looking down at her with an unmistakable warmth in his eyes...


    Sadie felt a stir in her heart, rose on her tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.


    Micah, caught off guard, stared at her, his lips soon curving into a seductive smile. This was the first time she had embraced and kissed him in public of her own ord... Such closeness wasn''t calcted or coerced but came from an irresistible instinct... And that''s why it was all the more touching, all the more thrilling for him.


    The elevator opened, and the mother escorted her daughter out.


    Micah pressed Sadie''s head to his chest and carried her out.


    "Put me down. People will see," Sadie murmured, a bit embarrassed.


    "I cCarried you upst night the same way. Y, you weren''t embarrassed then."


    Micah held her to the passenger seat of his car and then walked around to the driver''s side, got in, and drove off.


    Just then, Sadie''s phone rang. She quickly answered, "Hello, Noah. Mommy will be home soon. Give me half an hour."


    "Mommy is fine, honey. I workedtest night and just crashed at a friend''s ce."


    "The day''s agenda isn''t being scrapped. Mommy''sing home to make you lunch. After we eat, we''ll go see Brenda together at the hospital."


    "Be good, wait for Mommy at home."


    Sadie hung up the phone, ncing timidly at Micah., She feareding he''d get angry like he used to, especially since he thought''d always believed the kids were Mason''s.


    Every time he''d hear about the kids, he''d be reminded of her with MasonArianna, and then he''d fly off the handle......


    But this time, Micah didn''t get angry. Instead, he asked calmly, "Don''t you have caregivernurses? If that''s not enough, I can arrange for more nannies."


    "No need, we''re fully staffed," Sadie quickly assured him. "The kids love the food I cook, and I promised to make them lunch today."


    Micah frowned, displeased. "I don''t think I''ve ever had a meal you cooked.," Micah frowned, displeased.


    "You''ll get the chance. I''ll cook for you," Sadie promised with a smile. "But you''re used to gourmet food and; you might not take to my humble home cooking." "Could be worth a try!" Micah nced at his vibrating phone, deciding not to answer the iing call.


    "Why aren''t you picking up¡ª..."


    Sadie''s question was cut short when she saw who it was-Amelia.


    The name blinking on the screen was a stark reminder to Sadie that Amelia was Micah''s fianc¨¦e, and her, what was she?


    The once cozy atmosphere turned chilly in an instant.


    Sadie Ibowered her head in, silencet.


    "I want to see you tonight," Micah said, oblivious to her change in mood, his voice amanding growl. "10:00 p.m., I''ll pick you up."


    "To do what? Sleep with you?" Sadie snapped coldly. "What are we now? Some kind of secret lovers hidden in the shadows?"

 Chapter 426 Emergency Withdrawal

    Micah frowned, ring at her. "What''s gotten into you now?" Micah frowned, ring at her.


    Sadie didn''t respond, just stared at his phone.


    Following her gaze, Micah saw the call was still shing. He simply hung up and turned off the phone.


    With her head down, Sadie remained silent.


    Without offering an exnation or addressing the situation, Micah just quietly drove on.


    Soon, they reached the gate of Blissful Lane 1.


    As Sadie unbuckled her seatbelt to get out, Micah reminded her, "10:00 p.m. tonight!"


    Holding back a surge of anger, she just managed to respond, "Got it."


    Then, she stepped out of the car and hurried into the neighborhood...


    Sitting in the car, Micah watched her walk away, a sense of urgency gripping him he felt... he was bing more and more infatuated with this woman.


    Sadie hurried home, where her tripletsthree little ones were ying with their caregivernurses.


    As soon as she walked in, Mia scurried over with tiny steps.


    Intuitively squatting down, Sadie weed Mia into her arms.


    "MommyMommie, you finally came back," Mia choked up, hugging Sadie''s neck and pouting. "Mia thought you didn''t want us anymore."


    "Don''t be silly, of course not," Sadie quickly reassured her. "I''m sorry, Mommy Mommie won''t do this again."


    "MommyMommie, you work so hard." With tears in her eyes, Mia, with tears in her eyes, began to gently massage Sadie''s shoulders., "Let Mia give you a massage." "Thank you, Mia," Sadie said softly, nting a kiss on Mia''s cheek.


    "MommyMommie, did that mean boss bully you again?" Nathan asked, clenching his little fists in anger. "If he dares, I''ll punch him."


    "No, no, he didn''t," Sadie hastened to saidy hastily, shaking her head worriedly to dispel any misconceptions they might have about Micah. She, feareding future conflict.


    "It''s good that you''re okay." Noah eyed his mother up and down, relieved that she was uninjured.


    "Ma''amia''s mom, we were about to start lunch, but Mia insisted on waiting for you. We''ve got all the ingredients ready.; Ddoes that work for you?"


    The two caregivernurses emerged from the kitchen.


    "Thank you so much." Sadie, holding Mia, walked into the living room and also gave Noah and Nathan a hug. "You guys must be hungry. Mommy Mommie will go cook." "Thanks, MommyMommie..."


    In the kitchen, Sadie found that the caregivernurses had prepared everything-washed and cut the vegetables and cooked the rice. All that was left was to stir-fry the dishes. Sadie thanked them and quickly got to work preparing the meal.


    Soon, a hearty lunch was served on the table. "Come and eat, everyone!"


    "You eat too, Mommy Mommie."


    "I will; just going to make some soup to take to Brendater."


    "Oh, Noah and Mia, feed Coco some food. We''ll take her when we go see Brenda. She''s been missing Coco." "Sure thing!"


    Noah, hand in hand with Mia, went to the balcony and stood on little stools to feed Coco.


    Mia gently stroked Coco''s wings, whispering kindly, "Coco, be good., We''re taking you to see Brenda soon."


    Coco pped its wings joyfully, calling out, "Brenda, Brenda!" Coco pped its wings joyfully, calling out.


    While making the soup in the kitchen, Sadie checked her bank ount on her phone. She had made several thousand dors at the nightclubNight Club recently. She had already paid $50,000 for medical expenses and was about to pay another $50,000, but it still wasn''t enough...


    After yesterday''s incident, she definitely couldn''t return to work at the nightclub Night Club; she feared Micah would have his eyes on her from now on.


    It looked like she needed to contact her financial advisor in Switzend and withdraw some cash to tide her over.

 Chapter 427 Brenda’s Smile

    Sadie decided to deal with things when she got hometer that evening; for now, she would focus on making soup and having dinner with the kids. After lunchdinner, carrying the soupstew and apanied by her children, Sadie visited Brenda at the Dahlia''s hospital.


    To prevent the medical staff from discovering her rtionship with Micah, Sadie arranged for the three caregivers to have the afternoon off, stating that Brenda required peace and quiet and that having too many people around would be inconvenient. She insisted on caring for the children herself. To keep the medical staff from finding out about her connection with Micah, Sadie had given the three caregivers the afternoon off, iming Brenda needed peace and quiet, and that it was inconvenient for too many people to be around. She insisted on just taking the kids herself.


    Although the caregivers were concerned about her managing alone with the children, they didn''t object since Sadie was adamant.


    Sadie called a car and headed to the hospital with the kids three little ones and Coco.


    On the way, she texted Serena to reassure her she was fine and not to worry.


    Still worried, Serena called to check in, ¡°Sadie, I was terrifiedst night. Are you sure you''re alright?"


    ¡°I''m really fine. I''m heading to the hospital with the kids to see Brenda," Sadie soothed. "How about you? How''s your injury?¡±


    "I''m okay, just a swollen face. It''ll be better with some ice," Serena said awkwardly. "Sadie, Jonny asked me to tell you not to go back to work at the nightclubNight Club."


    "I know..." Sadie sighed. ¡°Is he okay?"


    "He''s fine. But your boyfriend warned him that if he lets you work there again, he''ll be in trouble,¡± Serena exined. ¡°Sadie, your boyfriend is pretty intense. He hasn''t been mean to you, has he?¡±


    "No..." Sadie didn''t want to say too much in front of the kids. "Alright, Serena, I''m with the children now, and we''re about to go into the hospital. I''ll call


    "Okay." Serena sounded apologetic. "I have some leads on piano gigs. I''ll keep an eye out for you and rmend you if there''s an opportunity." "That would be great. Thank you, Serena."


    "No problem. You go ahead, we''ll talkter."


    "Alright."


    After hanging up, Sadie noticed they had arrived at the hospital, with the driver pulling over to park.


    She got out with the kids and started pushing Nathan''s wheelchair forward.


    Noah was holding Mia''s hand, walking alongside them.


    Cocoy quietly in Nathan''s arms, craning his neck and looking around curiously with wonder-filled eyes.


    "Noah, Mia, stay close to Mommy, don''t wander off," Sadie instructed, while attentively watching over Noah and Mia as she pushed the wheelchair.


    The wheelchair wasden with supplies, fruit, and the soup Sadie had prepared for Brenda.


    Passersby couldn''t help but stare at the young, attractive mother with her three adorable babies and a parrot in tow.


    Some people marveled at how tough it must be for Sadiemommy, while many others were captivated by the triplets'' cuteness and the little parrot...


    Sadie''s family had grown ustomed to such attention, nodding with a smile before enteringtaking the kids into the elevator.


    you backter."


    Fortunately, they were in a high-end private hospital, where it wasn''t crowded¡ªa stark contrast to the bustling public hospitals, where Sadie would fear losing the children. Soon, they arrived at Brenda''s hospital room.


    Brenday in bed on an IV drip. At the sound of the kids, she nearly tumbled out. in excitement: "Is that you? You''vee?"


    "Brenda!" Noah and Mia rushed over.


    "It really is you." Brenda was overwhelmingly emotional.


    "Brenda!" Noah took Brenda''s hand, caressing her wrinkled face, and said tenderly, "You''ve lost weight."


    "Hahaha! Yes, I lost over 30 pounds!" Brendaughed heartily. "I tried so hard to lose weight before, and now it justes off without trying."


    "Brenda, does it hurt?" Looking at the needle in Brenda''s hand, Mia gently blew on it, "Mia will blow on it, and it''ll stop hurting."


    "Mia, you''re so sweet." Brenda''s eyes reddened with emotions, but she was smiling a smile of contentment...

 Chapter 428 Longevity

    "Brenda, Mmommy made you some soup." Nathan ced the thermos on the table, trying to sound casual, "With you away, Mmommy''s been improving her cooking. The soup smells amazing, and she wouldn''t even let us taste it, saying it was all for you!"


    Brenda chuckled, "Miss, has your cooking really gotten better?"


    "Yes, yes, it has," Sadie admitted somewhat bashfully. "When youe home, I''ll cook for you every day."


    "That''s wonderful..." Brenda sighed with relief and smiled. "When I''m gone, you will be able to take good care of yourself and the kids."


    "Stop that nonsense!" Sadie''s eyes reddened with urgency, "What do you mean, ''gone''? It''s just a minor problem, and you''ll recover quickly." "Brenda..." Noah, clutching Brenda''s hand, spoke with a choked voice, "You''re not going anywhere. You''re always going to be here."


    "Right, our Brenda is going to live a long, long life."


    Tears brimmed in Mia''s eyes, her little mouth puckered in a pout.


    "Brenda, you''ve got to be there to see me get marriehitched."


    Even with eyes growing misty, Nathan tried to lighten the mood, teasing Brenda.


    "Get married, get married!" Coco chirped, fluttering her wings and joining in the chant.


    "Hahaha... Yeah, IBrenda wants to see Noah and Nathan get marriedhitched, and watch Mia find her Prince Charming!"


    Brendaughed, hugging Noah, Nathan, and then Mia...


    Every single one of her treasures was hard to part with.


    She really wanted to get well soon,, to go back, and take care of her three babies...


    Coco flew into her arms, nuzzling Brenda''s face with its fuzzy little head, as if tofort her in this manner.


    Tears welled up in Brenda''s eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, lifting her face with a smile and saying, "Oh dear, getting sentimental in my old age. I promised no tears, but every time I see you guys, I just..." "We''lle to visit you more often," Sadie assured her as she wiped her tears "A lot has happened recently, and Nathan''s been in treatment, so we haven''t been able to be with you as much."


    "Brenda, we''lle to keep youpany after school." Noah hurriedly added, "I''ll bring an iPad for you so you can send us videos when we''re not here."


    "Exactly!" Nathan scooted forward in his wheelchair. "Next time Ie, I''ll bring you your favorite mung bean cake."


    "I want to bring my little pinkb to wash your hair," Mia chimed in excitedly, waving her pudgy hands.


    "There, there, all good kids," Brenda said, embracing the children, her smile so wide she could hardly contain her joy.


    Sadie watched the scene, deeply moved, hoping Brenda would recover quickly so that their family could live together again, just like before... "Miss Roth!"


    Just then, Dahlia, not wanting to disturb Brenda and the kids'' reunion, discreetly waved to her from the doorway.


    Sadie quickly followed Dahlia into the deserted hallway, where Dahlia updated her on Brenda''s condition. Luckily, immediate medical attention had kept Brenda''s illness under control.


    However, the treatment required a prolongedmitment, and it wasn''t something that would bepletely resolved in just a few days. Even after being discharged, Brenda would need regr check-ups.


    Sadie immediately assured Brenda that they would provide the best possible treatment, emphasizing that time and money were of no concern. They weremitted to managing everything else as long as it ensured Brenda''s cure.Sadie immediately assured her that they would provide the best possible treatment, insisting that time and money were no object and that as long as Brenda could be cured, they were willing to manage the rest.


    She then mentioned she had brought $50,000 to cover the initial hospital costs and promised to pay any remaining fees by the end of the month.


    Dahlia was taken aback. "What medical expenses? Brenda''s treatment here is all on my personal ount. There should be no charges. Has someone been asking you for payments?"


    "No, no, no, you shouldn''t sign for it. If there are bills to pay for being sick and hospitalized, they need to be paid, I can''t let you take that on personally," Sadie quickly said, "Don''t go ming your subordinates. Things should be handled as they are. Otherwise, I''d feel awkward troubling you."

 Chapter 429 Meeting Micahs Grandfather

    Dahlia panicked. "How could this be okay? Mr. Clemensicah would me me!," Dahlia panicked.


    "That''s exactly why I need to make things clear with you.," Sadie became serious...


    "I hope, no matter what my rtionship with him is like, you and I can still be friends. That way, I can rest assured about letting Brenda get treatment here. Otherwise, if one day Micah and I fall out, wouldn''t Brenda be in danger?" "This..."


    Dahlia fell silent; indeed, if all the treatment depended on Micah, he could terminate it at any time.


    If Sadie were to seek treatment as a regr patient, the hospital would be responsible for her, and would certainly not act recklessly.


    "Let''s settle it this way then. Don''t worry, I do have the money for the treatment," Sadie insisted, pulling Dahlia along., "And about my friend''s mother, I brought all her medical records today."


    While saying this, Sadie handed over the medical records to Dahlia...


    Dahlia took them and gave them a brief look.: "This case is quiteplex. I need to discuss it with doctors from other departments. Can I get back to you in a couple of days?"


    "Sure, thank you.," Sadie nodded., "I''m going to join Brenda now."


    "Alright, go ahead."


    Sadie spent the afternoon in Brenda''s hospital room with the kids.


    By 3:00 p.m.five o''clock, the children were hungry, so they prepared to head back.


    Before leaving, Sadie went to pay $50,000twenty thousand for Brenda''s hospitalization fees and then came back to tellsay to Brenda, "We''lle see you tomorrow., Yyou take care, okay?"


    "I''m doing quite well here," Brenda hurriedly responded, "There are nurses and doctors taking care of me, and Dr. Rey is personally overseeing my treatment. It''s too much for you to keep running around with the kids."


    "It''s fine, the kids miss you too. Tomorrow''s Sundaythe weekend, and we have time. From Monday when school starts again, who can say? You rest up; we''ll head out now."


    "Be safe on your way."


    "Bye Brenda!"


    "Bye Noah, Nathan, Mia, Coco, be good and listen to Mommy!"


    "We know, Brenda!"


    Leaving the hospital, the kids were getting hungry. Sadie decided to take them home by cab and said she would make pastadumplings for them to eat.


    The three children were delighted and even offered to help Sadie cookmake the dumplings.


    That''s when Noah''s smartwatch rang. He quickly put a finger to his lips, signaling everyone to be silent, and told Sadie, "Mommy, it''s Grandpa on the phone." "Pick it up," Sadie said with a nod.


    "Hello, Grandpa," Noah answered the phone.


    "Noah, where are you guys? Grandpa''sing to take you out for dinner.," Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens''s voice came from the other end, filled with anticipation and joy., "We''re not going to Fairy Castle Restaurant today. I''m taking you to the beach-it''s really beautiful..."


    "Wait a moment, Grandpa," Noah said, covering the mouthpiece and looking at Sadie.


    Sadie looked at Nathan and Mia, both of whom nodded eagerly, their faces alight with excitement. They loved spending time with Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens. Reluctantly, Sadie gave her consent.


    "Okay, Grandpa. I''ve got Mommy''s permission," Noah went on, his spirits lifted by the prospect of seeing Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa and discussing the new things he had learnedtely. "Fantastic! I''m actually downstairs at your ce right now. Get ready, and I''lle up to meet you in a moment," Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens responded warmly.


    Sadie turned pale at his words. ''Downstairs?! But outheir taxi iwas about to arrive any second!''...


    Turning her head, she saw it¡ªthe unmistakable sight of a stretch Rolls Royce across the street.


    Ss helped Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens out of the car. The old man''s face beamed as he talked on the phone, making his way toward theplex.


    Sadie frantically gestured to the taxi driver to stop quickly.


    But the driver didn''t see her and sped past...

 Chapter 430 Mias Heartache

    Sadie, terrified, crouched down in the car.


    Seeing Sadie react like this, Noah quickly assured Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens, "Grandpa, we''re just out shopping. Can you wait for us in theplex garden? We''ll be right back." "Sure, no rush, take your time," Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens hung up.


    Standing up, Noah peered outside and then told Sadie, "Mommy, Grandpa has entered theplex."


    Feeling a bit safer, Sadie sat up, paid the taxi driver, and got out with the kids. They didn''t go straight into theplex. Instead, she told Noah, "Noah, Mommy won''t join you. Push Nathan in his wheelchairstroller to theplex gate, and Grandpa will meet you there."


    "I understand," replied Noah, nodding sensibly.


    "Why are you so afraid of Grandpa, Mommy? He''s really nice," said Nathan, puzzled by Sadie''s avoidance of their grandfather.


    "Yeah, Grandpa won''t hurt us," Mia piped up innocently, nodding her little head. "Mommy, you cane y with us, too."


    "Mommy has her reasons and can''t exin right now, but you guys have to keep this a secret and listen to Noah, okay?" Sadie instructed Nathan and Mia.


    "Got it." Nathan and Mia obediently nodded.


    "Mommy, have something to drink. Don''t just wait around," Noah said considerately. "Don''t worry, we''ll call Grandpa as soon as we get to the gate." "You''re so good, Noah." Sadie hugged Noah.


    Noah wheeled Nathan''s chair as Mia carried Coco¡ª, the three kids and one bird, meanderedring slowly toward the entrance of the neighborhood. Neighbors passing by smiled warmly at them, finding them very sweet and cute. One asked, "Hey kids, where are your folks?"


    "My mommy is busy, and Brenda is sick in the hospital."


    "Did you go out by yourselves?" the neighbors asked curiously. "Is there no other family at home?"


    "We do. Grandpa is waiting for us in the garden." While Noah was exining, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens''s booming voice came, "Noah!"


    Eager to see the kids, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens hade out to the gate just in time to spot them.


    Upon sSeeing Noah struggling with Nathan''s wheelchair and Mia wobbling beside them with the little parrot, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens''s heart ached. He quickly ordered, "Hurry, go help them." Two bodyguards stepped forward to take the wheelchair and lead Noah and Mia.


    "Where have you been? Why are there no adults with you?" Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens frowned and asked.


    "We went to the hospital to visit Brenda," replied Noah dutifully. "Just got back."


    "The medical staff didn''te with you?" Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens squatted down, wrapping his arms around Noah and Mia. "And your motherMommy?"


    "Mommy said the hospital needs to be quiet, and bringing too many people wouldn''t be good. So, she took us alone. A, and after getting out of the car, she went to the pharmacy to get some stuff. She told us to wait here for her, but we wanted to see Grandpa sooner, so we came ahead to the gate to find you."


    Noah spoke wlessly, his story hardly leaving room for doubt.


    "Good kids," Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens said tenderly embracing Noah. "If I had known, I should have picked you up from the hospital myself."


    "It''s okay. Meeting here is just as good," Noah responded sweetly. "Grandpa, let''s get in the car."


    "Aren''t we waiting for your motherMommy toe back?"


    Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens looked up. Residents wereingThere were residentsing and going, many eyes on them, whispers here and there, but no sign of Mia''s mother. "No need, let''s go ahead. Mommy wille home on her ownter."


    Noah just wanted to leave early, so that Sadie Mommy wouldn''t have to hide out at the caf¨¦ and could head home to rest sooner.


    "Yeah, Grandpa, I''m hungry too. Let''s go," Mia echoed Noah''s sentiment.


    "Grandpa, I''m hungry as well," Nathan chimed in.


    "Alright, alright, we''re off," Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens quickly ushered the three children into the car.

 Chapter 431 Finding a Part-Time Job

    As they got into the car, Mia waved toward the caf¨¦ without thinking.


    Coco, snug in her arms, was calling out, "Mommy, Mommy!"


    Following Mia''s gaze, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens looked over to see Sadie hurriedly turning away with a coffee in hand, her back to the street.


    Fortunately, she was dressed in old clothes she had from a while back and wore a baseball cap, lookingpletely different from how Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens had seen her before. He probably wouldn''t recognize her. "Your mMotherm''s back?" Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens asked casually. "Mommy is at the..."


    "Mommy''s just at the pharmacy at the entrance to the neighborhood, picking up some stuff," Noah took over from Mia., "Be careful, Grandpa, don''t trip." "Sure, you be careful too," Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens replied, unconcerned, as he helped Noah into the car.


    It was only after the car was well down the road that Sadie cautiously turned to watch Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens''s car drive away. With a sigh of relief, she gathered her thermos and other items and headed home.


    The three caregivernurses were still waiting at the door for the kids to return. Sadie told them the children had gone out to eat with the old man and gave them the day off; there was no need to wait. The caregivernurses agreed to return when the kids came home.


    Upon returning home, Sadie quickly tidied up before settling at her desk to review the hospital bills. Crunching the numbers, she realized that despite having paid off $100,000, she still had around $60,000 left to settle with the hospital. With her funds dwindling, it was clear she needed to make a withdrawal soon.Back at the house, Sadie tidied up briefly and sat down at the desk to go over the hospital bills. She calcted that, after paying off a hundred thousand previously, she still owed the hospital tens of thousands. She was running low on funds and definitely needed to withdraw some money.


    Just as she was about to contact her financial advisor in Switzend, her phone rang with a call from Serena.: "Sadieis, good news, I''ve got in touch with a friend who needs a pianist for a few upscale weddings. They pay $2,000 per gig. Can you do it?"


    "I can, of course I can, I''d be thrilled to!" Sadie was overjoyed at the opportunity.


    "There''s one tonight at 6:00 p.m. I''lle with you and introduce you."


    "Great, let''s meet at 5:30 p.m. then."


    "Sure, I''ll send you the address."


    After hanging up, Sadie felt a surge of happiness. These wedding gigs might not pay much, but they were respectable work, not like the nightclub Night Club, where problems could arise.


    If she could secure more bookings, she''d be able to settle the remaining medical bills by the end of the next month.


    Sadie nced at the time; it was nearing 5:00 p.m. She quickly changed her clothes and hailed a taxi to meet Serena at the arranged spot.


    Serena had arrived early and was waiting at the door. As soon as she saw Sadie, she hurried over, "Sadieis!"


    "Serena, sorry I''mte," Sadie said apologetically. "Have you had dinner? It''s on me."


    "No time for that, let''s get going. I''ll take you to meet E," Serena insisted as she pulled Sadie along.


    "E owns an etiquette firm and is juggling lots of clients. She often hires part-timers from our school. I performed with her a few times but had to stop because of my hand injury. I told her about you yesterday, and she wants to hear you y. If all goes well, she''s got plenty of gigs for you."


    "That''s fantastic!" Sadie was thrilled. "Thanks a ton, Serena. You''ve really saved me."


    "You''re Mr. Roth Feng''s daughter and you helped me out. We''re like family, no need for formalities." Serena smiled. "You also found that doctor for me, remember?"


    "Yeah, I shared your motheraunt''s medical record with my doctor friend today. She said she''d discuss it with colleagues and get back to me in a few days." "Thank you."


    "We''re friendsisters; we support each other. Let''s keep it up."


    Serena and Sadie found E, who was busy delegating tasks.


    Noticing Sadie, E pointed to the piano and said, "y something, let''s hear."


    "Sure." Sadie stepped up and began to y Beethoven''s "Symphony No. 5," captivating the entire room as the staff listened, stunned.

 Chapter 432 The Devil Comes Calling

    "Very good," E said, pleased. "Go change. Starts at 7:00 p.m., a two-hour gig, 2,000 bucks. Do well, and there''ll be a steady stream of work for you!" "Thanks, E." Overjoyed, Sadie took the evening gown offered by a staff member and urged Serena, "Come join me. Let''s do it together."


    "I can''t..." Serena, looking at her hand, felt dejected. "You go ahead, Sadieis. I''ve got to hurry to my job at the nightclub Night Club. We''ll hang out when we''re both free." "Alright then." Sadie hugged her sympathetically. "Find some time, and I''ll introduce you to my doctor friend. Maybe your hand can still be fixed." "You think so?" Hope flickered in Serena''s eyes.


    "How will we know if we don''t try?" Sadie said with a smile. "Life''s always filled with hope!"


    Serena nodded vigorously. "Thanks, SadieSis!"


    "Don''t mention it. Now, off you go, and keep in touch."


    Sadie finished dressing up for her performance, wearing a white mask to keep from being recognized.


    The performance went off without a hitch¡ªjust a regr wedding with no surprises.


    After the show, Sadie collected her money, swapped contact info with E, and set up her next gig¡ªa corporate celebration happening tomorrow night! Another two hours, another two grand.


    While it wasn''t as much as she made at the nightclubNight Club and didn''t include any extra earnings, Sadie was quite content with the arrangement. Leaving the hotel, Sadie got a call from the kids saying they were almost home. They asked where she was and mentioned they had brought her some food.


    She said she''d be home soon, but as soon as she hung up, she remembered Micah wasing to pick her up at ten. Right now, though, she had no time to deal with him and decided to head home first.


    Rushing back, she arrived home by 9:30 p.m. The kids were asking the caregivernurses about their mom''s whereabouts.


    As the caregivernurses were about to answer, Sadie walked in. The children ran to her excitedly, chattering nonstop, and brought out the takeout they had for her to share.


    Hungry because she hadn''t eaten dinner, Sadie started devouring her meal.


    Seeing her like this, the children couldn''t help but feel a pang of distress.


    Noah, with a furrow on his little brow, asked softly, "Mommy, didn''t you have dinner?"


    "No, I went to work as soon as you left," Sadie spoke between bites of steak, "I yed the piano, and though it was only for two hours, I made quite a bit of money."


    "No matter how busy work is, you can''t forget to eat,¡± Noah said sympathetically.


    "Yes, yes, Mommy, you need to eat properly," Mia said while offering Sadie a wet wipe to clean her face.


    "I will."


    As Sadie continued eating, her phone rang. It was Micah. Seeing his name shing on the screen made her uneasy, so she quickly flipped the phone face down on the table, not wanting to answer in front of her kids.As Sadie continued to eat, her phone rang. It was Micah. She felt uneasy at the sight of his name shing on the screen and, not wanting to answer in front of her kids, quickly flipped the phone face down on the table.


    "Go take your baths and get ready for bed, I''ll finish up here," Sadie instructed.


    "Okay, Mommy," the kids obediently agreed.


    The caregivernurses had the bathwater ready and were waiting for the kids to wash up.


    Sadie stepped out onto the balcony and peered down stealthily. Micah''s car was parked below, its lights still on, engine running.


    She nced at the time exactly 10:00 p.m.


    She hesitated, wondering whether or not to go down to him. If she didn''t, he would probably get angry, but with the kids still awake, she had no idea how to exin... "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Noah''s voice suddenly came from behind her.


    "Nothing," Sadie quickly regained herposure and made up an excuse, "A friend dropped by to see me."


    "Should we invite him up?" Noah asked considerately.


    "No need," Sadie shook her head, "I might have to head downstairs. You guys go ahead and take your baths." "Okay."

 Chapter 433 A Visit at the Door

    Sadie, clutching a drumstick, prepared to descend the stairs to meet Micah. As she swung open the door, she was startled to find Micah standing there, his tall, lean figure looming eerily in the dim light.


    Startled, Sadie swiftly nced back, relieved to see Noah had already headed to the bathroom, leaving the living room empty.Sadie, holding a drumstick, was about to head downstairs to meet Micah. Just as she opened the door, she found Micah standing right there, his tall and lean figure appearing almost mysteriously chilling in the dim light...


    Sadie was startled, quickly turning back to check. Thankfully, Noah had already gone to the bathroom, and the living room was empty...


    "What are you doing up here?" Sadie hurriedly pushed Micah out.


    Micah stared at her icily." It''s 10:00 p.m.ten o''clock!" Micah stared at her icily.


    "The kids aren''t asleep yet."


    Sadie gestured towards the room with her hand that held the drumstick, then realizing what was in her hand, she awkwardly hid it behind her back.


    Micah''s brows furrowed, clearly displeased.


    "Either you wait downstairs for a bit, or we postpone our meeting..." Sadie tested the waters, "Don''t be mad, try to understand a mother''s heart. I can''t just abandon my children and go out on a date, right? Being responsible is part of being an adult."


    "Twenty minutes." Micah nced at his watch and turned to step into the elevator.


    Sadie was speechless but headed back insideto her home. The kids had finished their bathshowers and were noisily singing songs as they went back to their rooms to sleep.


    Sadie tidied up the uneaten food, quickly washed her hands in the bathroom, and then went to check on the children.


    Mia, dressed in a cute strawberry pajama set,y in bed hugging her milk bottle in one hand and an alpaca plush toy in the other, blissfully listening to music.


    Sadie leaned in to kiss hergive her a kiss and reminded her to finish her milk and go to sleep soon.


    Mia nodded obediently, her eyes already beginning to close.


    In another room, Noah, fresh from his bath,y on the bed reading a book.


    Nathan was propped up in his wheelchair, being assisted by the caregivernurses as they treated his wounds. He was fiddling with a Rubik''s Cube, his eyes already half-shut... "Mommy, what''s up?" Noah, noticing Sadie, Noah immediately put down his book and looked up at her.


    "Mommy has to step out for a bit. I''ll make breakfast for you in the morning; what would you like to eat?"


    Sadie felt a twinge of guilt; she had been so busytely that she hadn''t spent much quality time with the kids.


    But now, if she didn''t go out, Micah might make a big fuss...


    "I want French toastpiggy buns," Nathan murmured, perking up at the mention of food.


    "I''m okay with anything, as long as Mommy makes it. I like everything you cook," Noah said thoughtfully. "Mommy, go take care of your business, don''t worry about us." "That''s right, we''re here," the caregivernurses chimed in.


    "Yeah, sleep well."


    After confirming everything was in order, Sadie hurried to her room to change, only to realize that over ten minutes had slipped away. She dashed downstairs hastily, not even managing to switch her shoes.


    Bolting out of the elevator, Sadie sprinted through the expansive neighborhood until she reached the entrance with barely a minute to spare. In her haste, she nearly collided with a car, causing her to tumble to the ground in fright.After ensuring everything was in order, Sadie went to her room to change, but realized more than ten minutes had already passed. She rushed downstairs in a hurry, not even having time to change her shoes......


    Sadie bolted out of the elevator, sprinting through the expansive neighborhood until she finally reached the entrance with just a minute to spare, nearly getting hit by a car in the process; the scare sent her tumbling to the ground. The driver of the car even stuck his head out to curse, "In a hurry to get reborn, asshole?" before speeding away.


    Sitting on the ground, Sadie caught her breath for a long while before gathering herself and standing up. To her surprise, Micah stood next to his car, giving her a cold stare.


    With heavy, tired legs, she lumbered over to him, still panting. "Let''s go."


    She then slid into the car seat, gasping for air.Sitting on the ground, catching her breath for a long while, Sadie eventually gathered herself and stood up, only to find Micah standing next to his car, giving her a cold stare. With heavy, tired legs, she lumbered over to him and, still panting, said, "Let''s go."


    She then got into the car and slumped into the seat, gasping for air.


    "Watch where you''re walking," Micah said icily as he started the car.


    "It''s all foring to meet you," grumbled Sadie, still out of breath. "With your foul temper, you''d probably strangle me if I werete again, you''d probably strangle me." Micah remained silent and continued to drive.


    "I''m exhausted..." Sadie fannedfan herself and attempted to unscrew the water bottle cap, but her hands were too weak from the effort to open it.


    "You''re in such poor shape. Just a little run and you''re winded."


    Micah frowned in apparent disgust but still reached over and twisted the cap off for her.

 Chapter 434 Sleeping in Arms

    After gulping down an entire bottle of water, letting out a satisfied belch, and taking a few deep breaths, Sadie felt somewhat revived.


    Micah''s phone rang, and he answered it with a curt, "Speak!"


    "Didn''t I already make myself clear? Why do I have to say it a second time?"


    "There will be a press conference tomorrow. Have Ryan handle it."


    "Right..."


    "I''ll deal with the other issues. Leave the public appearance to Ryan."


    "No more nonsense."


    After he finished the call, his phone rang again. This time he answered using the hands-free speaker in the car, "What is it?"


    "Mr. Clemensicah, I''ve looked into it, and this doesn''t seem connected to Nick Clemens at all. Their tech people aren''t at that level yet to hack our systems." "Look into the James Group."


    "The James Group?" Rn sounded surprised., "They''re not easy to investigate, but I''ll see what I can do."


    "Let me know as soon as you have something."


    "Will do."


    After ending the call, Amelia called almost immediately, but Micah couldn''t be bothered, so he hung up and turned his phone off.


    "With you this busy, why do you bother meeting me?" Sadie whispered.


    Micah didn''t respond and kept driving.


    Sadie stopped talking upon realizing he was ignoring her and leaned back in her seat to rest. In no time, she fell asleep.


    This time, Micah drove straight to the underground garage of the Cloud Hotel, where the manager was waiting to let them know that everything had been set up as nned.


    Micah carried Sadie upstairs. In the elevator, she stirred from her drowsiness, opening her eyes briefly to nce at him. Then, she wrapped her arms around his neck and nestled her face into the crook of his neck, drifting back to sleep.Micah carried Sadie upstairs, and as they were in the elevator, she stirred from her drowse, opened her eyes to nce at him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and nestled her face into the crook of his neck to resume sleeping. Once in the room, Micah ced her on the bed. Seeing her still in her slippers, he shook his head, tossed the slippers into the trash can, and tucked her under the covers.


    After taking a shower in the bathroom, he came back to find Sadie sound asleep, curled up in the sheets like a little shrimp, tightly wrapped into a cuddlesome ball.


    Micah sat on the couch beside the bed, sipping the red wine he had poured earlier, lost in quiet contemtion as he gazed at her. His eyes were filled with a medley of thoughts...


    He questioned himself about why he feltpelled to see her, especially amidst his busy schedule, yet found no clear answer...


    The truthy in the simple fact that her presence added richness to his life. Without her, mealscked vor, sleep eluded him, and an ache of emptiness lingered in his heart. Only in herpany did he find sce...


    Even in silence, merely observing her brought him contentment.Micah sat on the couch by the bed, sipping on the red wine he had prepared earlier, quietly contemting as he gazed at her, his eyes brimming withplex thoughts... He was wondering to himself why he insisted on seeing her despite being incredibly busy. He didn''t have an answer...


    The fact was, without her, his meals lost their vor, his sleep wasn''t restful, and there was a persistent emptiness in his heart. Only when he saw her did he feel a sense of peace...


    Even just sitting there, silently watching her, brought him satisfaction.


    Sadie must have been truly exhausted; she slept deeply and sweetly, seemingly oblivious to Micah being right by her side, uninhibited by his presence.


    The wine bottle was nearing its end when Micah finally set his ss aside, stood up, andy down on the bed.


    His long arm reached under Sadie''s neck, pulling her into his embrace and gently pressing her face against his chest before he settled down, content, to sleep. Sadie, like a slumbering infant, instinctively snuggled closer into his arms like a slumbering infant, her little face burrowing into his neck and, greedily inhaling his scent... Micah was moved by her subconscious little gestures and leaned in to kiss her, but she yfully shook her head, burying her face into his chest, thwarting his kiss.


    Resigned, he simply caressed her back gently and closed his eyes to sleep...


    His body was restless, his heart aze, but he refrained from touching her.


    That night, they did nothing more than hold each other as they slept soundly...


    In the dead of night, Sadie suddenly woke up, turned over to find her phone by the pillow, and checked the time. It was still early.


    She breathed a sigh of relief, turned to look at Micah, who was deeply asleep, and couldn''t resist gently kissing his closed eyelids. Then, she cautiously shifted his arm, preparing to slip out of bed...She breathed a sigh of relief, turned to look at Micah, who was sleeping deeply, and couldn''t resist kissing his eyes, then cautiously shifted his arm, preparing to get out of bed...


    "Where are you going?" Micah pulled her back, holding her even tighter in his embrace.

 Chapter 435 Stirrings of the Heart

    "I should go home," Sadie whispered. "I promised to make breakfast for the kids."


    "What about my breakfast?" Micah squinted at her.


    "Shall I have the manager send something up?"


    Sadie kissed his forehead, his groggy expression looking childlike and adorable...


    "No.," Micah lifted her hands above her head and rolled on top of her., "I want to have you."


    "No¡ª Mmmph!" Before Sadie could finish speaking, Micah''s kiss silenced her.


    He had waited all night, and when she finally came to, he wasn''t going to miss his chance again.


    Underneath him, Sadie was as soft as a puddle of water, writhing gently and epting his kisses with closed eyes.


    Her body seemed enchanted by him, not obeying hermands but instead bing a servant to his touch, helpless against his slightest caress...


    Their breaths grew wilder, and the soft moans, reminiscent of a kitten''s, reverberated through the room like a beautiful song...


    Entwined with each other, they clung fiercely, caught up in a fervent bliss that was too wonderful to let go, impossible to stop...


    The lovemaking went on for ages, until dawn''s light refracted through the floor-to-ceiling windows and draped over their intertwined forms.


    Micah finally found satisfaction and fell asleep atop Sadie.


    She checked the time on her phone¡ªit was 5:30 a.mfive-thirty in the morning.


    Carefully, she pushed him away and got out of bed.


    "Where are you going?" Micah asked, half asleep and still questioning her.


    "Shower," replied Sadie. as s


    She then freshened up in the bathroom, hastily got dressed, and returned to nt a kiss on Micah''s forehead. "I need to get back. I promised to make breakfast for the kids. You should sleep some more." As she was about to leave...


    Her hand was caught by Micah''s firm grip. "I''ll drive you!"


    "No need, you should rest. I''ll just take a cab."


    "Ten minutes!"


    In a sh, Micah bolted out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom.


    Sadie felt a sweet frustration.


    He was so tired, yet he still wanted to drive her.


    If that wasn''t love, what was?


    Not wanting to waste time, Sadie seized the opportunity to take care of her skin in the bathroom.


    Just as she finished, Micah emerged clean from the shower, grabbed his car keys, and strode over. "Let''s go."


    "Aren''t you tired?" she asked, noticing the redness in his eyes from restless nights.


    "I''m alright," Micah reassured her as he pushed her out the door, looping an arm around her shoulder and yfully ruffling her hair. "Shorty!"


    Sadie rolled her eyes at him but snuggled into his embrace.


    A charming smile curved Micah''s lips. He liked this normalcy, just being an ordinary couple.


    They reached the gate of Blissful Lane 1munity just after 6:00 a.m.


    Rubbing his forehead, Micah yawned, "Do we really need to be up this early?"


    Sadie gazed at him adoringly, finding him handsome even when yawning.


    "Today I''m making French toast piggy buns and pancakessticky rice chicken for the babies, and simmering a nourishing soup for Brenda. It takes time. You should go back and get some sleep; you look exhausted." "I''m hungry," Micah leaned in, rubbing his face against hers. "I''ve never tried your cooking."


    Sadie chuckled as she dodged his attempt, "We''ll see about that in the future."


    Micah felt some displeasure, but didn''t say anything.


    "I''m off."


    Sadie unbuckled her seatbelt. Micah leaned in to kiss her, but she got out of the car swiftly... Micah was frozen in ce, a look of bewilderment on his face.


    Meanwhile, Sadie, blissfully unaware, waved at him and then hurried into her apartmentplex.


    Watching her back as she disappeared, then catching the glow of light from her 16th-floor apartment, Micah knew she was home. With that assurance, he started his car and drove off.


    Switching on his phone, he called Andrew...Watching her back as she disappeared and then seeing the light turn on in her 16thsixteenth-floor apartment, Micah knew she was home. It was then that he started his car and drove off. Turning on his cellphone, he dialed Andrew''s number...

 Chapter 436 Breakfast Unraveled

    Sadie returned home, tiptoeing around. She tied on her apron and began bustling about in the kitchen.


    She nned to personally prepare breakfast for the kids and to cook a nourishing soup for Brenda.


    Brenda loved her soups, and with her hectic scheduletely, she hadn''t had a chance to make them reegrlyany.


    Today, Sadie had risen early to manage that.


    At 7:10 am, the doorbell rang. Noah was about to answer it but heard noises from the kitchen and rushed in, eximing with a surprise, "Mommy!" "Good morning, Noah!" Sadie greeted him with a sweet smile, "Go let the caregivernurse in. Mommy''s breakfast is almost ready."


    "Okay!" Noah scampered off to open the door, and three caregivernurses walked in, ready to prepare breakfast.


    Noah proudly announced, "My mommy is making it. It will be ready soon."


    "Your mom worked sotest night, and now she''s up early; it must be exhausting," the caregivernursesmented. "Let''s go help her."


    "It''s fine. Mommy has it under control. Could you help Nathan and Mia get dressed and cleaned up first?" Noah stated with a big brother''s authority. "Alright."


    When Nathan and Mia woke up and learned Sadie had made their favorite breakfast, they were thrilled.


    Both got cleaned up quicker than usual and sat at the table, eagerly awaiting Sadie''s breakfast.


    Sadie had inherited Brenda''s cooking skills, but she rarely cooked when Brenda was around. Now that Brenda had fallen ill, she picked up the craft again and started learning by herself.


    "Oh dear, the piggy French toastspiggy buns I made don''t look as cute as Brenda''s," Sadie said, a bit embarrassed as she ced the deformed toastbuns on the table., "They seem a bit misshapen." "Yeah, the piggy''s nose is gone," Mia said, puzzled by the misshapen toastbun with a somewhat stiff smile, "Looks like a piggy with a botched nose job."


    "Pfft!" Sadie couldn''t helpughing, "Sorry, I''ll practice more. I promise they''ll be better next time."


    "It''s okay, a piggy with a botched nose job is still a piggy," Nathan said, picking up a toastbun with his handchopsticks and taking a bite., "Mmm..."


    "How does it taste? Good?" Sadie asked eagerly.


    "It''s so salty..." Nathan couldn''t help but spit it all out, then gulped down milk, "Mommy, did you confuse salt for sugar?"


    "Ah..." Sadie hurriedly tasted it herself and then blushed with embarrassment, "It seems like I did!"


    "No worries, no worries. W, we can have pancakessticky rice chicken.," Noah quickly came to her rescue. "Come on, try this, Mmommy made it by hand."


    Mia hastily poked at the pancake sticky rice chicken with her fork, then grimaced, "Mommy, the pancakesticky rice chicken is raw inside..."


    "What? Really?" Sadie hurried over to check and indeed, it was undercooked, with raw doughblood still visible inside the chicken.


    "No problem, I''ll just heatsteam it a bit more." The caregivernurse quickly took it to fix it.


    "Let''s have soupporridge. ItThe porridge will definitely be fine."


    Sadie quickly served each child a bowl of chicken soupred date and millet porridge.


    "Mmm, the soupporridge is delicious," Mia finally got to eat a normal breakfast, smacking her lips with delight, "It''s so good." "Yeah, it''s neither salty nor raw," Nathan added sincerely.


    Sadie covered her face, wishing she could just disappear into the ground.


    "SoupPorridge alone might not fill you up, I''ll fry some eggs for you," the caregivernurses began bustling about again.


    "Thank you, Misssister..."


    The three kids were very polite.


    Mia earnestlyforted Sadie, "Mommy, it''s okay, you''ve made a lot of progress. At least there''s something edible. In the past, you even managed to burn the soupporridge." Nathan took a sip of porridge, then added, "Mommy, you should just stick to making those three dishes you''re good at in the future, it''s safer that way."

 Chapter 437 Blood Is Thicker than Water

    "Mommy makes delicious roasted chicken wings, grilled steak, and vegetable sd," Noah consoled Sadie. "Oh, and don''t forget the tomato egg soup and onionseaweed egg drop soup."


    "Okay, thanks for being so understanding, my darlings."


    Sadie didn''t know whether tough or cry; indeed, she was only skilled at preparing those few items. Previously, Brenda would prepare the everythingbuns and sticky rice chicken, which Sadie would just heatsteam and they were ready to eat. But today, trying to cook from scratch was aplete disaster.


    She realized she still had a lot to learn...


    After the kidslittle ones finally finished their breakfast, Sadie hurried to prepare their backpacks.


    Noah opened his eyes wide, puzzled., "Mommy, what are you doing?"


    "Aren''t we going to school?" Sadie said with a smile, "Mommy is personally taking you to school today."


    "But today is Sunday," Nathan said, staring at her nkly.


    "Uh..." Sadie was momentarily lost, bewildered that she had muddled the days. Yesterday was Saturday, and today was Sunday...


    "Sadie Mia, honey, you''re just overworked. That''s why you lost track of time," the caregivernurse said with a smile. "Today, Nathan has his follow-up appointment at our hospital, and Grandpa Clemens will be visiting too."


    "We''re going with Nathan. After the hospital, Grandpa wants to have us over," Noah said earnestly. "Mommy, you take the day to rest at home, and we''ll bring you back some dinner."


    "No need to bring anything; there''s plenty in the kitchen. I''ll sort out my own dinner," Sadie instructed gently. "I won''t join you all today then. I''m going to visit Brenda at the hospitalter before I head home to rest up for work tonight." "Got it, Mommy. Take care of yourself."


    The kids hugged Sadie and gave her kisses with their little mouths still tasting the chicken soupof the barley porridge they had just had.


    Soon after, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens called to let them know his car was waiting downstairs. Noah told him not to trouble himselfing up, as three caregivernurses would apany them down. He did this to spare Sadie, aware that she might not want to run into himGrandpa and have to dodge and hide.


    Nathan''s pediatrician waited by the entrance as the caregivernurses gathered their things and escorted the children outside.


    Sadie waved goodbye to them, her heart filled with emotions as she watched them leave joyfully...


    The kids used to be so clingy to her, feeling lost whenever she didn''te home at night.


    But now, with Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens around, they became more independent, understanding whether she was out at night or busy working during the day.


    Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens not only arranged their medical care and daily life, but he also filled their weekends with activities...


    Being a mother couldn''t get any more worry-free.


    ItActually, it was good that the kids were close to himthe old man. Although they were unaware of the truth, the inherent bond of blood spoke for itself, an irreceable connection. Should any misfortune befall her one day, at least the children would have someone to rely on...


    So, Sadie had no objections to their spending time with Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa Clemens.


    Sadie tidied up the kitchen, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and took a nap.


    Upon waking at noon, she quickly stir-fried a side dish, poured the soup into a thermos, and took a taxi to the hospital.


    Brenda was propped up in bed watching TV, showing little interest in the hospital food brought in by the nurse.


    Then Sadie walked in.: "Brenda!"


    "Miss, you''re here," Brenda beamed upon seeing Sadie. "Didn''t you say you were going to spend the day with the kids at home? What brings you here again?"


    "The kids went back to the hospital for a follow-up, surrounded by a bunch of doctors and nurses. They didn''t need me."


    Sadie set the soup and side dishes on the table, beaming. "I made you chickensea cucumber and pork stomach soup and your favorite pan-seared steak!"

 Chapter 438 Sadies Comeback

    "Thank you!" Brenda couldn''t stop smiling as she looked at the well-presented meal. "The kids mentioned your cooking has improved, but I didn''t believe it until now. This soup and dish, they''re really something." "Hahaha! I didn''t even get breakfast right today."


    Feeling a bit embarrassed, Sadie recounted the morning''s kitchen disaster.


    Brenda couldn''t help butugh heartily as she patiently showed Sadie how to make French toastpiggy buns and pancakessticky rice chicken...


    Sadie listened intently, taking notes on her phone and, vowing to make a proper breakfast for the kids the next day.


    Brenda watched her with a contented gaze.: "When I was sick, I was truly worried. I feared that with me not at home, no one would be there to look after the three kids, and you''d be overwhelmed. However, seeing how well you''ve managed, I can now rest easy.""When I was sick, I was really worried. I feared that with me, not at home, no one would look after the three kids and you''d be overwhelmed. But seeing how well you''ve managed, I can rest easy now."


    "That''s not true... I''m still not getting it right..." Sadie took Brenda''s hand, acting coquettishly., "The kids and I want you to recover quickly ande home soon."


    "Alright, alright!" Brenda nodded, visibly moved, "As soon as I''m better, I''ll be back. I even asked Dr. Rey this morning, and she said I could be discharged in a month and a half."


    "That''s wonderful. We''re all waiting for you."


    Sadie understood Brenda needed to feel needed; it gave her a sense of aplishment and satisfaction.


    "Miss, you didn''t have dinner yet, right? Let''s eat together."


    "Okay."


    Just as the two were about to dine, a furious shout came from outside.: "Why are you stopping me? Don''t you know who I am? Get out of my way."


    Sadie froze; that voice was so familiar...


    "Miss Amelia, you''re here to see Dr. Rey, right? I''ll call her immediately."


    "I''m not here for Dr. Rey, no need to call."


    The voice, apanied by footsteps, drew nearer. Amelia then strode into the ward with an air of arrogance. The voice, apanied by footsteps, grew closer, and then Amelia strutted into the ward with arrogant ir.


    Sadie turned around with a frown.; ''Wwhat iwas she doing here?''


    "So you are here." Amelia red coldly at Sadie, "If I hadn''t by chance found out your staff was here in Dahlia, I would have never located you."


    "Let''s talk outside if you have something to say."


    Sadie put down her utensils and stood up, walking over. She didn''t want Brenda to be affected; she knew Amelia was here to stir up trouble.


    "Why go outside?" Amelia scoffed mockingly, "Afraid of people finding out your dirty secrets?"


    "This is a hospital, not a ce for making a scene," Sadie said with a furrowed brow. "Can''t you step outside to discuss whatever issue you have?"


    "I''ll say it right here..." Amelia hissed angrily, "I want the whole world to know, you shameless homewrecker!"


    "Who do you think you are?" SBrenda, seeing Sadieherdy being bullied, Brenda was so angered her face turned ashen., "Don''t spout nonsense and nder mydy''s reputation."


    "Reputation? Does she even have one?" Amelia scoffed as though she''d heard the funniest joke in the world., "Old woman, you''re clueless, aren''t you? Sadie''s the other woman who stole my husband¡ª..." "You''re lying, that''s impossible," Brenda retorted furiously, "Ourdy is a good girl; she wouldn''t do such a thing."


    "She''s nothing but a shameless, despicable slut!!!" Amelia spat with venom, "First, she lured Ronan Potter, causing a divorce, then she went after Mason, and now she''s trying to seduce my husband..." "Your husband?" Sadie finally snapped back, "Micah married you already? He''s your husband?"


    "We''re about to get engaged..."


    "About to doesn''t mean you are engaged, does it?" Sadie cut her off angrily, "Besides, he was with me first. If anyone''s the homewrecker here, it''s you!"


    "Slut!" Amelia was, beyond furious and, pped Sadie hard across the face.


    Caught off guard, Sadie stumbled, nearly falling to the floor...

 Chapter 439 Sadies Retaliation 2

    "You, you dared to hit ourdy?"


    Brenda, in a rage, grabbed the food tray from in front of her and hurled it at Amelia in a rage.


    Amelia dodged, and the tray missed, but the hot soup still spilled on her, causing her to scream in pain and curse, "You old hag!, Hhow dare you hit me?!" "And what if I did? You uncultured thing, I''m teaching you a lesson on behalf of your parents."


    Brenda got off the hospital bed to help Sadie.


    "Someone, help!" Amelia bellowed in rage, pointing at Brenda and demanding, "Take her down."


    Two bodyguards walked in, ready to move in on Brenda.


    Sadie immediately stepped in front of Brenda, "Try touching her and see what happens!"


    "And what will you do?" Amelia rushed forward, shoving Brenda hard.


    Brenda hit the hospital bed and fell to the floor. The IV needle was jarred by the fall, piercing deeper into the flesh, and blood began to flow...


    Seeing this, Sadie flew into a rage and pped Amelia with all her might.


    The sound of the p echoed sharply.


    Amelia was utterly shocked. She never expected Sadie to dare to hit her!


    Her face instantly flushed red, and a vivid handprint soon emerged...Amelia was utterly shocked, more urately, she never expected Sadie to dare to hit her!!! Her face instantly flushed red, a vivid handprint soon emerging...


    "You, you dared to hit me?!??" Amelia''s eyes widened with furious indignation, "I am going to kill you¡ª"


    With that, she lunged at Sadie, ready to strike...


    "Don''t you touch hermydy!," Brenda rushed to Sadie''s defense.


    The two bodyguards immediately pulled Brenda away, and despite her considerable weight, she struggled fiercely.


    "Let her go!" Sadie moved to rescue Brenda but was grabbed by the hair by Amelia.


    Refusing to back down, Sadie and Amelia tussled fiercely.


    Two more bodyguards entered and quickly subdued Sadie, twisting her arms behind her back.


    "You bitch, you''re asking for it!" Amelia raised her hand to hit Sadie.


    "Stop!" Amanding shout interrupted the chaos.


    Amelia halted and turned to see, eximing in surprise, "Daddy? What are you doing here?"


    "Let them go," Nelson Lingston ordered sternly.


    The bodyguards immediately released their hold, stepping aside.


    "Miss!" Brenda rushed to Sadie., "Are you alright?"


    Sadie''s heart ached like it was being stabbed, seeing the gash on the back of Brenda''s hand, the skin yed open by the embedded needle, blood gushing... With a furrowed brow, Nelson Lingstonmanded, "Everyone, out."


    "Daddy..."


    "I said get out!" he red at Amelia, his frown deepening.


    SAmelia, seething and defiant, Amelia pointed at Sadie, "You just wait." Then, she stormed off...


    "Hold it right there!" Sadie called out to her.


    Amelia stopped in her tracks, ready to spit venom.


    Nelson Lingston stepped forward and, bowed deeply towards Brenda and Sadie, "I am so sorry for this. You have my word, I''ll make this right!"


    "Daddy..." Amelia''s eyes widened incredulously, "How can you apologize to her? Do you have any idea what this whore she_"


    "Enough!." Nelson Lingston cut her off, not letting her finish.


    Amelia, nearly driven mad with rage, stormed out of the room.


    "You all too," he instructed the bodyguards.


    They withdrew, waiting outside the door.


    With the door closed, Nelson Lingston once again bowed in apology to Brenda and Sadie.: "I''m sorry, my daughter has been spoiled rotten. I will reprimand her when I get home. Please be assured that this will not happen again. I sincerely apologize for today''s events." Having said that, he turned to leave...


    His sincerity left Sadie unable to muster any furtherments.


    However, as Nelson Lingston approached the door, he suddenly turned back to look at Sadie and quietly asked, "Is your father named Edmond?"

 Chapter 440 The Name of the Mother

    "Yes." Sadie frowned and asked, "Is there a problem?"


    "No problem at all," Nelson Lingston replied, shaking his head repeatedly, his demeanor somewhat agitated. "Then, what is your mother''s name?"


    "I don''t see any need to tell you that."


    Sadie''s father had always instilled in her the importance of never disclosing her mother''s name.


    Though she didn''t understand why, his persistent reminders were ingrained in her memory. Even her mother''s birthday celebrations were subdued affairs, shared only between father and daughter, kept hidden from everyone else. Her father


    had always taught Sadie never to reveal her mother''s name. She didn''t know why, but his insistent reminders were etched deep in her memory. She knew this matter was of great importance; even her mother''s birthday celebration was a quiet affair, just between father and daughter, kept secret from everyone else.


    Thus, she had always guarded this secret...


    "I was out of line," Nelson Lingston apologized, hanging his head before departing.


    Brenda watched his retreating figure and frowned., "He looks familiar, like I''ve seen him somewhere before."


    "He''s Amelia''s father." Sadie had nothing good to say about anyone from the LuminexLingston family.


    Just then, Dahlia rushed in to find the room in disarray and eximed, "Goodness, what happened here? I was out at the branch clinic when I got the call and hurried over, but it looks like I''m stillte..." She swiftly moved to check on them, "Miss Roth, Brenda, are you both alright?"


    "I''m fine, but please help Brenda with her wound," Sadie said, holding Brenda''s hand with genuine concern., "She''s got it pretty bad."


    "Let me see," Dahlia assessed the injury with a frown and immediately directed a nurse, "Bring the medical kit."


    The nurse promptly brought over the supplies, and Dahlia began tending to Brenda''s injuries herself. Sadie watched with a troubled expression, her brows deeply knit together.


    At that moment, her phone rang; it was Micah. Her anger red, and she immediately hung up.


    Dahlia nced her way, about to say something, but then her own phone rang. She quickly answered, "Mr. Clemensicah! Miss Roth is fine, don''t worry. Mr. LuminexLingston has already taken Amelia away..." After giving her report, the call ended.


    After Dahlia had tended to Brenda''s wounds and ensured that she was restingfortably, she pulled Sadie aside and exined, "I heard from Andrew that Mr. ClemensMicah has been ghosting Miss Ameliately. He won''t answer her calls or texts, and even when she cornered him at the office, he managed to avoid her.


    §á


    Miss Amelia thinks you''re the reason for all this, so she''s been hunting for information about you. She couldn''t get your home address since Mr. ClemensMicah''s got it under wraps, but somehow she found out Brenda was hospitalized here and decided to show up."


    "Why in the world would shee after me? She should take it up with Micah," Sadie grumbled, clearly agitated by the thought.


    "Miss Amelia is known for her temper..." Dahlia said, equally exasperated. "I take some me for today''s incident. From now on, I''ll arrange security for Brenda, so no one can bother her again."


    "It''s not your fault. The hospital''s location is public knowledge; we couldn''t have kept it a secret forever." Sadie sighed., "Honestly, the problem here is Micah. He''s the one who didn''t handle things properly."


    "Don''t be too hard on him; he actually..." Dahlia tried to defend him.


    "Forget it, I don''t even want to talk about him right now," Sadie said, still angry with Micah. "I''m going to go sit with Brenda. You can get back to your work."


    "Alright," Dahlia replied, knowing some arguments were futile, and decided to change the subject. "I''ve reviewed your friend Mrs. Gao''s condition and havee up with a targeted treatment n. Personally, I believe it will be more effective than what she might be getting elsewhere, but you should send it to your friend and let her decide whether to transfer facilities."


    "That''s great! T, thank you so much!," Sadie gratefully responded.


    "I''ll get the treatment n to you shortly. Regarding the cost, I can offer a slight discount, but it will still be more expensive than a public hospital. As such,, so make sure your friend considers it carefully." "Understood."


    After receiving the treatment n from Dahlia, Sadie thanked her and returned to Brenda''s room, where the mood had noticeably shifted from cheerful to fraught with worry.

 Chapter 441 10:00 PM, Downstairs

    "Miss Roth!" a nurse greeted Sadie before promptly making her exit.


    Left alone with Brenda, Sadie took her hand, filled with remorse., "This is all on me. I dragged you into this."


    "Don''t be silly," Brenda said indignantly. "What''s this talk of dragging family down? That girl was clearly bad news-arrogant and hurtful."


    "But..." Sadie wanted to rify things about her and Micah but was at a loss for where to start.


    "Emotions don''t need exnations to others," Brenda said as she held Sadie''s hand. "You have your choices, and IBrenda will always believe in you. You''re a good girl, and you wouldn''t do anything wrong." "Thank you, Brenda..." Sadie was deeply touched.


    "I''ve been trying to figure out who that girl''s father is. I feel like I''ve seen him somewhere, but I just can''t remember.," Brenda patted her head., "I''m certain I''ve met him before, definitely..."


    "Could he be rted toDid he ask about Dad?, Hwondering if he might have had business dealings with him in the past?"


    Sadie also found Nelson Lingston odd; when they first met, he had stared at her and even inquired Andrew about her name as if he was protective over Amelia. Now, he seemed reasonable probably not a bad guy-but the strange questions he asked earlier had made her uneasy.


    "I don''t think so," Brenda shook her head. "You know, I was always managing the household back then, hardly ever going to thepany. Your fatherThe boss would never bring business partners home, so if it was about business, I probably wouldn''t have met him."


    "That makes sense," Sadie nodded. "Let''s not dwell on it anymore. Take a break, and I''ll get us something to eat."


    "Oh, what a shame about the lunch you made by hand, the soup that had been simmering for so long¡ªI didn''t get to try even a spoonful."


    Brenda looked at the spilled chicken Fish Maw and Pork Stomach Soup and the fried steak on the floor with distress.


    "No worries, I''ll make it for you again tomorrow."


    Sadie ordered takeout for Brenda, the same dishes: Fchicken sish Maw and Pork Stomach Soup and a fried steak, along with two portions of rice, but the vors simply couldn''tpare to what Sadie made herself.


    Although Sadie wasn''t great at roasting chicken, her stews and a few side dishes were quite good.


    What mattered was the rare kindness behind her actions.


    After cajoling Brenda into finishing lunch and tending to her wounds until she fell asleep, Sadie hurried back home.


    She had two performances tonight; what was originally apany''s anniversary celebration had another wedding banquet added at thest minute by E.


    Sadie quickly went home to drop her things and change before rushing off to perform. Serena had the night off and came especially to keep herpany and lend a hand. Having a friend by her side lifted Sadie''s spirits.


    At 9:00 p.m., after the performances had ended, she epted her payment and invited Serena to join her at a nearby restaurant for some grilled skewers.At nine, after the performances ended, she epted her payment and invited Serena to nearby restaurant for some grilled skewers.


    She also handed Serena the treatment n Dahlia had given to her.; a After giving it a good look, Serena made up her mind right away.: "SadieSis, could you please tell Dr. Rey for me that I want to transfer my mom to heris care? No matter the cost, I''m willing to pay."


    "Mmm, that''s what I was thinking, too.," Sadie nodded. "Don''t worry about the money. I''ll work it out with you. The main thing is to get your motherGioanna the treatment she needs." "Thank you," Serena said, deeply touched.


    "Don''t mention it, we''re family. Here''s what you do:e to the hospital tomorrow, and I''ll introduce you to Dr. Rey. You can talk to her about your mom''s condition and also have her take a look at your hand." "Okay, thanks, Sadiesis."


    After theirte-night snack, Sadie hurried back home, wondering if Micah would be waiting for her downstairs at ten o''clock sharp, just as he had been the night before.After finishing theirte-night snack, Sadie hurried back home, wondering if Micah would be waiting for her downstairs at ten o''clock sharp like he didst night.

 Chapter 442 Caring Deeply

    What if she waste? Would he get angry again?


    Sadie kept urging the driver to go faster aAll the way home, Sadie kept urging the driver to go faster, afraid of beingte...


    She finally arrived at the entrance of Blissful Lane at 9:58 p.m.PM, but Micah''s car was nowhere to be seen.


    She assumed that someone as punctual as him would surely arrive on time at ten. So she waited on the sidewalk for two minutes, but he still hadn''t shown up by ten o''clock.She figured someone as punctual as him would surely arrive on time at ten. So she waited on the sidewalk for two minutes, but he still hadn''t shown up by ten o''clock.


    Maybe there was traffic? Or something dyed him?


    A few more minutes passed, and he was still absent.


    Sadie looked down, feeling disappointed.


    She wondered if his absence was due to her not answering his call earlier, which might have upset him. Alternatively, it could have been because Amelia showed up and her dad had to intervene, keeping Micah upied with diffusing the situation.She thought perhaps he didn''te because she hadn''t answered his call today, which must have upset him; or maybe it was because Amelia hade to make a scene and her dad had to step in, so Micah was busy calming their emotions and couldn''t make it...


    ''Whatever!'', she thought. ''If hees, hees; if not, good riddance!


    Hopefully, he''lld never show up again.''


    Sadie took a deep breath and walked briskly into the building, continuously reminding herself not to think about that bastard. Who cares what he did anyway...


    Lost in her thoughts, she was startled as the elevator door opened, revealing a familiar figure.Lost in her thoughts, the elevator door opened, revealing a familiar figure.


    She stared at him in disbelief, wondering if her imagination was ying tricks on her because she had been thinking about him.


    Sadie rubbed her eyes and there was no mistake it was really Micah!


    "Youing?" Micah asked coldly.


    "Why are you here?" Sadie stepped inside.


    "What do you think?" Micah retorted.


    "You didn''t happen toe looking for me since you didn''t find me downstairs, did you?" Sadie hurriedly asked. "Did you run into the kids?"


    Micah remained silent.


    "That can''t be right," Sadie pressed on, "I came back right on time at 9:58 p.m. I was waiting for you at the bottom and didn''t see you. What happened? When did you get here?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "You were waiting for me downstairs?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "Weren''t you going to pick me up at ten tonight?" Sadie blurted out.


    "Ooh..." Micah reached out and pulled her into his arms, his eyes burning with an ambiguous me., "So, you were looking forward to seeing me, huh?"


    "No, I definitely was not."


    Sadie hesitated to admit it, but deep down, she genuinely anticipated seeing him. Seeing him had somehow be a regr part of her routine.Sadie didn''t want to admit it, but in her heart, she truly did look forward to seeing him. Or rathe seeing him had be something of a routine.


    "Liar." Micah teased, lifting her chin and nipping at her soft, red lips.


    "Stop it." Sadie quickly pushed him away, "We''re on camera here."


    "We can kiss more when we get back to myour ce," Micah said with a doting squeeze of her face.


    "What... You''reing back with me?" Sadie nched, "That''s not a good idea..."


    "Why not?" Micah teased her, "Am I such a disgrace?"


    "The kids could see us. It''s not appropriate." Sadie was panicking, "You should go back."


    During their conversation, the elevator doors had opened, arriving at the 16th floor...


    Micah made a move to exit, but Sadie quickly blocked him while feverishly pressing the elevator button, saying anxiously, "You go down first and wait for me, I need to spend a little time with the kids then I''lle down." "That''s odd, why won''t it go down?"


    Sadie kept pressing the button for the first floor, but it wouldn''t respond. It was then she noticed there was a 17th floor.


    "Never mind, just step out, and take the other elevator," she said in a fluster.


    Micah found her turmoil amusing. "Alright, I''ll stop teasing you."


    Then, he gently pushed her out of the elevator, "Give yourself 30 minutes with the kids. I''ll be waiting for you upstairs."


    "Huh?" Sadie froze, not understanding what he meant, "Why go upstairs?"


    "Use your brain." Micah couldn''t be bothered to rify and just closed the elevator door.


    Sadie stood there for a moment, dazed, before it hit her.


    ?


    Could it be... he hasd moved to the apartment above minehers?


    No way, right?!''

 Chapter 443 Moving Upstairs

    "Sadie Mia, you''re back."


    As Sadie approached the house, the door opened, and two caregiver healthcare workers stepped out.


    "Athena, Sienna, you both have been working hard." Sadie greeted them swiftly. "How''s Cam?"


    "Cam waited for Mia to finish her bottle before tidying up, and then she left," Athena replied with a smile. "Noah and Nathan are growing up so fast. Now they t out refuse to drink milk."


    "Haha, yeah, they say ''real men don''t drink from bottles,"" Sienna mimicked Noah and Nathan''s way of speaking.


    "The little goofballs," Sadie said, a beaming smile spreading across her face at the thought of her children.


    "I''m all set here," announced Cam, emerging from the house. "Has Sadie Mia returned? Noah and Nathan have fallen asleep, and so has Mia."


    "They went to bed a littlete today because there was a lot of movement upstairs earlier. It was quite noisy. Things only quieted down about half an hour ago," Sienna exined. "Looks like we might have new neighbors."


    Hearing this, Sadie felt more certain that Micah had really moved into the unit upstairs.


    He had bought the ce next door for the caregiver healthcare workers, and now the unit above as well? What was he up to?


    "Sadie, Mamma Mia, you should go and rest," the three young caregiver healthcare workers suggested. Nathan''s check-up went well today. The follow-up information and medical reports are on the dining table. You can look at them when you have time."


    "Alright, thank yous, you guys," Sadie said. "You''ve all worked hard today. I''ll make breakfast for the kids tomorrow morning, so you can sleep in a bit." "That''s..."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll get it right this time," Sadie replied with, a touch embarrassed.


    "Haha! The kids love what you cook, Sadie Mama Mia. Good night."


    "Good night!"


    Back in her own home, Sadie nced at the medical reports on the table. Nathan''s leg was healing nicely, and the doctor rmended two more months of rest with timely monthly check-ups. There were also some takeout dishes on the table with a note written in pencil from Noah: ["Mommy, I brought this dinner for you. Remember to heat it up before you eat.]"


    Sadie felt deeply moved. Her children always remembered to bring something back for her no matter where they went.


    She carefully pushed open Mia''s door and saw her fast asleep, sping her alpaca plushie. Beneath the pink canopy, Mia''s chubby belly rose and fell with her quiet, rhythmic breathing. Gently closing Mia''s door, Sadie moved to the next room to check on Noah and Nathan. Both boys were asleep too.


    Nathan was still holding a Rubik''s cube in his hand, and Noah was clutching a book, the deskmp still glowing beside him.


    Sadie tiptoed across the room, delicately switching off the tablemp before gently tucking the kids in beneath their small nkets. Once she ensured theirfort, she quietly stepped out.


    Next, she tidied up the remnants of dinner on the dining table, neatly stowing everything away in the kitchen.


    After that, she slipped into cozy lounge clothes and slippers before making her exit.As Sadie tiptoed across the room, she carefully turned off the tablemp, tucked the kids in with their small nkets, and then stepped out. She tidied up the leftover food on the dining table, put everything away in the kitchen, then changed into a set offortable lounge clothes and slippers and quietly made her exit.


    She ensured the door was firmly closed behind her before making her way upstairs via the elevator. As expected, Micah was already there, d in his bathrobe, leaning against the doorway with a ss of red wine in hand.Ensuring the door was firmly closed behind her, she made her way upstairs by the elevator. As expected, Micah was already there, wearing his bathrobe, leaning against the doorway with a ss of red wine in hand.


    "You really moved in?" Sadie still couldn''t believe it.


    "No duh," Micah said, ushering her inside.


    Sadie was astonished by the familiar arrangement inside the house., "Did you bring all the furniture from your home here?"


    "What else?" Micahnguidly settled onto the couch, propping his feet on the coffee table. "Can''t find good furniture on short notice and don''t want to deal with the off-gassing from new pieces. As such,, so I moved what I could from home." "Goodness..." Sadie gawked like someonepletely new to the world, scanning the ce., "It''s an exact replica;, even the vases came along, the ashtrays, the wall art..."


    "Goofball." Though Micah seemed somewhat disdainful as he watched her naive wonder, he couldn''t tear his eyes away. "This ce is only 2,000 square feet or so. It can''t fit all my stuff. I just brought over a fraction."

 Chapter 444 Hit Back When You Get Hit

    "Why the sudden decision to move here?" Sadie''s curiosity got the better of her.


    "Because of you..." Micah paused, switching his train of thought., "Because you''re a nuisance,. wWaking me up that early in the morning and, messing up my sleep. I mMight as well move closer and get some extra shut-eye." Sadie, seeing his feigned indifference, Sadie couldn''t help butugh., "So, what you''re saying is you want to be closer to me, to get a chance to see me more every day?"


    Micah scoffed. "Like I''d want to see you." Micah scoffed.


    "Really? Then I''ll leave..." Sadie pretended to walk away.


    "You wouldn''t dare?" Micah quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her into his embrace.


    Caught by inertia, Sadie fell into hisp, their faces inches apart. She could see her own reflection in his pupils, crystal clear.


    Micah cradled her face with one hand, his thumb gently caressing her swollen lip.Caught by inertia, Sadie fell into hisp, their faces inches apart, so close she could see her own reflection in his pupils, crystal clear... With one hand cradling her face, Micah''s thumb gently caressed her swollen lip, "Why''s your face swollen?"


    Sadie''s anger surged as she recalled the p she received from Amelia earlier today.It was only then that Sadie remembered the p she got from Amelia at noon today and suddenly felt a surge of anger. "All thanks to you," she said indignantly.


    "Huh?" Micah frowned. "Amelia did that?"


    "I pped her back," Sadie dered with feigned arrogance.


    "About time you started standing up for yourself.," Micah''s lips curled into a slight smile.


    Sadie was surprised. "Are youplimenting me?" Sadie was surprised.


    "What else?" Micah said, holding her chin earnestly,manding, "As my woman, don''t be too timid. If someone hits you. H, you hit them back."


    Sadie thought she had misheard and was stunned for a while before she could respond., "But she''s your fianc¨¦e."


    "It was the old man''s doing, not my choice," Micah said indifferently.


    "You don''t want to marry Amelia?" Sadie asked tentatively, "Then why did you agree?"


    "I didn''t agree..." Micah started to say, then counter-asked, "Aren''t you the one who wants me to get married soon, to get me out of your hair?" "That''s not true..." Sadie panicked, "I just, just..."


    "Just what?" Micah waited for her response eagerly.


    "If you really want to get married, canould I even stop you?" Sadie confessed her true feelings, "There''s nothing I can change. What else can I say?" "So, you don''t want me to get married?" A strange light flickered in Micah''s eyes., "You like me, don''t you?"


    Sadie bit her lower lip, pondered seriously, and replied, "When you''re not violent, I suppose I do like you... but when you lose your temper, not so much." Micah frowned.urrowed his brow, "What the heck?"


    "It''s just that sometimes I like you and other times I don''t." Sadie held his face and seized the opportunity to make a request, "If you promise never to lose your temper again, I''ll always like you..."


    "That depends on how you behave," Micah''s hand slid up under her skirt and slowly moved upward, his sensual lips kissing her earlobe. "Do you like this?""That depends on how you behave," Micah''s hand slid up under her skirt, slowly moving upwards, his sensual lips kissing her earlobe, "Do you like this?"


    "I don''t... No..." Sadie couldn''t finish her sentence as she was cut off by Micah''s passionate kiss.


    She was unable to resist his embrace, only able to yield as he spread her legs and straddled her, guiding her to explore new experiences...


    It was yet another passionate night. However, this time, with their hearts wide open and closer than ever, their lovemaking became even more intense and heart-wrenching.It was yet another night filled with passion. However, this time, with their hearts wide open and closer than ever before, their lovemaking was even more intense and emotionally profound.She couldn''t move in his embrace, could only let him spread her legs and straddle him, as he led her to explore new experiences...


    It was another passionate night. This time, however, with their hearts open and closer than ever, their lovemaking was more intense and heart-wrenching.


    The two relished the beauty of their love.


    In the middle of the night, the two embraced in bed, and Micah caressed Sadie''s soft hair, kissing her forehead gently., "You''re really cute when you''re good..." "You too.," Sadie snuggled into his arms, rubbing her face against his neck., "You''re very gentle when you''re not angry."

 Chapter 445 Would You Marry Me?

    "If... I were to marry you..." Micah suddenly asked, "would you be willing?"


    However, Sadie didn''t hear him, as she had already fallen asleep...


    Micah looked down at her;, she was sleeping soundly, looking adorable like a child.


    Micah sighed resignedly, lowered his head, kissed her eyes, covered her properly with the nket, and eventually, he too drifted to sleep...


    At 6:30 in the morning, the rm clock rang.


    Startled awake, Sadie rolled out of bed and hastened to get dressed without washing her face, slipping into her clothes and slippers in a flurry, "I''ll head downstairs and make breakfast. You catch some more sleep." With those words, she dashed off, losing one of her slippers in the rush.


    Micah watched her endearing clumsiness, and a teasing smile formed on his lips.


    He then rolled over and went back to sleep.


    Sadie raced home at top speed and was relieved to find that the caregivercaretakers hadn''t arrived yet and the kids were still asleep.


    She bolted into the kitchen and started preparing breakfast.


    To avoid any mishaps, she kept the menu simple that morning: sandwiches, fruit sd, omeletsomeletecrepesteamed dumplings, and fruit juice; all items with a high sess rate and almost no chance of error. She was still making the juice when the kids woke up.


    HNoah, hearing themotion, Noah ran into the kitchen and shouted with joy, "Mommy!"


    "Good morning, Noah!" Sadie replied with a smile, while continuing to chop fruit.


    "Morning, Mommy." Noah ran over and hugged her., "Thanks for your hard work."


    "It''s no trouble at all. Seeing you all enjoy breakfast makes me very happy.," Sadie kissed his forehead., "There''s the doorbell, go open the door for your caregiversisters." "Okay." Noah scampered off to let them in.


    The three caregivercaretakers came in and helped the children with their morning routines.


    The family gathered happily around the dining table for breakfast.


    The morning''s meal went off without a hitch; the kids were enjoying their food immensely, and Sadie felt a deep sense of satisfaction while watching them eat heartily. "Mommy, have some too," the children said as they offered Sadie the fruit sd.


    "Thank you," Sadie managed only a small portion of the fruit sd.


    Soon, after the children finished their breakfast and packed their little backpacks., Tthey then set off for school apanied by the caregivercaretakers. Sadie waved them off into the elevator. A and as soon as they left, she hurried back home to prepare two more breakfasts to take upstairs.


    As Sadie was about to knock on the door with her foot, the door opened on its own, prompting her to ask in surprise, "How did the door open by itself?" "There''s this new thing called a home automation system."


    Micah was sitting at the dining table reading the financial newspaper with a cup of warm water in front of him.


    "Well, it figures. The home of a techpany CEO would have unique features," Sadiemented as she set the tray down, arranging the breakfast items one by one on the table., "It almost seems like you were waiting for "Why else would I have moved in?" Micah began to eye the breakfast., "Did you make all of these by hand?"


    "Yeah," Sadie admitted, a bit embarrassed., "They''re simple, but they taste pretty good. Try some!"


    Micah tried some omeleta steamed dumpling and nodded., "Not bad."


    He took a bite of the sandwich next., "This is a bit soggy."


    Then he tasted the fruit sd., "There''s a bit too much dressing on this."


    Finally, he took another sip of the apple juice. "When making apple juice, you should add a pinch of salt..."


    After critiquing everything, he began his meal.


    "You''re really high maintenance.," Sadie pouted, discontent. "These breakfast dishes are the best I can do this morning..."


    "They''re decent; edible," Micahmented as he was eating a sandwich., "Would''ve been perfect with a cup of ck coffee."


    Sadie realized he was deeply set in his straightforward ways, but she couldn''t do much about it.


    "Is there a coffee maker?"


    "Yeah, in the kitchen. We''ve got coffee beans, too."


    "You keep eating.; I''ll grind some coffee for you."


    "Sweet!"


    my breakfast."

 Chapter 446 Like an Old Married Couple

    Sadie brought the freshly ground coffee over to Micah, who had just finished his breakfast. He took a sip of the coffee she handed him and nodded., "Hmm, not bad!"


    "Finally, apliment.," Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. "So it seems working at the VIC Group has not been entirely in vainwithout achievement. At least I''ve learned how to make coffee." "That''s all you aspire for?" Micah teased her affectionately as he ruffled her hair. "Hurry up and eat your breakfast before it gets cold."


    "I can''t eat all this. Help me out with some," she insisted and.


    Sadie held a sandwich up to his mouth.


    Micah instinctively took a bite, and Sadie continued eating it naturally as if they had been an old married couple living together for many years.


    However, this subtle gesture struck a chord with Micah. He watched her quietly, making a silent decision in his heart...


    "Are you heading to the office today?" Sadie, oblivious to his change in demeanor, nned his schedule while checking her phone. "It''s 7:40 a.m. What time are you leaving for the office?" "No rush; it''s still early," Micah said as he wiped a crumb from the corner of her mouth and handed her the juice. "Drink some juice."


    "I am stuffed can''t eat another bite," Sadieined, with little appetite and a yawn. "I want to sleep."


    "Go to sleep.," Micah pulled her close., "I''ll join you."


    "You should get to the office, though.," Sadie started to clean up the dishes.


    "I won''t leave until ten," Micah said, embracing her as they walked to the bedroom.


    "Micah, I really just want to sleep.," Sadie became anxious. "I mean actually sleep, nothing else..."


    "Ha!" Micah pinned her down on the bed, teasing her with a scare, "I wasn''t nning on anything, but now that you mention it, it reminds me,st night''s two roundsice didn''t seem enough..." "Don''t..." Sadie struggled, half- frightened. "I''m so tired and, so sleepy!, pPlease let me get some rest..."


    "Silly goose!" Micah nibbled at her earlobe and drew her into his arms., "Sleep then; I''m right here with you." "Don''t move..." Sadie turned around, her back to him, and soon her voice began to blur, "I''ll sleep till ten o''clock..."


    "Alright," Micah whispered as he kissed her earlobe and gently patted her shoulder, coaxing her to sleep.


    Sadie quickly fell asleep in his arms, as docile as a baby.


    Micah had intended to catch some sleep too when suddenly his phone vibrated. He freed one hand to check it and saw a call from his grandfatherGrandpa Clemens. He declined the call and sent a text message.: "Micah: [Can''t talk right now, what''s up?]"


    "Kid, get your butt back here NOW!" Micah''s grandfather:Grandpa Clemens texted back. [Kid, get your butt back here! NOW!]


    Micah: "[What''s the matter?]" Micah replied.


    Micah''s grandfather:" [Amelia has been looking for you for days, and you''ve been dodging her. What''s that about? Now she''se to me. Get over here immediately, tonight., I also have things to discuss with you.]" Micah: ["I have ns today, we''ll talk tonight.]," Micah said.


    Micah''s grandfather: "Six o''clock [6:00 p.m., this evening. I''ve set up a meeting with Amelia and your Nelson Uncle Ling. You have to be there. or else Otherwise, don''t me me for being rude.]" Micah: ["Got it.]"


    After sending the message, Micah texted Andrew.:


    Micah: "[Get all the evidence regarding Amelia ready.]"


    Andrew: ["Understood.]"


    Andrew found it strange that Micah, who usually disliked texting, was now using messages to issue orders. NButheless, heplied nheless.


    Once everything was arranged, Micah turned off his phone and set it aside, then cuddled with Sadie to sleep.


    Outside, it was raining, and the weather was a bit chilly perfect for sleeping.


    The soft person in his arms, fragrant and tender, was extremelyfortable to hold and seemed to have a hypnotic effect. Before long, Micah fell asleep as well.....


    No matter how busy or tired he was, having her by his side allowed him to peacefully drift into dreand.

 Chapter 447 A New Decision

    Sadie finally stirred from her slumber, uncertain of how much time had passed. She turned over and instinctively nestled closer to Micah, drawingfort from his embrace and the familiar scent enveloping her. She nuzzled against his neck, feeling exceptionally warm.Not sure how long she had slept, Sadie finally woke up, turned over, and instinctively snuggled into Micah''s embrace, inhaling his familiar scent and nuzzling his neck, feeling exceptionally warm... "You awake?" Micah stirred too, tousled her hair, and kissed her forehead., "Hungry?"


    "A little..." Sadie fumbled for her phone under the pillow, "Oh my, it''s 12:00 p.m. already."


    "Yeah." Micah took her phone away., "Time for lunch."


    "I''ll go cook right away." Sadie quickly got up.


    "No need to fuss, I''ll take care of it.," Micah pulled her back into his arms., "Let''s cuddle a bit longer."


    "Are you sure it''s okay not going to the office?"


    Sadie was a bit worried; when she worked at the VIC Group, he rarely stayed away from the office thiste, except when traveling.


    "I''m the boss, what I say goes!" Micah unlocked his phone and dialed a number. "Arrange lunch to be delivered at one o''clock sharp."


    After hanging up, Micah pulled Sadie close, yfully nibbling on her earlobe. "I want a taste of you."


    "Stop teasing..." Sadie cringed away from his kisses. "I need to get up. I have things to do this afternoon." "What things?" Micah gently cupped her chin, nting tender kisses across her forehead and cheeks. "I..." Sadie almost slipped but caught herself just in time., "I have ns to have coffeetea with a girlfriend." "Anyone else joining?" Micah resumed his gentle biting along her neck.


    "No, it''s just going to be the two of us..." Sadie''s voice became a soft murmur. "Stop it. I really need to get up, shower, and straightenwash my hair." "Alright," Micah said reluctantly, releasing her. "Wash up here; I''ll help you blow-dry your hair."


    "Okay." Sadie got out of bed and made her way to the master bathroom, surprised to find her toiletries already there, along with her bathrobe.


    "I''ll freshen up in the guest bathroom and wait for you in the room," Micah''s voice called from outside.


    "Got it," Sadie responded, smiling sweetly as she noticed the pink ceramic cup and toothbrush next to Micah''s blue one, making a cute set. She didn''t expect Micah to have such a charming side.


    These past few days, he had been so gentle and warm. She could barely remember the times he''d lost his temper; all she could think of now was his tender affection. It seemed she was getting used to this side of him. Maybe even falling in love with it.


    Sadie looked up at the mirror and asked herself, "Sadie, are you really falling for him?"


    Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. She hurried out to answer it. "Hello, SerenaTingting."


    "Sadie, remember our 3:00 p.m. meeting at the hospital. Oh, and E asked me to remind you about the dinner tonight at 6:00 p.m.. It''s very important. Don''t forget!"


    "I remember. I''ll head straight to the banquet hall from the hospital."


    "Alright. I have a shift tonight so I won''t be able to join you. Make sure you coordinate with E."


    "Will do."


    Ending the call, Sadie put the phone aside and stepped into the shower to wash her long, somewhat troublesome hair.


    As she was washing, a figure slipped into the room. Turning around, she gasped, "How did you get in here?"


    "To help you wash..." Micah wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hands gently massaging her, while his soft lips lightly grazed her shoulder. "You''re at it again, stop..." Sadie almost wanted to cry in frustration., "Doing it several times a day, my body can''t take it..."


    "You don''t need to move. I''ll do it." Micah picked her up and once again began their passionate embrace...

 Chapter 448 A Special Dinner

    Sadie felt like she was going to go insane. Micah''s constant desire left her exhausted, yet she was unable to resist...


    It wasn''t until 2:00 p.m.two o''clock that the two of them finally emerged.


    Outside, Andrew had been waiting for over an hour.


    The food had gone cold.


    Andrew tentatively rang the doorbell.


    Sadie, gathering her long hair, went to open the door and saw Andrew waiting outside, which made her feel somewhat embarrassed.


    "The food might be cold. I''ll have the chefe over to heat it up," Andrew suggested, getting ready to make the call.


    "No need, I can reheat it myself."


    Sadie spoke just as Micah, wrapped in a towel, came out of the room.


    Andrew immediately bowed his head and hurried away.


    FSadie, feeling so embarrassed her face turned red, Sadie wished she could just vanish into thin air.


    "We''re all adults here, there''s nothing to be embarrassed about," Micahmented quite casually.


    "Let''s not do this again," Sadie chided him with a nce, taking the food to be reheated.


    Micah had a cup of ck coffee and went back to his room to change. His phone had two missed calls from Amelia, which he ignored. Setting down the phone, he joined Sadie for lunch. "I''ll be backte tonight. When you''re done,e and rest on your own."


    Micah took her hand and registered her fingerprint on the tablet.


    "Your fingerprint has been registered. Wee home, owner!" the tablet chirped.


    "What''s this?"


    "Fingerprint lock system." Micah put down the tablet. "From now on, you''re thedy of this house!"


    "Lady of the house..." Sadie murmured, her heart filled with warmth.


    "Wait for me tonight," Micah said softly, touching her face.


    "Got it.," Sadie smiled at him, her heart brimming with sweetness and happiness.


    "I''ve got to go now," Micah put down his utensils and stood up to put on his coat. "Take your time eating, and get some rest afterward."


    "I''m not going to finish eating, I''ll go change and then head out."


    Sadie straightened his coat for him and saw him out.


    Micah kissed her on the forehead and swiftly walked to the elevator.


    It was apparent that he was really busy, but he always sought to spend a little more time with her.


    After cleaning up the lunch, Sadie went home to change and then hurried off to the hospital.


    Serena had already been waiting there, and Sadie brought her to meet Dahlia, who personally exined GioannaSerena''s mother''s condition and offered sound advice. Afterwards, Dahlia also examined Serena''s hand.


    Serena''s hand injury wasn''t severe and waspletely treatable. However, it would take longer to heal now because she had missed the optimal time for treatment, it would take longer to heal now. Serena was overflowing with joy. She had thought she wouldn''t be able to y the piano again in her life, but now, hope was reignited.Overflowing with joy, Serena had thought she wouldn''t be able to y the piano again in her life, but now hope was reignited.


    Dahlia developed a treatment n for Serena and told her to prepare to take one month off for the therapy. Then, Dahlia arranged a transfer to another hospital for GioannaSerena''s mom, Mrs. Gao.


    Once everything was settled for Serena, Sadie hurried off as she had to catch a dinner party. E had repeatedly emphasized the importance of this event, reminding Sadie that the appearance fee was $20,000twenty thousand dors and that she should be on time.


    Rushing to the hotel where the eventbanquet was being hosted, Sadie found E already coordinating the dinner''s details.


    When Sadie arrived, E quickly ushered her to get makeup and change into her dress, as she was due on stage at six o''clock sharp. The performance would intermittentlyst for three hours, so she needed to be ready.


    Sadie went to the dressing room, slipped into the prepared cocktail dress, applied her makeup, and took the stage formally.


    The eventbanquet that evening seemed to be hosted by some influential and wealthy family, attended by numerous nobles and elites. Among the crowd were a few familiar faces.


    Sadie wondered if this might be a party held by a family she knew.


    Then, the hostess made her appearance...


    Draped in a cloud-like, powder-purple dress and sporting a sassy princess hairstyle, the hostess who stole the spotlight was none other than Arianna! Dressed in a powder purple cloud dress with a sassy princess hairstyle, the breathtakingly beautiful hostess was none other than Arianna!

 Chapter 449 A Duo of Beauties

    Sadie felt a twinge of apprehension. E arranged all these side jobs, and they had always gone smoothly. That''s why Sadie never asked for specifics.These side jobs were all arranged by E, and they had always gone smoothly, which was why she never asked for specifics. It had been quite a while since Sadiest saw Arianna. Truth be told, there wasn''t an outright feud between them. However, Arianna''s past scheming against her, coupled with lingering hostility over Ronan, made Sadie hesitant to engage with her.It had been a long time since Sadie had seen Arianna. In truth, there was no actual feud between them, but since Arianna had once schemed against her and harbored hostility due to Ronan Potter, Sadie did not want to interact with her. And now, unexpectedly, they met here...


    Fortunately, Sadie had the foresight to wear a mask during her performances to avoid any unnecessary trouble, hoping Arianna would not recognize her.


    With little time to ponder, Sadie went on stage as E gestured to her from below. As she yed, many notable guests approached Arianna to greet her, and Arianna basked in the adtion.


    Sadie''s performance also caught the attention of some, and a few guests askedinquired to Arianna about the pianist, noting the extraordinary musical talent.


    Arianna took it as apliment to herself and didn''t pay much attention.


    The evening''s host appeared promptly, with Arianna leading him by the hand as she presented him to all the guests.


    ""This is my boyfriend, Ronan Potter,"" she announced., ""I hope you''ll all offer him your guidance and support!""


    Sadie turned her head for a nce, and her fingers stumbled on the piano keys for a moment...


    She hadn''t expected it to be Ronan Ronan Potter!


    It had oOnly been a month after his divorce from Leah Leah White, yet he was already going public with Arianna.


    Ronan Ronan Potter was once the epitome of Sadie''s ideal man¡ªa gentleman both graceful and unblemished. But now, his image hadpletely fallen apart in her eyes...


    Four


    years ago, he had forsaken her for his future and his family''s interests, marrying Leah Leah White in a moment of confusion. Four yearster, he failed to nurture his marriage, engaged in an affair, and sent his career into a nosedive... Now, for reasons unknown, he was entangled with Arianna. Such a tangled and unclear character would only lead him further astray...


    Sadie was profoundly disappointed in him.


    But, it was the life he chose, and Sadie had no right to interfere.


    She redirected her attention back to the piano and continued to y.


    ""The piano sounds great,"" Ronan Ronan Pottermented as he entered the room, immediately noticing the pianist on stage.


    ""Of course,''"" Arianna said with pride, intimately linking arms with RonanRonan Potter., ""I''ve put a lot of thought into preparing this dinner.""


    ""''You''ve worked hard!"" Ronan Ronan Potter said tenderly, kissing her forehead.


    The couple appeared as intimate as newlyweds, and several guests came forward to congratte them.


    Arianna took every opportunity to promote Ronan Ronan Potter to her guests,ying the groundwork for his future business opportunities. She proudly informed everyone that the rkfamily had reached an understanding with the Potter family to coborate on joint ventures.


    Many guests, intrigued by the news, exchanged contact information with RonanRonan Potter on the spot to discuss potential partnerships.


    However, a few guests quietly discussed among themselves, ""The rkfamily is growing stronger and expanding rapidly, and Miss rk, with her beauty and talent, is a distinguished socialite. Why would she fall for a down-and-out guy like RonanRonan Potter?""


    """I can''t figure it out either,"" another whispered. ""The Potter Group''s industries have been on the decline. Without the backing of the rk family, they''d probably be on the brink of bankruptcy.""


    Not only that, but Ronan Ronan Potter''s personal reputation was also not ster. Four years ago, he was a fair-weather friend who, when he saw the Roths go bankrupt, abandoned his childhood sweetheart and fianc¨¦e. Four yearster, he discarded his wife and child to curry favor with the rk family. Such a self-righteous person was not fit to be the son-inw of the rk family.


    ""Miss rk iwas young, and it iwas forgivable for her to misjudge people, but why didn''t Mr. rkChu advise her? He just let his daughter act recklessly.""" ""Perhaps Miss rk acted on her own.""


    ""We all came today out of respect for the rk family. I didn''t expect Miss rk to want to set RonanRonan Potter up with someone. I''m ready to leave......"""

 Chapter 450: Reaping the Benefits

    "There''s also some insider news," one guest whispered, cupping his mouth., "I heard that the Potters offended the Clemens family and have been cklisted by them."


    "Is that true?"


    Aa few excited guests gathered around to askinquire.


    "The news I''ve received says so," the guest replied with furrowed brows., "I wouldn''t dare cross the Clemens family. I''m leaving first."


    With that, the guest hurriedly left through the back...


    Other guests who heard the news also prepared to leave. Just then, a loud outburst came from the entrance.:


    "Let me in, let me in! Do you know who I am? I''m Mrs. Potter!."


    The voice was almost a forceful roar.


    Sadie''s piano ying missed a beat as she turned to see the person tangled up with the security guards and shouting at the entrance, it was Leah Leah White!


    LeahLeah White, d in business attire unsuitable for the asion, with disheveled hair and rough makeup, attempted to push her way past two security guards who were restraining her.was dressed in business attire not suitable for the asion, her hair was a disheveled mess, and her makeup rough. She was trying to force her way in and was being restrained by two security guards.


    The more she was hindered, the more agitated and hysterical she became, making her the only voice heard throughout the venue.


    Leah Leah White''smotionpletely disrupted the atmosphere of the event.


    Arianna''s face clouded over, looking incredibly displeased.


    Surrounding guests whispered among themselves, and some even directly asked Ronan Ronan Potter, "Is this your ex-wife, Mr. Potter?" "Mr. Potter, are you even divorced yet?" another askinquired.


    Ronan Ronan Potter''s face was ashen, utterly mortified, and he immediately signaled to Vincent.


    Vincent approached with two bodyguards, intending to escort Leah Leah White away.


    In the heat of the moment, LeahLeah White shoved past the security guards, her eyes aze with fury as she barreled into the room. "Arianna, you home-wrecker, you stole my husband, I''m going to kill you!¡ª"


    Her words were as sharp as daggers as she lunged at Arianna with wing hands.


    Two bodyguards immediately restrained her as she struggled wildly, preventing her from reaching Arianna.Two bodyguards immediately grabbed hold of her, restraining her as she struggled wildly, yet they kept her from getting anywhere neai Arianna.


    "We''ve been divorced for a while now," Ronan Ronan Potter said with a dark expression shadowing his face, his voice raised in anger., "You have no right to interfere with my life choices. Don''t make a scene here. Just get out!" "You say I''m making a scene?" LeahLeah White''sughter filled the air, a mixture of mockery and anguish.


    Tears trailed down her cheeks as she continued, "When I gave birth to our son, did you say I was making a scene then?" Her voice grew louder, more pointed. "When I sold our assets to pay off your debts, did you say I was making a scene?" "Now that I have nothing left, you kick me to the curb and dare to say I''m making a scene?" The betrayal in her voice cut through the room. "Ronan Ronan Potter, you are so cruel!"


    The guests at the event shotexchangedplex nces at Ronan, with murmurs of judgment spreading amongst them.


    Ronan''s face flushed a chaotic mix of red and purple, utterly at a loss for words.


    Arianna stepped forward protectively in front of him, her voice sharp as she retorted at LeahLeah White, "LeahLeah White, stop being hysterical. You and your mother have done so many disgraceful things! I¡ªif any of those were brought to light, you both would end up in jail for a lifetime.


    "Ronan has been lenient, given you a way out, but here you are, shameless, clinging on, and even daring to nder him!"


    The guests'' attitudes shifted once moreHearing due to Arianna''s fierce defense, Tthe guests'' attitudes shifted once more., They now contemteding that it might indeed be LeahLeah White who was ndering.


    Leah White had already earned a notorious reputation, known for her embarrassing escapades in public-stories the crowd was all too familiar with.


    "And what right do you have to speak to me?" Leah White red at Arianna with deep contempt. "You''ve always pretended to be the good person around me, feeding me false leads and, misleading me into believing Ronan was cheating with Sadie.


    "I took the bait and hounded Sadie, only to find out now it''s been you all along. You were the woman in those news stories. You''re truly cunning, stoking the mes between Sadie and me, delighting in our fight, only to reap the benefits in the end..."


    At these allegations, Ronan Potter''s face went pale with shock, and he turned to Arianna with a bewildered look.


    "Ronan Potter, don''t listen to her nonsense. She clearly holds a grudge against me, so she''s spouting lies to smear my reputation," Arianna quickly exined. "You don''t believe her, do you?" "Of course, I believe you."

 Chapter 451 The Terrifying Nature of Humanity(Part 2）

    In such a situation, Ronan Ronan Potter naturally took Arianna''s side. He immediately gestured to Vincent to get Leah Leah White removed quickly.


    "Ronan Ronan Potter, you actually don''t believe me?" Leah Leah White was deeply hurt. "If you don''t trust me, you can ask Sadie. Surely you''d believe her?" "Are you all dead? Get her out of here now!," Arianna barked furiously.


    Several bodyguards immediately started to drag Leah Leah White away.


    LeahLeah White fought back desperately, cursing loudly, "Arianna, you despicable and vile person, you will not die a good death."


    "Ronan Ronan Potter, I gave you everything. Why are you so heartless? Billy won''t forgive you when he grows up-..."


    Leah Leah White couldn''t finish her sentence as one of the bodyguards rudely covered her mouth.


    She continued to struggle; her shoe came off, and she hit her head against the table. A wine ss fell and shattered on her head, blood streaming down her forehead, mixing with the red wine and staining her face. It was a pitiful and dismal sight, yet no one seemed to care.


    The bodyguards dragged her away like she was a dead animal, leaving those who witnessed the scene feeling sorry.


    Everyone frowned at this disy of cruelty.


    Regardless of how monstrous LeahLeah White had been, she was still Ronan Ronan Potter''s ex-wife and the mother of his child.


    An old Chinese proverb wentsays:, "A couple owes each other eternal gratitude for even one day of marriage.,"


    hHow could Ronan Potter be so cruel?


    Leah Leah White might have been a person of low character with many faults, but she had been genuinely devoted to Ronan.


    In this world, everyone could scorn or insult LeahLeah White, but it seemed so wrong for Ronan to do this.


    Sadie''s feelings were alsoplex and troubled, and she struggled to calm down.


    Logically, considering all the ways Leah had challenged and hurt her previously, Sadie should have been pleased to see her downfall, yet she couldn''t feel happy about it.


    She even felt sad for Leah White and was simultaneously relieved that she had never ended up with Ronan Potter. Otherwise, she might have been the one being humiliated there. With the mood soured, many guests started to leave quietly, while a few exchanged brief, superficial pleasantries with Arianna before finding an excuse to depart.


    At one point, a third of the people had left the banquet hall.


    Arianna''s mood waspletely ruined, and she walked to the backstage with a scowl on her face.


    The atmosphere on site had be extremely awkward, and Ronan Ronan Potter quickly went into damage control, trying to maintain good rtions with each of the guests. Meanwhile, because the mood had been affected, the music was also paused.


    E suggested Sadie take a break in the backstage area.


    Sadie headed backstage just as Noah called her. She had barely spoken a few words when the chatter of violinists nearby discussing the recent event became distracting...


    Sadie was forced to step outside to continue her conversation.: "Mommy''s still working."


    "Mommy''s new job is ying the piano.¡±


    "Yeah, Mommymom loves ying the piano..." Before Sadie could finish, she froze. She saw two bodyguards dragging Leah Leah White to a nearby parking lot and roughly throwing her into a van. When the van door opened, Sadie could see the cold-faced Arianna in the back seat!


    "Noah, Mommy has something to do, I''ll talk to youter."


    Sadie hurriedly ended the call and quietly approached to investigate.


    In other areas of the parking lot were parked many luxury cars, but this section was reserved for service vehicles.


    Hiding behind a car, Sadie was shocked to see Arianna furiously pping LeahLeah White.....


    LeahLeah White''s arms were restrained by two bodyguards, leaving her powerless to resist or defend herself.

 Chapter 452 The Terrifying Nature of Humanity (Part 2)

    But LeahLeah White''s mouth was formidable; even after being struck, she kept hurling insults unceasingly, infuriating Arianna to the point of grinding her teeth. Since the van had soundproofing, coupled with the distance, Sadie couldn''t make out what Leah Leah White was saying, nor what Arianna was saying. But soon, Arianna emerged from the vehicle. When the door opened, Sadie saw the two bodyguards inside actually tearing at Leah Leah White''s clothes! Leah Leah White struggled fiercely, screaming madly, "Arianna, you''ll not die a good death! Y, you''ll get what''sing to you¡ª..."


    The door closed, and Ariannamanded the two bodyguards standing by, "Take good care of the former Mrs. PotterS, s. She''s so desperate for a man''s love!" "Yes.," the two bodyguards nodded, epting the order.


    "Two men are not enough, so find a few more," Arianna sneered venomously, her gaze more frightening than a viper''s.


    Then she hurried off with the other bodyguards...


    Witnessing this scene, Sadie was so shocked she was rendered speechless. She had always known Arianna was calctive, but she had no idea she could be so vicious.


    Even though Sadie despised Leah Leah White and felt that a good beating might serve as a lesson, how could she possibly let harm...?


    At that moment, the van started to shake, likely from the struggles happening inside. Sadie''s initial impulse was to dash over and assist, yet she reasoned that charging in recklessly wouldn''t just jeopardize the rescue effort, but also put herself in harm''s way.Sadie''s first instinct was to rush over to help, but reason told her that if she charged in recklessly, not only would she fail to rescue the person in distress, she would also be putting herself in danger.


    With that in mind, Sadie quickly grabbed her phone to call the police...


    But just then, a bodyguard spotted her.: "Who''s there?"


    Sadie''s face turned pale, and she scrambled away.


    The bodyguard chased after her. Desperate, Sadie ran as fast as she could, the bodyguard nearly on her heels, when suddenly a voice echoed.rang out: "What''s going on here?"


    The bodyguard ceased his pursuit.


    Sadie turned around and saw Vincent with a few other bodyguards rushing toward the scene. The bodyguards waiting by the car nervously tried to exin themselves. Vincent threw a punch and bellowed, "You animals! Release her at once!"


    Sadie breathed a sigh of relief as she hurried into the hotel. Her phone had already connected to 911, but she quickly ended the call. She reasoned that since Vincent was already handling the situation, involving the police might onlyplicate matters further.Sadie breathed a sigh of relief and hurried into the hotel. By then, her phone had connected to 911, but she quickly ended the call, thinking that since Vincent was already handling the situation, there was no need to involve the police andplicate matters.


    Regardless, Vincent and LeahLeah White were acquaintances; he wouldn''t stand by and watch someone get hurt. Besides, this was clearly a criminal act, and anyone who witnessed it would try to prevent it.


    Still, for safety''s sake, Sadie informed the hotel security, "There seems to be trouble in the parking lot, you should check it out."


    "What kind of trouble?" the security guard asked.


    "There''s a girl who seems to be in trouble.; I''m not really sure of the details. Y; you''ll know when you see it."


    "Alright, thank you."


    Four security guards, equipped with their personal protective gear, rushed to the scene.


    Sadie let out another sigh of relief and quickly made her way back to the hotel''s service area.


    "Sadie!" At that moment, E hurried over., "The party ended early, so; you can clock out now. The pay is still $20,000.twenty thousand; I''ll transfer it to you tomorrow."


    "Thank you, E." Sadie looked back as the guests gradually left and the other musicians began to pack up to leave.


    "What happened to your dress?" E noticed that the hem of Sadie''s gown was stained with a lot of dirt and frowned., "You''ll need to clean that, or I won''t be able to exin it to the rentalpany." "Sorry, sorry, I''ll make sure it''s clean and bring it to you tomorrow."


    After changing her clothes and packing her belongings, Sadie left through the back of the banquet hotel.


    Passing by the parking lot, she couldn''t help but nce back, hoping that LeahLeah White was now safe.


    Even though Leah Leah White had hurt her in the past and had received hereuppance, Sadie didn''t wish any real harm upon her....


    Sadie hurriedly left, preparing to hail a cab by the roadside when she faintly heard a weak moaning sound.: "Help, help..."

 Chapter 453 The Terrifying Nature of Humanity

    Sadie was startled and stopped in her tracks to listen more carefully. Indeed, there were cries for help.


    She looked around and spotted a leg protruding from a pile of trash not far away.


    Frantically, she turned on her phone''s shlight and carefully approached, pushing aside the garbage. To her horror, it was Leah Leah White... Leah Leah Whitey naked, covered in blood, barely alive among the trash, summoning herst bit of strength to cry out, "Save me, save me..." The sight was shockingly gruesome.


    Shaking all over with fear, Sadie fumbled with her trembling hands to dial for help.


    Police and an ambnce arrived quickly.


    As an eyewitness, Sadie was taken to the police station, where she told the officers the entire incident without omitting any details.


    After giving her statement, Sadie asked about Leahinquired about the victim. "How is she?"


    "You mean the victim?" Tthe officer sighed., "The hospital reported she was assaulted by seven individuals. She''s sustained severe physical injuries and is showing signs of mental trauma..."


    "What?!??" Sadie was utterly shocked and, in a flurry of emotion, asked, "How could this happen? I clearly saw Vincent trying to help her. Why would..."


    "We''ve made contact with this Vincent you mentioned. He ims he did intervene and had Ms. WhiteLeah released. He''s just as puzzled as we are about what happened afterward."


    "Aren''t there cameras in the parking lot? Who did this?"


    "There are cameras, but the area where it happened is a blind spot. Nothing was captured. With Vincent''s help, we''ve located the bodyguards you mentioned, but they all have alibis proving they were elsewhere after releasing her.""There are cameras, but the area where it happened is a blind spot. Nothing was captured. We''ve located the bodyguards you mentioned, with Vincent''s help, but they all have alibis that prove they were elsewhere after releasing her..."


    "So, it wasn''t the bodyguards? Who was it, then?"


    "WeThe police are investigating."


    After givipleting her statement and leaving the police station, Sadie was walking out in a daze when she encountered RonanRonan Potter at the entrance.


    Their eyes met, both filled withplex emotions.


    "Get in," Ronan Ronan Potter said as he personally opened the door. "I''ll drive you home."


    "No need."


    Sadie no longer felt the affection she once had for him; she was now full of wariness and caution.


    "Alright.," Ronan Ronan Potter didn''t persist as gently and patiently as he had in the past. He simply said, "Get in and let''s talk for a bit. It''s just outside the police station.; Yyou don''t have to be afraid." After a moment of hesitation, Sadie got into the car.


    "I need to exin something," Ronan Ronan Potter began., "Even though I''m divorced from LeahLeah White and I truly despise what she''s done, I would never do something so spiteful, nor would I order my people tomit any


    crimes."


    "Miss Roth, I did indeed stop those people," Vincent exined urgently. "I wanted to take Ms. White... home, but she was cursing and refused my kindness. You know how temperamental she can be. There was nothing I could do but let her leave on her own."


    He then let out a deep sigh., "Ah, if I had known something like this would happen, no matter how much she insulted or hit me, I would have made sure she got home safely."


    "These are matters you should discuss with the police, no need to exin to me," Sadie replied indifferently. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll be going."


    As she was about to push open the car door to leave, Ronan Ronan Potter suddenly grabbed her hand., "Sadie..."


    Sadie immediately withdrew her hand and stepped back cautiously., "Is there anything else?"


    "Have you been working part-time at thate event-nningetiquettepany?" RonanRonan Potter asked gently. "If you''re facing any difficulties in life, I can¡ª..."


    "I''m living just fine, no difficulties," Sadie cut him off.


    "Why are you so cold to me?" Ronan Ronan Potter frowned, looking at her. "Micah is about to get engaged to Amelia. You should see his true colors by now. I am the only one who has stayed true to you!"

 Chapter 454 The Terrifying Nature of Humanity 4

    "Really?" Sadie felt it wasughable, utterly absurd. "RonanRonan Potter, you''re truly terrifying..." "What are you talking about?" Ronan Ronan Potter furrowed his brows., "How am I terrifying?"


    "LeahLeah White has been your wife for four years, she even bore you a son. No matter how awful she might be, she''s been utterly devoted to you. In marriage vows, ''for better, for worse,'' remember? And now, when she faces such cruel harm, you actually have the mind to woo another woman? Isn''t that horrifying enough???"


    Sadie looked at Ronan Ronan Potter as though he were a stranger, incredulous...


    "Even if she were just a friend or someone you knew casually, faced with such a situation, wouldn''t you feel somepassion? Not to mention, she suffered because of you.""Even if she were merely a friend, or someone you knew casually, faced with such a situation, you''d feel somepassion, wouldn''t you? Let alone the fact that she suffered because of you."


    "Heh..." Ronan Ronan Potterughed coldly., "You really do have a heart of gold, don''t you? Have you forgotten how she used to treat you??


    "Four years ago, she used underhanded tactics to drive a wedge between us, causing you to lose your honor. She, then she climbed her way to the top. Over the past four years, she''s humiliated you and your children in public on numerous asions, putting you in danger time and again.


    "She even forced you to marry that man. If Micah hadn''t arrived in time, you''d probably be abroadin Thand by now, right? Have you forgotten all that?"


    "I haven''t forgotten, but¡ª..."


    "I know you''re kind, but being kind to your enemies is just being cruel to yourself," Ronan Ronan Potter said coldly. "I used to be too soft, and people took advantage of me. Not anymore. I''m going to stand up for myself, and one day, I will stand over Micah and repay him double for what he''s done to me today!"


    "So, you''re with Arianna?" Sadie couldn''t understand., "Do you really love her?"


    "Is love all that important?" Ronan Ronan Potter''sugh was scornful., "I love you, but do you love me?"


    Sadie was left speechless.


    "Love, sex, and marriage a, they''re three different things!" Ronan Ronan Potter seemed to have seen through life itself, looking into the distance with a steely gaze., "Love can be kept in your heart, sex fulfills a need, and marriage... Wwell, it has many uses..."


    "You''ve changed." Sadie couldn''tprehend his way of thinking., "Everyone harbors their aspirations, and I can''t sway yours. However, before you take any action, consider your son. Ponder whether your choices may lead him to resent you.""Everyone has their own aspirations, and I can''t sway yours, but before you do anything, think of your son. Think about whether he will grow to hate you!"


    With that, Sadie pushed the door open and left...


    Ronan Ronan Potter didn''t try to stop her. He, just watched her retreating figure, a mocking, cold smile ying on his lips, "You say I''ve changed, but haven''t you as well? If you hadn''t, you wouldn''t be with Micah..." The phone vibrated¡ªArianna was calling.


    Ronan Ronan Potter stared at his phone but didn''t answer the call.


    "Mr. Potter, do you think, uh, this could be Miss rk''s doing?" VictorSiyuan asked cautiously.


    "It''s the police''s job to investigate the truth," Ronan Ronan Potter said indifferently. "It''s none of our business."


    "Will it affect your rtionship with her?" VictorSiyuan inquired.


    "Of course not," Ronan Ronan Potter replied before, then answeringed the call., "Arianna!"


    "Ronan, where are you?" Arianna asked anxiously.


    "Outside the police station."


    "Did you run into Sadie? Are you with her?"


    "I ran into her at the entrance., Wwe spoke for a bit, and she''s gone now."


    "You, you didn''t..."


    "Don''t worry, you''re the only one in my heart."


    "I''lle find you right now, wait for me..."


    "Okay..."


    After hanging up, Ronan Ronan Potter turned to look in the direction Sadie had left, his gaze growing colder and colder...


    It was Micah''s repeated humiliations and trampling of his dignity that had pushed him to this point.


    One day, he would get his revenge!


    He wanted to prove to Sadie that he, Ronan Potter, was just as good as Micah!

 Chapter 455 A Sense of Security

    In the taxi, Sadie called Micah, but there was no answer. She remembered he''d said he''d be homete today. ''He''s probably busy.''


    Sadie hung up and turned to look out of the window, thinking about the day''s events and struggling to calm her emotions. She wondered who had set someone to harm Leah Leah White.


    Was it Arianna?


    It must be her.


    Did Ronan Ronan Potter know about this?


    Did VictorSiyuan really save Leah Leah White at the time?


    Or was he involved too?


    The more Sadie thought about it, the more her head ached. She took a deep breath and told herself to stop thinking...


    These issues were none of her business, not something she could interfere with.


    By the time she got home, it was past midnight and the kids were all asleep. After changing her clothes, she went upstairs.


    Micah hadn''t returned yet; the spacious house felt empty and cold.


    Feeling down, Sadie washed the gown from the evening and hung it up to dry, knowing she couldn''t sleep anyway. She then stood on the balcony, watching the vehicles pass by, hoping to see Micah''s car.


    At that moment, she really missed him.


    Only with him by her side did she feel safe...


    When 2:00 a.m. arrived and Micah still hadn''t returned, Sadie, feeling exhausted, decided to take a bath before heading to bed. When two o''clock in the morning came and Micah still hadn''t returned, Sadie, exhausted, took a bath and went to bed.


    The day''s events must have deeply shocked Sadie, as she was gued by a nightmare that night.It must have been the day''s events that had shocked Sadie to her core, because that night she was gued by a nightmare. In her dream, she saw LeahLeah White covered in blood, usingly asking her why she hadn''t saved her.


    In the dream, Sadie urgently wanted to exin, but for some reason, she couldn''t make a sound.


    Then, LeahLeah White rushed toward her and began to choke her relentlessly.


    Sadie jolted awake from her nightmare, drenched in sweat and trembling. It took her a moment topose herself. She rose from bed, gulped down a ss of water, and gradually began to regain herposure.Sadie woke up abruptly from the nightmare, sweating profusely and trembling. It took a while for her to collect herself. She got out of bed, drank a ss of water, and finally began to calm down.


    Thinking back on the day''s events, she still felt guilty. If only she hadn''t so easily trusted that VictorSy would save LeahLeah White and instead had chosen to call the police, maybe the oue would have been different... Suddenly, the ringtone of her phone broke the silence.


    Sadie picked it up to see it was Kathleen calling. She immediately answered.: "Hello?"


    "Sadie, you malicious woman! W, why did you do nothing?! If you hate me, take it out on me!. You can yell or hit, but why treat my daughter like that? Why, why..." Kathleen''s voice started as a hysterical roar but dissolved into sobs halfway through.


    Hearing Kathleen''s weeping, Sadie felt the despair of a mother and couldn''t help but feel some sympathy.


    After a moment of silence, Sadie spoke up to exin, "I''ve told the police everything about what happened. You can ask them for details. I won''t exin any further. I know you wouldn''t believe me anyway." Kathleen continued to cry on the other end of the phone.


    "I''m also upset about what happened. My sympathiescondolences." Sadie said softly, then hung up the phone.


    She didn''t know how else tofort Kathleen or exin without the risk of being misunderstood. Perhaps silence was the best response.


    Sadie hoped Kathleen wouldn''t make the mistake of turning her grief toward her.


    As she was lost in her thoughts, she heard the sound of a door opening outside. Sadie quickly got up and ran out.


    Micah casually tossed his jacket onto the floor while unbuttoning his shirt as he strolled toward the bedroom. Spotting Sadie, he immediately opened his arms. Micah was casually throwing his jacket on the floor, unbuttoning his shirt as he walked toward the bedroom. Seeing Sadie, he immediately opened his arms.


    Sadie rushed into his embrace, holding tightly onto his waist.


    "Why are you still up?" Micah ran his fingers through her hair. "Were you waiting for me?"


    "Why are you home sote?"


    Sadie clung to him tightly; the day''s events had left her feeling a sense of dread and unease. Holding him now, she felt less afraid.


    "Just some work stuff." Micah lifted her face gently and brushed her messy hair aside, tenderly kissing her eyes. "Missed me?" "Mhm." Sadie tiptoed and leaned in for a passionate kiss.

 Chapter 456 The War Begins

    Micah was incredibly surprised by Sadie''s initiative. He reached out, lifting her into his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist, as they kissed passionately on their way to the bedroom.Micah felt incredibly surprised at Sadie''s initiative, reaching out to lift her into his arms, with her legs wrapped around his waist, as they kissed passionately en route to the bedroom...


    They fell onto the bed together, desire surging. Sadie was exceptionally sensual, captivating Micah utterly...


    They were entangled with one another until daybreak when Sadie finally fell into a deep sleep.


    Micah held her tightly, nting a tender kiss on Sadie''s forehead. Watching her sleep so peacefully, like a child, she looked immensely adorable.


    He leaned in to kiss her eyes, and her cheeks, and then simply gazed at her.


    Tonight, he had already arranged for Andrew topile evidence of Amelia''s wrongdoings, nning to confront his grandfatherGrandpa and the LuminexLingston family to break off the engagement. Unexpectedly, before the evidence could be presented...,


    Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa suffered a sudden heart attack and copsed.


    Everyone was terrified.


    Micah immediately rushed his grandfatherGrandpa to the hospital; it was past 2:00 a.m. before his condition stabilized.


    Micah hurried home, remembering Sadie was waiting for him.


    Micah''s phone vibrated. He answered the call in a hushed tone, "Hello?"


    "Your Ggrandfather''s awake," said Andrew. "You shoulde quickly. The doctor wants to see you."


    "I''ll be right there." Micah hung up, carefully pulling his hand away and softly kissing Sadie before getting dressed.


    Before leaving, he wrote a note and ced it under the bedsidemp.


    The driver was already waiting downstairs. As Micah got into the car, he received a call from Rn. "Nick Clemens justnded and is heading to the hospital." "Okay," Micah acknowledged. "Send some people to discreetly protect Sadie." "Understood."


    After ending the call, Micah''s phone rang again, this time it was RyanMr. Wood.: "I heard your grandfatherGrandpa fell ill? Is it true?"


    "Where did you get that information?" Micah asked, frowning.


    "Inside sources, don''t worry about the specifics," Ryan Mr. Wood spoke gravely. "This


    serious. Although you''re the sole heir, you''re not married and have no children. I''m concerned that other members of the Clemens family may contest your


    inheritance, potentially leading to internal conflicts.I''m worried other members of the Clemens family may question your inheritance and it could get messy with internal conflicts."


    "I''m aware," Micah replied calmly.


    "You''re young and haven''t experienced a family feud..." RyanMr. Wood said earnestly, "In the face of huge interests, even blood rtions can turn on each other, exposing the brutal nature of humanity in its entirety." Hearing this, Micah fell into silence...


    Growing up, he was always the strongest among his peers. As a child prodigy, he took over the family business at the age of 16 and founded the VIC Group. No matter what challenges came his way, he faced them without fear, addressing every issue with courage and determination, never intimidated by any problem''s arrival.


    However, inheriting the family fortune andpeting against a beloved rtive was a challenge for him. He lost his parents at a young age, and Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s rtionship with him was more educational than nurturing. Nick had stepped in to fill the void, offering him care and affection during those formative years¡ª Nick, who stepped in to fill the void, provided him with care and affection during those formative years; they had a very close bond. But as time passed, things changed, and he couldn''t pinpoint exactly why. It was probably because he had grown up and started to exercise his authority, which inevitably led to conflicts of interest with her.


    To prevent any conflicts, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa decided to divide the family assets in two different directions, making them promise not to interfere with each other''s affairs. This peacested for a decade until n impersonated him, nearly assaulting Sadie, and that triggered Micah''s first dispute.


    "Handle it well, and don''t let it disturb your peace," RyanMr. Wood advised before he hung up.


    Micah put down his phone and looked out the window with a serious expression on his face. He had resolved thest conflict perfectly, but now, it seemed, a new one was about to escte.


    Though he didn''t want to take this step, he wouldn''t hold back if anyone dared to challenge his authority, he wouldn''t hold back...

 Chapter 457 Grandpas Incident

    When Sadie woke up, Micah was already gone. She saw a note pressed under themp and a smile formed on her lips. Micah: "[Dummy, remember to have breakfast when you wake up. It''s a busy day, and I mighte homete, but I''ll definitely be back!]" The signature was as always: a simple doodle.


    She couldn''t help butugh, kissing the note, a sweet feeling rippling through her heart. Their recent cohabitation had brought her immense happiness; she was realizing that Micah could be tender and warm-perfect in every way. While she was ILost in thought, an rm suddenly went off.


    Sadie grabbed her phone and saw it was already 7:30 a.m.AM; ¡ªshe hadn''t heard the rm earlier. Hurrying out of bed, she dashed home barefoot.


    The kids were already awake, and several caregivers were busy making breakfast and helping them get dressed.


    While the kids were preupied, Sadie sneaked back to her room, then re-emerged, pretending she had just woken up, and greeted them cheerily, "Good morning!"


    "Mommy, good morning!" the children greeted her back with joy.


    "Mommy, you can sleep more. We can go to school ourselves," Noah said considerately, noticing her tiredness.


    Sadie was clearly tired, yet she insisted on joining the kids for breakfast. "I might be a bit tired, but Mmommy still wants to eat breakfast with you," she said as she gently patted Noah''s head. "Okay, Mmommy can have toast," Noah said, handing her a piece of toast.


    "Mommy, have some coffee." Mia handed Sadie a cup of coffee, gently using her chubby little hands to brush the hair away from Sadie''s forehead.Mia passed Sadie a cup of coffee, and with her chubby little hands, she brushed the hair from Sadie''s forehead. "Mommy, don''t work too hard. You need to rest."


    "Mia, what a sweetheart!" Sadie said, nting a kiss on her chubby cheek. Then, she turned to look at Nathan and noticed he was hanging his head, a look of deep concern etched on his face. "Nathan, what''s wrong?" Sadie asked gently.


    With a tilted head and furrowed brows, Nathan spoke softly, "Last night, I called Grandpa to ask him how to use the toy he bought for me the day before yesterday. He was happily chatting with me, but suddenly something was off, and then, then..."


    "Then what happened?" Sadie pressed.


    "I started hearing a lot of noises on the other end of the phone, people shouting for Grandpa, and others calling for a doctor..."


    With his hands gesturing, Nathan finished his exnation and anxiously asked, "Mommy, Grandpa will be okay, right?"


    "Could Grandpa be sick?" Sadie''s brow furrowed, an ominous feeling settling in her heart.


    "I''ll call Grandpa."


    Noah immediately took out his phone and dialed Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s number, only to find that the phone was switched off. The family looked at each other, a heavy silence falling upon them in an instant.


    With a quivering lip and watery eyes, Mia said, "Is Grandpa really sick? Should we go to the hospital to see him?"


    "Mia, don''t panic." Sadie hugged her, then turned to Athena, Cam, and Selena., "Have you guys received any news?"


    "No.," Theall three caregiversmedical staff shook their heads.


    "Should I make a call?" Athena reached for her phone.


    "Wait a second," Sadie quickly intervened, "Let''s keep this quiet. Don''t ask; don''t tell. Understand?"


    "Mommy, why?" Nathan asked, confused.


    "Because Grandpa has a special status, and many things are kept secret. We can''t let others know," Sadie exined. "If we say the wrong thing publicly, it could cause unnecessary trouble for Grandpa." "That''s right. We should listen to Mommy," Noah urgently advised. "Ladies, please act as if you know nothing, and definitely don''t go asking around."

 Chapter 458 A Lifetime Ruined

    "Don''t worry, we understand," the three caregivermedical professionals nodded in agreement.


    "I won''t tell either," Mia said, her little plump hand covering her mouth.


    "What do we do now? Do we just do nothing?" Nathan asked worriedly. "I''m really concerned about Grandpa."


    "I am too..." Noah said, lowering his head, "Grandpa has been so kind to us. I, if he''s really sick, we should go see him."


    "Don''t worry," Sadie soothed the children. "Mommy will sneakily ask around, and once the news is confirmed, I''ll arrange for you guys to visit Grandpa." "Okay," the kids nodded obediently.


    "Alright, eat your breakfast now, you''ve got to go to school after that."


    "Got it, Mommy."


    After changing clothes, Sadie took the kids downstairs to catch the school bus.


    Since Nathan''s leg was still in a splint, the caregiversmedical team had to apany him, which meant they would all return home together after school.


    When Sadie got back home, she hesitated before calling Micah.


    The line was busy.


    Sadie knew he must be upied, so she didn''t disturb him further and decided to wait until he got back in the evening.


    After tidying up the house and preparing some nourishing soup for Brenda, Sadie nned to take a short nap. It was then that Felipe suddenly called.


    Faltering for a moment, Sadie still answered, "Hello?"


    "Sadie, are you free to meet up?"


    "I''m afraid that''s not very convenient..."


    Sadie didn''t want to see them. Firstly, she felt it wasn''t necessary, and secondly, she was worried they might misunderstand her actions regarding Leah''s situation and seek revenge on her. "Rest assured, I absolutely don''t intend to hurt you. I just want to ask you some things in person."


    "I''ve told the police everything that needs to be said. You should ask them directly."


    "Give me the phone." At that moment, Kathleen''s voice came over the line, her efforts evident in calming her agitated emotions and maintaining a steady tone.as she tried to calm her agitated emotions and keep her tone steady, "Sadie, it''s okay if you don''t want to see me. I just have a few questions. You can answer them over the phone."


    "Go ahead."


    "I''ve already spoken to the police. I truly believe you. Despite how we treated you before, you nevershed out. I''m sure you wouldn''t harm Leah now. And even if you wanted to, I don''t think you''re capable of doing anything harmful.Back then when we pushed you around and pressured you, you never retaliated. Surely, you wouldn''t hurt Leah now. Besides, even if you had the inclination, you don''t have the capacity to do something bad." "You really understand me, don''t you?"


    Sadie gave a bitter smile. If Leah had even half of Kathleen''s sense, she wouldn''t have ended up in such a predicament.


    "There are some things the police won''t disclose, so I want to ask you. Who were the people you saw dragging Leah into the car? Did they harm Leah inside the vehicle?" Kathleen asked urgently.


    "Well..."


    Sadie was in a difficult position. She understood that the investigation was still ongoing and the police needed to protect the suspects'' identities, so she couldn''t divulge specific details. As a witness, she was probably not in a position to say much.


    "It looks like the person pulling the strings is someone I know," deduced Kathleen smartly. Picking up on Sadie''s hesitation and difort, she ventured a guess, "Is it Ronan?"


    "No," Sadie immediately denied.


    "Then it must be Arianna," Kathleen tried again.


    Sadie paused for a few seconds. Before she could speak, Kathleen swiftly confirmed her own suspicion.Sadie paused for a few seconds, just about to speak, Kathleen quickly confirmed her own suspicion, "It is her, isn''t it!" "I knew it was that vicious bwitch!"


    "We''ve already given in so much, why can''t she just let Leah be? Why does she have to make things worse?!"


    "Keep calm..." Sadie hastily advised, "The investigation isn''t over yet. Let''s wait for the police toe up with their findings."


    "Calm? How can you tell me to be calm?" Kathleen cried out in a low voice, "My daughter was gang-raped, leaving her body severely harmed and unable to bear children in the future. She now struggles with mental issues, and her life has been irreparably damaged.""My daughter was gang-raped, her body severely harmed, she can''t bear children in the future, and she''s now mentally disturbed; her life is ruined..."

 Chapter 459 A Law-Abiding Good Citizen?

    Hearing this, Sadie was also distressed. She sighed deeply and said, "I''m sorry..., Iif only I had the courage to call the police at that time." "Why didn''t you call the police?" Kathleen questioned in agitation, "Why?!?"


    "I was going to call when I saw what was happening, but then their people spotted me and started chasing me. At that moment, someone intervened and stopped them. I thought it was all over, but..."


    "Who stepped in to stop it?" Kathleen zeroed in on the key point, pressing for answers, "Why would you think they could put an end to it? Was it Ronan?"


    "No, it was Vincent..." Sadie exined, "I figured that since you were once family, Vincent would surely save Leah. Besides, what was happening was illegal. He would never let it continue.""I figured, after all, we were once family, Vincent would surely save Leah. Plus, what was happening was illegal, he would never let it continue..."


    "Family? What family are you talking about?" Kathleen wailed, "Don''t you know that Vincent has always resented Leah? His intervention was just for show, to make you drop the idea of calling the police. Once you left, he would only attack Leal more viciously."


    "You''re kidding?" Sadie was stunned. "Why would Vincent hold a grudge against Leah? Even if there were everyday squabbles, it wouldn''t lead to..."


    "Forget it. It''s no use talking to you about this." Kathleen said, frustrated, "Sadie, you''d better pray for good luck to stick with you. With your naivety, if you don''t wise up, you''re going to end up in a real mess someday!" With that, Kathleen hung up...


    Sadie listened to the dial tone on the phone, her skin crawling as she recalled Kathleen''s words... ''Could it really be true about Vincent? Was he conspiring with Arianna against Leah?''


    She reflected on Leah''s past behavior, recalling how haughty and dismissive she used to be, showing little respect to anyone. Perhaps that''s when she had inadvertently offended Vincent, causing him to hold a grudge. It didn''t seem entirely improbable...She thought back to when Leah was haughty and dismissive, never showing anyone respect. Maybe that''s when she crossed Vincent, and he harbored a grudge. It wasn''t entirely out of the realm of possibility... However, as she pondered her past interactions with Vincent-whom she had known since she was young, back when she was dating Ronan¨Dhe had always appeared to possess integrity and was renowned for standing up for what was right. Even during Sadie''s difficult times, Vincent had treated her with kindness and respect. But then, thinking about the past and her interactions with Vincent, whom she''d known since she was young and dating Ronan, he had always seemed to have integrity and was known to stand up for what''s right. Even when Sadie had fallen on hard times, Vincent had treated her with respect and kindness.


    She didn''t want to believe that Vincent could be the person Kathleen had described...


    Still, looking at it from another perspective, Vincent''s respect could have been mutual, given that she had always treated him well.


    Leah, however, had never regarded him as a person, frequently resorting to derogatory names like "watchdog" and disregarding his dignity. Therefore, it was possible that Vincent could have done something so drastic...However, considering it from a different angle, Vincent''s respect might have been mutual, since she had always treated him well. Leah, on the other hand, had never seen him as a person, often calling him names like "watchdog" and trampling over his dignity. So, it was possible that Vincent could do something drastic...


    The more Sadie thought, the more frightened she became. Kathleen''sst words suddenly seemed very reasonable. If she continued to be naive and didn''t wise up, she wouldn''t even know what hit her.


    While she was lost in thought, her phone rang again, this time from an unfamiliar number. Hesitantly, Sadie answered, "Hello?"


    "It''s Arianna," came the arrogant voice on the other end.


    "What do you want?" Sadie''s tone was icy.


    "Let''s meet and talk," Ariannamanded.


    "We have nothing to discuss," Sadie said, ready to end the call.


    "Think carefully." Arianna sneered. "I know all your family''s secrets, including the letter your father left for Mason..."


    Sadie froze.: "What do you mean?"


    "Your father mentioned in the letter who was behind his downfall. Don''t you want to know?" Arianna asked proudly. "If you want to know,e to Maple Bistro! And don''t worry, I won''t hurt you; I''m aw-abiding citizen!"

 Chapter 460 Naive or Foolish

    With that, Arianna hung up...


    Sadie clutched her phone, her emotions swirling within. She couldn''t fathom why Arianna possessed that letter. It might be a trap or bait, yet she yearned to uncover its contents.Sadie held her phone, her emotions in turmoil. She didn''t know why Arianna had that letter; it could be a trap, or it could be bait, but she desperately wanted to know the contents of the letter.


    After everything she''d been through, Sadie had learned to be cautious.


    She dialed Mason''s number, which she hadn''t called in a long time.


    Soon Quickly, the call connected, and Mason''s excited voice came through.: "Sadie!"


    "Mason, do you still have the letter that my dad sent you?" Sadie asked bluntly.


    "Yeah." Mason replied instinctively, "It''s at my Newark home. I''m currently in France, what''s wrong? Did something happen? I cane back right away."


    "No need." Sadie hurriedly said, "I just wanted to know what was written in the letter."


    "This..." Mason seemed a bit troubled.


    "Is it about the secret of my dad''s bankruptcy?" Sadie pressed, "Did he tell you in the letter who was persecutioppressing him?"


    "How did you know?" Mason blurted out and, and then immediatelyforted her, "That''s all in the past. You shouldn''t troubleshoot anymore. Mr. RothEdmond specifically told me not to let you know these things. He didn''t want you to get involved..."


    "I understand."


    Sadie was familiar with Mason''s character. If he didn''t want to discuss something, no matter how much she probed, he wouldn''t open up.Sadie knew Mason''s character. If he didn''t want to talk about it, no matter how much she asked, he wouldn''t say.


    "Are you okay?" Mason asked with concern.


    "I''m fine." Sadie said lightly, "Arianna asked me out for lunch."


    "Really? You''re still in touch with Arianna?" Mason''s tone conveyed his pleasure. "That''s great. Being all alone over there, if somethinges up, you can reach out to her for help. She''s a woman, so it''ll probably be easier for you two to connect.""Really? You''re still in touch with Arianna?" Mason was pleased, "That''s good. With you being all alone over there, if somethinges up, you can ask her for help. She''s a girl, and it''ll be much easier for you two to connect." "Yes, I''m about to head out. We''re meeting at Maple Bistro."


    "Great, I''ll call hergive her a call in a bit, and tell her to take good care of you,." Mason said cheerfully.


    "Thank you, Mason."


    After hanging up, Sadie got ready and left the house. In half an hour, she arrived at Maple Bistro.


    The restaurant was booked out, with not a single customer or waiter in sight.


    Only a dozen bodyguards were stationed around, each with a stern face and a deep gaze.


    As soon as Sadie stepped into the restaurant, she sensed a dangerous atmosphere, but she wasn''t afraid, because she had Mason as her talisman! "Should I say you''re foolish or just brave?" Arianna sat in the center, staring coldly at Sadie., "You knew it was dangerous and you still came?" "You can''t touch me!" Sadie looked back at her icily. "What do you want? Why did you ask me here?"


    "Sometimes I really can''t figure you out." Arianna scoffed with mockery., "After everything Leah did to you, you still helped her? Are you really such a saint?"


    "Did you ask me here just to talk about this?" Sadie countered, "I''ve made all the necessary statements to the police, so there''s nothing left for us to discuss in private." "You should be very clear, the White family can''t beat me," Arianna warned coldly. "I''d advise you not to meddle!"


    "You''re overestimating me," Sadie said with a faint smile. "I''m not nning to meddle. I''m just fulfilling the duties of a citizen."


    "So, you want to fight me to the end?" Arianna''s gaze turned icy. "You should know the consequences."


    "As I said, I won''t meddle," Sadie reiterated. "I''ll only state the facts to the police and the judge. What I don''t know, I won''t talk about, and what I do know, I''ll fully disclose!" "Very well." Arianna smirked, ending the conversation with a hand gesture.


    Two burly bodyguards immediately started marching towards Sadie with an air of menace.


    Unhurried, Sadie merely fixated on Arianna''s phone.

 Chapter 461 Long in the Planning

    Arianna''s phone rang and her expression changed as she nced at the caller ID. With a swift gesture, she signaled for the bodyguards to stop in their tracks. Arianna''s phone rang soon after, and her face changed color when she saw the calle ID. She made a quick gesture, and the bodyguards halted their approach.


    "CuzBrother!" Arianna answered the phone urgently.


    "Arianna, are you with Sadie?" Mason asked.


    Arianna paused, shooting a cold re at Sadie while her voice remained gentle. "Did she tell you?"


    "Yeah, Sadie mentioned you asked her out to eat," Mason said with a chuckle. "Before I left, I asked you to take good care of her, and you haven''t let me down."


    "Your sweetheart, of course, I''ll look after her.," Arianna''s smile was chilling. "How''s the weather in France?"


    "Pretty good. Arianna, I''m worried about Sadie being on her own out there. Check if she''s having any difficulties with work or life in general and help her out..." "Alright, I got it."


    "Pass the phone to her, I want to say a couple of words," Mason instructed.


    "Oh." Arianna handed the phone to Sadie.


    Sadie walked over, answered the call, and immediately turned on the speakerphone, "Mason!"


    "Sadie, where are you two having lunchdinner?"


    Mason''s voice was notably gentle as he spoke to Sadie.


    "At Maple Bistro," Sadie said meaningfully. "Ronan''s favorite restaurant."


    "Oh." Mason paused before asking, "I heard he got divorced?"


    "It seems so." Sadie eyed Arianna; herplexion was awful as she swiftly gestured, signaling her not to say anything rash.


    "I heard something else..." Mason''s words almost reached his lips before he stopped.pulled back, "Never mind., Sadie, don''t be formal with Arianna. She''s my cousinsister, which means she''s your sister, too. If you need anything, just tell her. She''ll take care of it."


    "Is that right, Arianna?"


    "Yes," Arianna quickly responded, yfully teasing, "How could I not listen to what my future cousinsister-inw says?"


    "Quit fooling around, Arianna," Mason chastised her urgently. "Alright, I won''t keep you from your meal. Sadie, my phone is on 24/7. Call me anytime you need to."


    "Okay, take care of yourself," Sadie replied, hanging up and then handing the mobile to Arianna.


    "Quite impressive," Arianna said, ring at her resentfully. "Using my cousinbrother as a shield!"


    "You''re so treacherous, after all., oOf course, I''d find someone to protect myself," Sadie said coldly. "Arianna, I''ve never hurt you, yet you treat me like an enemy. You had an affair with Ronan and framed me for it, leading Leah to harm me. I haven''t held these things against you, and now you''re threatening me? Do you really think I''m that easy to bully?"


    "Never hurt me? Ha, seems like you''ve forgotten everything,¡± Arianna replied, her re intense. ¡°The love letters I wrote to Ronan were used by him to prop up a wobbly table.


    "The lunch I made with love for Ronan was given to you, only for you to feed it to your pet dog.¡°The lunch I made with love for Ronan, he gave to you, and you fed it to your pet dog;


    "I gave my all to Ronan, yet he never once spared me a second nce. Instead, all his attention was fixated on you., but he never gave me a second nce, all his attention was on you. Do you know how much pain and heartbreak that caused me? Isn''t that harm?"


    ¡°And that''s my fault?" Sadie failed to follow Arianna''s logic.


    "Of course, it is. If it wasn''t for you, he would have loved me from the start," Arianna stubbornly insisted. "You ruined my first love. But divine punishmentkarma exists. Before long, trouble hit your family. I exhausted all my resources to spread the news of the Roth Group''s bankruptcy in the media, leading to the end of your engagement.


    11


    ButHowever, I never anticipated such an idiot like you would be outsmarted by Leah, who ended up reaping all the benefits. Four years!, I''ve harbored this hatred for four years, finally finding a chance to use you to ruin this marriage, then use Leah against you. Atst, my goal is achieved, and Ronan is mine!"

 Chapter 462 Greater Threats

    Sadie was stunned. "So, all along, you''ve been behind these schemes, even the spread of that news from back then!"


    "Yes, it was I who spread the rumors," Arianna admitted candidly. "Your father may have faced bankruptcy, yet he retained some tricks, sessfully blocking the news. Consequently, the Potters remained unaware, believing they could forge a strong alliance with your family."Yes, it was me who spread the rumors," Arianna admitted without reservation. "Your father may have gone bankrupt, but he still had some tricks up his sleeve, managed to block the news, and the Potters were kept in the dark, thinking they could still make a powerful alliance with your family.


    "Once the news got out, they immediately backed out. And Ronan, he didn''t really love you, did he? He gave up on you so quickly. You ended up losing everything because of the schemes of the White family''s mother and daughter. Watching you fall apart was quite satisfying for me, although it''s a shame I was a step toote and let Leah get the upper hand."


    "You''re despicable," Sadie spat out furiously. "Since you''re with Ronan now, why do you feel the need to kick someone when they''re already down? Even if Leah wronged you, teaching her a lesson should have been enough. Why do such a vile thing?"


    "Please, don''t just throw out usations," Arianna''s tone shifted as she swiftly defended herself. "I''ve never engaged in any illegal activities. Even if you''re trying to y the heroine, youck evidence. I simply want to remind you that provoking me won''t lead to anything good!""Oh, don''t just say anything," Arianna''s tone shifted as she quickly defended herself. "I have never done anything illegal, and even if you want to y the hero, you have no evidence. I just wanted to remind you, messing with me doesn''t have a good oue!"


    "I tend to believe that people who do bad things don''t end up with good oues," Sadie retorted before getting up to leave. "Sadie, don''t you want to know who ruined your father?" Arianna suddenly called out from behind.


    Sadie paused but didn''t turn around. "Do you think anything you say is credible?"


    "Aren''t you smart enough to know what to believe?" Arianna retorted, producing a letter. "This is a letter your father wrote to my cousinbrother. I made a copy. You can recognize your father''s handwriting, can''t you?" Eyeing the letter with hesitation, Sadie eventually turned and walked over. As she reached out to take it, Arianna quickly withdrew it, her eyebrows raised in a mocking smile. "What''s in it for me if I just give this to you?" "What do you want?" asked Sadie coolly.


    "I want you to promise never to see Ronan again," Ariannamanded haughtily. "Even if he seeks you out, you must avoid him at all costs."


    "Even if you didn''t say it, I have no desire to see him," Sadie replied with disdain.


    "And another thing..." Arianna continued, Stay away from my cousinbrother!"


    "I have no such intentions."


    Sadie knew all too well what Arianna was thinking. The Arianna''s family was relying on Mason''s connections to maintain their standing in the business world. That iwas why the rkAriannas were always so cautious to preserve that rtionship.


    If one day Sadie ended up with Mason, it would undoubtedly pose a threat to Arianna. Naturally, she had to be wary of that possibility.If, one day, Sadie ended up with Mason, it would undoubtedly be a threat to Arianna. Of course, Arianna had to guard against that.


    "Remember what you said." Arianna handed the letter to Sadie. "I also know your other secrets. If you dare to go back on your word, I have ways to deal with you!"


    "What secrets?" Sadie furrowed her brows in confusion.


    "You''ll find out in due time," Arianna said with a taunting sneer. "You''re lucky to have my cousinbrother protecting you, and with Micah as your support, I can''t touch you for now. But don''t you dare provoke me..." Arianna spoke with a confidence that suggested she truly held something significant over Sadie''s head.


    Sadie couldn''t figure out what leverage Arianna might have over her, but she didn''t feel the need to understand either. She had no interest in dealing with someone so underhanded and venomous. She just wanted to stay away...


    While watching Sadie''s retreating figure, a sinister smile flickered in Arianna''s eyes.


    Her confused assistant asked, "Wouldn''t it be preferable for her to remain associated with the man who killed her father? That would Miss rk, why did you give her that letter? Wouldn''t it be better if she continued to associate with the man who killed her father? That way, she wouldn''t bother make her stay away from Mr. Potter and end her rtionship with Masonand she wouldn''t be with Mason anymore."


    "You don''t understand," Arianna rebuked coldly. "If Sadie''s rtionship with Micah bes public, my threats will only be more potent..."

 Chapter 463 The Grudge

    Sadie left in a hurry, clutching the letter. When she got home, she couldn''t wait to tear open the envelope to see what was inside...


    ["Mason, I hope this letter finds you well. It took me a long time to decide to write to you. I can''t think of a better person to protect Sadie, so I have to entrust her to you. Business is like a battlefield, it''s survival of the fittest, and it''s extremely cruel. That''s exactly why I never wanted to drag Sadie into it.


    I wish for her to live a life that is pure, joyful, and wonderful, but unfortunately, I can''t protect her any longer.


    I''ve always admired you for your simplicity and purity. Sadly, when ites to matters of the heart, no one can bepelled. Just like she chose Ronan, I knew it was wrong, but as a father, I couldn''t stop her. [In the end, we must all walk and experience life on our own to find the right path...


    I understand that asking this of you may be selfish, but I have no choice. I must implore you to look after Sadie for me!


    When she faces danger or hardship, be there to give her a hand!


    She is my only concern, and I''m afraid that without me, someone will mistreat her or harm her, especially the Clemens family...


    I hope the grudges of our generation will end with my passing and no longer involve the next generation.


    So, by the time you''re reading this, I will no longer be among the living. No one has harmed me; it was my own choice.


    Only in this way can Sadie be spared from further trouble!


    Mason, please protect Sadie, keep her away from the Clemens family, and let her lead an ordinary life. I owe you, and I will pay you back in my next life............]"


    When Sadie read the letter, she was utterly shocked. Mason had warned her time and again to stay away from the Clemens family, but she just wouldn''t listen.


    Thinking back, she realized Mason''s unprecedented hostility and caution toward Micah had caused many misunderstandings. She had thought it was just jealousy, but now she understood there were deeper reasons. The Clemens family, her father''s enemies?


    Her father had mentioned grievances spanning generations in the letter. He even mentionedsaid that only with his death would she be spared from trouble. What was going on?


    Sadie felt a stifling pressure in her chest. She clutched at her heart, trying to calm herself down. She attempted to analyze the situation rationally, suspecting that this was much more than just business rivalry-it probably had to do with old feuds between generations.


    What exactly was the nature of their feud with the Clemens family? Why had Micah never mentioned it? Could it be that he was unaware?


    Sadie tightly gripped the letter, her mind in turmoil for what felt like an eternity. She resolved to confront Micah upon his return and demand the truth.Sadie gripped the letter tightly, her mind in turmoil for a long time. She decided that when Micah returned, she would confront him and ask for the truth.


    However, Micah didn''te home that evening.


    Sadie waited until 3:00 a.m., asionally checking outside, but he was nowhere to be seen. Eventually, she wrapped herself in a nket and fell asleep on the couch, only to be haunted by a strange dream where she saw Micah pushing her dad down a flight of stairs.


    She woke up abruptly, drenched in sweat, still alone in the house.


    The clock on the wall pointed to 6:00 a.m.--- dawn was breaking, and Micah was still not back. Unable to contain her worry, Sadie sent him a text.:


    "Sadie: [Are youing home tonight?]"


    No reply.


    Sadie:he sent another: " [What''s happened?]"


    Still no reply.


    She thought maybe Micah was tied up because his gGrandfpather was sick and couldn''t leave his side.


    Whatever the case, he would have toe back eventually.


    Sadie put the letter away and went downstairs to make breakfast for the children.


    During breakfast, Noah asked, "Mommy, I called Grandpa against night, but his phone was switched off. We''re really worried about Grandpa. Did you find out anything? What''s happened to Grandpa?"

 Chapter 464 A Fight to the Death

    "I haven''t found out yet,," Sadie gently stroked Noah''s head. "Noah, don''t worry. Grandpa has a lot of people taking care of him and even if he gets sick, he will get the best treatment."


    "I know..." Noah lowered his head, feeling a bit disheartened.


    "Mommy, why don''t you contact your former boss?" Nathan suddenly suggested. "The eldest grandson of Grandpa must, he''s sure to know about Grandpa''s condition." "Well..." Sadie paused and then said, "He might be too busy to answer my call, but I''ll give it a try."


    "Mommy, don''t stress over it. We can figure something out on our own," said Noah, who was more considerate.


    "What can we figure out?" Sadie taught firmly, "When Grandpa gets better, he will naturally call you. You are still children, don''t do anything rash, understand?" "Understood.," Noah nodded obediently.


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia, the school bus will be here soon," the caregiverdoctors and nurses reminded them.


    "We''re done eating."


    The three children immediately put down their utensils, put on their jackets, grabbed their backpacks, said goodbye to their mom, and then followed the caregivermedical staff out the door. Sadie watched them enter the elevator, and then went back home. Thinking about her children''s advice, she sent Micah a text message.:


    Sadie: "[Are you okay? Call me back when you see this message.]"


    She waited a long time, but she did not reply.


    Sadie felt uneasy. Could something have happened to him? Or perhaps, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa really fell ill.


    Although Sadie was now an ordinary citizen, she came from a distinguished background and knew very well how serious it would be if the head of a ruling family fell sick.


    If word got out, it could cause turmoil in the stock market for all of the Clemens family''spanies, with both close and distant rtives vying for the inheritance.If word got out, it could cause turmoil in the stock market of all the Clemens family''spanies, and rtives both close and distant within the Clemens family would vie for the inheritance.


    Despite inheriting from his grandfather, Micah found himself alone, without parents, a wife, or children. ustomed to solitude, facing this family feud meant he was fighting a battle on his own. Even though Grandpa had already passed the inheritance to Micah, with Micah being alone without parents, wife, or children and ustomed to solitude, facing this family feud meant he was fighting a lone battle...


    As these thoughts filled her mind, Sadie couldn''t help but worry about Micah. At the same time, she wondered about the meaning behind the letter her father left for Mason.


    What was the nature of the feud between the Clemens and the Roth families?


    Why was there no mention of it in the letter her father left her?


    Lost in thought, Serena called., "Sadieis, are you alright? EThe nanny told me there was an incident duringst night''s performance?"


    "Yeah, there was a bit of a mishap, but it didn''t involve me," Sadie replied.


    "The incident has blown up and it''s already trending in the news. Public opinion has turned against both prominent families; it''s bing a big mess..."


    Upon hearing this, Sadie was stunned. Rarely engaging with her smartphone, she had been oblivious to the escting seriousness of the situation. Quickly, she reached for her phone and turned to Twitter.


    There it was, the story she hadn''t anticipated: Leah had stormed into the hotel in search of Ronan, only to find herself subjected to public humiliation by Arianna. This distressing ordeal had now made its way into the headlines. Upon hearing the news, Sadie was stunned. She seldom yed with her smartphone and was unaware that the situation had escted to such a serious level. Immediately, she picked up her phone and searched Twitter. Sure enough, the story was there: Leah went to the banquet hall to look for Ronan and ended up being publicly humiliated by Arianna, followed by the harrowing ordeal that had now hit the headlines.


    Now, the public opinion had shifted towards Ronan and Arianna, with usations flying. Ronan wasbeled a scoundrel, while Arianna was branded a malicious woman intent on destroying their rtionship, deliberately conspiring against Leah.


    The incident had not only tainted their images but had spun off into revtions from months prior.


    Even the past scandal of Ronan''s infamous car escapade resurfaced, with Arianna now identified as the woman involved, an earlier assumption having incorrectly pointed to a junior secretary from the VIC Group.


    The news converged on Ronan and Arianna, exposing numerous details and presenting ample evidence. Almost allizens were siding with Leah, directing their me and scorn towards Ronan and Arianna.


    The familiar tactics of the reports bore the hallmarks of Kathleen''s doing. Well aware she couldn''t take on Arianna and Ronan directly, Kathleen used the media to put pressure on them, determined to seek justice for Leah. With Leah''s life in shambles, Kathleen would surely not let them off easily.


    Of course, for a mother to publicly acknowledge such a personal tragedy involving her daughter required immense courage.

 Chapter 465 The Buy

    Kathleen must have been driven to the brink of insanity. Leah had suffered so much, and Kathleen felt utterly powerless against Arianna and Ronan. It seemed her only option was a kamikaze move destroying everything in a desperate


    attempt to take them down with her.


    After all, Leah''s mind was far had gone; she was no longer able to follow the news.


    These thoughts weighed heavily on Sadie''s heart. If Arianna really was behind this, then she had truly taken things to the extreme. It was understandable that Kathleen would want justice for Leah...


    But in Sadie''s view, Kathleen was no match for Arianna.


    Even with Kathleen''s intelligence, the White family''s fortune was nearly depleted, and Arianna could crush her with the slightest effort...


    If Kathleen continued to make trouble, Sadie feared Arianna would retaliate.


    "Sadie, are you listening?" Serena''s voice called out, snapping Sadie back to reality.


    "Yes, I''m here." Sadie regained her focus. "I need to deliver some clothes to E today..."


    "E asked me to tell you not to bother," Serena said gravely. "E mentioned that you''re a witness and know both the victim and the perpetrator. She''s had many people asking about you, and the situation has gottenplex... E also said...'' "What did E say?"


    "E said that she can''t risk employing you anymore, not until this whole situation blows over. She even asked me to collect the gown from you and bring it back to her," Serena ryed hesitantly. "I tried to reason with her, but E doesn''t want to get involved..."


    "I understand, I get it," Sadie replied with a bitter smile. "Alright then, let me know when you''re free toe over. I''ll give you the dress, and you can return it to E for me.''


    "I cane over now. Don''t worry, Sadie. I''ll think of something. Maybe I can find you another job."


    "Thanks, that would be great."


    Sadie hung up and opened her news app again.


    The story was everywhere¡ªit was clear Kathleen was going all out in her effort to discredit Arianna and Ronan.


    Sadie felt deeply moved but also recognized that there was nothing she could do to alter the situation. It was clear she had to stay out of it, to not get involved.


    While she was ILost in thought, her phone rang suddenly. It was Jonathan Chase. She answered quickly, "Mr. Chase!"


    "Sadie, I''ve arrived in Rain City. The factory is fully set up and prepared tomence operations tomorrow.""Sadie, I''m in Rain City. The factory here is all set up and ready to start operations tomorrow." "That''s fantastic," Sadie replied cheerfully. "Is everything else going smoothly?"


    The worker cement had been squared away, and they had just secured two major contracts. With a stroke of good fortune, they were poised tomence operations the next day.


    Initially, they had considered inviting her to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but recognizing her busy schedule, they decided not to burden her with the request. The worker cement was essentially squared away, and they had justnded two major contracts. With a stroke of good fortune, they were set tomence operations the following day. They had initially wanted to invite her back for the ribbon-cutting ceremony but, acknowledging her busy schedule, didn''t bother her with the request.


    "You guys cutting the ribbon is just as good," Sadie said with augh. "I''ll swing by once I''ve wrapped things up here."


    "Right, there''s another thing I need to discuss with you."


    "Go ahead."


    "Do you recall Felipe owning three factories? Initially, they requested $70,000,000 for the package, which also included your family''s vi. However, Icked the funds, so I purchased only one factory. Recently, I learned that the remaining two factories remained unsold. Surprisingly, Felipe reached out to me, proposing to sell both for $10,000,000 if I could pay in cash upfront.""Remember Felipe owns three factories? They originally asked for $70,000,000 for the bundle including you family''s vi. I didn''t have enough, so I just bought one factory. I heard the other two hadn''t sold, and Felipe just called me, offering both for ten million if I agreed to pay cash upfront."


    Sadie fell silent upon hearing this. It seemed Felipe and Kathleen were truly willing to sacrifice everything to seek justice for Leah, even if it meant selling theirst assets at a steep discount.


    "Sadie, I spoke with your dad''two uncles colleagues, and to be honest, we really want to buy at that price. They''re already figuring out how to gather the funds. But I thought it over and decided I should get your input before going ahead, which is why I''m calling you."


    "Go for it," Sadie firmly replied. "I don''t want Dad''s legacy to copse. I''ll figure out a way to get the money and get back to you."


    "Okay."

 Chapter 466 Who is the Villain

    Sadie promptly ended the call and reached out to her financial advisor in Switzend to initiate the activation of her ount. The advisor promptly connected with her through a video call, and following authentication of her identity via fingerprint, proceeded to activate the ount on her behalf.Sadie hung up and immediately got in touch with her financial advisor in Switzend to activate her ount. The advisor connected with her via video call and, after authenticating her identity with her fingerprint, activated the ount for her.


    She was surprised by the convenience; she had assumed an in-person meeting would be necessary. However, the advisor exined that such a meeting would indeed have been necessary four years ago. Yet, due to advancements in technology, the bank had developed a system that now only required video, fingerprint, and password verification for activation.She was surprised by the convenience; she had thought an in-person meeting would be necessary. The advisor exined that four years ago, it would have been, but with advancements in technology, the bank had developed a system that only required video, fingerprint, and password verification for activation.


    Right away, Sadie immediately transferred $10,000,000ten million out and instructed Jonathan to use the funds to acquire the two factories.


    Jonathan was astounded that she could produce $10,000,000ten million so quickly.


    Without offering much exnation, Sadie simply instructed Jonathan to make the purchase in his name to keep her involvement under wraps.


    Jonathan set out to handle the transaction immediately.


    After ending the call, Sadie hesitated about repurchasing the family vi. Though she truly desired it, she feared that acting now might give Arianna the impression she was purposefully supporting Kathleen, potentially causing furtherplications.After hanging up, Sadie wavered over whether to buy back the family vi. Deep down, she really wanted to, but she feared that making a move at this time would lead Arianna to believe she was intentionally aiding Kathleen, which would only bring more trouble.


    After pondering it a bit more, Sadie convinced herself to let go of the idea.


    At that moment, Serena arrived carrying two bags of fruit and eyed Sadie''s home with a touch of envy. "Sadie, your ce is so big and beautiful."


    "It''s a rental." Sadie poured Serena a ss of water. "Have a seat. I''ll be right back after I hang up theundry."


    "Sure." Serena sat on the sofa sipping water and admiring a family portrait on the wall. "I''ve lived alone for so many years. I''m really envious of you, having so many family members."


    "Once your mom gets better, you can live with her again."


    Sadie neatly folded some dresses and packed them into a bag.


    "Yeah." Serena sighed. "I''m working so hard to earn money in hopes that she''ll get well soon."


    "She will," Sadie consoled her.


    "Sadie, I should get going. After I return this dress to E, I have to rush to my job at the nNightc Club." Serena stood to leave. "Take these next few days to rest up at home, okay? I''ll let you know as soon as I find a part-time job."


    "Thank you." Sadie walked her to the stairs when suddenly Coco, perched on the balcony, squawked, "Bad person, bad person!"


    "Ha, this little parrot can talk?" Serena eximed with surprise.


    "I''ve had Coco for four years now, about the same age as my three little ones. He''s been learning to speak with the kids since hite was young, so hite knows some simple phrases." Sadie smiled and introduced them, "Coco, this is Serena!" Coco fluttered its wings and repeated, "Bad person, bad person!" Coco fluttered his wings and repeated.


    "Don''t talk nonsense," Sadie scolded firmly. "SerenaTingting is my good friend. How could she be a bad person?"


    "Haha, I don''t look like a bad person," Serena said, greeting Coco, "Coco, I''m a good person!"


    "Bad person, bad person!"


    Coco continued to repeat the words, seeming somewhat agitated, pping its wings non-stop.


    "What''s gotten into Coco today?" Sadie said with a bit of frustration. "ItHe''s usually not like this. I''ll have to teach ithim a lessonter."


    "It''s okay," Serena reassured. "SadieSis, I should get going. You rest up."


    "Okay, take care on your way and let me know when you''ve arrived." Sadie watched as she entered the elevator.


    Serena stepped inside, smiling and waving goodbye to Sadie.


    As Sadie watched the elevator doors close, she turned to go back inside. Suddenly, a loud "thud" echoed from behind her, followed by Serena''s terrified scream. "Ah¡ª"


    rmed, Sadie rushed to check what had happened. The elevator had malfunctioned and plummeted down.


    "Serena!" Sadie screamed in horror, frantically calling building maintenance before running down the stairs to check...

 Chapter 467

    The elevator plunged from the 16th floor but thankfully halted on the 3rd floor.


    Sadie dashed down the stairs to the first floor and then back up to the third.


    Security personnel and maintenance technicians from the property management swiftly arrived. Together, they pried open the elevator doors and discovered Serena unconscious inside.The elevator plummeted straight from the 16th floor but, fortunately, stopped on the 3rd floor. Sadie ran down the stairs in one breath to the first floor and then back up to the third, where security staff and maintenance technicians from the property management arrived at the scene. They pried the elevator doors open and found Serena unconscious.


    "Serena..." Sadie was desperate to rush over, but was restrained by two security guards. As another pair of guards pulled Serena out, they found she had no visible injuries.


    Soon, the paramedics arrived and took both Serena and Sadie to the hospital. All the way there, Sadie held Serena''s hand tightly, repeatedly telling herself, ''Serena willould be fine. S; she just hasd to be.'' At the hospital..., t


    The doctor examined Serena and informed Sadie, "Your friend has just fainted from the shock and weightlessness. There''s nothing serious to worry about. She just needs some rest."


    Sadie finally breathed a sigh of relief, and so did the property manager standing beside her.


    Angry, Sadie demanded answers. "Mr. Morgan, why did the elevator malfunction? Thank goodness it stopped on the third floor. If it had fallen all the way to the bottom, my friend would have been a goner!"


    "I''m reallySorry, so sorry, Sadie Miss Roth. Please calm down.," Mr. Morgan hastily exined, "We inspect the elevators daily. They are always functioning properly. Today''s incident was unexpected, and we are just as perplexed as you are. An investigation is already underway, and we promise to provide you with an exnation."


    While speaking, Mr. Morgan''s phone rang. He answered the call urgently, and upon hearing the update, his face went pale. He immediately instructed, "Call the police, now!"


    After giving a few instructions and hanging up, Mr. Morgan turned to Sadie and said, "We''ve found evidence of deliberate sabotage that caused the elevator to malfunction. The police have been notified." "Deliberate?" Sadie gasped. "Are the other elevatorspromised, or was it just that one?"


    "After the incident, we thoroughly checked all the other elevators. They are functioning normally. It seems to be just the elevator in your building," Mr. Morgan replied.


    "Could it be targeted at me?" Fear crawled up Sadie''s spine, and she suddenly remembered that as Serena was leaving, Coco had kept saying, "Bad person, bad person!bad people, bad people," possibly signaling the presence of suspicious individuals in the building.


    Sadie had mistaken Coco''s words, chastising it for referring to Serena as a bad person.


    "It''s entirely possible," Mr. Morgan cautiously said. "Mr. Clemens owns the entire building, and currently, you''re the only resident on site. The caregivermedical staff across from you and your family members upstairs..." Sadie analyzed the situation with careful precision.


    ""The other party should know that the caregivermedical staff and he are not around. I''m the only one at home today,''" she mused. Normally, guests did not visit her home, so if it hadn''t been for Serena''s sudden visit, only Sadie herself would have used the elevator.


    The thought made her shiver with fear. ""No, that''s not right!. The kids, they would have used the elevator when they came back from school if Serena hadn''te and I hadn''t gone downstairs!.""


    In a panic, Sadie attempted to call Noah, but strangely, the call wouldn''t connect. Her heartbeat quickened as she tried Nathan and Mia''s phones next, only to be met with the same eerie silence.


    Dialing the numbers of the three caregivers yielded no response either. Terror weakened her legs, nearly causing her to copse.In a panic, Sadie tried calling Noah, but strangely, the call wouldn''t go through. Her heartbeat quickened as she unsessfully attempted to reach Nathan and Mia''s phones next. The same eerie silence met her when she dialed the numbers of the three doctors and nurses. Her legs grew weak with terror, nearly sending her copsing to the floor. "Miss RothSadie, are you okay?" Mr. Morgan hurried to her side, offering support.


    "Please, take care of Serena for me."


    Leaving those words behind, Sadie dashed outside like a madwoman, racing to the hospital entrance to hail a cab, desperate to get to the kindergarten.


    However, just as she reached for a taxi, a van screeched to a halt beside her. Two figures dressed in ck leaped out, covering her mouth and nose with their hands, and forcibly ushered her into the vehicle.Leaving those words behind, Sadie dashed outside like a mad woman, running to the hospital entrance to hail a cab, desperate to get to the kindergarten. But just as she was about to get into a taxi, a van sped up to her; two figures dressed in ck jumped out, mped a hand over her mouth and nose, and forced her into the vehicle.


    Sadie struggled furiously, but a pungent odor overtook her senses, and darkness swiftly followed as she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 468 Closer than a Grandson

    "Why is there no signal here? I want to call Mommy, but I can''t get through," Noah asked, looking up at Ss with serious eyes.


    "Be good, Noah. We''re in a special ward, where all phones are blocked," Ss exined gently.


    "What''s a special ward?" Nathan looked around nervously at the many stern-faced bodyguards.


    "It''s a ward designated for Grandpa," Ss said with a smile. "Don''t worry; these guards are here for Grandpa''s protection. They won''t hurt you."


    "Is Grandpa sick? Is it serious?" Mia asked, her small face filled with concern. "Did the doctor give him an injection?"


    "He did get an injection." Ss chuckled. "Grandpa woke up this morning. He''s touched that you''re worried about him, so he asked me to bring you to see him."


    Noah breathed a sigh of relief, his little forehead finally unwrinkled.


    "I want to see Grandpa soon," Mia said, her chubby hands sped nervously in front of her.


    "Grandpa must be so tired. I''ll be good from now on, so Grandpa doesn''t have to take us out anymore," Nathan said, feeling a twinge of guilt.


    "Sweetheart, the happiest times for himme are when he''sI''m with you guys," Ss said, patting his little head tofort him. "Alright, let''s get suited up in our germ istion gear, and then we can go in." "Okay."


    The three children, with the help of the nurse, donned their suits and put on their masks, following Ss into the hospital room.


    Upon seeing the tall man standing by the bed, the children froze in their tracks.


    Micah looked up to see the three kids and frowned., "Why did you bring them here?"


    "Your gGrandfpather has been asking for them all morning; he insisted I bring them to see him," Ss replied softly.


    "These three kids, they''are closer to him than his own grandson,."


    Micah remarked made a dismissively remark and then turned to leave the room.


    As he passed by the children, they all shyly moved aside, their bright and clear eyes ncing at him with trepidation. "Am I really that scary?" Micah asked coldly.


    "Hmph!" Mia stuck her tongue out at him and then hid behind Ss.


    "It seems like carrying you on my backst time was a waste," Micah said, gently tugging on her braid.


    "Don''t touch my sister," Nathan warned, balling his little fists and posing threateningly.


    "Huh!" Micah chuckled lightly, turning to look at Noah.


    Only this child remained calm, gazing back at him with an unexpectedly serene demeanor.


    "Micah, stop scaring them," Ss said, half amused, half exasperated. "That royal dignity you have, it even frightens the kids."


    Micah just pursed his lips and walked out of the room.


    Outside, several specialist doctors had been waiting for a while. They greeted himbowed deeply as he emerged, and then followed him into a nearby office to report in detail on the medical situation. Back in the hospital room, Ss led the three children to the bedside, softly calling out, "SirGrandpa, Grandpa, the kids are here!"


    Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa slowly opened his eyes, weakly looking at the children.


    "Grandpa..." Mia''s lips quivered as tears streamed down her face, her voice so endearing it could melt a heart., "Grandpa, it''s Mia!, yYour favorite, Mia!"


    "Grandpa, I''m Nathan." Nathan''s tears were near the brink, but he sniffled forcefully, struggling not to cry. "Grandpa, what''s wrong?"


    "Grandpa, I''m Noah..." Noah grasped Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s hand, his eyes red yet pretending to be strong. "You promised to take us to y ser; you have to get better soon, okay!"

 Chapter 469 Raising the Children Close

    Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa slowly lifted the corners of his mouth, struggling to utter a single word, "Good..."


    "Grandpa..." Mia couldn''t control her emotions, her shoulders shaking as she cried, "Grandpa, I won''t ask for piggyback rides anymore, just get better soon, and I''ll take you out for toast." "Mia, don''t cry," Nathan tried to console her, but he started crying himself. "Grandpa, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have been so mischievous and insisted on you always ying with us. You must be too tired." "What''s gotten into you two?" Noah put on his big brother act, sternly scolding them, "Didn''t we agree before we came here? No crying, no crying-why can''t you listen?" "I''m not crying, I''m not," said Nathan.


    He hurriedly took deep breaths to steady his emotions and wiped his tears with his hands.


    Mia too pursed her lips, holding back her tears from spilling out.


    Seeing this, Ss quickly coaxed the children, "Alright, my little darlings, let''s not disturb Grandpa''s rest. How about ISs takes you out for now?"


    "Oh!" The three children nodded obediently.


    "Say goodbye to Grandpa," Ss reminded them.


    "Bye Grandpa!, Wwe''lle see you again, and I''ll bring you toast next time."


    "Grandpa, get better soon, okay? I am waiting for you to y ser with me."


    "Bye, Grandpa..."


    Ss led the three children out of the hospital room., "Kiddos, you rest in the lounge for a bit, and ISs will wrap up some things ande over, then take you back home." "Okay, Ss, go ahead."


    The children nodded obediently.


    Several doctors and nurses were there to take care of them, providing them with desserts and juice.


    Ss went to talk with Micah about his grandfatherGrandpa''s situation., and a As he approached the office door, Micah suddenly burst out, almost knocking Ss to the ground. "Ouch..." Ss hit the wall, clutching his chest, and he said in pain, "Micah, you nearly knocked old bones like me into pieces..."


    Before he could finish, Micah had hurried off, anxiously pressing the elevator button.


    "Micah, where are you rushing off to?" Ss quickly followed. "I need to discuss something with you..."


    "Without my orders, no one is allowed to visit Grandpa, understood?"


    Micah left those words behind and entered the elevator in haste.


    Just as the elevator doors were about to close, he suddenly stopped them with his hand and asked, "What about the three kids?"


    "They''re in the lounge. I was nning to take them back home shortly..."


    "Don''t take them back," Micahmanded. "Before Grandpa wakes up, keep them with you."


    "Huh?" Ss was momentarily stunned, then quickly asked, "What happened exactly?"


    Micah didn''t reply but let go, allowing the elevator doors to close.


    Ss''s expression grew serious, sensing something was amiss. However, at this moment, he had no choice but to follow Micah''s instructions.


    A subordinate began, "Mr. Ss, the car is ready. Should I take the three kids back to Blissful Lane 1..." a subordinate began.


    "No need," Ss interrupted. "I''ll take them to Mr. Clemens Sr.''sGrandpa''s ce. Have someone prepare some children''s necessities."


    "Right away," the subordinate responded and promptly left to carry out the tasks.


    Ss went to the lounge where the three children were sitting on the sofa, appearing dejected, with untouched desserts and juice on the table.


    "Ss, can we go home now?" Noah got up immediately upon seeing Ss approach.


    "Kids, I haveSs has something to discuss with you," Ss crouched down and addressed the three children. "For a while, could you stay at Grandpa''s house? That way, when Grandpa gets well, he''ll be able to see you right away." "Well..." Nathan and Mia both looked at Noah. They usually turned to their eldest brother for decisions on such matters.


    "I need to ask my mommy," Noah replied maturely. "I need her permission first."


    "Good kid." Ss patted Noah''s shoulder encouragingly. "How about we step outside to call your mom?"


    "Okay."

 Chapter 470 My Mommy is Named Sadie

    Ss led the children downstairs and out of the special ward. Finally, their smartwatches had a signal.


    Noah promptly attempted to call Sadie, but her phone appeared to be turned off. Frowning slightly, he made another attempt, only to encounter the same message. Noah immediately tried calling Sadie, but the phone indicated it was turned off.


    His little brow furrowed, and he tried calling again, only to receive the same message.


    "Noah, maybe Mmommy is just really tired and fell asleep?" Nathan suggested from his wheelchair. "Why don''t we go home and talk to her there?"


    "Yeah," Noah nodded. "That''s the only option now."


    "Ss will go back with you."


    Ss gestured, and three doctors and nurses helped the children into the car.


    The vehicle started and headed towards Blissful Lane 1.


    At that moment, Athena''s phone rang. She was a nurse, and her expression changed drastically upon answering the call. She asked urgently, "Is Mia''s momSadie alright?"


    Upon hHearing this, Nathan''s face turned ashen, and he quickly inquired, "What''s happened to Mmommy?"


    Nurse Athena shook her head at them before replying to the caller, "Okay, okay, I understand now."


    After she hung up, Athena turned to report, "Mr. Morgan just called. This afternoon, the elevator in our building malfunctioned and fell all the way from the 16th floor..."


    At this rming news, Mia burst into tears, her little face turning bright red with fright.


    "What''s wrong with Mmommy?" Nathan tugged at Athena, urgently asking, "Did something happen to Mmommy?"


    "No, no..." Athena hastily shook her head.


    "Everyone calm down, let Athena finish talking," Noah immediately soothed his younger siblings, pressing on, "Was Mommymom in the elevator when it fell?"


    "Get the story straight, Athena, and tell it properly," urged Ss.


    Athena hurried to exin, "When the elevator fell, your motherSadie wasn''t inside, but one of her friends was. Luckily, the elevator got stuck on the 3rd floor. The individual inside has just lost consciousness. There are no life-threatening injuries, and Mr. Morgan has already transported her to the hospital. The person inside just passed out, there''s no life-threatening injury, and they were already taken to the hospital by Mr. Morgan."


    "That''s a relief."


    Ss let out a sigh of relief, then recalled Micah''s instructions.


    ''Had Micah been aware of the incident beforehand, prompting his insistence on the children staying with me temporarily? These three children and their mother show no signs of apetitive nature, so who could possibly want to harm them?''


    Ss breathed a sigh of relief and then remembered Micah''s instruction. Had Micah already known about the incident, which is why he insisted on having the kids stay with him temporarily?


    These three children and their mother didn''t seem to have any kind ofpetitive streak, so who would want to harm them?


    Regardless, ensuring the children''s safety was the right move. If anything happened to them, their grandfather would never forgive him once he woke up.


    Considering this, Ss hastily reassured the children, "Kids, since it''s not safe at home right now, you''ll stay at Grandpa''s house for a while. I''ll send someone to pick up your mom to make sure she''s safe." "That''s our only option," Noah said, trying to dial his mom''s number without sess. With a worried frown, he said, "Ss, I''m worried about Mommy.mom; Please, send someone to find her immediately."


    "Of course, no problem," Ss affirmed as he dialed on his phone, "What''s your mom''s name? I''ll have someone look for her right now."


    "I¡ª..."


    Before Noah could speak, Mia blurted out eagerly, "My mommy''s name is Sadie!"


    Before Noah could speak, Mia blurted out eagerly.


    Ss paused mid-dial, his eyes widening in shock as he stared at Mia., "You said... Sadie?"


    "Yes!" Mia nodded earnestly., "Sadie!"


    Ss was utterly stunned. Suddenly, everything fell into ce. He finallyprehended why Micah had been adamant about taking the children home, why he had visited the castle to see his grandfather, why he had been so insistent on keeping the kids close...


    Their mother was Sadie! Ss waspletely stunned. Now he understood why Micah had insisted on taking the children home, why heter visited the castle to see their grandfather, why he made sure the kids stayed close by... Their mother was Sadie!


    "Ss, what''s wrong?" Noah asked, unsettled, watching Ss. He had hesitated to reveal his mother''s name because she had instructed them to keep her identity secret.


    But while he was still hesitating, Mia had already said their mother''s name...


    He didn''t interfere because the most dangerous moment had arrived; ensuring SadieMommy''s safety was of utmost importance. He couldn''t concern himself with much else right now.

 Chapter 471 The Young Brats Who Haven’t Grown Up Yet

    "It''s nothing..." Ss'' feelings were mixed as he looked at the three children, his mind racing with a bold guess, "What''s your dad''s name?"


    He never imagined Sadie had kids. But could these three children be Micah''s own flesh and blood? If so, why would Micah treat them so coldly, with such a sense of distance? Moreover, they appeared frightened of Micah. However, if they weren''t, considering Micah''s typical inability to tolerate others, how could he ept them?He never imagined that Sadie had kids. But could these three children be Micah''s own flesh and blood? If so, why would Micah treat them so coldly, with such a sense of distance? Moreover, they seemed to be frightened of Micah.


    Yet if they weren''t, given Micah''s usual inability to tolerate others, how could he ept them?


    "I... I don''t know," Mia murmured, her head lowered, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt a pang of hurt every time someone asked about her father. She feared being ridiculed for not having a father."I... I don''t know..." Mia lowered her head, tears streaming down, feeling hurt every time someone asked about the name of their daddy. She feared beingughed at for being a child without a father.


    "Ss, why are you asking this?" Nathan frowned unhappily., "Do you, like everyone else, think that because we only have Mommy and no Daddy, we''re iplete?"


    "No, no, no, I didn''t mean that at all!" Ss hurriedly exined, "ISs just thought your dad might be someone I know, that''s why Ihe asked. ISs was wrong and; Ss apologizes to you! Sorry, can you please not be mad at mess?" "Okay, I forgive you." Children weare always simple, so Nathan epted his apology right away.


    "Ss, about the topic of Daddy, please don''t bring it up again," Noah said seriously, "We only have Mommy."


    "Alright, I understand." Ss felt guilty, realizing he had inadvertently touched the children''s fragile hearts.


    "I''m going to send someone to protect your mMommy right now, don''t worry." Ss promptly made arrangements while pondering the identity of the children''s father. Yet, he knew this wasn''t the moment to dwell on it.Ss immediately made arrangements and at the same time pondered who the children''s father could be. However, now wasn''t the time to dwell on it.


    Because of thean incident at the house on Blissful Lane 1, Ss didn''t take the three little ones home but instead brought them to Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s French garden vi in the northern suburbs.


    The children''s clothes and belongings were all purchased new, and three doctors and nurses, Athena, Cam, and Sienna, came along to take care of them.


    After settling everything, Ss rushed to the hospital. Before he left, he specifically instructed the staff to take good care of the children.


    The staff, having met the children on a prior visit and knowing how much Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa valued them, naturally did not dare to neglect them.


    Ss instructed the children to stay put and assured them they could bide their time without worry. If they got bored, they could ask the staff to take them for a stroll in the garden, or they could go horseback riding or swimming. All they needed to do was to let the housekeeper Brenda know about their ns.


    However, the children''s main concern was the safety of Sadie.


    Ss promised them he would contact Sadie as soon as possible and make sure she was brought to safety.


    The children were then able to rx.


    Once Ss got in the car, he contemted calling Micah to discuss Sadie''s situation. But then, he considered that Micah might have intentionally kept Sadie''s rtionship with the children a secret, and it would be better not to reveal anything at this juncture.


    He decided to wait until Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa woke up to settle everything.


    Meanwhile, in a Rolls-Royce Phantom...,


    Micah was on the phone with Nick.


    It took a long time for Nick to answer, and when he did, his voice came outzily.waszy, "Hello?"


    "What are you trying to do?" Micah demanded, struggling to contain his anger. "Sadie has nothing to do with our dispute. Why did you take her?"


    "I can''t see FatherGrandpa because of you, so I had to resort to this," Nick said with a tone of helplessness. "Even though he passed the inheritance to you, the rest of the assets haven''t been willed yet. You have no right to keep me from seeing him!"


    "So, you can hardly wait for Grandpa to pass, is that it?" Micah retorted coldly. "Uncle Nick, you already have plenty. Don''t get too greedy."


    "How ridiculous," Nick scoffed mockingly. "All of this should have been mine!"


    "Your father passed away early, and I''ve been managing everything in the family. I deserve credit and have borne much hardship, and just because I''m a daughter, yet FatherGrandpa would rather pass the inheritance to you¡ªan immature brat than to me. Why?!"

 Chapter 472 The Clemens Family Temper

    "That''s something you''ll have to ask Grandpa," Micah replied, unaffected. "Perhaps Grandpa thought I was more suitable to take over his role, which is why he passed the inheritance to me on my 16th birthday. It''s been ten years. Are you still


    holding on to this?"


    "I had let go, but you dared to mess with n. Don''t me me for not being nice," Nick''s tone turned icy.


    "That was n''s own doing," Micah shot back.


    "Ah, I almost forgot because of you," Nick chuckled sinisterly. "You and n got along fine as kids, but to see ite to this over Sadie... I''m curious to see what kind of beauty she is.""Oh, and you had me forgetting," Nick said with a sinisterugh. "You and n got along fine as kids, but to have ite to this over Sadie, I want to see what sort of beauty she is!"


    "Don''t mess this up..."


    "That depends on my mood," Nick replied coldly with augh. "You know I have a temper. If Sadie makes me unhappy, there''s no telling what I might do."


    "Are you threatening me?" Micah was furious.


    "You were the one who threatened me first," Nick said with a coldugh. "When you finallye around and let me see FatherGrandpa, I''ll naturally release Sadie!"


    With that, Nick hung up...


    Micah stood seething, his face ashen with fury, well aware of Nick''s vtile temperament. Nick was decisive and ruthless-traits all toomon in the Clemens family. If Sadie had said anything to upset Nick, Micah feared he might actually do something drastic.


    "Mr. Clemens Micah, don''t worry," Andrew said cautiously, trying to offer somefort. "Rn''s already on the case, looking for Nick''s whereabouts. As soon as Rn finds a lead, we''ll act immediately to rescue Miss RothSadie." Micah didn''t respond, only gazed downward, lost in thought. The ultra-thin phone in his hand spun continuously, signaling his restless anxiety.


    In previous shes with Nick, Micah had always maintainedposure, but this time, fear crept into his heart. The mere thought of Sadie being in danger unsettled him.


    Andrew, who had never seen Micah like this, tentatively suggested, "Why not let your uncle Nick see him? Your Ggrandfather''s awake now, and the hospital''s full of our people. HeNick couldn''t do much anyway."


    "That''s not the point," Micah said, furrowing his brow. "The point is, if Ipromise now, there won''t be any need for the fight that follows."


    "So what do we do?" Andrew asked.


    "We wait," Micah said, gripping his phone tight. "Let Rn send me all the leads; I want to investigate this personally."


    "Understood."


    Sadie woke to find herself in a delicately furnished room, utterly alone. Recalling the events before she lost consciousness, she realized she was in danger. She attempted to sit up quickly but fell back onto the bed as dizziness overwhelmed her Cradling her head, Sadie struggled to calm down and surveyed her surroundings.


    The room was elegant, indistinguishable from a hotel''s guest room. She was still in her white cotton dress, her hair disheveled.


    Aside from the vertigo, she felt no other injuries or difort.


    Who could''ve brought her to this ce?


    These people didn''t seem like unrted criminals; otherwise, she wouldn''t still be safe for the moment.


    Could it be Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s men?


    Or was it the LuminexLingston family?


    Lost in conjecture, Sadie was startled as the door suddenly opened and two maids entered, pushing a serving cart. "Where am I? Who are you?" Sadie asked, propping herself up despite her weakness.

 Chapter 473 Mysterious Woman

    Sadie tried asking the maids a question, but they woman didn''t respond. Instead, tshey just set the dinner on the table, gave Sadie a bow, and left.


    "Wait..." Sadie called out, hoping to stop her. But she had no strength in her body, and the maids walked out, closing the door behind themr without saying a single word from start to finish.


    Sadie rushed to the door to open it but found it was locked from the outside and wouldn''t budge. She pounded on the door, shouting, "Hello? Let me out, let me out!"


    But there was no response.


    She twisted the doorknob with all her might, but it was no use. Defeated, Sadie ran to the window and looked down, only to be stunned by what she saw.


    It was an odd-looking house; she surmised she was about ten stories high. There were no balconies, no AC units, nothing to climb down just a tall, imposing stone wall that gave off the vibe of a ssic European castle. A jump from the window would undoubtedly be fatal.


    If her captor didn''t release her, she wouldhad have no chance of escape.


    Who could have locked her in this ce?


    Sadie turned to examine the food on the crystal dining table: an exquisite French mealplete with foie gras, escargot, steak, bread, fruit sd, and a bottle of wine...


    She sniffed the wine; it was a limited edition from a Bordeaux winery in France, specifically catered to women...


    It seemed her kidnapper was a woman.


    Could it be Amelia?


    No, Ameliacked this kind of elegance. If it had been her, Sadie probably would''ve been bruised all over by now, not sitting here unharmed, enjoying a gourmet meal.


    Sadie scanned the room for clues, noting the genuine old European masterpieces adorning the walls and the antique vases tucked into the corners. The refined ambiance of the guest room, repurposed as a holding ce for hostages, hinted


    at the sophistication and nobility of its owner.Sadie searched the room for clues. She could tell the paintings on the walls were genuine old European masterpieces and even the vases in the corners were antique. A guest room used as a holding ce for hostages that was this refined indicated that the owner was someone sophisticated and noble.


    But who was she?


    Sadie racked her brain but realized she didn''t know anyone like this.


    Looking at the food before her, she had no appetite, her thoughts fixated on her three babies and Brenda, wondering how they were doing...


    She searched the room and quickly found her phone, an unexpected surge of relief hitting her. Frantically, she tried calling Micah, only to find there was no signal.


    She removed the SIM card, re-inserted it, and tried everything, but still, nothing worked.


    Sadie slumped onto the bed, overwhelmed with despair, not knowing what to do...


    Meanwhile, Micah diligently searched for Nick''s whereabouts, but thus far, he hade up empty-handed. Meanwhile, Micah was diligently searching for Nick''s whereabouts, but so far, he wasing up empty.


    At the hospital, Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa was alternating between lucidity and deep slumber. The Clemens family hadpletely locked down information, ensuring no one outside knew of his condition.


    The LuminexLingston''s family was deeply concerned because Nelson Naomi was originally supposed to return that week, but now with Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s ident, he dared not leave. He also couldn''t visit Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa, so he stayed put in their Newark home, waiting for Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa to wake up.


    Amelia, who had witnessed Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s copse into unconsciousness, was terrified at first but had be unusually calm in the days following the incident. She went about her work and waited patiently for any news.


    Micah was still locked in a standoff with Nick, or more urately, they were both waiting to see who would buckle under the pressure first.


    If Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa woke up before Sadie returned, then Nick would lose his chance to y any dirty tricks. And if Micah gave in before his grandfather awoke, then it would mean a loss for Micah... On the third day after Sadie was confined, Nick showed up.


    "I thought Micah loved you, but it seems I might have been wrong."


    A cold and arrogant woman''s voice suddenly echoed from the room.


    Startled, Sadie leapt from her bed and demanded into the thin air, "Who are you? Why am I locked up in here?"


    "You don''t seem very bright." The woman''s voice sneered. "Do you want to get out?"


    "Yes," Sadie replied, looking around the room for the source of the voice. She quickly spotted a camera in the corner of the ceiling.


    All of Sadie''s actions within the room over the past three days had been observed by that woman.


    "Want to get out? Then behave..." the woman said coldly and then the voice cut off. Soon after, the door to the room opened.

 Chapter 474 Threat

    Several tall men with menacing looks entered the room.


    Sadie stepped back in rm and asked, "What do you want?"


    The men didn''t say a word; they just moved toward her with expressionless faces...


    Sadie grabbed a vase nearby and threw it at them, but one of the men caught it effortlessly.


    In an instant, the man pounced on her like a predator...


    "Help, someb"


    Before Sadie could cry out, the man threw her down on the bed and pulled out a belt,shing her fiercely.


    Sadie screamed in pain as she tried to fight back, but she was quickly pinned down by another man who tied her hands and feet to the bed. He watched with excitement as she writhed in agony.


    Another man with a camera stood by,ughing wickedly.


    The man with the belt continued to strike with full force...


    Sadie''s clothes were soon torn by the blows of the belt, and amidst her screams and cries for help, no one came to her rescue.Sadie''s clothes were soon torn from the blows of the belt, and she continued to scream and cry for help, but no one came to her rescue.


    In another room, Nicky with his eyes closed, sprawledfortably on the bed, enjoying a Thai essential oil massage.


    Sadie''s screams were music to hiser ears; she seemed to revel in the sensation. Throughout the ordeal, she never once nced at Sadie, but instead issuedmands with a detached air, "Send the video to Micah." "Yes!" Hisher assistant Selina promptly sent it.


    Soon Nick''s phone rang, and the assistant hurriedly announced, "It''s Micah calling."


    Nick gestured, prompting the assistant to answer the phone and activate the speakerphone.Nick gestured, the assistant answered the phone, and switched on the speakerphone.


    "Nick Clemens, I''m going to kill you!" Micah''s enraged roar came through the phone, emanating a sharp threat.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk!" Nick mused nonchntly, "Micah, why so impatient? This is nothing yet. The next video''s going to be even more entertaining..."


    "You dare?!" Micah''s voice was filled with killing intent, sounding like a man-eating lion ready to pounce through the phone.


    Nick chuckled softly. "The Clemens family, what''s there to be afraid of?"


    This time, Micah fell silent on the other end. After a few seconds, he finallypromised, "Release her, and I''ll let you meet Grandpa!"


    "That''s more like it." Nick''s lips curved into a satisfied smirk, and then hemanded imperiously, "Get them to stop immediately. That''s our dear Micah''s sweetheart. If anyone really harms her, I won''t let you off the hook." "Right away," His assistant, Selina, moved to intervene.


    In the room...


    Sadiey motionless on the bed, beaten to a pulp, her cries now hoarse.


    Meanwhile, the three men had already stripped down, ready to pounce...


    In the room, Sadie was beaten to a pulp, lying motionlessly on the bed with her cries turning hoarse.


    And those three men had already stripped, ready to pounce...


    Suddenly, the room door was kicked open, and Selina barked, "Stop!"


    "We''ve already stripped. Why not let the boys have some fun first?" The men were reluctant to stop just there.


    "Do you want to die?" Selinamanded, "She''s Micah''s woman. A lesson is enough. You think you can really touch her?"


    Hearing that Sadie was Micah''s woman, the men were terrified and quickly backed off.


    "Get out!" Selina snapped.


    "Yes!" The men scrambled away.


    Sadie, struggling, lifted her head to look at the woman at the door...


    "Micah haspromised for you, and our boss is very pleased," Selina said with a coldugh. "Don''t worry, I''ll arrange for a doctor to tend to your wounds right away. No one will harm you again." With that, Selina left.


    Sadiey weakly on the bed, her body growing heavier as darkness encroached on her vision until she finally passed out...


    Soon after, a female doctor, apanied by two nurses, entered to begin treating Sadie''s injuries.Sadiey weak on the bed, her body gradually bing heavy, darkness enveloping her vision, and soon she passed out... Before long, a female doctor apanied by two nurses walked in to start treating Sadie''s injuries.

 Chapter 475 Father-Son Communication

    Micah''s face contorted with rage, his eyes shing with killing intent as he gripped the phone, threatening to snap it in half.Micah''s face was twisted in rage, his eyes emitting a murderous intent, almost snapping the phone in half. "Calm down, Mr. Clemensicah," Andrew said hastily, trying to soothe him. "Even if your uncleNick is arrogant, he''ll consider your power. Maybe he''s just trying to scare you. He wouldn''t really do anything..." "He better not," Micah gritted his teeth. "If he dares toy a finger on Sadie, I swear I''ll kill him!"


    "Take it easy, take it easy," Andrew said cautiously, trying to keep the peace. "Rn just confirmed that your uncleNick isn''t in Newark. He must have taken her somewhere else. No wonder we couldn''t find her." Then, the ringing of the phone interrupted them¡ªit was Nick calling. "Don''t worry, she''s just got a few cuts and bruises. I''ve had a doctor treat her wounds."


    "This time, you''ve really crossed the line!" Micah''s voice was grim, each wordced with a threat.


    "Oh, worried now?" Nickughed coldly. "You weren''t so soft when you hit n."


    "Release her!" Micah did not want to waste words.


    "No problem," Nick replied briskly. "Tomorrow night at seven, meet me at the hospital entrance."


    "If anything happens to her, I''ll never forgive you," Micah warned again.


    "Rest assured, I''ve achieved my goal. There''s no need to trouble a woman further," Nick said indifferently. "But you''d better keep your promise. Otherwise, I have ways to torment Sadie." With that, Nick hung up...


    Micah was so angry his hands trembled.


    At that moment, Rn came to report the situation, and Micah''s fist connected solidly with his face.


    With a muffled "thump," Rn fell to the ground, his nose and mouth bleeding profusely.


    "Mr. ClemensMicah, please!" Andrew implored, stepping in to mediate. "Rn''s been looking into it."


    Rn climbed up from the ground, head hung low, not daring to breathe too loudly.


    "Didn''t I tell you to have someone protect Sadie? How could she still get kidnapped?" Micah roared, fuming.


    "I did exactly as you ordered, I had n and his team covertly watching Miss Roth Sadie," Rn exined, ashamed. "They found out the elevator had been tampered with and managed to get it fixed in time. It got stuck on the 3rd floor without falling. It''s because of that her friend was spared from disaster.


    "n and his team were worried about those three kids getting into trouble at home after the elevator incident so they went to investigate that first. It was just during those few minutes while they were away that someone snatched Miss RothSadie..."


    Rn admitted, remorsefully, "It''s my fault, Mr. Clemens Micah. Please, punish me as you see fit.," Rn admitted, remorsefully.


    "Get out!" Micah bellowed.


    Rn walked away with his head still low, silently withdrawing.


    Andrew wanted to say somethingforting, but he was too frightened to speak up.


    At that moment, the maid came over with a decanter of red wine. U, and upon seeing the look on Micah''s face, she trembled uncontrobly, nearly spilling the wine.


    Micah scowled, about to lose his temper, when his phone rang abruptly. It was Ss calling.


    Micah held back his anger and answered the phone, "Hello?"


    "Micah, sorry to disturb you. On behalf of those three kids, I wanted to inquire about their mom''s situation. Since the incident in the elevator the other day, their mom has been out of touch. I''ve sent people to look for her, but there''s no sign. The kids have been staying over at your grandfatherGrandpa''s ce.


    "They''re safe and have everything they need, but they''re worried sick about their mom. They can''t eat well and they can''t sleep well. Right now, Mia''s crying her eyes out, and Noah asked me to get in touch with you, so..."" They''re safe and have everything they need, but they''re worried sick about their mom, can''t eat well, can''t sleep well. Right now, Mia''s crying her eyes out, and Noah asked me to get in touch with you, so..."


    Ss spoke cautiously. He knew that Micah had been in a foul mood these past few days. He hadn''t wanted to make the call, but he couldn''t turn down the persistent pleas of the three children, so he braved it.


    "Tell them their mom is fine and will be back in a couple of days," Micah murmured.


    "Right..." Ss didn''t get to finish before a child''s voice came through. "Ss, please let me talk to him."

 Chapter 476 A Conversation Between Two Men

    "Uh, well..." Ss hesitated, then asked cautiously, "Micah, Noah wants to talk to you for a bit, is that okay?"


    "What does a kid have to talk about..."


    "Hello, you''re there!"


    Micah''s dismissive remark was interrupted by a child''s voice, poised yet polite, and he instinctively responded, "Hello."


    "I''m Noah, Sadie Roth''s oldest son." Despite Noah''s youthful voice, he carried an innate sense of authority. "I want to have a man-to-man conversation with you about my mommy!" "Hah!" Micahughed, finding himself unable to maintain his anger upon hearing that voice, "You, with me?"


    He found the idea childish. A kid wanting to have a man-to-man conversation with him?


    It was hard for him to imagine what the child wanted to say.


    "Yes, you and me," came Noah''s calm andposed reply.


    "And me too," Nathan chimed in suddenly. "Noah, I want toe along!"


    "I want to go too..."


    When Mia spoke, Micah couldn''t help but picture her cuddling a baby bottle, looking adorable.


    "Cut it out, you guys," Noah whispered sternly, then continued speaking to Micah, "Sorry, Nathan and Mia are just really worried about Mommy. How about tonight at eight?" "Fine, I''ll have Ss bring you over," Micah said.


    Suddenly, Micah was eager to find out what this kid wanted to tell him.


    "Thanks!" Noah handed the phone over to Ss. "Mr. Clemens has something he wants to say to you."


    Taking the phone, Ss heard Micah instruct, "Ss, bring that kid over here."


    "Okay, I''ll arrange it right away."


    After hanging up, Ss immediately told Noah, "Noah, I''ll have the caregiversdoctor and nurse get you changed into fresh clothes. I''ll see you downstairs in half an hour." "Alright."


    Meanwhile, the rage simmering within Micah was quelled by the voices of children, and he began to think calmly...On the other hand, the rage boiling within Micah was extinguished by the voices of children, and he began to think calmly... Nick''s goal was to fight for the inheritance, and now all the initiative was in his hands. At this point, Nick wouldn''t dare touch Sadie.


    The n for tomorrow night was to first secure Sadie and the child in a safe area, then Micah could deal with Nick, that crazy woman, at his leisure.


    With this in mind, Micah immediately got Andrew to make the arrangements.


    In about a half hour''s drive, Ss arrived with Noah.


    Noah was dressed in a sharp, little ck suit. Despite his petite stature, he stood ramrod straight, his handsome andposed young face bearing an expression of responsibility.Noah was dressed in a sharp little ck suit. Though petit, he stood ramrod straight, with a handsome andposed young face that carried an expression of responsibility.


    Therge study room, with its cool-toned decor, added a sense of seriousness to the atmosphere.


    Micah, legs crossed, sat on the sofa, looking at Noah across from him, and felt an inexplicable stirring in his heart. He was reminded of himself at six years old, negotiating with his grandfatherGrandpa just like this.


    That night, in just a short ten-minute conversation, his grandfatherGrandpa had decided that one day he would pass the right of inheritance to him.


    And now, as he sat across from someone else''s child, a strange warmth surged within him as they prepared to discuss matters.


    "Kid, want something to drink?"


    Andrew remembered Noah well. That time at the kindergarten, the child had retorted so sharply that he was left speechless.


    "You can call me by my name. I''m Noah!"


    Noah nced up at him, his expression polite yet carrying a gaze reminiscent of Micah''s intensity.Noah looked up at him, polite but with a gaze that had a simr force to Micah''s.


    "Alright." Andrew''s face flushed with embarrassment as he quickly corrected himself. "Mr. Noah, what would you like to drink?"


    "Nothing, thanks." Noah turned to look at Micah, though he was speaking to Andrew, "Could you give us a moment? I''d like to talk to Mr. Clemens alone."


    "Uh..." Andrew looked at Micah for guidance.


    Micah smirked and nodded slightly.

 Chapter 477 Bound to Achieve Greatness

    Andrew quietly stepped out, and the staff quickly followed suit after setting down some juice and desserts.


    As the door closed, Ss, who was waiting outside, craned his neck to peer inside and whispered to Andrew, "What''s going on?"As the door closed, Ss, waiting outside, craned his neck trying to peer inside, and whispered to Andrew, "What''s going on?"


    "Mr. Noah asked me to step aside for a bit," Andrew said, stifling augh. "This kid''s got guts! If it weren''t for..." He almost blurted out that if he hadn''t already known the boy was Mason''s flesh and blood, he might have mistaken him for Micah''s own son.


    "Haha! Of course, Mr. Clemens Sr.Grandpa adores him." Ss chuckled., "This kid is sure to make something of himself!"


    "I''m really curious about what the kid wants to tell Mr. Clemensicah.," Andrew''s curiosity was piqued.


    "It''s probably something about his mom," Ss said with some emotion. "It''s not easy, a child only three and a half years old already taking on so much responsibility... Hey, what are you doing?"


    Andrew pressed his ear against the door to eavesdrop on the conversation inside.


    "What do you want to tell me?" Micah swirled his drink and looked across with a hint of amusement at the serious little figure.


    "Are you my mommy''s boyfriend?" Noah sat up straight on the couch, spine rigid.


    Micah raised an eyebrow in surprise., "Did your mommy tell you that?"


    "She didn''t say anything," Noah shook his head, guessing. "But every time she brings you up, her eyes flicker, and she gets all awkward, sometimes even shy."


    "Oh..." Micah pictured Sadie, nervous and bashful, based on Noah''s description. She never could hide her feelings; they were always transparent."Oh..." As Noah described, an image of Sadie, nervous and bashful, formed in Micah''s mind. The woman never could hide her feelings; they were always transparent.


    "The person who moved in upstairs, that was you, right?" Noah continued.


    "How did you know?" Micah was intrigued. This kid was just three and a half, wasn''t he? It had taken Micah until six to reach this level of smarts.


    "Ever since someone moved in upstairs, Mmommy has been making an extrarge breakfast every morning..." Noah analyzed rationally. "When we lived elsewhere, she used to give our neighbors gifts, but she wouldn''t put as much effort into it. Plus, I''ve seen your car downstairs, and several bodyguardsing and going, so I guessed it was you."


    "You''re quite smart!" Micah''s lips curled up into a smile as he poured Noah a ss of apple juice. "Your mommy makes apple juice for me all the time. You must like it too, right?"


    "Mia likes it." Noah nodded, exining, "Me and Nathan prefer grape juice, but grapes are expensive, and Mmommy rarely buys them, so we just drink apple juice with Mia."


    Micah remained silent, taken aback by the revtion that the woman he was seeing had to save money even on fruit.Micah didn''t respond; he had never known that the woman he was seeing had to save money even on fruit... He poured Noah a ss of grape juice.


    "Grapes are expensive, I can go without eating them, and we don''t need to buy toys if they are too pricey..." Noah looked at the grape juice, his voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "We used to be really poor, living in a tiny house, but we were happy."


    "What are you trying to say?" Micah looked at him intently.


    "Do you love her?" Noah asked seriously.


    Micah raised an eyebrow. "What do you know about love?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "Of course, I know," Noah answered earnestly. "To love someone means to protect, care for, and consider their feelings


    even when you''re fighting and angry, you wouldn''t want to hurt them!""Of course, I know," Noah answered earnestly.


    "To love someone means to protect her, care for her, and to consider her feelings even if you''re fighting and angry, you wouldn''t hurt her!"


    Micah fell silent. Throughout their time together, he had always shielded Sadie, looked after her, and shown consideration. Despite this, whenever they argued and tempers red, he still struggled to control his temper... Micah was silent. He had always protected Sadie, cared for her, and been considerate. Yet, every time they argued and got angry, he still struggled to control his temper...


    "asionally, my siblings and I slip up and upset Mommy. She scolds us and talks things out, but she''d never resort to hitting us, let alone causing harm. That''s love!" Noah nced at Micah, then straightened. "Do you know where my mom is?""Sometimes, my siblings and I mess up and make Mommy angry. She''ll tell us off, she''ll reason with us, but she would never hit us, let alone hurt us. That''s what love is!"


    Noah looked directly at Micah, getting to the point, "Do you know where my mom is?"


    "Do you think I took her?"


    Micah was impressed by the child''s logical thinking; it was cleverly indirect but aimed at that very question.

 Chapter 478 Kiwi Allergy

    "The impression you give is pretty violent and domineering." Noah furrowed his brow, anxiously looking at him. "Did Mommy argue with you, so you locked her up?"


    "We didn''t argue, and even if we did, I wouldn''t lock her up."


    Micah thought,silently reflected; ''Tthis iwas the impression I havehe left on children... N, no wonder they awere all afraid of mehim.''


    "Then where is she now?" Noah persisted.


    "She''s in another city,ing back tomorrow night." Micah skillfully avoided the question. "Don''t worry, I won''t let anything happen to her."


    "Do you promise?" Noah was still not entirely reassured.


    "I promise." Micah''s lips curled into a half-smile; for some reason, he especially wanted to gain the child''s trust now.


    "That''s great!" Noah finally let out a sigh of relief. He picked up the ss of grape juice in front of him, took a few sips, and then politely said, "I should get going. Thank you for your hospitality!""That''s good!" Finally, Noah let out a sigh of relief, picked up the ss of grape juice in front of him, took a few sips, then set down the ss and politely said, "I should get going, thank you for your hospitality!"


    Despite his youth, Noah disyed remarkable manners, each action exuding a gentlemanly grace. This child, though young, was very well-mannered, every move full of gentlemanly grace.


    Micah, who was always proud and cool, was affected by him. He put down his drink, and stood up to see him off.: "Stay at Grandpa''s house with peace of mind, in a few days, your mom wille to get you."


    "Thank you," Noah said, bowing his head slightly. "I enjoyed our conversation today. I believe I should see you in a new light now.""Thank you!" Noah bowed his head in a little bow, "I enjoyed our talk today, I think I should see you in a new light now!"


    "Heh!" Micah chuckled. "The pleasure is mine!"


    Noah swung his short legs, sliding off the sofa.


    Micah instinctively reached to steady him.


    Hand in hand, they nced at each other, and unwittingly, smiles spread across their lips.Hand in hand, they looked at each other, and without realizing it, both their lips turned upwards into a smile. That smile moved Micah.


    For some reason, he suddenly felt an inexplicable tenderness towards the child...


    "Goodbye!" Noah turned and left.


    The study''s door swung open, and Ss nodded at Micah before leading, then led Noah away.


    Micah stood in the second-floor hallway, watching them until they were out of sight.


    As Noah stepped out of the main hall, he turned back and waved at Micah.


    Micah waved back almost reflexively.


    After Noah had gone, Micah''s gaze returned to normal, only to find Andrew and a few attendants staring at him with wide eyes, amazed.


    They had been with Micah for ten years and had never seen him this friendly with anyone, .


    Eespecially a kid.


    What was going on today?


    Micah''s expression hardened once again as he turned and walked back into the study.


    Andrew came in, curiosity piquing him., "Mr. Clemensicah, what were you and the kid talking about?"


    "Busybody.," Micah shot him a cold look, ready to get back to work.


    The butler came rushing in, anxiously saying, "Mr. ClemensMicah, you didn''t drink that grape juice, did you?"


    "No, why?" Micah asked.


    "Good, you didn''t drink it." The butler sighed with relief. "The new maid, while preparing the grape juice, found the grapes too sour and decided to add some kiwi. Unfortunately, she wasn''t aware of your kiwi allergy. I immediately rushed over to ensure you hadn''t consumed any. It truly frightened me.""The new maid, when she made the grape juice, thought the grapes were too sour and added some kiwi. She didn''t know you''re allergic to kiwi¡ªI was worried you might have had some, so I came right over to check. Scared me to death."


    "That''s fortunate heI didn''t." Andrew scolded, "The new maid needs proper training, make it clear to her."


    "Yes!, yes, yes," Tthe butler nodded vigorously. "I''ve already called a meeting with them, I''ll make sure they get the details right, and this won''t happen again."


    "Go on," Andrew gestured with his hand.


    The butler tidied things up, bowed his head, and left.


    Micah settled at his desk, ready to process some documents, when Ss''s sudden call came through.: "Micah, did little Noah eat anything while he was with you?"


    "He had some juice, what about it?" Micah picked up a pen to sign a document.


    "Little Noah just got in the car, and soon after, he started feeling unwell, threw up a lot of green liquid, and his face and neck are covered with red rashes..." Ss was frantic. "Micah, whatever grievances you may have, don''t take it out on the child. Your grandfather Grandpa adores him., i If something happened to him¡ª..."


    "It''s a kiwi allergy!, Gget him to the hospital immediately!" Micah cut off Ss,manding with urgency.

 Chapter 479 DNA Testing

    Ss paused for a moment, then quickly responded, "Right, I''m taking him to the hospital now." "Go to Dahlia''s hospital Peace Hospital, I''m on my way."


    As Micah spoke, he strode quickly outside, and Ss immediately had the driver prepare the car. "Yes."


    After hanging up, Ss hurried to the driver, "To Dahlia''s hospital Peace Hospital."


    Micah returned to his room, changed into a fresh set of clothes quickly, and then called Dahlia as he was heading downstairs. "There''s a kid with a food allergy, on the way to your hospital. Be at the entrance waiting." "It''s ...?"


    "That''s Sadie''s kid. You handle it personally."


    "Understood."


    After ending the call, Micah got into his car, and Andrew hurried after him with the security detail in tow. They sped toward Dahlia''s hospitalTender Heart Hospital.


    On the road, Andrew asked with a puzzled expression, "It''s strange. Why is that kid allergic to kiwis, just like you?"


    Micah said nothing, his brow furrowed with a look of grave concern.


    "Could it be..." Andrew had a bold hypothesis but hesitated to speak it aloud.


    "Drive faster," Micah urged.


    "Yes!" The driver elerated.


    "Go check on those three kids'' birth dates and blood types," Micah suddenly instructed Andrew.


    "Right away!" Andrew immediately arranged for someone to investigate.


    Just then, Micah''s phone rang, and he answered it promptly. "Ss!"


    "Micah, we''re at Dahlia''s hospital Peace Hospital now, and Dahlia is treating the child," Ss sounded anxious. "There''s an issue at your grandfatherGrandpa''s, and he wants me there. When will you arrive?" "Five minutes out. You go ahead," Micah said.


    "I''m worried..." Ss'' voice trembled, "Your grandfatherGrandpa really loves these three kids, especially Noah. If anything happens to that child, my old bones won''t be spared!"


    "I wouldn''t go so far as to harm a child. You''re overthinking it."


    Micah caught the undertone in Ss''s words.


    "That''s good, that''s good," Ss finally exhaled in relief but couldn''t help but caution, "Micah, I''m heading over, will be back soon."


    "Go," Micah replied impatiently, finding Ss overly talkative.


    But Micah could also sense how much his grandfatherGrandpa cherished those three kids, to the point that Ss felt his own life might be endangered if anything happened to them...


    It''s true that elders generally hadve a soft spot for children, and these three were indeed adorable. But Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa was no ordinary elder, nor was it his first encounter with kidslittle ones... Micah''s grandfatherGrandpa''s affection for these three kids was extraordinary.


    Micah had always thought his grandfatherGrandpa was bing more sentimental with age, but now a sudden realization dawned on him: could it be due to blood rtions?


    This thought shed through his mind, stirring his emotions...


    At that moment, Dahlia called back, and he answered immediately, "How is it?"


    "It''s just amon food allergy, nothing serious. The child has been given a shot and is now asleep," Dahlia whispered. "However, he''s not sleeping well and keeps calling out for his mothermommy. Is something wrong with Sadie again?" "It''s nothing..." Micah deflected, instructing in a low voice, "Can you do a DNA test over there?"


    Dahlia paused, then quickly responded, "Yes, we can."


    "I need one for me and the kid."


    As Micah spoke, he pulled up at the hospital entrance, got out of the car quickly, and headed upstairs. "Alright."


    Dahlia took a blood sample from Noah while he was sleeping and then went to Micah to do the same. "Handle it personally and report back to me. I''ll be waiting here," Micah said solemnly.


    "Yes." Taking both samples, Dahlia went to theb.


    Andrew, sSeeing Micah''s serious demeanor, Andrew couldn''t help but feel nervous.

 Chapter 480 You Menace, Ill Take You Down

    Micah checked the time. It was 10:30 p.m. The results should be back before Sadie returned.


    He buttoned his cuffs and stood up to walk towards the children''s ward.


    Through the transparent ss window, Micah observed Noah lying in the hospital bed. An IV needle was inserted in his hand, and his handsome young face was reddened with a rash, his brows furrowed tightly even in sleep... Through the transparent ss window, Micah saw little Noah lying in the hospital bed, an IV needle inserted in his hand, his handsome young face reddened with a rash, brows furrowed tightly even in sleep... "Mommy..." Noah suddenly murmured as if in a dream.


    Micah quickly entered the room, stood by the bed, watching Noah''s restless distress, feeling an urge tofort him but uncertain how to proceed.


    "Mommy will be back soon, don''t be scared."


    Nurse Athena rushed in, took Noah''s hand, and gently patted his chest. "Mommy will be back soon, don''t be scared."


    Noah soon calmed down and drifted back to sleep.


    Micah breathed a sigh of relief and ordered Athena, "Stay with him here."


    "Understood." Athena squatted by the bed, quietly keepingpany with Noah.


    However, Micah''s tall figure loomed imposingly beside them, making Athena feel nervous, even a bit shaky.


    Micah nced at Noah once more before stepping out.


    "Mr. Clemens Micah!" At that moment, Andrew approached hastily with a phone in hand, "Take a look!"


    Micah took the phone and saw the information about the three children that Rn had sent.


    The children had type A blood, different from his own.


    His heart chilled at the sight. However, upon examining their birthdates, he found they aligned with the timeline. Sadie would have conceived after their night together four years ago...His heart chilled at the sight, but then he looked at their birthdates, and they matched the timeline. Sadie would have gotten pregnant after their night together four years ago...


    Nevertheless, this wasn''t conclusive evidence. The only reliable means for Micah to make an urate judgment was through the DNA test results. But still, this wasn''t conclusive proof.


    The only thing Micah could rely on for an urate judgment was the DNA test results.


    Micah was beside himself with impatience, wishing he could get confirmation immediately. Considering this, he instructed Andrew, "Can you find out what blood types Sadie and Mason have?¡±


    "Rn already checked," Andrew replied. "Mason has type O blood, and Miss RothSadie has type A blood."


    Andrew handed the information to Micah, who took a quick nce and felt even more conflicted. It seemed that all three children had inherited Sadie''s blood type, making it difficult to determine who their father really was. Micah gazed at Noah on the hospital bed and felt a strong intuition that the child was his own flesh and blood...


    "Whaaa... Noah..."


    As he was deep in thought, suddenly, a young girl''s tearful and cute voice came from outside.


    Micah turned around to see the two caregiverstwo doctors and a nurse walking in with Nathan and Mia.


    !Nathan''s brow furrowed in distress as he clutched a toy gun in his arms, angrily pointing it at Micah. "You big bully! You bullied my mommy and Noah! I''m gonna get you!"Nathan''s brow was furrowed in distress, and he clutched a toy gun in his arms, angrily pointing it at Micah, "You big bully, you bullied my mom and Noah, I''m gonna get you!"


    "Hey, hey, take it easy," Sienna swiftly stepped in, attempting to soothe him. "Nathan, didn''t we discuss this before we arrived? No temper tantrums, no anger-let''s just assess the situation first.""Hey, hey, easy," Sienna quickly stepped in front, trying to calm him down. "Nathan, didn''t we agree before we came? No temper tantrums, no getting angry, let''s just figure out the situation first."


    "Sienna, step aside," Nathan shouted, full of fury. "I''m going to get this bad guy!"


    "Bad guy, bad guy!" Coco screeched in Nathan''s arms, pping its wings.


    "Bad person, bad person, big bad person¡ª"


    Mia screamed and rushed forward, hammering Micah''s legs with her chubby little fists. Micah didn''t feel the soft punches at all.


    Seeing that Micah had no reaction, Mia then wrapped her arms around his leg and bit down on it fiercely...


    Micah stared in bewilderment. Fear had never gripped him before, yet confronting this fierce little creature left him utterly clueless about what to do!Micah looked on in bewilderment. He was never afraid of anything, but faced with this fierce little creature, he truly had no idea how to handle her!


    "Ouch, my little bundle of trouble."


    Cam hurried over and tried to pull Mia away, but Mia clung to Micah''s leg and wouldn''t let go. Like a feisty little kitten, she wrapped her legs around his, holding on to his thigh and biting fiercely...

 Chapter 481 Big Bad Bully

    ''Strange, why iwasn''t this bully flinching from pain? Not even a grunt?''


    Mia looked up at Micah, her clear big eyes filled with rage, and her little face turned bright red.


    Micah bent down and reached out, gently lifting her up as if she were a fragile chick, suspended in mid-air.Micah bent down, reached out, and twisted her up. Holding her like a little chick, suspended in mid-air. "Let me go, let me go!"


    Mia, scared and trembling, believed he intended to harm her, her little legs kicking wildly in the air. Then, with a pout, she burst into loud tears.Mia, thinking he was going to harm her, was scared and shaking, her little legs kicking wildly in the air. Then, with a pout, she burst into loud tears.


    "Let go of Mia!" Nathan urgently fired his toy gun at Micah.


    The peas-sized stic bullets hit Micah in the leg, and they actually stung a bit more than Mia''s small bite earlier.


    "Stop!" At that moment, several bodyguards hurried over, just in time to see Micah being "bullied" by the youngster. They rushed toward them.


    Nathan immediately aimed his toy gun at them, trying to scare them off, but one bodyguard snatched the toy gun from his hands.


    "Give it back!" Nathan eximed, his agitation palpable. He would have jumped up if his broken leg hadn''t restrained him; he was on the verge of pouncing."Give it back!" Nathan was so agitated he nearly jumped up, if it hadn''t been for his broken leg, he would have pounced by now.


    "Enough!" Micah barked.


    The other bodyguards quickly stepped aside and returned the toy gun to Nathan.


    "Nathan, be good, stop making trouble," Sienna pleaded urgently. "Mr. Clemens wouldn''t hurt Noah."


    "Then why did Noah get sick after visiting his ce and noting home?" Nathan red at Micah.


    Micah carried little Mia over, ced her beside Nathan, and then crouched down to look the two children in the eye, ready to exin...


    Suddenly, Nathan swung his little fist and punched him right in the nose...


    It didn''t do much damage, but it was a huge insult.


    Micah closed his eyes, his brows tightly knit.


    The room fell into stunned silence as Nathan made an unexpected move. Micah, known for his pride and untouchable demeanor, had never faced such a tant insult before. Everyone was stunned; no one had expected Nathan to make such a


    move.


    Mr. Clemens, always so proud and untouchable, had never endured such an insult.


    Would he...


    "You are too insolent, kid!" aA bodyguard bellowed indignantly, reaching to grab Nathan. "Step back," Micah growled darkly.


    Reluctantly, the bodyguard stepped back.


    Everyone else was too frightened to even breathe, merely watching Micah with anxious uncertainty, including Andrew, who had just arrived. Upon witnessing the tense scene, he wordlessly raised his hand to his forehead, unsure of what action to take.Everyone else was too frightened to even breathe, just watching Micah with anxious uncertainty.


    Including Andrew, who had just arrived. Seeing this scene, he wordlessly put his hand to his forehead, at a loss for what to do.


    "You bullied my mommy and you bullied Noah. I won''t let you get away with this. Don''t think I can''t beat you just because I''m a kid. When I grow up, I''m going to pay you back double.," Nathan clenched his fist, seething in anger like a little lion.


    "Right!," said Mia, her little face turning bright red with anger. "You''re a bad man. I thought you had changed when you gave me a piggyback ridest time, but you''re still so mean. I''m going to fight you."


    With that, Mia lunged with her head, aiming to hit Micah in the chest...


    The little tyke had mustered all her strength, nearly knocking Micah to the ground.


    Micah was well-trained in martial arts and had a solid foundation, which prevented him from falling when he was shaken by the attacmotion. However, he felt incredibly frustrated. While he could swiftly dispatch fierce beasts or ruthless enemies, facing these two adorable children left him utterly at a loss. Facing fierce beasts or ruthless enemies, he could swiftly dispatch them, but now, in front of these three adorable children, he was utterly at a loss. Just then, his savior arrived.


    "Nathanoah, Mia!" came Noah''s weak voice,ced with the authority of an older brother, "Stop it!"


    Micah turned around and spotted Noah, who had somehow mustered the strength to rise from his bed.


    He was slowly dragging his IV stand toward the doorway, his small face pale and his expression fatigued.Micah turned and saw Noah, who had somehow managed to get out of bed. Dragging his IV stand to the doorway, his little face was pale, and he looked exhausted. "Mr. Clemens didn''t hurt me. I had an allergic reaction because I identally drank juice with kiwifruit in it."


    "Noah..." Mia ran to him with her short legs and steadied him with concern. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"


    "It hurts a little." Noah sighed helplessly. "I wanted to sleep, but you all woke me up."


    "I''m so sorry, Noah," Nathan said apologetically as he wheeled over, worried. "I thought something happened to you. I was really concerned." "You should apologize to Mr. Clemens," Noah said, nodding at Micah.

 Chapter 482 Agreement Reached

    Nathan looked timidly at Micah, hesitating to speak. He felt he should apologize but found it difficult to start. At three and a half years old, Nathan had his pride.


    "That''s alright!" Micah spoke up generously, "Now go rest."


    He then instructed the three caregiversmedical staff, "Take good care of them."


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," they promptly responded, attending to the children.


    Micah nced at Noah, turned, and walked away, with Andrew following closely.


    Micah whispered an instruction to Andrew, who then ordered, "You all, ensure the kids'' safety."


    "Yes," the four bodyguards acknowledged.


    "Noah, Nathan, Mia, let''s go rest in the ward," one caregiver suggested.


    The medical team led the children into the ward.


    Outside, four bodyguards stood like statues, preventing any unauthorized individuals from approaching.


    "What are they doing?" Mia asked, frightened, hiding in Cam''s arms as she peered outside.


    "Don''t be scared. They''re here to protect you, sent by Mr. Clemens," Cam assured Mia.


    "Noah, is that Micah a bad guy?" Nathan asked, his brow furrowed with unease. "Did he take Mommy?""Noah, is that Micah a bad guy?" Nathan asked, brow furrowed with unease, "Did he take Mommy?"


    "I talked to him," Noah said wearily from his hospital bed. "He didn''t take Mommy. He said she''ll be back tomorrow night."


    "Really?" Nathan''s handsome little face lit up with a brilliant smile, his excitement evident.


    "That''s great." Mia pped her chubby hands with excitement. "We finally get to see Mommy."


    "Mommy, mommy!" Coco happily fluttered its wings.


    "Okay, Nathan and, Mia., Noah needs to rest now, so why don''t we also take a break?" Nurse Athena soothed Nathan and Mia. "There are two little beds right next to each other. You guys go to sleep first, and I''ll go make you some milk." "Did you bring my bottle?" Mia batted herrge, beautiful eyes expectantly. "And my alpaca baby?"


    "Everything''s here, don''t worry." Cam took their items out of a box.


    "I don''t want a bottle! I want to drink from a cup, I''m a big boy!" Nathan lowered his voice, careful not to disturb Noah.


    "Alright, alright, big boy, get into bed first."


    The three caregivernurses were busy taking care of the children.


    Meanwhile... On the other side,


    Micah went to theb, waiting on-site for Dahlia''s results.


    Andrew thought he was perhaps a bit too anxious but understood his urgent feelings. If these three children belonged to Micah, it would not only affirm the strength of his bond with Sadie but also resolve all theplications surrounding the Clemens family inheritance.If these three kids were Micah''s, it would mean not only that his rtionship with Sadie was more solid but also that all the issues with the Clemens family inheritance would be neatly settled! Andrew''s phone vibrated. He nced at it and said, "It''s Ss."


    "Don''t tell him about the DNA test," Micah instructed in a low voice.


    "Understood." Although Andrew didn''t understand why, heplied and answered the call, "Ss!"


    "Did the other two kids also go to Dahlia''s hospital Peace Hospital?" Ss asked.


    "Yes, they just arrived," Andrew replied. "They were yelling and hitting Mr. ClemensMicah, but thankfully heMicah didn''t take it to heart."


    "How could Micah take offense with three-year-old kids." Ss breathed a sigh of relief. "Those kids are extremely cute. The more he interacts with them, the more he will grow to like them."


    Andrew chuckled. "That''s true." Andrew chuckled.


    "I just got a call from Nick. HShe said she''sing to see his fatherGrandpa tonight," Ss''s tone suddenly became grave, "Does Micah know about this?"


    Andrew didn''t respond but handed the phone to Micah.


    "I know," Micah said calmly., "I''ll meet Nick at the hospital at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night and apany himer to see Grandpa personally."


    "Okay, understood," Ss replied after receiving the answer and didn''t say much more. "Your grandfatherGrandpa is feeling a lot better tonight, and he mentioned he wanted to see you when he was awake. Do you think you coulde by tomorrow morning?"


    "Sure, I''lle over in the morning," Micah responded. "The kids are all settled in here, so no need for you toe over."


    "Alright then."

 Chapter 483 A Touch of Sweet Melancholy

    Micah had been stationed at the pathologyb, eagerly awaiting the DNA test results. At present, nothing mattered more than the resolution of this lingering question.Micah had been camped out at the pathologyb, anxiously awaiting the DNA test results. At this moment, nothing else mattered more than the answer to this lingering question. He was on edge, much like a soon-to-be father pacing outside the delivery room, desperate to hear the news of his child''s birth.


    Dahlia suggested he get some rest, pointing out that the results wouldn''t be ready for several hours and that there was no use in waiting around aimlessly.


    Heeding her advice only slightly, Micah asked his two bodyguards to stay put and keep watch while he made his way back to the pediatric ward.


    Despite the uncertainty, each nce at the three children in the hospital room strengthened his conviction that they were his own flesh and blood.Even though the oue was still up in the air, each time he looked at the three children in the hospital room, he felt increasingly convinced they were his own flesh and blood.


    Within the room, the triplets were fast asleep.


    Noahy neatly tucked in, his disciplined posture reflecting his meticulous personality.In the room, all three kids were fast asleep. Noah was tucked in neatly, his disciplined sleeping posture was a mirror image of his meticulous personality. Nathan was sprawled out in all directions, his cast-free foot propped up on Sienna''s leg, stubbornly clutching his toy gun even in sleep.


    Mia had her pacifier in her mouth and was cuddled up with her stuffed alpaca, sleeping so peacefully it was heartwarming.


    Watching the children''s angelic expressions softeneds Micah''s heart. He had once thought that the kids didn''t resemble him, but now he could see some simrities... especially in the assertiveness of their features and the unmistakable air of the Clemens family.


    "Mommyama..." came a whimpering cry.


    Suddenly Mia, startled from her sleep, started crying for her mommy.


    Cam was dozing off at the edge of the bed and didn''t hear her.


    Micah entered the room immediately, mimicking the way the nurses hadforted Noah earlier, and took Mia''s hand gently patting her shoulder.


    Soon enough, Mia calmed down, wrapping her arms around Micah''s arm, and continued her slumber.


    Once Mia was deeply asleep again, Micah attempted to withdraw his arm, but she clung to it tightly. Any attempt to move, and she would stir awake. Resigned, he let her hold on and stood bent over for a while.


    As time passed, difort seeped in, and he decided to squat down.


    After squatting for a while, his feet began to tingle with numbness. He wanted to sit down, but despite the carpet looking clean, a hospital wais inevitably teeming with germs.


    Thus,So Micah remained squatting for an hour, then two... until he could endure it no longer.


    He eventually settled onto the floor, silently watching little Mia as she slept. The sweet scent of milk enveloped Mia, and her delicate baby face bore a striking resemnce to her mother''s. Even in sleep, her chubby cheeks mirrored her mother''s expression.Eventually, he settled onto the floor, silently watching little Mia as she slept. The sweet scent of milk surrounded the little one, and her delicate baby face bore a striking resemnce to her mother''s, even her chubby sleeping face carried the same expression.


    Mia was undeniably adorable, and Micah couldn''t resist pinching her plump little cheek gently.


    A sliver of drool escaped the corner of Mia''s mouth, slowly making its way downward...


    Micah frowned at the drool, silently chantingwilling, ''it not to Don''t drip..., Don''ot to drip......''


    But inevitably, the drool dropped, sliding off her adorable little chin tond on his arm and trickle down...


    Micah, always a stickler for cleanliness, was struggling to cope. He tried once again to pull his arm free, but little Mia gripped him even tighter, rubbing her small face on his arm, leaving even more saliva...


    Micah''s brow furrowed deeply, his face showing clear distaste at the drool on his arm.


    It felt as though a kitten were scratching inside Micah, causing extreme difort¡ªa psychological effect of his strong preference for cleanliness.It felt like there was a kitten scratching inside Micah, making him extremely ufortable. This was the psychological effect of someone with a strong preference for cleanliness.


    Under normal circumstances, Micah would have promptly withdrawn his arm and washed it without hesitation. But not now, despite his intensely frowning expression, he remained seated on the ground in the same position.Had it been any other time, Micah would''ve immediately withdrawn his arm and washed it without hesitation.


    But not now; although his expression was one of intense wrinkling, he remained seated on the ground in the same position.


    He looked around for something to wipe the drool with, and finally spotted a pack of tissues on a cab not too far away. He then started scheming to reach that pack of tissues...


    Outside, Andrew halted in his tracks, stunned by the sight through the clear ss window. Micah, renowned for his capabilities and adeptness at controlling situations, was now focused on such a trivial matter?Outside, Andrew, watching through the clear ss window, stopped in his tracks, stunned. Micah, with all his capabilities and his ability to control situations, was applying his efforts to such a trivial matter? This was truly... somewhat pitiable!


    Finally getting his hands on the tissues, Micah let out a long sigh as if he had aplished a momentous feat.

 Chapter 484 What on Earth is That?

    Micah retrieved a generous handful of tissues and meticulously wiped away the drool from his arm. With gentle strokes, he cleaned Mia''s chubby cheeks and her petite, cherry-like mouth before deftly depositing the used tissues into the nearby trash can.Micah pulled out arge handful of tissues and carefully wiped the drool off his arm. He cleaned Mia''s chubby cheeks and her cherry-like small mouth, then threw the dirty tissues precisely into the trash can not far away...


    With everything taken care of, he sighed and couldn''t help but mentally exim, ''Taking care of kids is exhausting!''


    He wondered how Sadie managed all these years.


    Even one was enough to tire him out, let alone three...


    Suddenly, something fell.


    Micah turned around to see that the toy gun Nathan had been embracing had fallen from the bed. As Nathan shifted, he nearly tumbled off the bed himself.Micah turned around to see the toy gun from Nathan''s embrace had fallen from the bed, and as Nathan turned over, he almost fell off the bed himself.


    Micah quickly stretched out his leg to catch him, and Nathan clung to it like a ko clinging to a tree, refusing to let go.


    Now, Micah''s left arm and right leg were both tightly held by the children, and his posture was fixed like a circus performer, unable to move an inch.


    Micah attempted to retract his leg, but Nathan tightened his grip even more with the slightest movement. He then tried to pull his arm away, but Mia held on just as firmly, steadfastly refusing to let go... Micah tried to retract his leg, but with the slightest movement, Nathan gripped him even tighter.


    He then attempted to pull his arm out, but Mia was holding on just as firmly, refusing to let go...


    ''Great, neither canould be pulled back!''


    Micah decided to simply stand still in that pose. The man who once navigated the business world with ease, effortlessly resolving any issue, could not believe that these small matters were giving him such a hard time today. One minute..., Ffive minutes..., Tten minutes..., Ttwenty minutes passed...


    Micah hadn''t felt it at first, but after an hour, his leg began to go numb.


    Andrew was preparing toe to the rescue when suddenly he noticed that Noah''s clear, big eyes were silently watching Micah. His gaze was full of admiration, as if he were looking at an almighty hero.


    Micah,pletely unaware that Noah had woken up, tried to keep it together even when Nathan let out a fart right next to him.


    "Pffft-"


    Micah closed his eyes, furrowed his brow, and held his breath, on the verge of a breakdown.


    ''Good Lord, what kind of creature is this?!''


    The hugging of arms and legs was one thing, but to drool and fart, too!


    "It stinks, it really stinks!" Noah waved his hand to disperse the foul odor, barely able to endure it. He whispered in disgust, "Nathan must have eaten something nasty yesterday.""It stinks, it so stinks!" Noah fanned the air with his hand, barely able to tolerate the smell and whispered in disgust, "Nathan must have eaten something bad yesterday."


    "Stinky, stinky!" Coco, nestled next to Nathan''s pillow, stirred awake, fluttering its wings and squawking.Coco, who was sleeping next to Nathan''s pillow, also woke up, pping her wings and squawking.


    Mia turned over in her sleep, tears welling up as she unconsciously released her grip on Micah''s arm. She rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep., started crying, "whimper, whimper, whimper," and at the same time, she let go of Micah''s arm that she had been holding while rubbing her eyes sleepily.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Micah''s arm was free, but he was still tense, thinking that he had done something wrong to make Mia ufortable.


    "Don''t mind her. She just woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Noah said as he woke up Athena, who was lying on the edge of the bed.


    Athena looked at Micah''s predicament, panicked, and rushed over to pry Nathan''s arm off, asking frantically, "Mr. Clemens, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine!" Micah shuffled his feet and discovered that his legs were numb, stiff as if they were frozen.


    But considering Noah was watching, he stiffened his upper lip and walked out as if nothing was wrong, taking steady steps.


    "Mr. Clemens..."


    As Micah reached the doorway, Noah suddenly called after him.


    "Yeah?" Micah turned to look back at him.


    "Thank you!" Noah said softly, his eyes¡ªonce guarded and wary¡ªnow friendly and warm.


    "You''re wee." Micah lifted the corner of his mouth., "Get some rest!"


    Then, he walked out...


    As soon as the door closed behind him, he furrowed his brow, took a deep breath, and gently patted his legs. Any slight touch to his legs felt like a painful shock. "Mr. ClemensMicah, are you alright?" Andrew hurried over, supporting him.


    "I''m fine," said Micah. "What could be wrong?"


    "It''s not easy taking care of kids, right?" Andrew teased with a smile, "Especially three of them at once."


    "What''s so hard?" Micah responded with annoyance, "Three little squirts, they''re easy to handle."

 Chapter 485 The Results are In

    "Hahaha, of course, there''s nothing Mr. Clemens can''t handle!" Andrew couldn''t help butugh, never before had he found Micah so endearing and amusing.


    "Cut the crap," Micah finally reached a secluded nook and immediately ordered, "Set up a room for me, I need to shower."


    "Right away!"


    After taking a shower and changing his clothes, it was already dawn.


    He tidied up his attire and hairstyle and hurried to theb.


    At this time, Ss called again to confirm the time of their meeting.


    Micah didn''t reply immediately but looked toward Dahlia.


    Dahlia rushed over to him, holding the DNA test report with an excited, animated smile on her face. Dahlia, holding the DNA test report and wearing an excited, animated smile, rushed over to him. Micah''s heart, which had been in suspense, found the answer in Dahlia''s expression, and he firmly said, "I''ll be there by 9:00 a.m.nine o''clock!"


    "Great, I''ll wait for you downstairs on time at nine."


    After hanging up, Micah promptly approached., "How did it go?"


    "Mr. ClemensMicah, take a look.," Dahlia handed the test report to Micah.


    As Micah read it, he was visibly shaken. He had sensed it, but seeing the report still thrilled him...


    The parentage was a 99,99% hundred percent match, meaning Noah was indeed his biological son!


    "Holy cow!" SAndrew, seeing the results, Andrea was astounded incredibly astonished., "I didn''t expect these three kids to be yours."


    "I had a hunch but didn''t dare to speak up," Dahlia said excitedly. "I am such a fool!, I should have suggested a paternity test earlier!."


    "They''re really mine..." Micah trembled as he held the report, "My own children!"


    "No wonder your grandfatherGrandpa likesd them so much," Andrew grinned, "Blood is thicker than water. No matter how much you try to hide it, you can''t conceal the bond of blood." "Yes..." Dahlia nodded with a smile. "But why would Miss Roth hide it?"


    "That..." Andrew''s gaze shifted to Micah.


    Micah, too overwhelmed to focus on anything else at the moment, clutched the report tightly as he walked toward the children''s ward, his excitement palpable.Micah, too overwhelmed to care about anything else at the moment, clutching the report, excitedly walked toward the children''s ward.


    "I want Mommy!"


    Mia had just woken up, feeling a bit cranky. She sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes and whining softly.Mia had just woken up, still a bit cranky, sat up in bed rubbing her eyes, whining.


    "Mia, be good, Mommy will be back soon," Cam said, handing her a bottle of prepared milk. "Here, drink your milk."


    Mia took the bottle and leaned back on the bed, drinking heartily.


    Meanwhile, Sienna wheeled Nathan out of the bathroom.


    Nathan, having just washed his face and changed into a cool superhero outfit, looked handsome and fresh, though sleep-deprived, evident by his yawns.


    "Noah, the allergy on your face has cleared up a lot."


    Athena noticed that the allergic rash on Noah''s skin had almost disappeared while she was wiping his face.


    Noah nced at his reflection in the mirror, maintaining a calm demeanor as he spoke, "Given the circumstances, let''s get me dischargedter. Oh, and isn''t Brenda staying here too?"Noah looked at his reflection in the mirror and with a level- headed manner said, "Since that''s the case, let''s check out of the hospitalter. By the way, isn''t Brenda also staying at this hospital?"


    "Yes, Brenda is in another building," Athena replied gently. "Do you want to visit her?"


    Noah nodded. "After we visit Brenda, let''s go home. Could you help arrange that?"


    "We should ask the doctor first. If they say youwe can be discharged, then we can leave," Athena responded with a smile.


    "Okay..." Noah was about to speak when Micah suddenly pushed open the door.suddenly the door was pushed open by Micah.


    Micah, typicallyposed and collected, burst in with an air of unusual excitement. His gaze swept from Noah to Nathan and finallynded on Mia, hinting at an important announcement.Micah, who was always cool and calm, rushed in seeming unusually excited.


    He nced at Noah, then at Nathan, and finally at Mia, as if he had an important announcement to make...


    The three kids just stared at him nkly.


    Noah''s eyes widened in anticipation of what he would say.


    Nathan had been ying with his transforming steel toy, but he paused when Micah entered.


    Miay propped against her pillow, clutching her alpaca plushie in one hand and a milk bottle in the other. She had been eagerly drinking until Micah appeared; then, she simply stopped and stared.Mia was propped up against her pillow, one hand clutching an alpaca plushie, the other holding a milk bottle. She had been eagerly drinking until Micah appeared, then she just stopped and stared.

 Chapter 486 Warmed Up

    "Bad guy, bad guy!" Coco suddenly cried out, then hid behind Noah, peering timidly at Micah from behind him.


    The doctors and nurses were also somewhat flustered. Sienna and Cam paused in their work, standing to the side, uneasy.


    "Mr. Clemens, is something the matter?" Noah politely inquired.


    "Can''t call me ''mister''!" Micah blurted out, then hastily tried to exin, "I mean..."


    Micah, ustomed to maintaining control, suddenly felt a wave of nerves wash over him. It might have been the first time in his life that he appeared so flustered.


    "Huh?" Noah furrowed his brows, puzzled by Micah''s demeanor.


    "Never mind."


    Micah decided he would wait for Sadie to return before discussing matters with the kids. Given his strained rtionship with the children and prior misunderstandings, he worried that such a sudden revtion might unsettle them. "That scared me," Nathan said, patting his little chest. "I thought you wanted me topensate you."


    "Compensate?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "Noah told me I slept hugging your legst night, and... I might have farted on you," Nathan admitted sheepishly. "So, I thought..."


    Mia clutched her bottle tightly and asked meekly, "Noah said I drooled all over you and even made your arms swell up, is that true?"


    "Yeah." Micah lifted the corners of his lips in a half-smile. "It''s all good, as long as you''re having fun."


    At that moment, he found everything the kids did adorable...


    "Sorry, I''ll share my toys with you." Nathan offered his toy to Micah with a look of utter sincerity. "I won''t eat junk anymore so my farts won''t stink."


    Micahughed out loud but wasn''t quite sure how to respond to Nathan''s deration.


    It was his first day being a father, and he was clueless about how to interact with the children.


    "Well..." Mia hesitated, her gaze lingering on the bottle she held tightly. With a hint of reluctance, she finally mustered the resolve to hand it over. "I''ll share my "All your milk? What will you drink?"


    Micah was amused and found it endearing, looking at her with unprecedented tenderness.


    "I, I..." Mia blinked her eyes pitifully and said, "I''ll drink juice."


    Then, with a heavy heart, she extended the bottle a little more toward him...


    Micah, admiring Mia''s sweet gesture as if it were a precious jewel, said, "Thanks for sharing something so important with me, but I don''t need your milk." "Really?" Mia quickly retracted the bottle, hugging it close as if afraid he''d snatch it away. "You said so, remember! Next time I''ll bring you toast." "What''s toast?" Micah asked with a hint of mischief.


    "Toast is a really delicious type of bread that''s soft in texture." Mia illustrated with her chubby hands. "Brenda''s toast is yummy, and Mommy''s toast... um..." Mia thought it over before finishing, "It''s alright."


    "It''s just that sometimes she mistakes salt for sugar, and it''s super salty," Nathan added with a resigned tone. "But, Mommy''s spaghetti is delicious." "That''s actually Brenda''s cooking," Mia quickly rified. "The truth is, Mommy''s chicken soup is the best."


    "Yes, yes..."


    Mia and Nathan enthusiastically described Sadie''s cooking skills.


    Micah listened intently, a smile unconsciously spreading across his face.


    Observing Micah closely, Noah sensed an odd change but couldn''t quite pinpoint it. He felt that this once devilish viin now appeared much friendlier. them as theye. The Clemens family has nothing to fear!"


    milk with you then."

 Chapter 487 A Mans Way

    Micah had spent some time with the kids, and upon Andrew''s reminder, prepared to go see his grandfather at the hospital.


    Before leaving, Noah came out to see him off and asked earnestly, "Mr. Clemens, is there something you want to say?" "How did you figure that out?"


    Micah thought that Noah''s IQ and EQ seemed to be well above his peers. Nathan and Mia seemed more like typical three-and-a-half-year-olds, but Noah reminded him of himself when he was young.


    Noah guessed, "It seems like your entire demeanor has suddenly shifted as if you''ve be a different person..."


    Micah crouched down and ced his hands on Noah''s shoulders. "When Sadie gets back, I''ve got an announcement to make!"


    "What news?" Noah was eager to know.


    "Top secret for now," Micah teased.


    "Is it good news or bad news?" Noah asked again.


    "Of course, it''s good news." Micah smiled while ruffling Noah''s hair. "After your checkupter, you guys will move into my house, and Sadie and I wille home tonight."


    "Stay at your house?" Noah hesitated before quickly adding, "Wouldn''t that be inappropriate? We should stay at Grandpa''s house."


    "You can''t call him Grandpa anymore."


    Micah wanted to rify the family rtionships. Technically, they should now refer to him as "Great-grandpa", but sharing that would spill the secret too soon.


    "Why?" Noah looked unsettled, his small brow furrowing.


    "I''ll exin tonight." Micah dodged. "Grandpa is unwell and unable to look after you both. Sadie can''t make it there either, so I''ve made arrangements for you to stay with me. Today, you''ll be resting at the hospital, and I''ve arranged for someone to set up your rooms."


    "But "


    "That''s decided." Before Noah could protest, Micah stood up and instructed Dahlia, "Set up the children''s rooms. Everything should be of the best quality for their arrival tonight!"


    "Understood, I''ll get right on it."


    Dahlia nodded in acknowledgment.


    From then on, these three kids were the heirs of the Clemens family. She had to be even more careful than before.


    "You nine!" Micah ordered the row of professional bodyguards standing neatly behind him, "As of today, you''re responsible for protecting the young masters and little princess!"


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens!" the nine of them responded in unison, their voices booming like thunder.


    Noah was slightly startled by the scene before him and wondered, ''What''s going on?''


    Having Dahlia personally arrange their rooms and leaving half the bodyguards to protect the three of them indicated something significant. Moreover, the public announcement using terms like "young masters" and "little princess" seemed a bit odd.


    "I need to go."


    Micah nced back at Noah, contemting how to initiatemunication. Mimicking Sadie''s customary gesture, he extended a fist for a bump, a silent but familiar greeting between men.


    Noah hesitated for a moment before mirroring the gesture with his small fist, bumping Micah''s lightly. Then, Noah and Micah faced each other andughed.


    "Noah, wait for me toe back!" Micah called out his name, devoid of the affection Sadie would offer or the tenderness others might disy, yet imbued with a unique sense of closeness and trust. "Yup!" Noah nodded enthusiastically, his small body standing tall and straight.


    Micah gave his head a gentle tousle, nced toward the doorway where a sweet-faced Nathan and Mia hid, waved at them, and then turned to leave.


    "Noah..." Nathan rolled out in his wheelchair, asking excitedly, "What''s going on? How did you suddenly get so close to Mr. Clemens?"


    "Noah, did you be friends with him?" Mia whispered covertly.


    "Friends, friends?" Coco also seemed very curious.


    "I realized we misunderstood him," Noah said, looking at Micah''s retreating figure, his voice filled with excitement. "I now think he''s a really nice guy!"

 Chapter 488 The Prince and the Princess

    "Really?"


    Nathan turned to watch Micah leave, remembering how the previous night Micah had used his legs to catch Nathan from almost falling out of bed. To avoid waking him, Micah had allowed Nathan to hold onto his leg, maintaining the awkward pose for hours...


    Without thinking, Nathan nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I think he is a good guy, too."


    "He didn''t mind my drool and even let me use his arm as a pillow to sleep on. Oh, and he gave me a piggyback ride once," Mia chimed in seriously, concluding from all the kindness Micah had shown. "Okay, I also think he''s a good person!" "Good person, good person!"


    Coco mimicked her tone, pping its wings and darting around.


    "So, we need to be polite to him from now on, got it?" Noah reminded earnestly.


    "Got it," Nathan and Mia answered simultaneously.


    "Young Masters and Little Princess..." Dahlia squatted in front of them, smiling. "From today on, you''re going to take on a new identity."


    "What identity?" Nathan asked, tilting his head in confusion.


    "Has Grandpa already bought the ind?"


    Mia vaguely remembered Micah''s grandfather saying he wanted to buy an ind to be its king, and then the three of them would be real princes and princesses. "You''ll find out soon," Dahlia soothed, rubbing their heads gently. "I''m going to go and prepare your rooms now. You all rest well in the hospital today, okay?" "Oh!" The three of them nodded, somewhat bewildered.


    Dahlia left, and the three kids headed back to their room to finish breakfast before going to visit Brenda.


    The three caregivers led them to another building, passing through the corridor where all nine bodyguards saluted them.


    The children were taken aback, momentarily freezing in their steps before bashfully returning the gesture. As they approached the elevator, two bodyguards swiftly entered first, meticulously checked it before holding the doors open, and awaited their entry.


    The kids looked at each other with confusion written across their faces, filled with questions they were too afraid to voice.


    The three caregivers were acting cautiously and nervously, and when they spoke to the children, their references had changed from the informal "Noah, Nathan, Mia" to "Young Master Noah, Young Master Nathan, and Princess Mia." The staff now handed them things with both hands, a level of formality they hadn''t experienced before.


    Where the three of them used to chat casually and sneak in naps when things were slow, they were now always on alert, careful not to show any disrespect. This change left the children feeling uneasy and anxious, wondering what on earth was happening.


    Stepping out of the elevator gave them yet another shock. The remaining seven bodyguards had gone downstairs ahead of them, six lined up neatly in two rows, with one standing by the car door, respectfully waiting for them. The kids exchanged worried nces, visibly tense.


    Then, Nathan leaned in close, covering his mouth with his hand to whisper in Noah''s ear, "Noah, what on earth is going on?"


    "Did Grandpa really buy an ind?" Mia muffled her voice behind Coco. "Are we about to be crowned actual princesses and princes?"


    "Maybe, it''s possible, right?" Noah was just as puzzled as ever. He used to think he was smart, but even he was now having trouble understanding the situation.


    But it didn''t matter¡ªall mysteries would be revealed tonight.


    "Don''t worry." Noah reassured Nathan and Mia, "Mommy will be back tonight, and we''ll find out what''s going on."


    Nathan and Mia nodded vigorously in agreement.


    "Mommy, mommy..." Coco looked at the people around with timid eyes, its voice low. It too seemed a bit unsettled-if Noah, Nathan, and Mia were to be royalty, did that mean it would be a parrot princess as well? At that thought, Coco puffed up its neck, its face a picture of pride!

 Chapter 489 A Mighty Presence

    With an impressive entourage of bodyguards and attendants, the children arrived at the neurology ward.


    The hospital director personally came to greet them and respectfully escorted them to Brenda''s room.


    Several expert doctors had been awaiting the arrival of the kidss, ready to take theirmands at a moment''s notice. Nathan was feeling tense, gripping the arms of his wheelchair so tightly he hardly dared to breathe.


    Mia clung to Coco, nearly squeezing the life out of the poor animal.


    Fortunately, Noah was the picture of calm.


    "Thanks for your hard work, doctors," he said serenely. "We''re just here to check in on Brenda. We don''t know much about the medical side of things. We''ll ask for advice when Mommy gets back. Please, go about your business. We don''t want to keep you from your other patients."


    The doctors hesitated, ncing towards the hospital director.


    "We''ll wait outside," the director offered carefully. "If you need anything, just let us know."


    "No, that won''t be necessary," Noah replied gratefully. "You''ve done enough here. The hospital has other patients that need your attention. There''s really no need to waste time on us."


    The director and the team of expert doctors exchanged a few more pleasantries and hurriedly excused themselves.


    As Noah watched them leave, he turned to address the bodyguards. "Gentlemen, please wait outside and make sure Brenda can rest undisturbed. Thank you!"


    "Yes, sir," the nine bodyguards responded, leaving the room.


    Now, Athena, Sienna, and Cam remained in the room with a clearly bewildered Brenda.


    During the visitors'' arrivals and subsequent departures, whichsted about fifteen minutes, Brenda remained in stunned silence. She didn''t dare to speak, but her eyes, filled with astonishment, seemed to convey a myriad of questions.


    Nathan and Mia sighed in unison, a release of the tension that had built up.


    "Brenda!" Mia scurried up onto the bed with her little legs, throwing herself into Brenda''s arms for a cuddle. "Are you okay? It''s been forever since I saw you. I missed you so much."


    "There, there. Brenda missed you too," Brenda reassured her, kissing Mia''s hair, then turned to the boys. "Noah, Nathan, can either of you tell me what''s going on?"


    "Well, I''m not quite sure either," Nathan admitted as Sienna pushed his wheelchair closer to the bed.


    Nathan furrowed his brow, a worried expression on his face. "Mr. Clemens suddenly started treating us really well. He arranged for so many people to look after us, and now everyone''s being so nice. I''m, you know, kind of overwhelmed by it all!"


    "Mr. Clemens?" Brenda questioned, frowning as she tried to figure out who he was referring to.


    "That''s Mommy''s former boss," Nathan added. "The stern-looking meanie!"


    "Meanie, meanie!" parroted Coco, and then immediately ducked its head as if it had said something it shouldn''t have.


    "Nathan, what did I tell you before?" Noah solemnly reminded him with furrowed brows.


    "Oh, not right." Nathan quickly shook his head, correcting himself, "We can''t say he is a meanie. He''s been so good to us now. Last night, he even helped me and Mia go to sleep."


    "Uh..." Brenda didn''t understand a word and could only look to Noah for help.


    "Brenda, I can''t really exin it right now." Noah spread his hands, looking helpless. "Let''s wait for Mommy toe back, and she can exin it to you."


    "Where did Sadie go?" Brenda asked hurriedly. "A few days ago, I heard the elevator in ourplex had problems, and one of her friends almost had an ident visiting our home. The property manager brought her here for treatment and even stopped by to see me.


    "I wanted to visit your mommy, but they said she left. Then I tried calling her, but I couldn''t get through. I''m really worried about her."


    "Mommy will be back tonight, don''t worry," Noah reassured her.

 Chapter 490 The Best Gift

    In the car, Micah eagerly checked the DNA test report, his excitement palpable. It felt surreal as if he had stumbled upon a treasure trove of joy!


    He couldn''t shake the feeling that God had bestowed upon him the greatest gift imaginable. The triplets seemed like a divine blessing, unexpectedly gracing his life.


    He now deeply regretted not going for a DNA test immediately upon learning of the children''s existence, instead foolishly suspecting they belonged to someone else. Thinking back, he realized how disappointed and sad Sadie must have felt...


    ''She must have hidden the truth out of fear,'' Micah considered.


    Thinking about how he had punished her so harshly and violently, his heart was filled with remorse.


    ''Silly woman, why didn''t you just say it?''


    He swore to himself that he''d make it up to her from now on. He would never let her suffer again.


    "Never thought there''d be such a twist at the crucial moment," Andrew couldn''t help but marvel, "Now there''s no need to worry. No matter what tricks your uncle pulls, they can''t outweigh the presence of those three kids. You have three offspring of your own now, not just one. No one can shake your status!"


    "That''s not important."


    Micah felt joy, not because these children could secure his position as an heir, but because they were his own flesh and blood.


    He had been preupied with this issue, only now understanding that he had misunderstood.


    "Yes, yes, yes," Andrew knew what his boss was thinking, "The most important thing is, Miss Roth has never betrayed you."


    "Send some more people to guard the hospital and prevent Nick from ying any tricks," Micah ordered.


    "Understood."


    As they conversed, the car arrived at the hospital entrance.


    Ss hadn''t waited as agreed but had sent someone else to be there.


    "What''s going on? Did Mr. Clemens Sr.''s condition change?" Andrew asked anxiously.


    "No, Nelson Luminex came to visit Mr. Clemens Sr.," the bodyguard replied. "Ss is hosting him personally, so he sent me here to wait for Mr. Clemens."


    "Just Nelson?" Micah asked, frowning.


    "He was supposed toe with Miss Amelia, but following your instructions, Ss refused Miss Amelia''s visit and only allowed Mr. Luminex in," the bodyguard said cautiously. Micah nodded in satisfaction.


    "Don''t worry, Ss is always careful. Nothing will slip by him," Andrew reassured.


    Micah quickened his pace, clutching theb report tightly in his hand, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He was eager to share the good news with his grandfather.


    Micah''s grandfather''s favorite three children were actually his blood-rted great-grandchildren.


    Micah was already picturing how overjoyed his grandfather would be upon learning this.


    Arriving at the ward, Ss was just seeing Nelson out. When she saw Micah, Nelson quickly greeted him, "Micah, you''re here."


    "Yes." Micah nodded. "Thank you for visiting Grandpa!"


    "It''s what family does," Nelson almost said but caught herself and added, "I was a good friend of your father, and I have a special bond with your grandfather. Our families'' ties span generations-it''s like we''re family too." "Yes, thank you," Micah replied with a small smile. "Once Grandpa gets better, I''lle to thank you personally."


    In reality, he intended to end the engagement.


    "No need for that," Nelson said with a slight smile. "I should be going."


    "I won''t see you out," said Micah politely, nodding his head.


    Nelson walked away silently, but after a few steps, he turned back to ask, "Micah, do you know Edmond Roth?" Micah, who was about to enter the room, looked at her puzzled. "Hmm?"


    "There''s something I''m not sure I should say..." Nelson seemed conflicted and hesitant. "About Miss Roth, she..."

 Chapter 491 Time is Running Out

    "If


    you shouldn''t "Uh... Yes!"


    I say it, then don''t," Micah cut him off sharply. "Andrew, see him out!"


    Andrew appeared a bit awkward. Micah had forcefully made it clear he wanted Nelson gone.


    Nelson didn''t say another word, simply sighing in resignation and turning to leave.


    "Micah, Mr. Luminex means no harm," Ss whispered, ncing at Nelson''s retreating figure. "I think you should consider Mr. Luminex''s advice. Maybe he just has something important he wants to warn you about."


    "I don''t think Sadie can influence me in any way," Micah said with a hint of annoyance whenever someone mentioned Sadie with malice, including Nelson.


    "Mr. Luminex is a decent and kind person. He''s generally fair-minded. Although he''s not too fond of other women because of Miss Amelia, that doesn''t mean he would nder someone. Perhaps he truly has a secret he needs to share with you


    "Ss!" Micah interrupted, frowning in displeasure. "You''re overthinking this!"


    "Alright then." Ss lowered his head, choosing not to say any more.


    Micah changed into his istion suit and stepped into the ward.


    Micah''s grandfather was in a state of unconsciousness at the moment, with the doctor performing a check-up next to him. Seeing Micah arriving, the doctor quickly greeted him with a nod.


    "How''s he doing?" Micah asked quietly.


    "In and out of consciousness," the doctor replied softly. "Strokes followed by falls are the worst for the elderly. He took a bad one, hitting his head hard. I''m afraid he''s going to be in this condition for a while." "How long is a while?" Micah asked, this time with a crease in his brow.


    "It''s hard to say. Could be a week, a month, or even longer," the doctor spected. "But now he''s just sleeping, thankfully with no other pain."


    Micah didn''t respond, his gaze heavy withplexity as he looked at his grandfather.


    He always found his grandfather''s temper and domineering ways annoying, but Micah felt a deep sense of guilt seeing him lying there.....


    He knew his grandfather was getting on in years and that the day woulde when he would leave this world.


    But he truly wished that day could be dyed, just a little longer...


    "Stay with him. I''ll leave you two alone," said the doctor, giving another respectful nod before quietly leaving the room.


    Micah sat by the bedside, silently keeping his grandfatherpany.


    A nurse came in with a warm towel, ready to bathe the old man.


    Micah gestured. "I''ll do it."


    "Sure," the nurse replied, handing him the warm towel.


    Micah wasn''t sure how to care for someone, but he wanted to show his respect and love.


    As he gently wiped his grandfather''s wrinkled skin with the damp towel, it dawned on Micah that his grandfather had truly aged.


    The man who once adeptly navigated the business world andmanded the elements with his will now was sumbing to the passage of time, quietly stepping toward the end of his life. Micah''s emotions were a tangled mess, having just confirmed his paternity of three children, and now watching his ailing grandfather. The beginnings and endings of life seemed like intertwining paths. "Micah!" Ss called out softly, interrupting Micah''s thoughts.


    Micah snapped back to reality and turned toward him. "Yes?"


    "It''s time for your grandfather to take his medicine," Ss said, presenting a ss of warm water and the finely crushed medicine.


    "Let me," Micah offered, taking the medicine and carefully feeding it to his grandfather.


    "Every time your grandfatheres to, he''s been calling out your name," Ss whispered gently. "Of all the people he worries about, you''re always the one he can''t seem to let go."


    Micah didn''t respond. his gaze merely trembled slightly.


    "The doctor just told me." Ss whispered in Micah''s ear, "Even if your grandfather wakes up, he doesn''t have much time left. Please, don''t upset him anymore."


    "I know..." Micah looked at his grandfather, a smile forming on his lips. "When he wakes up, I''ve got some great news to tell him."

 Chapter 492 Pale Face

    "Great news?" Ss brightened with anticipation. "That''s wonderful! Your grandfather will be thrilled, and his health will surely improve."


    "He''ll be overjoyed to hear this bit of news."


    Micah could already imagine the scene in his mind...


    Micah''s grandfather already adored those three kids. Discovering that they were descendants of the Clemens family and shared his bloodline would fill him with immense excitement!


    "I can''t wait to find out myself," Ss said eagerly.


    Just then, the nursing staff came in to attend to the old man, and Micah stepped out.


    "Mr. Clemens, everything is all set!" Andrew came rushing to report. "You didn''t sleep a winkst night. Go catch up on some rest now."


    "Micah was up all night?" Ss overheard this as he left the room.


    Andrew chuckled. "Taking care of those three kids..."


    "Who would''ve thought Micah could get along with those kids," Ss said, relieved. "I was worried you''d end up arguing."


    "What, you think I''m childish?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "Argue with three-year-olds?"


    "Ha, you''ve never been fond of kids. I was concerned they''d inadvertently offend you, knowing how... well..." Ss chuckled sheepishly. "Those kids are the old man''s favorites. I''d be in deep trouble if anything went wrong." "Don''t worry, they''re all fine," Micah said, the hint of a smile appearing on his face.


    "Are they still at the hospital? How''s Noah doing?" Ss asked with concern.


    "Food allergy, got an injection, and he''s much better now," Andrew answered. "Don''t worry, everything''s been well taken care of."


    "That''s good, that''s good." Ss sighed with relief. "Then I''ll head over there in a bit and bring them back home to get settled beforeing back."


    "No need," Micah immediately said. "I''ve had Dahlia make the arrangements to have the three kids stay at my ce, no trouble for you."


    "Have them stay with you?" Ss was very surprised. "You''ve always liked peace and quiet. Why on earth are you suddenly inviting the kids to your ce? Aren''t you afraid they''ll disturb you?"


    "Not at all, they''re adorable," Micah''s eyes softened when he spoke of the three children.


    "Mr. Clemensi, the rooms are ready," the head of the facility personally came to inform him.


    "Okay," Micah followed the head of the facility out, nning to rest for a bit to be energetic for the evening.


    "What''s going on here?" Ss watched Micah''s retreating figure, puzzlingly asking Andrew, "Why did Micah suddenly change his demeanor?"


    "He changed his demeanor?" Andrew asked with a surprised smile. "There are more unexpected surprises toe."


    "Um..." Ss listened, utterly baffled.


    "Don''t worry, it''s all good," Andrew smiled as he spoke to Ss before turning to catch up with Micah.


    While lost in his confusion, Ss was called over by the nurse. Thus, he hurried to take care of Micah''s grandfather and stopped pondering the matter. Micahy in the rest room''s bed, ncing at his watch. It was already 11:00 a.m.


    He still had eight hours before the meeting he had scheduled with Nick.


    Right now, Nick should be getting ready to take Sadie back to Newark.


    As soon as they set foot in Newark, they would be under Rn''s surveince and couldn''t do anything else.


    Sadiey half-asleep on the bed when suddenly the door swung open, and a tall, slender figure entered gracefully, followed by a host of attendants.


    "You''re quite injured," Nick remarked coldly as he took a seat in the armchair, scrutinizing Sadie.


    As Sadie heard his voice, she began to awaken, struggling to shift her numb and pained body. Despite her efforts to turn over, the intense pain in her back immobilized her, rendering her unable to move... Nick gave a signal.


    Selina walked over and roughly flipped Sadie over.


    Sadie trembled in pain, her disheveled hair falling before her eyes and covering her pale face.

 Chapter 493 At Your Disposal

    "I thought you would be stunning." Nick sneered with mockery. "Micah must be blind to fall for a woman like you." Sadie slowly opened her eyes, looking at Nick with confusion, "Who are you?"


    "Who I am doesn''t matter to you," Nick said with a smirk. "Just know that I''m not someone you want to cross." "What do you want?" Sadie gasped weakly, out of breath.


    Nick chuckled darkly. "I''m about to hand you back to Micah, but before I go, I''ll give you a parting gift..."


    With a gesture of his hand...


    Two burly bodyguards stepped forward to restrain Sadie immediately. Selina withdrew a syringe, preparing to inject Sadie...


    "What are you doing? Let me go..." Sadie''s eyes widened in rm as she struggled desperately. "What is this? Let me go, let me go¨D Ah!"


    In the end, Sadie could not break free. The long, thin needle plunged into her body, and the clear liquid was fully injected.


    Sadie screamed in terror, shaking her head and struggling, but to no avail. She had no idea what the substance was or what harm it would do to her. Fear consumed her.


    Meanwhile, Nick lounged in an armchair, swirling a wine ss in his hand with a wicked grin. His eyes resembled those of a venomous snake, coldly fixed on Sadie.


    As Sadie continued to shake her head and struggle, her cascading hair fell away from her face, gradually revealing her beautiful features...


    Nick was taken aback at first, then his gaze turned to shock...


    He blinked hard, thinking he had seen wrong, and quicklymanded, "Lift your head!"


    Selina grasped Sadie''s chin, forcibly lifting her face.


    A face of serene and unearthly beauty was revealed...


    Nick waspletely stunned, staring as if looking at a devil, his eyes filled with astonishment and even panic...


    After a long moment, Nick eximed a name, "Eleanor James?!"


    Sadie''s whole body shuddered, and she looked up confusedly at the cold and ruthless man in front of her, "How do you know that name?"


    "Who is Eleanor to you?" Nick demanded, agitated.


    Before Sadie could respond, she copsed onto the bed and clutched the injection site, writhing and screaming in pain. Shortly after, she began foaming at the mouth and lost consciousness... Nick remained frozen in the distance, staring in disbelief at Sadie.


    Finally snapping out of it, Nick urgentlymanded, "Find out everything about her background, now. I want detailed information, fast!"


    "Yes!" Selina immediately went to carry out the orders.


    "Boss, the drug has been administered," the bodyguard reported in fluent English. "In three months, she''ll bepletely incapacitated, at your disposal."


    Nick didn''t say a word, his eyes reflecting a storm ofplex thoughts.


    It seemed he was desperate to prove something...


    Soon, his assistant reminded him it was time to leave.


    Nick stood up. "Treat her wounds, get her cleaned up, and then put her in the car. Don''t move her again!" "Yes."


    Half an hourter, the still unconscious Sadie was ced in a business van.


    Nick sat beside her, his eyes narrowed, watching her with aplex gaze.


    The car started and slowly made its way to Newark.


    Selina was still engrossed in herputer, making phone calls to activate herwork and swiftly uncover Sadie''s background.


    "We need to know the answer before we see Micah," Nickmanded.


    "I''ll do my best," Selina replied, somewhat troubled. "It seems like someone tampered with Sadie''s records. A lot of information is inessible. I only found out that her father is Newark''s former richest man, Edmond Roth." "Edmond?!" Nick was shocked, shaken to his core. "The same Edmond I drove to his death four years ago?"

 Chapter 494 Eleanors Daughter

    "Take a look." Selina handed her a tablet.


    Nick swiped through the screen, perusing the information with an excited sneer. "I never imagined that a businessman I inadvertently caused to die four years ago turned out to be Eleanor''s lover! Hahaha!" "Sir, this is just spection at this point, right?" Selina asked, puzzled. "Edmond was just an ordinary businessman. How could he be involved with Eleanor?"


    "That''s true. We need more confirmation."


    Nick twirled the ring on his ring finger, his eyes coldly fixed on Sadie. After a while, he made a call...


    The phone rang for a long time before someone answered, and a deep voice came through. "Hello?"


    "Nelson, long time no see." Nick''s voice seemed friendly yet arrogant as he smiled faintly. "I have a question for you."


    "What is it?" Nelson was obviously guarded.


    "Eleanor..." Nick said the name slowly, probing, "Does she have a daughter?"


    There was a significant pause on Nelson''s end, revealing his shock.


    "It seems you''ve already seen Sadie," Nick deduced with a coldugh. "You don''t need to say anything. I can find out for myself. Eleanor had a man on the side back in the day, and she even had an illegitimate daughter with him..." Nick paused before asking tentatively, "That man''s name was Edmond, right?"


    "I don''t know," Nelson responded icily. "Edmond is dead, and there''s no proof. You''re just specting. Don''t hurt the innocent."


    "It looks like my guess was right," Nick concluded. "Sadie is the daughter of Edmond and Eleanor!"


    "Nick, enough!" Nelson chided in a low voice. "The hatred of the past generation is over. Your older brother has long been dead. Stop this madness."


    "You really are kind-hearted," Nick retorted with a sneer. "Your daughter is about to get engaged to Micah, who still pines for another woman. Doesn''t that bother you? Or is it because the other woman is Eleanor''s daughter, so much so that you''d disregard your own daughter''s happiness?"


    "Nick Clemens"


    "Save it," Nick cut him off, uninterested in continuing the conversation. "I was just curious, that''s all. Don''t worry about it.''


    11


    After ending the call, Nick nced at Sadie, who was fast asleep, and a smug, cold smile crossed his lips. "It was so easy. Had I known she was Eleanor''s daughter from the beginning, why would I have exerted so much effort?" As Nick gently stroked Sadie''s beautiful face, he chuckled and eximed, "Eleanor, my dear Eleanor, you truly are my lucky star, always there for me even in moments like this!"


    Meanwhile, Sadiey in a deep sleep, oblivious to her surroundings. All she could sense was agony¡ªa relentless torment akin to a swarm of insects gnawing at her, threatening to tear her veins apart.


    It felt as though she hovered on the precipice of death.


    Micah endured a nightmare. In it, he descended the stairs to meet Sadie. As he swung open the car door, he found Sadie seated inside, lifeless, her face contorted in a horrifying expression, blood seeping from every orifice. Behind him, Nick''s sinisterugh echoed, his demeanor that of a madman.


    Micah jolted awake, his body slick with sweat, his heart racing.


    For years, except for the day his parents had their ident, Micah had never experienced such a feeling...


    A sudden, ominous premonition filled his heart, leaving him feeling uneasy and restless. ncing at his watch, he noted it was 6:30 p.m.


    With a sense of urgency, he sprang out of bed, washed his face, and hurried downstairs to wait for Nick. His primary concern was to see Sadie at the earliest opportunity, ensuring her safety and well-being. "Mr. Clemens, don''t worry. Rn''s people are monitoring the situation. Your uncle''s car entered Newark three hours ago. He should arrive early."

 Chapter 495 My Good Nephew

    Micah looked in the direction from which the vehicles wereing, waiting for Nick''s arrival.


    Although he appeared calm on the outside, he was extremely anxious inside.


    Andrew didn''t dare speak, silently standing by with his bodyguards.


    Dahlia hurried over, apanied by a few female medical staff waiting on standby.


    One minute... Two minutes... Five minutes... Ten minutes passed...


    Nick''s motorcade still hadn''t arrived.


    Micah checked his watch again¡ªit was 7:00 p.m., and his brow furrowed. Once again, he looked toward the highway. Cars were passing by, but none belonged to Nick''s motorcade. What game was he ying?


    Micah pulled out his cell phone, ready to call Rn.


    Just then, Andrew whispered urgently, "They''re here!"


    Micah looked up to see a proud procession of Hummers rolling slowly towards them...


    Andrew gestured, and his bodyguards instantly tensed, ready for action.


    Micah squinted, his gaze fixed coldly on the central Hummer until it came to a halt.


    Nick''s men got out of their vehicles and lined up in two neat rows, mirroring the defensive stance of Micah''s own team.


    There was a standoff between the two sides!


    A few female bodyguards stepped out and opened the door of the main car. A pair of slender legs emerged, exuding a chill charisma typical of the Clemens family, pressing in. "Long time no see, my dear nephew!" Nick removed his sunsses, his lips curling into a cold smile.


    "Where is she?" Micah didn''t want to waste words he just wanted to see Sadie right away.


    With a smirk, Nick made a sign, and Selina opened the car door.


    Sadie, dressed in a white gown,y quietly on the back seat, deep in slumber.


    Dahlia immediately led her team forward to lift Sadie onto a medical stretcher and wheeled her to Micah''s side.


    Micah frowned upon seeing Sadie. Herplexion appeared pale, her body weakened, conveying a sense of fragility as though she had endured much...


    Micah felt a tight grip on his heart but still feignedposure. "Check her.¡±


    "Right away." Dahlia quickly directed the medical team to push Sadie in for examination.


    Andrew gave a signal, and several bodyguards promptly followed.


    ¡°Just a fewshes, and you make such a big deal?" Nick''s lips twisted into a mocking smile.


    "You better not y any tricks with me." Micah red at him menacingly.


    "You talk like that to your uncle, for a woman?" Nick raised an eyebrow and sneered. "Are you trying to be a Romeo like your father?"


    "What''s it to you?" Micah''s brows knit together.


    "Okay." Nick spread his hands and said no more, "Can you take me to see your grandfather now?"


    Without a word, Micah turned and walked into the hospital.


    Nick followed him. When his bodyguards started to enter, Andrew and his men stopped them.


    "Sorry, Mr. Clemens," Andrew said politely but firmly, "You may only bring one attendant.¡±


    "You''ve be quite bold, standing up to me!"


    Nick shot him a cold re and signaled.


    His entourage stepped back, leaving only Selina to apany Nick inside.


    "Grandpa can''t be agitated, so watch what you say," Micah warned coldly.


    "He''s my father." Nick scoffed. "Why would I want to harm him?¡±


    "It''s not that clear," Micah replied without gratitude. "How many times did you infuriate Grandpa over the years?"


    "It was because Father was too biased," Nick retorted with dissatisfaction. "He left everything to your dad, and after your dad passed away, it all became yours. I''ve been working tirelessly for the Clemens family, yet in the end, I received nothing. Naturally, I''m not pleased with the oue.


    "You''ve gotten more than enough. You need to learn to be content!"


    Micah didn''t respond. Truth be told, he didn''t agree with the favoritism either.


    Indeed, Micah''s grandfather had left most of his assets to Micah, the heir, but he hadn''t left Nick with nothing. Otherwise, Nick wouldn''t have been able to expand the business so considerably.

 Chapter 496 Favoring Children

    Nick always wanted topete with Micah for everything, striving for equality, which was why he never won his father''s favor, and the two argued for a lifetime. Moreover, over a decade ago, Nick had caused a scene at his father''s birthday celebration, enraging him so severely that he suffered a stroke.


    Fortunately, the Clemens family had a professional medical team. After several years of treatment, his father eventually recovered...


    Since then, Micah never let her meet his grandfather alone again.


    Arriving at the special hospital ward, Micah didn''t go up with Nick right away but waited for Dahlia''s call.


    "Do we really need to do this? I told you, I just cracked the whip a few times, I didn''t touch her," Nickined with an irritated frown. "We''re already downstairs, and you''re still not letting me go up?" "If everything checks out, then naturally I''ll let you go up."


    Micah sincerely hoped he could take Nick upstairs. At least then, Sadie would be safe. If her injuries were merely superficial, he wouldn''t be fussing over her now. But if Sadie was harmed, he was prepared to confront Nick without mercy. "Pathetic!" Nick scoffed derisively. "Father should never have chosen you as the heir. For the sake of a woman, you disregard family ties. How can a person like that be in charge?"


    "I''m naturally not as callous as you, uncle," Micah responded coolly. "Unfortunately for you, you''ve already been cast out by Grandpa, and the Clemens family doesn''t have another heir. If not me, then who? n?" "You..." Nick''s rage transformed his countenance into a mask of steel, his icy gaze radiating a palpable menace. He might have tolerated Micah''s opposition, but belittling his son was something he couldn''t endure. "n is naive and kind, just hasn''te into his own yet. One day, he will surpass you." Nick red at Micah with indignation. "Also, that grudge from thest time you hit him, I''ll settle that with you sooner orter." Micah couldn''t be bothered to continue the argument, his gaze dropping to his smartphone.


    Soon, Dahlia called, "Mr. Clemens Miss Roth''s been hurt pretty bad. Her back isshed open, but there''s no other serious damage, and she wasn''t assaulted in any... uh, particr way. That''s all we can confirm for now. I''m still running some deeper checks. Need a bit more time."


    "Alright." Micah let out a small sigh of relief and looked up ring at Nick. "I''ve noted this debt."


    "Fine, we''ll settle upter," Nick replied with a sneer. "Can we go in now?"


    Micah gestured and the bodyguards cleared the way.


    Nick, with Selina in tow, stepped into the elevator.


    Ss was waiting at the door of the ward. Upon seeing Nick, he nodded respectfully, "Nick, you are here!"


    "Ss, long time no see," Nick returned the greeting respectfully.


    "It has been a while," Ss said with a smile. "You still carry yourself well, Nick."


    "Thank you." Nick gave a slight smile and followed the medical staff to the next room to change into an istion gown.


    After changing, Ss and Micah personally escorted him into the ward.


    Andrew and Selina waited outside they exchanged a nce, full of mutual disdain, then turned away from each other.


    Nick entered the room and saw his father lying in the bed. The cold hostility that he had carried with him vanished, reced by aplex mix of emotions.


    Love, resentment, and even hatred...


    After a long moment, Nick approached the bed to get a closer look at his father, his expression filled with sorrow.


    Nick opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but he couldn''t find the words.


    Seeing Nick like this, Ss softened and said quietly, "Your father''s been thinking of you. In his dreams, in his confusion, he''s called out your name." "Really?" Nick was visibly surprised, as if he couldn''t believe his own ears.


    "Of course, it''s true..."


    While Ss was speaking, Micah''s grandfather stirred, showing signs of waking up and mumbling something with his mouth agape. Nick quickly leaned in to listen...

 Chapter 497 Ominous Premonition

    "Micah..."


    Micah''s grandfather was calling out the names of Micah, Micah''s father, and Micah''s mother, but he never called out for Nick. Ss looked at Nick with an awkward expression.


    Nick''s face went from astonishment to disappointment, and then to a cold, detached mask, finally curling into a sardonic sneer... Nick wasn''tughing at anyone else but himself.


    ''I had the foolish hope that my father would really have me in his thoughts. How ludicrous...''


    Micah turned away, a silent figure amidst the tension.


    From the time he started learning, he felt that his grandfather had an aversion to Nick. He always seemed too strict with Nick and showed very little warmth. Micah had tried to talk to his grandfather about this issue. For some reason, however, the mention of Nick would always anger his grandfather.


    He could only give up on the topic.


    In fact, Micah had felt sympathy for Nick at first, but as time passed and his uncle''s behavior became increasingly erratic, he kept his distance from him...


    It used to be that their paths never crossed until n grew up. His uncle began scheming for him, aiming to secure the family inheritance and set n up for sess. Regrettably, n had no great aspirations and took pleasure in squandering money.


    Because of this, Micah and n got along quite well. Behind the scenes, Micah helped him out a lot.


    But Micah never anticipated that n would develop a lustful interest in Sadie, which not only angered Micah but also sparked conflict between uncle and nephew. "Nick, we can''t stay in the ward too long," Ss reminded gently. "Is there something you want to say to your father?"


    "Of course there is." Nick leaned in close to the bed, softly calling out, "Dad, Dad..."


    Micah''s grandfather stirred as if he heard the voice.


    "Can you hear me?" Nick said, ted. "It''s Nick."


    "Umm..." Micah''s grandfather made a deep, nasal sound, seemingly acknowledging his words. His eyelids fluttered, but he couldn''t quite open his eyes.


    "Please get well soon. I have some good news that will make you very happy," Nick said with a sinister smile on his face and squinty, ominous eyes.


    Ss stood close by, cautiously on guard. He feared that Nick might say something unpleasant on purpose to irritate Micah''s grandfather.


    "That''s enough," Nick said abruptly, stepping back. He inquired, "Ss, what did the doctors say? When will Father wake up?"


    "Your father suffered a stroke and slipped, which caused his unconsciousness. The doctors said he needs time to recover. It could be as soon as half a month or as long as several months," Ss replied. "I hope Father wakes up soon." Nick sighed. "Please take good care of him."


    "Of course." Ss nodded earnestly.


    Nick thanked him and left the room.


    Ss looked towards Micah.


    Micah too found it odd. ''That man didn''t say or do anything out of line? That doesn''t fit his style.''


    Micah stepped out of the ward.


    Nick had already removed his istion clothes and was meticulously wiping his hands with a disinfecting wipe. "When Father wakes up, remember to let me know. I want to bring n to visit him." "If you y fair and square, I won''t stop you," Micah said indifferently.


    "Ha!" Nick chuckled coldly, squinting at him. "If you''re so clean, no one can y tricks anyway!"


    With that, he pped his hands, turned, and walked away. "Take care, my dear nephew!"


    Micah watched his retreating figure, a slight frown creasing his brow.


    Although Nick hadn''t done anything that day, Micah couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling that something ominous was lurking.


    Just then, his cell phone rang. Dahlia was calling. "Mr. Clemens, Miss Roth has woken up!"


    In the background, Sadie''s panicked, piercing screams echoed. A sense of rm washed over him, and he dashed for the elevator.

 Chapter 498 The Needle Mark

    Micah hurried to the other ward...


    Four doctors and nurses were struggling to hold Sadie down as Dahlia tried to soothe her anxiously, "Miss Roth, don''t be scared, it''s Dahlia. You''re safe now, just calm down, calm down..."


    But Sadie continued to struggle and scream as if she had encountered something terribly frightening.


    Micah burst into the room, bellowing, "Back off!"


    The medical staff scrambled away.


    Out of control, Sadie grabbed a syringe and swung it wildly, identally cutting her own hand.


    Disregarding his own safety, Micah wrapped his arms tightly around her. The needle pierced his arm, yet he remained oblivious to the pain,forting Sadie, "It''s okay, I''m here..."


    Like a feral cat in panic, Sadie kept struggling, but Micah''s strength was immense, trapping her firmly so she couldn''t move. Then, she bit down hard on Micah''s neck, clinging fiercely like a wild animal with its prey. Blood flowed, but Micah offered no resistance, only gently stroking her hair, trying to calm her down.


    The doctors and nurses were terrified, standing aside, trembling.


    Finally, Sadie calmed down and passed out in Micah''s arms...


    Dahlia, uneasy and worried, said, "Hold on, Mr. Clemens, I''ll get the needle out for you."


    Micah nodded.


    Dahlia clenched her teeth and carefully pulled out the needle, "Thankfully, there was no medication in it, but it must still hurt a lot."


    "What the hell happened? Why did Sadie freak out like that?" Micah asked with a frown, "Is there any other harm to her?"


    "I''ve checked her thoroughly. Aside from the wound on her back, there are marks on her wrists and ankles from being tied up. I''ve had a specialist in gynecology examine her, and there are no signs of assault or any other issues. I don''t know why she reacted like this. Could it be an extreme fright?"


    Dahlia was puzzled.


    "Leave," Micahmanded.


    "Yes," Dahlia replied, directing the medical staff out of the room.


    Micah cradled Sadie in his arms, her peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. He gently pressed a kiss to her hair, his heart heavy with self-reproach for failing to shield her from harm. The sight of her injured form pierced him deeply, stirring a well of resentment towards Nick.


    He swore to himself that he would make Nick pay dearly for this.


    At that moment, there was a knock at the door.


    Andrew asked cautiously, "Mr. Clemens, those three kids have called Ss, inquiring about Miss Roth''s condition. They say they won''t eat or sleep, all waiting for her..."


    Micah''s brow furrowed upon hearing this. He had promised to bring Sadie home tonight, and the children were all looking forward to it.


    But with Sadie in her current state, how could he take her home?


    After a moment of thought, Micah replied, "Prepare the car, I need to go back."


    "Yes."


    Micah tenderly stroked Sadie''s cheek and tried to smooth her disheveled hair. Noticing the bruised marks where her wrists had been bound, he felt an ache in his heart. Suddenly, he spotted the puncture marks on her wrist and immediately called out, "Someonee in!"


    "Mr. Clemens," Dahlia entered the room.


    "Why are there needle marks on her wrist?" Micah asked with a frown.


    "Before you came in, Miss Roth had grabbed a syringe once, which I managed to take from her, though she did prick my hand as well." Dahlia showed her wrist to Micah. "Then you came in, and she pricked you as well..." "Check Sadie again," Micah still felt something was off. "Thoroughly."


    "Yes." Dahlia nodded.


    "Arrange for more people to take care of her. Use sedatives if necessary to prevent Sadie from hurting herself," Micah ordered. "I have to go back for a bit and will returnter." "Understood, rest assured."

 Chapter 499 The Big Bad Liar

    Micah hurried back home, and it was already 10:00 p.m.


    The three little kids sat on the living room sofa waiting for Sadie.


    Noah held a book, seemingly reading calmly, but every few seconds he nced up at the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Sadie.


    Nathan cradled a bag of parrot feed in one hand while feeding Coco dinner with the other, yet he had barely touched his own dinner. Without seeing Sadie, he had no appetite. Mia clutched her stuffed alpaca close, slumping on the couch and dozing off, asionally opening her groggy eyes to look toward the door.


    Hearing the sound of a car, all three kids instantly perked up.


    Noah immediately put down his book, ready to slip on his shoes and head outside.


    Mia dashed out barefoot, her chubby little feet pping the ground as she excitedly called out, "Mommy, Mommy..."


    Noah quickly slipped into his little leather shoes and hurried out after her.


    "Wait for me, Noah, Mia!" Nathan yelled anxiously.


    "Wait for me!" echoed Coco.


    The caregivers promptly lifted him into the wheelchair and rushed him outside.


    Cradling Coco in his arms, he stretched his neck trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening...


    The car door opened, and out stepped only Micah-no Sadie.


    Mia paused for a moment and thenughed. ¡°Mommy, stop ying hide and seek! Come out now!"


    She then toddled around the vehicle, expecting to find her mother''s figure.


    "Where''s Mommy?" Noah frowned as he didn''t see her. Unlike Mia, he wasn''t indulging in fantasies he had an ominous premonition.


    "She..." Micah stammered, at a loss. He''d never interacted much with children and wasn''t sure how best tomunicate.


    "Mommy,e out!" Unable to find her mother around the car, Mia climbed inside the vehicle to continue her search, with no sess. She became frantic, "Bad guy, where''s Mommy?" "Mommy is... sick," Micah said, setting Mia on the hood of the car instead of correcting her address. He tried to exin seriously, ¡°She needs treatment. After she''s better, I''ll bring Mommy back." "What?!" Mia''srge, grape-like eyes widened in rm, and she urgently asked, "What sickness does Mommy have? What happened to her?"


    "She got hurt..." Micah was too honest to lie to the child.


    Upon hearing her mother was hurt, Mia''s face turned pale, her little mouth quivered, and she burst into tears with a loud, "Wah!"


    "Uh..." Micah was at a loss when Mia started crying, blurting out hastily, "Don''t cry!"


    "Mr. Clemens..." Noah tugged on Micah''s jacket.


    Micah looked down and saw that Noah''s eyes were also red. He was trying hard to control his emotions as he urgently asked, "Why did Mommy get hurt? Is it serious? Where is she now?"


    "She..."


    Before Micah could continue, Nathan burst out the door, his little fists clenched with emotion as he interrogated, "Liar, didn''t you say you were bringing Mommy home tonight? Why is she hurt? Did "No, it''s not..."


    "I want Mommy!" Mia''s cries intensified, growing louder and more heart-wrenching. Her sobs were clear and sharp, her head thrown back in distress.


    Micah''s words were drowned out by Mia''s cries, leaving him feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Never before had he felt such intense fear.


    "Mr. Clemens, please take us to see Mommy." Noah''s voice was choked up, struggling to keep the tears at bay. "No matter where Mommy is, we want to be with her." "Your mommy is at the hospital, and it''s already veryte. You should stay at home and rest..."


    "No! If I can''t see Mommy, I won''t eat anything!" Nathan began to throw a tantrum, his little mouth pouting, anger evident on his face.


    "I want Mommy! I want Mommy!" Mia kept crying, her sobs so intense she could barely catch her breath. Suddenly, she slipped and tumbled down from the car roof...


    you


    do this?"

 Chapter 500 Children Are Too Scary

    Micah swiftly caught Mia, though he felt unsure about how to hold a child properly, his movements seeming clumsy, almost hindered by ack of mobility. He cradled her chubby little legs with one hand and secured her side with the other, fearful of her slipping.


    "Mommy, I want Mommy..." Mia clung to Micah''s neck, sobbing uncontrobly, smearing snot and tears all over him.


    "Bad man, if you don''t let me see Mommy, I''ll call the police to catch you," Nathan threatened, removing his little leather shoe and hurling it at Micah in anger.


    "Please take us to see Mommy." Noah, though calm, was also very determined.


    Coco fluttered its wings, circling above Micah''s head, incessantly chirping, "Mommy!"


    Micah closed his eyes. In such a scene, even he felt like crying!


    "Kids, don''t worry, your mommy, she "


    Andrew was about to help Micah out when he felt something gooey drop onto the top of his head, hitting him right in the forehead.


    Andrew reached up and, to his horror, discovered parrot droppings above him. He red up at Coco!


    The bird kept fluttering its wings, looking at him with a challenging stare.


    Andrew stared at Coco, trying to intimidate the bird, but Coco promptly flew to Nathan''s shoulder. "You dare bully Coco?"


    Nathan removed his other little shoe and hurled it at him in fury.


    It hit Andrew right in the face!


    Andrew''s mouth twitched in frustration. These kids were terrifying!


    Micah finally snapped with a low shout, "Stop crying!"


    Mia paused for a second, looked at him, and then continued crying even louder.


    Nathan furiously dialed on his phone. "I''m going to call Grandpa and tell him you''re bullying us."


    "We want to see Mommy!" Noah''s little mouth was turned down, his defiance palpable. "If you won''t let us see her, we''ll just have to tell the cops!"


    "Andrew!" Micah frowned and called out sharply. "Are you dead? Solve this, now."


    "Mr. Clemens, I... I..." Andrew stretched out his hands pitifully, one smeared with bird poop, the other clutching a tiny leather shoe.


    Micah furrowed his brow and nced over at the caregivers.


    "Ah, I, I, I, we can''t do this..." Athena hastily shook her head and waved her hands. "Once the Young Miss starts crying, nobody but Miss Roth can soothe her."


    "Yeah, yeah," Sienna, too frightened to utter a coherent sentence, agreed, "We''re just tormented..."


    "Mia, don''t cry, I will give you..." Cam tried to console her.


    "Waaah..." Mia''s cries grew louder as she threw back her little head, howling at the moon in the sky like a heartbroken little wolf.


    This marked Micah''s first exasperated sigh, feeling utterly at his wits'' end, nearly driven to madness.


    Micah had hoped to return home to pacify the three children, ensuring they could eat and sleep properly. However, they now adamantly demanded a trip to the hospital, leaving Micah feelingpletely powerless against their insistence.


    "Alright, I''ll take you to the hospital to see her!" Micah conceded for once in his life. "But you mustn''t cry!"


    This statement finally had an effect the children''s sobs ceased immediately as if someone had flipped a switch!


    "You also have to promise me: one visit and then we go back home," Micah reasoned with the children. "The hospital is for patients to get better, and if you''re there, you''ll disturb others and Mommy''s rest!" Noah quickly nodded his head, showing understanding. "We promise you!"


    "What about you?" Micah looked at Nathan.


    "If Noah promises, I do too." Nathan pouted stubbornly. "But you can''t lie to us again."


    "No throwing shoes at others," Micah ordered sternly.


    "We''ll see about that..." Nathan wasn''t intimidated, turning his head away haughtily. "I didn''t bring my toy gun today. I had to use it as a weapon."


    Micah was exasperated but resigned to teach them patiently.


    He then turned to Mia, who hastily raised her hands, "As long as I see Mommy, I won''t cry!"

 Chapter 501 They Will Behave

    Micah arrived at the hospital with the three children in tow.


    Outside Sadie''s ward, Micah held one child in his arms and another on his shoulder, resembling arge tree crawling with little monkeys.


    The kids gazed through the ss door at the sleeping Sadie with longing eyes.


    Mia, with her hands pressed against the window and tears welling up, pouted her lips miserably.


    Noah and Nathan had red-rimmed eyes, holding back their tears, but their gazes were filled with concern.


    "Sweethearts, Mommy''s just exhausted and fell asleep. She''ll be back home in a couple of days," Dahlia soothed gently. "Why don''t you all head back and get some rest, okay?" "Dr. Rey, what''s wrong with Mommy? What sickness does she have?" Noah''s eyes were red as he asked anxiously.


    "Mommy has a cold, but she''ll be fine after a few days of rest," Dahlia said with a smile. "Children catch colds and adults catch colds, right? It''s just a small issue, no need to worry." "A cold?" Noah felt something was off. Looking up at Micah, he asked, "Mr. Clemens, didn''t you say mommy was hurt?"


    Micah''s face stiffened. He was not good at lying, especially to children.


    "Um, well..." Dahlia paused briefly, then swiftly concocted an excuse. "She caught a cold, and feeling under the weather, she stumbled and fell¡ªthat''s how she got injured." "Mommy is so pitiful..." Mia felt for her mom, pouting her little mouth and crying sadly.


    "I want to see Mommy," Nathan said urgently, tapping on the ss window. "Can we go in?"


    "Let''s not go in right now. Mommy is really weak at the moment and she needs peace and quiet," Dahlia whispered, trying to convince them. "You wouldn''t want to disturb Mommy, right?"


    "But..." Nathan felt a bit downhearted, yet he nodded because he felt sorry for Sadie. "Okay, I won''t disturb Mommy."


    Mia covered her mouth, trying not to cry out loud, but the tears still streamed down her cheeks.


    Micah let out a sigh of relief. Dahlia had a way with words that quieted the children.


    "Alright, it''s time to go back to sleep," Micah said, not wanting the kids to wake up Sadie. She had finally fallen asleep after much difficulty. If she were to awaken once more, disoriented and frightened as she had been before, it wouldn''t only frighten the children but also leave Sadie feeling miserable.


    "Can wee to see Mommy tomorrow?" Noah asked, tilting his little head.


    "As long as you''re well-behaved, you can visit Mommy," Micah reassured as he gathered the three children to leave. "Go home and eat well, sleep well, and no more acting up."


    "Mmhmm, I''ll be good," Nathan promised quickly, hoping to be allowed to see his mom.


    "Me too," Mia said, lifting her chubby little hand as if to swear, but then quickly hugged Micah''s head, afraid she might fall.


    "I''ll look after them." Noah took on his role as the oldest.


    "Thanks for helping take care of Mommy. When she wakes up, we''ll thank you properly," he said gratefully.


    "The best thanks would be for you all to be obedient," said Micah, already exhausted from their antics.


    "We will be," Noah assured him repeatedly.


    "Me too," said Nathan, giving Micah a feeble nce and whispering an apology, "I won''t throw shoes at people anymore."


    Mia tried to speak withposure but sniffled conspicuously.


    Micah couldn''t help butugh through his tears. "Behave!"


    Children tended to be carefree, probably feeling more at ease having seen their mommy, one moment chattering with Micah, the next dozing off in his arms.


    Fearing she might fall, Mia clutched Micah''s hair tightly, her soft body sprawled over him as she fell asleep.


    Micah quickly handed the drowsy Nathan to Andrew and passed Noah to Dahlia, then carefully cradled Mia in his arms.


    Mia rolled over to face him, tightly gripping the front of his shirt with her chubby little hands, and drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 502 A Passionate Kiss

    "Dr. Rey, put me down-I can walk," Noah said.


    Noah was always exceptionally well-behaved and mature for his age.


    Dahlia set him down and took his hand to walk forward.


    Andrew, carrying the sleeping Nathan, remembered the boy previously throwing his little shoe at him and felt a flicker of fear. What kind of mischief would this young fellow unleash when he grew up? Coco looked scared in Nathan''s arms, its small eyes darting around, seemingly pondering whether Andrew might now strangle it for its previous little ident on his head.


    Andrew red at Coco as a tease, and the pet hastily flew to perch on Noah''s shoulder.


    Noah nced at Andrew.


    Andrew immediately let out a conciliatory chuckle at Noah.


    After all, Noah might very well be a future heir-he couldn''t afford to offend him.


    As the group was about to leave the hospital building, a familiar voice suddenly called out, "Micah!"


    Micah turned around and saw Ss in the corridor, smiling at him.


    "Hello, Ss!" Noah greeted politely.


    "You''re such a good boy, Noah," Ss approached warmly, "Why are you still awake sote?"


    "I came to visit Mommy," Noah said, a touch weary yet still graceful, "Thank you for taking care of us."


    "Don''t mention it, child," Ss stooped down to affectionately ruffle his hair, "Are youfortable staying with Micah?"


    "It''s fine," Noah replied politely, "Ss, Nathan and Mia are sleepy. I''ll take them back to rest now, see you next time."


    "Okay, see you next time!" Ss patted his shoulder, "If you need anything, just contact me. Grandpa''s phone is off, but you have my number."


    "Got it, thanks Ss," Noah said with a grateful nod.


    "Take them back home," Micah instructed Dahlia, handing Mia over to her. Then he turned to Noah. "I''ll be at the hospital with Mommy. I''lle see you guys tomorrow. Behave yourselves!" "Okay," Noah nodded and turned to leave.


    "Yes," Dahlia and Andrew, along with the kids got into the car, surrounded by a few bodyguards for their protection.


    Ss watched their departing figures and with a smile, he said, "Micah, may I have a word?"


    "What would you like to talk about, Ss?" Micah turned to walk into the hospital lobby.


    "Are these three children Miss Sadie''s?" Ss asked softly.


    "Yes." Micah wasn''t intending to conceal the truth he knew it couldn''t be hidden any longer. Besides, if the kids were indeed his, his grandfather would have no grounds to keep Sadie from entering the family. "So, the three children are..." Ss probed tentatively.


    "I''ll exin it to Grandpa once he wakes up." Micah felt this matter should be discussed personally with his grandfather and that it was better to keep it under wraps for now.


    "Understood." Ss nodded quickly. "Sorry to disturb you."


    Micah arrived at Sadie''s ward. She was sleeping deeply, probably sedated.


    Micahy beside Sadie on the bed, cradling her in his arms as he gentlybed through her tangled hair with his fingers.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll never leave your side again," he whispered.


    The night seemed calm, but Micah felt a weight on his chest, a foreboding sense that something was about to happen...


    As time ticked away, dawn broke. Micah had been incredibly busy in recent days, barely finding time to rest. Despite being tasked with watching over Sadie, exhaustion overcame him, and he drifted into sleep while holding her. In the morning, Micah felt a soft touch on his forehead and woke up abruptly, only to see Sadie''s beautiful, tender face looking at him.


    Sadie was no longer the frantic, uncontrolled mess from yesterday she was calmly gazing at him, gently stroking his face...


    "You''re awake" Micah began, but his words were cut off by a passionate, fervent kiss from Sadie.

 Chapter 503 From Now On, This Is Your Home

    After the kidnapping ordeal, Sadie''s reservations vanished. She longed to hold Micah close, as if the world was ending and these were their final moments. Her kiss ignited a fire within Micah, sparking excitement. He leaned over her, returning her passion with equal fervor.


    That morning, a romantic warmth filled the air, fueled by their mutual passion.


    Dahlia was about to knock on the door when she inadvertently caught sight of the tender scene unfolding inside the room. She quickly stepped back, signaling the others not to disturb the young couple. Andrew and his attendants stood guard at the door. The once bashfully flustered bodyguards had grown ustomed to such disys, now standing by in the calm assurance that it was alling to an end.


    A contented smile yed at the corners of Andrew''s mouth he knew that things were finally starting to look up.


    After a while, Micah reluctantly let go of Sadie, not because the ss doors of the ward made them visible from the outside, nor was it due to embarrassment. Mainly, he was concerned about Sadie''s health as she had only just returned, so he refrained from going further.


    With Sadie''s face cradled in his hands, Micah delicately caressed her soft lips with his thumbs, his gaze filled with deep affection locking onto hers.


    Countless thoughts raced through his mind, but in that singr moment, only one sentence truly mattered: "From now on, I will never let you get hurt again."


    Tears sparkled in Sadie''s reddened eyes. "I feel so foolish for the past... I should have cherished you more..."


    "It''s not toote," Micah whispered, kissing her forehead.


    With eyes closed and holding him tight, Sadie took a deep breath and finally mustered the courage to speak. "I have something to tell you."


    "Hmm? What is it?" Micah lifted her face, prompting her to look at him.


    "I lied to you..." Sadie took a deep breath, carefully articting each word, "Actually, my children..."


    "They are my children!" Micah said, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.


    Sadie stared at him, astonished. "How did you know?"


    "While you were gone, Noah came to me for negotiations," Micah recalled with a heart full of empathy. "Noah said that loving someone truly means never to cause them harm, no matter what happens. Noah sat across from me, a small figure with a straight spine, his young face calm and determined. It reminded me of myself as a child...


    "A strange sensation took hold of me, the suspicion that Noah might be my child, but I couldn''t be certain. Later, Noah inadvertently drank a juice containing kiwi and had an allergic reaction. I found it suspicious and had DNA tests done, confirming Noah was indeed my child..."


    Sadie was stunned and took a while to gather her thoughts. "You knew all this time? How is Noah now?"


    "He is fine, the shots worked, and his allergic reaction has subsided," Micah spoke softly, "Now all three children are living at my ce. I''ve prepared new rooms for them that''s their home now..."


    He gently pinched Sadie''s chin and kissed her lips. "It''s your home too!"


    "My home?" Sadie waspletely baffled she didn''t expect that after surviving a disaster, her life would see such a dramatic change.


    She didn''t need to figure out how to confess to Micah¡ªhe already knew and had made all the arrangements...


    Was she dreaming?


    "I should have realized it sooner. I shouldn''t have misunderstood you." Micah reflected on his past paranoia and aggression with profound regret. "You must have been scared to tell me because of my vtile temper. You were afraid that acknowledging the children would lead to many unpredictable dangers, right?"


    "I''m sorry..." Sadie hugged him tightly. "It was my confusion. I should have been honest with you from the start."

 Chapter 504 Overly Concerned

    "It''s alright, it''s not toote, we still have time..." Micah stroked Sadie''s hair and whispered tenderly in her ear, "Once you''re better, we''ll go home, and I''ll prepare the grandest wedding. The kids will be thrilled, and Grandpa will be so happy..." "Wedding..." As Micah described his ns, Sadie fantasized about that day she pictured the radiant smiles of the children and the affectionate look on his grandfather''s face. A happy smile formed on Sadie''s lips, and she held Micah close, looking forward to the arrival of this happiness.


    Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her arm, causing her body to stiffen. She bit down hard on her lower lip, trying to endure the agony.


    Sadie couldn''t shake the memory of several men restraining her, injecting her with an unknown substance. The drug seemed like a ticking time bomb, asionally robbing her of emotional control and inflicting pain so excruciating it felt like being sliced by knives.


    Fear gripped Sadie as she contemted the drug''s potential to ravage her sanity and inflict harm upon her loved ones, intensifying her dread...


    "What''s wrong?" Micah felt Sadie trembling and quickly asked, "Are you feeling okay?"


    "My wound hurts..." Sadie endured the sharp pain and asked with a shaky voice, "Where''s Dahlia?"


    "I''ll call Dahlia right away." Micah hurried to get someone.


    Soon after, Dahlia came in and treated Sadie''s wound but didn''t administer any other treatments.


    Hiding her confusion, Sadie calmly asked, "Dr. Rey, have you checked everything? Do I have any other issues?"


    "As of now, aside from the injuries on your back and limbs, I haven''t found any other issues." Dahlia asked, "Miss Roth, do you feel difort anywhere else? You need to tell me so I can provide the appropriate treatment." "My arm is hurting..." Sadie struggled to lift her right hand, "It started with my wrist, and now it''s spread to my elbow, and the pain is slowly making its way up to my head..."


    "I''ll arrange a check-up for you immediately," Dahlia stated as she made arrangements. "Let''s start with an X-ray to see if there''s any bone damage."


    "Don''t worry, Dahlia is highly skilled in medicine. She''ll be able to cure you," Micah reassured her.


    "Okay." Sadie nodded.


    Just then, Andrew called out for Micah from outside, saying he had important news to report.


    "I''ll be back shortly to keep youpany."


    Micah kissed Sadie''s forehead and hurriedly left.


    As the door closed, Sadie asked Dahlia in a low voice, "Dr. Rey, am I really okay otherwise?"


    "Hmm?" Dahlia paused, asking with concern, "Miss Roth, I''ve conducted all the standard medical exams and haven''t found anything yet. Are you sure... that there are no other injuries? You need to tell me." "No, it''s just the pain."


    Sadie began to doubt her own suspicions. Even Dahlia hadn''t found an issue¡ªmaybe the injection just put her to sleep and wasn''t a serious problem after all. The pain in her arm could also be an aftereffect of being struck...


    It would likely get better after a little while. And the uncontroble emotional distress brought on by the pain could possibly be from the shock.


    "Don''t worry, I''m going to arrange for your exams right away. You''ll be fine," Dahlia soothed.


    "Thank you," Sadie said, exhausted, reclining on her bed as the pain in her arm gradually subsided.


    Yesterday, the pain had seemed to linger for an eternity, yet today, itsted only a minute or two. Maybe she had fretted needlessly. Perhaps there was nothing wrong, and she would be perfectly fine in a few days. While pondering this, Sadie fell asleep again.


    Dahlia covered her with a nket and wheeled her off for an X-ray of her arm...


    Soon, the results came back. Sadie''s right arm bones were fine, but there was muscle damage, likely the cause of her pain...


    It was mostly because Sadie was overly startled. That''s what Dahlia concluded, writing up the medical report.

 Chapter 505 Good News

    Micah went to visit his grandfather, who was the same as before, sometimes awake, sometimes unconscious. His condition hadn''t worsened or improved.


    His primary physician told Micah that as long as his grandfather was stable and not getting worse, this was a positive sign. With continued treatment, his grandfather would gradually recover. Micah breathed a sigh of relief, trusting that it was only a matter of time before his grandfather would wake up.


    When his grandfather found out the good news, he was certain to be overjoyed.


    Micah could hardly wait to start nning the wedding, wanting to give Sadie and the kids a stable and happy home.


    There was an issue at thepany, and Ryan personally made a call, urgently needing Micah toe back and handle it.


    Upon returning to thepany, Micah was transformed from the once cold and haughty figure he used to be into someone approachable.


    As Micah entered the office building, he was greeted by the security and reception staff who stood in neat rows, respectfully saluting him. "Good morning, Mr. Clemens!"


    "Good morning, everyone!" Micah responded for the first time.


    Everyone was stunned. The Mr. Clemens who was once so aloof, who seemed to stand at the summit and never nced at them, nor ever responded, was actually greeting them this morning? The employees looked at each other, wondering if they had misheard.


    Or had Mr. Clemens changed his ways after not being in thepany for a few days?


    Micah walked into the elevator with a smile on his lips.


    Andrew, of course, knew what was going on and was happy for Micah.


    Micah had finally warmed up, the proverbial iceberg had melted, and the iron tree had bloomed.


    Arriving on the 68th floor at Micah''s office, Victoria was already leading the staff waiting at the elevator doors, all of them bending at the waist to greet Micah. "Good morning, Mr. Clemens!" "Good morning, everyone. You''ve all been working hard," Micah replied amiably. "Breakfast is on me today, just head down to the 17th floor and order whatever you''d like." Everyone was stunned.


    Was this Mr. Clemens? Was it the same Mr. Clemens who was cold and detached?


    "What are you all standing around for?" Micah frowned, "Didn''t you hear what I said?"


    The secretaries all nodded. "We heard, we heard!"


    "Thank you, Mr. Clemens," Victoria was the quickest to respond.


    "Thank you, Mr. Clemens," everyone else followed suit.


    "Hmm, don''t let it interfere with your work," Micah added. "Go in shifts."


    "Yes!" They all thanked him again.


    "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Wood and the others are already waiting in the conference room..."


    Victoria led Micah into his office, updating him on some of thepany''s business for the week.


    Micah had been busy dealing with family stuff in the past few days and hadn''t been to thepany, though he still reviewed documents daily. But a lot of work had piled up.


    As Micah stepped into his office, Ryan and the others immediately stood up. "Mr. Clemens!"


    Micah waved a hand and invited the gathered executives to sit down. "No need to stand on ceremony, please, take a seat. You haven''t had breakfast, right? Me neither. Shall we have it together?"


    The board members exchanged puzzled looks. Had they misunderstood him, or was there a deeper meaning behind Mr. Clemens'' invitation?


    "Micah to Andrew," Micah called out.


    "Present!" Andrew stepped forward.


    "Get breakfast ready from the 17th floor and bring it up," Micah instructed, then nced at his watch before engaging in friendly chit-chat with the executives. "You''ve been working hard these past days. I''ve been busy with some family matters, so thepany has been under your care."


    "It''s no trouble at all," the executives humbly responded, feeling a mix of ttery and apprehension, as they wondered what Micah was nning next.


    "Mr. Clemens, is everything alright at home?" Ryan, knowing about Micah''s grandfather''s illness, wondered if something had happened to him. Perhaps Micah was trying to win over these seasoned veterans.


    "Everything''s fine," Micah assured, a smile touching the corners of his mouth. "In a few days, I''ll be announcing some good news."


    "Good news?" The executives were surprised.


    With thepany facing issues and Micah''s grandfather''s prolonged absence, what good news could there be?

 Chapter 506 The Legendary Mr. L

    "You''ll find out soon enough," Micah said with an enigmatic smile, then turned the conversation to work matters.


    The shareholders hurriedly reported on the key events of the past few days.


    The most troubling issue was a new tech product that had post-sale problems, withints arising from over thirty customers worldwide, even trending on social media.


    The media was paying close attention, and if a satisfactory exnation wasn''t provided soon, it might harm thepany''s reputation.


    After reviewing the information on the incident, Micah remainedposed. "The product in question, I''ve been personally testing it recently, and it''s wless. Check if there''s any connection between theseining customers." The shareholders all looked at Ryan.


    "I suspected foul y too, so I investigated those customers''ints but found no leads," Ryan admitted. "We might need to use some of your resources to uncover the truth behind this."


    Micah raised an eyebrow at Rn. "Did you catch that?"


    "Understood." Rn nodded. "I''ll start investigating immediately."


    "And have our crisis management team handle the media. Once we have Rn''s investigative results, I''lle up with a n of action," Micah said, checking the date. "Rn, is three days enough?" "That will be sufficient," Rn assured him. "I will have a detailed report in three days."


    "Are you all satisfied with that?" Micah turned to the shareholders.


    "With you taking the lead, we''re certainly reassured."


    Several shareholders breathed a sigh of relief-their capabilities were limited, and many thorny issues had to wait for Micah to resolve.


    With connections in both the legitimate and underground worlds, Micah wielded influence in the grey market. Once he intervened, any problem seemed solvable.


    "Any other tough nuts to crack?" Micah systematically addressed each issue.


    "We have hit a snag with the development of a new line of smart products." Ryan pulled out a tablet and opened the VR design n. "This product line was originally for children''s education, but we''ve encountered several problems that we just can''t break through..."


    Micah took the tablet and carefully reviewed the information, frowning slightly. "I''ve provided guidance on this before, why hasn''t it been resolved?"


    "There''s a technical bottleneck in the R&D department..." Ryan went into detail about the technical issues.


    After listening, Micah saved the information. "I''ll look into it tonight and give you an answer tomorrow morning."


    "Thank you, Mr. Clemens," Ryan said, relieved. "Those were the only two issues on my end. That''s it."


    "Alright." Micah nodded and looked towards the others. "What about you all?"


    "I..." The director responsible for marketing frowned. "The VIC Group''s market has always been mature, no real worries there, but we are facing a crisis now." "Spit it out," Micah said with a hint of impatience.


    The director said cautiously, "I''ve heard that the James Group ns to enter our domestic market. They could be our biggestpetitor."


    "What? The James Group is nning to enter our domestic market?"


    The shareholders'' expressions shifted upon hearing this.


    Over the years, the Clemens family''s conglomerate had swept through the European and American markets, with the James Group being the one truepetitor.


    Until now, the James Group had been expanding in the Asia-Pacific market without any direct conflict with the Clemens family. It was unclear why they would suddenly choose topete on the domestic front. There was a storied rivalry between the James and Clemens families that dated back to the previous generation.


    Moreover, the notorious Mr. L, who now led the James Group, was well-known for his ruthless tactics. Given their roots in organized crime, confronting them directly would prove challenging for the Clemens family. All the shareholders looked to Micah, waiting for his response.


    Micah remained nonchnt. "Don''t worry about things that haven''t happened yet. Even if they do, we''ll deal with them as theye. The Clemens family has nothing to fear!"

 Chapter 507 The Foremost Adversary

    Although the agreement was reached swiftly with optimism, several shareholders harbored deep concerns. Micah, renowned for hismercial acumen, had been a formidable presence in the business realm since his youth. On the other hand, Lawrence James of the James Group, though he had only begun to wield power in recent years, was notorious for his ruthless tactics. He had left a trail of shocking events in the business world that instilled fear merely through word of mouth.


    Moreover, judging from the current situation, the Clemens family turned out to be the James Group''s biggestpetitor. Just as the VIC Group had entered the domestic market and secured its footing, the James Group hade for them¨C seemingly targeting the VIC Group specifically!


    "Mr. Clemens is right. With him around, we don''t have much to worry about," Ryan reassured, expressing his confidence in Micah.


    "Absolutely," everyone agreed in chorus.


    "Breakfast is here." At that moment, Victoria led the servers from the 17th floor, delivering a sumptuous breakfast.


    "Let''s start with breakfast," Micah suggested, standing to use the restroom.


    Seeing howposed he was, the shareholders felt somewhat reassured.


    However, the director still probed Andrew out of concern: "Andrew, how''s that project we''re working on with the Luminex Grouping along? Do you know?"


    "It''s progressing," Andrew answered with a smile.


    He was well aware of what the directors were worried about. Even though the Luminex Group wasn''t a threat in itself, the scale of the project meant that if it were to be terminated due to personal reasons, it would hit the VIC Group hard. Moreover, if rtions soured with the Luminex Group to the point that they turned to the James Group, it would pose a substantial threat to the VIC Group.


    Having an additional ally might not seem like much, but once that ally became an enemy, the consequences would be severe.


    "Let''s not worry too much," Ryan advised. "The Luminex family has been close with the Clemens for three generations. Nelson treats your grandfather as if he were his big brother. Even if there are changes at work, it won''t affect our families'' rtionship."


    "That''s a relief," the director said, nodding repeatedly in agreement.


    After washing his hands, Micah returned to join the shareholders for the meal.


    Ryan engaged him in conversation about thetest product developments, mentioning a new project for children''s products where he was stuck without inspiration.


    Micah asked him to send the materials to his email, suggesting they could review them together that evening.


    Once the meeting concluded, the shareholders dispersed to attend to their separatemitments.


    Micah returned to his office to review documents.


    Andrew had an iced wine ready for him and sighed, "As you anticipated, the director is genuinely concerned about your rtionship with Miss Amelia. He fears that a breakup could disrupt the project and strain cooperation between the two groups, potentially resulting in significant consequences."


    "It''s good that he''s concerned. It means he''s taking his job seriously," Micah replied nonchntly. "Is there anything else?"


    "No, that''s about it," Andrew said as he handed the iced wine to Micah, looking worriedly at him. "Should I inquire about what''s happening with the James Group?"


    "I already checked when I went to the restroom," Micah said with a sly smile. "The James Group does n to enter the domestic market, starting with Newark." "What?" Andrew eximed, his face a picture of shock. "Are they doing this on purpose? They know Newark is the VIC Group''s turf, and they still want topete?"


    "The rk family pulled some strings to help them get a hold of the Antic coastline," Micah said scornfully. "Ronan climbed up to the rk family, and they in turn got the James Group''s support. With money practically falling from the sky, the James Group is more than happy to take it."


    "What can you do with the ocean?" Andrew asked, puzzled.


    "Out at sea, there''s immense potential for development. However, ites with high investment, high risk, and, naturally, high returns," Micah responded calmly. "I initially avoided diving into maritime projects because my priority was to stabilize other industries, particrly given my primary focus on technology."


    Andrew frowned, an expression of concern etched on his face. "The James family has a long-standing feud with the Clemens family from previous generations. Although our generation doesn''t interact with them anymore, if we startpeting again, it might be hard to put an end to the old grudges and new grievances."


    "If others don''t provoke me, I naturally won''t provoke them," Micah said, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "But if they provoke me... they''re as good as dead."

 Chapter 508 We Will Be Happy

    Micah left thepany in the afternoon and went straight to the hospital.


    Sadie was much better today. After spending a day in aa at the hospital, her body was weak, and her face was very pale. She did not have another episode today and was quite calm.


    When Micah arrived at her ward, he found Sadie standing by the window, quietly staring out at the rain, lost in thought. Micah walked over gently and embraced her from behind.


    Sadie''s reaction was extremely violent. She immediately swung her hand around andnded a punch on Micah''s face...


    There was a thudding sound.


    "Ugh..." Sadie realized it was Micah she had decked and quickly sped his face in apology. "I''m so sorry! I didn''t know it was you. Did that hurt?"


    "Lucky for you, you didn''t have a knife, or you''d be drenched in my blood."


    Micah pinched Sadie''s cheek, seemingly oblivious to any pain.


    "I''m so sorry." Sadie felt a surge of guilt as she stroked Micah''s swollen forehead. Her gaze then fell upon a row of deep bite marks on his neck. The wounds appeared fresh, encircled by a halo of bruises. "Oh my God, what happened?" Sadie asked frantically. "How did you get bitten like this? Who did this?"


    Micah didn''t reply, just smiled at her.


    "Was it me?" Sadie''s eyes widened in shock. "No way!"


    "I even thought you turned into a vampirest night." Micah yfully scraped her lip. "You drank a lot of my blood!"


    "I''m so sorry..."


    Sadie felt an overwhelming sense of guilt-tears swiftly filled her eyes.


    She had no idea she could be so terrifying, having hurt Micah like this the night before and now swelling his forehead...


    If this had been in the past, Micah would have strangled her without hesitation.


    How had Micah be so even-tempered now?


    "So, how should I punish you, hm?" Micah made a stern face, pretending to be very serious.


    "I... I''m so sorry!" Sadie looked at him with pleading eyes, visibly shaken.


    Then, with eyes closed, she offered her neck to him. "Bite me, go ahead!"


    Sadie remembered that Micah was the kind of person who would always repay a debt.


    "All right..." Micah leaned in slowly, nibbling gently at Sadie''s neck. A tingling sensation ran through her, like an electric current zapping her entire body... Sadie waited, but Micah didn''t bite her. Instead, his kisses glided over her neck, cheeks, ears, down to her shoulders and corbone, soft as mes... With her neck arched back, Sadie breathed heavily, surrendering to Micah''s warm kiss that swept across her body.


    She trembled slightly, in sync with Micah''s movements...


    In an instant, the room''s temperature rose, filling the air with a hint of desire.


    Outside, Andrew instructed n, who was stationed by the door, "You know what to do, right?"


    "I got it. No one will disturb Mr. Clemens."


    n had grown ustomed to it, no longer the blushing shy type from before.


    Inside, the two lovers, oblivious to the outside world, embraced each other tightly, longing to meld into one.


    In the throes of impending bliss, Micah whispered amand into Sadie''s ear, "Hold me tight, Sadie!"


    Sadie clung tightly to Micah''s waist, her gaze slightly hazy as she looked up at him. Micah''s eyes were brimming with deep affection, ready to spill over, and Sadie could feel the heat of his love. Moved and filled with happiness, a single tear slid down Sadie''s face. Yet, she chose to mask it with a passionate kiss.


    "Fool..." Micah whispered against Sadie''s lips, murmuring into her ear, "We will be happy..."


    Micah sensed Sadie''s insecurities and fears, acknowledging her multitude of worries. Thus, his desire to bestow upon her all the beauty life had to offer: love, marriage, a home... Whatever Sadie yearned for, he stood prepared to provide.

 Chapter 509 The Engagement Cannot Be Called Off

    Afterward, Sadie snuggled into Micah''s embrace and drifted off to a peaceful sleep...


    Micah gently stroked Dahlia''s hair, gazing tenderly at her as she slept. Lately, she seemed perpetually exhausted, unable to find adequate rest.


    Upon his arrival, Dahlia had informed him that Sadie had been unusually tranquil that day, exhibiting no symptoms except for excessive sleepiness and frequent daydreaming, with little appetite. He thought she must be tired, scared...


    He would offer her more care and warmth, to help herpletely step out of the shadows.


    "Male escort..." Sadie suddenly murmured drowsily, "I don''t want to stay in the hospital, I want to go home."


    "Alright." Micah agreed with her sentiment. Staying too long in a hospital could drive anyone stir-crazy.


    "The kids are all waiting at home for you. You''ll feel better once you''re back," Micah said, kissing Sadie''s forehead. "Sleep a little more while I make the arrangements." "Mhm." Sadie nodded with her eyes closed.


    Micah got dressed and went outside to find Andrew to make the arrangements.


    Andrew had been on the phone and quickly suggested, "Perfect, the three kids called saying they wanted toe visit their mother. Should they just wait at home?" "Yes," Micah nodded, "We''ll be home in an hour."


    "Got it," Andrew said and hurried off to pass on the message.


    On the other end of the phone, the excited cheers from the three children nearly deafened Andrew.


    With a bemused smile, Andrew turned to show Micah his phone. "It''s going to be quite themotion at home."


    "That''s good." Micah smiled. "It''ll be lively!"


    "Yeah, I''ll get on it right away," Andrew said, chuckling as he left.


    Micah turned back to Sadie, still lying in the hospital bed, and instructed Dahlia, "Take good care of her. I''m going to check on Grandpa."


    "Of course, don''t worry," Dahlia nodded.


    Micah went to see his grandfather and found that Nelson hade to visit again.


    Ss had just apanied Micah to visit his grandfather, and they had stepped out from the visit.


    Nelson was about to say something when he saw Micah and quickly greeted him with enthusiasm, "Micah, you''re here!"


    "Mr. Luminex, here to see Grandpa again? That''s very dedicated of you!" Micah replied politely.


    "I''m heading to France tomorrow, so I wanted toe to see your grandfather today." Nelson looked intently at Micah. "Do you have a moment? Can we talk?"


    "I''ve got to get home right after seeing Grandpa," Micah said, ncing at his watch.


    "Then I won''t keep you," Nelson said with a resigned smile. "I''ll be off then. Goodbye!"


    "Goodbye," Micah said, stepping aside to let him pass.


    After Nelson left, Ss came back and frowned as he spoke, "Micah, Nelson meant no harm. Why did you reject him?"


    "Some conversations, no matter how often repeated, are pointless," Micah dismissed lightly. "Once Grandpa''s condition improves, I''ll naturally head over to the Luminexes to settle everything." "Maybe Nelson wasn''t bringing up that issue?" Ss furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss. "It felt like he had something important to say but didn''t say it."


    "Whatever it is, it''s none of my concern, right?" Micah responded indifferently and proceeded to the istion ward to change his clothes.


    Ss sighed and said no more.


    Micah''s grandfather was in better condition today. When Micah entered the room, his grandfather''s eyes tentatively opened, and he weakly looked at him,boriously reaching out his hand. "Grandpa..." Micah quickly took his hand.


    "You can''t..." Micah''s grandfather said with difficulty, "You can''t... call off... the engagement."


    His voice was frail, his breathing unsteady. Speaking even a single sentence left him gasping for air. However, his grip on Micah''s hand remained strong, almost as if to emphasize the urgency of his message. Micah''s brow was deeply furrowed-he did not want to upset his grandfather at this time, but he also did not want to submit. All he could say was, "You just focus on getting better, and we can discuss this afterward."

 Chapter 510 Weighing Pros and Cons

    "You absolutely cannot..." Micah''s grandfather struggled for breath,boring to repeat, "You absolutely cannot let the James Group... gain the upper hand."


    Micah suddenly understood his grandfather was aware of the James Group''s entry into the domestic market and likely knew that if the engagement with the Luminexes was broken off, the Luminexes might well switch allegiance to the James family.


    The James Group had now secured the help of the rk family, which, if they added the support of the Luminex Group, would significantly bolster their strength. If a confrontation ensued between the two, it would be highly detrimental to the Clemens family.


    Micah looked at his grandfather''s pained expression and felt a mixture ofplex emotions. He was guilt-ridden and angry! He felt guilty because his grandfather was of an advanced age, frail and bedridden, hovering daily at death''s doorstep yet still concerned about the family''s interests.


    Meanwhile, his anger stemmed from the fact that Nelson chose this moment to inform his grandfather, leaving Micah to wonder whether it was a threat or a warning.


    ''So much for being kind-hearted. It turns out Nelson Luminex might be a despicable, vile person.''


    "Sir, don''t worry..." Ss hurried tofort him, "Let Micah handle the family matters. You can''t stress over this now. I''ll call the doctor right away."


    With that, Ss went to fetch the doctor.


    "Grandpa, rest assured, we''ll make all decisions once you''re better," Micah said, squeezing his grandfather''s hand before he rose to leave.


    Micah''s grandfather watched him go and reached out, wanting to emphasize something more, but was too weak to speak.


    Soon after, Ss brought in the doctor.


    The doctor entered to administer care, while Micah stood outside, his face turning an angry shade of blue.


    Micah''s grandfather''s condition eventually stabilized, with the doctor staying close by.


    Ss came out to report the status and finally added, "Micah, please don''t misunderstand. When Nelson visited, I was right there, and he didn''t say anything untoward." "Then how did Grandpa find out?" Micah asked, his brow furrowed.


    "In fact, your grandfather already knew about the James Group entering the domestic market and the rk family''s alliance with them before his condition red up that night," Ss exined carefully. "Do you really think your grandfather is oblivious? He''s aware of your concerns. He received a copy of those investigation reports you hadpiled."


    "You mean..." Micah was caught off guard. "He knows about what Amelia has been doing?"


    "Yes," Ss nodded. "At first, he was in the dark, but when you kept postponing the engagement and had someone look into Miss Amelia, your grandfather pressured me to gather the information. He''s aware of her actions, but at that time, it wasn''t the right moment for a confrontation.


    "You may not be aware, but Miss Amelia already holds 55% of the shares in the Luminex''s family business. As it stands, the Luminex Group is under her control. Nelson can''t call the shots anymore.


    "If you cancel the marriage at this point, given Miss Amelia''s temperament, she is certain to ally with the James Group. Such an alliance would prove extremely detrimental to the Clemens family!"


    Upon hearing this, Micah fell into deep thought. He was well aware of the implications, just surprised that his grandfather had made ns so early...


    "Your grandfather has been talking about you these past few days. He wanted to discuss this issue with you. Today, since he had a bit of strength, he took the chance to remind you." Ss added, "The Clemens family was already divided. Nick, even though he received fewer assets, has also reduced some of the Clemens family''s influence.


    "Now, you''re fighting alone against the James family, which is already quite dangerous. If you lose the support of the Luminex family too... it''s unthinkable unless..."


    After a pause, Ss spoke with caution, "Unless you and Nick see eye to eye, standing onmon ground!"


    "How could that be?" Micah immediately objected.


    "That''s that, then." Ss knew Micah''s nature. "Since you can''t reach an agreement with Nick, don''t fall out with the Luminex family for the time being. Let''s wait until your grandfather wakes up before making any decisions."

 Chapter 511 Let’s Go Home

    After listening to Ss'' earnest advice, Micah became introspective.


    Since childhood, he had been ustomed to considering various aspects and aligning himself with those who could benefit the Clemens family... Micah had always done so, which was why he had managed to elevate the VIC Group to its current status in just a few short years.


    But this time, feelings were dominating Micah''s thoughts.


    He desperately wanted to give Sadie and the kids a home, and a grand wedding. He could hardly wait for the day his grandfather would wake up. But reality served as a wake-up call!


    Micah''s grandfather, gravely ill, was still concerned about this matter. Whenever he had a little bit of energy, he kept reminding Micah, never to let the James Group gain the upper hand... Had it been some other matter, Micah might havepromised. But not this. Not on this matter.


    The Clemens family had an undying feud with the James family, stemming from a tragic past. Micah''s parents had died young, and it was all because of the James family...


    In this era, despite the grudge from past generations, the two families had reconciled and no longer interacted with each other.


    However, now that the James Group hade knocking, Micah naturally prepared himself for a full-on confrontation!


    As a result, his daydreams of a happier life had to be put on hold.


    "Micah, you are the only hope for the Clemens family. Don''t let your grandfather Clemens down," Ss said, imparting these words before lowering his head and entering the ward. Micah turned and walked away. The few minutes it took to reach his destination were flooded with countless thoughts...


    The Clemens family was surrounded by enemies at present. He had to temporarily put aside his personal feelings and deal with the family affairs first.


    Sadie would understand his situation, right?


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew approached to report, "Everything is arranged."


    "Okay." Micah entered the ward, and Sadie, having changed her clothes, still looked weary. But the thought of seeing her childen soon filled her with joy. "Let''s go home!" Micah extended his hand to her.


    Sadie ced her hand in his, and they shared a smile.


    Micah took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, then wrapped his arms around her to escort her out of the ward.


    Andrew and Dahlia, along with bodyguards and medical staff, followed closely behind.


    Their presence caught the attention of other patients and their families, who quickly stepped aside to make way.


    Outside, it was raining. The bodyguards held uprge ck umbres, shielding them as they walked to the car.


    Micah wrapped Sadie in his arms and helped her into the car, gently wiping the raindrops from her hair.


    Sadie leaned weakly against him and soon fell back into a drowsy sleep.


    "Asleep again?" Micah felt her forehead, relieved she didn''t have a fever. Lowering his voice, he asked Dahlia, "What''s going on? Sadie seems to have been very sleepy these past few days." "She''s probably just exhausted. She likely didn''t dare to sleep much over thest few days," Dahlia whispered back. "The medication might also be making her drowsy. She should be better after a few days." Micah held Sadie close and gently patted her shoulder to help her sleep more peacefully.


    Curled up against him like a child, Sadie soon drifted into a deep sleep.


    Micah felt uneasy, sensing something was off with Sadie. Yet considering all the tests had been done and no problems found, perhaps she truly was just very tired and would recover in a few days. To avoid disturbing Sadie''s rest, the car drove smoothly and quietly onwards.


    What was supposed to be a half-hour drive stretched to over 40 minutes to reach home.


    The children eagerly awaited at the doorway, bursting with excitement at the sight of the car pulling in, eager to rush forward.


    The caregivers quickly grabbed hold of them...


    "Please, wait until the cares to aplete stop before youe over, and be careful!"


    "Cam, can you see? Is Mommy inside?"


    Mia was bouncing on her toes, trying to peer into the car in hopes of catching a glimpse of her mother.


    "I can''t see," Cam craned her neck, trying to see through the car''s tinted windows, but to no avail.

 Chapter 512 A Happy Family

    "We''re home," Micah whispered.


    Sadie didn''t respond at first.


    Micah gently tapped her face until she slowly opened her eyes, still groggy, and murmured, "Are we home? Where are the kids?"


    "They''re waiting for you," Micah said, helping Sadie out of the car.


    "Mommy..." Mia dashed over with her petite legs, almost knocking down Sadie in her excitement.


    Thankfully, Micah was there to steady Sadie.


    Sadie quickly crouched down and embraced Mia''s chubby little body, showering her delicate cheeks with frantic kisses..


    "Mommy, where did you go? Mia missed you so much..."


    As soon as Mia spoke, her voice began to quiver, and shiny tears welled in her eyes. Despite their pact not to cry, Mia fought to hold back her tears.


    "Mommy missed you too." Holding Mia tight, Sadie felt a surge of guilt. "I''m sorry, I wasn''t there to take care of you."


    "Mommy!" Noah dashed over, his brand-new leather shoes sshing through puddles and sending water flying.


    "Noah!" Sadie immediately opened her arms to hug him.


    "Mommy, are you okay?" Noah''s eyes were red. Although he usually appeared strong andposed, the vulnerability in his heart was evident at the sight of his mother.


    "I''m fine," Sadie reassured, kissing his hair. "Noah, I heard you had an allergic reaction. How are you feeling now?"


    "It''s better now, all cleared up." Noah gently wiped the raindrops from Sadie''s face. A pained expression crossed his features as he noticed her paleness. "Mommy, are you sick?" "Just a small issue, it''s nothing."


    While they were talking, Nathan approached them with a caregiver.


    "Mommy, Mommy..." Nathan called out anxiously from a distance.


    "Nathan!" Sadie moved closer to hug Nathan. "How''s your leg feeling? When did they take off the cast?"


    "They removed it yesterday. The doctor says I''ve healed up." Nathan clung to Sadie, his voice whining for attention, "Mommy, Nathan missed you so much. I even dreamed about you during my nap today. I was scared you were nevering back."


    "Sweetheart, Mommy''s back. Mommy''s not going anywhere anymore," Sadie said with a doting smile as she pinched her little boy''s cheek. "Let''s go inside. It''s still raining."


    "Okay!" The three kids clung to Sadie. Noah held onto the hem of her dress, while Mia grabbed her hand. Sadie had to free up one hand to hold Nathan''s.


    "Stop clinging to Mommy. She needs someone to take care of her too."


    Micah scooped Mia and Noah onto his shoulders with ease.


    "Whoa!" Noah eximed, almost slipping off.


    "Noah, just like this..." Mia''s chubby hands clung tightly to Micah''s hair, showing Noah how to secure himself.


    Seeing Mia''s actions, Noah swiftly followed suit and grabbed a handful of Micah''s hair.


    "That''s more secure, isn''t it?" Mia furrowed her tiny brows with a look of triumph on her face.


    Noah let out a sigh of relief. "Yeah, much safer."


    Micah wasn''t sure how to respond, feeling like he''d be a tree with two little monkeys hanging off of him. "Mommy, Mommy..."


    That''s when Coco flew over and perched on top of Micah''s head, peering around as if searching for its own territory.


    "I''m going to do piggyback rides too once my leg is better." Nathan pouted, clearly feeling left out from the shoulder-ride fun.


    Sadie couldn''t help but chuckle, her eyes soft and tender as she watched Micah.


    "You''reughing!" Micah teased as he pinched her cheek gently. One hand guided her and the other pushed Nathan''s wheelchair towards their home. "Let''s head home!" "Yay, going home!" the three children cheered joyfully, their voices filled with happiness...

 Chapter 513 The Wedding

    Back at home, the three kids were still buzzing around Sadie, chattering nonstop. One moment they were talking about the events of the past few days at the kindergarten, and the next, they were excited about their new home. Mia clung to Sadie, wrapping her arms around her neck and cooing, "Mommy, my room is so big, and there''s a piano; it''s so pretty! I''ll show you."


    "My room is big too, full of toy cars, airnes, and all kinds of toys," Nathan said, anxiously scrabbling from his wheelchair to the sofa, trying to get closer to Sadie.


    "Mommy, I''m not sharing a room with Nathan anymore. We both have our own rooms now," Noah couldn''t help but share with Sadie, "My room has aputer and lots of high-tech stuff."


    "That''s great," Sadie said gently, patting their heads, "Mommy is a bit tired today. Can we check out your rooms tomorrow?"


    "Okay!" All three kids nodded in agreement.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong? Are you sick and haven''t gotten better?" Mia asked using her small chubby hands to feel Sadie''s forehead, then her own. "You don''t have a fever."


    "I''m just tired. I''ll be better after a few days of rest," Sadie reassured her, touching her little face.


    "Let''s not bother Mommy anymore. Let her have a rest," Noah quickly said, "Mommy, tomorrow is the weekend! That means no school. We can show you our rooms then." "Alright." Sadie nodded, hugging each of the children. "It''s past nine, time to bathe and go to bed."


    "Mhm, good night Mommy."


    "Good night, my darlings."


    Sadie waved goodbye to the kids, watching the caregivers lead them upstairs.


    Due to Sadie being at home, the children bounced joyfully, walked with a skip in their step, and hummed tunes.


    Sadie watched their cheerful silhouettes, a gratified smile showing on her lips.


    "Why don''t you spend more time with the kids?" Micah asked. He came over with a ss of iced wine and handed her a cup of tea.


    Taking a sip, Sadie murmured, "I think, it might be better if the kids and I moved back to our own home."


    "Why?" Micah furrowed his brow.


    Sadie nced at the staff and bodyguards standing by, without a word.


    "Everybody, leave," Micah ordered.


    "Yes." With that, they all dispersed.


    As the door closed behind them, Sadie asked, "Is your grandfather sick?"


    "Yes," Micah was not going to hide it from her, "He''s been receiving treatment at Peace Hospital."


    "I think, before your grandfather wakes up, the kids and I should go back to our home. Once your grandfather is awake, you can exin the situation of the kids to him. If he epts, then we can "The children are mine, whether Grandpa epts them or not," Micah interrupted Sadie, speaking seriously. "Besides, Grandpa really likes all three kids. He''ll definitely be happy to hear the news." "But..." Sadie was still uneasy, "I just feel like it''s not quite right to move in now without being married."


    "What''s your meaning?" Micah frowned displeasedly, "This is my house. I can arrange things however I want, and it''s nobody else''s business. Sadie, don''t put too much pressure on yourself." "Okay, I can ept that. But with the kids living here, it''s not very convenient for school..."


    "I''ve arranged a driver. They''ll pick them up and drop them off daily, so they won''t need to take the school bus. It''ll take the same amount of time." Micah had considered all the details. "While Grandpa is recovering, you can rx at home. Once he''s awake, I''ll talk it over with him, and then we can begin nning the wedding."


    "Wedding?"


    Sadie had never considered this possibility before. In the four years since that night, amidst reacquainting and the whirlwind of events, the idea of marrying him hadn''t crossed her mind.

 Chapter 514 A Wonderful Morning

    "What are you daydreaming about?"


    Micah pinched Sadie''s cheek displeasingly, expecting her to be moved to tears by his suggestion. He anticipated her to respond with a passionate hug and kiss.


    But she was just lost in her thoughts...


    "It''s nothing..." Sadie snapped back to reality, smiling. "It''s just that happiness came so unexpectedly..."


    "Aren''t you happy?" Micah frowned, looking at her.


    "Of course not," Sadie reached out to embrace him and buried her face in his chest, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat. She couldn''t help but sigh. "I''ve experienced so much these years, always feeling like good things had nothing to do with me. Now that happiness has arrived, it feels like I''m dreaming..."


    "Fool." Micah hugged her affectionately. "This is not a dream!"


    "I hope not..."


    Sadie nestled into the crook of his neck, greedily inhaling his scent. Lately, she had been particrly clingy, as if she feared he might vanish if she wasn''t careful...


    Micah lifted her onto the bed, torn between his desire for intimate intensity and his concern for her physical well-being. Ultimately, he chose to simply hold her quietly, gently patting her shoulder and soothing her into sleep.


    "I''ll sleep for a while. I''ll get up early tomorrow and make breakfast," Sadie murmured tiredly, curling up cozily in Micah''s arms like an affectionate kitten, her face against his heart, listening to his heartbeat.


    Soon, she fell asleep, feeling exceptionally secure and warm.


    Micah propped his head up with one hand, lying on his side facing her, silently gazing at her.


    He used toin that she was being noisy, but now she was quiet, he began to worry...


    After she came back, she seemed to be a different person, beginning to worry excessively and falling into indecisiveness...


    Was it all in his mind, or was there some lingering ailment concealed within her body?


    Micah felt unsettled, but watching Sadie deep in slumber, he reassured himself that maybe she was just overly exhausted and needed a few days of rest...


    Bending over, Micah kissed Sadie and embraced her. Then, they both drifted off to sleep.


    In the middle of the night, a sudden downpour began, and a startling p of thunder awoke Sadie, her body trembling.


    Micah, deeply asleep, instinctively tightened his hold on her, gently patting her shoulder with one hand while covering her ears with the other, and burying her face in his chest. Listening to the steady beat of his heart, Sadie felt a growing sense of peace and snuggled closer to him, continuing to sleep.


    Micah was like a mighty oak, sheltering her.


    With Micah by her side, she feared nothing...


    Morning arrived with the joyfulughter of children, stirring Micah from his sleepy haze. His hand reflexively reached for the pillow beside him, but Sadie was not there. He immediately got out of bed to search for her. She wasn''t in the bathroom or the small study.


    A sense of panic washed over him as he hurriedly opened the door to look for her, only to find Sadie, d in loungewear and wearing an apron, setting breakfast on the dining table. The three children were chattering about whether Sadie''s breakfast would be tastier.Nathan, not as nimble, sat at the table, his hungry eyes revealing a longing for a bite. "No way, we have to wait for Mommy and Micah to join us," Noahmanded sternly.


    "Even though we''re kids, we can''t be rude," Mia said innocently, cocking her little head to ask Coco, perched above, "Right, Coco?"


    "Right, right!" Coco always backed up Mia, agreeing with whatever she said.


    "Fine." Nathan retracted his hand, though his eyes stayed fixed on the toast on the table, saliva almost dripping. "When will Micah get up? I really want to eat." go call Micah..."


    "I''ll


    Noah was about to head upstairs when he noticed Micah already standing at the end of the hallway, observing them. He immediately shouted, "Micah,e down for breakfast!"

 Chapter 515 A Wonderful Morning 2

    "Mommy made toast and cake, and it''s delicious," Mia waved at Micah, calling out innocently, "Come down quick." "Don''t rush him. Mommy still has to make the pasta," Sadie said, setting a fruit sd on the table and smiling up at Micah. "Go change your "Mhm." Micah nodded with a smile; no morning had ever been as perfect as this one...


    clothes."


    "Awesome!" Awesome!" Andrew eximed, watching the scene unfold. While this sentiment might seem mundane to the average person, for Micah, it was the missing piece of life since childhood. Now that Micah had finally found it, no wonder his face showed a warmth and affection that had never been there before.


    Micah came downstairs, changed into fresh clothes, and found Sadie had already set the pasta on the table¡ªavish spread with seven different items and three kinds of drinks.


    Noah was busy arranging the utensils, expertly nning the seating, "The three of us will sit in a row, Micah and Mommy across from us, and Coco at the end."


    "Thanks, Noah!"


    Mia managed to climb into her high chair with the aid of her caregiver and began to ce a napkin on herp.


    Nathan''s eyes sparkled with anticipation, drool nearly escaping his mouth, and he pped his hands eagerly. "Wow! What a feast for breakfast today! It looks so delicious. I can''t wait!"


    Coco, perched at the end of the table, looked at the parrot feed before it and then at the sumptuous breakfast, discontentedly knocking the feed from the bowl and pping its wings, crying out, "Want to eat, want to eat!" "Quiet down," Mia frowned, scolding cutely yet sternly, "You can''t eat these things; you can only have parrot feed, got it?"


    "Don''t want, don''t want!" Coco began to throw a tantrum, fluttering over to them.


    "No way!" Mia quickly shielded her te with her small chubby hands, calling out in a panic, "Noah, Nathan, Coco is trying to steal the breakfast!"


    "Coco, get back to your spot," Nathan immediately furrowed his brow, brandishing a butter knife like it was a sword, "Or I''ll put you back in your cage!" "Don''t want, don''t want!" Coco whined intively, stopping a short distance away. It eyed the bountiful breakfast with longing, reluctant to move. "Alright, I''ll add some nuts for youter," Noah cated it calmly, "Now back to your seat."


    "Coco, your nuts are here," said Sadie. She added some crushed nuts into Coco''s bowl, smiling. "Come and have your breakfast!"


    This coaxed Coco back to his spot begrudgingly, and its strut showing off a hint of arrogance seemed to say, "I have nuts, and I''m not sharing!" "That parrot has a temper..."


    Micah had witnessed the entire episode from the spiral staircase, finding it amusing. Despite the noise, this lively household atmosphere was filled with warmth and charm. "Micah, her name is Coco!"


    Noah, having arranged the utensils, tiptoed to climb onto his chair, disying gentlemanly manners as he unfolded his napkin.


    "Why that name?" Micah asked, looking at him endearingly.


    "Because she''s number four," Nathan exined with a tilt of his small head and a serious expression. "We have Noah, Nathan, and Mia. She''s the fourth treasure, so we call her Coco to distinguish her from the rest of us!" "Oh, I see." Micah nodded.


    "And I have some Barbie dolls named Arabe, Ste, E..." Mia counted on her fingers, her little mouth pouting as she spoke. "They''re all our little treasures, so adorable. I''ll introduce you to them someday!" "Great," Micah said, his smile lifting as he watched the three kids in front of him. He was still somewhat in disbelief that he had actually be a father.

 Chapter 516 Parent-Child Relationship

    The kids used to call him Mr. Clemens, which irked Micah. Now they called him his first name, which was awkward to him. He wanted them to call him "Dad", but he wasn''t sure how to begin. ''Maybe, I should start from fostering the parent-child rtionship...'' he thought.


    "Time for breakfast," Sadie said, and she ced a freshly ground ck coffee in front of Micah.


    "Thanks," Micah sipped his coffee and looked up at the kids, asking tentatively, "How about I drive you guys to the kindergarten?"


    "Really?" Mia''s face lit up with joy. "That would be great, I agree!"


    "I agree too!" Nathan said, raising his hand excitedly. "Mommy is usually too busy to take us, and I feel so jealous when I see other kids being dropped off by their parents." Hearing this, Sadie felt a twinge of guilt. She rarely took or picked up the kids from school, thinking it didn''t matter to them. However, she now realized they too envied other children. "Micah, won''t it interfere with your work?" Noah, more considerate, asked.


    "Not at all," Micah responded, then turned to Andrew with instructions, "Go get things ready."


    "Huh?" Andrew was puzzled, wondering what needed preparation. Wasn''t telling the driver enough to take the kids to the kindergarten?


    "How many kids are there in your kindergarten?" Micah chatted with the children while drinking his coffee.


    "Ah, that''s a tough question," Mia pondered, twirling her braid and pursing her lips, but couldn''te up with an answer.


    "I only know our ss has 19 students," Nathan said after swallowing a bite of toast, his cheek greasy. "It used to be 20, but then Billy transferred, so now there are 19." "Oh." Micah nodded.


    "I know," Noah took a sip of his juice and started to count on his fingers, "Our early learning center has small, medium, andrge sses, and a preschool ss-four levels in total. With seven sses per grade and 20 students per ss, we have a total of 560 students."


    Noah paused for a moment and then added, "So, each ss has five teachers, that''s a total of 140 teachers"


    "You''re really smart!"


    Micah was truly amazed; Noah not only had high emotional intelligence and strong logical thinking, but his math skills were top-notch. At just three and a half years old, Noah could analyze situations and calcte data smoothly and effortlessly.


    Noah was a little genius, truly deserving to be Micah''s son!


    "Thank you.¡± Noah was ustomed to such praise and asked indifferently, "Why did you ask that?¡±


    "Because that silly fe behind me doesn''t know how to arrange things."


    Micah shot Andrew a cold look.


    "Got it, got it." Andrew nodded hastily, finally understanding what Micah meant by being prepared. "I''ll go get ready right now."


    He bowed to the people who were sitting at the dining table, then hurriedly left the room.


    "What''s going on?" Sadie was very confused.


    "Don''t worry about it." Micah ced a slice of toast on her te. "You just stay home and rest today. Once you feel better in a couple of days, I''ll take you all out for a walk."


    "Okay." Sadie smiled and nodded, realizing that Micah also had a tender and considerate side. He chatted leisurely with the kids, ensuring they were sent off to school, everything well-organized. She felt reassured, knowing she didn''t need to worry about a thing.


    "Besides logic and math, what else do you like?" Micah continued the casual conversation with Noah.


    "Technology.¡± Noah, who was stirring his bowl of oats, replied, "I like ying with electronics. Grandpa gifted me aputer and hired someone to teach me English and basic knowledge every day.¡±


    "Basic?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "Yeah, at first, I found the lessons interesting, but then they became too easy. I always feel sleepy during them..."


    Noah yawned, his expression full of boredom.

 Chapter 517 Everyone Is Born with a Unique Talent

    Micah opened an app on his tablet and handed it to Noah. "Try this, can you understand it?"


    "Yeah." Noah took it, and his eyes immediately lit up. "This is a VR design for a tech product. Where did you get it?¡±


    "You can understand this?" Micah was joyfully surprised. ¡°This is ourpany''stest product, designed for children''s education. We''ve encountered a few issues that we can''t seem to solve..." "What kind of issues?¡± Noah asked while navigating the tablet.


    "There''s a blind spot in the development department..." Micah purposely led him on. "I haven''t figured out where the problem lies yet. Give it a try. If you can find it, I''ll grant you a wish!" "Really?" Noah, typically calm, lifted his face into an uncharacteristically excited smile, his eyes gleaming, "Any wish I want?" "Yes, any." Micah nodded in affirmation.


    "Alright, I''ll give it a shot." Noah was so engrossed in his design scheme that he lost all interest in breakfast.


    "Noah, have breakfast first," Sadie gently reminded him. "After finish eating, you can look at it."


    "Mommy, I''m full..." Noah didn''t even nce up, his hand still sliding across the tablet carefully studying the original design.


    "You''ve only had a slice of toast, and you haven''t even touched your milk or oats. How can you be full?" Sadie threatened, "Noah, eat your breakfast now, or I''m going to take away the tablet."


    Sadie then turned her attention to reprimand Micah, "Look at what you''ve done! You''ve got him so caught up in the challenge that he''s not eating properly!"


    "Uh..." Micah, facing a scolding for the first time, refrained from retorting. Instead, he earnestly urged Noah, "Alright, Noah, we can deal with thatter. Focus on eating your breakfast now, or your mom will be upset." "Oh," Noah reluctantly set the tablet aside and focused on his breakfast.


    "Micah, I want a wish too," Nathan said enviously, speaking timidly, "I may not be as smart as Noah or good with tech stuff, but I''m strong, and I know karate!"


    "Really?" Micah raised an eyebrow at him, "You''re learning karate that young?"


    Nowadays, most kids would just take a basic karate ss, nothing serious. The more traditional martial arts like karate had long been rare.


    "I did learn it, and I can show you if you don''t believe me."


    Nathan, eager to prove himself, threw up his little fists, ready to demonstrate. Unfortunately, his movements were restricted as he was still recovering from a leg injury and sitting at the dining table. "Let''s eat first," Sadie ced a slice of toast on his te, smiling and exining to Micah, "He''s actually been learning karate. There''s a local master in Brenda''s rural hometown who taught him." "No wonder," Micah smiled coyly, "Then you need to heal properly. Once you''re better, we can spar a bit."


    "You''ve learned it too?" Nathan''s eyebrows perked up with joy.


    "I''ve been trained in special forces, didn''t focus on karate," Micah sipped his coffee, "But all physicalbat training shares simrities. I can definitely teach you a lot."


    "Really? That''s awesome!" Nathan beamed, his worry quickly resurfacing. "But I''m not as smart as Noah. What if you find I am a slow learner?"


    "Everyone is born with unique talents, and everyone has their own strengths. Don''tpare yourself to others. Noah has his advantages, and Nathan, you have yours. Just y to your strengths," Micah assured him. Micah handed Nathan a piece of fruit.


    "Thank you, Micah!"


    Nathan was deeply moved, almost on the verge of tears. Despite his resemnce to Noah, he was often overshadowed by Noah''s intelligence. As time passed, Nathan had developed a bit of an inferiorityplex. Suddenly, he realized that there were also qualities about him that people could appreciate.

 Chapter 518 "Good Stuff" Should Be Shared

    dance, sing, and even draw..."


    "


    "What about me?" Mia asked, her cheeks stuffed with remnants of breakfast as she noticed Noah and Nathan reaching an agreement with Micah.She quickly joined the fray, her little chubby hand raised eagerly and vied for attention. "Mia can Micah felt a bit troubled. "I actually can''t do any of that!"


    Micah could adeptly guide the two boys in academics or physical exercise, yet Mia''s interests remained unfamiliar to him.


    Mia''s little mouth quivered, and her adorable chubby face scrunched up in distress when she looked at Micah with big, sad eyes.


    "I can y the piano. Let me teach you," Micah quickly tried to console her.


    "Mommy will teach me piano," Mia said, her head drooping and her hand weakly gripping a piece of toast, her appetite waning. "Micah only likes Noah and Nathan, not me..." "That''s not true!" Micah, not knowing how to soothe her further, desperately nudged Sadie for help.


    Suppressing herughter, Sadie tenderly coaxed Mia, "Mia, Micah is a boy, and boys usually know boy stuff, right? Mommy is a girl and can teach you whatever you like."


    "But the boys in my ss can dance, sing, and draw," Mia retorted logically, pouting, displeased with Micah. "Is Micah even worse than the boys in my ss?"


    Micah was at a loss for words.


    "Not as good, not as good!" Coco chimed in, pping its wings and joining themotion, seeming to enjoy the spectacle.


    "Coco!" Noah scolded, trying to be stern, "No mischief allowed!"


    Coco stuck out its tongue and made a face at Noah.


    "Humph!" Mia put down her utensils, huffing in annoyance, "Micah is biased, and he only likes boys!"


    "No, no, no," Micah quickly countered, flustered, "I really don''t know how..."


    "One can always learn if they don''t know," Mia tilted her head seriously and dered, "Mommy says there''s nothing too difficult in this world. If you want to learn, you can definitely do it, especially since you''re so smart!" Micah, feeling defeated by Mia''s unyielding logic, found himself in a pickle but ultimately resigned, "Alright, I''ll learn!"


    "Yay, hooray!" Mia cheered, her little chubby hands in the air, delighted, "Starting today, I''ll be your teacher, and I''ll teach you to sing, dance, and draw every day... You don''t have to pay tuition, but you must study hard, or else the teacher will p your palms!"


    Micah sighed, stunned by the cunning of such a little kid who had managed to trap himpletely.


    In a panic, he covered his face with his hands and cried out to Sadie for help, "Help me!"


    Sadie justughed and raised her hands in a gesture of helplessness.


    "Mommy, can you please buy me some paintbrushes and paper today, and some music sheets too? Oh, and a teacher''s pointer, because starting today, I''m going to teach Micah..." Mia said to Sadie with a hopeful gleam in her big, grape-like eyes.


    "Of course." Sadie nodded with a smile.


    "Mia, you can teach, but don''t interfere with Micah teaching me martial arts," Nathan quickly reminded Mia, worried that Mia might monopolize Micah''s time. "Micah isn''t just for you; he''s also for me and Noah."


    "Alright." Mia nodded, serious for a moment. "I think good things should be shared. So, how should we arrange it?"


    Good things? Share?


    Micah frowned, puzzled and unsure of what to say. When had he be an object to be divided between the three siblings?

 Chapter 519 The Best Dad

    "Let Noah decide," said Nathan, sensibly passing the decision-making power to Noah.


    "Okay, how about this: from now on, each of us gets an hour every evening," Noah proposed after thinking it through, intent to be fair. "Micah, does that work for you?" Micah felt a chill down his spine because he contemted his life managed down to the minute.


    It reminded him of those tech geeks at thepany, who had to rush home after work to take care of their wives and kids. Apparently, this was the new normal that he was about to step into. "That won''t work," Sadie quickly interjected. "Micah has a busy job and doesn''t have that much time to spend with you guys."


    "Then, half an hour each?" Noah looked at Micah hopefully. "Micah, is that okay?"


    "Noah "


    "Alright, fine," Micah suddenly agreed. "Let''s do it from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., half an hour each."


    "Yay!!"


    All three kids cheered and high-fived each other as if they had shared something especially wonderful.


    Then they began to discuss who should go first, second, and third...


    Finally, they decided to divide by age, with Noah first, Nathan second, and Mia third.


    As the three were excitedly discussing their ns, Coco suddenly flew over, fluttering its wings and calling out anxiously, "Coco fourth, Coco fourth, Coco fourth..." Well, it seemed that Coco wanted a share of Micah too.


    Sadie stood by, endlesslyughing, her clearughter filling every corner of the hall...


    Micah pinched Sadie''s cheek, fighting the urge to give her a yful bite. "You''reughing! You just watched me struggle and didn''t lift a finger to help!"


    "This is just the beginning," Sadie said with a smile, an affectionate glimmer in her eyes. "Raising kids isn''t that easy, you need to be mentally prepared."


    "Don''t worry, I can handle any challenge thates, especially when it''s about taking care of three kids," Micah confidently asserted. "I''ll make sure to do an excellent job, you just wait and see!" "Great!" Sadie leaned in to nt a kiss on his forehead. "Thank you!"


    She was truly grateful from the bottom of her heart.


    Sadie had never realized how patient Micah could be with children, nor how thoroughly and considerately he thought things through. To bolster the kids'' self-esteem and their curiosity to learn, Micah pretended to test Noah, but in fact, he was guiding him to reflect and learn.


    When Nathan eagerly wanted to show off his karate skills, Micah acknowledged him immediately. He also noticed Nathan''s innerck of confidence and subtly encouraged him.


    Finally, to win Mia''s approval, he bravely agreed to learn to sing, dance, and draw with her... Even though each of those activities could drive Micah crazy.


    Not to mention learning from Mia.


    To most people, Micah, who prided himself on his independence and self-assuredness, would never stoop to such activities. But against all odds, he did that!


    This act showcased not only Micah''s paternal love but also his sense of responsibility andmitment.


    Sadie felt deeply grateful to Micah and even ashamed of her past worries. She used to think that Micah, with his vtile temper and unpredictable mood swings, wasn''t fit to be a father...


    But now, she understood that he was more suited to be a father than anyone else.


    Micah didn''t ignore the kids because of his own past deficiencies; instead, he actively sought closeness with them. He didn''t let ack of experience stand in his way; rather, he went out of his way tomunicate with the kids and learn with them.


    Micah didn''t shrink back from troubles and difficulties. He faced challenges head-on and willing to step down from his stature and embrace this new role anything to make the children happy.


    This was the Micah she loved, the father of her children!


    Sadie felt a surge of pride for Micah in her heart and joy for her children...

 Chapter 520 Letting the Whole Kindergarten Know

    After breakfast, Micah led the children to the car.


    Andrew had arranged for a stretch Rolls-Royce with several cars escorting in front and behind.


    Seeing the impressive motorcade, Sadie hastily tugged at Micah''s arm, saying, "It''s just taking the kids to school, isn''t this a bit much?"


    "Of course not," Micah insisted. "I heard they were being bullied at school, with some kid questioning if they even have a dad. Today, I''m going to make sure everyone at the school knows who their dad is." "But..."


    Before Sadie could finish, Micah was already leading the kids to the car.


    At the side, Andrew directed, "Load all the gifts in the car, right, and keep the ones for the teachers and ssmates separate."


    Sadie pressed her hand to her forehead, unsure of what to say. She should''ve known that this was how Micah operated. He always handled things once,,so there would be no need to toss them a second time. But she just let him be. After all, he was happy, and so were the kids.


    The interior of the stretch Rolls Royce resembled a luxurious private booth, and the kids gazed around in awe, their eyes filled with curiosity.


    "Hasn''t Grandpa taken you for a ride in this car before?"


    Micah sat on the couch, crossing his legs, and took the chilled wine that Andrew handed him.


    "Grandpa took us in a really big and pretty car, but it wasn''t this one," Nathan said, his eyes wide with wonder as he looked around, stars practically sparkling in his eyes. "This car is awesome!" "Yeah, so pretty!" Mia chimed in, observing around. She climbed onto the couch with her short legs and gave it a bounce. "Sofy. I could even sleep on here."


    "You can take a nap." Micah checked his watch. "It''s still forty minutes to the kindergarten."


    "Micah, the tablet is locked," Noah passed Micah''s tablet for him to unlock.


    "Don''t you want to rest a bit?" Micah unlocked it and handed it back.


    "No, I''ll keep looking." Noah sat on the couch, neatly studying the design on the screen.


    "Coco, don''t fly around." Nathan was ying with Coco when it suddenly started pping its wings excitedly in the car, eluding his grasp.


    "Coco,e here!" Mia stretched out her chubby little hand, her voice a mix of whimpering and authority, "If you don''te now, you won''t go to school with us anymore." Coco obediently flew over andnded in her hands.


    Mia stroked its feathers with her chubby fingers, gently soothing it, "That''s better, Coco. You need to be good, understand?"


    "Good, good." Coco mimicked Mia''s words noisily, with its eyes fixed on Micah''s ss of wine.


    "Micah, what are you drinking? Can I try?" Nathan asked.


    He eyed the wine ss in Micah''s hand with curiosity. He had noticed Micah drinking it every day and guessed it must taste good, wanting a taste for himself. "You can have a sip, but that''s it." Micah handed him the ss.


    Nathan''s face lit up with joy as he hobbled over to Micah''s side on his short legs. He reached for the tall wine ss and carefully took a sip of its contents.


    "Wow... this tastes awful!" Nathan eximed, squinting his eyes. His little brow furrowed, and his young face scrunched up in distaste.


    Micah chuckled, amused. Kids were always so curious, itching to try everything.


    "Go on, give it a taste."


    Just then, Coco zipped over, diving into the wine ss and gulping it down greedily.


    "Hey, Coco, cut it out!"


    Nathan attempted to shoo Coco away, yet the bad-tempered parrot just wouldn''t budge. It hung upside down from the rim of the ss, eagerly indulging in the ice wine. "I''m so sorry, Micah..." Nathan quickly apologized, feeling guilty for dirtying Micah''s drink.


    "It''s fine, just pour another ss and all''s good," Micah didn''t consider it a big deal. He asked Andrew to fill up a fresh ss and added, "If Coco likes that very much, just let her have it."

 Chapter 521 Deadbeat Dad

    Not long after, Coco had gulped down an entire ss of iced wine, let out a satisfied belch, andfortably copsed into the ss for a nap.


    "Coco!" Nathan eximed, twisting and shaking Coco, trying to get the sticky remnants of wine off its feathers.


    Coco appeared a bit dizzy, its little red tongue sticking out, eyes spinning around.


    "Nathan, put her down now," Mia demanded. As she slid off the sofa and scurried over with her short legs, fiercely snatching Coco away, "You can''t shake her like that. She will get all disoriented." Mia didn''t yet understand what it meant to be drunk.


    "Fine..." Nathan replied, frowning slightly, and muttered under his breath about theplexities of girls, "Girls are such a hassle."


    Micah cracked a smile, pulling Nathan to sit beside him. "Tell me, what else do you like?"


    "I like guns," Nathan said with a serious tilt of his small head. "And nes, cars, boats... Pretty much, everything men like, including prettydies."


    "Uh..." Micah was taken aback. "You''re this young, and you''re already interested in prettydies?!"


    "Yeah," Nathan said proudly, his handsome little face beaming. "I have three girlfriends in kindergarten..."


    Micah couldn''t help butugh, not realizing that the Clemens family had such genes. From his father to him, they were all heartbreakers.


    Then again, it was rumored that his grandfather was quite a charmer in his youth...


    Micah''s train of thought was abruptly interrupted by the buzz of his phone. ncing at the caller ID, he answered, "Hello?"


    "Mr. Clemens, I" Victoria began.


    "Micah, it''s me," Amelia''s voice came through the phone, tinged with agitation, "How long are you nning to avoid me? Even if you have something on your mind, you should at least have the courtesy to say it to my


    face."


    "I''ve told you not toe to mypany," Micah replied, his brow furrowed in annoyance.


    "I had no other choice. You wouldn''t answer my calls, didn''t respond to my messages, and even blocked my number. I had to use Victoria''s phone to reach you..."


    "It''s no use calling me, we''ll decide everything once Grandpa wakes up."


    After saying this, Micah immediately hung up and turned to Nathan, who appeared slightly frightened. Nathan curled up into a ball, gazing up at him timidly. "What''s wrong?" Micah asked with an amused smile.


    "You looked really scary just now," Nathan said in a low voice.


    "Well, I do tend to be quite serious when I''m dealing with business," Micah acknowledged with a slight smile, "But with you three and your mom, I''m always different."


    Nathan breathed a sigh of relief, tilted his little head, and asked seriously, "So, are you Mommy''s boyfriend?"


    Micah didn''t know how to respond. If he said yes, it wouldn''t be entirely urate because he was actually their father. However, they weren''t married yet, so boyfriend seemed to be the right word.


    "It''s okay, anyway. That jerk of a dad might be dead for all we know. If you can keep being nice to Mommy, we can ept you..."


    Nathan rambled on,pletely unaware of the change in Micah''s expression.


    "Jerk dad?" Micah frowned, repeating the phrase, "What your mom told you about him?"


    "Mommy never talks about Dad," Nathan said. As the subject came up, Nathan seemed a bit sad. "People made fun of us in kindergarten, and when I asked Brenda, she blurted out that our dad was irresponsible...


    "Although Brenda quickly corrected herself, I remembered it. That man, he''s not a good person. But you, Micah, you''re different. You''re nice to Mommy and us, and you''re also Grandpa''s oldest grandson. I''ve decided to ept you!" Micah was at a loss for words. He felt that he needed to talk things with Sadie soon, and then formally introduce him to the children...

 Chapter 522 Three Girlfriends

    "I figured it out!"


    Suddenly, Noah''s excited shout filled the rear cabin, his handsome face beaming with excitement, his eyes sparkling brightly.


    "Let me see!"


    Micah immediately took the tablet from Noah and examined it closely. He saw that Noah had indeed solved the development blind spot in the VIC Group''s new smart products. "How did you solve it?" Micah pulled Noah closer,pointed at the tablet, and asked.


    "There is a system error here. You just need to change it to..." Noah pointed at the screen and carefully exined his solution to Micah, "Does that work, Micah?"


    "Yes, it works perfectly."


    Micah nodded repeatedly. He had actually solved the problemst night. However, this morning, he presented the challenge to Noah once more, testing the sharpness of his son''s technological instincts. To his surprise, his son was a genius!


    "So, do I get my wish now?"Noah asked, overflowing with joy.


    "Of course, what do you want?"


    Micah was seldom this happy, even more so than when he had solved the puzzle himself.


    Even though Noah didn''t look much like him, his natural talent and instincts for technology were just the same...


    "I don''t know yet, I will tell you when I decide." Noah crossed his arms, "A wish like that is valuable, so I have to make good use of it!"


    "Yes, yes..." Nathan chimed in, "It''s like ddin''smp! Save it for a crucial moment!"


    "Mm-hmm." Noah nodded, smiling.


    "Haha, no problem!" Micah,ughing heartily, wrapped his arms around his two sons.


    "Hmph,ugh it up," Mia pouted indignantly, muttering fiercely, "Wait until music ss tonight, and you''ll cry!"


    Coco let out a satisfied burp, turned over, belly up, andzily fell asleep.


    Soon, the car arrived at the kindergarten.


    It was the start of the school day, and buses were steadily entering the campus.


    The Clemens family''s stretch Rolls-Royce drove in at the end and parked to the side, drawing the attention of many onlookers.


    Security guards kept the children back, preventing them from getting too close, wary of any danger.


    Lines of kids got off the school busses, each holding the shirt of the student in front, like a string of grapes, following the teachers to their ssrooms. But all the children were curious, trying to spot who was in the car.


    Several bodyguards stepped out, opened the car doors, and carried the three kids down from the vehicle one by one.


    The caregivers had already arrived from another vehicle and were waiting. Upon seeing the tripletss, they stepped forward to attend to them.


    "It''s Noah, Nathan, and Mia!" a child eximed loudly in the Sunflower ss, capturing the attention of every kid in the room. Excitedly, several friends echoed their names.


    "Ben, Lora..." Mia also called out her friends'' names happily.


    "Micah, Micah..." Nathan grabbed Micah''s hand when he spotted his ssmates. "Look, the girl with the pigtails is my first girlfriend!"


    "Uhh..." Micah looked up and saw a young girl in a yellow dress with pigtails walking while smiling and waving at Nathan. "Nathan,e and get in line with me. I''ll save you my spot!" Could this be love?


    "That curly-haired girl over there is my second girlfriend," Nathan casually pointed to thest biracial girl in the group. Then,ughing, he added, "She''s French-Chinese, and her name is Julia!" Micah looked over and saw a girl with naturally curly hair, wearing a beautiful white dress. She stole a shy nce at Nathan before quickly looking away and following the rest of the ss. "She seems nice, why don''t you like her anymore?" Micah asked curiously.


    "I prefer mature women now," Nathan said, pointing to the music teacher on the other side of the room. "That''s my current one!"

 Chapter 523 Mommys Boyfriend

    "Uhh..." Micah nced at the music teacher, who was pretty, young, and pure, but he quickly averted his gaze and advised. "Kid, focus on your studies!"


    "I do study, but that doesn''t stop me from having girlfriends," Nathan said, blowing a kiss tothe music teacher. "Good morning, Ava!"


    "Good morning, Nathan!" Ava walked over, carrying the scent of cherry blossoms, and greeted, "Noah, Mia, good morning!"


    "Good morning, Ava!"


    The kids warmly greeted the teacher-it was clear that they were all fond of Ava.


    "And this is..." Ava hesitated when she looked at Micah.


    "He is..."


    "He''s my mommy''s boyfriend," Nathan yelled out before Noah had a chance to speak. "Uhh..." Ava was momentarily taken aback, then quickly smiled and greeted, "Hello!" "Hello," Micah responded inly.


    At that moment, Mr. Brooks, apanied by several school executives and other Sunflower ss teachers, hurried over. They respectfully greeted from a distance, "Hello, Mr. Clemens, good to see you!" "Mr. Clemens, we had no idea you wereing. We are very sorry,we couldn''t greet you sooner!"


    "No worries," Micah replied politely."I just came to drop off the kids and bring some gifts for the students and teachers."


    Andrew gestured, and the bodyguards immediately opened the car doors, revealing a heap of gifts packed inside.


    "This..." Mr. Brooks hesitated, quickly responding, "I mean, how can I ept this..."


    "Just distribute them to the kids and teachers."


    Micah was used to the indifferent tone ofmand, treating these offerings as if they held no significance.


    "Yes, yes," Mr. Brooks replied, honored, and immediately called security to help move these gifts.


    "I''ll take you to the ssroom."


    Micah lifted Noah and Mia onto his shoulders while using his other hand to push Nathan''s wheelchair.


    Noah and Mia instinctively gripped Micah''s hair to steady themselves. Nathan remained seated in his wheelchair, cradling Coco.


    The three caregivers trailed behind, carrying the kids'' small backpacks.


    The bodyguards stood guard nearby, not following, but their expressions were stern, and they were fully alert to ensure the safety of the young heirs and heiress. This situation petrified Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell.


    Miss Bell whispered to Cam, "What''s going on? Why is Mr. Clemens with these three kids?"


    "Mr. Clemens and Sadie are a couple now," Cam murmured back, "That''s all I know..."


    "Oh my goodness, no wonder..."


    Miss Bell covered her mouth, stunned and speechless.


    In their eyes, Micah appeared as an untouchable god, while Sadie was perceived as a struggling single mother barely able to keep food on the table.


    The only reason why they had crossed paths was that Micah''s grandfather had hit Nathan identally.


    How could they have be a couple in such a short time?


    Miss Bell couldn''t help but feel a genuine envy for Sadie. What a stroke of luck!


    "Mr. Clemens, Mia is in the Sunflower ss. Her ssroom is this way."


    Mr. Brooks led the way, taking them into the Sunflower ss.


    At that moment, the janitors and the homeroom teachers were distributing gifts to the students. They introduced each one, saying, "These are from Noah, Nathan, and Mia. We hope you like them!" "Thank you, I really like it!" a student said.


    "I love it, too. Because it''s the Barbie doll I''ve always wanted!" another student said.


    "I''ve wanted a tablet for so long..." one student said.


    "Why are they giving us gifts?" the students asked curiously.


    "Here theye."A child shouted, and all the students crowded around.

 Chapter 524 Im Their Father

    "Noah..."


    "Nathan..."


    "Mia..."


    A group of kids shouted the triplets'' names, their chatter so loud that it gave Micah a headache.


    Micah squinted habitually, a natural air of authority pouring out.


    The kids immediately halted in their tracks, no longer daring to approach.


    One little girl with a ponytail let out a "waah" and burst into tears.


    "Lora, don''t be afraid. He''s not a bad guy." Mia wobbled on her stubby little legs, motioning for Micah to put her down. She hurried over tofort Lora, saying, "He is my-" "He is my¡ª" "I am their father!" Micah suddenly spoke up, interrupting Mia.


    ''Mommy''s boyfriend'' just sounded wrong and was not a title he wanted to promote at their school.


    He felt it was time to be brave and openly embrace his role as a father. After all, it was a role he nned to y for life, one that would never change!


    The three children were stunned into silence, looking at Micah with disbelief.


    Though they had epted Micah as their mother''s boyfriend and even started to like ying with him, the title of ''father'' was just too sudden.


    Noah stood transfixed, looking at Micah in sheer bewilderment. His sharp little mind seemed to race, analyzing the truth behind Micah''s deration. Nathan stared nkly, confused. He wondered if he had misheard or if Micah was merely trying to avoid embarrassment in front of their ssmates. Mia''s mouth hung open wide, her eyes equally erged in shock as she gazed at Micah, almost unable to believe her ears...


    All the kids looked at Micah with astonishment. Ever since the triplets had started kindergarten, they had never seen their father, nor did they know who he was! How could it be that today, a father had suddenly appeared?


    And he was so tall, stern, and intimidating!


    The teachers and caregivers were all stunned as well!


    This was the third piece of staggering news they had received today.


    The first was that Micah personally brought the kids to the kindergarten.


    The second was the realization that Micah was Sadie''s boyfriend.


    The third, the role of ''Mommy''s boyfriend'' had suddenly transformed into ''father''...


    Fortunately, the media weren''t around. Otherwise, these revtions would have already shocked the world and caused a major stir.


    "Daddy, daddy, hic!" Coco, a little tipsy, suddenly called out in Nathan''s arms.


    This drew the triplets back into reality.


    Noah collected his thoughts and politely said, "Micah, please put me down."


    Micah set Noah down, and for a brief moment, father and son locked eyes, their eyes reflecting a touch of apprehension.


    Noah stood before Micah, his expression uneasy as he nced up at him. Then, with a polite bow, he expressed his gratitude, "Micah, thank you for bringing us to school!"


    "Uh, thank you!"


    Nathan and Mia hurried to follow Noah''s lead and show their gratitude.


    In their hearts, aside from Sadie and Brenda, everything Noah did was right, and they would naturally follow his lead.


    "Thank you also for the gifts you prepared for my ssmates and teachers," Noah said kindly. "You''re busy with work, so we won''t keep you any longer!"


    Micah looked at Noah, pretending to be grown up, and felt a pang of guilt¡ªhe shouldn''t have been impulsive and said those words at that moment.


    He should have consulted with Sadie and then exined the whole situation to the children openly and honestly, at least giving them some time to mentally prepare... But it was toote for regrets now that the words were out.


    "Alright, I''ll be heading out then."


    Micah crouched down, intending to hug the three kids, but they retreated timidly, not daring toe closer.

 Chapter 525 New Arrangements

    Micah withdrew his arms, a sense of rejection washing over him. Though, he seemed indifferent on the surface, his heart was actually filled with disappointment. He entrusted Mr. Brooks, saying, "Please take good care of the three children while they''re studying here."


    "Of course, of course, rest assured!"


    Mr. Brooks and several leaders nodded vigorously in response.


    Micah nced at the triplets onest time and turned to leave.


    Nathan watched as Noah walked away, his mouth slightly parting as if to utter "goodbye." However, noticing Noah''s silence, Nathan decided to remain quiet as well. "Micah, goodbye!"


    It was Mia who finally spoke up, her innocent voice careful yet enough to melt Micah''s heart.


    Micah looked back at her and lifted the corners of his mouth. "Goodbye!"


    "Goodbye, Micah." Nathan finally mustered the courage to wave at him.


    Micah waved back at him, then turned to look at Noah.


    Noah appeared somewhat aloof, looking down and not meeting his gaze, but still waved back politely.


    A sense of relief washed over Micah at least the kids didn''t reject him entirely. This signified he had seeded in the first step!


    "Mr. Clemens, let me walk you out," Mr. Brooks offered eagerly, leading the way.


    "Kids, let''s continue with the gift-giving," the teachers called out to the children, handing out presents. "These are from Noah, Nathan, and Mia. What should we say, everyone?"


    The kids looked at each other, and then one of them raised their hand to say, "Thanks to Noah, Nathan, and Mia''s daddy for sending us gifts."


    Micah suddenly halted his pace and turned to look at the three children, who instinctively turned their eyes towards him.


    Mia twisted her chubby little fingers together, bowing her head without a word.


    Noah''s mouth opened as if to exin something, but he ultimately chose silence.


    Meanwhile, Nathan had no qualms about grinning broadly and eximing, "Don''t mention it.d you like them!"


    "Thank you!" the kids cheered jubntly as they continued to receive their presents.


    A sly smile crept across Micah''s lips. In truth, the world of children was simple: treat them well, and they would naturally reciprocate.


    ...


    Sadie was resting at home when she suddenly heard the sound of cars from downstairs.


    She got out of bed, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down to see several ambnces arriving at her doorstep. A team of workers supervised by security guards was busily unloading cargo. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be medical equipment.


    She found it strange but didn''t inquire further.


    "Keep it down, folks. Miss Roth''s resting upstairs," the butler cautioned.


    The workers nodded repeatedly, fearing they might make any more noise and disturb thedy of the house.


    T here was a knock at the door.


    "Come in," Sadie responded.


    A staff member entered, holding a new smartphone, "Miss Roth, this is a new phone Mr. Clemens prepared for you. It''s set up with your old number."


    "Thank you." Sadie took the phone, expressed her gratitude, shut the door, and powered it on.


    In these few short months, Sadie had reced her phone twice, with each incident resulting in it being either broken or lost.


    Micah always silently provided her with a new model of the same phone.


    After being out of touch for several days, Brenda and Serena must be worried.Sadie immediately called Brenda, but for some reason, there was no answer.


    She then called Serena, who answered quickly, "Sadie !"


    "Serena, are you okay?" Sadie asked with a hint of guilt. "Last time you came to my ce, there was almost a disaster. I took you to the hospital, and then something else happened." "I was so scared. The property manager said you disappeared, and I almost called the police," Serena said urgently. "Are you sure you''re okay now?"


    "Yes, I''m fine, all is well," Sadie reassured her. "And you?"


    "I''m good, just got frightened and passed out that day, but I woke up quickly. I''ve just been worried about you... Oh! Your boyfriend''s subordinate, Andrew, came and looked for me."

 Chapter 526 To Save or Not to Save

    "What did he want?" Sadie asked, surprised.


    "Probably to thank me for my help? Also, he mentioned he wanted to hire me as your assistant. Are you willing?" Serena timidly asked. "Sadie, are you starting your ownpany as a boss or bing a celebrity? Why are you hiring an assistant all of a sudden?" "Uh..." Sadie was quite puzzled. "Are you sure it was Andrew?"


    "It really was him, and I''m certain," Serena confidently stated. "That guy who was always by your boyfriend''s side at the nightclub, the one who is fierce-looking and distinctive I couldn''t mistake him."


    "Alright," Sadie chuckled. "I don''t know anything about this. I''ll ask Andrew about it."


    "Mm-hmm." Serena said earnestly, "Sadie, if you need me, I''ll definitely say yes."


    "Thank you, Serena," Sadie responded. "Take good care of yourself, and reach out to me if you need anything."


    "Will do. I''ve already returned the gown to E. She mentioned that if you''re looking for part-time work, there are still opportunities avable."


    "E was concerned about dragging me into something, so she temporarily stopped me from taking jobs, right?" Sadie felt a bit confused.


    "I''m not sure why, but that news story got squashed quickly, and now there''s no trace of it online. E said that everything has calmed down, and it shouldn''t affect you anymore. Plus, you had good reviews for yourst performance, so she sti wants to employ you."


    "Got it. I''ve been feeling unwelltely, resting up. I''ll contact her once I''m better."


    "Then take care of yourself, and we''ll catch upter."


    "Sure."


    After ending the call, Sadie swiftly checked her phone for updates.


    As anticipated, there was no sign of the story about Leah''s assault online no traces of it, nor any news rted to Ronan and Arianna.


    Sadie furrowed her brow, knowing that the rk family must have arranged for the suppression of the matter and paid a hefty sum to do so.


    However, given Leah''s predicament, Kathleen wouldn''t just let things go. Even with the pressure from the rk fortune, she could have spoken out on a personal ount. However, there was no sign of that either.


    What was going on here? Could something terrible have happened to the White family?


    The thought deeply unsettled Sadie. Despite the White family having hurt her in the past and facing consequence s for it, the idea of them meeting such a fate made her feel uneasy.


    As Sadie pondered, her text message alerts kept pinging incessantly. After powering up her phone, she called Brenda and Serena directly without checking her messages. Now, as the phone caught up, a flood of text notifications inundated her


    screen.


    She immediately looked at the messages.


    During her recent troubles, aside from several texts from Brenda and Serena, Kathleen and Felipe had also sent dozens of distressing texts.Felipe: [ Sadie, for the sake of our family connection, please help us...]


    Kathleen: [I never thought Ronan would be so ruthless. He''s trying to silence us for good. Sadie, please save us.]


    Kathleen: [That wicked Arianna is too cruel. She wants to kill Leah and leave us with no witnesses! Sadie, please save Leah...]


    Felipe: [Sadie, your uncle begs you...]


    Reading these cries for help, Sadie felt her heart twist. Initially, she had only acted out of civic duty, calling the police. But now, with lives at stake, ignoring the situation seemed cruel.


    After a moment of hesitation, she attempted to call Kathleen, but her call went straight to voicemail. Next, she tried Felipe, but again, couldn''t get through.


    It appeared the Whites were indeed in trouble, and Sadie felt powerless about what to do next.


    If she was to save them, she would need Micah''s help. But the real question lingered-should she intervene?


    That was the dilemma...

 Chapter 527 The Quiet Arrangement

    As Sadie pondered, a familiar voice came from outside. "Where am I? Why have I been brought here?"


    "Don''t be scared. Brenda. This is your new home now," Dahlia replied with a soothing smile.


    "My home? This huge mansion, like a castle-how could it possibly be mine?" Brenda said, her voiceced with panic. "Dahlia, you must be mistaken. Please take me back to the hospital."


    Upon hearing these voices, Sadie''s heart skipped a beat. She immediately set her phone aside and dashed out.


    As expected, Brenda stood in the grand hall on the first floor, looking around bewildered.


    "Brenda, don''t worry. Sadie lives here, too. I''ll take you to see her," Dahlia said, trying to calm her.


    "Miss?" Brenda was still dazed.


    "Brenda..." Sadie sprinted down the stairs.


    "Miss!" Brenda saw Sadie and hurried over. "I''ve finally seen you, and I''ve been so anxious. Where have you been these past few days? Why couldn''t I reach you by phone? The kids couldn''t find you either. I thought something terrible had happened."


    As Brenda spoke, she began to choke up. These past few days, she hadn''t been eating or sleeping well at the hospital, agonizing over Sadie and the children''s safety. If it hadn''t been for Dahlia calming her down, she might have run out to search for them already.


    "I''m sorry, Brenda..." Sadie felt a wave of guilt. "I had a bit of trouble recently and lost contact with everyone. I didn''t get back until yesterday."


    "Did something happen? Are you hurt?" Brenda grabbed Sadie''s hands, examining her for any injuries.


    "Just a minor injury, nothing serious," Sadie said. She was worried Brenda would notice the wound on her back, so she steered her to the couch. "Don''t worry about me, and everything has been taken care of now."


    "That''s a relief." Brenda sighed, but then she became anxious again, ncing around and whispering to Sadie, "Miss, can we go back? The kids will get out of school soon. If no one''s at Blissful Lane 1 to pick them up, they''ll be scared."


    "Don''t worry, someone will pick them up," Sadie reassured Brenda, then turned to Dahlia with a question. "Dahlia, what is going on here? Wasn''t Brenda supposed to be in the hospital? Why did you bring her here?"


    "It was Mr. Clemens'' idea," Dahlia said with a smile. "Mr. Clemens was concerned you''d be lonely at home, so he asked me to bring Brenda here."


    "Nonsense!" Sadie frowned deeply. "Brenda needs to receive treatment. How could she be discharged early just to keep mepany?"


    "You can count on that. Mr. Clemens has already thought of everything," Dahlia said, pointing outside and smiling. "There''s a small building behind the mansion that''s been vacant. Mr. Clemens told me to fix it up as a medical room. I''ve already moved in the medical equipment today. From now on, you, Brenda, and Young Master Nathan can get treated and recover right at home without going to the hospital."


    "Ah?" Sadie was stunned. It was no wonder there were so many medical vehicles delivering various medical instruments today it was all to create an in-house medical room. Micah hadn''t said a word, but he had done so much for her...


    "I''mpletely baffled..." Brenda looked at Sadie with confusion. "Miss, what exactly is going on between you and... Micah?" "That''s a long story." Sadie patted Brenda''s hand. "Come to my room, and I''ll exin everything to you."


    "Oh!" Brenda nodded.


    "Miss Roth, the chicken soup is ready. Would you like me to bring it upstairs for you and Brenda?" asked the butler respectfully. "Yes, thank you," Sadie nodded, expressing her gratitude to Dahlia. "Dahlia, thanks so much. You can go back to your other tasks." "Sure." Dahlia smiled and left to take care of other matters.


    Leading Brenda back to her room, Sadie noticed her frown at the decor. "This looks like a man''s room. Is it Micah''s? Miss, are you two a couple?"

 Chapter 528 A Happy Home

    "Yeah." Sadie nodded earnestly. "I''m sorry, Brenda, I should have told you sooner..."


    Brenda sighed. "Everyone has their choices, especially in matters of the heart. I can''t interfere with who you like or want to be with. I just hope Micah treats you and the kids well, but..." Brenda opened her mouth to speak but hesitated.


    "Brenda, what are you trying to say?" Sadie knew there was more to Brenda''s concern


    "Miss, I''m worried. With a family asrge as the Clemens'', will Micah ept that you have children?" Brenda frowned deeply. "Does Micah really not mind?"


    "Micah doesn''t mind..." Sadie was certain. "Because the kids are his."


    "What?!" Brenda was astonished, "For real? You''re not messing with me? The father isn''t that guy from the nightclub back then...?"


    "It was Micah," Sadie admitted with some difficulty, but she proceeded to tell Brenda the whole story. "Four years ago, I was drugged by Leah, and unexpectedly, it brought Micah and me together..."


    After finishing her recount, Sadie added, "Actually, I''ve known who Micah was for a while now, but I thought he was too unpredictable to be a good father. I also feared the Clemens family, with their vast influence, might take my children away from me, so I kept it a secret and didn''t dare let Micah know.


    "I never imagined that this time, due to an ident, he would have Noah''s DNA tested and discover the truth. Afterward, he did so much for the children, and I was truly touched..."


    "Well, that exins a lot." Brenda sighed deeply, filled with emotion. "I was wondering why our family always seemed tied to Micah, like we couldn''t shake him off. Turns out fate had it nned all along."


    "To be honest, I had many concerns before," Sadie said with a bitter smile. "I even considered waiting until you and Nathan were better before taking the family away from Newark to start anew in a strange ce. Yet so much has happened... Maybe, this is all destiny."


    "Now that you and Micah have reconciled, stop worrying," Brenda consoled her, "How do the kids feel about Micah now? They didn''t have the best impression of him before."


    "They''re getting along quite well now; there''s been a lot of progress." Sadie beamed at the thought. "I didn''t expect Micah to be so patient with the kids. He''s really put in an effort to bond with them."


    "That''s what matters." Brenda nodded in relief. "Look at Micah, setting up a medical room at home, even moving me here¡ªit shows he truly cares about you and the kids.


    "On the way here, I overheard some of the medical staff chatting about the cost of the equipment. They mentioned it''s already cost millions because they needed it urgently, so they had it brought directly from a hospital. Dahlia handled all the customized orders from abroad..."


    "Micah did all that without telling me," Sadie said, feeling a mix of appreciation and guilt. "I bet he got Andrew to find Serena just to be here for me."


    "Micah being so devoted shows that he truly acknowledges you as family." Brenda smiled, but then her expression turned to concern. "But will his family agree? These old-money families often have so many rules."


    Sadie thought of Micah''s grandfather and her worries returned. He hadn''t liked her before, and it wasn''t certain he would ept her in the future.


    "But no matter," Brenda patted Sadie''s hand with a reassuring smile. "I''ve been in the hospital for two months. My body''s gone stiff, but now I''m finally getting discharged. From here on out, leave the cooking to me. I''ll make delicious meals fo us every day."


    As Brenda rolled up her sleeves and prepared to head downstairs, Sadie swiftly grabbed her, showing concern.


    "Brenda, you just got out of the hospital. You should really rest," Sadie implored.


    "Oh, Sadie, you know I just feel out of sorts if I sit around doing nothing. Let me do some chores. That''s when I feel my best. Besides, the children love the food I make. I haven''t cooked for them in so long. Please, let me do it today." "Fine..."

 Chapter 529 A Happy Home 2

    Brenda headed to the kitchen while Sadie quickly changed her clothes, ready to offer assistance. As she stepped into the living room, the sound of a car approaching echoed from outside. A stretch Rolls Royce gently pulled up to the door, and Sadie hurried out.


    The car door opened, and Micah lifted the three children out, one by one. He settled Noah and Nathan on his shoulders, while Mia held onto Coco, which was drowsy and snoring, in her arms. The sight was utterly adorable.


    Sadie let out a snort ofughter and quickly stepped forward to help. "Why are you all back at the same time?"


    "There wasn''t n''t much to do today, so I picked them up from the school," Micah said.


    Like a towering tree, he was draped with three children and a little pet bird.


    Noah and Nathan, not wanting to fall, clutched Micah''s hair tightly.


    Mia, scared to slip, wrapped her chubby legs around Micah''s leg, clinging to him like a ko without a tail.


    "Oh my god, these three little monkeys," Sadie eximed. "Let me help."


    She reached to take Mia, but Micah stopped her. "You''re injured, so you can''t lift heavy things."


    "I''m not heavy, I''m not heavy," Mia protested, pouting and trying to argue with a certain fierce cuteness, "I''ve gotten thinner."


    Peals ofughter erupted around them.


    Because of the children, there was much moreughter in the house¡ªno longer the dreariness of days past.


    "Alright, alright, you''ve gotten thinner," Sadie assured, helping Mia to her feet and crouching down to adjust her clothes with gentle instructions. "Mia, it doesn''t matter if children are chubby or slim. What''s important is being healthy, understand?"


    "But I am really thin," Miained, touching her plump little cheek. "Today, Miss Bell even said I''ve lost weighttely but might be a little malnourished. She said I need to eat more."


    "That''s right, eat more," Brenda chimed in, rushing out of the kitchen, apron tied around her waist and a spat in hand. Her face beaming with joy, she said, "I''ve cooked a lot of food today, all your favorites!" "Brenda..."


    The three children broke into excited shrieks upon seeing Brenda.


    Mia rushed gleefully into Brenda''s embrace, eximing with delight, "Brenda, howe you''re here? Mia missed you so much."


    "Good girl, Brenda missed you too."


    Brenda knelt to embrace Mia, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Noah and Nathan struggled to get down, so Micah had no choice but to put them down.


    Noah hurried into Brenda''s arms, and Nathan tried to run over, too, but Micah quickly scooped him up and ced him in his wheelchair.


    "Come on, guys, push me over there," Nathan urged, inching forward impatiently.


    Sienna quickly wheeled Nathan in, and the three kids surrounded Brenda, chattering nonstop...


    "Brenda, Noah missed you so much."


    "Brenda, Nathan too. Nathan missed you."


    "Good kids, Brenda missed all of you," Brenda said while wiping away tears, excitedly hugging the three children. "Now Brenda won''t have to stay in the hospital anymore. I''ll live with you and cook for you every day." "Yeah!" T he kids nodded vigorously.


    "We were nning to visit you at the hospital after school. Are you feeling better?" Noah asked sensibly.


    "I''m much better," Brenda said with a smile. "As soon as Brenda sees you, all my illnesses disappear."


    "That''s great." Nathan''s smile was radiant, and he said earnestly, "Brenda, now that you''re back, we won''t eat undercooked roast chicken and toast with salt anymore..."


    Sadie put her hand to her forehead, wishing she could disappear. The kids'' strong feelings about her disastrous cooking were palpable.


    "Yeah, Brenda''s cooking is the best," Mia said, tilting her cute little head. "Brenda, Mia has lost weight because you haven''t cooked for us in a long time!"


    Saying this, Mia pinched her little arm sadly. "Look, all the meat is gone."

 Chapter 530 Could it be pregnancy?

    Brendaughed heartily. "From now on, Brenda will cook for you every day. You all have to eat well." "Yes! I''ll eat it all up," Mia said happily, pping her chubby little hands.


    "Me too," Noah and Nathan chimed in, raising their hands.


    Coco, nestled in Mia''s arms, looked up drowsily and murmured, "Me too!"


    "What''s up with Coco?" Brenda asked curiously, looking at the tired pet. "Is it sick or just sleepy?"


    "It got drunk," Mia eximed. "This morning, it sneaked some of Micah''s liquor, and it has been sleeping all day since." Hearing this, Sadie pinched Micah''s muscr arm. "Did you give Coco alcohol again?"


    "It wants to drink," Micah said with an innocent look on his face.


    "Right, I can vouch for that, it was Coco who wanted to drink," Nathan immediately defended Micah.


    "I can testify too," Noah said seriously. "Micah didn''t force Coco to drink!"


    "It''s okay, Coco will wake up tomorrow anyway." Mia stroked Coco''s little green head.


    "Alright, alright," Brenda said, then prepared to cook. "You kids go y for a bit. Dinner is at 6:00 pm sharp."


    "Okay, thanks, Brenda!"


    After soothing the three kids, Brenda looked up at Micah, a bit embarrassed. "About thatst time with the mop, I was out of line¡ª"


    "No worries," Micah cut her off politely. "You were protecting your family, I understand, and you''re Sadie''s elder!"


    Micah wasn''t great at social niceties or one for sweet talk, but his words were heartfelt.


    Sadie was surprised. She hadn''t expected the once domineering and unreasonable Micah to swallow his pride and be so respectful to Brenda.


    "Thank you!" Brenda was both shocked and touched by the gesture. She had been worried about an awkward encounter due to prior misunderstandings.


    But Micah''s attitude was unexpected.


    Some said love meant epting every aspect of a person, and perhaps this was true. Micah''s profound love for Sadie drove him to embrace change and make concessions.


    "You''re wee," Micah said with a lifted corner of his mouth. "We have plenty of chefs at home, they can help. Don''t overwork yourself!" "Okay, got it."


    Brenda nodded, smiling, and hurried off to the kitchen. The chefs followed her closely, ready to assist so Brenda wouldn''t tire herself out. "Let''s go upstairs to change," Micah said, taking Sadie''s hand and leading her up the stairs.


    "Hey, Micah is holding Mommy''s hand!" Mia suddenly shrieked, covering her mouth with her chubby hands. Her face was a picture of mock horror."After preschool graduation, boys and girls aren''t supposed to hold hands." "Oh no, what if they get pregnant?" Nathan frowned deeply, his face filled with worry. "If they do, our family is going to have a real fifth, sixth, or even seventh baby..."


    "Ah, you don''t understand," Noah asserted like an older brother, giving a serious lecture. "Holding hands doesn''t get you pregnant unless¡ª"


    He was interrupted as Micah wrapped an arm around Sadie''s shoulders. The two of themughed and talked on their way upstairs.


    "Oh no, they hugged," Mia pointed at them, yelling anxiously, "Does that get Mommy pregnant?"


    "No way," Noah said with a facade of profound knowledge. "That''s nothing unless you actually kiss on the lips."


    Just then, Micah gave Sadie a little peck...


    "Omigosh!" Mia covered her eyes, unable to look.


    "s," Noah let out a worldly sigh.


    "A kiss on the lips can get one pregnant?" Nathan''s eyes widened in horror. "I kissed Ava on the cheek today. Does that mean... I''m going to be a dad??"


    "No way?! Nathan, you actually kissed Ava?!" Mia stomped her feet in distress. "Oh no! I''m going to be an aunt!"


    "Man, this is so worrying!" Noah clutched his forehead in distress. "At such a young age, I''m going to be an uncle, and what''s more, having a brother, sister, and a nephew born at the same time... Oh my..."

 Chapter 531 Micahs Lessons

    "I can''t believe I''m only three and a half, and I''m going to be a dad," Nathan fretted. "How am I supposed to support my child? I haven''t even started working." "Don''t worry, Nathan, I''ll help you out." Noah pped Nathan on the shoulder, speaking with loyalty. "After all, the kid''s gotta call me ''Uncle''."


    "Yeah, I''ll share my snacks and toys with them too," Mia said earnestly, looking at Nathan, ready to share generously. "And my little skirts." "Them?" Nathan''s eyes went wide in shock. "Does that mean Ava''s going to have triplets with me?"


    "Possibly," Noah said, analyzing with utmost seriousness. "Gics suggests that multiples can be inherited. We''re triplets, so our kids might be as well." "Uh..." Nathan was bbergasted, on the verge of tears. "How will we manage to support them?"


    "Three nephews, will my snacks stretch that far?" Mia counted on her fingers, fretting about the logistics. "Oh no, there won''t be enough to go around."


    "I''m afraid my allowance might not cut it either." Noah thought it through carefully, finding the situation quite grave. "Looks like we''ll need to ask Mommy and Brenda for help."


    "Wah-wah-wah, I''m never kissing girls at random again," Nathan said with a mournful face. "And no more careless girlfriend finds."


    "That''s right." Noah patted his shoulder, speaking with a hint of gravitas, "If you keep going at this rate, even Micah''s mansion won''t be big enough to live in."


    "Right, right, not even the extended car will fit us all." Mia puckered her little mouth, seriously reminding him, "Imagine: if they all joined our school, our ss could be made up just of you and your kids." "Uh..." Nathan tilted his head back, picturing that scenario, and couldn''t help but feel like crying...


    "What''s wrong?" At that moment, Sadie and Micah came downstairs.


    Micah had changed into a set of cozy house clothes and was cuddling Sadie as they descended the stairs.


    Seeing three children in the living room engaged in a serious discussion, they couldn''t help but feel some concerns.


    "Mommy, I was wrong!" Nathan said with tears in his eyes, his voice choked with emotion. "I really was. I won''t kiss girls randomly anymore. I won''t just look for girlfriends."


    "What? What happened?" Sadie quickly asked.


    "Nathan kissed Ava," Mia hurriedly scampered over to tattle. "Ava is going to get pregnant, and Nathan is going to be a dad, so his kid will have to go to school with us. He''s scared he can''t afford it..." Sadie was shocked.


    Micah burst intoughter. "Who told you that a kiss means you''re going to be a dad?"


    "Noah said it," Mia said innocently, looking towards Noah.


    "I inferred it from what I''ve read," Noah exined with earnest gestures. "The picture book says when a boy and girl have intimate actions together, it can lead to pregnancy."


    Sadie didn''t know whether tough or cry, unsure how to exin to the children.


    "True," Micah said, gathering Noah and Mia onto the couch to exin patiently. "But that refers to grown men and women. You kids aren''t going to get pregnant."


    "Really?" Nathan burst with relief. "So kissing Ava is okay?"


    "Of course, it''s okay," Micah answered seriously. "Kids kissing is different from what adults do. But, you still shouldn''t randomly kiss girls-it''s a bad habit, and if you start now, it might be hard to break when you''re older." Nathan nodded vigorously. "I won''t kiss girls anymore, and I won''t randomly look for a girlfriend either."


    "That''s right," Micah said, rubbing Nathan''s curly hair gently. "However, it''s good to share things with adults. If you do something good, we''ll encourage you. If you make a mistake, we''ll help you take responsibility."

 Chapter 532 Husband

    "Thanks, Micah," Nathan said gratefully.


    "Micah, today at the kindergarten, a ssmate said he likes me and wants to be my friend. Then, he gave me a rose," Mia said, pulling out a meticulously folded paper rose from her backpack, adorned with her name. "Do you want to be friends with him?" Micah asked gently.


    "I don''t know him well-he''s not in our ss," Mia said, tilting her head thoughtfully. "But he is pretty cute."


    "If you don''t know someone well, you shouldn''t ept gifts," Micah advised. "Return the gift tomorrow and tell him that everyone in ss is friends and that you can all y together."


    "Mm-hmm, got it." Mia nodded obediently, carefully cing the rose into her backpack.


    Micah turned to look at Noah. "Did anything happen to you at the kindergarten, Noah?"


    "I just think the teachers'' teaching is too simple." Noah shrugged in resignation. "I can''t wait to get out of there every day ande home for my online sses. Although the online teacher starts basic, we''vemunicated, and he has already started teaching me new things."


    Hearing this, Micah lifted his eyebrows. "Tonight, I''ll join your online ss to see what you already know, and then we''ll set up a new learning n tailored for you."


    "Yes!" Noah was very excited and looking forward to it. "Thanks, Micah!"


    "Micah, you haven''t forgotten about me, right?" Nathan suddenly raised his hand, anxiously reminding him, "You promised to teach me martial arts."


    "And me too!" Mia chimed in, raising her plump little hand and pushing forward, afraid of being overlooked. "You said you were going to teach me singing, dancing, and painting."


    "No problem, I''ll keep my promises." Micah nced at his watch. "We''ll start at 7:30 p.m.!"


    "Great!" the three kids responded in unison, all eagerly anticipating their evening studies. "Dinner''s ready!"


    At that moment, Brenda brought out a sumptuous dinner.


    A housekeeper and several staff members were also helping out.


    Worried that Brenda had overexerted herself, the housekeeper hurriedly advised, "Brenda, you''ve already finished preparing the meal. Leave the rest to us."


    "Thanks for your help," Brenda said, removing her apron. "Come on, I''ll take you guys to wash your hands."


    "Okay!" Noah and Mia dashed off, while Nathan anxiously followed behind them in his wheelchair. "Wait for me!"


    Three nurses immediately followed to help.


    Sadie watched the lively scene with a heart full of warmth. This was the life she had always wanted¡ªordinary, simple, but full of warmth...


    "What are you daydreaming about?" Micah pinched Sadie''s face gently.


    "I just feel so happy," Sadie embraced Micah. "Thank you..."


    "Silly," Micah kissed her hair affectionately. "By the way, after dinner, we''re having a family meeting."


    "A family meeting?" Sadie was puzzled.


    "It''s time to introduce my role to the kids formally. I can''t just be ''Micah'' anymore," Micah said seriously. "And you can''t call me Mr. Clemens any longer, as it doesn''t set a good example for the children." "So what should I call you?" Sadie asked spontaneously.


    "Call me ''husband," Micah instructed.


    Sadie''s face instantly flushed withughter, and her hands covered her embarrassed face. "I can''t say it!"


    "Let''s start with some practice," Micah said, and he cradled her face, earnestly teaching her. "Repeat after me, ''Hus!""


    "Hus!" Sadie obediently echoed.


    "B--und!"


    "B--und!"


    "Husband!"


    "Husband!"


    "Hey!" Micah replied with an enthusiastic and brisk affirmation.


    Sadie couldn''t help but snicker. Herughter bubbled up, causing her face to flush to the tips of her ears. She buried her small face in Micah''s chest, too shy to look up. "Good girl!" Micah praised.

 Chapter 533 Dad

    Brenda prepared arge table of dishes, all of which were Sadie''s and the children''s favorites, as well as a few French dishes that Micah loved.


    Those were prepared by the housekeeper.


    The family gathered around the table with excitement.


    Brenda apologized, "Mr. Clemens, I spoke with the housekeeper, and she mentioned your fondness for French cuisine. However, I''m unable to prepare it myself. Therefore, she kindly prepared a few dishes for you. I n to learn from her tomorrow so I can cook for you next time.


    "It''s okay. I also want to taste your cooking."


    Micah pulled out the chair next to him, letting Sadie sit first before sitting down beside her.


    "Great, give it a try and see if you like it."


    Brenda immediately forked a piece of beef to Micah.


    "Thank you." Micah tasted it and nodded approvingly. "Hmm, it''s delicious."


    "Really? That''s great." Brenda was very happy. "I was worried that you wouldn''t like my cooking. Hope you enjoy it."


    "I like it." Micah also picked a piece for Sadie. Then, he noticed that Brenda and the children were all looking at him. "Don''t just stare at me, let''s eat."


    "Micah eats, Mommy eats, Brenda eats!"


    After the children politely greeted each other, they began to eat. They all praised Brenda''s cooking as delicious.


    Brenda was exhrated and repeatedly said that she would not go to the hospital anymore. She wanted to cook for them at home.


    Sadie scooped her a bowl of soup and reminded Brenda to take good care of herself so she could watch the children grow up.


    Brenda nodded, with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.


    Micah silently finished his meal, but his gaze was unusually gentle.


    Since he could remember, he had never had a meal like this, with such a big family sitting together.


    For the past 28 years, he had been used to living alone.


    asionally, he would be with his grandfather, but the atmosphere was always serious.


    Moreover, his grandfather''s teachings were very strict. He had set various rules for him, such as no talking during meals, let aloneughing...


    But he felt that being together like this, harmonious and joyful, was the real feeling of having a family.


    After dinner, Micah took the children to their y area.


    Sadie hadn''t left the house for a few days. She knew there was a medical room behind the vi, but she didn''t know there was also a children''s y area in the garden. When the three children saw the y area, they were so happy that they almost jumped up.


    Noah and Mia immediately ran over and started to y, and Nathan shouted anxiously, "Wait for me. I want to y too!"


    "Nathan, be good. Let me take you on the swing, okay?" Sienna coaxed him.


    "I want to go on the slide."


    Nathan pointed to the tall spiral slide.


    Noah and Mia had climbed up and were now holding out their arms, cheering when they slid down. They couldn''t be happier.


    "But what if it hurts your leg?" Sienna hesitated. "Your injury still hasn''t fully healed."


    "It''s fine. Let him go," Micah dismissed her concerns. "Boys don''t have to be so careful."


    "Okay." Sienna reluctantly pushed Nathan towards the slide, carefully helping him up.


    "Let go of me. I can do it myself," Nathan protested.


    Nathan held onto the edge of the stairs and found a way to climb up on his own. Though it was a bit difficult, he managed to make it to the top.


    "I made it, I made it!" Nathan raised his hands in triumph, forgetting his injured foot. However, he lost his bnce and tumbled down the stairs. "Ah!" Sadie and Brenda screamed in terror.


    Before they could react, Micah dashed forward quickly and caught Nathan safely.


    Nathan''s face went pale as he fell into Micah''s arms. Gasping for breath and then oveing with fear, Nathan choked up. "Ugh, Micah..." "As a young man, is this something to cry about? No tears," Micahmanded.


    "Yes." Nathan quickly swallowed his tears, pouted, took a deep breath, and looked gratefully at Micah. "Thank you, Micah!"


    "Call me Dad," Micah ordered.


    "Dad!" Nathan yelled out.


    After saying it, he froze...

 Chapter 534 You Are a True Hero

    "Good boy!" Micah tousled Nathan''s hair and put him down. "Go y by yourself, be strong like a young man."


    "Yeah." Nathan instantly regained confidence. He limped toward the slide and climbed up again.


    Seeing the towering peak, Nathan was still a bit scared, and his legs trembled.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll catch you if you fall," Micah encouraged him.


    "Yeah!" Nathan now had the assurance, so he clenched his teeth and continued to climb up.


    This time, Nathan was no longer afraid because he knew that even if he fell, there would be someone there to catch him.


    Sadie was deeply moved by this scene. She regarded herself as a good mother, putting great effort into taking care of and educating her children. But at this moment, she realized that no matter how well she did, she could never rece the role of a father.


    Micah had his first interaction with the children. While hecked her gentleness and delicacy, he could instill confidence and reassurance in them, drawing upon the vigor of youth.


    Sadie inwardly scolded herself. She couldn''t believe she used to worry that Micah wouldn''t be a good father. Now, it was clear that she had worried about nothing. Micah''s dedication to the children exceeded her expectations.


    Mia watched as Micah interacted with Nathan and felt the urge to join in. She approached Micah with a quick plea, "Micah, I want to swing. Can you push me?"


    "Sure." Micah spread his arms, "Jump down, and I''ll catch you."


    "Micah, it''s too high here. I''m scared." Mia took a step back, gripping the railing with her short little legs and chubby hands, too afraid to jump.


    "I got this!" Noah stepped forward and leaped down.


    Micah caught him right away, rubbing his little head. "This was too sudden. What if I wasn''t ready?"


    "I have confidence that you will definitely catch me." Noah began to like Micah. He felt this man taught him to be brave.


    "Good job!" Micah pinched his handsome little face and grinned.


    "Micah, here Ie!" Mia shouted, covering her eyes with her chubby hands. She screamed when she jumped down.


    Micah immediately caught Mia with his other hand.


    "Ah!" Mia screamed into Micah''s ear, almost bursting his eardrums.


    "You must be a great singer." Micah frowned ufortably.


    "Mia, stop shouting. You''re safe now." Noah patted Mia''s chubby arm.


    Mia finally stopped screaming, moved her small hand away, and opened her eyes to look around. "Wow, you caught me! It was so much fun!" "Micah, I''m sliding down..." Nathan''s voice came from behind.


    Micah turned around and saw Nathan sessfully climbing to the highest point. He slid down the slide with his arms spread out, shouting in excitement. "Nathan is amazing!" The caregivers apuded him.


    They were all happy to see Nathan finally able to y. After breaking his ankle, he could hardly participate for two months, which left him feeling frustrated. Today, with Micah''s encouragement, Nathan finally took the first step.


    Micah hurried over while holding Noah and Mia, using his foot to block Nathan and prevent Nathan''s injured foot from touching the ground. Nathan slid down, and Micah''s leg perfectly protected him. Nathan''s injured leg was raised safely and unharmed.


    "Are you okay?" Micah lifted Nathan with his foot and gave him a small shake.


    Nathan screamed as hended on Micah''s shoulder, quickly clutching Micah''s head, afraid of falling.


    "Wow, Micah, you''re amazing!" Mia pped her chubby hands, excitedly eximing, "You caught three of us at once!"


    "Micah, you''re a true hero!" Noah''s face was full of admiration.


    "From now on, you can''t call me ''Micah'' anymore," Micah said, taking the opportunity to correct the children''s address." You should call me Dad!"

 Chapter 535 Communicating on an Equal Footing

    "Alright... Dad," Nathan obediently called out.


    Noah and Mia both widened their eyes, looking at Nathan with surprise and questioning: how did Nathan get convinced so quickly? "I already called him earlier" Nathan weakly looked at them. "Mommy didn''t object anyway."


    The three children all looked at Sadie in unison.


    Sadie looked embarrassed, unsure of what to say.


    Nathan softly asked, "Mommy, you don''t object to Micah being our dad, right?"


    "What do you mean ''being'' your dad?" Micah furrowed his brow. "I am your dad."


    "Huh?" The triplets were stumped, ncing between Micah and Sadie, unsure of what to do.


    "Let''s go inside first, and I''ll exin slowly." Sadie thought that such an important matter should be discussed sitting down.


    "Oh!" The children obediently nodded, but their expressions were very serious because they felt Sadie had something important to announce.


    The family returned home and entered the study.


    Brenda and the three children sat in a row while Micah and Sadie sat on the opposing couch.


    Brenda felt somewhat uneasy and whispered, "Miss, should I leave first so you can talk as a family?"


    "Brenda, you''re family too."


    Sadie made a gesture, indicating that Brenda should sit down.


    Brenda could only sit on the side, holding the drowsy Coco.


    As the eldest, Noah remained calm despite his nerves. Bravely, he asked, "Mommy, what do you want to tell us?"


    "Mommy has never talked to you face-to-face about this before..." Sadie didn''t know how to start, "Actually, actually..."


    "Let me say it." Micah couldn''t wait any longer. "Actually, I am your dad, your biological dad."


    "Uh..." The three children widened their eyes, staring at Micah in disbelief.


    "Four years ago, I met your mommy and left a seed in her body, and then she gave birth to you..."


    Micah had already studied the relevant books and told a story in the style of a children''s book.


    "At the time, we didn''t know each other, and I wasn''t aware that she was pregnant. Four yearster, we crossed paths again in different roles. Initially, there were misunderstandings, but thankfully, they''ve been resolved. Also, I recently learned that you are my children, so-


    11


    "Please wait a moment," Noah interrupted Micah, puzzled and confused. "Why did you leave a seed in Mommy''s body when you didn''t know who each other was? There''s a logical problem here."


    "Yeah, yeah," Nathan and Mia quickly chimed in. Now, the siblings were on the same side.


    "Well..." Micah furrowed his brow, carefully considering how to exin the excitement and mystery of that night when their parents created them from a child''s perspective.


    "Because it was dark, and we couldn''t see clearly," Sadie bluntly answered.


    Micah cast her a disapproving nce. Speaking to children in this manner may instill undesirable habits in them for the future.


    "But how did you find out we are your children?" Noah''s thinking was very meticulous.


    "Yeah, yeah, how did you find out?" Nathan and Mia echoed.


    Although they didn''t understand much, they knew Noah was the smartest, so his question must have been right.


    ""Since both you and I share an allergy to kiwis, I arranged for our DNA to be tested. The results show that you are my son. Additionally, as you, Nathan, and Mia are triplets, it naturally follows that they are also my children." Micah handed Noah the DNA test results.


    Micah''s approach was more likemunicating on an equal footing with someone instead of treating them as three-year-old children.


    The three children felt respected and naturally took the matter seriously.

 Chapter 536 Meticulous Thinking

    Noah took the test results and carefully examined them.


    Nathan and Mia leaned in to look as well, their clear and bright eyes fixed on the test results.


    After a while, Nathan couldn''t help but ask, "Noah, can you understand it?"


    "I recognize this ''99,99,"" Mia pointed her chubby finger at the ''99,99%'' on the test results. "But I don''t recognize the rest." "I recognize these 11 letters," Nathan pointed to the two words at the end and slowly read them out, "Parent-Child!" Micah had a headache. He spoke so seriously to them, but these three were discussing how many letters they recognized. "Nathan, Mia, stop causing trouble," Sadie hurriedly said. "Noah, it''s okay if you don''t understand. Mommy will tell you..."


    "I understand," Noah said, raising his head and looking at Micah. "It says 99.99% parent-child rtionship; I know what it means." "That''s good." Micah nodded with satisfaction. "In the future¡ª"


    "But I have a few questions for you," Noah interrupted Micah and said solemnly, "Can I ask?"


    "Of course, you can go ahead." Micah greatly admired this child for being so responsible at a young age.


    "Before you realized I was allergic to kiwi, you didn''t know we were your children, right?" Noah asked earnestly. "That''s right." Micah nodded.


    "So, if you didn''t receive that test report, or if we weren''t your children, would you still treat Mommy and us so well?"


    Noah asked a crucial question, and the atmosphere became serious.


    Nathan and Mia didn''t understand the significance of this question. They only followed Noah''s lead and said, "Yeah, would you?"


    Brenda looked at Micah, curious about his answer as well.


    Sadie was surprised that Noah had asked such a serious and profound question. She had never considered it before...


    Micah thought carefully for a moment and said, "At first, I knew she had children, but I thought they belonged to someone else. I was indeed angry and even did some bad things. Butter..."


    Micah looked up at the three children and spoke sincerely, "I never thought of hurting you or rejecting you, and I never gave up on your mommy because of it. So, my answer is, even if you weren''t my children, I would still love her and ept you."


    Upon hearing these words, Sadie was deeply moved. Despite her past doubts about Micah, reflecting on the times when he believed the children belonged to Mason, she realized he never caused them harm.


    When the children went missing, Sadie had assumed Micah had intentionally kidnapped them, but he hadn''t exined a word and silently helped her find the children. Although he had taken an opportunity to threaten her during the process, just as Micah had said, he had never harmed the children...


    Later, when Sadie had an ident, Micah had asked Ss to take them to stay at his grandfather''s ce, ensuring their safety. It was probably his kindness that had unintentionally revealed Noah''s kiwi allergy, thus discovering the children''s true identities...


    In reality, Micah was a tough-looking but tender-hearted person!


    "That''s good, that''s good." Brenda was moved to tears and hurriedly said, "The children are yours. You don''t need to doubt that. I know Say-Say well. These years, she has been virtuous and never had any contact with other men." "I know." Micah smirked.


    "Thank you!" Noah took a deep breath and continued to ask, "The second question: Does Grandpa know we''re your children? If he doesn''t know, will he ept us?"


    "He doesn''t know yet." Micah thought Noah was a person with a rigorous mind, considering things thoroughly. "He already liked you all so much before, so once he knows, he''ll be very happy."

 Chapter 537 Removing All Difficulties

    Noah didn''t say anything, dropping his eyes and thinking about something.


    Nathan was eager to say, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, Grandpa loves us so much. He knows we''re Micah''s kids, and he''ll definitely be happy."


    "So, does that mean we can''t call him Grandpa anymore?" Mia asked anxiously.


    "It seems that way," Nathan said, tilting his little head to discuss with her. "The books at kindergarten say that Dad''s grandfather is called Great-grandpa."


    "Oh, so are we supposed to call him Great-grandpa now?" Mia asked curiously, opening her eyes wide. "It feels different all of a sudden."


    "Yeah, it''s different," Nathan exined seriously. "Grandpa is Dad''s grandpa, not our grandpa anymore..."


    "Oh." Mia nodded, not fully understanding.


    "Do you have any more questions?" Micah asked Noah.


    "Are you going to marry Mommy?" Noah looked up at him.


    "Of course I will," Micah answered without hesitation. "Once Grandpa wakes up, I''ll start nning the wedding."


    "Yay, that''s awesome!" Mia happily raised her chubby hand. "Then I want to be a flower girl."


    "I want to be one too. I want to!" Nathan got so excited that he almost jumped up. "I also want to invite my kindergarten ssmates to Mommy and Dad''s wedding." "That''s great. I want to invite our old neighbors too," Brenda said excitedly, joining the discussion. "And a few former subordinates who always took care of us..."


    "No problem, we''ll invite them all." Nathan patted his little chest and said, "I''ll arrange everything for them."


    "I want to. I want to invite a few of my friends, too..." Mia worried about falling behind and quickly said, "And Mr. Brooks and Miss Bell..." "Yeah, yeah, and my Ava too..."


    The children chattered non-stop, already discussing the details of the wedding.


    Brenda couldn''t help but join in the discussion, and even the unconscious Coco opened its eyes and shouted, "I want to, I want to!"


    Watching this scene, Sadie smiled gently and then noticed Noah looking troubled. She quickly reached out her hand to him. "Noah,e here!"


    Noah slid down from the couch and walked up to Sadie.


    Sadie held Noah in her arms and kissed his forehead. "Noah, do you have any more questions?"


    "If you have any thoughts, just say it," Micah said tenderly, looking at him.


    Noah paused, contemting before speaking. "Adult marriages can be quiteplex, especially those involving old-money families. There are aspects I struggle to grasp and foresee. But I can''t shake the feeling that challenges may arise... If things get tough, will you abandon us and Mommy?"


    "Of course not." Micah ruffled Noah''s curly hair. "The word ''abandon'' doesn''t exist in my dictionary! No matter what problems we encounter, we''ll solve them. They will never be an obstacle for us."


    Noah''s eyes sparkled as he heard Micah''s resolute words. He seemed to have found resonance and nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I believe in you!"


    "Pinky promise," Micah had learned how to interact with children. He had heard that a pinky promise was like a legally binding contract in children''s hearts.


    Noah immediately extended his little hand to pinky-promise with him. "Pinky promise means we''ve made a deal!"


    "I want to do it too, "Mia saw Noah and Micah pinky-promising and hurried over to join in the excitement. "I also want a stamp!"


    "And me too!" Nathan hobbled over, limping.


    "Great!" Micah pinky-promised and stamped with both of them, assuring them that he would ovee all obstacles to marry Sadie and give them a happy and warm home.


    Brenda looked at this family of five, moved to tears, and said in her heart, ''Sir, you can finally rest assured. Say-Say has found a good home.''

 Chapter 538 Wanting to Hold On

    "Okay, can you call me Dad now?"


    Micah couldn''t wait to hear the children call him Dad. He had never put so much effort into pleasing anyone in his life.


    These days, his office was filled with parenting books, and he took time every day to study various ways to interact with children. It was real brain work. He did all this to make the three little children willingly call him "Dad."


    "No..." Mia pouted unhappily, looking reluctant.


    Noah and Nathan were about to speak but held back when they saw Mia''s disagreement.


    "Is there any other problem?" Micah asked cautiously.


    It was really the first time in his life that he had been so cautious...


    "The title ''Dad'' doesn''t sound good." Mia tilted her little head innocently. "I think ''Daddy'' sounds better."


    "Yes, yes," Nathan quickly agreed. "We call Mommy ''Mommy,'' not ''Mom,'' so we should call you ''Daddy.""


    "Then let''s call you Daddy," Noah dered finally.


    "Okay, okay." Nathan and Mia nodded.


    The three children nced at Sadie and then at Micah.No one spoke first.


    Micah covered his forehead, feeling the agony deep in his heart. It was really hard to hear them say "Daddy."


    "Hurry up and call him," Brenda urged anxiously.


    Sadie just smiled and remained silent.


    "I''ll count to three, and we''ll all say it together." Mia waved her chubby hand, conducting like a music conductor. "One, two, three!"


    "Hey, Daddy-~" the three children called out in unison, their voices clear and sweet, with a hint of cuteness.


    Micah''s heart was melting, and he immediately embraced all of them.


    Micah wanted to imitate Sadie and give them kisses, but he wasn''t sure how to go about it.


    "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy..."


    The three children surrounded Micah, constantly calling out to him and leaning in to give Micah kisses on his face. Coco, awakened by the noise, fluttered its wings and flew up to Micah''s head, joining in, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" Micah was surrounded by the children''s fiery enthusiasm and didn''t know where to put his hands...


    "Haha, this is great, so great." Seeing this scene, Brenda couldn''t stopughing.


    Sadie''s eyes welled with tears as she experienced a happiness she had never dared to imagine. The scene unfolding before her seemed too good to be true, yet it was happening so swiftly.


    She longed to grasp onto this perfect happiness, but suddenly, her right arm began to throb with intense pain once more. The sensation radiated up to her shoulder, gradually spreading throughout her body.


    In an attempt to conceal her difort, Sadie reached for a cushion and draped it over her aching arm. However, the pain intensified, feeling as though thousands of ants were gnawing at her blood vessels, on the brink of bursting. Unable to endure it any longer, Sadie rose from her seat and hurried into the bathroom.


    "Hmm?" The children were stunned, turning back to look at Sadie. "What''s wrong with Mommy?"


    "She''s probably just too happy." Nathan climbed onto the sofa andy on Micah''s broad back, saying, "Daddy, carry me!"


    "Okay." Micah''s attention waspletely focused on the children, who were not really paying attention. He just said to Brenda, worried about Sadie, "Brenda, can you check on her?"


    "Sure." Brenda nodded repeatedly, getting up with a smile. "Say-Say must have been too excited and secretly went to the bathroom to wipe away her tears."


    "Mommy is crying..." Mia wiped her eyes with chubby hands, imitating Sadie''s crying, "Just like this!"


    "Mia, that''s bad. Don''t imitate Mommy," Noah scolded.


    Mia stuck her tongue out at Noah and crawled into Micah''s arms, saying, "Daddy, carry me!"

 Chapter 539 Hidden Questions

    "Alright, time''s up, let''s go to ss."


    Micah carried one on his back, held one in his arms, and held another in his hand, resembling a tree covered in little monkeys. He walked out confidently.


    He even turned back to Brenda and said, "Brenda, please let Sadie know we''re going to the study upstairs."


    "Okay, go ahead," Brenda answered, watching them leave. She then knocked on the bathroom door. "Say-Say, are you okay?"


    "Nothing to worry about..." Sadie was hunched over the sink, her face contorted with pain, but she struggled to keep calm. "Brenda, I have a bit of diarrhea. You go upstairs first, and I''ll join you in a bit." "It''s no trouble, and I''ll stay here with you," Brenda said, unable to bear to leave Sadie''s side. "Do you eat too much tonight? Let me bring you a cup of hot water."


    "Mm."


    Listening to the footsteps outside, Sadie finally copsed onto the floor, beads of sweat dripping incessantly from her forehead...


    Sadie bit her lip hard, almost drawing blood...


    The piercing pain continued to spread. When Sadie tilted her head to look at her right shoulder, she noticed no visible change, but it felt as though worms were gnawing through her veins.


    Recalling the injection the woman had administered, Sadie suddenly realized its true intention. Its purpose extended beyond mere sedation¡ªit carried a potent poison, skillfully concealed to evade even Dahlia''s detection. "Miss, how are you feeling?" Brenda called from outside.


    "I''m fine." Sadie furrowed her brow. "I just need a little more time. You go ahead."


    "Alright, I''ve put the hot water on the table for you. Drink some when youe out. If you still feel ufortable, you need to take medication," Brenda advised.


    "Got it." Sadie tried to keep her voice calm.


    Brenda left.


    Sadie sat weakly on the floor, and half an hourter, the pain finally subsided.


    She pulled up from the floor, washed her face, and walked out, picking up the hot water from the table and taking a few sips.


    Seeing Nathan''s jacket and Mia''s shoes still on the couch, Sadie became confused when she remembered the warm and beautiful scene from earlier.


    At that moment, a knocking sound came from outside, followed by Dahlia''s voice. "Sadie, can Ie in?"


    "Pleasee in," Sadie quickly responded.


    Dahlia entered, holding a medical kit, and asked with concern, "Brenda said you weren''t feeling well in your stomach. What''s going on? I brought the medicine box to see if you need anything."


    "It''s nothing," Sadie hurriedly said. "I might have just eaten too much tonight and had some indigestion. Using the restroom made it better."


    "That''s a relief." Dahlia still handed her a box of medicine. "These are digestive pills. You can take a few. They''ll help with digestion."


    "Thank you." Sadie took the pills and pretended to casually ask, "Dahlia, Brenda, and my friends are treated at your ce, and I heard other doctors talking about how skilled you are."


    "To be honest, I would consider myself at the top of the medical field," Dahlia replied confidently about her profession.


    "Um, if even you can''t cure a disease, then no one else can, right?" Sadie tentatively asked.


    "Well, it depends on the situation," Dahlia replied more objectively. "Some surgeries still need to be done by relevant specialists. After all, everyone has their limitations in what they excel at. But for the general issues, I can handle them. And even if I can''t, I can arrange for doctors from my hospital to solve them."


    "Oh..." Sadie''s heart sank. If Dahlia, renowned in the medical field, couldn''t identify the poison affecting her, it must be aplex issue.

 Chapter 540 The Childs Dilemma

    "Sadie, Sadie!" Dahlia''s call interrupted Sadie''s thoughts.


    Sadie was lost in her own thoughts and changed the subject, saying, "I''ll trouble you with Brenda and Gioanna''s treatment." "Don''t worry." Dahlia nodded. "How are you feeling now? Is your stomach feeling better?"


    "Much better." Sadie smiled slightly. "I''ll go upstairs first. Thank you."


    "Don''t mention it. Let me know if you need anything," Dahlia said, carrying her medical kit and leaving.


    Sadie gathered her thoughts and went back upstairs.


    The study door was slightly ajar.


    Sadie stood at the doorway and saw Micah teaching Noah about technology.


    Noah was listening attentively, his little eyebrows furrowed, just like Micah''s expression.


    Nathan and Mia were also listening to the side. They probably couldn''t understand, so Mia went to y with her Barbie dolls in a pink tent. Nathan was ying with Coco on the couch.


    "You''re such a genius!" Micah discovered Noah''s talent and was pleasantly surprised. "I didn''t start delving into technology until I was six years old, but you''re only three and a half, and you already understand so much. You''re better than me!" "Really?" Noah was ecstatic. He used to discuss these things with Sadie. At first, Sadie could keep up with him. But soon, Sadie''s knowledge couldn''t match his. Nobody else in the family understood so Noah could only study alone, and he learned slowly.


    Later, Micah''s grandfather gave him aputer and arranged for someone to provide him with online sses. As such, he expanded his knowledge.


    However, online sses were never as good as one-on-one teaching in person. Tonight, Micah tried to teach Noah for the first time, and Noah grasped the concepts, nearly mastering them after just one session.


    Both father and son were surprised and felt a great sense of aplishment.


    "Micah..." Noah blurted out.


    "Yes?" Micah raised his eyebrows in a prompt.


    "Daddy." Noah quickly corrected himself, but he wasn''t used to it yet, and it took courage to say it now. His face turned red with embarrassment. "I have some other suggestions about the development of yourpany''s new products. Can you take me to see the design process?"


    "Of course I can." Micah nodded. "I''ll take you to thepany tomorrow."


    "Ah? Go to thepany?" Noah was a little surprised and ttered. "Um, is that okay? I just wanted..."


    "What''s wrong with that?" Micah ruffled his hair, looking proud. "You''re my son, and in the future, you''ll learn to manage thepany. The sooner you get involved, the sooner you''ll adapt. We can fight side by side in the future!" "Yeah, yeah." Noah nodded repeatedly, his bright eyes filled with brilliance.


    Seeing this scene, Sadie smiled with satisfaction. She felt that Noah''s current appearance was what he wanted to be... Joining the Clemens family was the right choice for the children.


    When the rm went off, Nathan quickly jumped up from the sofa, eagerly saying, "Daddy, Noah''s ss is over. It''s my turn."


    "Alright." Micah closed hisputer and instructed Noah, "You can go rest now."


    "I want to watch a little longer." Noah took theputer and sat beside me, watching intently.


    "So dedicated." Micah smiled. "Don''t you want to learn martial arts from your brother?"


    "No, I''m not interested in that." Noah''s eyes were fixed on theputer, and he said proudly, "Once you have high intelligence, you can create invincible weapons. Any martial arts are just second-rate." "That''s not true. There are things machines can''t deal with," Nathan quickly retorted. "Besides, martial arts can improve physical fitness, something machines can''t rece, right?"


    "Valid point." Micah found it interesting.


    "Daddy, who do you think is right?" Nathan eagerly wanted to prove himself.

 Chapter 541 A Good Education

    "You''re all right from your own perspectives, and each of you has your reasons," Micah analyzed fairly. "Now that you''re still young, it''s fine to prioritize learning about what interests you first. After all, specializing in one thing makes mastery easier. And as brothers, you can support each other in the future."


    Micah''s words not only taught them a lesson but also resolved Noah and Nathan''s conflicts, making them more united.


    "Yeah, yeah!" Noah and Nathan nodded, then hugged each other.


    Noah apologized, "I''m sorry! Nathan. I didn''t mean to look down on martial arts. I want to learn from you in the future."


    "Noah, I want to learn from you too. Let''s do our best together!" Nathan also reflected on himself.


    "Good job!" Micah smiled and looked at his watch. "Alright, take a ten-minute break. Noah, you can have some juice, and Nathan, get ready for your pre-ss work."


    "Yes!" the two children replied, thenughed together.


    "I wish time would go faster so I can go to ss." Mia sighed. Shebed Barbie''s hair in her princess tent. ncing outside, she eximed, "Boys are such trouble, and girls are better!"


    At the door, Sadie saw all of this and had a happy smile on her face.


    "What are you smiling about?" Micah stood up and walked over. "Why aren''t youing in?"


    "I don''t want to disturb your ss," Sadie said gently, looking at him. "You''re such a good dad."


    "Of course," Micah said. "All those parenting books work. Besides, I didn''t have parents around when I was young, so I always felt something was missing in my life. Now, it feels like I''m reliving my childhood, learning and growing up with them. It''s great!"


    Sadie reached out and hugged Micah''s waist, burying her face in his chest.


    Sadie was filled with gratitude and thankfulness, but she didn''t want to express it with shallow words...


    "You silly goose." Micah gently patted Sadie''s back. "You should be called Arabe. You''re bing more and more like a child."


    "Daddy, it''s time for ss," Nathan shouted. "Mommy, you can have him back after ss for cuddles. Let Daddy go for now."


    "Mommy, when Nathan is done with ss, it''s my turn. Don''t hog Daddy all to yourself," Mia also whined, her voice full of dissatisfaction.


    "Daddy, Daddy..." Coco flew over and circled above Micah''s head, repeatedly reminding him. "ss, ss!"


    "These heartless little ones..." Sadie chuckled, tearfully amused. "They used to stick to me, and now they''reining that I''m hogging you."


    "I''m still lovable." Micah proudly raised his eyebrows. "You go back to the room and wait for me, and I''lle over after I finish their ss." "Got it." Sadie tiptoed and kissed him on the lips. "I''ll be waiting for you!"


    "Good job!" Micah pinched Sadie''s cheeks and turned to give Nathan his ss. "Alright, let''s start by showing me your kicks."


    "My leg isn''t fully healed yet. Should I practice punches first?" Nathan stood up unsteadily.


    "It has been two months of rest. Even if it''s not fully healed, how serious can it be?" Micah said sternly. "Boys shouldn''t be so delicate. Start practicing! Hurry up!" "Yes!" Nathan saluted and limped to the middle to demonstrate his martial arts.


    Micah sat on the couch, watching with a satisfied smile. Nathan seemed to have some skills. Despite his small stature, he practiced martial arts with precision. "Not bad, keep going!"


    "Sure!"


    Sadie looked at the children studying earnestly, feeling very gratified. She now realized that Micah''s way of education was more effective than hers. Thus, she no longer disturbed them and quietly left, closing the door behind her. As she turned around, her phone suddenly rang...

 Chapter 542 Saving a Life

    Sadie saw the caller ID showing an unfamiliar number. She hesitated for a moment, but she answered the call anyway.


    "Aunt Sadie..." It turned out to be a child''s voice.


    Sadie was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Who is this?"


    "It''s Billy." The voice on the other end was soft and cautious. "Do you remember me? I''m Mia''s ssmate."


    Sadie remembered him and was somewhat shocked that Billy would call her


    "There''s something I want to ask you..." Billy''s voice choked up a bit. He took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions, and then asked anxiously, "Can you help me?"


    "You can speak," Sadie said, unable to refuse a child''s request.


    Billy''s voice was careful. It was clear that he was calling her without his family knowing.


    "When I was out with my grandmother today, I ran into Mr. Frank and Ms. J. They secretly told me that my mommy, grandpa, and grandma were kidnapped by bad people. If we don''t rescue them soon, they''ll die..." While saying these words, Billy''s voice was shaking, and his breath was unstable.


    Even over the phone, Sadie could almost feel the child crying but desperately holding it in....


    "Billy, don''t worry. Take your time and tell me. I am here." Sadie hurried back to her room with the phone and gentlyforted Billy.


    Despite any grievances among the adults, Sadie''s sole concern in this moment was for Billy. At just three and a half years old, his voice mirrored Nathan''s innocence, yet he was burdened with such a terrible ordeal. Sadie truly felt very sorry for him.


    "They said..." Billy took a deep breath and excitedly said, "I can only ask you for help to save Mommy, Grandpa, and Grandma."


    "I..." Sadie hesitated. The truth was, she had hesitated from the moment she saw Kathleen and Felipe''s messages pleading for help..


    It wasn''t solely due to the White family hurting her. Primarily, Sadie hesitated to involve herself. Unable to seek aid, she would have to rely on Micah to step in. She hoped to spare Micah from family conflicts on her behalf. After all, she understood that having another enemy in the business world wouldn''t be beneficial.


    "Aunt, I beg you, please save my mom. Please, I beg you..." Billy trembled and choked up on the phone, but he tried hard to suppress it, not daring to cry too loudly.


    The more Billy did that, the more Sadie felt sorry for Billy. He seemed so small and helpless, putting all his hopes on her.


    "I know my mommy and grandma used to bully you all the time. It was their fault, and I apologize on their behalf! If you save them, I promise I will always remember your help. And when I grow up, I will definitely repay you," Billy said. Billy saw Sadie as hisst lifeline, believing that only she could save his family. He begged and cried, desperate for Sadie''s help.


    "Please, I''m begging you," Billy pleaded.


    In the end, Sadie couldn''t resist any longer and agreed. "Alright, I will find a way."


    "Thank you! Aunt, thank you!" Billy said gratefully.


    "Billy, why are you in the bathroom? Who are you talking to? Open the door!" Linda''s voice suddenly came through the phone.


    "Aunt, my grandma is here. I have to go. Thank you. I will never forget your kindness," Billy quickly said and hung up.


    Sadie held the phone, unable to calm her heart. She knew that Frank and J were not good people. They had a stake in the White family, and Kathleen and Felipe had gone missing, so they must have suffered greatly. Frank and J must have manipted Billy into seeking help from her.


    A three-year-old child should never have borne such a heavy burden!

 Chapter 543 Extending a Helping Hand

    After apanying the children, Micah returned to the bedroom with a mournful face and said to Sadie, "Look at what Mia has done to me!"


    Sadie looked up and saw that Micah''s hair was filled with tiny braids, his fingernails were painted with various colors, and his once handsome face was full of sorrow, with furrowed brows... Sadie burst intoughter and couldn''t help but say, "It''s quite cute, haha!"


    "You''re stillughing?" Micah pounced on Sadie on the bed, his hands wandering restlessly. He lightly bit Sadie''s earlobe and murmured, "I want to punish you..."


    "Don''t be silly." Micah tickled Sadie, and she couldn''t help butugh. "I have something to tell you..."


    "Don''t try to change the subject." Micah''s hand reached into Sadie''s skirt and mischievously explored inside...


    "I really have something important," Sadie said, hastily holding his hand. "It''s about the White family!"


    Micah paused and furrowed his brow. "What does the White family have to do with you?"


    "Listen to me..." Sadie told Micah about what happened at the party that day. "I thought Arianna was just spoiled; at most, she would teach Leah a lesson. I never expected her to be so malicious, to let people assault Leah..." "Arianna indeed went too far." Micah frowned slightly. "However, there are legal sanctions for these things, and it has nothing to do with you."


    "I know." Sadie nodded. "Afterwards, I went directly to the police and provided evidence. Kathleen and Felipe found me, but I didn''t meet them privately. I didn''t want to get involved.


    "Kathleen sold the family assets to seek justice for Leah and posted about the issue on the Inte, hoping to attract judicial attention through pressure from public opinion.


    "The incident caused quite a stir online and even implicated the news about Ronan''s car scandal fromst time, indirectly vindicating me from the injustice.


    "At that time, I thought the judiciary would intervene, but unexpectedly, when I had an ident, the White family of three disappeared."


    "Kathleen and Felipe called me many times before they disappeared and sent me these messages for help. Take a look."


    Sadie took out her phone and opened the help messages to show Micah.


    "They were quite ruthless when they bullied you back then. Now, how dare theye to you for help?" Micah disapproved. "Although they''re in a miserable state, it has nothing to do with you. Don''t bother with this matter."


    "I had the same idea, but just now, Billy called me for help, and I..." Sadie recalled Billy''s words, her voice choked. "Billy is the same age as Noah, Nathan, and Mia. Such a young child pleading with me on the phone to save his mommy and grandparents, I couldn''t bear it," she said.


    Upon hearing these words, Micah fell silent.


    In the past, Micah would have firmly refused. However, now that he acknowledged the triplets as his own, his heart had softened, particrly toward young children.


    Sadie sighed deeply and whispered, "I know it was Frank and J''s instigation. After all, they have some interests tied to the White family. Because the White family is missing, they suffered heavy losses.


    "Thus, Frank and J manipted Billy into asking me for help. But Billy pleaded, and I really couldn''t refuse."


    Micah didn''t say anything. Instead, he immediately picked up the phone and ordered, "Go and investigate the White family''s situation."


    "Yes."


    After hanging up, Micah raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you satisfied now?"


    "I''m worried if this will affect you," Sadie said anxiously.


    "Not to that extent," Micah replied, and he undid his shirt buttons and walked towards the bathroom. "If I didn''t step in, you wouldn''t be able to sleep tonight." "Micah, thank you!" Sadie was greatly moved.

 Chapter 544 The Final Consideration

    "Aren''t youing to help me bathe?" Micahmanded arrogantly. "Serving your husband well is the best way to repay me!"


    "I''ming." Sadie smiled and followed him. "I''ll take good care of you tonight!"


    Micah took action, and the matter was resolved quickly.


    The next evening, Rn came to the house to report to Sadie. "Miss Roth, the people have been rescued. They want to thank you in person. What do you think?" Sadie thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright."


    "Okay, I''ll make the arrangements immediately." Rn personally drove Sadie to the White family''s residence, which used to belong to the Roth family.


    As Sadie approached, Kathleen and Felipe made an effort to tidy themselves up, though their old age and exhaustion were still apparent. In just a few days, they seemed to have aged ten years, with strands of white hair sprouting. Despite their modest attire, the signs of their recent hardships were evident bruises marred their necks, arms, and foreheads, indicating the suffering they had endured.


    Sadie saw the two of them and felt a wave of emotions, unsure of how tofort them.


    Kathleen and Felipe stood up and lowered their heads, saying, "Thanks a lot!"


    "Don''t mention it," Sadie said, unsure of how to respond. She wanted to support them but also maintain some distance.


    "Um, what about Leah?" Sadie asked in a soft voice.


    "She''s still asleep. She has been through a lottely, almost..." Kathleen wiped away tears. "If it wasn''t for Micah''s men, we might not be alive."


    "Ah..." Sadie sighed.


    "We never expected you to save us." Kathleen''s eyes were red, filled with infinite guilt towards Sadie. "I treated you so badly before. Don''t you hate me?"


    "Of course I hate you," Sadie said bluntly. "I hate you very much."


    "I''m sorry." Kathleen lowered her head in shame.


    "To be honest, if it weren''t for Billy begging me, I wouldn''t have made up my mind..." Sadie said softly. "Billy is only three and a half years old, just like my own children. He secretly called me for help, and I couldn''t bear it..." "Billy?" Kathleen and Felipe were both excited when they heard the name.


    Kathleen hurriedly asked, "How does Billy know about all this? He''s just a child. What''s going on with the Potter family? How did he find out?"


    "Naturally, the Potter family wouldn''t have let Billy know. Frank and J secretly told him. They even coached him how to ask me for help, so Billy hid in the restroom and called me..." Sadie briefly exined...


    "Those two bastards!" Kathleen trembled with anger. "They just didn''t want any trouble for us. Their interests were at stake, so they instigated Billy to ask you for help. Billy is only three and a half. Can you imagine how scared, sad, and helpless he is knowing all of this?


    "I don''t know if those two assholes have said bad things about his dad to Billy. If they have, Billy will have psychological trauma. I''m afraid he won''t be able to stay with the Potter family anymore. And don''t even get me started on that wicked stepmother, oh my god..."


    Thinking about all this, Kathleen became very anxious and panicked.


    "Those bastards!" Felipe clenched his teeth in anger.


    At this moment, Sadie had a different understanding of Kathleen. Although this woman had various character ws, she was genuinely good to her family.


    Kathleen was willing to sacrifice everything for her daughter''s sake. When she learned that Billy had called to plead with Sadie for them, she didn''t feel relieved about her rescue; rather, she felt more worried about Billy.


    "Forget about all that for now..." Kathleen suppressed her thoughts and said guiltily, "Sadie, the White family owes you so much, and I don''t know how to repay you. After much thought, we decided to return this vi to you as a token of our gratitude."


    Upon saying that, Kathleen handed the property deed and relevant documents to Sadie.

 Chapter 545 Nothing

    "Sadie..." Felipe felt ashamed to see Sadie. "This vi was originally built for you by your father, but we have lived in it for four years. It''s time to return it to you!" "I saved you because of Billy." Sadie said softly, "I didn''t do it to get anything."


    "I know." Kathleen smiled bitterly. "We''re more ashamed because you don''t hold grudges from the past and helped us. It is our way of making up for our own mistakes." Pausing for a moment, Kathleen handed a bill to Sadie.


    "These are the assets your father left after his death. We took advantage of your youth andck of experience and took over this house and even bought his three factories at a low price.


    "Before that, we exhausted all our savings on purchasing hot search rankings, bribing the media, and even tapping into funds from selling the factories. Now, we''re left with little money and can only return this house to you, along with..." Kathleen opened a jewelry box.


    Sadie looked up and saw that it was the ruby ne that Micah had given her before.


    "I''ve been hiding this ne, thinking that if we''re desperate, we can sell it for emergency funds. Even Felipe and Leah don''t know..." Kathleen smiled bitterly. "I''m really embarrassed to see you like this. I don''t have money topensate you, so I can only return the house and this ne to you. It is a peace of mind for myself!"


    "This..."


    "Just take it." Felipe directly handed the property deed and jewelry box to Sadie. "These things were originally yours!"


    "If you give me all of these, what will you do? Won''t you be left with no savings at all?"


    Sadie knew that they probably had little savings left now. Kathleen wasn''t even wearing any jewelry today, so they must have run out of money.


    "Don''t you know yet?" Kathleen trembled and spoke. "Arianna said, out of respect for Micah, she willpensate us with $7,000,000!"


    Speaking of this, Kathleen cried. Although she was desperately trying to hold those tears back, she couldn''t help trembling.


    "These scum abused my poor Leah, ruining her life. That wicked woman even used money to humiliate us!"


    "That bitch deserves to die!" Felipe trembled with agitation, and tears immediately flowed from his eyes.


    Upon hearing these words, Sadie felt a twinge in her heart. She realized she may not have fully grasped the depths of human cruelty before. While she had considered the White family''s treatment harsh, encountering Arianna showed her the true face of cruelty.


    $7,000,000, clearlypensation for Leah being assaulted by seven men!


    Arianna was stabbing the White family in the heart!


    "Thank you!" Sadie epted the things. "What are your ns for the future?"


    "What ns can we have?" Kathleen wiped her tears and said sadly, "We can''tpete with the rk and Potter families. We can only leave Newark with Leah first. But I believe that God is fair, and one day, the rk and Potter families will face retribution!"


    Speaking of this, Felipe couldn''t control his tears again. "Aren''t we facing retribution now? We treated you like that before, so God is punishing us twice as hard..."


    Kathleen lowered her head and kept wiping her tears.


    Sadie felt great sympathy for them but didn''t know how to console them.


    After a while, Kathleen finally calmed down. She took a deep breath and looked up at Sadie. "Sadie, we''re leaving tonight. I''m not sure if we''ll have another chance to meet, but there''s something I need to tell you right now." "What is it?" Sadie looked at her doubtfully.


    "It''s about your father..."


    Kathleen nced at the Clemens bodyguards standing at the door because she had some concerns.

 Chapter 546 Into the Wealthy Family

    "You guys can leave," Sadie ordered.


    "Yes." The bodyguards left.


    Sadie looked at Kathleen. "Now, can you tell me?"


    "Well..." Kathleen sighed heavily and said seriously, "I used to bully you in every way, so I kept the secret about your father from you. You probably thought that both your aunt and I killed your daddy. Right, we took the money from your house, but we definitely didn''t harm your dad. To put it simply, our whole family relied on your dad for a living. If something happened to him, what could we get?


    "But, there is one thing that I did hide from you..." Kathleen paused and gathered up the courage to say, "Actually, your daddy was murdered."


    "Who did it?!" Sadie anxiously asked.


    "Well..." Kathleen furrowed her brow, unsure if she should say it or not.


    "Spit it out!" Felipe urged.


    "I''m not sure who it is, but I know..." Kathleen lowered her voice. "It''s someone from the Clemens family!"


    Sadie''s body shook, and her eyes were wide with shock. ''It''s someone from the Clemens family?!''


    "Don''t misunderstand," Kathleen quickly said. "I don''t believe it''s Micah. It shouldn''t be him. Back then, all I knew was that someone exploited the Clemens family name to forcibly acquire the Roth Group. They exerted pressure on the Roth Group through various means in the business realm, and your father couldn''t cope with it, so he took drastic measures."


    "But at that time, Micah''s VIC Group had not entered the domestic market, so I think it''s unlikely to be him. It might be someone else from the Clemens family, but I don''t know who."


    Upon hearing this, Sadie''s emotions wereplex. She also believed that it couldn''t be Micah, but then who could it be?


    "Your father mentioned something strange to me on the day of the incident," Felipe said in a low voice. "He told me that the people from the Clemens family must not know about your existence. Otherwise, it would be troublesome..." "What does that mean?" Sadie asked in confusion.


    "I''m not sure about that either." Felipe was also very puzzled. "It might have something to do with your mother."


    "My mother?" Sadie''s confusion deepened. Her mother had disappeared shortly after she was born. Why would her father''spany''s troubles be rted to her mother?


    "Maybe your mother had a grudge against the people from the Clemens family," Felipe spected. "I saw your mother when I was young. At that time, your father was still a poor guy, and your mother looked like a youngdy from old money. "Although I don''t know your mother''s true background, I can be sure that she wasn''t an ordinary person. She always had numerous bodyguards whenever she went out. That grandeur was no less than what Micah has now."


    At this point, Felipe added, "By the way, you look almost identical to your mother..."


    Sadie didn''t say anything. Her mind was in a mess, and she could hardly make sense of it all.


    What was on earth going on?

 Chapter 547 A Uncertain Future

    Before Sadie left the White family, Kathleen reminded her, "I have already finished the transfer procedures for the house. Thewyer has made it clear as well. This house will bepletely yours. "Even if you don''t move in, whether you sell or rent it out in the future, it will still be an asset. It''s always good for a woman to have some money on hand.


    "After we leave, we will change all of our contact information. It will probably be difficult for us to contact each other. Take care of yourself!"


    "Thank you. Take care!"


    Sadie nodded at them, took her things, and got into the car.


    The car started and slowly drove out of the estate.


    Sadie looked at the familiar vi, thinking about what had happened over the years. She felt aplex mix of emotions.


    In this short life, how many ups and downs must she endure? If she were an average person leading a simple, ordinary life, perhaps there wouldn''t be as many storms. Yet God had thrust her into newfound wealth. Her father had worked hard all his life, just wanting her to have a good life, but ended up being schemed against.


    Her mother''s background was also very ambiguous. She was curious to know how many conflicts she would be involved in in the future...


    Sadie pondered these thoughts, unable to stifle a sigh.


    Lowering her head, she examined the property certificate in her hand. It dawned on her that the value of the house had skyrocketed to over $100,000,000. Kathleen and Felipe had put it up for sale back then out of desperation for money.


    Now, after so many things, Kathleen and Felipe must truly realize their mistakes, which was why they sincerely returned the house and the ne to her.


    Sadie hoped that Kathleen and her family would live safely and peacefully for the rest of their lives.


    While Sadie was lost in her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang, jolting her back to reality.


    She answered the call, "Mommy, where are you? When are youing back?"


    Mia''s sweet voice touched Sadie''s heart.


    "Mommy is out. I''ll be home soon," Sadie said gently. "Did you finish your lesson with Daddy?"


    "Yes, yes," Mia said happily, covering her mouth and whispering, "Daddy is learning to sing with me today, but he is so bad at it, hahaha..."


    Mia intentionally lowered her voice, but her excitement couldn''t be contained, and sheter burst intoughter.


    "Mia, that''s not nice!" Micah''s displeased voice echoed from the phone.


    "Hehehe, hahaha..."


    Mia continued to giggle mischievously. "Hehe..."


    Sadie couldn''t help butugh, too, despite the lingering sadness in her heart. Seeing that the children were getting along with Micah well lit up her face with a happy smile, making her feel more at ease. No matter what, with Micah around, the children should be secure in the future!


    "Alright, time''s up, go back to bed, let me talk to Mommy."


    Micah had the caregivers take the three children away and then took the phone. "When are youing back?"


    "I''m on my way." Sadie''s voice softened when she heard him. "Did Mia teach you a song?"


    "Don''t even mention it," Micah said with a headache. "Mia is torturing me."


    Sadie chuckled, teasing him, "I didn''t know you could sing. Sing to me tonight."


    "Alright, I''ll see who sings to whom tonight..." Micah''s voice suddenly turned mischievous. "Hurry back!"


    "Got it," Sadie responded shyly.

 Chapter 548 Looking Forward

    After hanging up, Sadie looked out the car window. The moon was illuminating the night.


    Sadie suddenly felt a spark of hope and told herself that no matter what the future held, she would face it bravely.


    Sadie returned homete at night.


    Brenda had been waiting in the living room for Sadie. When she heard the car sound, she hurried out to greet her. "Say-Say, you are back. I''ve cookedsagna for you." "Brenda, why aren''t you asleep yet?" Sadie got out of the car with something in her hand.


    Brenda quickly put on Sadie''s coat for her. "I was worried about you. When you didn''te back, I couldn''t rest easy."


    "Brenda, what is there for you to worry about?" Sadie smiled as she fixed Brenda''s cor.


    "You went to the White family. How can I not worry?" Brenda frowned, looking serious. "That Kathleen, she can be malicious. I''m afraid she might harm you."


    "No, there are bodyguards. Besides..." Sadie sighed. "A lot has happened recently, and you don''t know about it."


    "What happened?" Brenda asked inquisitively.


    "Go to your room and sit down. I''ll tell you slowly."


    Sadie was prepared to have a good talk with Brenda.


    "Alright, I''ll bring up thesagna and dessert." Brenda brought the food and led Sadie to her room. "You eat first, and we''ll talk after you finish."


    "I don''t have an appetite..." Sadie handed Brenda the property certificate. "Brenda, keep this for me."


    "What is this?" Brenda saw the property certificate and widened her eyes in astonishment. She said, "The property certificate for the old mansion? Who gave it to you?" "Kathleen and Felipe..."


    Sadie told Brenda everything that had happened during this period.


    Brenda listened in astonishment, her eyes wide open and her mouth agape, asionally eximing, "Goodness, Arianna is too malicious!


    "Oh my God, thank God!


    "Oh no, Billy is so pitiful...


    Finally, after hearing the full ount of events, Brenda sighed, her emotions mixed. "Though it may be retribution for Kathleen and Felipe, I can''t help but feel a twinge of sympathy when I think of their family''s fate. Honestly, this punishment seems overly severe."


    "Yes, I''m feeling quiteplicated too." Sadie sighed deeply.


    "So, it''s true that people shouldn''t do bad things." Brenda shook her head and sighed. "But then again, how can Mason, who is so kind and innocent, have such a wicked cousin? She is just too malicious."


    "Mason is Mason, Arianna is Arianna. They are not the same kind of people at all." Sadie was quite clear about the distinction. "Brenda, keep the property certificate with you for now. If I meet any setbacks in the future, at least I''ll have some protection."


    "Understood." Brenda took it and kept it. "Miss, you''ve had thesagna. Go upstairs now. Micah is waiting for you."


    "There is something I want to ask you," Sadie said, holding Brenda''s hand. "Do you know anything about my mother?"


    "Why are you suddenly bringing this up?" Brenda''s face looked uneasy when the topic was mentioned.


    "I received some news today that the person who plotted to kill my father may be the enemy of my mother." Sadie furrowed her brow. "So I want to know about my mother''s story..."


    "That''s all in the past. Let''s not bring it up again," Brenda advised earnestly. "Now you have Micah, and he treats you and the children so well. And you are about to get married soon. It''s time to live a peaceful life and not dwell on the past. Look forward."


    "Alright..." Sadie saw that Brenda didn''t want to talk about it, so she stopped asking. "I''ll go upstairs then. Can you take back thesagna? I am not that hungry.."


    "Okay, get some rest," Brenda saw her off.


    Sadie went upstairs, back to her room, and was embraced by a pair of strong arms. She smiled, "Micah, you''ve spent too much time with the children, and now you''re bing a child yourself."

 Chapter 549 The Real Killer

    "Do you like it?" Micah embraced Sadie from behind, his hands reaching into her shirt. Micah''s passionate kiss ignited a fire on Sadie''s swan-like neck.


    Sadie felt a soft and numb sensation like being electrified. Her whole body went weak, melting like a puddle of water in Micah''s embrace.


    "I want you!" Micah lifted Sadie and ced her on the bed, holding her hands and kissing her fiercely and wildly.


    The room was filled with the scent of love.


    The two held each other tightly, and no one could separate them.


    Late at night, a sudden downpour of rain began, apanied by shes of lightning and rumbles of thunder. Tree branches tapped against the windows intermittently, casting fleeting shadows. Micah hugged Sadie tightly, almost blending her into his body. Sadie curled up in his arms like a helpless little cat.


    As the thunder continued to rumble, Sadie shivered.


    Micah cupped her face with his burning palm, covered her ears, and kissed her eyes. "Don''t be afraid!"


    Sadie wrapped her arms around Micah''s waist and buried her face in his chest.


    Listening to Micah''s strong and steady heartbeat, Sadie felt an overwhelming sense of security.


    Before long, Sadie fell asleep in Micah''s embrace.


    Micah affectionately kissed Sadie''s cheek, tucked her in, and held her until they both fell into a deep sleep.


    Despite the lightning and thunder outside, the two of them slept soundly together, and no storm could hinder them as long as they were together.


    In the middle of the night, Sadie woke from a nightmare, drenched in sweat, trembling, her eyes wide with terror.


    As she gradually calmed down, Sadie turned her head to observe Micah. He appeared exhausted, deeply asleep. She leaned closer, silently reminiscing about their journey of meeting and falling in love. Memories overwhelmed her...


    Sadie reached out and gently touched his forehead, then leaned in and kissed his lips.


    Micah stirred and held her tightly as if he was afraid she would run away.


    This unconscious gesture made Sadie''s eyes turn red. She didn''t know why she suddenly became sentimental. Maybe she had always felt that these beautiful days were like a dream and that they would eventually fade away. Sadie didn''t want to wake up.


    "What''s wrong?" Micah suddenly spoke.


    "Why did you wake up?" Sadie was startled. "Did I disturb you?"


    "You kept rubbing against me and even stole a kiss. How could I not wake up?" Micah lightly bit Sadie''s earlobe. "Did you have a nightmare?"


    "Yeah." Sadie remembered the dream and still felt scared.


    "What did you dream about?" Micah kissed her neck.


    "I dreamt about my dad," Sadie said softly.


    Micah''s movements paused for a moment, then his passionate kisses slowly moved downwards. Heforted Sadie, whispering, "Don''t overthink it."


    "Do you know how my dad''spany went bankrupt?"


    "In the middle of the night, why suddenly ask about this?" Micah stopped his actions.


    "I received news that the Clemens family forcefully acquired and intentionally suppressed my dad''spany, and that''s why it went bankrupt," Sadie said, looking deeply into Micah''s eyes. "So what?" Micah frowned. "Do you suspect me?"


    "No..." Sadie shook her head. "Given your personality, you wouldn''t conceal it if it were you."


    Micah''s frown gradually eased. He held her face with one hand and gently caressed her lips with his thumb. "Let the past be the past. Don''t overthink it."


    "Was it your grandfather?" Sadie asked tentatively.


    "What nonsense are you spouting?" Micah sternly said, "My grandfather hasn''t been in charge of thepany for ten years. How is that possible?" "Then it must be your aunt," Sadie tried again. "The woman is who captured mest time, right?"


    This time, Micah fell silent...

 Chapter 550 A Falling Out

    "It really was she!" Sadie found the answer in Micah''s silence. Her emotions suddenly became agitated. "Why would he do this?" "It''ste. Let''s go to bed." Micah turned away.


    "Micah!" Sadie became anxious and flipped over. "She is she, and you are you. I wouldn''t mix you both up. Since this matter has nothing to do with you, exin it to me clearly. Why are you avoiding it?" "You know too much, and it''s not a good thing." Micah furrowed his brows. "Things have already passed. Everything has happened. What''s the point of pursuing it now?"


    "I want to find out why your aunt did this, and I want revenge for my father!"


    Sadie almost blurted it out, and even she was stunned after saying it.


    In fact, revenge was never part of Sadie''s world before, but now she suddenly said it...


    Sadie unconsciously said it.


    "Revenge?" Micah sat up, sternly questioning Sadie, "How will you take revenge?"


    "I..." Sadie was speechless. Nick was cruel and cunning, even Micah had to be cautious. As a powerless woman, what could she use for revenge?


    "Wake up, please." Micah got up and went to the bathroom.


    Sadie watched Micah''s figure and felt aplex emotion...


    She knew Micah''s aunt. No matter how bad and ruthless he was, he was Micah''s flesh and blood. Even if there were conflicts in the business field and Micah and his aunt were at odds, they would never truly harm each other. Therefore, Sadie couldn''t ask Micah to help her seek revenge.


    But with Sadie''s abilities, she couldn''t do anything either.


    Sadie felt extremely frustrated...


    The sound of water came from the bathroom as Micah took a shower. He came out wrapped in a towel, his back facing Sadie when he changed clothes.


    "Aren''t you going to sleep?" Sadie nced at the clock on the wall. It was only 6:00 a.m.


    "I''m going to exercise," Micah responded indifferently.


    Sadie didn''t say anything. She just hugged a pillow and leaned on the bed.


    Micah changed his clothes and walked straight out. When he reached the door, he turned around and said, "Rest well, and don''t overthink things."


    Then, Micah opened the door and left...


    Sadie looked at the tightly closed door, feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart...


    Sadie had asked a question, and Micah had reacted like this. What would he do if she really sought revenge? If she had any conflicts with his aunt in the future, what would Micah do?


    Sadie held the pillow, tossing and turning in bed, unaware that it was already 7:00 am. The crisp voices of the children could be heard from outside.


    "Sienna, you don''t need to support me. I can go downstairs by myself."


    Since learning from Micah, Nathan has be braver, more independent, and more like a young boy.


    "You might fall. Let me carry you..."


    "No, I''ll go by myself."


    "Umm..."


    "Let him go by himself. He''s a big boy and should be independent."


    That was Noah''s voice, with a big brother''s authority.


    "Fine," Sienna said.


    "Boys are trouble," Mia said proudly when she walked past them, holding Coco in her arms. She lightly stroked Coco''s feathers with her chubby hands and said in a childish voice, "Coco, let''s ignore them!" Sadie listened to the children''s voices, and her heart warmed instantly. She got up and prepared to wash up and have breakfast with them.


    At that moment, her phone received a text message. Sadie picked up the phone and saw that it was a message from Mason.


    Mason: [Sadie, I justnded at Newark Airport. If you have time,e out and meet with me.]


    Sadie hesitated for a moment but then chose to ignore it.


    Sadie was already in a rtionship with Micah, and the children had epted him. Despite any conflicts that arose, Sadie felt the need to keep her distance from Mason.

 Chapter 551 Wedding Invitation

    Sadie put down her phone and prepared to go to the bathroom when Mason sent another message.


    Mason: [Do you know about Arianna''s wedding?]


    ''Wedding?'' Sadie was puzzled. ''Does Arianna want to marry Ronan?''


    As she was thinking about it, Arianna sent an electronic wedding invitation with the following additional sentence: [Sadie, on the 19th of this month, I am getting married to Ronan. I sincerely invite you to attend. I have also sent an invitation to Micah. Hope to see you both!]


    Sadie frowned and opened the electronic invitation. Inside were Arianna and Ronan''s wedding photos, with the two of them posing elegantly by the seaside a perfect match! Below, there was a poem about love.


    Sadie was unwilling to read the content because her heart was filled with disgust and resentment. Ronan had disyed this affectionate gesture in school, but she never imagined he would direct it towards Arianna now... Sadie couldn''t understand. Leah had just endured such a traumatic event. Didn''t Ronan know it was Arianna''s fault? Yet he still wanted to marry her?


    At that moment, Mason called...


    Just when Sadie was about to hang up, Micah suddenly opened the door and saw her sitting on the bed with her phone. He furrowed his brow and asked, "Have you slept yet or just woke up?"


    "No, I couldn''t sleep." Sadie quickly silenced her phone.


    Micah walked over with big strides and took her phone directly.


    Sadie wanted to take it back, but Micah had already seen the caller''s name on the screen.


    Sadie felt anxious and afraid that Micah would get angry like he used to be.


    Micah didn''t say anything or get angry. Instead, he answered the phone and put it on the speakerphone.


    "Hello, Sadie. Are you avable to talk?"


    "I..." Sadie looked at Micah and said softly, "Is something the matter, Mason?"


    "Not really, just about Arianna and Ronan getting married. I wanted to talk to you about it," Mason said. "I only found outst night and immediately flew back."


    "Their marriage has nothing to do with me," Sadie replied.


    "You already knew about Arianna and Ronan''s rtionship?" Mason surprised. "I was shockedst night when I found out!"


    Sadie didn''t say anything, but she felt that Mason was truly naive...


    ''So Arianna must have deliberately kept it from Mason. Now that everything has been confirmed, it is announced.''


    "I really don''t know what Arianna is thinking." Mason sighed. "I remember when we were studying together, Arianna had a crush on Ronan. But then Ronan started dating you, and eventually married Leah. And now, he''s marrying Arianna..."


    At this point, Mason was speechless. "This shows that Ronan has a bad character. I can''t believe Arianna is going to marry him, and she... is also pregnant. It really makes me furious." Sadie was very surprised. She didn''t expect Arianna to be pregnant.


    No wonder Arianna was eager to get married.


    "Sadie, I know you and Ronan are in the past, and you shouldn''t mind who he marries, but I hope this doesn''t affect our rtionship," Mason said cautiously,


    "We will always be good friends!" Sadie interrupted Mason. She couldn''t let him continue speaking because Micah''s expression was already quite grim.


    "Yeah, that''s right" Mason breathed a sigh of relief and asked tentatively, "I heard you and Micah are officially together now. Is he good to you?"


    "He''s good to me and the kids, too," Sadie answered seriously. "If everything goes well, we will also get married!"


    "Is that so? I wish you all the best..." was disappointed.


    "Thank you!" Micah suddenly said.

 Chapter 552 Cold War

    Masson, on the other end of the phone, was stunned. He seemed frozen, and there was no sound at all.


    Sadie rubbed her temples in distress and said hurriedly, "Thank you, Masson. I have to go now. We''ll be in touch when we have time." With that, she hung up.


    Sadie looked up at Micah, her heart pounding, and exined anxiously, "You heard it too. Masson called to talk about Arianna''s wedding, nothing else."


    "Yeah, I heard it," Micah replied before handing her the phone and heading into the bathroom.


    Sadie was a bit unsettled by Micah''s calm demeanor. Was he trying to suppress his temper only to explode in anger after his shower? Or was he silently nning to deal with Masson? While lost in thought, Brenda''s voice echoed through the door with a gentle knock. "Miss, are you awake? The kids are calling you and Micah to have breakfast together."


    "We''ll be down in a moment," Sadie quickly responded.


    "Alright, I''ll prepare your things," Brenda said and left.


    Sadie walked into the bathroom barefoot. Micah was taking a shower.


    Sadie cautiously said, "Micah, the kids are waiting for us to have breakfast."


    "Yeah," Micah responded.


    Sadie didn''t dare to speak further. She washed up at the sink and did a quick skincare routine.


    After a while, Micah walked out of the shower room, wrapped in a towel and drying his hair as he walked. He didn''t spare a nce for Sadie, nor did he show any sign of anger.


    Sadie watched Micah''s back in the mirror and felt uneasy. Was he changing his strategy? No more temper tantrums, just cold war?


    "I''m going downstairs first," Micah said and went straight down.


    "Wait... I..."


    Before Sadie could finish saying "I," Micah had already left.


    Sadie felt deeply disappointed and couldn''t understand what she had done wrong. She had only mentioned her father briefly, and Micah had gotten upset. After she answered Mason''s phone call, Micah started giving her the silent treatment. In the end, whether things were good or bad, it was all up to him. Sadie could only bear it.


    Sadie sighed, changed her clothes, and went downstairs.


    As she walked on the spiral staircase, she heard cheerful voicesing from the dining room downstairs.


    "Daddy, Daddy, this is so delicious!"


    Mia was using her chubby little hands to feed Micah a coffee-vored toast.


    Micah took a bite of the coffee toast and nodded. "Hmm, it''s delicious."


    Actually, this was the first time he had eaten these desserts. His diet changed after the kids moved in.


    "Daddy, try this." Nathan handed Micah a croissant. "Brenda made it herself."


    Micah ate the croissant and nodded. "Not bad."


    "Alright, don''t bother Daddy anymore. Eat your breakfast quickly." Noah educated his younger siblings while silently cing a piece of fruit on Micah''s te. Micah rubbed Noah''s clever little head and continued eating.


    Upon seeing this scene, Sadie''s lips curled up. The children had fully epted Micah and enjoyed being around him. How wonderful!


    "Miss,e and have breakfast. The milk is getting cold. I''ll get you a new cup," Brenda beckoned.


    "Thank you, Brenda." Sadie came downstairs and sat in her usual seat.


    "Good morning, Mommy!"


    "Good morning, Mommy!"


    "Why do your eyes look swollen, Mommy? Did you not sleep wellst night?"


    "A little bit." Sadie sneezed. "And you? Did you sleep well?"


    "Good!" the three children replied in unison.


    "Daddy teaches us every night. After ss, we''re tired and quickly fall asleep." Nathan now admired Micah.


    "Me too," Noah said, regarding Micah as his idol. "Daddy has taught me a lot. He''s taking me to the office today, too."


    "You''re taking the kids to the office?" Sadie looked at Micah in surprise. "Really?"

 Chapter 553 Happy Fathers Day

    "Mhm." Micah nodded.


    "Do the children not have school today?" Sadie quickly checked the date. "It''s Tuesday today."


    "Noah doesn''t learn much in kindergarten, so it''s okay to take asional absences," Micah said indifferently. "Oh..." Sadie didn''t say much and lowered her head to eat.


    Noah felt that something was off between them. Normally, they were very sweet to each other and spoke with smiles. Today, they seemed strange. Could they be fighting? "Mommy, you used to work at Daddy''spany too. Come with us," Nathan said absentmindedly, excited. "Maybe you''ll even run into your former colleagues." "Yeah, Mommy,e with us!" Mia held Sadie''s hand and acted spoiled. "Let''s bring Coco too."


    "I¡ª"


    "Mommy is not going," Micah interrupted her directly. "Sadie needs to rest at home."


    Sadie red at him. Micah didn''t want her to be seen with the children at thepany, nor did he want anyone to know about their rtionship.


    ''To think he talked about getting married before... If he really wants to get married, is it necessary to be so secretive?'' she thought.


    "Oh, okay. Mommy is sick and should rest more." Nathan still didn''t notice anything and happily ate his chocte bread. "Hmm, this chocte bread is really delicious."


    "Alright, Mommy can''t go, so I won''t bring Coco either. I''m afraid it will fly and run around and cause trouble." Mia stroked Coco''s fluffy little head andforted, "Coco, you stay home, okay?" "I want to go, I want to go!"


    Coco anxiously choked, nuzzling against Mia''s chubby hand, its little round head trembling. It called out anxiously, afraid Mia wouldn''t bring it along.


    "Coco, be obedient!" Mia patted its little head and coaxed in a childish voice, "We''re not going to Daddy''spany today, instead of kindergarten. There are a lot of adults there, so we can''t bring you." "I want to go, I want to go..." Coco flew onto Mia''s shoulder, still rubbing its little mouth against her chubby face. "I want to go!"


    "Or..."


    Nathan nced at Coco'', feeling a twinge of softness. He opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by Noah''s re, forcing him to remain silent.


    "Wuwuwu..." Coco imitated Mia, using its wings to cover its face, crying sadly.


    "Coco..." Mia saw Coco crying, and her eyes turned red, too.


    "Bring Coco along." Micah finally spoke up.


    "Really?" Mia was very happy and raised her little chubby hand to cheer, "Yay, Daddy is the best!"


    "That''s great!" Nathan immediately picked up Coco and taught it, "Coco, say: ''Thank you, Daddy''!"


    "Thank you, Daddy! Thank you, Daddy!" Coco immediately followed along.


    Micah raised the corner of his lips. This little parrot was very smart. He felt like he really had four children...


    "Thank you, Daddy!" Noah also said.


    Micah rubbed Noah''s little head and said gently, "You''re still young, and you can be willful like your younger siblings."


    "Grandpa also told me this. No, it''s Great-grandpa..." Noah was somewhat moved, his eyes turning a little red. "I wonder how he''s doing now?" "I''ll take you to visit him tonight." Micah hugged Noah.


    "That''s great; we can see Grandpa." Nathan and Mia immediately cheered, "No, he''s Great-grandpa!"


    "Yes, remember to change your address in the future!" Micah reminded.


    "We got it, Daddy..." the three children cheered happily.


    Micah looked at Sadie. "You wille as well!"


    "Me?" Sadie was stunned. "Really?"


    "Someone wille to pick you up tonight. We''ll meet at the hospital." Micah pretended to be cold and reminded, "Rest well this afternoon!" "Okay, okay." Sadie finally smiled.

 Chapter 554 The People of the James Family

    After breakfast, Micah prepared to take the three children to thepany. Before they left, each child hugged Sadie and said goodbye.


    Sadie kissed their foreheads and advised, "When you get to Daddy''spany, you all need to be well-behaved. Don''t run around or touch things, and don''t disturb the employees while they are working, okay?" "We understand!" the children replied in unison.


    "Good, let''s get in the car."


    Sadie gestured, and the three caregivers immediately led them into the car.


    Sadie was about to step back when Micah raised an eyebrow in displeasure. "And how about me?"


    Sadie was taken aback for a moment, then quickly walked over and hugged Micah, leaning up to kiss his lips.


    Micah took the opportunity to embrace Sadie and kiss her forehead. "Wait for me at home!"


    "Okay." Sadie nodded with a smile.


    Micah turned around and got into the car. And Sadie watched them leave from the doorway.


    "It''s really nice!" Brenda couldn''t help but sigh. "This is the best life, with a loving couple and the whole family together. So happy!"


    "Yeah." Sadie also felt a bit emotional. "I really hope we can stay happy like this forever."


    "We will, Miss." Brenda smiled and said, "Micah is so good to you and the children. So you will be happy."


    "Yeah." Sadie smiled slightly and linked arms with Brenda, saying, "Brenda,e on a walk with me in the garden."


    "Just a moment, I''ll get you a jacket."


    Brenda was about to go in and get something when the butler brought out their coats. The butler smiled and said, "Miss, you have a delicate body, and you can''t catch a cold. Brenda, take care of yourself too!"


    "Thank you." Brenda took the clothes and helped Sadie put them on.


    "Thank you, Brenda," Sadie said, expressing her gratitude. Then, the two of them went for a walk together. "Brenda, are you getting used to living here?"


    "I am." Brenda smiled and said, "To be honest, I was worried at first about not getting along with the cooks and maids, especially since they were all brought in from overseas and have different customs. But after a few days, I found that these people are actually quite nice."


    "As long as you''re happy." Sadie looked at Brenda''s happy expression, feeling very reassured, but she also felt a bit anxious. "We''re going to see Micah''s grandfather tonight, and I can''t help feeling a little uneasy."


    "Are you worried that his grandfather won''t like you?" Brendaforted her. "Don''t overthink it. You are the best girl in the world, and his grandfather will definitely like you when he sees you."


    "He has seen me before," Sadie told Brenda about what happened when she met Micah''s grandfather. "Back then, he strongly opposed Micah being with me and even forced Micah to get engaged to Amelia. If he learns I have already moved in, he will probably be furious..."


    "So what?" Brenda said, her expression smug. "Even if he doesn''t like you, what can he do? You''ve already given birth to three children for Micah. Who can beat that?"


    "Brenda, you are right." Sadie smiled. "Micah''s grandfather really likes the children."


    "That''s right, don''t overthink it." Brenda patted Sadie''s hand. "I''m looking forward to your wedding. When that dayes, I''ll definitely visit your father''s grave and tell him about this happy event."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded with a smile. Meanwhile, she thought of her father''s heirlooms and some things she hadn''t taken out. She would get them after the wedding.


    In the car...The three children kept talking nonstop, and Coco joined in the fun.


    Micah was checking his emails.


    Andrew observed Micah''s expression and whispered, "I knew that couple would get married, but I didn''t expect it to be so soon. Ronan just left his original wife, and now he''s marrying Arianna. He''s really impatient." Micah didn''t say anything; he just looked at the contents of the email, his brows slightly furrowed.


    "Surprisingly, the James family will attend the wedding..." Andrew cautiously asked, "Are you going?"

 Chapter 555 Micah Takes the Kids to Work 1

    "Yes!" Micah put down his tablet and answered calmly, "We''ll go and meet the so-called Mr. L!"


    "I understand. I''ll arrange it." Andrew nodded. "By the way, I heard that Arianna also sent an invitation to Miss Roth."


    "Yeah, I expected that." Micah instructed, "Prepare a dress for her; we''ll go together."


    "Okay." Andrew immediately went to make a phone call to arrange the details.


    Meanwhile, Mia and Nathan were watching a video introduction of the VIC Group on their tablets. They were both surprised, with their eyes wide and full of disbelief.


    Mia pointed at the screen excitedly and said, "Daddy is amazing! He created so many powerful robots and all kinds of technological products. Wow, Daddy is so incredible!" "Yeah, yeah, Daddy is my idol!" Nathan said proudly.


    "He''s my idol too..." Mia quickly added.


    "Idol. Idol!" Coco chimed in. It had learned many new words recently, so its speech was bing increasingly fluent.


    "We''ll be at thepany soon." Micah looked up at his three children. "Put on your shoes and get ready to get out of the car."


    "Okay, Daddy." The three children immediately started putting on their shoes.


    The three caregivers were ready to help, but Micah stopped them. "Let them do it themselves."


    "Yes." The caregivers immediately stopped.


    Noah quickly put on his shoes.


    Nathan was slow because of his fractured right foot.


    Mia, who always moved slower than her two brothers, appeared even clumsier.


    At this point, the car had already stopped.


    Micah didn''t rush them, instead quietly watching them.


    Noah was a little impatient. He squatted down to help his siblings, urging them, "Hurry up! We''re already at thepany, and there are a lot of people waiting for Daddy outside."


    "There''s no need to rush. Let them do it themselves," Micah said to Noah. "They can''t always rely on their older brother''s help."


    "Oh." Noah had to give up helping and frowned as he watched Nathan and Mia struggle to put on their shoes, feeling worried for them.


    Meanwhile, the bodyguards had all exited the car, opened the door, and noticed that Mia and Nathan were still putting on shoes.


    Micah sat up straight, showing no intention of getting out, so they hurriedly closed the door again.


    Thepany''s security guards and staff stood neatly in two rows, waiting outside.


    But they didn''t know what was happening that day. Why hadn''t Micah gotten out of the car yet?


    They started to panic and spected about various possibilities one by one.


    After a while, Nathan and Mia finally put on their shoes. The two youngsters were sweaty and out of breath, yet they remembered to apologize to their father. "Daddy, sorry, I was too slow, but I won''t dy your time next time." "Yes, me too." Nathan anxiously exined, "It''s mainly because my foot is injured, so I''m slow..."


    "A real man doesn''t make excuses," Micah sternly taught them. "Since your foot is injured, you should have put on your shoes earlier so you wouldn''t be slower than others."


    "Yes, Daddy is right." Nathan lowered his head in shame.


    Mia''s face flushed red as she witnessed Nathan being criticized. Timidly, she nced at Micah, her small mouth slightly pouting, afraid to speak.


    Micah had to be a little softer on his daughter and gently reached out his hand to Mia.


    "Daddy!" Mia immediately smiled and shouted, rushing into Micah''s arms.


    Micah carried Mia out of the car and let her sit on his shoulder. Then, he held Noah and Nathan on his left and right.


    Andrew and other attendants followed closely behind.


    "Mr. Clemens, good morning!"


    The security guards and receptionists on the first floor were all stunned when they saw Micah. Everyone doubted their eyes. Micah, was actually bringing three children to thepany?

 Chapter 556 Micah Takes the Kids to Work 2

    "Good morning, everyone!"


    Sitting on Micah''s shoulder, Mia waved her chubby hand and greeted everyone in a childish voice.


    "Good morning, everyone!" Noah and Nathan also greeted politely.


    "Good morning, good morning!"


    Everyone was at a loss and didn''t know how to respond.


    Micah was very satisfied with the children''s behavior and led them towards the elevator.


    Mia opened her eyes wide and looked around, full of curiosity.


    Coco in her arms mirrored her movements and expressions.


    Noah stood tall, looking straight ahead with an air of superiority.


    Even though Nathan had a limp, he tried to imitate Noah, making him look bold!


    The two brothers looked exactly alike and had the same expressions, attracting a lot of attention.


    When they arrived at the elevator, a group of staff members waiting for the elevator greeted Micah, "Good morning, Mr. Clemens."


    When the staff members saw the three babies, their faces were filled with shock, but no one dared to ask.


    "Good morning!" Micah led the children into the VIP elevator.


    The elevator doors closed, and outside, the staff members began excitedly discussing.


    "Did you see? The three babies that Mr. Clemens was carrying are so cute."


    "Yeah, they look like dolls, so beautiful!"


    "And there''s a little parrot too, haha, so cute!"


    "But, who are they to Mr. Clemens?"


    "I don''t know. I''m curious!"


    "Could they be Mr. Clemens'' children?"


    "No way, Mr. Clemens isn''t married yet..."


    "Isn''t Mr. Clemens going to marry Miss Amelia?"


    Everyone was talking nonstop, more excited than ever before, not even realizing that the elevator had arrived.


    Only when the elevator attendant reminded everyone did they snap out of their reverie and rush into the elevator.


    If they werete because they gossiped about Micah, they would be aughingstock, and their bonuses would definitely be deducted.


    Inside the VIP elevator, the three children were full of curiosity. They found the crystal elevator with mirrors on the ceiling and all around very exciting.


    Coco stared wide-eyed at its reflection in the mirror, waving its wings. To its surprise, the parrot in the mirror looked exactly like Coco, and several other parrots appeared identical from all directions. Coco pped its wings in fear, darting around the elevator while letting out screams.


    "Don''t make noise!" Mia hastily scolded and reached out her chubby hand towards Coco. "Daddy likes quiet."


    "Scared..." Coco fell into Mia''s hands.


    Mia held Coco in her arms and gently stroked its furry little head. "Don''t be afraid. This is a mirror. Do you know the mirror?"


    "We should take Coco out more often to see the world. It''s even afraid of its own shadow," Nathan said, looking helplessly at Coco.


    "Daddy, the elevator keeps going up, and I think I have a ringing in my ears." Noah tightly held Micah''s finger, his face turning pale. "Which floor is your office on?" "The 68th floor," Micah patted Noah''s little head. "It''s okay. You''ll be fine in a bit."


    "Okay." Noah swallowed saliva and reminded Nathan and Mia, "Nathan, Mia, if you have a ringing in your ears, just swallow saliva. Mommy said it can help relieve it." "Yes, yes." Nathan and Mia immediately followed suit.


    Coco also imitated Mia''s actions but couldn''t quite get it right. It stretched its neck too long, looking especiallyical.


    Andrew found this scene quite amusing and couldn''t help but smile.


    Before long, the elevator doors opened, and Micah''s secretaries greeted respectfully, "Good morning, Mr. Clemens..."


    Everyone''s greetings suddenly stopped when they saw the three children.


    The sight of these three children left everyone stunned, their gazes fixed in bewilderment. No one knew who they were or how they had arrived at thepany with Micah. One of them was even sitting on his shoulder...

 Chapter 557 Micah Takes the Kids to Work 3

    "Good morning,dies!" Mia greeted in a sweet voice, opened her beautiful big eyes, and curiously asked Micah, "Daddy, why are there only prettydies here but no men?" "Because this is the CEO''s office. They are all secretaries."


    Micah took them to his office.


    Andrew ordered, "Bring some fruit juice, ice cream, and snacks."


    "Yes!" Chloe immediately went to arrange it.


    The other secretaries looked at Micah''s office door closing and immediately began excitedly discussing."Oh my god, that baby called Mr. Clemens ''Daddy''? Are they Mr. Clemens'' children?" "It should be. Otherwise, why would Mr. Clemens carry them to thepany?"


    "Oh my god, Mr. Clemens actually has children. Wasn''t he unmarried?"


    "Yes, yes, wasn''t he supposed to marry Miss Amelia from the Lingston''s Group?"


    "These children could not be Miss Amelia''s..."


    "Definitely not. The children are three or four years old. Could it be that Mr. Clemens had a secret marriage before?"


    "I wonder who the children''s mother is..."


    "I just observed that little girl. She looks familiar, but I can''t remember where I saw her..."


    "You got time for chit-chat? Do you want to go and say it in front of Mr. Clemens?" Chloe coldly scolded.


    The gossiping secretaries immediately dispersed, each returning to their positions, afraid to speak out of turn.


    "You all know Mr. Clemens'' temper," Chloe sternly warned. "Mr. Clemens doesn''t like people gossiping behind his back. If he hears anything, you''d better pack up and leave." "Yes, we won''t dare." The secretaries quickly lowered their heads and got back to work.


    Chloe nced at them and pushed the food cart toward Micah''s office.


    Micah let go of Mia.


    Mia stretched her stiff little legs, then opened her beautiful, big eyes in surprise, her small mouth falling open in astonishment. "Oh my god! Daddy, is your office in the sky?" Mia''s innocent thoughts amused Micah.


    "You can''t see other rooftops from outside, only clouds." Mia tried to walk towards the edge but stopped out of fear. She held her chubby hands to her face and exaggeratedly said, "So high!"


    "Of course, it''s high on the 68th floor." Noah also observed Micah''s office, his eyes filled with delight. "Daddy, your office has so many high-tech products. Almost all electronic devices are high-tech!" "You noticed it so quickly?" Micah gave Noah an approving look.


    "Mhmm, I have a keen intuition about these things." Noah continued looking around. "Did yourpany develop all of these high-tech products?"


    "Yes." Micah nodded.


    "Daddy, can I look at this?" Noah became interested in an airne model in the ss cab.


    "Of course you can," Micah said gently. "You can y with anything here. Just be careful. Don''t hurt yourself."


    "Okay, thank you, Daddy."


    Nathan carefully took out an airne model.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Chloe pushed the food cart into the room, bowed to Micah, and then ced the items one by one on the table.


    "Mr. Noah, Mr. Nathan, and Miss Mia, let''s have something to eat first," Andrew smiled and beckoned, "When your daddy finishes his work, shall we take you to the R&D department?" "Okay." Mia immediately approached with Coco.


    Noah and Nathan were still looking at the things they were interested in, and Chloe wanted to greet them.


    Andrew said, "Leave them here. You can go and tend to your work. I''ll be here."


    "Alright." Chloe nodded and left.


    The three caregivers stood obediently in the corner, looking at this magnificent office. They were all amazed and worked even more carefully.


    As Chloe walked to the door, a secretary hurriedly approached to report, "Chloe, Miss Amelia is here again!"

 Chapter 558 Servants dont Block their Masters Way

    Chloe turned around and quickly closed the door, grabbed the secretary, and left. "Where is she?"


    "She''s on the first floor and being stopped by the security guards," the secretary whispered. "But the guards probably won''t be able to hold her for long. You know Miss Amelia''s temper..." "I''ll go see her. You stay here." Chloe hurried downstairs.


    "Yes."


    In the office...


    Micah was signing documents when Andrew received a phone call.


    Andrew nced at the kids and approached Micah, speaking in a low voice, "Miss Amelia is here again."


    "Let here up," Micah said without lifting his head.


    "Huh?" Andrew widened his eyes in astonishment.


    "Didn''t I make myself clear?" Micah frowned.


    "Yes." Although Andrew was afraid, he still ordered the security guards to let Amelia in.


    The security guards thought they had misheard and confirmed it twice before realizing it was Micah''s directive. Only then did they let her in.


    "See that?" Amelia arrogantly shouted, "I''ve already said that as long as Micah is in thepany, he will let me up. You useless idiots! How dare you stop me at the door? You must be fucking blind." The security guards frowned.


    "Just wait and see. I''ll have your boss fire all of you right away!"


    After threatening them, Amelia scoffed and stomped her high heels before turning to go upstairs.


    Two security guards followed closely behind, not daring to neglect their duties.


    Chloe was about to enter the elevator when she saw someone going to the 68th floor. She immediately stopped in her tracks. ''Oh no! Could it be that Miss Amelia ising up?''


    A few secretaries were scared to follow closely behind Chloe, preparing to intercept the arrogant Amelia.


    At that moment, the elevator door opened. Amelia, exuding her trademark arrogance, stepped out and attempted to force her way through.


    "Miss Amelia..." Chloe hurriedly stopped her, "I''m sorry, but you can''t go in because¡ª"


    Amelia pped Chloe in the face with such force that blood instantly flowed from Chloe''s nose.


    The secretaries were all frightened, and one angrily asked, "How could you hit someone like that?"


    "So what if I did? You''re just an arrogant nobody!" Amelia pointed at Chloe''s nose and scolded, "Even Micah let me in, and you still dare to stop me? Who do you think you are?" Chloe lowered her head, covering her face, and remained calm. "I''m sorry, Miss Amelia, but I received orders not to let you disturb Mr. Clemens."


    "You..." Amelia''s face turned pale with anger, and she swung her hand to hit Chloe again.


    "Miss Amelia!" Suddenly, a voice echoed, stopping Amelia''s actions.


    "Andrew!" Lucia, a secretary, begged for help. "Miss Amelia... She..."


    "Miss Amelia is really hot-headed." Andrew nced at Chloe and smiled. "They are just following orders. Why bother making things difficult for them?" "Servants don''t block their masters'' way. Everyone understands this principle, right?"


    Amelia insulted Chloe twice in one sentence, calling her a servant and ridiculing her intelligence.


    The secretaries were trembling with anger.


    Chloe calmly retorted, "Miss Amelia, if you don''t know how to respect others, you won''t receive respect from others either."


    "What? You dare to disrespect me?" Amelia approached her aggressively. "You wanna try?"


    Chloe was pushed back by Amelia but clenched her teeth and remained silent.


    "That''s enough!" Andrew could no longer stand by. "Mr. Clemens asks you to go inside."


    "Did you hear that?" Amelia red fiercely at Chloe. "It was Micah who invited me in, so keep an eye out next time!"


    Chloe held her temper and stayed silent.


    Amelia arrogantly lifted her head and strode toward Micah''s office.


    "Are you okay?" Andrew asked in a low voice.


    "I''m fine." Chloe shook her head and forced a smile.


    "Go ice your face," Andrew reminded her and hurriedly followed Amelia.


    "She''s really crossing the line." The secretaries said indignantly, "No wonder Mr. Clemens doesn''t like her."


    "Hush!" Chloe immediately stopped them. "Don''t talk nonsense, or we''ll be the unlucky ones!"


    The secretaries quickly shut their mouths.

 Chapter 559 Wont Marry You

    Amelia pushed open the office door with joy on her face, calling out gently, "Micah..."


    However, when she saw Micah with three children crawling on him, she couldn''t help but be stunned. "What... what''s going on?" "Daddy, who is this prettydy?" Nathan''s eyes lit up when he saw Amelia and asked, "Is she your secretary?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense." Noah whispered, then asked Micah, "Dad, should we leave?"


    "No need." Micah replied while embraced Noah and Nathan.


    Mia was on his shoulder, braiding small braids for him with colorful rubber bands, while Coco the parrot dozed off on his leg.


    "Sit!" Micah finally nced at Amelia.


    Amelia stood still for a while before walking over, asking in confusion, "Micah, where did these childrene from?"


    Micah didn''t answer her; his eyes were on the tablet in Noah''s hand, teaching him how to viewplex VR drawings. After finishing, he looked up at her and casually asked, "Do you need something from me?" "Micah..."


    "Dad, can you help me see where this goes?" Nathan had just dismantled the airne model and now wanted to put it back together, but there was an extra piece.


    "Let me see." Micah took the piece, examined the model, and quickly found the spot, happily said, "Here!"


    "Wow, Dad is so smart, thank you, Dad."


    Nathan immediately took the model and piece to assemble.


    "What did you say just now?" Micah nced at Amelia.


    "I said, where did these three childrene from?" Amelia was anxious and excited, "Why do they call you Dad? What''s going on?"


    "Because Dad is our real dad." Mia pouted, her voice soft and childish. "Auntie, how can you not know such a simple thing?"


    "Shut up!" Amelia scolded sternly.


    Mia shivered in fear, then burst into tears with a loud cry.


    Noah and Nathan were also startled, still in a daze from earlier, but upon hearing their sister cry, they quicklyforted Mia. "Don''t be afraid, Mia..."


    Micah''s brows furrowed, his face darkening instantly. He lifted Mia off his shoulder and instructed the three doctors and nurses, "Take them to the adjacent lounge to y." "Yes." The three doctors and nurses quickly led the three babies away.


    "Bad woman, bad woman!" Coco pped its wings, scolding Amelia.


    "You..." Amelia was exasperated, about to get angry, but Coco flew off to chase after the three children.


    "Micah..." Amelia was about to coo at Micah, but she noticed his dark expression and was taken aback. Carefully, she asked, "Are you... angry? Is that child really..."


    "They are my children!" Micah leaned arrogantly on the sofa, legs crossed, solemnly dering, "I am their father!"


    "What?" Amelia was shocked and incredulous.


    Micah didn''t bother to repeat himself. He picked up his ss, elegantly sipping his drink.


    After a while, Amelia finally came to her senses, forcing a stiff smile, and asked, "When did this happen? I had no idea."


    Micah remained silent.


    Seeing his expression, Amelia felt a bit flustered and hastily retreated. "It''s okay. Illegitimate children aremon among Old Money, so this won''t affect us."


    "I think you''re mistaken." Micah interrupted her, coldly saying, "They are not illegitimate children. They are the legitimate heirs of the Clemens family."


    "Heirs?" Amelia''s face changed suddenly, and she angrily said, "Isn''t that too much? What about our future children?"


    "We won''t have children." Micah had no intention of engaging with Amelia for even a minute. "Because I won''t marry you!"

 Chapter 560 Death Here

    "Could you repeat that?" Amelia was stunned, unable to believe her ears. "We''ve already announced our engagement, and the ceremony is all set. Are you really saying..."


    "You seem to have a bad memory!" Micah was very indifferent. "At the beginning, I didn''t want to get engaged. You and my grandfather forced me. Later, you unterally announced the engagement without my involvement." "You..." Amelia''s face turned pale with anger, unable to say anything nice, "How can you treat me like this? Just because of those three bastards?"


    "Amelia, if you say another word, I can''t guarantee that I won''ty a hand on you!"


    Micah''s eyes were filled with a sinister coldness, and a murderous intent shed.


    "I..." Amelia was incensed but forcefully suppressed her anger andpromised, "I can ept them as long as we can get married. I agree to any conditions you have..."


    "You can ept them, but they don''t want to ept you!" Micah was a bit impatient. "They have their mother. If I want to get married, it will be with their mother!" Amelia was astonished, and it took her a while to recover. "What do you mean? Who is their mother?"


    She had initially assumed that these three children were simply the product of Micah''s past flings.


    She presumed the mother of the children was either dead or absent. Even if she were alive, she doubted Micah would have shown any interest in her. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have gone for years without mentioning these three children, only for them to suddenly appear...


    As such, she had said she was willing to ept these three children.


    However, when Micah said he wanted to marry the mother of the children, Amelia was bbergasted. Suddenly, she realized, ''Micah has had someone he loves for a long time now... Not only does he have three children with her, but he also intends to marry her?!''


    "You don''t need to know about that," Micah said directly. "Actually, we were never really together. Our cooperation project benefited the Lingston family more. You didn''t suffer any loss. Let''s part on good terms and remain friends in the future!"


    "No..." Amelia cried as she shook her head in agitation. "The engagement announcement has already been made, the ceremony has been prepared, and now you suddenly back out?! I will be aughingstock all over the world!" "This is your own business." Micah frowned. "I was against it from the beginning, but you selfishly refused my opposition. Now you can''t me me! Adults should take responsibility for their reckless actions!" "Micah "


    "Please leave!"


    Amelia wanted to salvage the situation, but Micah didn''t want to say anything more.


    "Yes." Andrew stepped forward and politely said, "Miss Amelia, please!"


    "No, I don''t want to cancel the engagement. I don''t!" Amelia shook her head, crying in anguish. "Micah, you can''t treat me like this. You''re forcing me to die!"


    Micah was extremely fed up and yelled at Andrew, "Escort her out!"


    "Yes." Andrew panicked. "Miss Amelia, let''s go..."


    "Get out of the way!"


    Amelia suddenly rushed forward, grabbed the fruit knife on the coffee table, and pressed it against her wrist, roaring, "Micah, I canpromise on everything. If you like Sadie, I''ll let you keep her as a lover. If you have illegitimate children, I can ept it. I''ve already stooped so low so why are you still abandoning me? Why??"


    "Amelia!" Micah raised his gaze and stared at her, his eyes as cold as ice. "You should know I don''t sumb to threats. If you''re smart, put down the knife and get out of here. I''ll spare you the embarrassment! Otherwise, do as you say and die right here, right now!"


    "You..." Amelia trembled with anger. "You think I won''t dare? If I die here, let''s see how you exin it to your grandfather and my family!"

 Chapter 561 Thoroughly Disintegrated

    After saying that, Amelia cut her wrist with the fruit knife!


    "Miss Amelia, don''t be impulsive!" Andrew instinctively tried to stop Amelia.


    But Micah had no intention of stopping her at all. He sat on the sofa with his legs curled up, elegantly lighting a cigar.


    Amelia made the cut, and a shallow trace of fresh blood slowly appeared as it flowed out.


    Amelia exaggeratedly fell to the ground, crying miserably.


    "You stillck experience. How can someone die with such a shallow cut?" Micah took a puff of his cigar, raising an eyebrow in arrogance. "Amelia, how about I teach you?"


    Micah grabbed Amelia''s hand, picked up the fruit knife again, and ced it against her injured wrist. He gently guided her, "You need to use force and give it your all. Let me hear the sound of the knife hitting the blood vessel. Only then can you die quickly!"


    "You..." Amelia widened her eyes in shock, looking at Micah in disbelief as if she was looking at a stranger.


    Everyone knew that Micah was ruthless and decisive, but Amelia had always seen him as the perfect embodiment of standing at the pinnacle of the world. She always thought she could be his wife through her family''s connections. But now, Amelia finally realized how ruthless Micah could be when he wanted to be!


    "What''s wrong?" Micah sneered. "Aren''t you trying to die for me? Continue!"


    "You..." Amelia was about to go mad, trembling all over. "You''re good, just wait and see!"


    Amelia threw down the fruit knife and angrily left, mming the door loudly...


    Several secretaries screamed in panic outside. Then, Chloe hurriedly ran in and said, "Mr. Clemens, Miss Amelia, she..."


    "Let her go," Micah replied coldly and heartlessly.


    Andrew made a gesture.


    Chloe quickly exited and scolded the frightened secretaries, "All of you, leave! What''s there to see?"


    The secretaries returned to their positions, and someone couldn''t help asking softly, "Miss Amelia shed her wrist. Oh my god, she actually walked away alone. There won''t be any casualties, right?"


    "I don''t think there is much blood flowing. She probably didn''t cut deep..."


    "Probably, if there were a life-threatening situation, Mr. Clemens wouldn''t ignore it. After all, it''s still a life."


    "That''s true. Miss Amelia is probably feigning a suicide attempt, trying to scare Mr. Clemens on purpose. Miss Amelia wouldn''t threaten Mr. Clemens."


    "Exactly, Mr. Clemens doesn''t care about Miss Amelia at all. It seems like they''vepletely fallen apart."


    "It''s good. We won''t have such a terrifying bossdy anymore."


    "You''re right."


    "Everyone calm down and focus on your work," Chloe reminded them. Then she said to Lucia, "Go call the cleaningdy and let her clean up these blood stains." "Yes, okay." Lucia ran off quickly.


    The secretaries were secretly happy in their hearts. They would no longer have to serve Amelia ever again!


    In Micah''s office...Andrew asked cautiously, "What if Miss Amelia, in her anger, turns to the James Group for support?"


    "We have cooperative projects with Amelia''s family. If Amelia were to turn to the James Group now, the Lingston family would lose a lot of money.


    "Amelia is not that stupid. She understands the principle of prioritizing interests. Besides, even if Amelia is really foolish, she still needs the approval of other shareholders," Micah said casually, smoking a cigar as if he had everything under control.


    "What you say makes sense." Andrew breathed a sigh of relief, then said, "But, weren''t you too harsh just now? I''m afraid she''llin to your grandfather."


    "My grandfather has great-grandchildren. Why would he bother with Amelia?" Micah red at him and said, "Stop talking nonsense. Have someone clean up this ce. The children will be scared when theye." "Yes."


    Andrew was about to inform someone when Chloe arrived with a group of people to clean up.


    Micah was about to go to the next room to apany the children when Rn hurriedly reported, "Mr. Clemens, your grandfather is awake!" "Hmm?" Micah frowned.


    "He''s very aware and even said he wants to see you," Rn said, happy with excitement. "Go see him quickly."


    "All right." Micah immediately put out his cigar and got up to fetch the children.

 Chapter 562 She wont be allowed to go.

    The soundproofing in Micah''s office was excellent; the children next door had no clue what had just happened.


    The game had long dispelled the bad mood caused by the unexpected guest.


    In the lounge, the triplets gleefully yed VR games. The equipment was top-notch,plete with high-tech chairs for maximum immersion.


    They sat side by side in motorized chairs, wearing sses, experiencing the mysteries of space. asionally, they would exim and scream, dancing with joy.


    Coco also joined in the excitement, pping its wings and flying around the screen as if it wanted to jump into it. The three siblings also experienced the mysteries of the game with Coco. Micah walked in wearing fresh clothes and was greeted by the sight of his excited children. A smile spread across his face.


    Finally, Micah understood why Sadie was obsessed with money and always tried every means to make more money, even resorting to pimping him to wealthy women in the past. All in all, he did everything to support these three little fes!


    No matter how many difficulties he encountered outside, as long as he returned home and saw the three children, all his worries disappeared...


    "Mr. Clemens..." The caregivers saw Micah came and was about to tell the children.


    Micah gestured so they would not disturb the children and let them finish the game.


    Andrew had already prepared the car outside, and Rn came in and asked softly," Mr. Clemens, should I go back to pick up Miss Roth?"


    "No rush." Micah looked at his watch. "We''ll go first, and she can leave an hourter."


    "Understood."


    "I have something to report." Rn leaned close to Micah''s ear and whispered, "Your aunt has been staying in Newark and may be waiting for your grandfather to wake up." Hearing this, Micah frowned. He didn''t care about the Lingston or rk families, and his least favorite person was Nick.


    She was cunning and malicious, and she liked to y dirty tricks. She would do anything to achieve her goals.


    Thest time Nick visited his grandfather, nothing seemed amiss, yet Micah always sensed an underlying unease. He couldn''t quite pinpoint the tricks she might have yed. Consequently, Micah remained vignt, not letting his guard down. "Don''t pick up Sadie today." Micah suddenly changed his mind. "Assign personnel and protect the children with all your efforts." "Understood." Rn immediately went to handle it.


    Micah understood the impact Nick''s kidnapping of Sadie had on her, and Sadie knew that her father''s death was connected to Nick. If they crossed paths in the hospital, the oue was uncertain. It would be troublesome if the children became scared.


    ''It''s better not to let Sadiee this time and to use all bodyguards to protect the children''s safety.''


    While the children were still ying games, Micah went out and called Sadie.


    "Hello!" The phone was quickly answered. Sadie seemed to be sleeping, and her voice was a bitzy. "What''s up?"


    "My grandfather has woken up," Micah told her the good news.


    "Really?" Sadie woke up immediately from her drowsiness and said happily, "That''s great! Should we go there early? I am getting ready now¡ª"


    "No," Micah interrupted her and calmly said, "You should rest at home. We won''t go today."


    "Huh?" Sadie didn''t understand. "Why? What about the kids?"


    "I took them with me," Micah replied.


    Sadie was stunned. Micah had said in the morning that he would take her along, but now he wasn''t taking her with him... What did that mean?


    Micah still wasn''t nning to tell his grandfather about her, or maybe Micah wasn''t ready for marriage yet.


    "Daddy..." The children''s voices came from outside.


    "I''ll hang up first," Micah said. "Rest well."


    Then, Micah ended the call.

 Chapter 563 A Good Thrill

    Sadie stood still with her phone, feeling very disappointed...


    But she consoled herself, ''Perhaps Micah thinks it will be too much for his grandfather, who has just woken up, to bear...'' Sadie could only console herself like this.


    The extended Rolls-Royce slowly drove to the hospital, with a convoy of cars in the front and back rows, a grand disy.


    The bodyguards were all very vignt to prevent any sudden attacks, constantly watching outside.


    However, everything went smoothly, and there were no disturbances on the way.


    The car arrived at the hospital, and Micah personally carried the three children out of the vehicle. He had Nathan, whose foot was still injured, sit on his shoulder, holding hands with Noah and Mia. Nathan was excited and thrilled, feeling a sense of superiority.


    Coco stood on top of Nathan''s head, wide-eyed, looking around like a curious baby.


    "Daddy, I don''t want to hold hands anymore." Mia broke free from Micah''s hand and pouted. "You''re too tall. I have to keep my hands up all the time to hold your hand. My arms get tired..." "That''s true." Noah looked up at Micah. "Will I grow as tall as Daddy in the future?"


    "Yes, you will." Micah bent down, picking up Noah and Mia, and reminded Nathan on his shoulder, "Hold on tight!"


    "Yeah." Nathan held onto Micah''s head, afraid of falling off.


    Mia pped her chubby hands and cheered happily, "Wow, I''m tall too!"


    "The view feels different." Noah also smiled.


    "I''m taller than you guys." Nathan raised his eyebrows and proudly showed off to Mia and Noah.


    "I''m tall, I''m tall!" Coco pped its wings on Nathan''s head and squealed.


    "Hmph!" Mia pointed her chubby finger at Coco, pouting and frowning. "Coco, if you keep making noise, I''ll pull out your feathers!"


    Coco quickly covered its beak with its wings, afraid to make any more sound, but its eyes rolled around, looking funny and cute.


    "Hahaha..." The three children burst intoughter.


    Micah smiled. Since connecting with the kids, his world had be filled withughter, and he couldn''t help but be more cheerful.


    "The children are so adorable!" Rn eximed. "Mr. Clemens seems a bit different since bing a father."


    "That''s right. He has be more warm-hearted," Andrew responded in a low voice.


    "It''s really nice." Rnughed.


    The group entered the hospital through a side entrance, where the hospital director and other department heads had been waiting. Micah and the children were taken directly to the special ward. Ss was waiting downstairs. When he saw Micah, he immediately approached them excitedly. He said, "Micah, your grandfather has woken up and has been thinking of you."


    "Okay." Micah nodded. "You didn''t tell him about the children, right?"


    "No, you instructed me not to. You wanted to tell your grandfather personally," Ss said with a smile.


    Ss looked at the children with a happy expression, but soon his face turned serious, and he reminded Micah meaningfully, "Micah, your grandfather has just woken up, and he can''t handle bad news!" Ss meant that good news could have a little more impact, but bad news should be eased.


    Micah naturally understood Ss'' meaning and said lightly, "Don''t worry, I know."


    The family arrived outside the ward, and Micah took the children to the istion ward to change their clothes. Coco also wanted to go in, but Micah ordered it, "Stay outside, don''t fly around." Coco stopped in its tracks and then sulkilynded on Andrew''s shoulder, raising its head with a look of grievance.


    "Don''t you dare poop on my shoulder." Andrew furrowed his brow and made a fierce expression. "Otherwise, I''ll pluck all your feathers¡ª"


    "Daddy, Daddy!" Before Andrew finished his sentence, Coco flew over to Micah andined, "Plucking feathers, plucking feathers! Coco is scared, scared..."

 Chapter 564 Eccentricity

    "Andrew??" Micah stared coldly at Andrew.


    "I dare not, sir!" Andrew quickly apologized, lowering his head.


    Coco proudly waggled behind, fluttered its wings, and flew onto Andrew''s head. It used its ws tob through Andrew''s hair, then settled down on its bottom. This was just how domineering Coco was!


    Andrew scowled, rolled his eyes at Coco on his head, and wished he could stew this little fellow...


    Rnughed out. "Haha, this little parrot is quite human-like!"


    "One day..." Andrew hadn''t finished his sentence when Coco stood up, assuming a posture ready to squeal.


    Andrew took a deep breath and swallowed back the revenge n on his lips. ''Forget it. Who made this little bird my boss, too?''


    Andrew wanted to ensure everything was okay!


    Everyone had changed into their istion suits, and Micah walked into the ward with the kids.


    "I''m already awake. Why am I still locked in this istion ward? I''m not fragile. Hurry up and transfer me out," Micah''s grandfatherined as soon as they entered.


    Although he had yet to fully recover and his voice was not as full of energy as before, it still carried authority.


    The doctors and experts next to him hurriedly exined, "Mr. Clemens Sr., please don''t worry. We conducted a full-body examination on you this morning. Once the resultse out and all the indicators are okay, we will immediately transfer you to a regr ward."


    "It''s not thatplicated. I said I want to be transferred now..."


    "Grandpa!" Mia''s sweet and tender voice interrupted Micah''s grandfather.


    Micah''s grandfather shook all over, hurriedly turned to look, and couldn''t help but be overjoyed. "Mia, Noah, Nathan..."


    "Grandpa!"


    "Grandpa!"


    The three children immediately let go of Micah''s hand and ran over excitedly.


    "Grandpa, you''re finally awake..." Noah''s eyes were red as he choked up. "Every time we came to see you, you were always asleep. We''ve been so worried, hoping you''d wake up soon."


    "I''m awake, I''m awake, I won''t sleep anymore." Micah''s grandfather held Noah''s hand tightly and excitedly said, "To wake up and see you all is so wonderful!"


    "Grandpa, you said you would take me to y ser." Nathan''s eyes were moist, but he smiled brightly. "Now that you''re awake, can you keep your promise?"


    "Of course I can." Micah''s grandfather smiled and asked, "Is your foot better?"


    "It''s getting better." Nathan raised his foot to show Micah''s grandfather and said, "The cast is off, and the splint is off, too. I can climb stairs now."


    "Hahaha, great!" Micah''s grandfatherughed heartily. "Once I''m discharged, I''ll take Nathan to y ser."


    "Grandpa, you said you would take me to Disnend to see the princesses." Mia grabbed Micah''s grandfather''s hand and said, "Are you keeping your word?"


    "Of course, I am keeping it." Micah''s grandfather nodded repeatedly. "Once I''m discharged, I''ll take Mia to Disnend."


    "Thank you, Grandpa..." Mia raised her chubby hand and cheered, "Grandpa, live to be 10,000 years old!"


    "Hahaha, won''t I be an old witch if I live to be 10,000 years old?" Micah''s grandfatherughed.


    "Grandpa isn''t an old witch. You are the best grandpa," Mia said, tilting her little head, looking serious. "You are here to watch us grow up, and we still have to show filial piety to Grandpa!"


    "Good, good, good!" Micah''s grandfather nodded repeatedly, his eyes getting moist.


    Perhaps it was because Micah''s grandfather was getting older, or maybe it was because he had gone through life and death, but now he was particrly sentimental. When he saw the children, he couldn''t help but be moved in the softest part of his heart...


    "Tsk tsk, Grandpa really favors the children!" Micah said sourly, "After having great-grandchildren, you don''t want a grandson anymore!"

 Chapter 565 Recognition

    "Who wants you, stinky brat..."


    Micah''s grandfather''s words were interrupted, and he frowned, looking at Micah with confusion. "What did you just say? Great-grandchildren?!"


    "As you get older, your hearing gets worse." Micah shook his head in amazement.


    "Daddy, Grandpa''s hearing is fine," Mia pouted, speaking with a childish voice.


    "Mia, what did you call him?" Micah''s grandfather was stunned.


    "Daddy," Mia answered seriously, tilting her little head.


    "What on earth is going on?" Micah''s grandfather looked at Mia and then at Micah. "Brat, why don''t you say something?"


    "Grandpa, no, now we should call you Great-grandpa..." Noah said with a smile, "He is our daddy, and we are Daddy''s children. From now on, we can''t call you ''Grandpa'' anymore, and we have to call you ''Great-grandpa''."


    "Yes!" Nathan nodded in agreement. "Daddy''s grandpa is called Great-grandpa."


    Micah''s grandfather waspletely dumbfounded, his eyes widening in shock. It took him a while toe back to his senses and impatiently say, "What is all this? Micah,e here."


    The children pouted and stood aside, giving up their seats to their father. Then they whispered in the corner.


    "Why doesn''t Grandpa understand what we''re saying?"


    "Maybe we didn''t express ourselves clearly enough?"


    "Well, we''re still in kindergarten, so it''s normal for our exnations to be unclear. Let Daddy exin it to him."


    "We''ll be promoted to the next ss next year, so we should improve our expressive ability."


    "Yes, we should read more and recite more to exercise our expressive ability..."


    "Mmm."


    "You brat." As soon as Micah approached, his grandfather pped him on the arm in annoyance.


    But he was sick and weak, so he hit him softly.


    "Ss informed me that you took care of the children while I was bedridden. It deeply touched me to see that even you stinky boy have a conscience. I know you were concerned about them, so you took good care of them to make me happy until I woke up.


    "However, I didn''t expect you to teach the children recklessly or let them call you Daddy. Are you out of your mind?!"


    "Are you done scolding?" Micah didn''t argue, either. He waited for his grandfather to finish scolding him and then handed him a DNA test report. "Look at this after you''re done."


    "What the hell is this?" Micah''s grandfather looked at it and couldn''t help but be stunned. "This, this is..."


    "They are my children, and there''s nothing fake about it." Micah dered seriously, "If you don''t believe it, you can have another test done!"


    This time, Micah''s grandfather waspletely dumbfounded, standing still with a look of disbelief.


    "Hey, Micah, stop scaring your grandfather with all these surprises, or his heart disease will act up again." Ss looked anxious on the side. "Sir, Micah is telling the truth. These three little kids, who you love the most, are his children and your great-grandchildren..."


    "You old man, don''t you dare lie to me." Micah''s grandfather was extremely excited, confirming with Micah again, "Stinky boy, don''t y pranks on me. I can''t handle the shock..." "Grandpa, why are you acting so fussy?" Micah couldn''t take it anymore. "I''ve shown you the DNA test results. If don''t you believe me, then let''s have another test right now?" "What should we test?" Mia stared nkly with wide eyes.


    "You''re really dumb, and I understood everything. We''re testing if we''re Daddy''s children." Nathan frowned, looking unhappy.


    "DNA tests require drawing blood. It''s painful." Noah remembered thest time he had blood drawn and still had a lingering fear.


    "I don''t want to have blood drawn, and I''m scared of pain..." Mia pouted and cried, "Grandpa, why don''t you believe that we''re daddy''s children?"

 Chapter 566 Showdown

    "Grandpa believes in all of you, of course." Micah''s grandfather became worried when he saw Mia crying, and he vented his anger on Micah, "Grandpa just doesn''t believe this stinky boy..." "He''s not a stinky boy. He''s our daddy." Nathan hurriedly defended Micah and ran over with open arms, standing in front of Micah. It seemed that he was protecting his father! "Grandpa, Daddy didn''t lie to you." Noah exined seriously, "Because I''m allergic to kiwi, Daddy noticed something was off, so he took me to do a DNA test and found out that I''m his child." Finally, Micah''s grandfather believed it. Micah has been allergic to kiwi since he was little, and he never exposed this weakness to the outside world in order to protect Micah. No one except the Clemens family knew about this.


    Noah was just three and a half years old, and he couldn''t possibly lie. Noah was independent in his thinking, but he wouldn''t y pranks and fool Micah''s grandfather along with Micah...


    "Oh my god, I thought I wouldn''t live long enough to see the fourth generation of the Clemens family..." Micah''s grandfather was so excited that tears kept flowing down his face. "I never expected to wake up and receive such great news!" "As long as you''re happy." Micah finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Nonsense. How could I not be happy? You don''t know how many times I have fantasized about the three of them being the flesh and blood of our Clemens family, and now it''s true..." Micah''s grandfather trembled when he reached out his hand to the children. "Children,e here, and let your great-grandfather hold you!"


    "Grandpa... Great-grandpa..."


    The three children immediately ran over and threw themselves into Micah''s grandfather'' arms.


    "Ah! Good children!"


    Micah''s grandfather held the children, deeply moved, and tears were still streaming down his face.


    Micah smirked. As long as his grandfather was happy, everything would be fine.


    Ss watched this scene beside them, but his expression was veryplicated.


    "Great-grandpa, we''ve all moved to Daddy''s house now. When you''re discharged,e and live there too," Noah said, holding Micah''s grandfather''s hand.


    "Okay, okay." Micah''s grandfather caressed Noah''s little head. "Good child, study hard, and you will have great achievements in the future!"


    "Mmm." Noah nodded repeatedly.


    "Daddy teaches us every night, imparting lessons and knowledge." Nathan''s excitement was palpable as he spoke. "I''ve made a lot of progress in my physical fitness, and Noah has also made great progress in his tech knowledge..." "Really? You''re so amazing?" Micah''s grandfather was very happy.


    "It''s not me, I''m teaching Daddy. I even teach Daddy how to sing..."


    "Hahaha, your daddy has been tone-deaf since he was little, and he can actually sing?"


    "Yeah, Daddy is so silly..."


    The three kids chattered nonstop around Micah''s grandfather.Micah made a gesture, signaling everyone to leave and give his grandfather and the kids some space.


    When they walked out of the ward, Ss looked worried and hesitant to speak.


    "What do you want to say?" Micah asked.


    "I''m afraid..." Ss thought for a moment and said tactfully, "If your grandfather learns that the kids'' mother is Miss Roth, will it..."


    "Sadie gave birth to three kids for me. Can''t that offset the issue of her background?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "At best, she justcks a background, which is much better than Amelia''s shady intentions."


    "Yes, yes, I agree." Ss nodded repeatedly. "But you also know that the Lingston family is still important to the Clemens family. If your rtionship with Miss Amelia sours and the Lingston family turns to the James Group, it will be extremely detrimental to us-"


    "My rtionship with Amelia has already soured." Micah interrupted Ss, saying calmly, "I made it clear to her today. She was begging in my office, but I didn''t soften my heart. Oh, by the way, Amelia wanted to slit her wrist, bleeding, and I kicked her out."


    Ss was shocked, his eyes wide open.

 Chapter 567 First to Decide, Then to Prevail

    "There''s no way to change the oue now!" Micah spread his hands. "My grandfather has to agree now, whether he wants to or not. I have no way to turn back!" "Your move is really..." Ss was pale and frightened but didn''t know how to respond to Micah.


    "Ss, are you okay?" Andrew supported Ss but was pushed away. "Get lost, you brat. Why don''t you try to persuade Micah?"


    "I dare not," Andrew muttered softly.


    "Ss, in a situation like this, you should help persuade Grandpa Clemens to ept Miss Roth," Rn said cautiously. "Actually, Miss Roth is pretty good-" "You brat!" Ss pped Rn on the back. "You''re also causing trouble!" "Rn is right." Micah raised an eyebrow. "Where did we cause trouble?" Ss'' mouth twitched, squeezing out a forced smile. "Yes, Mr. Clemens!"


    "Ss, you agreed to help me persuade Grandpa?" Micah took advantage of the situation. "Thank you, Ss!"


    Ss was shocked. ''Did I identally fall into Micah''s trap? This trap was too obvious?!''


    "Thank you, Ss!" Rn and Andrew also thanked him.


    Ss was furious. His face turned purple, and he couldn''t say a word.


    At this moment, the caregivers led the children out and said to Micah, "Mr. Clemens, Grandpa Clemens wants you to go in."


    "Okay." Micah nodded, squatted down, and told the children, "Go to the lounge to have some snacks and wait for Daddy toe out. We''ll go home together." "Yes, Daddy."


    The children obediently nodded and followed the caregivers to the lounge.


    Micah took a deep look at Ss, turned around, and entered the ward.


    Ss knew what Micah meant with that look and felt helpless, but he had to follow along.


    "You brat, you finally lived up to my expectations!"


    Grandpa Clemens was still immersed in the joy of recognizing his great-grandchildren, his face beaming with a bright smile...


    "I thought I had been too strict with you all those years, causing you to be stubborn in rtionships. I didn''t expect you to be quite capable, actually giving me three great-grandchildren." "As long as you''re happy." Micah raised his lips in a smile.


    "It''s good to be happy, but we need to arrange the follow-up matters as well." Speaking of this topic, Grandpa Clemens became serious. "After all, they carry the Clemens bloodline. They cannot be left wandering outside, nor can they use other surnames. Have you talked to the children''s mother? Have you considered changing their names and surnames?"


    "I actually haven''t."


    Micah had yet to think about this issue. Having grown up abroad, he didn''t particrly care about surnames. Additionally, he found Noah, Nathan, and Mia to be quite pleasant names.


    Thus, he never brought up this matter with Sadie.


    "Let''s discuss it today and change their surnames tomorrow," Grandpa Clemens said, his meticulous nature evident. He couldn''t wait to address such matters. "Also, what''s your n for the children''s mother?" "As for this issue"


    "I suggest offering her a sum of money to start anew once you''ve ensured she stays away from the children." Before Micah could speak, Grandpa Clemens had already given his guiding advice. "After all, she is not old money. You can''t marry her, but she has given birth to three children for the Clemens family. We should not neglect her "


    "Grandfather..." Micah interrupted Grandpa Clemens, frowning. "The Clemens family is wealthy, and we don''t need to rely on marriage to increase our assets. What''s wrong with me marrying an ordinary person?"


    Upon hearing this, Grandpa Clemens was surprised. "Are you saying you''re going to marry the mother of the children?"


    "Of course," Micah said firmly. "I''ve already brought her home and have been waiting for you to wake up before preparing for the wedding."

 Chapter 568 Reasoning

    "What nonsense is this?!" Grandpa Clemens frowned angrily. "Your engagement to Amelia has already been announced, and the date for the engagement ceremony has been set." "Just cancel it." Micah shrugged. "It''s not like I set the date anyway!"


    "You..." Grandpa Clemens'' face turned pale. "Have you gone crazy? Can''t you see the situation clearly? The James Group is entering the domestic market, and your rtionship with Nick isn''t good. You''re facing external and internal threats. If the Lingston s and the rks turn to the James Group, it will be quite unfavorable for us. Don''t you know that?"


    "The rk family has already allied with the James family," Micah said casually.


    "What? Is it already confirmed?" Grandpa Clemens was shocked.


    "It''s confirmed." Micah nodded. "Ronan is against me, and he''s about to marry Arianna. The rk family naturally chose to join the James family''s side. The two families have allied and are preparing to take over the Antic coastline." "In that case, you can''t dissolve your marriage with Amelia." Grandpa Clemens frowned. "Otherwise "


    "I''ve already dissolved it," Micah delivered another major blow to Grandpa Clemens.


    "Micah..." Ss couldn''t stop Micah. He had hoped Micah would wait a bit longer before divulging the matter. After all, Grandpa Clemens had just awakened. Yet, Micah had already spilled the beans.


    "What did you say?" Grandpa Clemens widened his eyes in astonishment.


    "I dissolved it this morning," Micah said calmly. "I won''t go into the details with you so as not to upset you..."


    "You, you are an unfilial child!"


    Grandpa Clemens went mad, picked up the nearby water ss, and threw it at Micah.


    Micah swiftly dodged, and the ss smashed on the ground.


    Outside, the attendants were startled by the noise.


    Rn and Andrew exchanged a nce, both looking serious.


    "You just praised me for being capable, and now you''re cursing me for being unfilial," Micah grumbled, displeased.


    "You, you intentionally want to drive me crazy?!" Grandpa Clemens snarled.


    Grandpa Clemens paled with anger, clutching his chest, which rose and fell rapidly as he struggled to breathe.


    "Sir, calm down, calm down," Ss hurriedlyforted him, patting his chest. "You just woke up, and you cannot be stimted again.


    "Quick, give him some oxygen!"


    The medical staff immediately gave Grandpa Clemens oxygen.


    Soon, he calmed down, his face gradually returning to normal, though his brows remained furrowed.


    Ss feared Micah''s words might provoke Grandpa Clemens further, so he gently suggested, "Micah, perhaps it''s best to take the children home for now. Let''s wait until your grandfather''s condition stabilizes before returning." "Oh, alright." Micah looked at Grandpa Clemens. "Grandfather, should I leave then?"


    "Where are you going? Stand facing the wall as punishment," Grandpa Clemens barked.


    Micah didn''t resist and obediently stood facing the wall like a child being punished.


    Micah knew his grandfather''s personality well. If things weren''t exined clearly, he would never let Micah leave.


    After a while, Grandpa Clemens calmed down and pointed at Micah, angrily demanding, "Turn around and face me!"


    Micah obediently turned around and calmly looked at him.


    "Tell me honestly, what do you want?" Grandpa Clemens asked with his hand on his chest. "You have received devilish training since you were six years old, never cking for more than 20 years. Why are you disregarding the overall situation now? What are you thinking?"


    "I can''t marry a woman I don''t love, especially when this woman has ulterior motives. Amelia has a violent temper. Marrying her would jeopardize my career aspirations, hindering future growth. In fact, isn''t avoiding suchplications a long- term benefit?"


    Micah tried to reason with his grandfather.

 Chapter 569 Blood Pressure Spikes.

    "I didn''t say you have to spend your whole life with Amelia..." Grandpa Clemens saidboriously with anger, "Marry her, get through this period first, and then get a divorce when your career stabilizes. Isn''t that simple?" "Marriage isn''t child''s y; it can''t serve as a stepping stone to a stable career while harming everyone involved." Micah''s expression darkened instantly, his demeanor turning serious. "Your arrangement turned my parents'' lives into a tragedy. Haven''t you learned anything from that?"


    "You..." Grandpa Clemens grew enraged, his face turning ashen, yet not a word escaped his lips.


    At this moment, Ss cautiously advised, "Sir, children have their own lives. We can''t control matters of marriage. Just let Mr. Clemens go."


    "Ss, what do you know?" Grandpa Clemens vented his anger on Ss.


    "No, think about it. Miss Amelia did such malicious things behind your back, yet she pretended to be innocent. She deceived you for so long. If Miss Amelia really marries into the family, can she tolerate your three lovely great-grandchildren? If she continues to deceive you and Micah to harm those three children, the consequences would be unimaginable..."


    Ss didn''t finish his sentence, but what he said had already had an effect.


    Indeed, Grandpa Clemens'' face immediately became grave, and he lowered his head in deep thought.


    Compared to the Lingston family, of course, his three little great-grandchildren were more important!


    After a long silence, Grandpa Clemens finallypromised, "Alright, since we can''t change the oue, I don''t want to say anything more."


    "Thank you, Grandpa..." Micah finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Marrying the mother of those three children is also good. Although she is amoner, being able to raise such adorable children shows her character is not bad," analyzed Grandpa Clemens. "She''s better than Sadie!"


    "Uh..." At this moment, Ss''plexion froze.


    "Actually, Sadie is "


    "Micah !" Ss hastily interrupted Micah and signaled to him with his eyes. "The kids are still waiting outside for you. Why don''t you head back first and wait for your grandfather in a few days-"


    "What are you doing?" Grandpa Clemens pushed Ss. "I''m talking to my grandson. Why are you sticking your nose in?"


    "Sir, your health, it can''t handle any more stimtion." Ss panicked. "Your blood pressure will go up again..."


    "Ss, are you out of your mind? What kind of stimtion are you talking about? Is there something wrong with the children''s mother?" Grandpa Clemens blurted out, then paused as if a realization dawned on him. "Wait, the children have the surname Roth, and Sadie is also a Roth. Could it be..."


    Grandpa Clemens looked up at Micah, bewildered.


    "You guessed it right!" Micah smiled and nodded.


    Ss covered his forehead, looking utterly hopeless. He felt that God sent Micah to punish his grandfather like a devil.


    Grandpa Clemens waspletely stunned this time, taking a long while to recover. Recollections flooded in of his visits to the house to see the children. Each time, the children''s mother would evade him. Even if they crossed paths at the neighborhood entrance, he''d only catch sight of the children, never their mother.


    Ss had reminded him at the time that something was suspicious, but Grandpa Clemens liked those three children too much, so he didn''t question it... Grandpa Clemens couldn''t believe it and confirmed again, "Are you saying that the mother of those three children is... Sadie Roth?"


    "It''s Sadie," Ss almost said word for word, making sure not to make a mistake again.


    "That''s right. It''s her." Micah nodded again. "She got pregnant with my children four years ago, but I only recently found out..."


    Grandpa Clemens'' hand started shaking, and he copsed on the bed, his blood pressure soaring instantly.


    "Sir, calm down. Please stay calm, doctor. Doctor... "Ss hurried to call the doctor.

 Chapter 570 My Little Ancestor

    Micah saw his grandfather''s blood pressure skyrocket and was also scared. He quickly called for a doctor, who immediately examined and treated Grandpa Clemens and reminded Micah, "Mr. Clemens, please go outside first." "I haven''t finished talking yet..."


    "You''re still going to talk?" Ss stomped his foot in anxiety. "Do you really want to make your grandfather angry to death?!"


    Ss hurriedly pushed Micah out. "Leave quickly. Mr. Clemens!"


    Mia, with her short legs, swayed back and forth as she ran over holding an ice cream. "Daddy, want some ice cream?"


    She stopped in her tracks when she saw Ss pushing Micah out of the ward, and she looked at them in astonishment.


    "Daddy, what happened to Great-grandpa?" Noah also came out of the lounge and noticed that something seemed off with the situation.


    "Grandpa wanted to eat ice cream, but when I didn''t give it to him, he got angry." Micah took the ice cream from Mia''s hand, gently kissed her chubby face, and said, "Thank you, Mia!"


    "Why didn''t you give Great-grandpa ice cream?" Mia tilted her head innocently and asked.


    "Because he is sick and can''t eat ice cream." Micah patted her little head and picked her up.


    "Let''s go home!"


    "Yeah, let''s go home!" Mia pped her chubby hands and cheered happily.


    "Why is Great-grandpa acting like a child? Getting angry just because he can''t have ice cream?" Nathan walked and enjoyed his ice cream with a satisfied expression on his face.


    "Old child, old child, when people get old, they be children again." Noah tilted his head and said seriously, "So from now on, we should always save some snacks for Great-grandpa, okay?" "Yeah, I understand..."


    Seeing Micah leave with the three children, Ss finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurried back to the ward to take care of Grandpa Clemens. Fortunately, the doctors were there, and Grandpa Clemens''s blood pressure only suddenly rose. It quickly stabilized and was not a serious problem.


    Micah, aware of this, dared to speak out, shocking his grandfather and leaving him unable to react, ultimately forcing him topromise.


    Ss sighed deeply in his heart, grateful that he didn''t have grandchildren. Otherwise, he would have been angered to death.


    After a while, Grandpa Clemens'' condition stabilized once more. However, he couldn''t be moved to a standard ward today he needed further observation for at least another day. The doctors were on standby in the next room at all times.


    Ss used a warm towel to wipe Grandpa Clemens'' sweat and gentlyforted, "Don''t be angry. The children have their own lives."


    "Ss, you''ve known all along, haven''t you? You kept it from me?" Grandpa Clemens red at him.


    "I found out when you were unconscious. I tried to tell you, but you couldn''t hear me..." Ss felt a bit wronged.


    "What exactly happened? Tell me." Grandpa Clemens urgently wanted to know the details.


    "After you fell ill, you kept worrying about those three children, so I brought them over to see you. That''s when I found out that their mother had been kidnapped, and the children begged me to save her. I immediately sent someone to investigate, and that''s when I discovered that Micah had already made a move.


    "I was puzzled, but Micah told me to temporarily bring the children to your ce, saying it would be dangerous for them to go home. I thought about it and agreed. Although everything was provided for them, they couldn''t see their mother and cried every day.


    "Noah asked to meet Micah, and I was puzzled, but I still arranged a meeting and took Noah to see Micah. On the way back, Noah started suffering from unbearable stomach pain and broke out in a rash all over his body.


    "I hurriedly had the driver rush to the hospital while calling Micah to ask what Noah had drunk at his ce. Micah said he had had a ss of grape juice with kiwi..."


    Ss paused here. "It was because of this ss of juice that Micah became concerned. He found an excuse to send me away and secretly had Dahlia test his and Noah''s DNA..."

 Chapter 571 Did you do it on purpose?

    Ss finished recounting the entire incident and sighed. "If you think about it carefully, Miss Roth has raised the kids exceptionally well and is highly regarded by Micah. It indicates that her character isn''t an issue. In addition, she has consistently kept the children''s true parentage hidden and discouraged them from acknowledging their rtives. She likely isn''t someone driven by vanity." "Why are you speaking up for her?" Grandpa Clemens red at Ss, displeased.


    "No, I''m just stating a fact." Ss smiled. "From childhood to adulthood, Micah has always been cold and indifferent. When have you seen him so obsessed and devoted to someone?" "That''s true." Grandpa Clemens nodded.


    "Mainly because the three children are so adorable." Ss persuaded, "And they have a deep bond with their mother. If you send their mother away as you said, the children will probably hate you." Upon hearing these words, Grandpa Clemens fell silent.


    Micah returned home with the three children to find Brenda had already prepared a sumptuous dinner.


    Sadie, d infortable home attire, sat on the sofa, holding a magazine, lost in thought.


    Hearing the sound of a car outside, the housekeepers hurried out to greet them.


    Brenda reminded, "Miss, they''re back."


    Sadie put down the magazine and got up to follow Brenda out.


    "Brenda, Mommy..."


    The children got out of the car and happily rushed into Sadie''s arms.


    Sadie squatted down, opened her arms, and weed the children.


    When their chubby little faces pressed against Sadie''s neck and the sweet scent of milk lingered in the air, Sadie smiled with happiness once again.


    The children could cure Sadie''s troubles.


    "Be careful! Don''t knock Mommy over," Micah gently reminded.


    "Mommy, Mia missed you so much." Mia''s tender little face rubbed against Sadie''s. "Did you miss Mia?"


    "Yes!" Sadie kissed Mia''s cheek.


    "Mommy, and me too!" Nathan and Noah immediately pressed their faces together.


    Sadie kissed them both on their faces.


    "And me too, and me too!" Coco also brought its furry little head over.


    Sadie kissed it, too, and then stood up. Micah was about to approach, but Sadie took the children straight into the house without paying any attention to Micah at all. Micah stood still, bewildered. ''What is going on?''


    "Dinner is ready. I made Caesar sd, French onion soup, slow-cooked ribs, Florentine-style roasted chicken, strawberry cake, French dessert tter..." Brenda greeted the children at the table while introducing the dinner menu. Brenda also smiled at Micah and said, "Of course, there''s a French feast that Mr. Clemens loves, and oh, Miss, your wine is awake!"


    "Thank you."


    Micah thanked Brenda before turning his attention to Sadie. However, she didn''t acknowledge him, engrossed in conversation with the children, asking about their day.


    Micah was puzzled. Was Sadie doing this on purpose or unintentionally?


    "Daddy, can we start eating?" Mia''s naive voice came.


    Micah snapped back to his thoughts, nodded, and said, "Yeah, let''s eat!"


    "Brenda, eat. Daddy, eat. Mommy, eat!"


    The three children politely greeted their elders and began to eat.


    Sadie bowed her head silently and ate, asionally interacting with the children.


    Micah picked up a piece of fish for her, and Sadie softly said, "Thank you," without even looking at him.


    Finally, Micah could confirm that she was intentionally ignoring him.


    But why?


    Micah needed help understanding...


    After dinner, the children mored to have Mommy and Daddy take them to the garden to y.


    Sadie initially agreed, but as she turned to put on her coat, a wave of pain shot through her arm once more. Hurriedly, she headed to the bathroom...

 Chapter 572 Go away for a while.

    "What''s wrong with you, Mommy?" Nathan stared at Sadie''s back in shock.


    "Maybe she has a stomachache and needs to poop." Mia tilted her little head, very serious. "It''s the same when my stomach hurts." "Daddy, did you and Mommy fight?" Noah looked up at Micah, his little brows tightly furrowed. "Mommy seems a little upset." "We didn''t argue," Micah crouched down to exin. "Maybe Mommy doesn''t feel well. I''ll go check on her, and you guys go y first." "Okay." The children nodded in agreement.


    The housekeeper and three caregivers took the children to the garden while Micah went to the first-floor bathroom and knocked on the door. "Sadie!" Sadie had copsed onto the floor, wracked with excruciating pain. Cold sweat covered her body as she uttered weakly, "What?"


    "Are you okay?" Micah felt that Sadie''s voice didn''t sound right.


    "My stomach feels ufortable..." Sadie struggled to make her voice sound less weak. "You go and apany the children, and I''ll be fine." "Alright."


    Micah had never lived with a woman, so he didn''t understand them. He sensed Sadie''s difort in her stomach, but she was in the bathroom, and he couldn''t keep knocking, so he walked away. Sadie shivered with pain, curling up into a ball.


    The pain ascended gradually from her right arm to her shoulder and was now spreading towards her brain. Additionally, the pain intensified, feeling like a chisel drilling into Sadie''s head, as if trying to extract her brain. Brenda came back from the garden to look for Sadie, but she didn''t see her, so she asked the maids, "Where is Sadie?"


    "Miss Roth is in the bathroom," a maid replied.


    "It''s been so long, and she''s still in there?" Brenda felt that something was wrong and knocked on the door. "Miss, are you still in there? Miss, Miss..."


    There was no response from inside, so Brenda tried turning the doorknob, but the door was locked from the inside.


    Brenda''s face instantly changed, and she hurriedly tried to ram the door.


    At this moment, the door suddenly opened from the inside, and Br enda almost hit the wall.


    Brenda turned her head and noticed Sadie lying on the ground, her face as pale as paper and her body soaked in sweat.


    "Miss!" Brenda was frightened and quickly helped Sadie up.


    Sadie weakly gestured with her hand. "Don''t let anyone hear."


    "What''s wrong with you? Ah?" Brenda''s voice trembled with fear. "I''ll call Dr. Rey..."


    "No!" Sadie immediately stopped her. "Help me to your room first. I just need to rest for a while."


    "Okay." Brenda assisted Sadie in standing up.


    Sadie''s legs went weak, so she leaned on Brenda''s body.


    Brenda supported Sadie as they walked out of the bathroom. Luckily, the other maids were busy and didn''t notice anything.


    Brenda''s room was on the ground floor. Soon, she helped Sadie, and they arrived in the bedroom. Brenda quickly closed the door and poured a cup of lukewarm water for Sadie to drink. Sadie took a sip of water but still couldn''t recover. She weakly copsed on the bed.


    Brenda brought a hot towel to wipe the sweat off Sadie''s forehead and anxiously asked, "What exactly happened? What''s bothering you? Why don''t you go see a doctor?"


    "I''ve been poisoned. Seeing a doctor won''t help," Sadie confided to Brenda. "Dr. Rey conducted a full-body examination for me and couldn''t find anything..."


    "What?!" Brenda widened her eyes in astonishment. "Poisoned? What kind of poison?"


    "I don''t know..." Sadie held Brenda''s hand weakly and said, "Brenda, I need to leave for a while to see if there is any hope for a cure."


    "Okay, okay, I''ll go talk to Mr. Clemens right away."


    "No." Sadie hurriedly stopped her. "Don''t tell Micah."

 Chapter 573 Her Plan

    "Why not?" Brenda was almost in tears. "You have to tell him so Mr. Clemens can arrange the best treatment for you. Besides, you are family and should be open with each other. You can''t keep this from him."


    "The other doctors in the market are academics. Those famous ones might not necessarily be good." Sadie gasped. "I remember my father used to have a friend who was an exceptionally skilled doctor. But he moved away. We could try to find him. Maybe he can help..."


    "Yes, yes, I remember him, Dr. Henry Walton." Brenda nodded repeatedly. "I''ll go inquire right away."


    "Don''t inquire. You''ll expose yourself if you do," Sadie said. "I''ll ask Jonathan to look into it. If there''s any news, he''ll let us know. But I think I should temporarily move out to avoid exposing that I''ve been poisoned." "Why are you keeping it from Mr. Clemens?" Brenda needed help understanding.


    "The toxicity of this poison is extremely severe, and we don''t even know if it can be cured." Sadie smiled bitterly. "In case it can''t be cured... I can quietly leave, sparing the children from the pain of facing my death. Isn''t that better? "When my father had an ident, my world was about to copse. If it weren''t for the children, I wouldn''t have been able to hold on. I don''t want them to experience the same pain again...


    "The children finally have a happy home, a safe harbor, an environment where they can grow freely. I don''t want to see them sad and upset again."


    "Ah..." Brenda sighed deeply.


    "And besides, Micah has his own challenges. Today, he didn''t take me to meet Grandpa Clemens, probably because he didn''t want to upset him. If Micah''s grandfather were to find out that I''m the mother of his grandchildren, he definitely wouldn''t agree to let me in.


    "I''ll leave for a while so we can give each other some space. Micah can take care of things at home, and I can focus on my treatment. If, after some time, I recover and he convinces his grandfather, that would be a wonderful oue..." After saying these words, Sadie was exhausted. "Brenda, I didn''t want to worry you, but I need your help to leave."


    "Silly child, no matter what happens, I will always stand by your side to protect and take care of you," Brenda said, wiping away her tears.


    "Thank you, Brenda..." Sadie''s eyelids felt heavy. "I''ll take a nap and go out when I feel better."


    "Alright, sleep peacefully. I''ll be here watching over you."


    Brenda covered her with a nket, touched her cold forehead, and continued wiping her body with a warm towel.


    Looking at Sadie''s condition, Brenda truly felt heartbroken.


    ...


    "Where''s Mommy?" The children returned home after ying, sweating profusely. They couldn''t spot their mother anywhere. Immediately, they began to search around with their short legs. "Your mother should be in Brenda''s room," a maid said. "Mr. Nathan, Mr. Noah, and Miss Mia, should I go get her?"


    "Yes. "


    "No need," Noah interrupted Mia. With maturity, he said, "Mommy is talking to Brenda about something. Let''s not disturb them and go to ss first."


    "Okay, okay, let''s go to ss." The three children loved going to ss with Micah.


    "You guys go up and wait for me." Micah wanted to check on Sadie.


    "Okay, Daddy."


    The three children climbed the stairs with their short legs.


    The three caregivers followed beside them, afraid they might fall.


    Micah arrived outside Brenda''s room and knocked gently on the door.


    "Who is it?" Brenda asked from inside.


    "It''s me," Micah politely said. "Is Sadie here with you?"


    "Uh, she''s..." Brenda was a little flustered. She hurried over and opened the door slightly. "She has an upset stomach, took some medicine, and is resting."

 Chapter 574 Nosebleed

    "What''s going on?" Micah immediately called Dahlia on his phone. "I''ll ask Dahlia toe over."


    "No need. Sadie has an upset stomach. She took medicine and needs some rest." Brenda nced back at Sadie. "She just fell asleep. When she wakes up, I''ll take her upstairs. You go ahead and take care of things." "Alright."


    Micah turned around and left, but he was still worried, so he called Dahlia toe over and immediately went upstairs to be with the children.


    Sadie slept in Brenda''s room for over an hour before finally waking up. Upon awakening, she appearedpletely fine and back to normal.


    Brenda looked at her in great concern. "Miss, what kind of poison did you encounter? It''s so strange."


    "I don''t know either." Sadie touched her face, feeling a bit cold. Her body was sticky with sweat and very ufortable. "I have to go back and take a shower before they finish ss. Otherwise, Micah will find out."


    "Dr. Rey is here, waiting outside." Brenda said softly, "Mr. Clemens came to look for you earlier, and I told him you had an upset stomach and fell asleep here. I was hoping to send him away, but he ended up calling Dr. Rey, probably because he was worried about you."


    "Okay, I''ll go deal with it." Sadie walked out of the room.


    Dahlia immediately approached her with a medical kit. "Miss Roth, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Sadie said, shaking her head. "Why did Micah call you? I told him it was just a slight stomachache."


    "It''s good that you''re fine." Dahlia breathed a sigh of relief. Sadie''splexion had returned to normal, and everything seemed right again. She reached into the medical kit and withdrew a few doses of stomach medicine. "These are stomach medicine I prepared for you. You can take them when you''re not feeling well."


    "Thank you." Sadie took the medicine. "I''m sorry for making youe all the way here. You''ve worked hard!"


    "It''s alright. I happened to have something at the hospital today, so I went out. Normally, I''m at the clinic in the evenings." Dahlia smiled. "If you''re feeling ufortable, feel free to find me, don''t be polite."


    "Okay, thank you."


    Sadie saw Dahlia off, then turned and went upstairs. She could hear the children''sughtering from the study, and unconsciously, a smile formed on her lips.


    Sadie returned to her room and headed straight for the bathroom. After sweating profusely, her hair was soaked.


    Switching on the shower, Sadie suddenly found herself experiencing a nosebleed.


    She felt scared and quickly covered her nose with her hand, but the nosebleed persisted despite her efforts. Turning off the shower, she hurried to the mirror to inspect her nose for injury, but found no signs of damage or pain. Yet the nosebleed persisted, sparking panic in Sadie''s heart. Could this also be connected to the poisoning?


    At that moment, footsteps suddenly came from outside. Micah was back, and he was walking in that direction...


    Sadie immediately went over and locked the bathroom door.


    Just as she locked it, the doorknob outside started to turn.


    Seeing the door being locked, Micah stopped in his tracks and angrily asked Sadie, "What are you doing?"


    Since they started dating, they never made a habit of locking the door. Regardless of who was in the bathroom, the other could alwayse in, and the door had never been locked before. Today, Sadie unexpectedly locked the door, greatly infuriating Micah!


    "I''m taking a shower," Sadie said anxiously, looking up to try to stop her nosebleed.


    "Why did you lock the door while showering?" Micah growled.


    "I wanted to lock it," Sadie said without time to make an excuse. "Micah, go away ande back after I''m done."


    Micah''s face turned pale with anger, but he still walked away.


    After fussing in the bathroom for a while, Sadie''s nosebleed finally stopped. She cleaned up the bloodstains, hastily fixed herself, and walked out in a bathrobe.

 Chapter 575 A Great Change in Temperament

    "Sadie, what do you want to do?" Micah questioned.


    Today, as soon as he came back, Sadie deliberately ignored him, didn''t look at him, didn''t talk to him, and didn''t go to the garden to y with the kids. When Micah came to find her, Sadie avoided him. Now, Sadie was taking a shower and locked the door again.


    Feeling guilty, Sadie didn''t want to talk to him and sat in front of the vanity to blow dry her hair.


    With anger pent up, Micah turned off the blow dryer and grabbed Sadie''s shoulder, asking, "Is it because I didn''t take you to see my grandfather today that you''re giving me the cold shoulder?" "How am I giving you the cold shoulder?" Sadie said coldly, "It''s your freedom to take me to see your grandfather or not. I have no right to interfere."


    ''I am taking this opportunity to have an argument and then move out to live for a few days.''


    "I didn''t take you today because_"


    "It''s up to you," Sadie interrupted Micah, not wanting tomunicate. "I don''t really want to see your grandfather anyway. Besides, he doesn''t like me, so I''d rather not anger him!"


    "What''s with your attitude?" Her cold demeanor provoked Micah. "I''m trying tomunicate with you nicely, and this is how you act!"


    "Am I not speaking the truth?" Sadie looked up at Micah coldly and said, "I said this morning that I wanted to avenge my father, and you ignored me, too. You deliberately ignored me as well, didn''t you?" "We''re talking about tonight now. Why are you bringing up this morning?"


    Micah furrowed his brow. The saying that women liked to dig up old grievances during arguments seemed to be true.


    "What''s wrong with bringing up this morning''s matter? Can''t I talk about it?" Sadie brazenly stood her ground. "Your matters are matters, but mine aren''t?"


    Micah was speechless. Arguing with a woman proved to be an exercise in frustration. She seemed to continually circle back on herself, spouting tongue twisters devoid of any logic or reason. "I can''t be bothered to talk to you!"


    Micah''s face turned pale with anger, and he turned and walked towards the bathroom.


    "You are such an arrogant dictator," Sadie continued to pick a fight. "Your family is family, but mine isn''t."


    "Sadie, what''s gotten into you again?" Micah''s temper was about to explode.


    If it were before, Micah would probably have lost it a long time ago. Since having children, however, his personality had softened, and he rarely lost his temper. Especially with Sadie, Micah had been incredibly gentle....


    But tonight, Sadie had repeatedly pushed him to his limits, testing Micah''s patience to the extreme. "Why do you defend your aunt when she has done such outrageous things?" Sadie angrily questioned. "Where do you see me defending her?" Micah''s tone had started to turn cold.


    "If you didn''t defend her, why not go to the police and report her? Let thew punish her?!" Sadie relentlessly interrogated. "She killed my father, and she is a murderer!"


    "Can you use your brain a little?" Micah pointed a finger at Sadie''s head. "This is businesspetition, so all actions are on the legal borderline. Thew can''t do anything to her. What would you achieve by going to the police?" "Fine!" Sadie nodded in agitation "Since we can''t legally punish her, use your business methods! You are the father of our children and my future husband, so you should help me seek revenge and avenge our children''s grandfather!" This time, Micah didn''t retort in annoyance like before. Instead, he fell silent for a moment and tried to exin rationally.


    "Firstly, even though she maliciously acquired and suppressed your father''spany, she didn''t physically harm your father. His death was indeed a suicide. Seeking revenge would be a stretch.


    "Secondly, she is my aunt, my grandfather''s biological daughter. Even though we, the Clemens family, fight tooth and nail in the business field, we can''t possibly have real murderous intentions toward family.


    "Thirdly, you''re right. As your future husband and the father of our children, I should indeed seek justice for the Roth family..."


    Pausing, Micah said, "Let me think about how I should handle this."

 Chapter 576 No One Can Be Shaken

    After saying that, Micah turned and went to the bathroom...


    Sadie watched his back,pletely stunned.


    ''Did I just mishear? Is this still Micah?!''


    Micah was actually exining,municating, and reflecting.


    He even said that as her future husband and the children''s father, he should indeed seek justice for the Roth family. He also said he would think about how to handle this...


    These words didn''t sound like something Micah would say.


    ''What happened to Micah? Why did he be so good?''


    Good enough that Sadie didn''t want to leave...


    Sadie couldn''t help but feel a pang in her nose, and her eyes turned red. Looking at herself in the mirror, she seemed no different from before, but the toxins in her blood could re up at any moment...


    Sadie couldn''t stay by Micah''s side like a ticking bomb.


    Although she had just calmed down with those words, she knew all too well the courage it took for Micah to confront his aunt and the potential consequences it could bring.


    If her illness proved incurable and she were to die deside Micah in the future, it would devastate the children, and Micah would likely seek revenge on her behalf.


    At that time, both Micah and his aunt would lose.


    Not only would Micah suffer great losses in terms of interests, status, and security, but the children would likely be affected as well.


    Now that they could live peaceful and happy lives, Sadie didn''t want to make the children suffer anymore.


    Thinking of this, Sadie took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and continued blow-drying her hair.


    Sadie repeatedly reminded herself that when Micah emerged, she needed to broach the subject of moving out. No matter the excuse, she had to take a temporary leave. Firstly, she would seek out the mysterious doctor to see if he could cure her poison. Then, she would devise the next n.


    Lost in her thoughts, Sadie was interrupted by Micah emerging from the bathroom. He wore only a towel around his waist, his sexy and wild upper body exposed as he approached Sadie, drying his hair. "Micah, I¡ª"


    "Call me husband!" Micah interrupted her directly,manding in an authoritative tone.


    Sadie choked for a moment, mustering up her courage once again, and said, "I need to talk to you about something."


    "Say it!" Micah walked to the counter and poured a ss of iced wine.


    "I think..." Sadie bit her lip and said softly, "We''ve been having some conflictstely, and everyone''s unhappy. Moreover, your grandfather has already woken up. If he finds out I''m staying here, he might get angry. He''s just recovered from a serious illness and shouldn''t be stimted. So, maybe I should-"


    "My grandfather already knows," Micah interrupted her, announcing calmly.


    "What? What?" Sadie froze and hurriedly asked, "What does he know?"


    Micah took a sip of wine and said calmly, "Today, he already epted the children and was on the verge of crying."


    "So, does he know who the children''s mother is?" Sadie asked nervously.


    "He knows." Micah nodded. "I told him."


    Sadie quickly walked over. "Isn''t he very angry? Your grandfather has just woken up. Why are you in such a hurry? Can his body handle it?"


    "He can''t handle it. His blood pressure has skyrocketed." Micah shook the wine ss.


    Sadie was taken aback. She raised her hand to cover her forehead. "Oh my God, it''s over!"


    "Don''t worry." Micah said calmly, "I know my grandfather well. He has experienced everything in his life. So he won''t fall because of this small matter. It''s just a little shock, and he will be fine soon!"


    "But, will he strongly oppose it?" Sadie was very worried. "Will he hate the children as well?"


    "No, he still loves the children." Micah reached out and hooked Sadie''s back of the head, pulling her closer. "Don''t worry, with me here, no one can shake your position as Mrs. Clemens!"

 Chapter 577 Intense Love

    Sadie was deeply moved but still had many concerns: "However, your engagement with Amelia has already been announced, and your engagement party is ready-" "We have called it off," Micah interrupted her.


    Sadie was very surprised. "When did this happen?"


    "This morning."


    Micah casually said a few words as if this matter was not worth mentioning at all.


    "Is it true or false?" Sadie could hardly believe it. "How did you break up? Did Amelia ept it? With her character, she probably won''t give in so easily, right?"


    Micah nced at Sadie. "With my character, even if she doesn''t give in, she will have to."


    "Well, that''s true." Sadie knew that if Micah really wanted to do something, no one could stop him.


    "Don''t waste time..." Micah gently kissed Sadie''s forehead and cheeks with his slightly intoxicated lips. "From now on, no more tantrums, no more cold wars. Do you hear me?"


    "But I-"


    Micah used his index finger to gently touch Sadie''s lips, ambiguously nibbling on her earlobe. "I want to have intimate intensity with you."


    "Don''t tease me


    Before Sadie could react, Micah sealed her lips. The hot kiss, which carried a hint of drunkenness, swept Sadie away.


    Sadie pushed Micah''s shoulders with both hands, trying to resist his intimacy, but the more she did so, the more domineering Micah became. Micah held Sadie''s waist tightly, almost trying to merge her into himself. Sadie quickly sumbed to Micah''s passionate love, and her body became weak like a pool of water, no longer resisting him but actively cooperating...


    In body and heart, Sadie couldn''t resist the love of Micah.


    The changes andpromises that Micah made for her touched her deeply...


    The room was filled with desire, with the temperature rising...


    Micahy on top of Sadie, pressing her down, indulging in their entanglement.


    Sadie''s body was as soft as a snake, tightly wrapping around Micah, allowing him to take what he wanted.


    As time passed, deep into the night, Micah finally stopped, holding Sadie tightly when they fell into a deep sleep.


    Sadie turned her head to nce at Micah. In the dimness, she could make out the handsome contours of his face. His gentle breathing mingled with the steady throb of his heartbeat, infusing the stillness of the night with a sense of life and vitality.


    Sadie reached out and tenderly brushed her fingers along Micah''s forehead, tracing a perfect line downward. Unable to resist, she leaned in and softly kissed his lips.


    In her heart, Sadie yearned for a life free from illness. She envisioned facing public opinion and challenges alongside Micah, embracing marriage together...


    Sadie would grow old with Micah, raising their three children together.


    They would surely be happy.


    Unfortunately, life didn''t have any "what ifs."


    Sadie closed her eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek. She reassured herself in her heart, saying that it was okay. She may need to experience a few more hardships before finding Dr. Henry, getting cured, and returning to reunite with her family. ''It will happen!''


    With hope and longing, Sadie drifted off to sleep...


    However, just as Sadie was about to fall asleep, she suddenly felt a warm stream flowing out of her nose. She hurriedly covered her nose, got out of bed, and rushed to the bathroom... "What''s wrong?"


    Micah was startled awake, feeling a liquid at the edge of the bed. He quickly turned on the lights to check, and there was blood on the bed.


    He was shocked and rushed over, only to find that the bathroom door was locked. He impatiently shouted, "Sadie, open the door!"

 Chapter 578 Having triplets again.

    "I''m fine..."


    Sadie tried toe up with an excuse, but Micah kicked the door open and walked in like an angry lion.


    "Why are you..."


    "I''m just checking."


    Micah pulled Sadie''s hand away and saw her nosebleed. He first froze for a moment and then breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought something was wrong. I felt scared. Maybe it''s because we''ve been making love too many times, and your immune system has weakened?"


    "Um..." Sadie paused for a moment, angrily hitting Micah''s chest. "It''s all your fault, doing it every day, several times a day, and making me..."


    Sadie bit her lip, too embarrassed to speak.


    "Alright, alright. I''ll control myself in the future," Micah said, wiping Sadie''s nosebleed. "You said you had a nosebleed. Why did you lock the door? I thought you had some incurable disease."


    Sadie''s heart trembled, and she hurriedly said, "No, I was just scared."


    "Fool, if you have something to say, just tell me." Micah fixed her hair. "Come, lower your head, and I''ll ssh some cold water on your neck."


    Sadie obediently did what she was told.


    "When I was a kid and practiced fighting skills, I often had nosebleeds. My grandfather used this method on me, and it works."


    Soon, the nosebleed stopped.


    Micah proudly raised his eyebrows at Sadie. "See, my method worked, right?"


    "Yes, it was." Sadie replied.


    Sadie stood before the mirror, diligently scrubbing away the bloodstains that adorned her body. In the reflection, she glimpsed Micah gently twisting her hair, his touch tender as he wiped the blood and water from her neck. A surge of emotion overtook Sadie, and she whispered softly, "Micah!"


    "Yeah?" Micah looked at her in the mirror.


    "I love you!"


    The words emerged from Sadie''s heart, her voice choking and trembling as she spoke. She feared that if she didn''t express them now, she might never get the chance. Micah was stunned, staring at her in a daze.


    After a while, Micah finally reacted, excitedly asking, "What did you say? Say it again?"


    "It''s nothing." Sadie pouted, pretending to be aloof, "If you didn''t hear, forget it."


    "Say it again," Micah said, turning her around to face him. "Quick, I want to hear!"


    "I won''t say it!" Sadie raised her eyebrows, looking proud. "I only say once. It''s your fault for not listening carefully."


    "Sadie..." Micah became anxious, shaking her shoulders. "Say it again!"


    "I won''t say it, I won''t say it!" Sadieughed and shook her head.


    "If you don''t say it, I''ll keep teasing you." Micah wickedly bit Sadie''s shoulder, neck, and corbone and touched her all over.


    "You devil, I''m already having a nosebleed, and you won''t let me go." Sadie shrank her neck to avoid Micah. "Stop messing around, stop messing around."


    In the bathroom, they wrestled and yed, transforming this initially somber evening into a joyful and heartwarming one. Instantly, Sadie forgot her sorrows as her small body danced in Micah''s arms, herughter filling the room like tinkling silver bells.


    At that moment, Sadie was happy!


    "Alright, alright, I won''t tease you anymore."


    Although Micah was a little disappointed, he was still worried about Sadie''s health. He carried Sadie in his arms and walked out of the bathroom.


    "It seems like we really need to be more restrained in the future. Your body is having problems, and you even have a nosebleed. Oh, by the way, it seems like you haven''t had your menstrual cycle for a long time."


    Sadie suddenly realized that it had indeed been a long time since herst menstrual cycle.


    ''Oh no, could it be...


    ''It couldn''t be, it''s impossible. It definitely won''t happen!''


    "Could it be that you''re pregnant?" Micah pressed Sadie down on the bed, pulled up her white silk pajamas, and excitedly examined her abdomen. "If you have triplets again, our home will be lively!"

 Chapter 579 The Agony of Childbirth

    "Don''t be silly. Do you think I''m a pig?"


    Sadie was feeling anxious. Lately, she and Micah hadn''t been careful, neglecting contraception. Now, as she thought about it, her menstrual cycle was ten dayste this month. Could it be that she really got pregnant? It could not happen!


    Sadie was deeply poisoned right now, and if she got pregnant at this time, the baby definitely wouldn''t survive.


    "That would be great. Noah, Nathan, and Mia would be very happy." Micah looked expectant. "My grandfather would be overjoyed too, and he won''t stop me from marrying you anymore!"


    "Does the Clemens family only see people as baby-making machines?" Sadie suddenly got angry and shouted irritably, "You only care about having fun. Do you know how dangerous it is to give birth? How much pain do I have to endure?" Micah froze and frowned. "Why are you suddenly getting angry again?"


    "Getting angry? How can I not get angry?" Sadie''s voice choked. "I nearly bled to death when I gave birth to Noah, Nathan, and Mia. Do you know that?


    "You don''t know anything. When I had the triplets, my belly swelled up like a balloon and was about to burst. I couldn''t eat or sleep well every day, and I would fall when walking. The children were born weighing less than four pounds and almost didn''t make it..."


    Sadie''s tears overflowed as she spoke. "Especially Mia. She had several shocks, and the doctors said they couldn''t save her, but luckily, she survived.


    "Notice how Brenda and I dote on Mia due to her persistent health issues and susceptibility to illness. Mia faced a serious illness at just one year old, and we nearly lost her...


    "Why did I sell the ruby ne that my father left me? It was to treat her illness..."


    "Alright, alright, I understand." Micah felt very guilty as he listened and quicklyforted Sadie, "I''m sorry, I, I overlooked all of this...


    "You''re right. When I saw them, they were already over three years old, healthy, lively, and smart. But I forgot how diligently you raised them all by yourself. I will pay attention in the future. If you don''t want children, I will take precautions..." Micah was somewhat cautious, like a child who had made a mistake.


    Seeing Micah''s appearance, Sadie softened and reached out to hug him. "I''m sorry. I''ve been emotionally unstabletely and always take it out on you."


    "I understand." Micah caressed her hair. "But you can be quite intimidating, so don''t get angry next time. It''s not good for your health. If something is bothering you, tell me, okay?"


    "Okay." Sadie nodded repeatedly and suddenly mentioned, "I want to stay in the countryside for a few days."


    "What?" Micah frowned. "Why would you want to go back to the countryside when everything is fine?"


    "In a few days, it will be my father''s memorial day. I want to pay my respects to him and visit our former hometown," Sadie made up an excuse. "My father was always worried about my marriage. Since you''ve already decided to marry me, I naturally have to tell him."


    "Alright." Micah was persuaded. "I''ll apany you."


    "No, I''ll go with Brenda." Sadie hurriedly said, "You stay at home with the children. They really like you, and this is an opportunity for you to spend more time with them.


    "Also, while I''m away, you canmunicate better with your grandfather. Take care of those hidden dangers. When you resolve them and your grandfather is discharged from the hospital, I''ll probablye back."


    "He will be discharged in at least another month." Micah furrowed his brow. "You want to leave for a month? That''s not possible."

 Chapter 580 Customized Dresses for Her

    "I won''t be gone that long..." Sadie knew Micah wouldn''t let her leave for a month, so she started coaxing him. "At most, two weeks. We''ll see how it goes."


    "Two weeks is too long." Micah had already gotten used to having Sadie by his side.


    "We''ll see when the timees. I''lle back as soon as possible," Sadie coaxed Micah. "The children are waiting for me at home. How can I stay away from them for too long?" Micah thought about it. Even if Sadie was willing to leave him, she couldn''t bear to be away from the children.


    "I''ll have Andrew arrange it tomorrow." Micah covered Sadie with a nket. "It''s time to sleep now."


    "Mm..." Sadie nestled into Micah''s embrace like a gentle little cat.


    Micah gently stroked Sadie''s hair, gently kissed her forehead, and held her as they fell asleep.


    ...


    Sadie had a restless night, tossing and turning several times, resulting in poor sleep. Upon waking, she found that Micah had already departed.


    After stretching, she rose from bed and made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. As she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she appeared unchanged.


    The events of the previous night felt surreal, akin to a dream...


    She scrutinized her body carefully but found nothing unusual except for her dyed menstrual cycle. This realization left Sadie feeling a tad uneasy, yet she considered the possibility that the dy might be attributed to the toxins... Just as she was thinking about it, Brenda knocked on the door, and a voice said, "Miss, are you awake?"


    "Yes," Sadie responded. "Come in, Brenda."


    Brenda walked in with breakfast and said concernedly, "How are you feeling today? Is your body still in pain?"


    "It''s not hurting anymore," Sadie replied while applying hand cream and walking out of the bathroom. "It always hurts for a while, and then it stops, and there''s no trace of it. It feels like the pain never happened."


    Brenda looked back towards the door and said softly, "We should still go see Dr. Henry."


    "Yeah, I''ll call Jonathan right now."


    Sadie closed the door and called Jonathan.


    Jonathan was ecstatic and hurriedly reported the good news to Sadie. The other two factories had also hired workers and would soon start operating.


    Sadie expressed her relief and asked Jonathan to help find out more about Dr. Henry.


    As soon as Jonathan heard this, he eagerly asked, "What''s going on? Are you sick?"


    "It''s not me..." Sadie didn''t want him to know. "It''s Brenda. Brenda has been in the hospital for treatment. She hasn''t been getting better, and I''m really worried. I thought of Dr. Henry from before and wanted to ask him for help and see if there are any other solutions."


    "Alright, I''ll go find out right away," Jonathan replied repeatedly.


    "When you inquire, please be discreet and not too conspicuous. I hope you can find out the news as soon as possible," Sadie instructed. "Don''t worry, I know what to do."


    "Thank you!"


    After hanging up, Brenda helped Sadie sit down and said, "Let''s have breakfast first. It''s already past 9:00 a.m. You shouldn''t stay hungry for too long." "Okay." Sadie drank some milk with little appetite. "I talked to Micahst night. Let''s leave early and see another doctor before finding Dr. Henry." "Alright, I''ll pack up."


    As Brenda was about to help Sadie pack her luggage, there was a knock on the door.


    Shortly after, the butler reported, "Miss Roth, your dresses have been delivered."


    "Dress?" Sadie was puzzled as she hadn''t ordered any dresses.


    Brenda approached and opened the door, revealing the butler and two designers, apanied by several assistants bearing specialized wardrobe boxes. "Miss Roth, hello," the designer greeted respectfully. "These are Mr. Clemens'' customized dresses and jewelry for you. Please inspect them."


    Sadie recognized the designer as the top-level one for the Princess Consort, where Micah had previously taken her to meet for selecting clothes.

 Chapter 581 Designing a Wedding Dress

    "Mr. Clemens has customized three dresses for you to wear at the wedding, as well as matched jewelry and shoes!" The designer smiled and said, "May I introduce them to you?" "Of course." Sadie smiled and nodded. "Butler, take them to the dressing room. I''ll be there shortly."


    "Yes, Miss." The butler led the group to Sadie''s dressing room.


    Micah had specifically cleared out the neighboring guest room to create arge dressing room for Sadie,plete with a dedicated fitting room and jewelry room.


    "I thought you were going back to the countryside. Why is Mr. Clemens customizing dresses for you?" Brenda asked, puzzled.


    "I don''t know either..." Sadie frowned. "They said it''s for me to wear at the wedding, but I didn''t say I''m attending a wedding."


    Just as she was thinking, Micah called. "Did the dresses arrive?"


    "Yes," Sadie responded. "Why would you customize dresses out of the blue for me? And the staff mentioned attending a wedding, whose wedding?" "Ronan and Arianna''s," Micah answered.


    "What?" Sadie was very surprised. "When did I say I''m attending their wedding?"


    "Just consider it as apanying me," Micah gently coaxed her.


    "You''re going?" Sadie was even more shocked. "Mr. Clemens, who always looks down on others, is actually going to attend your arch-rivals'' wedding?"


    "They are not worthy to be my arch-rivals." Micah said disdainfully. "However, my arch-rivals will indeed be there at this wedding, so that''s why I have to go."


    "What?" Sadie became more and more curious. "You really have arch-rivals? Who are they?"


    "I''ll tell you when Ie back tonight." The phone was filled with greetings from the shareholders. "After tomorrow''s wedding, you can go back to your hometown for your father''s memorial." "Okay." Sadie could only agree. "You''re busy first, and we''ll talk about it when youe back tonight."


    "Alright."


    After hanging up, Sadie said to Brenda, "Don''t pack up my luggage yet. I have to apany Micah to the wedding tomorrow before leaving."


    "Who''s getting married?" Brenda asked curiously.


    "Ronan and Arianna." Sadie frowned. Their wedding date has been moved up again. They really can''t wait."


    "Mr. Potter used to be pretty good. Why has he be like this?" Brenda sighed deeply.


    "Life is full of changes." Sadie smiled helplessly. "I''ll go try on the clothes, and you can rest."


    "Okay."


    Sadie stepped into the dressing room, where the designers had already hung the dresses for her.


    She tried on three stunning dresses before settling on one: a white, slim-fitted mermaid gown. She paired it with a pearl ne and earrings, creating a look that exuded purity, nobility, simplicity, and elegance.


    The designers and assistants praised Sadie continuously, while the butler and a few maids were also astonished.


    Sadie smiled and thanked the designers, who were preparing to change clothes and leave.


    At this moment, the designers took out a tablet and asked Sadie to choose a wedding dress. They smiled and said, "Mr. Clemens asked us to remind you that he wants our boss to design your dress personally. Our boss will fly from Italy next week to discuss the details with you.


    "Today, you can pick casually. Our boss wants to see your preferences. Our boss also designs the clothes for your children, so we need to take their measurements before we can leave."


    Hearing this, Sadie was stunned. Had Micah already asked someone to design their wedding dress? And was also nning to design clothes for the children? Was this the start of preparing for the wedding?


    "Early this morning, I overheard Mr. Clemens instructing someone to reach out to a renowned jewelry store in Ennd. He mentioned his intention to design jewelry, including an engagement ring, for you, Miss Roth," the butler said with a smile. "It seems our family will soon celebrate a joyous asion."


    "That''s great!" the maids pped happily.


    Sadie raised the corner of her lips but couldn''t force a smile...

 Chapter 582 The Little Flower Child

    The designers waited for the children toe back from school and took their measurements. The children were all very curious.


    Mia stood on the fitting stage, extending her chubby little arms, letting the designers measure her size. She curiously asked, "Miss, why do we need to measure our size? We already have a lot of new clothes." The designers smiled and said, "Because your Mommy and Daddy are getting married, and you are both the hosts and the flower children, so we need to customize new clothes for you." "Mommy and Daddy are getting married? Really?" Noah was very excited, and his handsome little face lit up with a bright smile. "When are they getting married? Why didn''t they tell us?" "It should be soon. Today, we are already customizing a wedding dress for your Mommy..."


    "Yay, that''s great!" Nathan was so happy that he almost jumped up.


    "Noah, Nathan, what is getting married?" Mia tilted her little head and looked at her two brothers seriously. Mia was still young and didn''t quite understand the meaning of getting married. "Getting married means bing a legally married couple, and we will always be together, never separating," Noah exined solemnly.


    "That''s great!" Mia apuded happily. "So our family will always be together, never separating."


    "That''s right." Noah nodded heavily.


    "Yeah, happy!"


    The three children cheered excitedly, and the designers and service staffs were happy for them.


    Sadie happened to pass by the door and saw the happy look on the children''s faces. Sadie''s mood wasplicated and hard to express. She should also be satisfied, but... "How lively!" A familiar voice echoed.


    Sadie turned around and saw Micah walking from the spiral staircase, unbuttoning his suit jacket.


    "Why are you back so early today?" Sadie was somewhat surprised. "It''s not even 5:00 p.m. yet."


    "I came back to pick you up," Micah said, looking at his watch. "Go change clothes, and I''ll take you out for dinner."


    "Now?" Sadie was stunned.


    "Yeah, is half an hour enough?" Micah rubbed Sadie''s hair.


    "It''s enough!" Sadie kissed him on tiptoe, then happily ran back to her room to change clothes.


    Micah watched Sadie''s cute figure, and a teasing smile appeared on his lips. "Daddy''s back!"


    "Daddy!"


    The children noticed Micah outside the door and all rushed over.


    Micah squatted down, opened his arms, and held the three children in his embrace. He kissed their foreheads and asked, "How are things? Have you all taken your measurements?" "We have," the three children answered in unison.


    "Daddy, I heard that you and Mommy are getting married?" Noah eagerly wanted to confirm, his clear and bright eyes shining brightly.


    "Yes." Micah smiled and nodded.


    "That''s great! Yeah!" The three children cheered excitedly.


    "I want to be a flower girl, and I want to wear a pretty little wedding dress..." Mia raised her chubby hand and excitedly said, "I want to stand in the middle!"


    "I''m your older brother; I should be in the middle," Nathan worried, fearing his position might not be secure. Quickly, he added, "Mia, you should stand at the back."


    "No, no." Mia stomped her foot anxiously, her little face turning red. "I''m a girl, and I want to stand between you two. That''s prettier!"


    "Mia-"


    "Nathan," Noah said, immediately stretching out his hand in a stopping gesture. "When the timees, the three of us will walk side by side, with no specific order. Let Mia stand in the middle!" "Walk side by side?" Nathan thought for a moment and nodded generously. "Okay then, Mia, you can stand in the middle."


    "Thank you, Nathan." Mia immediately smiled, her chubby face blossoming like a flower. "Then I want to hold the ring."


    "No, I should take the ring," Nathan argued with Mia again. "We let you stand in the middle. How can..."


    "I want to take the ring..." Mia''s face turned red with urgency, tears almost falling.


    "Mia, you will look more beautiful holding the bouquet," Noah immediatelyforted Mia, enthusiastically introducing, "That bouquet is for Mommy, and it will look great in your hands!"

 Chapter 583 Waiting to be a Bride.

    "Yes, yes, girls holding bouquets are so beautiful," Nathan also coaxed Mia. "Like little angels!"


    "Well, then I will take the bouquet." Mia was sessfully persuaded by them. "Who will take the ring?"


    "Of course, it''s me!" Nathan raised his hand immediately.


    "There are two ring boxes. Each of us will take one," Noah said, distributing the boxes fairly. "I will take Mommy''s, and you will take Daddy''s." "Okay, that''s settled then!"


    Micah looked at the three children discussing the details of the wedding scene together and couldn''t help but smile. "Look at how concerned you all are. Alright, quickly go back to your rooms and change clothes. We''re getting ready to leave." "Leave? Daddy, where are we going?" the children immediately asked.


    "We''re going out for dinner tonight." Micah lovingly pinched their cheeks. "Mommy is already changing clothes, so you guys should get ready too."


    "Yeah, that''s great!" the three children cheered, very excited.


    Micah gestured, and the caregivers immediately took the three of them back to their rooms to change clothes.


    Sadie was happily changing clothes in her room when a sudden wave of pain gripped her head once more. She instinctively covered her forehead and hurried into the bathroom, fearful of being found out.


    This time, the pain was apanied by the unsettling symptom of a nosebleed, taking Sadie by surprise.


    Locking the bathroom door behind her, she leaned over the sink and used cold water in an attempt to staunch the flow of blood from her nose.


    Despite her efforts, the nosebleed persisted, and the pain intensified. Before long, she found herself unable to endure any longer and copsed onto the floor.


    Micah returned to the room to change clothes but found Sadie was not there.


    The bathroom door was closed, and the sound of running water filled the air. Initially, he didn''t think much of it and proceeded to change his clothes. However, as time passed, there was still no response from within. Micah felt something was off, walked over, and knocked on the door. "Sadie, are you okay?"


    No response from inside.


    Micah tried to open the door, but it was locked. He felt uneasy and was about to break the door when suddenly a voice came from inside, "My stomach doesn''t feel well. Wait a moment." "Why did you lock the door again?" Micah asked, displeased.


    "I''m using the bathroom," Sadie said in a normal voice. "Go to another restroom."


    "Take your time, no rush."


    Micah turned around and left, feeling that Sadie had been acting a little strange recently, but he couldn''t figure out what the problem was exactly...


    Micah felt somewhat uneasy in his heart, but he didn''t want his sensitive suspicions to affect their rtionship.


    Sadie got up from the ground, tidied herself up, and walked out of the bathroom.


    Micah sat on the couch, poring over documents, when he heard amotion behind him. Turning, he fixed his gaze on her. "Why do you look so pale?"


    "Maybe I didn''t sleep wellst night."


    Sadie touched her face and immediately went to the small cloakroom to change her clothes.


    "What''s been going on with youtely? Are you feeling unwell?" Micah frowned as he watched Sadie''s back.


    "The previous injury hasn''t healedpletely, and the wound sometimes still hurts a bit." Sadie could only make excuses, "And coupled with your activities at night, I can''t sleep well all night, so my body feels ufortable." "Alright." Micah reflected on himself, realizing that his desires had be somewhat intense.


    "Alright, let''s go."


    Sadie wore afortable light blue long dress, casually letting her long hair fall loose. She wore no makeup yet still exuded natural beauty.


    "You look beautiful!" Micah hugged Sadie and gently kissed her hair. "I''ll try to bother you less in the future, and you need to take good care of your health while waiting to be my bride, okay?"


    "Okay." Sadie nestled in Micah''s arms, not saying anything, but she was deeply moved.

 Chapter 584 Mysterious Visitor

    In the evening, the family happily went out, with Coco singing incessantly in the car.


    Recently, Mia had been teaching Micah music lessons every night, with Coco listening on the side. Micah hadn''t learned a single song, but Coco had learned them all. While listening to Coco singing, Mia said to Micah, "Daddy, Daddy, listen, Coco learned the song you taught itst night."


    "Okay." Micah nodded and proposed, "Since Coco enjoys the lessons you give, why not give it music lessons in the future, too!"


    "No, Coco is just listening on the side. Daddy is the official student." Mia refused to be fooled, pouting and saying seriously, "Daddy, you can''t skip ss." Micah looked at Sadie for help.


    Sadie burst outughing. Not only did she not help Micah out, but she also said, "Mia is such a good teacher!"


    "Naughty!" Micah pinched Sadie''s cheek.


    "Thank you, Mommy!"


    Mia smiled brightly and puckered her lips, kissing Sadie.


    "Mommy, I have been studying hard with Daddy, and my foot injury is almost healed." Nathan quickly vied for attention, even propping up his leg to show Sadie. "I can walk on my own now. I don''t even need help climbing stairs anymore." "Nathan, that''s amazing!"


    Sadie noticed that Nathan''s foot injury had healed, and she felt relieved. Now, she didn''t have to worry about the children even if she were to leave.


    "Mommy, is your injury better?" Noah was always mature and considerate. He did not seek credit but instead asked about Sadie''s condition.


    "It''s much better," Sadie said, touching Noah''s little face. "And what about you? How are you doing with Daddy''s lessons?"


    "I''ve learned so much, and Daddy said I can start elementary school next semester." Noah beamed with pride. "The knowledge I''ve gained in kindergarten just isn''t cutting it anymore." "You''re only four years old, and you''re going to the elementary school next semester?" Sadie was very surprised and turned to look at Micah. "Is that okay?"


    "The children''s education is in my hands," Micah said confidently. "I have everything arranged for the three of them."


    "Don''t set the bar too high. Let them enjoy a happy childhood!" Sadie felt a bit uneasy.


    "Education varies from person to person. I know what kind of education suits each child, so don''t worry." Micah nced at his watch. "It''s almost time. What do you need to do?" "Put on your shoes, and put on your coats!"


    The three children immediately put on their shoes, this time even more proficient and orderly than usual.


    Sadie was stunned as she watched. Back when she used to go out with Brenda, the children were always in a rush, surrounded by chaos. But now, with just one reminder from Micah, the children skillfully put on their shoes.


    If it were just Noah, Sadie could understand. After all, he had been responsible and independent from a young age. However, the fact that Nathan and Mia, who had always been pampered, managed to learn independence in such a short period was truly surprising to her.


    "Remember to put on your coats as it''s chilly outside."


    Micah put a coat on Sadie and hugged her as they got out of the car.


    The three children put on their coats and got out of the car by themselves while the bodyguards and caregivers stood outside, afraid they might fall.


    Nathan frowned and eximed, "Daddy only cares about Mommy. He doesn''t care about us."


    Mia imitated the lines from the TV and pouted, saying, "Daddy and Mommy are so in love, we just happened to."


    "I really hope Daddy and Mommy will always be so in love."


    Noah smiled and sighed as he watched their backs.


    The sea breeze swept in, carrying a slight chill with it.


    At the entrance of the seaside restaurant, the manager had been waiting for quite some time.


    Micah entered the restaurant, holding Sadie in his arms. Inside, the air was filled with the sweet melody of piano music mingling with the rhythmic crashing of waves, lending the atmosphere a warm and romantic feel. However, Micah''s attention was drawn to a yacht moored nearby. He gestured, and a bodyguard promptly went to investigate.

 Chapter 585 The Poltergeist

    "What? Have you run into someone you know?"


    Spending a lot of time with Micah, Sadie already understood him very well. With just a nce or a gesture, she could understand what he meant. "I guess so." Micah sat down with Sadie''s arm around him.


    The caregivers helped the children onto the ride, and Coco had its exclusive seat.


    The restaurant manager and servers came to serve them, respectful and enthusiastic.


    As Micah ced an order, Andrew hurried over and whispered in his ear. Micah''s brow furrowed slightly, and he gestured without speaking.


    Andrew promptly organized twelve bodyguards to stand watch outside, while six remained inside to protect the restaurant.


    Sadie felt uneasy. Micah was typically low-key with his family, yet tonight''s situation struck her as exaggerated, despite his usual superb style at work.


    "Daddy, what''s happening?" Noah also sensed something.


    "Nothing." Micah patted Noah''s head and said gently, "There''s a children''s area over there. Take your siblings there to y for a while. We''ll call you when the appetizers arrive."


    "Okay." Noah nodded and said to Nathan and Mia, "Nathan, Mia, let''s go y on the slide over there."


    "Okay."


    The three children slid down from their chairs and ran to the nearby children''s area with their little legs.


    The three caregivers and several bodyguards followed closely, almost never leaving their side, exercising extreme caution..


    "What''s going on?" Sadie asked anxiously.


    "It''s my aunt''s yacht." Micah frowned.


    "What?" Sadie was shocked.


    The three days of her kidnapping constituted the most terrifying ordeal she had ever endured. Even now, the mere thought of it sent chills down her spine.


    And Nick had injected her with something, the poison still lingering in her body, like a time bomb ready to go off at any moment.


    She didn''t expect that it wasn''t enough, and now Nick was haunting them like a ghost...


    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here." Micah tightened his grip on Sadie''s hand.


    "Let''s go back." Sadie had no appetite now. "I don''t want to eat anymore."


    "Don''t worry, I''m here. What are you afraid of?" Micah embraced her shoulder andforted her, "Besides, the kids haven''t even eaten their meals yet. If you suddenly go back now, they''ll be disappointed." Hearing this, Sadiepromised. She turned around and looked through the pristine ss wall, seeing a yacht parked by the seaside, with a red S engraved on the hull-Nick''s symbol!


    The unique symbol of the Clemens family was a golden "S", which Micah used, and a blood-red one, which Nick used.


    Thinking about the poison in her body, Sadie was itching to hate Nick...


    "Don''t overthink it..." Micah touched Sadie''s face. "With me here, no one can hurt you and the children!" "Okay." Sadie absentmindedly nodded.


    At this time, the server brought the appetizers.


    The children immediately washed their hands and came over to eat, but Micah stopped them. Andrew took out professional instruments and checked every piece of food before allowing them to eat. The children were initially excited, but now they felt a little scared due to all themotion. Nathan looked around cautiously and asked, "Daddy, what''s wrong? Is someone trying to poison us?" "No, I''m just checking if there are any bugs inside," Micah said, rubbing his hair. "Okay, you can eat now."


    Although he said so, the children didn''t dare to move...


    Micah sampled a small bite before reaching for their utensils, ready to begin their meal. After all, the children were still young. Despite their earlier fear, they didn''t linger on it for long. The enticing aroma of the food swiftly drew them in, and they dug in eagerly.


    But Sadie had no appetite. She just felt that if Nick''s issue wasn''t resolved, she and Micah would never be able to live peacefully...

 Chapter 586 Full of Hope

    After dinner, the children expressed a desire to take a walk on the beach.


    Micah had initially nned the activity, but he changed his mind when he realized Nick''s yacht was docked near the coast. He worried that Nick''s presence might frighten Sadie and the children, prompting him to bring them home early. The children were initially a little disappointed, but Micah yed games with them in the car, and one by one, they became happy again.


    When they arrived home, it was already 9:00 p.m.


    Micah went to settle the children, and Sadie returned to her room, sitting on the sofa, lost in thought.


    After a while, Micah returned to the room to change clothes. "I''m going out for a while," he said.


    "It''ste, where are you going?" Sadie was a little surprised.


    Ever since he found out about their children, he hardly ever went out alone at night.


    "I''m going to see my grandfather." Micah walked over and kissed Sadie on the forehead. "Rest well, don''t worry."


    Then, Micah hurriedly left...


    Sadie got up listlessly, ready to head to the bathroom. Yet, she noticed Micah had left his coat behind. Hastily, she grabbed the coat and stepped outside. Just as she approached the doorway, she inadvertently caught fragments of Micah''s conversation on the phone.


    "Whether you''re doing it intentionally or not, just don''t appear in my sight and scare my woman and children."


    "Even if you try various tricks, the Clemens family''s inheritance will not fall into your hands."


    "Yes, Grandpa is awake, and he will decide whether to see you or not."


    After hanging up, Micah hurried downstairs, with Rn and Andrew following closely behind. He instructed, "Rn,e with me. Andrew, you will stay at home to protect thedy and the children."


    "Yes."


    ...


    After witnessing this scene, Sadie''s mood was veryplicated. Micah wholeheartedly protected her and the children, but she always thought about escaping from him.


    She mustn''t disappoint Micah. Gathering her spirits, locating Dr. Henry, and purging the poison from her body were imperative. Afterward, she could return, marry Micah, nurture their children, and enjoy a joyous life together. Just as she was thinking, Jonathan called. "Miss, I found Dr. Henry."


    "Really? That''s great." Sadie eximed with joy, "Where is he?"


    "He''s in G city, over 800 kilometers from Newark. I''ve already told him about Brenda''s situation. He said that your father has been kind to him, and Brenda has been taking care of you on behalf of the Roth family. He will do his best to treat Brenda."


    "Okay. Send me the address and contact information. I will set off to find Dr. Henry in the next two days."


    Sadie was excited.


    "Alright." Jonathan immediately sent the address and phone number. "What about the children if you and Brenda go for treatment? Maybe I can apany Brenda."


    "No, no, I''ll make arrangements myself. Don''t worry, that''s it for now. I need to go and share this good news with Brenda."


    "Okay, contact me anytime if you need anything." "Okay, thank you."


    After hanging up, Sadie hurried downstairs to find Brenda and tell her the good news.


    Brenda was overjoyed and said eagerly, "Then let''s set off early tomorrow morning."


    "I have to apany Micah to a wedding tomorrow at noon, so we can set off in the afternoon," Sadie shared eagerly. "I''ll tell him tonight, and tomorrow morning, you pack your things. We''ll leave as soon as I get home." "Okay." Brenda nodded repeatedly, "Should we take a ne to G city? Did you look at the address?"


    "Yes, It''s a bit remote and far from the airport. It''s very inconvenient to transfer, so it would be more convenient to take a train. Give me your ID card, and I''ll book the tickets now."


    "Okay."


    The two of them discussed the itinerary, booked all the train tickets, and were waiting for tomorrow''s departure.


    Thinking that she would soon be able to meet Dr. Henry and receive treatment, Sadie was filled with hope. She just wanted to remove the poison as quickly as possible and go home to marry Micah...

 Chapter 587 An Uneasy Feeling

    Micah didn''t return untilte at night, and Sadie was already asleep.


    Micah took a shower and quietly got into bed, wrapping his arms around Sadie from behind.


    "You''re back?" Sadie woke up groggily, sensing a familiar presence. She turned her head to find Micah, who silenced her with a passionate kiss. Micah always wanted more, as if he wanted to merge Sadie into his body.


    Sadie was used to Micah''s passion. She gently cooperated, her body soft like a pool of spring water, melting in Micah''s embrace.


    Micah''s kisses became more intense, his hands exploring Sadie''s body, his breath bing heavier...


    Just as Micah was about to take it further, he stopped at the critical moment and said, "Wait, we agreed to restrain ourselves." "Can you hold back?" Sadie cupped Micah''s face with both hands.


    "I have to resist even if I can''t..." Micah sighed helplessly. "You''re even bleeding from your nose."


    Saying that Micah was about to roll over...


    "But I want to!" Sadie immediately hugged him. She longed to make passionate love with him before she left.


    Micah was astonished. Sadie rarely took the initiative like this, even speaking up to express her desires. "What did you say?"


    "I said..." Sadie''s sexy lips brushed gently against his cheek, and she murmured provocatively in his ear, "I want you..." Her voice was like a seductive me, carrying fatal temptation...


    "You said it yourself..."


    Micah instantly fell for it, lifting Sadie''s hands above her head and kissing her dominantly and fiercely.


    That night, Sadie was as passionate as fire, making Micah unable to get enough of her.


    ...


    In the middle of the night, the two cuddled and fell asleep.


    Micah gently stroked Sadie''s long hair, soothing her to sleep.


    Sadie said in his arms, "After tomorrow afternoon''s wedding, I''m going back to the countryside with Brenda."


    "So soon?" Micah frowned, feeling a hint of unease. "Is there something wrong?"


    "It''s nothing." Sadie nuzzled against his chest. "I just want to finish things up early ande back for the wedding."


    Upon hearing these words, Micah''s worries dissipated. He cradled Sadie''s face and kissed her forehead. "We will be happy!"


    "Yeah." Sadie held him tightly. "Tomorrow, Brenda and I will go to the train station by ourselves. You don''t have to worry. Just send someone to take us back to Blissful Lane 1. I want to go back and get something." "Alright." Micah gently patted her back. "Sleep now."


    Sadie kissed Micah''s lips, nestled into his arms, and drifted into a deep slumber. At that moment, hope filled Sadie''s heart.


    She was certain that once she consulted Dr. Henry, the poison in her body would soon be eliminated, allowing her to marry Micah once more.


    Fueled by this hope, Sadie slept peacefully throughout the night.


    Meanwhile, Micah experienced a nightmare. In his dream, he witnessed Sadie lying in the woods, blood covering her...


    He jolted awake, finding Sadie sleeping peacefully in his arms, yet he couldn''t shake off the unsettling feeling.


    Dreaming was rare for him, and this unease was new. What was going ontely?


    Perhaps sensing his unrest, Sadie instinctively reached out, clutching his waist, her small face nuzzling into his chest as she slept on.


    However, sleep eluded Micah. He remained awake, holding Sadie close, silently watching over her until the dawn arrived.


    When Sadie woke up, she felt someone''s eyes watching her. Groggily, she opened her eyes and asked, "Are you Awake?"


    "Yeah." Micah cradled her face. "I''ll apany you back to the countryside."


    Sadie was taken aback. "Yourpany has so much on its te, and with your grandfather just waking up, and the children at home needing your care, how can you leave so easily?"

 Chapter 588 Saying Goodbye to the Children

    "Then I''ll send someone to go with you. I''ll be worried if you and Brenda go back alone. " Micah''s attitude was firm.


    "What is there to worry about?" Sadie hurriedly said. "Brenda and I will quietly go back. No one will notice. If you send someone with us, it will only attract attention." "Why are you so disobedient..."


    "Alright, alright, I have to get up now. I promised to make breakfast for the children today." Sadie got up and went to the bathroom without looking back. "You already promised me, so don''t go back on your word and change the n." Micah furrowed his brows. In the past, he would have arranged things dominantly without allowing any disagreement.


    But now, Sadie and the children had worn him down. When facing them, he showed more respect, thoughtfulness, and care.


    As such, he could only make the arrangements secretly.


    ...


    During breakfast, Sadie informed the children that she had some matters to attend to with Brenda in the countryside and would be away for a while. She told them to listen to their father well.


    Upon hearing this, Noah quickly asked, "Mommy, how long will you be gone?"


    "Maybe ten days or two weeks, or I mighte back earlier. It depends on when we finish our business." Sadie gently rubbed his little head.


    "Mommy, you have toe back soon. Mia will miss you," Mia tilted her little head and said cutely.


    "Don''t worry. Mommy will be back after I finish the errands," Sadie said, kissing Mia''s little face.


    "Mommy, are you going to visit Brenda''s family?" Nathan was peeling the eggshell, with a white mustache around his mouth from drinking milk, looking very cute.


    "Mommy is going to pay respects to Grandpa Edmond first and then meet one of Grandpa''s old friends..." Sadie passed a pancake to Nathan. "Anyway, Mommy will be back soon, so you all behave at home, okay?" "Got it, Mommy!" the three children replied in unison.


    "Mommy, when are you leaving? Will we be able to see you when wee back from school?"


    Noah frowned and looked reluctantly at Sadie. He had a stronger intuition than Nathan and Mia as if he felt that once Mommy left, she would nevere back...


    "Mommy is going to attend a wedding with Daddy at noon, and after that, I will take my luggage and leave. You probably won''t see Mommy when youe back from school." Sadie gently touched Noah''s face. "But it''s okay, Mommy will be back soon."


    "Okay." Noah lowered his head sadly.


    "Noah, don''t be like this. Mommy is only going away for a few days," Sadieforted. "Daddy will be with you at home."


    "Yeah." Noah nodded and said concernedly, "Mommy, be safe, and if anything happens, call Daddy right away."


    "I will." Sadie kissed his forehead. "When Mommy is not here, you need to take care of yourself and your younger siblings, okay?"


    "Okay, I will." Noah nodded firmly.


    "Alright, hurry up and have breakfast. Daddy will take you to school." Micah looked at his watch and urged, "We only have ten minutes left."


    "Wow, then we need to hurry!" The three children immediately quickened their pace to finish breakfast, put on their shoes, and grab their backpacks.


    Micah carried the children, and Sadie hugged them goodbye.


    The children repeatedly reminded her toe back early.


    Sadie smiled and nodded, promising with her mouth full.


    Micah kissed Sadie''s forehead and then took the children to the car.


    Sadie watched them leave, a twinge of sadness tugging at her heart. Since their birth, the triplets had never been away from her for more than three days. This time, she estimated she would be separated from them for at least half a month. The mere thought made Sadie feel reluctant.

 Chapter 589 Standing by You Unconditionally

    "Miss, don''t be sad. Temporary separation is for a long-awaited reunion," Brendaforted meaningfully.


    "Yes," Sadie took a deep breath, determined to get rid of the poison and return to her family as soon as possible.


    "I''ll pack your luggage." Brenda nced at the time. "What time are you leaving at noon? What time will you be back?"


    "Micah wille to pick me up at 11:00 a.m. He estimates that we will be back around 1:00 p.m. We have to go to Blissful Lane 1 to pick up our documents. The ticket I booked is for a little after 4:00 p.m., so we have plenty of time. "Alright, you should go and pack up quickly. I just heard from the butler that the makeup artists and stylists will be here at 9:00 a.m."


    "Okay," Brenda replied.


    The makeup artists and stylists came ten minutes early and did Sadie''s styling. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn''t help but worry, "Will this overshadow the bride?"


    "Miss Roth, the clothes and jewelry you picked are quite low-key, so you don''t need to worry," the stylist said with a smile.


    "It''s because you''re too beautiful and have a great figure. The bride might not be as pretty as you," one of the makeup artists blurted out.


    "That''s not true. The bride is also beautiful," Sadie humbly replied.


    At this moment, the sound of a car came from outside. Assuming it was Micahing to pick her up, Sadie promptly grabbed her bag and headed out.


    As she went downstairs, Andrew came towards her, saying, "Miss Roth, I''m here to take you to the wedding hotel."


    "Where''s Micah?" Sadie raised her head and looked outside, but she didn''t see Micah.


    "Something came up, and Mr. Clemens couldn''t make it on time. He asked me toe and pick you up. He''ll meet you at the wedding hotel," Andrew exined. "Okay," Sadie didn''t think too much about it and followed Andrew into the car.


    Brenda ran out and reminded her, "Miss, I''ll be waiting for you at home."


    "Okay." Sadie smiled at her. "I''ll be back soon."


    Brenda nodded and watched her leave.


    As the car slowly drove away, Sadie noticed that Andrew looked serious and was constantly looking at his phone. She couldn''t help but ask, "Is something wrong?" "There''s a bit of trouble at thepany, and Mr. Clemens is dealing with it," Andrew downyed the situation. "Don''t worry, they''re just minor issues."


    "Oh," Sadie said without further questioning. After all, she couldn''t help with thepany''s big events, and with Micah there, there was nothing he couldn''t handle.


    She couldn''t grasp why Micah was keen on attending this wedding and why he had insisted on bringing her along.


    Micah had never paid much attention to the Potter and rk families. Despite numerous invitations, he couldn''t be bothered. So, what made this wedding so significant to him?


    Just as she was thinking about it, she received a call from Micah. She immediately answered, "Hello!"


    "Are you on your way?" Micah''s voice came through.


    "Yes, is everything resolved on your end?" Sadie asked gently.


    "It''s taken care of. I''m on my way, and we''ll meet at the nearby hotel and go up together," he said.


    Sadie let out a sigh of relief. "That''s good,"


    "We just need not stay for too long, but there are a few things you need to remember." Micah solemnly advised, "First, there will be a lot of media at the wedding. No matter what they ask you, smile and don''t answer any questions! "Second, no matter what happens or who you see, stay calm and stay by my side. Don''t wander off.


    "Third, if I do something, don''t try to stop me or interfere, understand?"


    Upon hearing these words, Sadie felt a faint unease creeping into her heart. She began to grasp the reason behind Micah''s attendance at the wedding. It wasn''t solely to honor Ronan and Arianna''s event-there was something more he intended to aplish...


    "Did you hear me?!" Micah, in the midst of discussing serious matters, reverted to his overbearing self.


    "I heard you!" Sadie firmly replied, "Don''t worry. No matter what you do, I will unconditionally stand by your side."

 Chapter 590 The James Family

    "That''s right, good girl!" Micah was very satisfied. "Alright, see youter!"


    "Yeah, see youter!"


    After hanging up, Sadie carefully pondered Micah''s words, reminding herself not to cause him any trouble. Soon, the car arrived at the Emperor Court Hotel owned by the rk family.


    Pink balloons hung on trees lining the hotel''s green path, as well as Arianna and Ronan''s wedding photos. Romantic wedding music yed from the speakers in the trees, creating a sweet atmosphere for the event.


    The sound of bells from a distant church drifted through the air, apanied by pink heart-shaped balloons in the sky. The wedding was about to begin, and several luxury cars drove in one after another.


    Looking at this scene, Sadie couldn''t help but sigh in her heart. Arianna had really put in a lot of effort for this wedding.


    ''It seems that Arianna truly loves Ronan. May they be happy!'' Just as she was thinking this, the car stopped by the roadside.


    Andrew came over and respectfully opened the door, saying, "Miss Roth, please!"


    Another car was parked nearby, and Sadie looked up to see Micah. She immediately got out of the vehicle and, under Andrew''s escort, got into Micah''s car.


    "You look beautiful!" Micah held her hand and sat her down next to him, his gaze lingering on her.


    "You seem to be dressed more casually, but you still look handsome." Sadie also looked at Micah. He wore his typical work suit, devoid of any embellishments. Nevertheless, he exuded charm and handsomeness, with a subtle aura of authority. "Do you like it?" Micah pressed his forehead against Sadie''s, teasingly getting closer to her.


    "Don''t tease me--" Sadie shyly leaned back, her hands on his shoulders. "There are people here."


    The bodyguard n, who was driving, was ustomed to it.


    "Okay, I won''t tease you anymore," he said.


    Micah affectionately pinched Sadie''s cheek, pulled her into his arms, and was about to talk to her about going back when Rn suddenly said, "Mr. Micah, it''s a car from the James family." Micah turned his head to look. A limited-edition Maybach slowly drove past, with a silver body that looked very low-key. However, the special license te still revealed the James family''s identity. There was some traffic congestion ahead, so the Maybach and the Rolls-Royce Phantom came to a stop simultaneously.


    Looking through the car windows, they couldn''t clearly see the people in the other car, but their gazes met. Despite the obscured view, a palpable tension lingered, radiating a strong sense of danger.


    Sadie inexplicably became nervous and turned her head to look at the car outside. She asked cautiously, "Is that your mortal enemy?"


    She had teasingly asked why Micah would attend the wedding of his mortal enemy, Ronan. Micah had once said, "He is not qualified to be my opponent, but my true opponent will indeed be encountered at the wedding!" Although Micah didn''t reveal much, Sadie vaguely felt that the person in the car next to them must be Micah''s real opponent.


    "Yes." Micah nodded slightly and withdrew his gaze. "They are from the James family!"


    Sadie had heard of the James family before. It was like the Clemens family, the two legendarymercial families that held an unshakable position in the business empire.


    Currently, in the American business field, the Clemens family was the only family that couldpare with the James family!


    Some people suggested that if these two families were to unite, they would be invincible in the world, iming the throne of the business empire''s king.


    Unfortunately, the two families were archenemies, their animosity lingering from past generations. They engaged in fierce battles, fueled by an unresolved hatred. Despite eventually reaching a truce and vowing non-interference, any prospect of cooperation had vanished..


    Originally, they believed the two families would always live in peace. However, with the rise of the new James heir, who entered the domestic market, they began directly confronting the Clemens family--

 Chapter 591 How to do Great Things if youre not Ruthless

    Micah had always remained still and hadn''t made any response.


    However, the businessmunity was waiting to see what would happen. No one knew when this war would begin. Regardless of who won or lost, it would surely create a bloody storm in the businessmunity! "Why are they attending Ronan and Arianna''s wedding? Did the Potter and rk families join the James family?" Sadie asked anxiously.


    "You''re not too dumb." Micah pinched Sadie''s chin.


    "That''s not good for you, is it?" Sadie''s face suddenly changed. "And you''ve broken off your engagement with the Lingston family. If the Lingston family also joins the James family, then-"


    "The Lingston family has already joined." Micah rubbed his temples. "We dealt with it today."


    "No way?" Sadie was shocked. "The Lingston family still has a cooperative project with the VIC Group. How dare they join the James family at this time? ording to the contract, breaking it will require a tenfoldpensation." "That''s what the contract says, but from a moral standpoint, I''m the one at fault here. It doesn''t look good for either side to continue the feud," Micah said calmly. "The key is that Nelson once did us a favor, so I can''t really make the Lingston familypensate."


    "But-"


    "The project is terminated, the cooperation is dissolved, and we''re even. We no longer owe the Lingston family anything," Micah said calmly.


    Sadie was rendered speechless upon hearing these words. While others might perceive Micah as arrogant and willful without understanding the situation, Sadie knew the sacrifices he had made to provide her with status and a home for their children.


    Micah didn''t have to rush to break off his engagement with the Lingston family. If he had been a bit more ruthless and selfish, he could have married Amelia first and dealt with the James family situation first before handling their matterster. But he didn''t.


    He would rather bear the immense pressure and risks to give her and their children an exnation.


    This was Micah''s responsibility and duty!


    "Now, aren''t you in a disadvantageous position?" Sadie felt sorry for Micah, thinking about the pressure he was carrying. "The James family has the support of three families, which gives them a lot of help. The Clemens family''s assets were originally divided into two parts. It won''t be easy for you to fight against the James family alone."


    "It''s not easy, but don''t worry; your husband can handle it," Micah said, gently and indulgently touching Sadie''s face.


    "Sorry, it''s all my fault."


    Sadie felt extremely guilty. If it weren''t for her, Micah wouldn''t have had conflicts with the Potter and rk families, and they wouldn''t have ended the partnership with the Lingston family. It seemed that it was all because of her that these three families were now against Micah.


    No wonder Grandpa Clemens said she only knew how to cause trouble. From a certain perspective, this had some truth to it.


    "Fool." Micah frowned. "You need to have faith in me!"


    "Yes, yes." Sadie nodded repeatedly, changing the topic. "There is something I don''t understand. How can Mr. Lingston allow Amelia to behave recklessly? Doesn''t he care about Amelia''s actions?"


    "Amelia and her mother have already taken over the Lingston family''s shares. Nelson only has a bit of reputation left and can''t control Amelia anymore."


    Micah spoke with some frustration.-


    "Amelia was raised outside and went through some hardships. Nelson felt indebted to her and doted on her. Plus, Amelia is smart and capable. So Nelson handed thepany over to her, but he never expected his daughter to plot against him and overshadow him!"


    Sadie was shocked. "Amelia is so ruthless!"


    "If she wasn''t ruthless, how could she seed?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "If everyone were like you, the businessmunity would be too peaceful!"


    "Fine..." Sadie pouted, displeased.


    "But..." Micah held Sadie''s face and smirked. "You may look foolish, but you managed to captivate someone as exceptional as me. So, you''re the most formidable!"

 Chapter 592 False Affection

    This simple sentence stirred Sadie''s heart like fire.


    Sadie was deeply moved and reached out to hug Micah tightly.


    "So passionate?" Micah patted her back yfully, teasing her. "Save it forter!"


    "You''re annoying!" Sadie bit Micah''s neck.


    The two of themughed and got out of the car.


    The spring breeze lifted Sadie''s jet-ck, silky hair. Her angelic and immacte face shimmered enticingly under the sunlight, captivating everyone around her. Even passing guests couldn''t resist stopping to gaze at Sadie. Even unknown businessmen approached, eager to strike up a conversation.


    At that moment, Micah got out of the car and intimately wrapped his arms around Sadie''s waist. Those people immediately withdrew!


    Who dared to have ideas about Micah''s woman?


    "Mr. Clemens, wee, wee!"


    Ronan''s father and Arianna''s father respectfully weed them; regardless of how they were in business, they dared not neglect Mr. Clemens.


    "Congrattions," Micah politely congratted.


    Andrew presented a gift.


    "Mr. Clemens, you are too kind."


    The two elders were polite and eager. Sebastian, Arianna''s father, warmly greeted Sadie, "Is this Miss Roth? Wee!"


    "Thank you!" Sadie smiled and nodded.


    Ronan''s father couldn''t help but feel awkward when he saw Sadie.


    In the past, he and Edmond were close friends, and Edmond had helped him a lot in business. The two families were near, and it was supposed to be a happy event.


    However, trouble befell Edmond, causing the Potter family to abruptly postpone the engagement. This action led to Sadie departing in frustration, setting off a chain of absurd events.


    Now, Ronan had divorced Leah and was marrying Arianna, while Sadie was with Micah. In Mr. Potter''s eyes, Sadie has climbed to a higher position.


    They couldn''t afford to offend or neglect Sadie.


    "Pleasee in, distinguished guests!"


    The two families led Micah and embraced Sadie when they walked into the hotel. A group of guests crowded around and exchanged pleasantries. Micah dealt with a few words and took Sadie to a private room to rest. Rn hurriedly came in and whispered, "The people from the James family entered through the side door. Arianna and Ronan greeted them. It seems that the legendary Mr. L doesn''t want to show himself yet." "Keep an eye on Mr. L and report to me immediately if anything happens," Micah ordered.


    "Yes." Rn immediately went to do it.


    "Mr. Clemens, everything is ready," Andrew also came to report.


    Micah nodded and sipped his wine leisurely, a cold chill in his eyebrows.


    Sadie was vaguely uneasy, feeling that Micah was about to do something big. Today''s wedding seemed more like a showdown between him and the James family.


    It''s just that Mr. L of the James family was hidden while Micah was in the open. Sadie needed to learn what means Mr. L would use.


    "Don''t be afraid." Micah held Sadie''s hand. "I''m here."


    "Okay," Sadie nodded, lifting her juice to take a sip. Suddenly, a knocking sound echoed from beyond the door, apanied by a familiar voice. "Mr. Clemens, may Ie in?" "Yes, please."


    Andrew stepped forward to open the door.


    Arianna, resplendent in her luxurious wedding gown, walked hand in hand with Ronan into the room, their faces radiant with joy.


    When Sadie turned her head to look at them, Ronan hurriedly avoided her gaze.


    "Mr. Clemens, wee to our wedding!" Arianna and Ronan walked over, and Arianna smiled and extended her hand to Micah. "Congrattions to both of you." Micah stood up and shook their hands, a slight smile ying on his lips.


    "Congrattions!" Sadie also politely shook their hands.


    "Thank you!" Arianna smiled brightly as she looked at Sadie. "Sadie, you look beautiful today!"


    "You''re the bride, even more beautiful," Sadie replied politely.


    "When will it be our turn to celebrate your wedding?" Arianna smiled at Sadie, her grin radiant, yet her eyes icy as knives.

 Chapter 593 Getting Ready

    "Next month," Micah replied. "I''ll send you the wedding invitation then!"


    "Really? Has it all been decided already?"


    Arianna was astounded. She had long thought that Micah was just fooling around with Sadie and would never marry her. Thus, she never anticipated Micah bringing up their wedding on his own.


    "Yes." Micah gently embraced Sadie. "Customizing the wedding dress and jewelry for Sadie takes some time; otherwise, we would have done it this month."


    "So urgent?" Ronan blurted out.


    "Of course, what if my wife runs away?" Micah joked.


    Sadie burst intoughter, and the two of them locked eyes, their gazes filled with love and tenderness.


    Arianna looked on with envy. Today was meant to be her wedding day with Ronan, yet Sadie seemed to steal all the spotlight. Wherever Sadie appeared in Arianna''s life, her radiance was consistently overshadowed, even on this significant day. "That''s great, congrattions." Ronan congratted insincerely, but his smile was also extremely stiff.


    "Take a rest for now, and we''ll go and greet the other guests. The ceremony will officially begin in half an hour, so please make your way to the banquet hall," Arianna said with a pleasant smile.


    "Alright, you guys. Go ahead and take care of things." Micah sat down with Sadie and embraced her.


    Arianna pulled Ronan away. Just as they turned the corner, she couldn''t help but sneer. "Look at how Mr. Clemens treats Sadie. His eyes are filled with Sadie, and every gesture and expression is focused on her.


    "And what about you? Before you met Sadie, everything was fine, but once you saw her, youpletely forgot about me."


    "You''re overthinking it," Ronan exined calmly. "She is Micah''s woman; how could I have any intentions toward her?"


    "If she wasn''t Micah''s woman, would you have intentions then?" Arianna red at Ronan.


    "No" Ronan furrowed his brows. "Today is our wedding day. Can you please stop being mad? It''s not good for the baby in your belly."


    Upon thinking about the baby, Arianna''s temper subsided slightly. Still, she warned angrily, "Ronan, I have done so much for you. I even used the entire family to support you. If you disappoint me, I will never let you off." "Don''t worry, I won''t disappoint you." Ronan intimately held Arianna. "Let''s go out. Other guests are waiting for us.


    "Today, Mr. L and Mr. Clemens will definitely have a showdown. We can watch from the sidelines. It doesn''t matter who wins or loses, and we can benefit from it!"


    "Okay, I know."


    ...


    In the room, Micah was on the phone, but his eyes were on Sadie.


    Sadie sat on the sofa eating fruit. She had a good appetite, picking up one grape after another. In no time, she finished a bunch of grapes and then went to eat a small cake.


    After ending the call, Micah pulled Sadie into his arms, gently cradling her face. "With such a hearty appetite, could you possibly be pregnant? We should get it checked." "No way, I''ve always had a good appetite," Sadie continued eating.


    "It''s always better to get checked. I will take you to the hospitalter." Micah hoped that Sadie would give him a few more children, making their home even more lively. "No." Sadie shook her head. "I already made ns with Brenda to head to the countryside after the wedding."


    "Not being obedient," Micah scolded her unhappily.


    "Stop it!"


    As the two were ying around, Rn hurriedly came to report. Seeing the intimate scene, he quickly turned around. "Micah, the wedding is about to start. Everything is ready!" "Okay." Micah helped Sadie up.


    The two tidied up their outfits, hand in hand, and walked out together.

 Chapter 594

    Just as they exited the room, they encountered Mason walking towards them. He wore a ck suit, his long hair tied back, adding an artistic charm to his appearance. Upon spotting Sadie, he was immediately astonished. "Mason!" Sadie was initially taken aback, then smiled and greeted him, "Long time no see!"


    "Long time no see!" Mason never took his eyes off Sadie. "Are you doing well?"


    "I''m fine." Sadie held Micah''s arm in a timely manner before his expression turned dark. He smiled and said, "We''re going to get married soon, so pleasee and join us!" "Oh, okay."


    Mason''s gaze grew dim and lifeless as it fell upon Micah''s arm. He longed for Sadie to embrace him like that one day. This desire had lingered for years, but it remained unfulfilled, with little hope for change in the future. "When we set a date for the wedding, I''ll send you an invitation," Micah politely said and left with Sadie.


    Sadie walked across Mason and left directly, without any hesitation.


    Mason had mentally prepared himself for this reunion for a long time, fantasizing countless scenarios. Yet, as the two passed each other, a wave of sadness washed over him. He lowered his gaze, standing still, waiting for the sound of footsteps to gradually fade away.


    Imagining Sadie''s departing figure, Mason couldn''t help but sigh. Perhaps in this lifetime, they were meant to miss each other--


    Sadie felt somewhat guilty toward Mason, but she did not turn back. She knew that a clear rejection was better than ambivalence, and she couldn''t dy him any longer. "Since old friends are meeting, why not chat for a while longer?" Micah casually said.


    "Mason probably hasn''t left yet, so I''ll go find him and talk." Sadie pretended to imply turning back.


    "Are you brave enough?" Micah immediately grabbed Sadie, holding her in his arms, angrily pinching her cheeks. "You''ve gotten spoiled and learned how to be mischievous!" "It''s because you''re jealous." Sadie kissed him, exining, "I never had anything with Mason to begin with. Actually, it''s my fault. I shouldn''t have used him as a shield." "The past is the past."


    Micah also felt that he had been a bit reckless in the beginning, but he didn''t want to admit it aloud. After all, preserving one''s dignity was important.


    Sadie rolled her eyes at Micah, changing the topic. "It seems like the wedding is about to start. Let''s go."


    Even though she didn''t agree with Ronan and Arianna in her heart, the atmosphere of the wedding can still be infectious.


    Sadie even began to think about how to n her wedding in the future.


    Romantic and lyrical music came from the banquet hall. The wedding ceremony was about to begin.


    Mr. Potter and Sebastian greeted Micah and Sadie at the door and respectfully led them to the main seats. Other guests smiled and greeted them warmly.


    Micah discreetly nced around but did not see Mr. L.


    ''Since Mr. L is here, why isn''t he showing up? Is he only attending the wedding to see me?''


    Micah''s expression was stern as he elegantly tasted the wine.


    Sadie sat beside him, quietly watching the wedding ceremony on stage.


    Sadie reflected on that night four years ago, when she and Ronan were on the brink of engagement. Ronan had also been wearing a white suit, noble and elegant!. Yet, in contrast to his present demeanor, his eyes had been clear then, their ws unable to conceal the righteousness within his heart.


    Now, however, Ronan''s gaze held a chilling mercenary quality...

 Chapter 595

    In the final part of the ceremony, the officiant asked, "Miss Arianna, do you agree to marry Mr. Ronan and be his wife? No matter wealth or poverty, health or illness, will you never leave or forsake him?"


    "Yes, I do!" Arianna answered without hesitation.


    "Mr. Ronan, do you agree to take Arianna as your wife? No matter wealth or poverty, health or illness, will you never leave or forsake her?" the officiant asked Ronan.


    Ronan nced down at the audience, his gaze meeting Sadie''s and quickly pulling away. He smiled and said, "I do!"


    This scene did not escape Arianna''s eyes. Her face became gloomy, but soon, she smiled again, looking affectionately at Ronan.


    Sadie frowned, withdrew her gaze, and prepared to sit for a while before leaving.


    At that moment, she suddenly noticed a small figure standing in the corner-it was Billy!


    He stood quietly by a flower stand, dressed in a delicate suit, his gaze filled withplexity as he looked up at Ronan and Arianna on stage.


    On the screen on stage, a video clip of Ronan proposing to Arianna was ying.


    In the video, Ronan held a diamond ring by the seaside and affectionately said to Arianna, "Arianna, you are the woman I love the most in my life. I will give you happiness, and please marry me!" Arianna was moved to tears and tightly embraced Ronan.


    The two of them passionately kissed on the beach as their family and friends cheered for them.


    Watching this, Billy suddenly coldly said, "Back then, you said the same to my Mommy-"


    Behind him, Linda hurriedly came running and hugged him. "Billy, why did youe here? Didn''t we agree to eat in the private room with Grandma?"


    "I just came to see Daddy." Billy looked at Ronan on stage, acting very calm. "To see if he''s happy or not."


    "Daddy is getting married; of course, he''s happy." Linda picked up Billy and found a seat. "Promise Grandma that you''ll be good today and not cause any trouble, okay?"


    "Okay." Billy nodded obediently.


    Linda breathed a sigh of relief. Billy had calmed down for once, so she didn''t force him to leave.


    After all, a child who was only three years old and kept in such a closed environment for a long time would have psychological problems. With so many guests and such a lively atmosphere today, he must be happy and forget his worries. Seeing Billy, Sadie couldn''t help but sigh. She always felt that no matter what grievances there were between adults, it shouldn''t involve children.


    Billy was born into such a family and into such aplicated rtionship, which was truly unfortunate for him.


    "Now I announce that Mr. Ronan and Miss Arianna are officially married. The groom may kiss the bride!"


    Ronan was about to lean in to kiss Arianna when suddenly, the romantic and warm video clip on the screen froze. The screen shed into ck, and the music abruptly stopped. The romantic and warm atmosphere of the scene suddenly froze, and theughter stopped. Everyone looked up at the stage, not knowing what had happened.


    Arianna''s face instantly became gloomy, and Ronan immediately had someone go and fix it.


    Ronanforted her and said, "Maybe the machine malfunctioned, but it will be fine in a moment."


    Arianna didn''t say anything, but her face looked very unpleasant.


    Mr. Potter immediately went on stage to apologize and exin that there was a problem with the equipment backstage and that it would be fixed soon.


    At this time, the screen shed again, and there was sound and video, but it was no longer the romantic and warm scene from earlier but a video of Arianna persecuting Leah.


    In the video, several bodyguards from the rk family were dragging Leah into a car, and Arianna pped her one after another while cursing angrily, "You bitch, Ronan doesn''t want you anymore, but you''re still clinging to him. You came to our party and caused trouble, embarrassing me. If I don''t deal with you, I''m not a member of the rk family!"


    "If you have the guts, kill me. If you can''t kill me, I will haunt you and Ronan for the rest of your lives, never letting you have peace!"


    "Talking back, good." Arianna grinned sinisterly. "You wanted a man, didn''t you? I''ll indulge you!"


    "All of you, take care of Mrs. Potter. She''s been starving for too long and needs a man!"


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 596 Die, Bad Woman.

    The bodyguards took off their clothes and pounced on Leah.


    "No, no-" Leah screamed in agony, "Arianna, you wicked bitch. I won''t let you off! I won''t let you off!" The horrifying screams echoed throughout the banquet hall, sending shivers down everyone''s spine.


    "It''s not me, it''s not me, I swear-" Arianna screamed, panicking. "It''s not like this. Turn it off, turn it off!!!"


    As she spoke, Ronan rushed backstage to turn off the monitor, but it was toote. Every guest at the scene had already seen and heard it, and some even recorded the scene with their phones.


    In an instant, the romantic and warm wedding scene turned into a criminal trial, with all the present guests bing witnesses.


    The individuals in the video were unmistakable Leah, Arianna, and the rk family''s bodyguards, some of whom were still present.


    The evidence was undeniable, leaving no room for doubt.


    Everyone was stunned, including Mr. Potter''s couple and the rk family''s rtives and friends.


    Witnessing all of this, Sadie was bewildered. Despite knowning about this for quite some time, she never anticipated it unfolding at the wedding. Her gaze remained fixed on the stage for a moment before shifting to Micah. Micah lowered his head to light a cigar and elegantly smoked it. He seemed like a god controlling the situation, everything falling into his n!


    Mason stood up, asking in agitation, "Arianna, is this true?"


    As the only male descendant of the rk family, Mason''s questioning pushed public opinion to its highest.


    "No, it''s not, Mason, listen to me" Arianna tried to exin.


    "Miss rk, I advise you to remain silent." A high-ranking official in the legal field coldly shouted, "Based on my experience, the video just now doesn''t seem fake. The media is broadcasting it live, and it has already been spread online. I believe the police will contact you soon."


    "No, Mr. Emerson-"


    Arianna still wanted to exin something.


    Mr. Emerson stood up and politely said to Sebastian and Mr. Potter, "I''m sorry, I have official duties and cannot participate in this wedding. Take care, everyone!"


    Saying that he left with his family.


    Other guests with official positions also left one after another. Some of them even greeted the elders of the Potter and rk families before leaving. Some people went without saying a word.


    In just a few minutes, more than half of the guests had already left.


    At this time, the projector had been turned off, and the wedding music yed again, but unfortunately, no one was there to bless them anymore.


    Ronan hurriedly rushed back and saw that there were only a few guests left. He quickly tried to exin and persuade them to stay.


    Some people didn''t even listen and left in a huff.


    Some people angrily used him, saying he was a scumbag of the modern times. In order to climb up to the rk family, he actually plotted against his original wife. And he was destined to go to hell when he died.


    Some rtives of the Potter family advised him that he shouldn''t marry such a vicious woman and should annul the marriage and stay away from the rk family.


    Mason went up to the stage and questioned Arianna, asking if everything was true.


    Arianna vehemently denied the usation beforeunching into an angry tirade directed at the staff. She used them of ruining her wedding and shattering her happiness, insisting that those responsible should face consequences. The wedding turned into a farce, and Sadie was still in confusion when Micah pulled her away from the back door.


    When Sadie snapped out of it and was about to ask what was happening, she suddenly saw Billy standing in the corner, staring fiercely at Arianna on stage.


    Then, Billy took out a sharp pair of scissors from his small backpack and rushed towards the stage.


    "Billy" Sadie called out, but Arianna''s roar drowned out her voice.


    Billy''s small body pushed through the crowd and rushed onto the stage, viciously stabbing Arianna''s stomach with the sharp scissors. "Die, evil woman!"

 Chapter 597 Good Tactics

    Sadie froze in her tracks, looking in astonishment at the stage.


    Arianna''s stomach was pierced. Her eyes widened in shock at Billy before darting down to her wounded abdomen.


    Billy, just a child,cked the strength to plunge the scissors deep. Yet, enough blood spilled to taint the pristine white wedding gown.


    Ronan stood frozen, stunned into silence, forgetting to react. He likely never anticipated his three-and-a-half-year-old son wielding scissors against his new bride.


    He believed the child was too young to understand anything. As long as Ronan kept it from Billy, nothing would happen, and he would remain the perfect father.


    But little did he know that children had their understanding of the world. They saw everything bad one did, remembered it, and it left a mark on their souls. Guests on the scene let out terrified screams.


    Arianna copsed to the ground, clutching her stomach with one hand and fiercely gripping Billy''s neck with the other. Her face contorted in rage as she roared, "You bastard!, You killed my baby! I''m going to kill you, kill you!" "No!" Linda hurriedly rushed over, shielding Billy behind her. "He''s just a child, Arianna. Please let him go."


    "Get out of the way!" Arianna still wanted to choke Billy, but Ronan also rushed over to protect his son and stopped her, saying, "Stop it, let''s go to the hospital first."


    "Let me go! I want to kill that bastard! Kill him!" Arianna shouted as if she had gone insane.


    Sebastian forcefully had people take Arianna to the hospital, then he turned around and red at Billy, ordering, "Take this bastard down for me." "Yes!"


    "Don''t!" Mr. Potter also stepped forward to protect his grandson. "Mr. rk, he''s just a child."


    "He''s already capable of murder, and he''s still a child? He''s a devil!"


    "Mr. rk-"


    "If you don''t want to annul the marriage today, hand over this bastard!"


    Sadie didn''t have a chance to see what happened next. Micah hurriedly pulled her away.


    It wasn''t until they got in the car that Sadie realized and calmed down her excited emotions. She looked up at Micah and asked, "Did you do it?"


    "Yes." Micah didn''t intend to hide it. "What''s wrong? Do you think I did something wrong?"


    "No..."


    Sadie''s mood wasplicated, and she didn''t know how to express it.


    Sadie knew very well that the video wasn''t fabricated. It was the truth. Arianna had sent people to assault Leah, and in the end, she used money and power to settle it, minimizing a serious matter into a minor one. This was already a crime, and Arianna evaded legal responsibility.


    Micah released these videos today; although he had other motives, it couldn''t be said that he was wrong. At the very least, he made sure that the criminals faced legal sanctions.


    If there were any problem, it would be that Billy saw the video, which would probably leave a lifelong trauma in his heart.


    Of course, even if Billy hadn''t seen the video, he probably already knew that Arianna had harmed his mother. But seeing it with his own eyes would have a different significance.


    "The businessmunity is like a battlefield. Although this is my tactic, I didn''t vite ethics and thew. I don''t think there''s anything wrong with it," Micah exined lightly.


    "I know." Sadie sighed helplessly. "Congrattions, you''ve eliminated the James family''s favorable partner!"


    That''s right; once this video was released, thew would punish Arianna, and the Potter family would lose its status. Without the rk family and the Potter family''s support, the James family would be like a lost traveler!


    The James Group has just arrived in Newark, and without a guide, their ns would inevitably be dyed for a while.


    And this time was enough for Micah to find a breakthrough.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Rn suddenly called out.


    Micah turned his head to look outside.


    A silver Mercedes slowly drove over and parked nearby. The car window opened a crack, revealing a half-dark, half-light side profile. A deep voice echoed, "Mr. Clemens, you are indeed worthy of your reputation! Excellent tactics!"

 Chapter 598 The Mystics Provocation

    "Mr. James, you are too kind!" Micah stared at that side profile, faintly smiling. "Newark is just a small ce and can only amodate one business giant. Mr. James, you should choose anothermercial area." "Sorry, I''ve set my sights on this little ce." Mr. James'' voice was low and hoarse, with a chilling aura. "Until we meet again!"


    With that, the Mercedes slowly drove away.


    Sadie looked at the car and couldn''t help but say, "Mr. James is so mysterious, never showing his face!"


    "That''s how people from the James family are: always on edge," Micah spoke hostilely about the James family.


    Sadie changed the topic, sighing. "Arianna and Ronan deserved their fate, but it''s a pity for Billy..." "Billy was unexpected for me."


    Ever since bing a father, Micah had be softer towards children. He didn''t want Billy to see that video. He originally thought that Ronan, who plotted against his ex-wife and remarried someone else, would at least avoid involving Billy. But unexpectedly, Billy appeared at the wedding.


    Such a small child, filled with murderous intent.


    The adultsmitted sins, but the children bore the burden...


    Just thinking about it was reallymentable.


    "I hope he''s okay." Sadie frowned, her face full of worries. "Ronan may be terrible, but he should still protect his son, right? It''s just that Arianna is so ruthless. I don''t know if Ronan can keep Billy safe."


    "Rest assured, the rk family will soon be in trouble and won''t have the energy to bother that child." Micah patted her hand. "I''ll take you home!"


    "Okay." Sadie nodded, not allowing herself to think too much.


    ...


    Micah escorted Sadie home, and Brenda had already packed and was waiting on the first floor.


    Sadie changed intofortable clothes in her room, grabbed a small bag, and prepared to go downstairs. However, Micah held her tightly and ordered dominantly, "You must call me every day to let me know you''re safe ande back as soon as you''re done!"


    "I know." Sadie tip-toed and gently kissed Micah. "Take care of the children and yourself."


    "I know," Micah pinched her nose, "I''ll wait for you toe back!"


    "Okay." The two embraced for a while before reluctantly going downstairs.


    The bodyguards were waiting at the door, took their luggage, put it in the car, and sent them to Blissful Lane 1.


    Sadie opened the car window and waved goodbye to Micah.


    Micah watched her leave and instructed Rn, "Protect them secretly."


    "Understood." Rn immediately followed.


    ...


    "I didn''t bring much luggage, Miss. You and I each have a small suitcase. If it''s not enough, we can buy moreter," Brenda chatted with Sadie in the car. "I made a hundred pieces of chocte toast earlier and instructed the housekeeper to heat them for the three children every morning."


    "You really are considerate." Sadie smiled and patted Brenda''s hand, urging her to hurry up a bit!


    "Yes, Miss Roth!"


    Soon, the car arrived at Blissful Lane 1 Sadie asked the bodyguards to leave first and then went back with Brenda to get their documents.


    After getting their documents, Sadie looked around vigntly at themunity''s entrance to make sure no one was following them. This time, she called a taxi and went straight to the train station.


    ...


    On the way to thepany, Micah received a message from Rn.


    Rn: [Miss Roth didn''t go to the cemetery, and she went straight to the train station. Could she be taking the train back to the countryside?]


    Micah: [Keep following her, and be careful.]


    Rn: [Yes.]


    An hourter, Sadie and Brenda sessfully boarded the train to G city.


    Micah also received the corresponding news.


    Micah was very puzzled. ''Wasn''t Sadie supposed to go back to the countryside? Brenda''s hometown is in a small town, so why did they go to G city? What does Sadie really want to do? ''Sadie is really keeping something from me!''

 Chapter 599 Turning Risks Into Opportunities

    G city boasted a famous ancient town with beautiful scenery and simple folk customs.


    Sadie fell in love with this ce as soon as she got off the train, with blue sky, white clouds, and fresh air.


    Looking at the scenery around her, Brenda couldn''t help but exim, "I haven''t been here for nearly 20 years. When I was young, I came here with your father once." "My dad?" Sadie was curious.


    "Yes, with the three-year-old you." Brenda sighed and said, "At that time, you were younger than Mia, and you were in poor health, always getting sick. Your father and I brought you here to see Dr. Henry for treatment. "Oddly, despite consulting numerous doctors at prominent hospitals, your health didn''t improve. However, after just two days under Dr. Henry''s care and a few doses of his medicine, you swiftly regained your health. "Really? I don''t remember." Sadieughed. "So, it seems like we came to the right ce to find Dr. Henry."


    "Of course." Brenda nodded repeatedly. "Dr. Henry will definitely cure your illness, so don''t worry!"


    Hope ignited in Sadie''s heart. "Brenda, let''s take a taxi and go directly to Dr. Henry''s house."


    "This ce is more primitive, not well developed, so there are no regr taxis. However, I know some locals who are honest and won''t overcharge. Follow me."


    Brenda held Sadie''s hand and dragged the suitcases forward.


    Sadie trailed closely behind Brenda, a nagging feeling persisting that someone in the bustling crowd was watching her. Every time she nced back, however, she found nothing amiss amidst the travelers. Sadie felt she might be overly sensitive, so she averted her gaze and left the train station with Brenda.


    On the roadside, Brenda spotted a dpidated car, negotiated its price, and prepared to enter when a speeding van veered toward them. From the van, several men dressed in ck leaped out, targeting Sadie. Startled, Sadie let go of her luggage and ran away with Brenda.


    But those people were obviously skilled and quickly caught up with them. Just as they were about to attack, another group of people appeared in time and fought against them.


    Taking the opportunity, Sadie pulled Brenda away. At that moment, the civilian driver they had negotiated the price with drove by and said in a local ent, "Get in the car!"


    The two hurriedly got in the car, and their luggage was on top.


    The driver drove away at high speed, quickly leaving the two groups of people behind.


    Sadie noticed through the rear view mirror that the group of people who appeared behind them in time were the bodyguards of the Clemens family. Micah had sent someone to protect her secretly. But who were those people rushing down from the van to grab her?


    "That scared me." Brenda covered her heart, feeling a wave of fear. "Miss, who were those people just now? They didn''t seem like locals. Could they be following us from the city?"


    "Probably." Sadie frowned. Could they be Nick''s people?


    "I thought they were here for business. I thought outsiders were this aggressive in doing business," the local driver joked. "But then I took a closer look. Goodness, they were all wearing tailored suits. They definitely aren''t here for business." "Yeah, I remember the car seemed quite expensive," Brenda recalled. "Who are they?"


    "I don''t know, let''s find Dr. Henry first."


    Sadie sighed inwardy, grateful that Micah had sent someone to protect her in secret. Otherwise, something bad would have happened just now.


    The local driver was familiar with the road conditions and had good driving skills, but even so, the mountain road behind them was steep.


    After driving for three and a half hours along the way, Sadie almost vomited and leaned weakly against Brenda, her face pale.


    Meanwhile, Brenda was ustomed to it. Growing up in the mountains, she not only felt at ease on such roads but also found them familiar andforting.

 Chapter 600 Toxic Invasion

    They arrived at Dr. Henry''s residence when it was already dark.


    Dr. Henry was waiting for them at the vige entrance. From a distance, Sadie saw an older man with a white beard standing under a sycamore tree, smoking a cigar while looking into the distance. "That''s Dr. Henry." Brenda recognized him at a nce. "It''s been 20 years, and he hasn''t changed a bit."


    "Yeah, I remember when I was a kid, Dr. Henry came to my house, and he was like this. My father said he was very capable and wouldn''t age."


    Sadie thought of her childhood and inevitably felt a little emotional, thinking of her father.


    The car stopped, and Dr. Henry immediately came over with his apprentice, looking at Sadie up and down. "It''s been over a decade. You''ve grown up."


    "Dr. Henry, do you remember me?" Sadie asked excitedly.


    "Yes, yes." Dr. Henry nodded repeatedly. "You look exactly like your mother!"


    Suddenly, mentioning her mother caught Sadie off guard.


    "Do you remember me, Dr. Henry? It''s Brenda!" Brenda said excitedly. "Twenty years ago, I came here with Mr. Roth. Miss was only three years old at that time."


    "I remember." Dr. Henry nodded with a smile, carefully examining Brenda. "You don''t seem to be in good health. It''s just the right ce for you to recuperate with me." "Yes, thank you, thank you!" Brenda thanked him repeatedly.


    "Come, let''s go inside." Dr. Henry''s smile was very warm, like a long-lost rtive. "Was the journey smooth?"


    "Yes, it was!"


    Brenda and Dr. Henry chatted along the way, and soon, the group arrived at Dr. Henry''s house.


    The courtyard, built with bricks, had a strong disinfectant smell in the front yard, and various herbs were nted in the backyard. Under the sycamore tree in the front yard, a group of chickens and ducks leisurely walked around. A little girl in a floral dress ran out of the kitchen, wearing an apron and holding a spat in her hand. When she saw Sadie and Brenda, she smiled happily. "The benefactor is here!"


    Sadie was stunned.


    "This child was critically ill before and needed a kidney transnt. Your father paid for her treatment andter supported her education. So, she has always been grateful to the Roth family," Dr. Henry introduced. "Oh, my father mentioned it before."


    Sadie needed a deeper impression. When her father was alive, he helped many people, and this girl, along with Serena, was just one of them.


    "Give me your hand!" Dr. Henry ushered Sadie into the house, his focus not on hospitality but on immediately assessing her condition.


    Sadie reached out her hand hastily, and Dr. Henry meticulously observed herplexion. He proceeded to draw a blood sample for testing before retreating to the inner room to conduct the analysis. "Let me take you to your room first." The girl said enthusiastically, "I''m Olivia!"


    "Olivia, thank you."


    Sadie and Brenda followed Olivia to the inner room. The ssical-style house, although not luxurious like in the city, was clean and tidy.


    Olivia made the beds and packed their luggage. She was ready to take them out to the yard when the apprentice arrived. "Sadie, Dr. Henry is calling for you."


    "Okay." Sadie hurried to the examination room, and Brenda followed quickly.


    Dr. Henry held the tested blood sample with a serious expression. "This toxin is too strong!"


    Sadie was taken aback. Truly, Dr. Henry was a miracle worker to know so quickly that she was poisoned.


    "Dr. Henry, can this poison be cured?" Brenda asked anxiously.


    "It''s hard to say." Dr. Henry furrowed his brow. "I rarely encounter such potent poisons. Whether it can be cured or not, I need to study it first. It will take some time." "How long will it take?" Sadie asked.


    "That depends on your luck," Dr. Henry replied. "It could be a few hours, a few days, a few months, a few years, or perhaps it can never be cured."

 Chapter 601 Ensuring Security

    Upon hearing these words, Sadie''s face turned pale, and Brenda''s even paler. "No, that can''t be. Our Miss will--"


    "Don''t worry," Dr. Henry reassured them. "I only said ''perhaps''. Based on my experience, there should be hope, but we can''t rush it."


    "That''s good to hear," Brenda choked. "Dr. Henry, Mr. Roth has passed away, and he left behind this only descendant. Please, for Mr. Roth''s sake, you must cure her."


    "I will do my best." Dr. Henry nodded. "Healing requires a positive mindset. Rx, and don''t worry too much."


    "Dr. Henry, you are right." Sadie was rtively calm. "Brenda, let''s go out and not disturb him."


    "Okay." Brenda nodded.


    "Wait a moment," Dr. Henry said as he handed Brenda several packets of medicine. "While her poison cannot be cured at present, we can treat your illness. Take one packet of these medicines daily, and within ten days to two weeks, your condition should significantly improve."


    "Okay, okay, thank you, thank you." Brenda quickly took the medicine, which was an unexpected extra gain.


    "I''ll take you to the kitchen." Olivia led Brenda and Sadie to the kitchen.


    Sadie felt somewhat relieved. Even if her poison couldn''t be cured, at least Brenda''s condition was being treated. This trip wasn''t in vain.


    Olivia brewed the medicine for Brenda while also preparing dinner.


    Dr. Henry came out with his apprentice, and the whole family sat around the stone table to eat.


    Olivia''s cooking was delicious, and Sadie had a hearty appetite. However, as she indulged in the meal, she began to experience a headache and a nosebleed-signs that the poison was taking effect With a sense of urgency, Sadie covered her nose and hurried into the bathroom.


    "Miss!" Brenda hurriedly followed.


    Dr. Henry watched Sadie''s figure as she walked away, his brows furrowing tightly. He took a bottle of medicine and gave it to Olivia, instructing her to give it to Sadie.


    Sadie was still in the bathroom, writhing in pain. She drank the medicine given by Olivia and quickly passed out.


    Brenda was scared and hurried to call Dr. Henry.


    Dr. Henry calmly said, "Sadie just needs a good sleep. This constant pain is not a solution."


    Brenda finally understood that the medicine couldn''t relieve the pain. It just made Sadie fall into a deep sleep so she wouldn''t feel the pain anymore. Brenda and Olivia cleaned Sadie up and changed her clothes, then helped her lie down on the bed.


    Brenda stayed by Sadie''s side, watching her weak appearance, feeling heartbroken.


    Olivia brought her some pastries, but she had no appetite to eat.


    That night, Dr. Henry did nothing. He didn''t perform any other examinations or treatments for Sadie, and he didn''t even take any other medicine. Instead, Brenda took the medicine prescribed by him and received an IV drip.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Rn''s men lost track of Sadie at the train station while trying to fend off her pursuers. They were now in G city, searching for Sadie''s whereabouts.


    Rn called Micah to report, "Someone was tracking Miss Roth and tried to harm her, but my men intervened. Based on my observation, those people are likely Miss Amelia''s people." "Amelia?" Micah frowned. "She never changes her ways."


    "Miss Amelia was about to marry into the Clemens family, but you rejected her at thest moment. Naturally, she wouldn''t ept it. With Miss Amelia''s personality, she will definitely do something." Rn was always straightforward. "Luckily, we were following Miss Roth. Otherwise, there would have been trouble at the train station."


    "But we can''t becent now. Find Sadie as soon as possible," Micah reminded.


    "Yes," Rn responded. "I''ve already found some clues. It seems that Miss Roth came this time to find a divine doctor."


    "A divine doctor?" Micah furrowed his brow. ''Did Sadie have some hidden illness?''


    "It''s said that Mr. Roth was a friend of his. Maybe they went to see the doctor together with Brenda?" Rn didn''t dwell on it. "Regardless, I''ll keep searching to make sure they''re safe." "Alright."

 Chapter 602 Treatment Improves

    In the next three days, Sadie spent her time in the yard nting herbs, feeding the chickens and geese, and making medicine for Brenda. Sometimes, when she got bored, she would also help Olivia with cooking.


    Sadie''s days were leisurely, but the treatment n had not been discussed yet.


    Dr. Henry would take a sample of Sadie''s blood every day for research, but there were no results so far.


    Brenda was bing anxious, but Sadie remained calm.


    Life and death were determined by fate, and there was no use in Sadie getting worried about the current situation.


    Olivia loved to smile and hum while doing her tasks. With her around, the atmosphere was always cheerful.


    Sadie''s mood became much more rxed. This ce was like paradise, making her feel extremelyfortable.


    After drinking Brenda''s medicine for only three days, along with the IV drips, her previous illness started to show signs of improvement. Brenda carefully urged Dr. Henry, hoping that the antidote for Sadie could be extracted soon. Dr. Henry would casually respond, "There''s no rush, there''s no rush."


    Brenda could only sigh and leave.


    Over the course of those three days, Sadie conversed with Micah over the phone each evening. Additionally, the children joined in the conversation, sharing amusing anecdotes from their time in kindergarten. Micah didn''t mention anything about Sadie''s situation, and Sadie didn''t mention being followed or chased. They both silently protected each other''s secrets.


    Every other day, Sadie would experience a toxic attack. After consuming it, Sadie would drift into a deep slumber, awakening as if the ordeal had never urred.


    And so, five more days passed.


    This morning, the apprentice returned with an abundance of herbs gathered from outside. Without uttering a word, they prepared arge bathtub and ced it in Sadie and Brenda''s room before attending to other tasks. Sadie got bored and helped Olivia pick vegetables.


    Olivia was constantly boiling water as if she were cooking something.


    Brenda brewed medicine while keeping an eye on the examination room, hoping for some good news today.


    During dinner, Sadie had another attack. But this time, Dr. Henry didn''t ask Olivia to give her the medicinal water. Instead, he had Brenda help Sadie back to the room.


    Supporting Sadie, who was in unbearable pain, Brenda returned to the room and discovered the bathtub filled with medicine.


    Olivia reached out and started undressing Sadie, saying, "Dr. Henry has prepared me for a whole day to have Sadie soak in it."


    "Is this a treatment method?" Brenda asked.


    "Yes." Olivia nodded. "Hurry and help her in."


    "Okay, okay."


    The two helped Sadie undress andy her in the bathtub, and then Olivia sterilized some medical instruments.


    Outside, Dr. Henry carefully instructed Olivia, pointing out precise locations on Sadie''s body for small incisions. These cuts were intended to release a controlled amount of toxic blood, a process repeated several times. Following his instructions, Olivia made two small incisions on Sadie''s body.


    Soon, the dark purple blood slowly came out.


    "It''sing out, it''sing out!" Brenda eximed with joy.


    In a daze, Sadie heard Brenda''s voice and knew the treatment was working. Weakly, she raised her lips and immediately passed out.


    "Miss, Miss!" Brenda urgently called out.


    "It''s normal to pass out like this, especially at the beginning. You''ll get used to it in a few days," Dr. Henry said from outside the window. "Has the tainted blood been discharged?"


    "Yes, a lot of dark purple blood flowed from the wounds," Olivia replied.


    "Very good, it means the medicine in the tub is effective. Tomorrow, roast a chicken for her and give her a good supplement."


    "Yes, yes."


    In this way, Sadie''s treatment went on track. She would take a medicinal bath every evening to release the tainted blood, sleep deeply at night, and wake up refreshed the next day with a big appetite. Brenda was delighted to see Sadie improving.


    The two of them hoped to eliminate all the toxins as soon as possible and return home early.


    However, Dr. Henry said that this problem could not bepletely resolved in just a few days and that it would take at least a month.

 Chapter 603 Can You Conceal It?

    Sadie calcted the days and realized that ten had already passed. If it had to drag on for another month, Micah would definitely suspect.


    After thoughtful consideration, Sadie concluded that she needed to be honest with Micah, have a talk with him, and then remain there calmly for treatment.


    In the evening, Olivia prepared the medicine and medical instruments for the bath and then heated the water.


    Dr. Henry was outside giving instructions to his apprentice, and then the apprentice left with his luggage.


    "Where is the apprentice going?" Sadie curiously asked.


    "I need more herbs, but today''s supply is running out. I asked him to collect some from other viges." Dr. Henry looked up at the sky. "It''s getting gloomy, and it''s going to rain; I forgot to tell him to bring an umbre!" With that, Dr. Henry took an umbre and chased his apprentice.


    Sadie scarcely noticed, absorbed in tidying up the herbs in the yard alongside Brenda. Suddenly, a loud sound echoed from outside.


    Before Sadie and Brenda could react, they heard a terrified scream from outside the yard.


    Sadie rushed out immediately and found Dr. Henry and his apprentice sprawled on the ground after being struck by an off-road vehicle. The apprentice appeared injured, while Dr. Henryy unconscious in a pool of blood Olivia was in shock and copsed to the ground.


    "Dr. Henry-" Sadie was about to rush over when several men in ck came out of the off-road vehicle and dragged her towards it.


    "Who are you? Let me go!" Sadie struggled angrily.


    "Let go of Sadie!"


    Brenda picked up a broom and charged over, but before she could get close, one of the men in ck kicked her down. "Brenda!" Sadie shouted in agitation and struggled desperately.


    One of the men in ck raised his hand to hit her, but just then, a dagger flew out and stabbed him in the wrist.


    The man screamed in pain and fell to the ground.


    The other men in ck immediately took out their weapons to prepare for a fight, but before they could make a move, they were taken down by the Clemens family''s bodyguards.


    Rn rushed forward in quick steps, anxiously asking, "Miss Roth, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine. Call an ambnce quickly." Sadie was anxious.


    "Yes!"


    On the mountain, there was only Dr. Henry, an old physician, along with his apprentice and Olivia. Although the apprentice and Olivia had some medical knowledge, Dr. Henry was severely injured, so they could only stop the bleeding and bandage him.


    The ambnce arrived from town over half an hourter, and they quickly took Dr. Henry to the hospital for emergency treatment.


    Sadie and Brenda followed closely, fearing for Dr. Henry''s safety.


    After the emergency treatment, Dr. Henry''s life was temporarily saved. Still, due to the poor medical equipment, he needed to be transferred to a hospital in the city and was taken there the same evening.


    Sadie wanted to follow, but suddenly, the poison red up. A sharp, intense pain coursed through her body as blood slowly trickled down. She instinctively covered her nose, hoping to evade detection by the Clemens family''s bodyguards. Despite her efforts, Rn still spotted her.


    One dayter...


    Sadie woke up in a spacious and bright ward, and in her blurred vision, she saw a familiar face-- Dahlia!


    "Dr. Rey?" Sadie stared at Dahlia in disbelief, thinking her eyes were ying tricks on her. "How did you end up here?"


    Dahlia didn''t say a word, just nodded slightly.


    Micah''s tall and slender figure came into view as he was discussing something with a few experts. He turned his head, nced at Sadie, and asked the others to leave first.


    "Micah?" Sadie panicked. "How did you get here?"


    "I didn''te. You came back." Micah walked over and sat by her bedside, cupping her face in his hands. "The medical equipment in G city is too outdated, so Dr. Henry was transferred here!"


    "Oh..." Sadie felt flustered. She wondered what Micah knew. How much did he know? Could she hide the fact that she was poisoned?

 Chapter 604 Gathering the Men

    "I know everything," Micah directly dispelled Sadie''s doubts. He furrowed his brows, annoyed and frustrated, as he questioned, "Are you a fool? Why didn''t you tell me about such a big issue and go to get treatment on your own?"


    Sadie stared at him nkly, unable to utter a word.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Micah held her face, his teeth clenched with anger. "Do you think I can''t solve the problem?"


    "No!" Sadie quickly shook her head.


    "Then why?" Micah was furious. "Are you afraid of dragging me down? Affecting me?"


    Sadie still didn''t say a word; she just kept her head down.


    "Idiot!" Micah tightly embraced her, biting her shoulder in frustration.


    Sadie cried out in pain.


    "Good, it hurts! Pain will make you remember the lesson!" Micah was angry, worried, and guilty all at once.


    "So it turns out your nosebleeds weren''t caused by excessive indulgence but by poisoning. You woke up in the middle of the night not because of nightmares but because of the pain. Every time you were hiding in the bathroom, you were suffering from the toxins." Thinking of the suffering she had endured during this time, Micah despised himself and wished he could strangle himself.


    "It''s okay now. Dr. Henry has found a treatment method," Sadieforted Micah with heartfelt concern. "After a few days of treatment, I''ve improved a lot. As long as I continue the treatment, I will recover soon-"


    "Dr. Henry is currently unconscious," Micah interrupted her, frowning. "Dr. Henry is seriously injured, and we don''t know when he will wake up."


    Sadie''s eyes widened in astonishment as if struck by lightning.


    ''The hope that had just been kindled, is it about to be shattered again? And Dr. Henry is also implicated!''


    "Why didn''t you tell me if something was wrong?!" Micah regretted it deeply. "If I had known earlier, things wouldn''t have turned out like this."


    "I''m sorry--" Sadie also regretted it. "Is Dr. Henry okay? It''s all because of me that he''s involved, along with the apprentice..."


    "The apprentice is fine, just a minor injury," Dahlia exined softly. "Brenda and Olivia are also fine. They are at the hospital; it''s just Dr. Henry, still in the intensive care unit."


    Sadie lowered her head in discouragement, feeling extremely hopeless.


    ''Now, Dr. Henry''s life is uncertain. Is my poison untreatable?''


    "It''s okay; don''t worry," Micah reassured her immediately. "I''ve made sure that Olivia knows how to do bloodletting, the apprentice knows how to prepare medicine, and with Dahlia''s assistance, we''ll be able to continue treating you soon." "Really?" Sadie turned her gaze to Dahlia.


    "Yes." Dahlia nodded. "I have already instructed someone to prepare the medicinal materials ording to the apprentice''s prescription. We can continue the treatment tomorrow."


    "Thank you!" Sadie let out a sigh of relief, then said, "In any case, we must cure Dr. Henry. I can''t bring him trouble."


    "Don''t worry; we have assigned the best surgeons to treat him." Dahlia felt extremely guilty. "I''m sorry, Miss Roth. I conducted a full-body examination on you before, but I didn''t do a blood test. It''s all because of my carelessness that it turned out like this--"


    "You know you were careless?" Micah snapped.


    "Yes, please punish me, Mr. Clemens." Dahlia lowered her head.


    "Don''t me her; at that time, no one could have thought that I would be poisoned." Sadie spoke up for Dahlia. "Solving the problem now is more important."


    "You rest well tonight; we will continue the treatment tomorrow, and you will definitely get better."


    Micah gently touched her face.


    "Okay." Sadie nodded.


    "Go to sleep." Micah soothed her to sleep, then hurriedly left.


    Just as he walked out of the hospital ward, he whispered, "Gather the troops, bring Nick to me!" "Mr. Clemens."


    "Now, immediately, go and do it!"


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 605 Will the Poison Strike Again?

    Micah led arge group of people to Nick''s territory, but unfortunately, he found it deserted.


    Nick had anticipated that the incident of Sadie being poisoned would eventually be exposed, and with Micah''s temper, he would definitely trouble her. Therefore, as soon as Nick received the news, she immediately ordered everyone to retreat, leaving an empty building for Micah to vent his anger.


    Micah seethed with anger, grinding his teeth as he realized just how well they knew each other. Yet, even if Nick had evaded capture this time, she wouldn''t be able to escape the next. Micah believed that Nick would show up again.


    ...


    The following day, Sadie resumed her treatment. Following Dr. Henry''s methods, this time, when Olivia administered the injection, only a small amount of impure blood emerged.


    However, it wasmonly believed that expelling any impure blood would be effective. It was possible that less impure blood was being expelled now because a significant amount had been removed previously. With persistence in the treatment, Sadie would eventually recover.


    Day after day, Sadie continued her treatment with this mindset. As a month passed, she hardly expelled any impure blood, and the poison in her body remained stable.


    Micah was very happy and believed that Sadie had already recovered.


    That morning, Micah picked Sadie up from the hospital and also shared some good news with her. "My Grandpa is also being discharged today."


    "Mr. Clemens senior is alright? That''s great," Sadie eximed in surprise.


    "His legs are not as agile as before, but his overall health has improved a lot. He still needs to recuperate," Micah said, cupping her face. "The kids all miss you!" "I miss them, too," Sadie replied.


    When she mentioned the children, she felt a pang of guilt. During this period of receiving treatment, she hadn''t gone back to see them to avoid them seeing her lean look. Fortunately, everything was over now, and she would be able to see the children tonight.


    "Let''s go!" Micah held Sadie''s hand, ready to take her from the hospital.


    "I want to go see Dr. Henry first," Sadie said with guilt. If it weren''t for her, Dr. Henry wouldn''t have ended up like this.


    "Alright, I''ll apany you," Micah said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as they entered Dr. Henry''s ward.


    Olivia, the apprentice, and Brenda were all there, too. Olivia and the apprentice were slightly nervous upon seeing Micah, so Sadie asked them to wait outside, and she went in alone.


    Brenda stepped forward to support Sadie. "Miss, I''ve also packed everything up. We''re all getting discharged today."


    "Brenda, are you okay with your waist?" Last time, Brenda was kicked by a ck-d person and injured her waist while trying to save her. She has been receiving treatment and rehabilitation in the hospital recently.


    "I''m fine,pletely healed." Brenda stretched her back. "I''ve been drinking the medicine made by Dr. Henry every day, and I feel much better."


    "Excellent," Sadie nodded with relief, turning her gaze to Olivia and the apprentice. "Both of you,e with me. You''ll stay at my home, and you can visit Dr. Henry every day."


    "No, we want to stay by Dr. Henry''s side." The apprentice was resolute.


    "Me too. I have to stay here to take care of Dr. Henry." Olivia smiled, always looking lovely. "Sadie, don''t worry about us. Go home and wait for Dr. Henry to wake up. We''ll go see you together." "Alright." Sadie knew that they had a deep connection with Dr. Henry, so she didn''t force them. "I wille to see Dr. Henry frequently, and you can call me anytime if you need anything." "Okay." Olivia and the apprentice nodded.


    "Then I''ll leave first." Sadie hugged Olivia and prepared to leave with Brenda.


    Suddenly, the apprentice shouted, "Sadie."


    "Yes?" Sadie turned around to look at the apprentice.


    "Be cautious. If the toxins still have an effect, remember toe back to us," the apprentice urged.


    Sadie was slightly stunned, and she smiled and nodded, "okay!"

 Chapter 606 The Wedding is in Seven Days

    Leaving the hospital, Sadie still felt uneasy. The apprentice''sst words echoed in her mind. She couldn''t help but think that the toxins in her body hadn''t beenpletely cleared. However, even if the toxins hadn''t beenpletely cleared, there was no other way now.


    Dr. Henry hadn''t woken up yet, and the apprentice and Olivia only knew how to repeat the original methods.


    Sadie was thinking about what Dr. Henry had said back then: to take it slowly and have a phased treatment.


    Soaking in medicinal baths and receiving IV drips were preliminary steps. Dr. Henry had other ns, but they had yet to have a chance to be implemented before the incident happened.


    Now, all Sadie could do was pray for her own well-being and hope for Dr. Henry''s swift recovery. Only then could she resume her treatment.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Micah felt that Sadie had something on her mind and gently embraced her. "Are you worried about Dr. Henry? I have arranged for the best surgeon to treat him. Dahlia also said that he is just old and his body is aging, so his recovery will be slow, but he will recover eventually."


    "Yeah." Sadie nodded.


    "Don''t overthink it." Micah pinched her face. "You need to get yourself together, find your footing, and be a beautiful bride. There''s only seven days left, and if you don''t prepare properly, you''ll look bad in the wedding dress!" Sadie was stunned. "What seven days?"


    "The wedding," Micah casually said. "I already announced it. It will be held on the 9th of this month."


    "What?!" Sadie was shocked. "When did you announce it? Why didn''t I know?"


    "Three days ago." Micah took out a golden invitation and handed it to Sadie. "The invitations have already been sent out."


    Sadie was dumbfounded and took a while to react. "Oh my god, we haven''t even taken the wedding photos, and you''ve already sent out the invitations?"


    Sadie hastily opened the invitation to check. There were no pictures inside, just a simple invitation written in English.


    "I initially envisioned a grand wedding that would grab headlines worldwide. However, upon reflection, I realized your preference for a more intimate affair. Consequently, I extended invitations solely to close friends, family, and select business partners. They all know I prefer to keep a low profile so they can understand without any photos."


    Micah enthusiastically described the wedding arrangements to Sadie.


    "But we still need to take the wedding photos, so I have already prepared a yacht. Tomorrow, our whole family of six will go out to sea together to take pictures!"


    "You did?" Sadie eximed. "Tomorrow is Wednesday, and the children have school."


    "Kindergarten. It doesn''t matter if they take a day off." Micah smirked. "They have already sent invitations to their teachers and ssmates, so they just need you toe back!"


    Sadie felt like she didn''t know anything. She was being arranged without her knowledge. "What about Mr. Clemens senior? Did he agree?"


    "He rushed out of the hospital today as soon as he saw the invitation." Micah shrugged. "He''lle to our house tonight to discuss the wedding."


    Sadie didn''t know what to say anymore. "Oh my god, you''re making decisions without consulting him. What if he doesn''t agree?"


    "What I have decided, no one can change," Micah said firmly. "Not even my Grandpa!"


    "But-"


    "Enough," Micah interrupted Sadie''s words and tenderly kissed her forehead. "I''ll handle everything. You need to be a bride."


    Micah''s tenderness melted Sadie, and she could no longer voice any objections. She could only hold onto his waist tightly, bury her face in his chest, listen to his strong and powerful heartbeat, and emotionally say, "Micah, thank you!"

 Chapter 607 Negotiation with Mr. Clemens Senior 1

    Back home, Sadie felt somewhat anxious. Although Micah had repeatedly given her confidence, Sadie was still hesitant to face Mr. Clemens senior.


    When Sadie first met Mr. Clemens senior, she felt proud and confident. At the time, she was eager to distance herself from Micah and even considered ending their rtionship. But now, things were different. She wanted to marry Micah and wanted Mr. Clemens senior to ept her because she had her expectations, so she had be vulnerable. "Let me help you upstairs to rest."


    Micah was about to support Sadie upstairs when the sound of a car came from outside.


    A bodyguard hurriedly came to report, "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Clemens senior is here!"


    Mr. Clemens senior was discharged from the hospital. Instead of going to his own home, he came directly to Micah''s ce. He arrived before the children finished school, clearly wanting to have a good talk with Micah and Sadie. Sadie suddenly became nervous, even a little scared.


    "Don''t worry, I''m here for you." Micah held Sadie''s hand and walked out.


    The bodyguards and servants stood in two neat rows.


    Brenda, who had been up packing her luggage in the room, quickly joined them when she noticed everyone rushing out. Upon hearing that Mr. Clemens senior was present, Brenda''s expression turned serious.


    She understood that in order to marry into the Clemens family, Sadie needed to pass this test set by Mr. Clemens senior.


    Micah opened the car door and helped his Grandpa out of the car.


    The bodyguards pushed Mr. Clemens senior''s wheelchair over.


    Micah supported Mr. Clemens senior as he sat down and looked at his stiff legs. Micah couldn''t help but frown. "Your legs haven''t fully recovered. You still need some rest and recovery."


    "It''s useless with you here, annoying me," Mr. Clemens senior said irritably.


    Micah raised an eyebrow and silently pushed Mr. Clemens senior inside.


    Mr. Clemens senior looked at Sadie with a cold gaze.


    "Hello, Grandpa Clemens," Sadie greeted softly.


    "Stop yelling." Mr. Clemens senior coldly turned his face away. "I haven''t epted you yet."


    Sadie lowered her head, afraid to say anything more.


    Seeing this, Brenda became anxious and wanted to step forward to argue, but Sadie held her back.


    Micah nced at Sadie and pushed Mr. Clemens senior into the house.


    "When will the children be back?" Mr. Clemens senior looked at his watch.


    "At 5:00 p.m." Micah understood what Mr. Clemens senior meant. "Shall we go to the study?"


    "Okay." Mr. Clemens senior nodded arrogantly. "Let Sadiee too."


    "Alright." Micah signaled to Sadie with his eyes.


    Sadie could only muster up the courage to follow along. Brenda also wanted to follow, but Sadie quickly stopped her, "Brenda, you''re tired. Go back to your room and rest." "Miss, is Mr. Clemens senior going to be mean to you?" Brenda was very worried.


    "No, Micah is here." Sadie smiled. "Besides, Mr. Clemens senior likes the kids so much. Why would he bully their mother?"


    "That''s true." Brenda nodded.


    "It''s been a long time since you have seen the children. They''ll be making a fuss when theye back. It would be best if you rested a bit," Sadie reassured Brenda. "Okay, then I''ll go pack my luggage and take a nap." Brenda smiled and nodded. "Be confident. You have three children; don''t be afraid."


    "I know."


    Sadieforted Brenda and went to the study on the first floor.


    Micah and Ss helped Mr. Clemens senior sit on the sofa, and the butler brewed top-quality Ceylon ck tea and prepared desserts before leaving.


    At the entrance, Andrew and Rn were waiting quietly.


    Ss stood behind Mr. Clemens senior, ready to serve at any time.


    Micah lounged on the sofa across from Mr. Clemens senior, embracing Sadie.


    His demeanor was rxed, legs propped up, while Sadie sat upright, attentive like a child awaiting instructions.


    After drinking a few sips of coffee, Mr. Clemens senior finally spoke, "Micah, you''ve be unruly. Without my permission, you actually sent wedding invitations to your rtives and friends!"

 Chapter 608 Negotiation with Mr. Clemens Senior 2

    "It''s my wedding, not yours," Micah blurted out. Seeing Mr. Clemens senior''s face turn dark; he quickly put on a yful smile. "We already have children; would you still disagree?" Micah knew that Mr. Clemens senior''s weakness was his three children.


    "Don''t use the children as an excuse. I''m not epting it!" Mr. Clemens senior shouted angrily.


    Micah shrugged, showing no fear, and even picked up a cup of coffee to hand to Sadie.


    Sadie took it but didn''t dare to drink it, using it only to warm her hands.


    "This marriage won''t happen without my consent," Mr. Clemens senior warned forcefully. "Don''t think that you can make decisions on your own just because you''ve be unruly! "I own most of the shares in the Clemens Group. If you defy me, you need to start your own business. "Although you built the VIC Group from scratch, it''s only a small part of the Clemens Group''s assets.


    "Considering only the assets of the VIC Group, you can, at best,pete evenly with the Lingston family. You are no match for Nick, and the James Group is even more superior to you!" Although Mr. Clemens senior''s words seemed to be directed at Micah, they were actually said for Sadie.


    How could Micah not understand such obvious reasoning?


    Micah had no fear, not only because of his abilities but also because of his confidence in Mr. Clemens senior. He believed that Mr. Clemens senior would not really sever ties with him over this matter. But Sadie couldn''t take the risk!


    Although Micah rarely discussed his entrepreneurial journey, Sadie was privy to some details.


    Micah had tragically lost his parents at a tender age and had been subjected to rigorous training since the age of six, leaving him devoid of a conventional childhood or youth, devoid of leisure and happiness.


    Micah was a genius but also a machine of intelligence.


    His life had been consumed by studying from a young age; even in his teenage years, he was forbidden from pursuing romantic rtionships or friendships. Micah''s singr focus had always been "sess." After 28 years of hard work, Micah had achieved everything he had now. He couldn''t let it be ruined because of Sadie herself!


    "Grandpa, please don''t be angry." Sadie hurriedly spoke up, "If you disagree, we can postpone the wedding."


    "Shut up!" Micah interrupted Sadie, using her with his gaze. He had done everything for her sake, so how could she back down at thest moment?


    "Sadie, you are a smart person," Mr. Clemens senior said coldly. "You are only interested in Micah because of his wealth. If he defies me, he will lose his wealth, and then you will have nothing as well. "Only if you obediently leave, I will give you arge sum of money to ensure a worry-free life for the rest of your days. You should know which option is the best, Sadie!"


    "Mr. Clemens senior, I think you misunderstood." Sadie smiled bitterly. "Four years ago, when I ended up with Micah, neither of us knew who the other person was. It was purely coincidental that we happened to meet and were brought together."


    "Are you saying that you were not with Micah for his wealth?" Mr. Clemens senior sneered mockingly. "Even if it was a coincidence four years ago, can you say that it wasn''t nned four yearster?"


    "No," Sadie said confidently. "Four yearster, we met again in different roles, and I had no idea he was Micah. The story is a bit absurd, but I did not n it."


    "You are good at making excuses," Mr. Clemens senior disdainfully confronted Sadie, "Anyway, I will not agree to this marriage, even if the invitations have been sent. I will make arrangements to cancel the wedding." "Grandpa!"


    "If you still want to call me Grandpa, then do as I say," Mr. Clemens senior didn''t give Micah a chance to argue, interrupting him. "As I said, I will not let Sadie into our family!"


    "What about the three children?" Micah brought up the key point again, "Don''t you want them to carry the Clemens surname? Don''t you want them to identify themselves as part of the Clemens family? They should have a status."

 Chapter 609 Negotiation with Mr. Clemens Senior 3

    "The children belong to the Clemens family." Mr. Clemens senior turned to look at Sadie. "Give me a price. Let the children change their surname. How much money do you want? I will write a check!" "Mr. Clemens, senior, let''s talk business. Why do you have to insult me with money?" Sadie furrowed her eyebrows. "The children''s father is Micah, so changing their surname to Clemens is fine with me!" "That''s good." Mr. Clemens senior satisfiedly curled his lips and turned to look at Micah. "Did you hear that?"


    Micah was speechless. Sadie was only stubborn in front of him and didn''t know how to negotiate when it was the right time!


    "Just because she is easy to talk to, it doesn''t mean you can bully her." Micah had to fight on his own, negotiating with Mr. Clemens senior again, "We shouldn''t let the children grow up without a mother!" "They don''t need a mother. Having a father is enough." Mr. Clemens senior coldly looked at Sadie. "It is extremely advantageous for the children to stay in the Clemens family for their future development. If they follow you, their nutrition might not be guaranteed, and they will often be bullied. If you truly love the children, you should think about their well-being."


    "Mr. Clemens senior!"


    "What do you mean?" Sadie finally couldn''t bear it anymore. "You want the children to stay in the Clemens family, but you don''t agree to the marriage."


    "You are right." Mr. Clemens senior finally got to the point, "You leave, and the children stay, that''s what I mean! Of course, you have given birth to three children for the Clemens family, so I won''t mistreat you. Set a condition, and I will fulfill you."


    "You are going too far!" Micah angrily growled.


    "Shut up," Mr. Clemens senior red at him, then turned to Sadie. "Even if I don''t consider your family background, just looking at your qualifications, can you match for Micah?


    "At a young age, he emerged as a tech genius, establishing his own tech conglomerate and shaping the VIC Group brand. Within the Clemens Group, he oversees the management of over thirty businesses. "Micah''s versatility extends to fluency in multiplenguages, a deep understanding of diverse industries, and the attainment of three PhD degrees. Moreover, he is set to inherit a billion-dor fortune in the future.


    "And what about you? You barely graduated from an average college, possess no notable work skills or outstanding talents, and need improvement in management. You are deemed ineffective and unfit to be the hostess of the Clemens family. "Micah''s mother excelled as a student at Cambridge and holds double doctorates, while his Great-grandfather is a British duke, inherentlynoble with an esteemed character. Her family connections could also be advantageous to us. How can you possibly measure up to her? "Also, Micah''s grandmother hails from a prominent shipping family and boasts adeptness in business management. Upon marrying into our family, she yed a pivotal role in our industries'' sess, establishing herself as a business luminary.


    "As for you, your skill set is limited. Your abilities are confined to piano ying and childcare, tasks easily outsourced to a high-caliber nanny. Clearly, Micah has no need to marry you."


    Mr. Clemens senior''s words left Sadie speechless.


    Edmond had nurtured Sadie since she was young and learned many things that wouldn''t be considered bad for an average person. However,pared to Micah''s mother and grandmother, she trulycked any notable qualities. Sadie had never thought about the conditions required to marry into a world-ss elite family before. Now, she finally understood.


    Sadie''s qualifications could only be a high-level nanny in the Clemens family.


    "Grandpa, that''s enough."


    "Let me finish what I have to say."


    Mr. Clemens senior should have given Micah a chance to speak and continued to talk to Sadie.


    "You are the mother of my Great-grandchildren, and although I can''t love you, I do not want to harm you for the sake of the children. You have raised those three children very well, and I am grateful to you.


    "However, old money is not easy to enter, and our family isplicated. As the Clemens heir, Micah will have to inherit the family in the future. He has a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. If he wants to get ahead, a capable wife is a must. "I am older, and I can''t take care of him forever. I need to find someone who can walk alongside him instead of someone like you, who only hides behind him and constantly needs his protection."

 Chapter 610 Negotiating with Mr. Clemens senior 4

    If Mr. Clemens senior''s initial words were aggressive, thisst statement indeed made sense.


    Sadie fell silent and began to reflect.


    Micah needed a capable wife, and Sadie was also required to consider whether she could adapt to thisrge family.


    Sadie couldn''t help Micah. Instead, she would be his obstacle and burden.


    "Think for yourself. Can you only be a hindrance to Micah?"


    Seeing Sadie hesitate, Mr. Clemens senior continued to add, "For you, Micah has had conflicts with the Potter family, the rk family, and the Lingston family. He has also had a huge disagreement with his aunt. Now, even before you marry into the family, you have caused him so much trouble. What about the future?"


    Upon hearing these words, Sadie felt ashamed and lowered her head. She had indeed caused Micah a lot of trouble, and she could not argue against it.


    "I am still alive for now, and I can temporarily suppress the Lingston and rk families. However, once I am gone, if Micah encounters simr issues again, there will be no one to assist him."


    "That''s enough, please stop!" Micah saw Sadie being attacked like this and quickly defended her. "You are one of the world''s top psychological experts. Every word you say hits the mark, and no one can argue with you in negotiations." "Every word I say is true." Mr. Clemens senior continued, "I have not fabricated any facts, nor have I exaggerated anything."


    "It doesn''t matter; I am going to marry her anyway."


    Micah was familiar with Mr. Clemens senior. In his youth, Mr. Clemens senior employed negotiation tactics topel prisoners of war to surrender and to coerce criminals intomitting suicide. In the presence of Mr. Clemens senior, Sadie was an ordinary person, subjected to his oppression without any means to resist.


    "Micah, stop causing trouble!" Mr. Clemens senior angrily reprimanded. "Do you think you''re still a child? You''re already a father, carrying such a heavy responsibility. How can you be so stubborn and reckless?"


    "You want to reason with me?" Micah began to retort. "Well, then, let me ask you, if Grandma is so outstanding and perfect, why did you marry a mistress?"


    Mr. Clemens senior paused for a moment, his eyes flickering and his expression turning unpleasant. "You little brat, what nonsense are you spouting?"


    "Am I wrong?" Micah countered. "ording to what you say, to marry into the Clemens family, one must meet such high standards. Grandma''s standards should be indisputable, right? Yet, you still married a mistress, and you continue to fool around with other women."


    "Shut up!" Mr. Clemens senior, at the age of 96, was being exposed in front of outsiders by his grandson.


    Mr. Clemens senior''s face turned purple; he gritted his teeth. If his legs were not hindered, he would have already lunged at Micah to beat him.


    "This shows that you must marry a woman you love!" Micah continued his counterattack. "Even if she seems exceptional and wless, marrying someone you don''t genuinely care for will inevitably lead to problems in the marriage. And when marital issues arise, they can impact the family business."


    "You, you little brat!"


    Mr. Clemens senior was furious and raised his cane to strike Micah''s leg.


    Micah didn''t dodge or avoid it, allowing Mr. Clemens senior to strike while he continued to speak. "Later on, Grandma wanted a divorce, almost leading to our family dividing the estate. It was a global sensation at the time. Have you forgotten all about it?"


    "Shut up! Shut up!"


    Mr. Clemens senior was about to go crazy. He staggered and lunged at Micah.


    Sadie, who seemed cursed just a moment ago, suddenly regained her senses. Mr. Clemens senior had made her feel inferior, but now Micah hade to her rescue. While Mr. Clemens senior''s words had some truth to them, Micah''s arguments also made sense.

 Chapter 611 The Greatest Weakness

    Love could support a person through many difficulties. Only when a family was together did life have meaning.


    Marriage without love ultimately led to separation. Even if the foundation of the marriage was strong, problems would still arise. And once there was conflict in the marriage, it would affect the career as well. "Micah, I''ll kill you!" Mr. Clemens senior eximed angrily, waving his cane and hitting Micah hard.


    "What did I say wrong?" Micah argued, unwilling to ept the answer. "My Daddy married someone suitable, as you asked, but what was his end? Our family was destroyed."


    Upon hearing this, Mr. Clemens senior stopped his actions. He had indirectly caused his son''s tragedy, a lifelong regret he carried. Though he never allowed anyone to mention it, Micah, fearless as ever, insisted on exposing his scar! Beneath the scar was endless remorse.


    In an instant, Mr. Clemens senior''s arrogance disappeared, and he sat sadly in his wheelchair. "I do have an inescapable responsibility, but it was mainly because of your Daddy''s stubbornness. He insisted on liking that woman from the James family, which led to this tragedy."


    Saying this, Mr. Clemens senior looked at Micah and continued, "I just don''t want you to follow your Daddy, so I keep an eye on you. Do you understand?"


    Seeing Mr. Clemens senior so heartbroken, Micah couldn''t help but feel guilty. He knew that his Daddy was the deepest pain in his Great-grandpa''s heart, yet he still used it to hurt him. It didn''t seem kind.


    "In any case, I will not allow Sadie to enter our home."


    After Mr. Clemens senior finished speaking, he made a gesture and Ss quickly pushed him away.


    Micah looked at Mr. Clemens senior''s figure, his brows tightly furrowed.


    Rn lowered his head and opened the door.


    Ss pushed Mr. Clemens senior out.


    At this moment, the cheerful voices of the children outside could be heard. "Great-grandpa, Great-grandpa!" "Oh, the children are back!"


    Upon hearing the children''s calls, Mr. Clemens senior immediately smiled, dissipating the gloom from before.


    "Great-grandpa, why are you here?" Nathan couldn''t wait to put down his tiny backpack and ran over with his short legs. "Daddy said Mommy ising home today. Did youe to see her?"


    Mr. Clemens senior suddenly froze, unsure of how to respond.


    Despite being regarded as one of the foremost authorities in psychological warfare and negotiation worldwide, his expertise and tactics seemed to vanish when dealing with children-all that remained was sincerity.


    "Great-grandpa, Brenda made a lot of delicious food, and she also made my favorite chocte toast." Mia ran over with two steaming hot chocte toasts in her hands and handed them to Mr. Clemens senior. "Be careful. They''re hot. Try them quickly!"


    "Oh dear, Mia, don''t burn your little hands." Mr. Clemens senior quickly took the chocte toast and blew it on Mia''s chubby hands. "Great-grandpa, Daddy said you''re getting discharged today. Are you feeling better?" Noah walked over and asked with concern.


    "Yes, sure." Mr. Clemens senior gently fondled Noah''s head. "I heard that you''ve been helping your Daddy develop new softwaretely?"


    "Yes, it''s specifically designed for kindergarten kids." Noah got excited talking about it and immediately introduced it to Mr. Clemens senior. "This software can prevent children from getting lost. It was developed based on the principles of a tracker."


    "Amazing!" Mr. Clemens senior was very pleased. Looking at the three children, he seemed to see hope. Even if he weren''t around in the future, the Clemens family wouldn''t have to worry about having no one to carry on their undertaking. "Mommy!" At this moment, Mia saw Sadie walking out of the study and ran excitedly towards her. "Mommy, I missed you so much!"


    "Mommy!"


    "Mommy."


    Noah and Nathan also saw Sadie, and they were equally excited and rushed towards her.


    Sadie crouched down, embracing all three children in her arms, moved by their presence. "I missed you, too."

 Chapter 612 You Cant Be Soft

    "Mommy, you''ve lost weight." Mia held Sadie''s face, concerned. "Is it because you don''t have Mia around that your appetite has been bad?" "Yes, I see Mia now, and my appetite will improve." Sadie kissed Mia''s chubby cheeks, her eyes glistening with tears but a gentle smile on her lips. "Mommy, Brenda just made fresh chocte toast. I''ll go get it for you." Nathan hurriedly ran to the kitchen to bring something for Sadie to eat. Watching his agile steps, Sadie asked, "Is your foot better, Nathan?"


    "He has been fine for a long time. Now he can bounce and jump around, full of energy." Noah hastily reported to his mother, "Mommy, I''ve helped Daddy develop a new software. Daddy said he wants to register a patent with my name." "Noah, you are amazing," Sadie eximed as she hugged Noah. "I am so proud of you!"


    "Mommy." Noah hugged Sadie, his eyes reddening, "Please don''t leave us again. We were afraid you wouldn''te back."


    "Yeah, yeah, we were nning to run away from home and find you at the hospital," Mia blurted out, quickly covering her little mouth with chubby hands.


    "Run away from home, run away from home!" Coco repeated Mia''s words, fluttering its wings and flying around Sadie''s head.


    "Run away from home?" Sadie was terrified. "You must never do that! Mommy was at the hospital getting treatment, but I''m back now, right?"


    "We could have apanied you during your treatment and taken care of you." Noah frowned, sadly saying, "You were gone for a whole month, and we missed you so much."


    "Mommy, you promised us you wouldn''t leave us again." Mia pouted, almost crying, "Mommy, you don''t keep your promises!"


    "It''s not like that..." Sadie didn''t know how to exin to the children.


    "Mommy, your chocte toast is here!" Nathan eximed as he hurriedly carried a te loaded with several slices of chocte toast toward her.


    "Chocte toast, chocte toast!" Coco flew over immediately upon seeing the food.


    "Coco, wait. Let Mommy eat first," Nathan shooed Coco away with his hand and then ced the chocte toast in front of Sadie. "Mommy, have some more!"


    "Thank you, Nathan!" Sadie fondled Nathan''s head and ate the chocte toast with her three children.


    Seeing this scene, Mr. Clemens senior furrowed his brow. He knew how deep the children''s bond with their mother was, but seeing these moments firsthand did touch his heart somewhat.


    To prevent himself from getting moved, Mr. Clemens senior averted his gaze and gestured for Ss to lead him away.


    "Grandpa, are you leaving now?" Micah immediately came over to send him off, "Won''t you stay and have a meal together?"


    "No need!" Mr. Clemens senior had a stern face, not even bothering to look at him.


    "Great-grandpa is leaving. Let''s go and see him off," Sadie reminded the children.


    Mia held Mr. Clemens senior''s hand and pleaded, "Great-grandpa, don''t leave. Have dinner with us."


    Mia''s voice was as sweet as candy, leaving a warm feeling in anyone who heard it.


    Mr. Clemens senior immediately smiled and softened his gaze. "Great-grandpa is going home, but next time, I will take you all out to eat."


    "No, no." Mia pouted and swayed Mr. Clemens senior''s hand.


    "Great-grandpa, you should have your meal here. Brenda''s cooking is delicious," Nathan insisted, gesturing with his tiny fists. "After dinner, you can join us in the garden. My foot has healed, so I can show you my martial arts skills." "Yes, you wanted to see the new software I''ve been working on, right?" Noah held Mr. Clemens senior''s other hand and said, "After dinner, I can show it to you!"

 Chapter 613 Family Reunion

    Upon hearing these words, Mr. Clemens senior hesitated.


    Coco flew over, pping its wings, and said, "Stay, stay!"


    "Look, even Coco wants you to stay." Mia quickly reached out her hand to summon Coco. "Coco, call Great-grandpa!" "Great-grandpa, Great-grandpa!" Imitating Mia''s cute voice, Coco called out to Mr. Clemens senior.


    Mr. Clemens senior finallyughed. "Alright, I''ll stay and have a meal with you all."


    "Yay, that''s great!" Mia raised her hands and cheered.


    Coco fell onto Mr. Clemens senior''sp, and its little head became dizzy. It rolled its eyes and said, "I''m about to faint!"


    Seeing Coco''s adorable appearance, Mr. Clemens senior burst intoughter, and the others joined in.


    Micah''s lips curved with a victorious smile. He knew the children would touch Mr. Clemens senior!


    Andrew hurried to the kitchen to inform the butler to prepare some of Mr. Clemens senior''s favorite dishes.


    The butler whispered, " Mr. Clemens already informed me that Mr. Clemens senior would be staying for dinner tonight, and I prepared everything early."


    "Oh? You were already prepared." Andrew pped his forehead. "It was my oversight!"


    "You kids y with Great-grandpa for a while. We''ll have dinner in half an hour," Micah called out to the children.


    "Okay, Daddy!" the children obediently responded.


    Noah, being sensible, said, "You go upstairs with Mommy to change clothes. Take this opportunity to rest."


    "Yes, I can see that Mommy is tired," Mia said when she blew a kiss to Sadie. "Mommy, go rest."


    "Mommy, remember to eat the chocte toast before it gets cold," Nathan reminded, tilting his head. "Okay, thank you, my babies," Sadie replied.


    Sadie grabbed two slices of chocte toast and ascended the stairs with Micah''s arm draped around her.


    Mr. Clemens Sr. nced at them before shifting his focus to the children in the hall. "Nathan, why don''t you show us your martial arts skills? I haven''t had the chance to see them yet." "Alright!"


    Nathan took a bite of the chocte toast and immediately started demonstrating with skill and speed.


    Nathan''s moves were precise and fast, reminiscent of Micah''s childhood style!


    Mr. Clemens senior looked very pleased and praised him, saying, "Well done, Nathan, you''re very impressive!"


    "Great-grandpa-" Nathan was about to speak when the chocte toast in his mouth fell.


    Coco quickly flew over and snatched it, angering Nathan, who chased after it and shouted, "Coco, give me back my chocte toast!"


    Coco was clever. It didn''t say a word, flew two rounds around the living room, and then flew away, pping its wings.


    "Coco!" Nathan followed, running and jumping to catch Coco.


    "Stop chasing," Noah shouted from behind. "Nathan,e back now!"


    "Boys are so childish." Mia pouted, looking proud.


    Mr. Clemens Sr. burst into heartyughter, with Ss and several attendants joining in behind him.


    Ss couldn''t help but exim, "This family, so close-knit and lively, how wonderful!"


    Upon hearing this, Mr. Clemens senior''sughter gradually subsided, and he seemed lost in thought. But then he changed the subject, pulling Noah aside and asking, "Noah, show me the software you''ve been researching." Noah immediately brought a tablet and opened the software he designed, showing it to Mr. Clemens senior.


    "This software is for children under six years old. As long as their parents input their fingerprints, it can track their whereabouts.


    "If they get lost, encounter bad people, or face unexpected incidents, the parents'' phones will sound an rm and send the child''s location."

 Chapter 614 The Childs Intentions 1

    "Great, let me take a look."


    Mr. Clemens senior opened the software and carefully examined it. He observed that the details were well-established and the code wasprehensive, indicating a mature software product. While it may not rival advanced high-tech software, it was remarkable that a three-and-a-half-year-old child had designed it!


    "Daddy said he will register it as a patent for me. The name of this software will be Noah, and the marketing department is nning to start the trial next month." Noah proudly raised his little head. "Daddy also said that the money earned from this software will be in my ount, and I can spend it as I like!"


    "Very good!" Mr. Clemens senior caressed Noah''s little head and sighed. "Truly worthy of being a child from the Clemens family!"


    "I think I should thank Mommy," Noah said while operating the tablet. "She inspired me to create this software. I mentioned it to her during our chats, and she gave me many suggestions. But at that time, I didn''t have the opportunity to develop it until I met Daddy."


    Noah spoke earnestly, and Mr. Clemens senior listened attentively. He couldn''t deny that Sadie was a good mother. Although she had a humble background, she had a positive influence on the children.


    However, Sadie was far from being a daughter-inw of the Clemens family.


    "Great-grandpa," Mia began tentatively, her plump hands entwined nervously, "I don''t know martial arts like Nathan, and I''m not as smart as Noah. Will you still like me?"


    "Of course, Great-grandpa will like Mia." Mr. Clemens senior hurriedly embraced Mia, affectionately saying, "Mia is the most adorable little angel. You don''t need to know martial arts or develop software. All you need to do is be happy!" "Even if I grow up and don''t know anything, you won''t dislike me?" Mia tilted her little head and asked innocently.


    "Of course not." Mr. Clemens senior smiled lovingly and gently. "You are the little treasure of our Clemens family. Great-grandpa hopes for your happy and healthy growth and wishes for your happiness. Nothing else matters!" "That''s great, then I don''t need to worry."


    Mia finally let out a sigh of relief, patting her chest with her chubby hands and lifting her cute face with a chubby smile.


    "Great-grandpa used to say the same things to Mommy. He wished for her to grow up healthy and happy, so now that Mommy has Daddy and us, she is very happy, and we are happy, too."


    Upon hearing these words, Mr. Clemens senior was taken aback. He seemed to have never realized this issue before.


    In his disdain for Sadie''s birth and her apparent incapacity, he seemed to have entirely forgotten that she was once cherished as someone else''s little angel-just like his Mia! "Mr. Clemens senior, dinner is ready," the butler reported.


    Mr. Clemens senior snapped back to reality and absentmindedly nodded.


    "I''ll go call Mommy and Daddy to eat." Mia immediately trotted upstairs with her short legs, her chubby figure looking adorable.


    "Great-grandpa, let me push you to wash your hands," Noah said, putting down his tablet. He then pushed Mr. Clemens senior to the restroom.


    "Mr. Noah, let me do it." Ss wanted to step forward and help. "You''re such a small child; be careful not to hurt your feet."


    "Ss, even though I''m small, I''m not little." Noah raised his small head and said seriously, "I know what adults know!" Mr. Clemens seniorughed proudly. "My Noah is the smartest child!"


    "Yes, yes, yes." Ss nodded repeatedly." Mr. Noah is just like his father when he was young, and both are little geniuses."

 Chapter 615 The Childs Intentions 2

    Noah pushed Mr. Clemens senior to the restroom and turned on the faucet. He used his tiny hands to dispense hand soap and then helped Mr. Clemens senior wash his hands.


    Mr. Clemens senior was deeply moved as he watched Noah''s tender hands clean his aged ones. It felt like a form of inheritance, and he couldn''t help but feel a bit teary. "Great-grandpa..." Noah suddenly asked casually, "Do you still remember your mother?"


    Mr. Clemens senior was taken aback for a moment before recalling his mother. He sighed. "Yes, I remember. She was a great mother. Despiteing from a rural background and having no special talents, she led a simple and hardworking life."


    "You''re right." Noah finished washing Mr. Clemens senior''s hands and used a paper towel to wipe away the water carefully. "Great-grandpa, you''re so kind and talented. Your mother must have been great, just like my mother!"


    Upon hearing that, Mr. Clemens senior''s heart skipped a beat. He realized that a three-and-a-half-year-old child had unwittingly led him to his topic.


    "My mother is not very smart and not very capable."


    Noah wiped Mr. Clemens senior''s hands as he chuckled and said, "She often gets confused and forgets things. She can''t even understand my research.


    "Sometimes, she fails to put salt in the food or detergent in theundry; she always looks dumb and clumsy. Nathan and Mia choke back tears when they eat chocte toast made by her, and I also suffer in silence.


    "But this clumsy mother risked her life to give birth to us and did her best to raise and take care of us. When we were in danger, she would rush to protect us without hesitation. She worked multiple jobs to earn money so we could attend the best kindergarten, yet she couldn''t bring herself to buy a new piece of clothing.


    "When confronted with bullying and hurt from the outside world, she concealed it from us. But if we were the ones being bullied, she transformed from a silly littlemb into a fierce lioness, ready to confront and defend our dignity and safety."


    "My mother is very good, and we are happy together. Even though we are a bit poor and face hardships, and sometimes get bullied by rich kids, it doesn''t matter. As long as we are together as a family, we are not afraid of anything." Noah gazed up at Mr. Clemens senior, tears swelling in his eyes. "Wherever our mother goes, we''ll follow," he said. "Even if we''re not officially part of the Clemens family, even if we don''t have fancy cars to fetch us from school, even if we don''t reside in a grand mansion, and even without a Daddy. We just want to be with Mommy!"


    "Silly child, who taught you to say these things?" Mr. Clemens senior became anxious. "You''re still young, and you don''t understand adult matters."


    "No one taught me, but I understand everything," Noah said seriously. "I know you don''t agree with Daddy marrying Mommy, and I know you found him a fiancee. I''ve met her; she''s very mean and bad. She even made Mia cry. We don''t like her. Of course, even if she were gentle and kind, we still wouldn''t like her. We still prefer our mother. Anyway, if our mother leaves, we will leave, too."


    "Child, don''t speak nonsense. Nobody wants you to leave. You are Clemens descendants. You can''t leave." Mr. Clemens senior became frantic. He, who usually made decisions without hesitation, was now in a state of panic. "Adult matters have nothing to do with you. Stop imagining things, understand?"


    "Great-grandpa-"


    "Noah, Nathan, and Mia, it''s time for dinner!" Brenda called from outside, her footsteps approaching.


    Noah didn''t say anything more but quietly guided Mr. Clemens senior out of the restroom.


    At that moment, Micah and Sadie changed their clothes and called out, "Noah, Nathan, and Mia, hurry up and wash your hands!"


    "Okay."


    While the children left, Mr. Clemens senior coldly red at Micah and angrily left in his wheelchair.

 Chapter 616 Watching Them Grow Up

    Sadie was puzzled. Mr. Clemens senior, had been just fine a moment before and had said he wanted to stay for dinner. Why did he suddenly get angry and leave? "Don''t mind him, let''s eat," Micah said.


    Micah helped Sadie sit down and then went outside to see Mr. Clemens senior off.


    The three children emerged from the restroom. They didn''t see Mr. Clemens senior, so they asked curiously, "What about Great-grandpa?"


    "Great-grandpa has left," Sadie couldn''t lie, so she could only tell the truth.


    "But didn''t Great-grandpa say he wanted to stay and eat with us? Why did he leave?" Nathan furrowed his brow and anxiously asked, "Is it because I didn''t perform well and he left?" "The car is still outside," Mia said, chasing with her short legs.


    Nathan immediately followed to chase after them, with Coco tagging along.


    However, Noah sat in his seat, calmly drinking from his water cup.


    "They''ve all gone out. Why don''t you go and take a look?" Sadie asked curiously.


    "If Great-grandpa wanted to leave, he must have had his reasons." Noah handed Sadie a bunch of grapes. "Mommy, these grapes are very sweet. Try them."


    "Thank you, Noah." Sadie took the grapes and asked softly, "Noah, did you say anything to Great-grandpa?"


    "We just chatted a bit." Noah remained calm. "I just wanted to protect you!"


    Upon hearing this, Sadie''s heart trembled. No one understood their children better than a mother. Sadie knew that Noah was smarter and more mature than other kids-he seemed to know everything. Thus, he might worry about his mother and possibly take action.


    Sadie couldn''t help but think of Billy, the child who suffered serious harm due to his parents'' problems. Family grudges even led him to pick up scissors and attempt to kill.


    Sadie didn''t want Noah to be like that.


    Thinking of this, Sadie held Noah''s hand and said seriously, "Noah, adult matters have nothing to do with children. Don''t overthink it, okay?"


    "I''m not overthinking, and I won''t interfere too much. Don''t worry, Mommy," Noahforted Sadie in return. "I know how to handle things." Sadie was left speechless for a moment.


    At that moment, Nathan and Mia returned and discussed this as they walked.


    "Great-grandpa doesn''t keep his word."


    "Next time, we won''t give him chocte toast to eat."


    "Exactly!"


    "Alright, it''s time to eat."


    Micah picked up the two children and ced them in their seats, and then he called the butler to bring the food. "Daddy eats, Mommy eats, Brenda eats!"


    "Eat! Eat!"


    Having children in the house always made for lively surroundings, especially with Coco around-it was akin to having four kids.


    Hearing their happy voices, Sadie quickly forgot her worries and smiled along with the children as they ate.


    Brenda hadn''t just seen the children a long time ago, so she kept serving them food.


    The family had a lively meal, and the atmosphere was very good.


    After dinner, Micah and Sadie apanied the children for a walk in the garden.


    The evening breeze was cool, so Micah took off his coat and draped it over Sadie''s shoulders. They sat on a bench, quietly watching the children y. A seductive smile appeared on his lips as he enjoyed the fulfillment and happiness of this simple life.


    "I wish we could always be like this." Sadie couldn''t help but sigh. "It would be so nice just slowly watching them grow up, passing the days together as a lively family."


    "We will." Micah was confident about the future. "Don''t worry, Grandpa will agree."


    "Why are you so confident?" Sadie smiled bitterly. "I saw him leave in anger. He probably won''t agree."


    Micah yfully ruffled her hair, teasing, "You''re such a pessimist. Trust me, he will definitely agree for the sake of our children."

 Chapter 617 The Courageous Pursuit of Happiness

    Sadie fell silent. She was anxious, not just because of Mr. Clemens senior, but also because she had an inexplicable sense of foreboding. Sadie always felt that there was more to what the apprentice said today; could it be that the toxins in her body were notpletely cleansed? "What''s wrong with you? You seem distracted," Micah frowned and asked.


    "It''s nothing. I feel very happy now." Sadie leaned gently against his chest. "Maybe every woman bes more sentimental before getting married." "Fool." Micah stroked Sadie''s hair. "I''m here, don''t worry about anything. Just be a happy bride."


    Sadie nodded with a smile.


    "You''re tired. Go rest in the room. Tomorrow, we have an early start for our wedding photo shoot at sea." Micah kissed her forehead. "Make sure you rest well today!" "Okay," Sadie said, wrapping her coat tighter. "Then I''ll go to the room first; you stay with the children ande back to rest early." "Got it."


    Micah made a gesture, and the maid quickly stepped forward to support Sadie.


    As Micah watched Sadie''s figure fade into the distance, the smile on his lips slowly disappeared. He waved for Rn and asked, "How is Dr. Henry?"


    "He is still unconscious," Rn replied in a low voice. "Dahlia has brought in experts from overseas to form a medical team that is fully devoted to treating Dr. Henry. Although his vital signs are stable for now, there are no signs of awakening." Upon hearing these words, Micah furrowed his brow tightly. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Have they found Nick?"


    "Not yet," Rn said with a touch of shame. "She seems to have intentionally disappeared at this time and is deliberately hiding. We can''t find her at all."


    "Keep trying to find her. I refuse to believe she can hide forever."


    Micah became furious when he thought about Nick''s actions.


    "Yes, understood." Rn nodded.


    Micah made a gesture, and Rn lowered his head and backed away.


    Micah knew all too well that despite Sadie appearing well at present, the poison lurking within her was like a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.


    That''s why he had arranged for the top medical team in the world to treat Dr. Henry while also searching for Nick''s whereabouts. He held a glimmer of hope that there might be an antidote with Nick. No matter the cost, he must cure Sadie.


    However, Micah handled all of these matters secretly without letting Sadie know. He didn''t want to burden her further he simply wished for her to be a happy bride. "Daddy!"


    A basketball suddenly flew over, but Micah reacted quickly and caught the ball, then tossed it to the three children.


    "Thank you, Daddy!"


    The children continued ying beach basketball. Despite their small stature and Noah and Mia''s less-than-agile movements, they were still having a great time. Nathan, especially, had a strong sports talent. He could learn any sport and perform them with great precision. It was a powerful gift.


    Mia, meanwhile, had a preference for the arts. She excelled in singing, dancing, ying the piano, and drawing. However, her academic performance was average, and like her mother. Watching the three children, Micah felt the gloom in his heart quickly dissipate. He''d never feared difficulties he firmly believed that he could ovee any challenge, no matter what. Dark clouds drifted across the sky, and it was about to rain.


    The butler and Brenda were worried that the children would get sick from being in the rain, so they called the children inside.


    Micah, however, stopped them and boldly said, "Let them y. What''s a little rain? The children of the Clemens family are not afraid of this bad weather!"


    "Daddy is right!" Nathan eximed excitedly, then continued into the field.

 Chapter 618 Abetting a Child

    Noah was still ying basketball with Micah, and although Mia was clumsy, she also tried her best to keep up with her brothers'' pace. Coco cheered for them on the basketball hoop, shouting, "Go, go!"


    Sadie watched this scene from the French window and smiled with relief.


    ''Yes, Micah and the children were so brave. Why should I shrink back? I should have the confidence to face the challenges along with them.'' With these thoughts, hope reignited in Sadie''s heart.


    When Micah returned to the room, Sadie had fallen asleep. Lately, she had been unusually tired and constantly appeared worn out. He used to suspect she was pregnant, but after the doctor''s examination, it turned out to be a reaction caused by toxins.


    Micah removed his coat, used a towel to dry the rainwater from his head, and then approached the bedside where Sadiey. He sat down, quietly observing her while tenderly caressing her delicate cheeks." Sadie slept deeply, like a baby, greedily enjoying her sleep.


    Even when he touched Sadie''s face like this, she didn''t notice.


    A tempting smile appeared on Micah''s lips. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then turned around to go to the bathroom.


    Unexpectedly, a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind, and a soft body leaned against him.


    "You''re awake?" Micah rubbed Sadie''s hair.


    "Yeah, you woke me up."


    Sadie embraced his waist and snuggled into his arms, her little hands unbuttoning his shirt.


    "Why are you suddenly so enthusiastic?" Micah was somewhat surprised and asked, holding her face, "Did you take the wrong medicine?"


    Sadie blushed and chuckled. "Want it or not? Forget it if you don''t."


    "I want it." Micah flipped over and pressed Sadie beneath him, holding her hands. He passionately kissed her forehead, cheeks, lips, and even her earlobes. "I just love you like this." "As long as you''re happy."


    Sadie wrapped her legs around Micah''s waist, wanting to pleasure him with her enthusiasm.


    Sadie used to think Micah had a strange temper, but now she knew how deep his affection was and how perfect he was.


    Micah stood tall like a sturdy tree, protecting her and the children from the harsh elements. No matter the challenges they faced, he would address them methodically, ensuring they always had a joyful and cozy home. How could Sadie not love such a Micah?


    In the room, the two entwined passionately, and the heavy rain outside could not extinguish their passion.


    On the other side...


    Mr. Clemens senior couldn''t sleep, so he sat alone on his imported Italian leather sofa, staring nkly at the rain curtain outside.


    The coffee on the table in front of him had been changed and cooled repeatedly, but he still needed to drink it.


    Seeing Mr. Clemens senior sitting there silently for a long time, Ss became worried that something was wrong, so he asked cautiously, "Sir, you didn''t have a good dinner. Shall I have the kitchen prepare something for you to eat?" "No need." Mr. Clemens senior finally spoke, "Micah can''t change my decision, but Noah''s words..."


    "Indeed, Noah is quite exceptional." Ss sighed. "At just three and a half years old, his intelligence exceeds that of Micah at that age, and his emotional intelligence is notably higher as well."


    "Yes," Mr. Clemens senior nodded repeatedly.


    "After all, Micah lost his parents at a young age, and I was preupied with running thepany, leaving me little time to spend with him. He grew up in a dull training environment, deprived of the warmth of a family, and struggled with interpersonal skills..


    "In contrast, Noah has been raised differently; Sadie and Brenda have taken care of him very well, giving him a clear edge in this respect."


    "It is precisely because of this that every word he said struck a chord with you!" Ss eximed. "I was taken aback as well. The words were beyond what one would expect from a three-and-a-half-year-old child. So, who else could it be? After all, Micah didn''t have this kind of thinking.


    Miss Roth just returned and met you, and she didn''t have time to teach the child to say those things. Plus, her innocent demeanor doesn''t suggest she could influence a child."

 Chapter 619 The Inner Struggle

    "After careful consideration, I realize it shouldn''t be someone else influencing him," Mr. Clemens senior sneered derisively. "Those two adults aren''t as clever as Noah. They couldn''t have taught him those words!" Ss chuckled. "You can''t say that about Micah. He is also smart."


    "Micah has a lot of evil thoughts." Mr. Clemens senior became angry when he thought of Micah. "Even if he didn''t teach those words, he schemed to have the children persuade me."


    "That''s true. Otherwise, why would the three childrene home half an hour early?" Ss also realized this.


    Mr. Clemens senior thought about the children and fell into distress again. "Although it was Micah''s trick, the children were speaking sincerely."


    "I''ll say something harsh," Ss said cautiously. "Micah and his three children are on the same page. If you forcefully separate them, the whole family will resent you. Your great-grandchildren have their own opinions, especially Noah. What if he really follows his mother and leaves?"


    "You old fool, do you think I''m not miserable enough?" Mr. Clemens senior angrily cursed. "Youe up with a solution for me then!"


    Mr. Clemens senior''s cane struck the ground with a thud.


    Ss took a step back in fear and anxiously said, "Sir, I dare not speak rashly about this. I''m afraid it will make you angry."


    "You speak, I forgive you," Mr. Clemens senior, at his wit''s end, wanted to talk to someone and seek advice.


    "Actually, I think..." Ss hesitated and finally spoke the truth, "Micah is determined to marry Miss Roth, and they have three children who are also quite likable. In this situation, you really can''t forcefully separate them. Why not just support them?"


    "You old fool, I asked you toe up with ideas and solutions, but you end up bing their advocate?!"


    Enraged, Mr. Clemens senior struck Ss with his cane, though with considerably less force than when he hit Micah. After all, Ss was nearly eighty years old and couldn''t withstand the blows. Unlike Micah, who had a thick skin and could withstand it.


    "You asked me to speak, and you said you forgive me. Now you''re angry again." Ss looked aggrieved. "Why don''t you keep your word in your old age?"


    "You dare to talk back," Mr. Clemens senior barked.


    "I dare not, I dare not," Ss quickly apologized. "Mr. Clemens senior, honestly, it wasn''t Mr. Noah''s words that moved me. Rather, I thought of our Mr. Clemens." Ss spoke thest two words very carefully.


    The Mr. Clemens he referred to was Micah''s father, a world-renowned talent with great potential, but he didn''t like doing business and had his own opinions on matters of the heart.


    Mr. Clemens senior hadpelled him to pursue a business education, coerced him into abandoning his cherished girlfriend, and arranged a marriage with a woman from a prestigious family deemed a suitable match. Ultimately, his career had failed to flourish, leaving him embittered.


    At a young age, he unexpectedly passed away together with his wife.


    This became asting pain in Mr. Clemens senior''s heart.


    Previously, any mention of Micah''s father would undoubtedly trigger Mr. Clemens senior''s fury. However, when Ss broached the subject now, he didn''t react angrily, for it represented his greatest concern.


    "The James family had an inescapable responsibility for what happened back then, but if we hadn''t imposed any obstruction..." Ss paused and dared not continue.


    Taking a moment, Ss cautiously nced at Mr. Clemens senior''s expression before continuing in a calm voice, "I see Micah''s feelings for Miss Roth are no less deep than Mr. Clemens''s for the James heiress


    "I truly fear that if you intervene this time again and something happens to Micah this time... While the Clemens family has someone to carry on, you are already 96 years old. How much time do you have left? Can you nurture Mr. Noah and Mr. Nathan just like you did with Micah?"

 Chapter 620 Sentience and Justice

    "Stop talking," Mr. Clemens senior interrupted Ss and lowered his head, saying nothing.


    "I''m sorry, I spoke too much tonight."


    Ss knew that his words were like a knife plunged into Mr. Clemens senior''s heart.


    Mr. Clemens senior would typically explode in anger, but today he allowed Ss to finish speaking. He wanted Ss to expose this wound, enabling him to closely examine it and acknowledge the past mistake, thereby preventing a repeat


    urrence.


    "I will think about it, think some more." Mr. Clemens senior sighed heavily. "What are you standing there for? Don''t you dare push me inside?"


    "Yes!" Ss hastened to push Mr. Clemens senior inside the house. "Are you hungry? Should I have the kitchen make some chicken soup for you?"


    "No need." Mr. Clemens senior''s mood was low. "I am not that hungry."


    "Before I left, the chubby Brenda handed me a bag of things. When I opened it, it turned out to be chocte toast that the children liked. Should I have the kitchen heat it for you?" Ss asked tentatively.


    "Brenda?" Mr. Clemens senior recalled for a moment. "Oh, she''s the children''s Brenda."


    "It''s actually the former housekeeper of the Roth family." Ss exined, "It''s said that Brenda followed Miss Roth''s father when she was young, and she has been taking care of her and the three children ever since. Miss Roth and the three children consider her family, so they all call her Brenda."


    Mr. Clemens senior, deep in thought, remarked, "An old housekeeper who is willing to care for three generations of a family, remaining steadfast with them through their decline, demonstrates Brenda''s loyalty as an attendant. It also reflects thepassion of the Roth family."


    "Yes!" Ss nodded with a smile.


    "You must have received some benefits from Micah to defend him," Mr. Clemens quickly realized, angrily scolding, "You are just a cunning servant!"


    "Sir, when you make usations, you should provide evidence. I have been with the Clemens family for four generations."


    "Shut up!" Mr. Clemens senior red at Ss fiercely, then covered his stomach and said, "I''m a bit hungry. Go make some toast."


    "Yes, right away!" Ss was delighted and quickly had someone go to the kitchen to make toast. He also reminded them, "Also, heat a ss of milk for Mr. Clemens senior."


    "Make it two!" Mr. Clemens senior added, "It''s no fun eating alone."


    "Then I''ll join you." Ss smiled.


    ...


    When Sadie woke up in the morning, sunlight was already streaming in through the French windows, casting a slight warmth on her face.


    Sadie used her hand to block the light and squinted, staring nkly at the green shade outside.


    "You''re awake?" Micah walked out of the bathroom, dressed infortable casual clothes.


    Sadie stretchedzily. "Why are you up so early?"


    "I''m doing morning reading with the kids." Micah buttoned his shirt, his captivating, handsome profile looking especially charming in the sunlight. "Are you going to sleep a bit more? We''re leaving at ten." "I''m up." Sadie sat upzily, reaching out her arms to Micah. "Hug me!"


    Micah raised the corner of his lips and walked over, biting Sadie''s chest.


    Sadie pounded on Micah''s back. "You''re so annoying!"


    "Now you''re awake, right?" Micah smirked, kissing the spot he had bitten. "Get up quickly. I''ll have breakfast sent over."


    "Thank you." Sadie kissed Micah''s face and jumped out of bed.


    Micah patted Sadie''s bottom, adjusted his cor, and walked out.


    Sadie was brushing her teeth in the bathroom when her phone rang suddenly. She nced at the caller ID and quickly answered the call, saying, "Hello, Serena!"


    "Sadie," Serena''s voice trembled through the phone, sounding scared. "Help me, save me."

 Chapter 621 Rushing to the Rescue

    "What''s happened?" Sadie urgently asked.


    "I, I owe someone money, and I got caught," Serena cried, her voice filled with obvious panic. "Please, please help me. Otherwise, I''ll die." "Where are you? Tell me the address."


    Sadie wiped off the foam and quickly went to change her clothes.


    "I''m in the alley behind the Night Club!" Serena''s voice trembled. "You, youe alone; otherwise, they''ll kill me."


    After saying that, Serena hung up.


    Sadie changed into her clothes and rushed out with her phone in hand.


    "Miss Roth, breakfast," the maid announced. But before she could finish, Sadie brushed past her shoulder and darted downstairs.


    "Miss Roth, Miss Roth," the maid called from behind.


    "I have something to do, and I''ll be back soon." Sadie hurriedly ran downstairs and instructed the bodyguard parked outside the door, "Hurry, take me to the Night Club."


    "The Night Club?" n, the bodyguard, was stunned.


    "Yes, now, right away." Sadie was impatient.


    "Alright." n didn''t dare to dy and immediately opened the car door.


    "Miss, where are you headed?" Brenda emerged from the kitchen, breakfast in hand, and caught sight of the scene. She hurriedly followed them, asking, "We''re heading to the beach for the wedding photo shootter." "Brenda, I have something to do. I''ll be back soon. Tell Micah for me," Sadie said as she got into the car, urging anxiously, "Drive fast!"


    "Okay." n could only start the car and drive away.


    Micah was reading with the three children in the study on the second floor when suddenly there was a knock on the door. The maid cautiously reported," Mr. Clemens, Miss Roth has gone out." Micah took his eyes off the book and asked, "Where did she go?"


    "I don''t know. Miss Roth seemed very anxious. I don''t know if something has happened," the maid said urgently. "I was worried that you would be concerned, so I came to let you know."


    Micah closed the book and said to the three children, "We''ll continue reading tonight, okay?"


    "Okay, Daddy!" The children obediently nodded.


    "Daddy put in a bookmark; otherwise, we won''t remember which page we''re on tonight."


    Mia handed Micah a beautiful leaf-shaped bookmark.


    Page 234," Micah smirked, lightly scratching little Mia''s nose. "Don''t worry, I never forget what I see!"


    Then, he got up and walked briskly towards the door. "You guys y for five minutes. Come downstairs for breakfast."


    "Got it, Daddy!" the three children answered in unison with their sweet, childish voices.


    "Noah, what does ''never forget what I see'' mean?" Mia tilted her little head innocently and asked Noah.


    "It means that no matter what it is, as long as you see it once, you will remember it," Noah exined while organizing books. "Our Daddy is a genius!"


    "Ah! Only you inherited Daddy''s intelligence; Mia and I didn''t get any of it." Nathan sighed, resting his chin on his hand.


    "You inherited Daddy''s athletic cells and skills, and Mia inherited Mommy''s artistic cells. These are all advantages; don''t belittle yourselves." "What does ''belittle yourselves'' mean?"


    "It means..."


    In the study, the three children were discussing idioms.


    Outside the door, Micah went to Andrew to inquire, "What''s going on?"


    "I texted n, and Miss Roth just said she went to the Night Club; she didn''t mention anything else," Andrew reported. "Rn is already following her."


    Micah frowned slightly. Sadie always acted in a hurry whenever there was something to discuss. He wondered what she wanted to discuss with him.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Clemens. With Rn there, Sadie will be fine," Andrew reassured. "First, have breakfast with the children. I''ll have Rn take Miss Roth directly to the beachter."

 Chapter 622 Something Happened to Mommy?

    Just as Micah was about to have breakfast with the children, the sound of a car came from outside, and a maid hurriedly came to report, "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Clemens senior is here!" "So early?" Micah was a little surprised but still went out to greet them with the children.


    The car door opened, and Ss and the bodyguards helped Mr. Clemens senior down and onto a wheelchair.


    "Great-grandpa! Great-grandpa!"


    The three children ran over together, calling out "Great-grandpa" with their sweet, childish voices.


    "Ah!" Mr. Clemens senior smiled happily. His mood improved as soon as he saw the children. "Have you had breakfast?"


    "We were just about to have it." Mia raised her chubby little hand, holding a piece ofsagna. She obediently handed it to Mr. Clemens senior. " Great-grandpa try it!" "Okay, okay!" Mr. Clemens senior took a bite. "Delicious!"


    "It''s just a piece of regrsagna, nothing special," Micah teased him.


    "Who asked you? It was given to me by my precious great-granddaughter." Mr. Clemens senior red at Micah and rubbed Mia''s little head. "The braids look really nice today!"


    "Brenda braided them for me." Mia pulled on her braids and happily introduced, "This is called the Princess Elsa braid, just like Princess Elsa from the Frozen World."


    "Our little Mia is also a princess." Mr. Clemens senior affectionately pinched Mia''s chubby face.


    "Great-grandpa, Great-grandpa, do you think I look handsome in my suit today?" Nathan immediately came over to show off his new suit. "Today, our family is going to take wedding photos, so we specially put on little suits."


    Mr. Clemens senior froze for a moment, raised his head, and red at Micah. He had done it again without permission. They would actually go to take wedding photos!


    "Great-grandpa, you''re alsoing with us to take wedding photos, right?" Noah said with a smile, "Brenda and Coco are going too."


    "I''m going, I''m going!"


    Coco pped its wings excitedly and hovered above their heads, screaming.


    "I am also going to join in the fun." Brenda felt a little embarrassed. "Our family hasn''t taken a family portrait yet."


    "We''ll take it today." Mia ran over and held Brenda''s hand. "Brenda, why don''t you change your clothes?"


    "Those clothes are too tight, it fe. It''s weird wearing them; I''ll change them when we get there." Brenda mentioned the dress prepared for her; her f. Turned red, and she covered her mouth and said to Mia, "There''s too little fabric for that dress, the d. They really cheated me, it''s. It''s a big piece in the front and back."


    Ss burst outughing but immediately suppressed it.


    Mr. Clemens senior also curved his lips, managing his expression very well, and said to Micah, "Take me to the study. I have something to tell you."


    "Okay." Micah was about to speak when Andrew''s watch rm went off. His face changed drastically. "It''s n!"


    Each bodyguard of the Clemens family owned a distinctive watch designed to sound an rm in times of danger. This feature enabled their colleagues to promptly receive the alert and hasten to provide assistance. "Prepare the car quickly," Micah ordered decisively.


    The bodyguards quickly brought the car over, and Micah rushed over.


    Andrew was about to follow, but Micahmanded, "You stay behind to protect Mr. Clemens senior and the children."


    "Yes." Andrew watched them leave, then turned around to find the three children wide-eyed and gaping. They were staring in the direction Micah had left, their faces full of astonishment.


    "Take the children inside first," Mr. Clemens senior signaled.


    "Yes." The bodyguard was about to take the children inside but Noah pulled away, his voice tinged with anxiety "Did something happen to Mommy? n drove her away this morning; if something happened to n, then Mommy..."

 Chapter 623 Cant Save a Woman?

    Noah couldn''t bring himself to finish his sentence. Tears welled up in his eyes, his small hands clenched into fists, and his whole body trembled with agitation. "Mommy," Mia was startled by Noah''s words. She then pouted her small mouth and burst into loud tears.


    "No way; how could something happen to Mommy?" Nathan anxiously spun around, incoherently saying, "We were supposed to go take wedding photos. Why did n send Mommy away? Where did they go?" "That''s something for Great-grandpa to answer!" Noah turned to look at Mr. Clemens senior, his tear-filled eyes filled with hatred. "You sent Mommy away, right?"


    "No, Mr. Noah, you''ve misunderstood," Ss hurriedly exined. "Great-grandpa came today because "


    "Shut up!"


    Mr. Clemens senior interrupted Ss'' words. He hade today to discuss with Micah the possibility of Sadie staying, but without the prospect of marriage. After they found a more suitable woman to be Mrs. Clemens, they would negotiate with her to keep Sadie in town in the name of the children''s mother.


    He considered this apromise already, but he didn''t anticipate this happening before he could even speak.


    "If I sent away your mommy, what would you do?" Mr. Clemens senior directly asked Noah, suddenly wanting to know the extent of the children''s dependence on Sadie.


    "Then we''ll leave with Mommy!" Noah was very agitated, his small fists clenched tightly, trembling. "Mommy is the only one. No one can rece her!"


    "Mommy, I want Mommy!" cried Mia, her little face flushed red, her breathing in short gasps as she lifted her head.


    "Mr. Noah, Mr. Nathan, and Miss Mia, don''t cry!"


    The butler and a few maids anxiously coaxed Mia by her side, but it was futile.


    "Great-grandpa, why did you do this?" Nathan finally understood what was going on. Holding Mr. Clemens''s senior''s aged hand and crying, he asked, "Why did you send Mommy away? Why?"


    Brenda wiped away her tears and questioned with fervor, "Sir, how could you be so cruel? Sadie has birthed three children for your Clemens family, and Micah adores her. Why did you drive her away?" "Ah, you all misunderstood," Ss was almost going crazy, but now he couldn''t exin himself.


    Noah didn''t want to continue speaking. He turned around and walked into the house, saying to Brenda, "Brenda, pack your things, we''re; we''re."


    "Alright!" Brenda immediately shook her obese body and ran to pack her things.


    "Mia, let''s go find Mommy."


    Nathan led the tearful Mia into the house, and together they followed Noah upstairs. Each sibling was soon dragging a small suitcase behind them.


    Brenda also finished packing herrge suitcase and was ready to leave with the children.


    The butler and maids were anxiously turning in circles. "Mr. Noah, Mr. Nathan, and Miss Mia, please don''t go. Your Daddy would never drive Mommy away. They will be back soon. Please don''t act rashly. If you leave, how can we exin it to your Daddy?"


    "Please calm down, calm down. Let''s wait for Mr. Clemens toe back before making any decisions. Please don''t leave at this time. Otherwise, we''re doomed."


    Mr. Clemens senior furrowed his brows, his face stern, and said nothing.


    "What''s going on?" Ss made a callback and found the whole house in chaos, with people crying and soothing one another, unaware of who had upset whom. "Prepare the car and take the children to find their mother," Mr. Clemens senior suddenly ordered.


    Ss was stunned for a moment and hurriedly said, "Miss Roth is under attack, and Micah has already gone to rescue her. The situation now is "


    "The Clemens family has eighteen elite bodyguards, but they can''t save one woman?!" Mr. Clemens senior mmed his cane and angrily shouted, "Don''t let the children see this, or they will misunderstand me for a lifetime."

 Chapter 624 The Whole Family Goes Out

    "Yes, yes, I will arrange it immediately." Andrew was well aware that no one in Newark would dare stir up trouble in the presence of the Clemens family.


    Arge group of people quickly rushed over, and there wouldn''t be any danger.


    In addition to Micah''s eighteen elite bodyguards, Mr. Clemens senior was surrounded by ten skilled individuals.


    Without dy, Andrew organized several off-road vehicles to transport Mr. Clemens senior and the children in search of Sadie.


    Ten minutes ago...


    Sadie instructed n to park the car by the roadside and then walked alone into the alley.


    Although n was worried, he didn''t dare to defy Sadie''s wishes.


    Sadie observed the empty surroundings, save for a handful of stray cats scouring through the trash. A sense of bewilderment gripped her as she suddenly sensed a menacing presence looming above her. Instinctively, she looked up and saw a flowerpot about to hit her.


    Just as the flowerpot was about to hit her, a figure rushed over and pushed her away, causing the flowerpot to miss and shatter on the ground.


    Sadie clutched her chest, filled with panic.


    "Miss Roth, are you okay?" a concerned voice came.


    Sadie looked up and saw n.


    "I was worried that you would be in danger alone, so I followed you." n nced around. "It''s not advisable to linger here. Let''s go quickly!"


    n was ready to escort Sadie to safety when suddenly, a horde of hooligans emerged from both ends of the alley, obstructing their path. Armed with knives and batons, they disyed clear malevolence. "What''s going on?" Sadie was puzzled.


    "Sadie, I''m so sorry!" A cry came from behind.


    Sadie turned around and saw Serena being held down and forced to walk through the crowd by two hooligans. Serena''s face was bruised and swollen, covered in blood, and her shirt was torn. "Serena."


    Sadie wanted to rescue her, but seeing so many menacing hooligans, she had to restrain herself.


    "I''m sorry, they threatened me with my mother''s life. I didn''t mean to harm you!" Serena sobbed, trembling with guilt. "I''m so sorry!"


    "With me here, nothing will happen to you," Sadie bravely spoke up and immediately asked, "How much money does she owe you? I''ll repay it. Just let her go."


    "We don''t want money, we want you." Several hooligans smirked andughedsciviously.


    "How dare you!" n snarled.


    "You want to y the hero?" Those hooliganspletely disregarded n. "Just you alone, can you match our forty pairs of hands?"


    Several people charged at n with their knives.


    Sadie had never encountered such a situation and screamed in fear. However, n remained calm andposed, swiftly handling a few hooligans. Seeing that n was formidable, more people rushed over to attack him while a few others tried to grab Sadie from behind.


    n was overwhelmed, facing enemies and protecting Sadie at the same time.


    Sadie was also caught by someone who roughly dragged her out of the alley, attempting to force her into a van.


    Just then, a jeep raced towards them. Several people got out of the jeep and quickly dealt with the gang, rescuing Sadie.


    Sadie looked closely and saw that it was Rn. She hurriedly pointed at the alley and said, "My friend and n are still inside. Go save them."


    "Yes!" Rn immediately took the bodyguards and went to rescue the people, leaving two bodyguards to protect Sadie.


    "Miss Roth, please get in the car first." The bodyguard opened the car door.


    "I''ll wait for them "


    Sadie didn''t finish her sentence, and a tanker truck came crashing towards them like a runaway horse.


    "Ah!" Sadie screamed in terror; her mind went nk, and she seemed to hear children crying, "Mommy!"

 Chapter 625 Pain and Remorse

    With a deafening bang, the tanker truck hurled the jeep tens of feet into the air. The jeep somersaulted before mming onto the ground, breaking into pieces. mes erupted into the sky, enveloping the scene in thick smoke.


    Car rms red as chaos descended upon the road in an instant.


    "Mommy!" the children cried out desperately, wanting to rush toward the explosion, but the bodyguards held them back.


    Mr. Clemens senior stood frozen in shock, his disbelief evident in his nk stare.


    At that moment, Micah rushed over. Upon witnessing the scene, he stood trembling, then darted forward, disregarding his own safety.


    "Mr. Clemens!" The bodyguard tried to stop him but couldn''t.


    "Sadie, Sadie,e out to me!!!"


    Micah went crazy, searching for Sadie''s figure amidst the fire, his agitated roar sounding like the mournful cry of a wild beast.


    "You promised to marry me. You promised to be with me for a lifetime. You can''t just die like this,e out to me,e out " Micah searched the mes with his bare hands as if the raging fire had hidden Sadie. He had to find her. He must find her. Micah''s clothes caught fire, and his hands were burned, but he waspletely unaware. He just wanted to find Sadie. "Mommy, Mommy."


    The children broke away from the bodyguards, crying and rushing forward in search of Sadie and Micah. Their small bodies trembled with panic as they desperately sought their mother, fearing her disappearance. Despite the terrifying mes and the danger, they paid no heed, driven only by the desire to find her.


    Meanwhile, Mr. Clemens senior sat in the car, witnessing the scene unfold before him. Memories of a night over twenty years ago shed through his mind.


    More than twenty years ago, there was a car ident just like this, with a sky full of fire and heartbreaking cries. The three children in front of him reminded him of six-year-old Micah. Suddenly losing their loved ones, they were devastated and overwhelmed with despair. It would be a lifelong trauma for them.


    Mr. Clemens senior had long harbored hopes of removing Sadie, viewing her as an obstacle he wished would simply vanish. Yet, now that Sadie was truly in trouble, he couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling it stirred within him.


    Witnessing Micah and the children so distraught, Mr. Clemens senior felt a deepening sense of sorrow and remorse. He couldn''t help but ponder whether acting sooner to fulfill their wishes might have altered the oue. Just like it was back then.


    "Mommy, Mommy!"


    Suddenly, Coco''s scream came from behind.


    Micah''s heart skipped a beat as he turned around. Amidst the swirling smoke and red mes, he spotted Sadie, tearfully looking at him.


    Sadie covered her mouth, trembling with tears. At this moment, she realized how much Micah loved her, and she felt foolish for not realizing it before. "Mommy!" The children saw their mother and rushed excitedly towards her.


    Sadie reached out her arms and tightly embraced the children,forting them with tears andughter. "Don''t be afraid, I am fine."


    "Mommy, you scared me." Nathan''s small body trembled as he cried. "I thought, I thought-"


    "We thought we would never see you again." Noah wiped his tears and checked Sadie up and down. "Mommy, are you injured? Did you get hurt from the explosion?"


    "No, I am fine." Sadie exined tearfully, "When the tanker truck rushed towards us just now, Rn pulled me away in time. I was shocked by the explosion and passed out, but I just woke up."


    "Mommy!" Mia cried, her little face turning red. She tightly held Sadie''s neck with her chubby hands, refusing to let go, as if Mommy would disappear if she let go.

 Chapter 626 Remember the Lesson

    "Don''t be afraid, I am fine. I am okay." Sadie gently patted Mia''s back. "Mia, let go of Mommy for now. Daddy seems to be injured." "Daddy!" The children suddenly remembered their fatherand quickly released Sadie, rushing towards Micah. "Daddy, are you okay?" "Ah! Daddy, your hand is injured."


    Nathan noticed Micah''s severely burnt hand, and his little face turned pale with fright.


    "Daddy, we need to see a doctor quickly." Noah used his small hands to pat off the sparks on Micah''s clothes. "Daddy, your clothes are burned too." "Daddy, do you hurt? You must hurt a lot."


    Mia was scared and covered her eyes with her chubby hands, afraid to look.


    Micah did not feel like caring for the children at the moment. Instead, he stared fiercely at Sadie, his eyes filled with anger, hatred, me, and love.


    Sadie rushed over anxiously, grabbing his hand as she scolded him, "You foolish man! The fire was raging, yet you dove straight into the mes, burning your hand like this. Your hand is made of flesh, not iron!"


    Before Sadie could finish her sentence, Micah tightly embraced her.


    Micah''s actions were very forceful, causing Sadie''s forehead to bump into his chest, which hurt!


    "Sadie, remember this." Micah gritted his teeth and angrily shouted, "No matter what happens in the future, you are not allowed to run out alone; you must not face danger alone. Do you hear me?" "Yes!" Sadie choked and nodded.


    "You are not alone. You have me." Micah still felt it was not enough and continued to scold, "Even if the sky falls, I will help you bear it. Why do you always forget? Why do you always make me worry? What will I do if something happens to you? What about the children?"


    "I''m sorry, I was wrong," Sadie said, holding onto his waist tightly. Her small face was pressed against his chest as she tearfully apologized, "I shouldn''t have worried you and hurt your hand."


    "You scared me, do you know?" Micah lowered his head and bit Sadie''s shoulder hard.


    "Ah! It hurts!" Sadie screamed in pain, feeling that Micah was punishing her, almost biting her till she bled.


    "It should hurt. Pain will teach you a lesson." Micah harshly pinched Sadie''s face. "Remember, if there is another time, I will punish you!"


    "There won''t be another time." Sadie looked at his injured hand with heartache. "Let''s go to the hospital. You need to see a doctor instantly."


    Micah squatted down and put Noah and Nathan on his shoulders while using his other hand to carry Mia. He also held Sadie''s hand with his injured hand and turned to leave. "Daddy, you''re injured, don''t. Please don''t hold us. We can walk on our own."


    "Yeah, Daddy. Your clothes are so hot, they burnt my butt."


    "Will there be sparks? Will they burn me?"


    "You three little brats, Daddy is carrying you so tired, and all you think about is being burned."


    "No, we''re worried that Daddy is too tired."


    "Yes, we care about Daddy."


    "Well, if you say you care, then care away."


    The family of five walked on the smokey street, forming a beautiful scene in the firelight.


    The cutest height difference, the cutest contrast, was this family.


    Coco flew over from the car and circled above their heads, anxiously calling out, "Daddy, Mommy, Daddy, Mommy.


    "I am here!


    "My wings seem to have been slightly burnt."


    "Where did Coco go just now?"


    "When the ident happened earlier, it ran faster than anyone."


    "That heartless bird!"

 Chapter 627 Finally Letting Go

    Mr. Clemens senior watched the family''s backs and let out a long sigh of relief.


    Thankfully, it was just a scare, and a significant mistake was narrowly averted. Otherwise, Micah and the children would truly have hated him for the rest of their lives. "What an emotion-charged day!" Ss couldn''t help but exim. "I was really scared just now. My heart almost couldn''t handle it!"


    "Let''s go." Mr. Clemens senior gestured and turned around. He saw Brenda trapped in the car door, crying desperately for help.


    A bodyguard hurriedly reported, "Brenda, Miss Roth is fine. Look!"


    Brenda followed his pointing finger and saw the family of five, plus a bird, unharmed and leisurely walking towards the car.


    She burst into tears of joy and said, "Great, Miss is okay."


    Then, she pouted again and cried, "They forgot about me. Didn''t they say they were going to take me for wedding photos?


    "Miss, wait for me."


    Assisted by her bodyguards, Brenda, whose rotund figure resembled a ball, was extracted from the car and swiftly followed after them.


    Watching Brenda''s fat body waddling as she ran, Ss couldn''t help butugh.


    "You old man, alwaysughing. Do you have a crush on Brenda?" Mr. Clemens senior teased Ss on purpose.


    Ss was startled for a moment and hurriedly exined, "No, how could I have such thoughts? I just thought-"


    "A guilty conscience." Mr. Clemens senior red at him coldly, waved to signal the bodyguards to lift him into the car, and casually instructed, "Tell Micah that I won''t be taking wedding photos. But I''lle on the day of the wedding!" "Yes." Ss bowed his head in response, but after speaking, he froze. "Are you saying you agree?"


    "Can I not agree?" Mr. Clemens senior sighed helplessly. "If I don''t agree, the whole family will hate me."


    "Yes, yes, it''s good that you''vee around. I''ll go report to Micah." Ss bowed and hurriedly ran to catch up with Micah. "Micah, Micah."


    Micah had just put the three children in the car and was about to go up when he suddenly heard someone calling him from behind. He quickly turned around. "Ss, what''s wrong?"


    "Your Grandfather said..." Ss was really getting old. He couldn''t even run a few steps without getting out of breath.


    "We''ll talkter." Micah frowned, anticipating trouble from Mr. Clemens senior once more. However, he couldn''t be bothered at that moment and proceeded to get into the car.


    Ss hurriedly imitated Mr. Clemens senior''s tone and said, "He said that he won''t go take the wedding photos, but he wille on the day of the wedding!"


    Micah was stunned and turned to look at Ss. "So, my grandfather agreed?"


    "Yes, I asked the same thing." Ss smiled, imitating Mr. Clemens senior''s tone again. "If I don''t agree, the whole family will hate me."


    Micah was overjoyed. "Ss, thank him for me!"


    "Alright." Ss nodded with a smile. "You should go to the hospital now. Mr. Clemens senior will feel sorry for you when he sees your injured hand."


    Saying that Ss left and greeted Brenda, who wasing towards him. "Take it easy, don''t trip."


    "Oh, thank you," Brenda nodded at him and quickly caught up. "Mr. Clemens, Miss, Are you alright?"


    "We''re fine." Micah gestured to the two bodyguards, who helped Brenda into the car.


    "Daddy, what did Ss say?" The three children had just climbed into the car and couldn''t quite make out what Ss had said.


    "He said your Great-grandpa approved of my marriage," Micah hugged Sadie. "Are you relieved now?"


    Sadie nodded vigorously. Yes, now that she had Mr. Clemens senior''s blessing, she could finally be at ease as a bride.

 Chapter 628 Solving it

    Due to the unexpected ident, they couldn''t take the wedding photos today, and the whole family had to go to the hospital instead.


    Micah''s hand was severely burned, with blisters all over it. Dahlia hurriedly came to treat him.


    Sadie was unharmed and had been by his side.


    Serena had been rescued and sent to Dahlia''s hospital for treatment.


    After Micah''s hand was taken care of, Sadie took the opportunity to visit Serena.


    Serena cried and confessed that she shouldn''t have deceived her and taken her to those people. They had threatened her with her mother''s life, and she had had no choice.


    After Sadie pressed for more information, she learned that Serena''s mother had already regained consciousness and had been discharged from the hospital a few days prior. Now, she was recuperating at home.


    Serena worked hard to make money and live a busy and fulfilling life. Yet, yesterday, as shemuted home from work, she fell victim to an abduction and coercion by a group of people who wanted her to deceive Sadie.


    Refusing to yield, Serena endured physical assault. Nevertheless, her captors caught Serena''s mother, using her as leverage to force Serena to make the call to Sadie.


    Presently, Rn has rescued Serena''s mother, and Serena has begun receiving treatment. Despite this, she grapples with a profound sense of guilt concerning Sadie''s ordeal.


    Now, Serena''s mother had been rescued by Rn, and Serena had started receiving treatment. However, she felt guilty about what had happened to Sadie.


    Sadie asked Rn about the people involved, and Rn whispered, "They are the people that Miss Amelia paid off."


    Sadie was shocked. She thought Amelia had given up, but it turned out she still didn''t know she was wrong and did such despicable things.


    "Mr. Clemens received the message and rushed to save you from home. However, he was stopped by Miss Amelia''s people on the way. But Miss Amelia probably didn''t expect that I would follow you, so a disaster was avoided," Rn exined briefly and added, "Everything is clear now; Mr. Clemens will handle it, so you don''t need to worry."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded. "Take good care of Serena and her mother for me."


    "Don''t worry, I will." Rn nodded.


    "Sadie, even after what I did to you, you still help me..." Serena felt ashamed and didn''t know what to say.


    "Silly girl, this whole thing is my fault. You are the victim," Sadie said guiltily. "I must look after you and make sure everything is settled."


    "Thank you, Sadie." Serena wiped away her tears.


    "Just focus on getting better, and don''t overthink things."


    Afterforting Serena, Sadie went to find Micah and discovered that he was putting on his jacket, preparing to go out. She hurriedly asked, "Where are you going?"


    "I have some things to deal with." Micah''s hands were still bandaged. "You and the kids go back first, and we can take the wedding photos tomorrow."


    "Your hands are injured. Shouldn''t we go back together and rest?" Sadie frowned.


    "There are some issues that require immediate attention," Micah said, touching her forehead. "This way, you can marry me with peace of mind."


    "Is it about Amelia?" Sadie asked softly. "Won''t it be difficult for you?"


    "I didn''t make her pay billions of dors. Our Clemens family has been more than generous enough. What difficulty do I have?" Micah''s anger red up when he mentioned this. "If it weren''t for Nelson saving my father once, Amelia would have died countless times by now."


    "Okay, don''t be angry," Sadie hastily appeased. "Amelia may have gone too far, but don''t let me affect the rtionship between two families. Let''s handle this properly."


    "Fine, I understand." Micah hugged her and prepared to leave.


    At that moment, Rn hurriedly came to report, "Mr. Clemens, it seems you don''t need to go anymore."


    Micah frowned.


    "Mr. Clemens senior called," Rn handed him the phone.


    Micah took it and said, "Hello." A familiar voice came from the other end. "I will go see Nelson and Amelia. You focus on treating yourself at the hospital."


    Mr. Clemens senior''s voice was extremely cold, carrying the authority of an elder.

 Chapter 629 Behave Yourself

    "That''s enough. It''s just a small matter. How can I trouble you?" Micah said coldly, "I will do it myself!"


    "I said I would address it, didn''t you hear me?" Mr. Clemens senior became angry. "Your hand is injured like that. Focus on treating it. Otherwise, who will handle all the affairs of the Clemens Group?" Seeing that Mr. Clemens senior was serious, Micah no longer insisted. "Okay, if you want to go, then you go. After all, you caused this mess."


    "So you think you''re capable now of teaching your Grandfather a lesson?" Mr. Clemens senior shouted.


    "I wouldn''t dare!" Micah couldn''t be bothered arguing with him anymore. "Alright, if you''re going, I won''t bother."


    "Go and have your wedding. Leave this matter to me."


    After Mr. Clemens senior finished speaking, he hung up the phone.


    Micah smirked and chuckled softly. "This old man."


    "Both of you care about each other but always have to act cold. Is this the tradition of the Clemens family?" Sadie teased.


    "Just get used to it." Micah hugged her shoulder. "Go back and rest. You can have a good sleep tonight."


    "Yeah."


    The two of them walked out of the ward and found Brenda and the kids dozing off in the lounge.


    In the meantime, Coco brimmed with energy. It nibbled on sunflower seeds as it perched nearby, then darted over upon spotting them, chirping, "Daddy! Mommy!"


    "Good girl!" Sadie beckoned and put the book on her shoulder, then turned to Brenda and the kids. "Coco is carefree and happy, just like you."


    "Same as you." Micah approached and picked up the three kids.


    Sadie woke up Brenda, and the family happily went home.


    "Daddy, are we going to take wedding photos?" Mia blinked her eyes drowsily and cutely said, "My princess dress got dirty. Remember to ask your bodyguards to bring the dress for me." "Okay." Micah kissed Mia''s hair.


    "Mommy, I will protect you when I grow up," Nathan murmured in his sleep, saliva flowing onto Micah''s shoulder.


    "Okay, thank you, Nathan."


    Sadie rubbed Nathan''s hair and kissed Noah in her arms. Nathan was still tightly holding onto her clothes in his sleep as if afraid she would leave.


    She felt great guilty and told herself to protect this family well. No matter what difficulties they faced, they would face them together, and she could never have thoughts of running away again. After this event, the family became even more determined, and nothing could tear them apart.


    ...


    The next day, the whole family went to the beach happily to take wedding photos.


    Micah and Sadie stood on the beach, facing the sea breeze, making a lifelong promise in their hearts.


    The three children were ying around, Coco was circling above them, and Brenda watched andughed by the side. The family was happy and content.


    Andrew couldn''t help but sigh, feeling envious as he watched. He also wanted to find a girlfriend.


    n said that he did, too!


    Mr. Clemens senior received the digital negatives of the family''s wedding photo, his gaze fixating on the joyful faces of the children. A sense of contentment softened the corners of his lips.


    However, when he nced at Micah''s handsome face, a frown creased his brow. "This brat, so annoying!"


    "You clearly don''t mean that," Ss muttered under his breath.


    Mr. Clemens senior raised an eyebrow.


    "I didn''t say anything."


    Ss didn''t dare to provoke Mr. Clemens senior.


    During yesterday''s negotiation with the Lingston family...


    Mr. Clemens senior kicked over the coffee table and pointed directly at Amelia''s nose. He then issued a stern warning: if anyone from the Clemens family were touched again, the Lingston family would cease to exist. Mr. Clemens senior remained as imposing as it was in his youth. With just a gesture or a nce, he could instill fear in people.


    Amelia trembled with fear, her apologies and pleas for forgiveness pouring out as she promised never to repeat her actions. Nelson was consumed by guilt, continuallymenting his failure to properly discipline his daughter.


    Mr. Clemens senior left with a sentence stating that the family fortune should be in Nelson''s hands and let him behave himself.

 Chapter 630 Laughter

    The implications were clear as day. In a mere twenty-four hours, Nelson had managed to reim the shares that Amelia had slyly wrested from him, thanks to the intervention of Mr. Clemens Senior. The Lingston Group, once more under Nelson''s firm control, was rendered incapable of causing further mischief. That very day, Nelson made a public deration. The Lingston Group would never ally itself with the James Group, instead, it would forever remain loyal to the Clemens Group. Mr. Clemens Senior had set a precedent with his actions, a move that was met with apuse from the entire businessmunity. There had been anticipations of a fierce sh between the Clemens Group and the James Group. However, before the battle could evenmence, it was abruptly concluded. This was not to suggest that the James Group was feeble. They hadn''t officially made a move yet. It was the rk and Lingston families who had taken the initiative, announcing ns to expand into the Newark market, likely a veiled probe against the Clemens Group.Micah didn''t necessarily need Mr. Clemens Senior''s intervention to handle the Lingston Group; it was more due to Nelson''s indebtedness to his Daddy. As a member of the younger generation, he felt it was inappropriate for him to act, hence the need for Mr. Clemens Senior to step in.After a series of convoluted events, alltent threats had been neutralized. The Lingston Group was no longer a menace, and the James Group had fallen silent. Peace had returned to the Clemens Group.Micah was wholly engrossed in nning his wedding with Sadie. Despite not intending to invite the media or host a grand ceremony, he extended invitations to all rtives and friends of the Clemens family. He also invited old acquaintances from the Roth family who had remained loyal to Sadie and had discreetly attended to her.Everyone was overjoyed for them, especially for Sadie. Those who had once scorned the Roth family and belittled Sadie now felt a sense of trepidation and unease. Sadie, however, remained indifferent to their feelings. She hadn''t experienced a rpse during this period and felt she had previously overreacted. The toxins had been entirely purged from her system, and she was confident there would be no more episodes.All Sadie desired now was to lead a peaceful and stable life with Micah. The days slipped by, and before they knew it, the eve of the wedding had arrived. That evening, the family finally congregated for dinner. The meal was set up in the garden, a tableden with mouthwatering dishes.Mr. Clemens Senior watched the children frolicking around joyfully. He then turned his gaze to Micah and Sadie, who were deeply engrossed in each other. A contented smile graced Mr. Clemens Senior''s lips. With his grandchildren surrounding him and happiness permeating the air, the family was united and blissful. It was a unique kind of joy. For Mr. Clemens Senior, this scene evoked a sense of achievement far surpassing the thrill of making billions in business."Dinner is served, dinner is served!" Brenda and the butler scurried around, cheerfully beckoning everyone to the table."Brenda, don''t fuss. Come join us," Sadie invited warmly."No, no, no. Today, I finally get to showcase my culinary skills. I want to fully demonstrate my expertise in cooking, Brenda replied, a proud smile adorning her face. "I heard that Mr. Clemens Senior is fond of Spanish cuisine. Coincidentally, Mr. Roth also had a penchant for Spanish food, so I made it a point to learn it. I must show off my skills today.""Excellent, excellent!" Mr. Clemens Senior chuckled heartily. "You are so considerate !""It''s my pleasure. We''re all family," Brenda responded cheerfully."Enough standing. Let''s all take our seats!" Mr. Clemens Senior gestured. Micah offered his arm to Sadie, and they seated themselves together. The three children also found their seats. They were dressed in adorable little suits and dresses, resembling little princes and princesses from fairy tales, charming and delightful.Mia tiptoed towards Mr. Clemens Senior, her little hand covering her mouth, and whispered, "Great-grandpa, can we start? ""Yes, my dear."Mr. Clemens Senior affectionately patted Mia''s head and began serving the children their meals. He even offered Sadie a piece of goose liver.Sadie froze, staring at him in astonishment.

 Chapter 631 The Finest Dowry

    "Grandpa, what about my share?" Micah feigned discontent, his question hanging in the air."Have you misced your hands?" Mr. Clemens Senior retorted, his gaze sharp as he extended a piece of grilled meat towards him. "Here, take it."""Ah, grilled meat," Micah acknowledged.A ripple ofughter spread among the three children, filling the air with mirth and spreading infectious joy to all who were present. Brenda, holding a te of Spanish seafood pae, stood beneath the shade of a tree. She found herself tearing up at the sight of the joyous scene unfolding before her. "Sir, do you see that? Miss Roth is radiating happiness. She''s getting married tomorrow!""Brenda, why the tears on such a joyous day?" The butler quickly sought tofort her. "Smile more. Look at how ted Miss Roth is."""Yes, seeing our Miss happy makes brings me joy as well." Brenda dabbed at her tears, recing them with a smile. "After all the trials we''ve faced, we finally have our happy ending!"Indeed, everyone is happy. It''s a wonderful sight," the butler agreed, his smile broad as he approached with a tter of fruit.Brenda, having regained herposure, resumed her duties. The moonlight cast a soft glow on Sadie''s face, her gentle smile a testament to her happiness and contentment. Micah, every now and then, would select a morsel of food for Sadie, his actions tender and caring. Sadie returned Micah''s smile, and in response, he leaned over to nt a kiss on her forehead. The intimate exchange between the two was a testament to their love. If life were a fairy tale, this would be the perfect ending - the prince and princess living happily ever after. But s, life was not a fairy tale.After dinner, the children were eager to visit the amusement park. Micah wheeled the elder Mr. Clemens along to apany them.Just as Sadie was about to join them, a sharp pain struck the back of her head. She instinctively reached for the table for support, and in the next moment, two drops of blood fell, staining the pristine white napkin. Quickly, she grabbed the napkin and held it to her nose, rushing into the house in a state of panic."Miss Roth, what''s the matter?" A maid was about to inquire."It''s nothing, perhaps just a stomachache. I''ll go check on her," Brenda quickly intervened, stopping the maid before following Sadie."Daddy, why didn''t Mommye with us?" Noah craned his neck to catch a glimpse of Sadie''s retreating figure. "Why did she go back to the house?""Mommy needs to discuss something with me. You children go y first!" Brenda turned around, her smile reassuring."Oh!" Noah didn''t question further."Perhaps Mommy is preparing the dowry," Micah jested, "I wonder how much secret money she has stashed away.""Mommy has no money. She''s very poor," Nathan quickly interjected, clutching Micah''s hand. "Daddy, you shouldn''t ask for Mommy''s dowry."Yeah, all of Mommy''s money is spent on buying milk for us." Mia chimed in, her lips forming a pout. "Daddy, you can''t bully Mommy."Micah''sughter echoed through the air."Daddy, the money from my software invention has been deposited into my ount. We can use that as Mommy''s dowry." Noah had given it serious thought and was now checking his ount on his phone. "There''s over $37,000,000 now, all of it for Mommy''s dowry!"""Wow, that much?" Mr. Clemens Senior was taken aback. "Noah, you truly are a genius.""Indeed, he''s only three and a half years old and has already earned over $30,000,000!" Andrew couldn''t help but marvel. "When I was his age, I was still breastfeeding.""Me too," Rn chimed in.Micah''sughter filled the air once more. His mood had been particrly buoyanttely, his spirits high. Perhaps this was the magic of love."Daddy, the bank card is in my room. I''ll go fetch it for you now," Noah offered, preparing to retrieve the money.Mr. Clemens Senior quickly intervened. "Silly child, your Daddy was only teasing. You three are the best dowry your Mommy could ever ask for!"

 Chapter 632 Terrible Toxicity

    Micah gently ruffled Noah''s hair, a tender smile on his face. "That''s right, all three of you are priceless treasures," he said. He then gestured to the money, "Hold onto that. When the timees for you to start your own brand, you can use it as your startup capital." Noah, his eyes wide with youthful ambition, nodded in earnest agreement.Andrew, watching the exchange, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy. "So young and already thinking about starting your own brand?" he mused aloud. Micah simplyughed, guiding the children towards the ser field. "Come on, let''s go y."From the sidelines, Mr. Clemens Senior watched the scene unfold, his heart swelling with joy. Seeing his grandson and great- grandchildren ying together, he couldn''t help but think that this was what true happiness looked like. Meanwhile, Sadie had just managed to stumble into the first-floor restroom when she copsed, blood pouring from her nose in an unstoppable stream. The excruciating pain at the back of her head returned, feeling as if someone was relentlessly hammering at her skull, trying to split it open. She clutched her head with both hands, writhing on the floor in unbearable agony. Yet, she bit her lower lip, refusing to let out a sound."Mr. Clemens needs some coffee. Could you take some over, along with some fruit and desserts?" Brenda''s voice echoed in the lobby."Of course, Brenda. We''ll attend to it right away."Once the maids had cleared out of the first-floor lobby, Brenda hurriedly knocked on the restroom door. "Miss, there''s no one outside. May Ie in?" she called out. When there was no response, Brenda cautiously turned the doorknob. The sight that greeted her made her gasp in shock."Miss!" Brenda rushed forward to support Sadie, her voice filled with worry. "What happened to you? I thought you were feeling better. How did this start again? How could this happen?""Close... close the door," Sadie managed to moan through the pain.Brenda quicklyplied, closing the door behind her. She soaked a towel in cold water and gently wiped Sadie''s face. Seeing Sadie in such pain frightened Brenda, her hands trembling as she cried, "Miss, we need to go to the hospital. I''ll take you there.""No, we can''t go out," Sadie weakly clung to the sink, her voice barely a whisper. "I''m getting married tomorrow. I''ve been looking forward to it for so long. I can''t ruin it now.""But, Miss...""It''ll be okay soon, very soon," Sadie assured her, her eyes fluttering shut as she gradually lost consciousness. In a daze, she whispered, "Don''t let others know."Brenda, tears streaming down her face, carefully cleaned the blood off Sadie''s face. She quietly opened the door to check if anyone was outside before dragging Sadie to her room. Once inside, she locked the door and brought a basin of hot water, gently cleaning Sadie''s body while sobbing. Brenda was terrified. She was scared that Sadie wouldn''t wake up, scared that this terrible illness would continue to torment her. "Oh God, why are you doing this to our Miss? Why?" Brenda cried out in despair. "My Miss is so kind, so good. Why do you punish her like this? What did she do to deserve this?""Sir, if you are looking down from the heavens, please bless Miss!" Brenda pleaded, her voice choked with tears. "Sir, what should I do?"Brenda cried until her tears ran dry. When Sadie finally woke up, she weakly muttered, "Brenda, don''t cry, don''t be afraid. After the wedding tomorrow, I''ll go see a doctor.""Okay, okay. I will apany you," Brenda nodded, trying to steady her voice. "Miss, do you feel a little better?""Yes," Sadie replied, her hand instinctively moving to cover her head. "This time, the pain seemed shorter. You see, it means the problem isn''t as serious as before."Despite her words, Sadie''s smile was strained. She didn''t voice her thoughts, but she knew that although the pain had been shorter this time, the intensity was far more severe. She felt as if she was teetering on the brink of death. For a moment, it was as if she could see her Daddy, waving at her from the heavens.

 Chapter 633 Giving an Account of the Aftermath

    "Miss, please, drink some water," Brenda gently coaxed, offering a ss to Sadie. "Would you care for some painkillers?""It''s no use," Sadie responded weakly, shaking her head in refusal. "Brenda, would you be so kind as to open that box for me? I have something important to discuss with you.""Of course!" With swift efficiency, Brenda retrieved Sadie''s suitcase and opened it. Nestled within was a smaller box, which Brenda extracted and ced before Sadie. "Is this the one you meant?"""Yes," Sadie confirmed, nodding her head. She unlocked the small box with a password, revealing a bank card which she solemnly handed to Brenda. "This is what my father left for me. There''s over a hundred million dors in this ount. If anything should happen to me in the future, I want you and the children to use this money.""Miss, what are you saying?" Brenda''s voice trembled with emotion, tears welling up in her eyes once again. "Nothing is going to happen to you. You''re going to be just fine.""Listen to me, Brenda," Sadie implored, her grip on Brenda''s hand feeble yet insistent. "I mean, if - just hypothetically - I''m not here anymore, you need to stay with the Clemens family. Help me protect those three children."She continued, "You should keep this money to deal with any unexpected events. Mr. Clemens Senior is right. The Clemens family isplex. Even if Micah does his best to protect the children, there will still be times when he can''t focus on them. It''s good to have some capital for you and the children.""Miss, you''re going to be fine," Brenda repeated, her voice choked with tears. "You''re still so young, and your life has just begun.""Indeed, I should be fine," Sadie agreed, managing a weak smirk and a forced smile. "If I''m fine, that means I''m Mrs. Clemens. There will be plenty of money in the future, and this money won''t be of any use to me. It''s better to keep it with you as a backup.""I understand. I''ll keep it safe," Brenda promised, carefully taking the bank card and storing it away."And this," Sadie said, handing a letter to Brenda, "This is the will my father left me. Please keep it safe. There''s contact information inside. If you ever find yourself in a desperate situation, you can call for help using that number. That person is very skilled and can solve any difficulties.""The person you mentioned, could it be a rtive of your mother?" Brenda asked, her curiosity piqued.Sadie paused, caught off guard. She didn''t know who the mysterious person was, but Brenda''s suggestion sparked a realization. If Brenda was willing to help her unconditionally, then who else could it be if not a rtive? But if that person was indeed a rtive of her mother, why had her Daddy instructed her not to seek help unless she had no other choice? Once she dialed that number, her life would undergo a tremendous change."Miss, don''t worry about it for now. After the wedding tomorrow, we''ll talk to Mr. Clemens and arrange for you to see a doctor. Perhaps Dr. Henry has already woken up, and even if he hasn''t, there will be other reputable doctors," Brenda reassured, her hand tightly sping Sadie''s in aforting grip."You''re right, Brenda. I''ll tell Micah tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, we''ll see the doctor," Sadie agreed, not wanting to cause Brenda any further worry. "But first, secure these things. And this."Sadie produced a ck key. "My Daddy''s possessions are still stored in the mausoleum. When we have the opportunity, we should retrieve them. There are some things about my mother inside."Alright, I''ll take care of it right away," Brenda agreed, taking the items, cing them back in the box, and carefully locking the suitcase. She then stored it securely in her wardrobe. "Miss, I''ve put everything away. You can rest assured now," Brenda reassured. "I''ll fetch a hot towel for you to freshen up."As Brenda moved towards the bathroom, a knock sounded at the door. The butler''s voice echoed through the room, "Brenda, is Miss Roth in your room? Mr. Clemens Senior is preparing to leave, and Mr. Clemens has asked me to call her over."

 Chapter 634 Another Attack

    Brenda was awash with anxiety, her mind a whirlwind of uncertainty. In response to her distress, Sadie''s voice came through, steady and reassuring, "I''m here. I''ll be right there.""Very well, Miss Roth. It''s quite windy tonight, don''t forget your jacket," the butler chimed in, his voice aforting note of normalcy."Understood, thank you." Sadie''s reply was strained, her body fighting against the sickness that had taken hold. She forced herself to sit upright, herplexion pale and her skin slick with sweat. The nosebleed, at least, had stopped. "Miss, perhaps it''s best if you stay in," Brenda suggested, rushing to support her charge. "You''re clearly unwell.""I''m alright, the pain has subsided," Sadie insisted, summoning a burst of energy. "Fetch me a change of clothes from my room. These ones are stained with blood.""Of course, I''ll be right back," Brenda responded, hurrying upstairs. In her absence, Sadie made use of Brenda''s bathroom, washing away the remnants of her ordeal. Brenda returned promptly, bearing afortable long skirt and a small cardigan. After changing, Sadie summoned her remaining strength and made her way outside."Mommy." The voice of Micah and the children greeted her, their attention momentarily diverted from their farewell to Mr. Clemens Senior.


    Upon seeing Sadie, the children rushed over, their small hands tugging at her. "Where did you go? Why didn''t you y with us?"


    "Mommy was just discussing something with Brenda," Sadie replied, her face breaking into a smile. "Are you having fun?""Yes!" The three children eagerly began to recount their recent game.Sadie''s headache returned, a dull throb at the base of her skull, but she bore it with a smile."Alright, don''t bother your Mommy." Micah intervened, noticing Sadie''s pallor. "Great-grandpa is leaving. Go say goodbye to Great-grandpa!"The children hurried over to bid Mr. Clemens Senior farewell, their voices a chorus of youthful enthusiasm."Great-grandpa, will youe back tomorrow?""Silly, tomorrow is Mommy and Daddy''s wedding. Of course, I''ll be there," they were reassured."But after the wedding, will you stille and eat with us?""We''ll see each other tomorrow at the church. Goodnight, children!" Mr. Clemens Senior waved them off with a warm smile."Goodnight, Great-grandpa," the children echoed obediently."Take care, Mr. Clemens Senior," Sadie called out, attempting to walk over to Mr. Clemens Senior him. Her legs gave way beneath her, and she stumbled. Micah was quick to catch her, turning to Mr. Clemens Senior, "Rest well!""Go inside, Sadie," Mr. Clemens Senior instructed, "Don''t let your thoughts wander. Embrace the peace of a bride-to-be."His words wereforting, and Sadie felt a surge of gratitude.


    "Thank you, Grandpa Clemens!" Sadie said. After all the hurdles they''d faced, Mr. Clemens Senior had finally epted her. She was determined to hold onto this hard-won happiness."Goodbye, children. See you tomorrow!" Mr. Clemens Senior waved onest time as he departed. "Goodbye, Great-grandpa, see you tomorrow!"


    Then, Micah instructed the maids to take the children to their rooms. Despite their protests and pleas for onest hug from Sadie, Micah was firm. "Your Mommy is tired. You can hug her tomorrow. Now, off to bed."Mia was visibly disappointed but obediently followed the maids. Noah, however, lingered, his eyes filled with concern. "Mommy, you don''t look well. Are you okay?""I''m just a little tired," Sadie managed to say, her voice strained. "Go to sleep now."Noah followed the maids, but not before casting onest worried nce back at his mother. Nathan, on the other hand, was blissfully unaware of the tension, his mind focused on his own difort. "Move aside. I have a stomach ache. I ate too much ice cream today."His deration sent the maids into fits ofughter, and even Sadie couldn''t help but chuckle. But the moment of levity was short-lived as another wave of dizziness hit her, causing her to stumble.Micah was quick to catch her, his voice filled with worry. "What''s wrong? Is the poison acting up again?""No, not this time," Sadie managed to say."What do you mean, ''not this time''?" Micah scooped her up in his arms, his voice filled with urgency. "Prepare the car. We''re going to the hospital!"

 Chapter 635 The Most Beautiful Bride

    "No," Sadie protested, her voiceced with a struggle. "I''m getting married tomorrow. I can''t possibly go to the hospital now.""Just listen to me!" Micah''s words were a low growl, his teeth gritted together as he hoisted Sadie into the vehicle."Micah, should Ie along?" Brenda''s voice trembled with worry."Get in the car," was his terse reply.As the vehicle roared to life and sped away, Andrew was on the phone, instructing Dahlia to prepare. The news of Sadie''s deteriorating condition had her immediately seeking out Olivia and their apprentice.Upon their arrival at the hospital, Dahlia was ready. She administered medicine to Sadie, setting up IV drips just as she had done countless times before.This time, however, there was a noticeableck of pus. Olivia''s brow furrowed in silent concern.Pulling Olivia aside, Dahlia''s voice was filled with anxiety. "Olivia, did Dr. Henry mention any alternative treatment ns? Are there any other options?""Doctor Rey, you''ve asked me this many times already," Olivia replied, her face etched with sorrow. "No, there really weren''t any. Dr. Henry was researching a new n, but the ident urred before he could finalize it."Dahlia fell silent at this. Without Dr. Henry''s recovery, there was no solution."When will Dr. Henry wake up?" The apprentice''s voice was insistent. "If he wakes up, Miss Roth will be saved.""I hope he wakes up soon, but for now..." Dahlia''s voice trailed off, her sigh heavy with unspoken words."How are you feeling, Miss?" Brenda''s gaze was filled with concern as she studied Sadie''s pallid face.Sadie was barely conscious, her body weak and frail as she leaned against the bathtub."You''ll get better soon," Micah reassured her gently, his hand caressing her face. "Sleep now. You''ll feel better after a nap.""Okay," Sadie responded, her eyes fluttering closed as she sumbed to sleep."Mr. Clemens," Dahlia entered the room, her intention to exin Sadie''s condition, but the words seemed to elude her."Prepare Sadie. I''ll take her home," Micah''s voice was firm, his understanding of the situation evident."Yes," Dahlia and Oliviaplied, cleaning Sadie and dressing her carefully.Micah carried Sadie home, holding her close throughout the journey. His grip was tight, as if he feared she would disappear if he let her go. Tears welled up in Brenda''s eyes as she watched them leave. Upon their arrival home, Micah gently ced Sadie on the bed. She stirred, her voice a drowsy murmur, "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine after a nap."Micah pressed a kiss to her forehead before lying down beside her. In the dim light, he studied her beautiful face, a profound sadness welling within him. He berated himself for failing to protect Sadie, for not recognizing the problem sooner, and for not cherishing their precious moments together. All of these oversights had caused Sadie immense suffering as she endured the agony of her illness. Micah made a solemn vow to find the antidote. He remained by Sadie''s side throughout the night, finally sumbing to sleep just before dawn. His slumber was short-lived, however, as he was jolted awake by a sound. His heart pounded as he realized Sadie was missing from their bed. His face paled as he leapt up, frantically searching for her. The sound of running water led him to the bathroom. Bursting through the door, he found Sadie showering, her hairthered with shampoo. She was radiant, a stark contrast to the frail woman she had been the night before."Are you alright?" Micah stared at her in astonishment. "I''m fine," Sadie assured him, wiping the water from her face before gracing him with a bright smile. "Today, I''m going to be the most beautiful bride!""You were already beautiful," Micah responded, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Take your time in the shower. I''ll use another bathroom.""Okay," she replied, her voice filled with a newfound strength.

 Chapter 636 Bargaining for the Antidote

    Micah was well aware of the insidious nature of the toxin. The pain it inflicted during its attacks was unbearable, yet it left its victim feeling perfectly normal in its aftermath. However, as the poison seeped deeper into the bone marrow, the frequency of the attacks would increase. Eventually, the bloodstream would be entirely saturated with the toxin, leading to the cessation of vital signs. Micah knew they could no longer rely on Dr. Henry. Even if he were to regain consciousness at this very moment, it would take him a considerable amount of time to recover before he could attend to Sadie. She could not afford to wait a month or two. Their only hope now was Nick, who might possess the antidote. With this in mind, Micah dialed Mr. Davis''s number. Nick had disappeared without a trace, and they had been unable to locate or contact her. However, Micah had other means of reaching Mr. Davis. The call connected, and a guilt-ridden voice echoed from the other end, "Brother.""Tell your mother to hand over the antidote, no matter what her conditions are!" Micah demanded."What? What happened?" Mr. Davis asked, seeking rification."Just ry my message to her," Micah responded curtly before hanging up. He was confident that if anyone could locate Nick, it would be Mr. Davis. As long as he delivered the message, Nick would undoubtedly reach out to him."Micah, are you alright?" Sadie''s voice drifted from outside. "The makeup artists and stylists are here. I''ll go ahead."Micah emerged from the bathroom to find Sadie radiant and glowing. A satisfied smile tugged at his lips. "Go ahead, let them start with your skincare, then take your time getting dressed.""Okay." Sadie leaned in to kiss Micah. "I''m so happy today.""Me too," Micah returned her embrace. "I have some other things to prepare, so you focus on getting ready, okay?""Okay," Sadie agreed, nodding repeatedly. She then reminded him, "By the way, our rtives and friends from my family...""I''ve asked Andrew to meet them. They won''t be neglected," Micah reassured her, pinching her cheek affectionately. "You can rest easy!""''That''s good," Sadie replied, a smile ying on her lips.Suddenly, the excited shouts of children echoed from outside. "Mommy, Daddy, wake up. There are so many people here. We need to start getting ready."Sadie couldn''t help but smile at their enthusiasm. Micah opened the door to find their three children, still in their pajamas, waiting outside. Mia clutched her white ma toy, Nathan brandished a toy gun, and Noah held a tablet. Each of them looked serious and busy, causing the adults to worry."Wake up, wake up!" Coco, their pet bird, pped her wings as she flew around the crystal chandelier."So noisy!" Micah grumbled, though his face was lit up with a warm smile. "Why aren''t you three dressed yet?" Sadie asked, squatting down to their level."Our stylist said we need to have a children''s spa, get our hair cut, and do skincare before getting dressed. So, we''re still in our pajamas," Noah exined, a smile on his face. The mature child was full of curiosity and anticipation for the day''s events."Yes, yes, I need to do some hair care, too," Mia chimed in, stroking her long curly hair. She was already imagining how she would look after being dressed up. "I''m going to be the most beautiful princess today!"""Yes, you are!" Sadie hugged Mia tightly. "Alright, go quickly."Don''t disturb Mommy today." Micah reminded them. "Go and y by yourselves, okay?" "We got it," the children replied cheerfully, scampering off as a few maids hurriedly followed them to guide them to the stylists.

 Chapter 637 Forcing Her Out

    "Miss Roth, can we start now?"


    The stylists assigned to Sadie had been lingering in the corridor, their anticipation palpable. "Yes," Sadie affirmed, prepared to make her way to the dressing room. At that moment, Brenda''s voice echoed from downstairs, "Miss, miss. Serena has arrived!" "Serena?" Sadie swiveled, her gazending on Serena who stood downstairs, her shyness evident. "Sadie!" Serena sprinted up the stairs, her joy infectious, "Congrattions!" "Thank you!" Sadie sped Serena''s hand, her eyes scanning the girl from head to toe, "Are you fully recovered?" "Yes," Serena''s smile was radiant as she nodded, "Thank you, Sadie!" "We''re all family here, there''s no need for formalities," Sadie responded, her grip on Serena''s hand reassuring. Brenda interjected, her toneced with anxiety, "Miss, I must attend to Mr. Roth''s old friends today. I''ll leave Serena to keep youpany. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to call me." "Alright," Sadie nodded, her gaze lingering on Brenda as she departed. The house was a hive of activity that day, the wedding preparations filling the air with an infectious joy. In the midst of the bustle, Micah sat in the study, his attention fixated on an impending phone call. "Mr. Clemens, everything is in ce. Mr. Clemens Senior has already proceeded to the church to wee the Clemens family," Rn reported, his gazending on Micah who seemed lost in thought. He ventured cautiously. "Is something amiss?" Micah''s silence was palpable before he finally inquired, "Any word from Nick?" "No," Rn responded, shaking his head gently. He hesitated before asking, "Could it be Miss Roth...?" He didn''t dareplete his question, but the answer was evident in Micah''s expression. "Don''t fret; I spoke to Dahlia this morning. She mentioned Dr. Henry is showing signs of improvement and should regain consciousness soon," Rn offered in an attempt to soothe Micah. "It appears I won''t see Nick until I push her," Micah mused, his gaze cold as he toyed with his phone. "Give the order, attack Nick''s Group with full force!" "Mr. Clemens, I urge you to reconsider!" Rn advised hastily, "You and Nick have reconciled. It''s best not to provoke her. If you attack now, you''ll be the one disrupting the bnce." "But she provoked me first," Micah retorted, his anger ring at the memory of Nick''s actions. "Hasn''t she disrupted the bnce?" "Yes," Rn conceded, not daring to argue further. He attempted to cate Micah, "But today is your wedding day. Why the rush? Let''s ensure the wedding proceeds smoothly, then we can devise a n." "The wedding won''t be affected," Micah assured, his gaze fixated on his watch, "By the time Nick realizes the repercussions and rushes over, it will be toote!" "But...""Do as Imand!" "Understood!" Rn had no choice but toply with Micah''s orders. The VIC Group, a high-techpany boasting a team of professional hackers, had the capability to decimate all of Nick''spany systems within an hour. Once Nick''s systems werepromised, each passing second would result in colossal losses. Micah had previously held back, hoping that Dr. Henry''s apprentice could cure Sadie, hence he refrained from drastic measures. However, with Sadie''s condition deteriorating and Dr. Henry unconscious, and despite reaching out to Nick via Mr. Davis, there had been no response. Micah could no longer afford to be patient. He was prepared to resort to drastic measures to force that woman out! Once the order was issued, the repercussions would be swift. Micah, now donned in his groom''s attire, was about to visit Sadie and the children when Mr. Clemens Senior called, inquiring, "Did you sabotage Nick''s group''s system?" "I didn''t expect you to call before her." Micah had anticipated Nick''s call and was disappointed. "Have you lost your mind? On this joyous day, you''re stirring up trouble?" Mr. Clemens Senior flew into a rage and asked, "Are you tired of things going too smoothly?"

 Chapter 638 The Exemplary Father

    "Nick was the one who ryed the news, correct?" Micah''s voice remained steady. "Perhaps you should ask her what she did."With that, he disconnected the call and sauntered into the children''s dressing room. "Daddy!" The moment Nathan caught sight of Micah, he rushed over, striking a dashing pose. "Am I not the picture of handsomeness?""Yes, you are exceptionally handsome!" Micah affectionately ruffled the boy''s hair."Nathan, you''re such a simpleton," Noah chided from his chair, where a makeup artist was attending to his hair. "We agreed to remain silent so that Daddy could guess who is who, remember?""I forgot," Nathan admitted, pping his forehead in realization. "The moment I open my mouth, my cover is blown.""Indeed," Micah responded, hisughter echoing in the room. "Even though you two are identical, your speech patterns and mannerisms are distinctly different. "Noah bore a striking resemnce to Micah, exuding an air of proud, cold rationality and wisdom, while Nathan mirrored Micah''s younger self: lively, cheerful, and innocent."Next time, I''ll mimic Noah''s demeanor so you won''t be able to guess," Nathan dered, his small face puckered in a serious expression. "Daddy, I''ve developed a new software that aids children in finding their way home.""Such a convincing imitation!" Micah praised, pinching Nathan''s cheeks in amusement."I''m not that stern," Noah protested, hopping off the chair to join them. "This is how I look when I speak."He then proceeded to mimic Nathan''s serious expression and repeated the sentence his brother had just uttered."Noah, you say I don''t resemble you when I imitate you. Now, try copying me," Nathan challenged, demonstrating a few martial arts moves.Noah frowned, pausing before conceding, "I give up. I can''t replicate your martial arts skills!""That just proves how awesome I am," Nathan retorted, a smug grin on his face."Nathan, that''s not fair," Noahined, his face flushing."Alright, both of you are equally awesome," Micah interjected, ying the peacemaker. He then asked, "Where''s Mia?""Daddy, I''m here." Mia''s sweet voice echoed from behind him. Turning around, Micah found her dressed in a white princess gown, a diamond tiara adorning her head, and her natural curls tied up, resembling a miniature version of little Sadie.She was a sight to behold!"Wow, Mia looks so beautiful!" Noah and Nathan eximed excitedly.


    "Yeah, she''s stunning!" the makeup artists and stylists couldn''t help but marvel at her."Daddy, am I beautiful?" Mia asked, holding up her dress and twirling on the stage.


    "Absolutely beautiful!" Micah extended his hand and took Mia''s small one, supporting her like a knight as they descended the stage. "My Mia is the most beautiful!" "Daddy, hug me," Mia requested, extending her arms.


    Micah scooped her up, raising her high above his head.


    "Wow, so high, Daddy, lift me higher!" Mia squealed in delight, her arms spread wide like a joyful little angel.


    Micah tossed her into the air and caught her with ease, theirughter filling the room.


    Mia''s infectiousughter echoed throughout the room, her joy palpable.


    The makeup artists nearby watched nervously, worried that Mia might fall, their hearts pounding at the perceived danger. "Daddy, I want to do it, too; I want to do it, too." Nathan''s voice cut through theughter, his hands raised in anticipation. "Alright, it''s your turn!" Micah set Mia down and hoisted Nathan up, throwing him even higher, almost touching the ceiling.


    "Ah, I''m up so high, Daddy is amazing!!!" Nathan screamed in excitement, his arms spread wide like a little superhero. "Daddy, I want a turn as well!" Noah chimed in, unable to resist the infectious fun.


    "Okay!" Micah agreed, always indulging his children''s requests, and thus began a yful romp with his three children.


    Rn stood at the door with his phone, not daring to interrupt Micah. He could only step out and whisper to Mr. Clemens'' Senior, "Sir, Mr. Clemens is ying with the kids."

 Chapter 639 The Wedding March 1

    "Forget it; have him return my callter," Mr. Clemens Senior decided, the jubntughter of children echoing from the phone. He had no desire to disrupt such a blissful moment. Rn, phone in hand, lingered by the door, his gaze lingering on the heartwarming scene unfolding before him. He harbored a deep-seated hope that the day''s wedding would progress without a hitch. He wished for nothing more than this family''s eternal happiness. "Alright, let''s stop ying around. I''m going to check on your Mommy," Micah dered, setting the three children down and affectionately ruffling their hair. "Behave yourselves!""Okay, okay!" The childrenplied readily, scampering off to engage in their own games. Micah then made his way to Sadie''s dressing room. As he pushed the door open, the sight that greeted him left him utterly spellbound. Sadie was resplendent in a custom-made wedding dress, its boatneck design entuating her elegant neck and shoulders. Her swan-like neck was wless, her bosom reminiscent of blooming buds. Her slender waist, pert buttocks, and the dress''s flowing, cloud-like skirt allbined to give her an ethereal appearance. Micah was captivated, every curve and angle of her figure was sheer perfection. "Mr. Clemens has arrived!" "Mr. Clemens!" The stylists and makeup artists hurriedly greeted Micah with respectful bows. Sadie swiveled around, her smile radiant as she asked Micah, "Do I look good?" "Absolutely," Micah responded, slowly approaching her. This moment felt like a dream he had once had, nowing to fruition. "I''m still discussing with them. This jewelry set seems a bit too ostentatious," Sadie pointed to the tableden with jewelry. "What do you think?" Before she could finish her sentence, Micah wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. She gasped, instinctively pushing him away as she gently chided, "What are you doing? There are so many people here." "I just want to hold you," Micah tightened his embrace, as if wishing to hold onto this fleeting moment of joy forever. "Stop messing around," Sadie blushed, acutely aware of the numerous pairs of eyes on them. The others tactfully began to withdraw, but at that moment, Andrew approached to inform them, "Mr. Clemens, it''s about time; we can leave now." Andrew abruptly halted his sentence upon witnessing the intimate scene, hastily averting his gaze. Micah released Sadie, smoothed her hair, and turned his attention to the jewelry. "You look breathtaking; a grand wedding is fitting." "Alright," Sadie agreed to Micah''s suggestion. At Micah''s signal, two stylists stepped forward to adorn Sadie with the jewelry. Sadie gazed at her reflection in the mirror, stunned by her own beauty. Micah stood behind her, his tender gaze and affectionate smile reflected in the mirror. They exchanged a warm smile in the mirror before exiting the room hand in hand. "Daddy, Mommy." The children, now neatly dressed, waited downstairs. Upon seeing their parents descend the staircase, they rose to their feet but refrained from rushing towards them as they usually would. They stood obediently, patiently waiting. "Noah, Nathan, Mia!" Sadie eximed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her children, dressed like little princes and princesses from fairy tales. "Wow, Noah and Nathan look so handsome, and Mia looks so beautiful!" "Mommy looks beautiful too, like a goddess!" The children chimed in unison. "Daddy looks so handsome!" "Complimenting Mommy is heartfelt, but Daddy is just an afterthought," Micah retorted yfully. Sadieughed heartily. "Daddy is always handsome, so there''s no difference from usual," Noah reasoned, his eyes never leaving his mother. "But I''ve never seen Mommy dressed like this before, and she looks really beautiful!" "Yeah, yeah!" Nathan and Mia eagerly nodded in agreement. "Mommy is beautiful!" Just then, Coco fluttered over. It was also dressed up for the asion, a vibrant red bow tie adorning its neck, adding to the festive atmosphere.

 Chapter 640 Wedding March 2

    Poised outside the grand entrance, an extended Rolls-Royce awaited its passengers. A bodyguard, dutiful and vignt, swung open the car door, first ushering in the children, followed by Micah and Sadie.


    In a synchronized fashion, the remaining bodyguards and maids found their ces in the cars trailing behind. Thus, the two fleets of Rolls-Royces embarked on their journey, their engines humming mightily as they set off towards the church. Today, an unusual tranquility had settled over the children. Their faces were lit up with smiles as they looked at their parents, their hearts brimming with blessings for the couple.


    Even Coco, known for its usual mischief, was a picture of calm today, nestling quietly in Mia''s arms without a peep.


    Micah, his hand entwined with Sadie''s, cast a tender gaze upon her.Sadie''s face mirrored his affection, her eyes sparkling with joy as she returned his gaze.


    Before long, the fleet pulled up to the seaside church.


    The Clemens family''s extensive bodyguard team stood in two neat rows, their disciplined stance a warm wee for Micah and Sadie.


    The guests, who had been engaged in lively chatter over champagne on the outdoorwn, were alerted to the couple''s arrival. They promptly made their way into the church, preparing themselves for the impending ceremony. By 11:30 a.m., all was in readiness. Micah and Sadie retreated to the backstage lounge, emerging only when the ceremony preparations were underway. Stylists fussed over Sadie, ensuring she looked perfect, while the stage manager was busy instructing the three children on their duties as flower bearers. Meanwhile, Rn was conducting a thorough inspection of the security arrangements. Throughout it all, Serena remained by Sadie''s side, her presence a constantfort. "Mr. Clemens Senior has arrived!" At this announcement, Micah spun around to find Ss wheeling in Mr. Clemens Senior, followed by ten ace bodyguards and the three caregivers who had previously tended to the babies at the KindCare Hospital. "Great-grandpa!" The children greeted Mr. Clemens Senior with delight. "Great-grandpa," Sadie echoed, her voice filled with respect. "Why are you here?" Micah rose to his feet to wee him. "I''m here to ensure you aren''t overwhelmed. I''ll look after the children," Mr. Clemens Senior gestured, and Ss ushered Athena, Cam, and Sienna forward. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, would you like your sisters to take care of you today?" The children''s faces lit up at the sight of their familiar caregivers. "Daddy?" Noah, ever the cautious one, sought Micah''s approval. Micah nodded, and only then did Noah feel reassured enough to leave with the caregivers. Ss signaled, and the eight bodyguards followed suit, their vignt eyes never leaving the children. "What''s going on?" Sadie''s voice wavered with anxiety. "Miss Roth, please don''t worry," Ss reassured her quickly. "The heir of the Clemens family''s wedding has caused quite a stir worldwide. We''re just taking precautions to avoid any potential troublemakers!" "Thank you for your hard work," Sadie sighed in relief. "Come with me," Mr. Clemens Senior instructed Micah. Micah gave Sadie''s shoulder a reassuring pat before turning to leave. In his absence, Rn and several attendants entered the room, standing guard at the door to protect Sadie. Despite their presence, Sadie couldn''t shake off a sense of unease, a nagging feeling that something was about to happen. Mr. Clemens Senior led Micah to an adjacent lounge, the door closing behind them with a soft click. Without preamble, Mr. Clemens Senior asked, "What were you thinking? Why did you attack your aunt''spany?" "I told you to ask her, didn''t I?" Micah retorted, an eyebrow arched in defiance. "Has she not reached out to you?" "Ever since the incident, Nick has cut off all contact," Mr. Clemens Senior barked. "I only found out about this from thepany." Micah''s brow furrowed at this revtion. What was going on? Why would that woman go into hiding after causing such chaos? He had assumed that Nick had reported him to Mr. Clemens Senior, leading to this confrontation.

 Chapter 641 The Wedding March 3

    "True, she abducted Sadie once, but she released her unharmed, didn''t she? Shemitted no grave error. Now that you''re marrying Sadie, all is well. Why are you so on edge?" Mr. Clemens Senior chastised further, "You''re just stirring up trouble, aren''t you? Your aunt is a firebrand, and if you cross swords with her, you''ll be the one to bear the brunt.""She''d better present herself to me forthwith," Micah retorted with a sneer, "I was just fretting over her whereabouts!"""What are you implying?" Mr. Clemens Senior''s brows knitted together in concern, "What exactly transpired?""Perhaps it''s better you remain in the dark, so your temper remains in check," Micah suggested, rising to his feet, ready to depart."Hold it right there."Mr. Clemens Senior''s shouts echoed twice, but they failed to deter Micah from his exit.Outside, the bodyguards approached to inform him that the ceremony was about tomence.Micah made his way to Sadie''s quarters.At that moment, Brenda, Serena, and Olivia arrived.Brenda, particrly dignified today, would assume the role of the father, escorting Sadie down the aisle and presenting her to Micah.Serena and Olivia, as bridesmaids, would remain by Sadie''s side. "The ceremony is about to start," Micah gently caressed Sadie''s face, "I''ll go ahead and wait for you."Sadie was a bundle of nerves."Fear not, I''m here," Micahforted her with a kiss on her forehead, "I''ll be waiting for you at the altar. You just need to make your entrance three minuteste.""Understood," Sadie took a deep breath, "You should go now!"Micah turned to Brenda and the bridesmaids, "Brenda,dies, thank you for looking after her!""Rest assured, Mr. Clemens!"Mr. Clemens, you have nothing to worry about!"With that, Micah made a hasty exit, leaving Rn and nine bodyguards to watch over Sadie while he, along with Andrew and a few other bodyguards, headed to the lobby. The corridor in the back hall was long and tunnel-like. Sunlight streamed through, casting an elongated shadow of Micah As Micah stepped into the lobby, bathed in sunlight, the soft, romantic piano music transitioned into the wedding march.The guests in the hall turned their gaze towards him, their faces beaming with blessings and smiles. With a heart full of anticipation, Micah made his way to the stage, his eyes fixed on the entrance, awaiting the arrival of his bride. Back in the hall, the pastor approached Sadie, "Miss Roth, it''s time; you may proceed now!"Alright," Sadie immediately gathered her wedding dress and began her walk towards the lobby.Serena and Olivia trailed behind, holding up the train of her gown.Brenda stood by her side, all three of them wearing broad smiles. "Miss, I''m quite nervous!" Brenda confessed, taking a deep breath and patting her chest, "I feel as though I''m the one getting married."Sadie couldn''t help but chuckle.Olivia burst intoughter.Serena covered her mouth, stifling her giggles."Really, my heart feels like it''s about to leap out of my chest," Brenda''s voice wavered, "I''ve never yed such a crucial role in my life. Last night, I even dreamt of Mr. Roth. He asked me to look after you and hand you over to Mr. Clemens. I''m so ted, truly, so ted.""Silly, if you''re so happy, why are you crying?" Sadie teased, but Brenda''s eyes welled up too. Perhaps she was overwhelmed with joy; her heart was a whirlpool of emotions, and memories from the past involuntarily flooded her mind.Memories of her childhood with her father, his tragic ident, Ronan''s broken engagement, and her chance encounter with Micah. This short walk of over three hundred feet felt like a journey through her past. The gates of her memory swung open, allowing her to revisit her entire life. It felt as though she was closing the chapter on her past and embarking on a new journey.

 Chapter 642 The Wedding March 4

    Brenda, with teary eyes and a chuckle, reminisced, "From the moment of your birth to this day, you''ve already reached the age of 23." She sighed, a hint of nostalgia in her voice, "Time has flown by, and in the blink of an eye, you''ve blossomed into an adult. Now, you stand on the brink of marriage, with three darling children of your own."The years had passed like a dream, filled with joys and sorrows. But in the end, everything hade to fruition. Brenda continued, "Miss, I used to worry that I couldn''t take care of you well enough, afraid that you wouldn''t live a good life. I feared that when I die, I wouldn''t be able to face your father. But now, I can finally exin to him."She reassured Sadie, "Mr. Clemens is a good man. He treats you so well and cares for the children. You will definitely find happiness together.""Yes." Sadie nodded repeatedly, tears welling up in her eyes, but a happy smile graced her lips. She firmly believed that she would be happy Suddenly, Olivia looked back, "It seems like there''s a sound.""What?" Serena also turned to look, noticing several figures darting past the entrance. She felt a wave of unease wash over her and hurriedly said to Rn, "Rn, did you see anything?""Hush," Rn gestured for her not to rm Sadie. He had seen it, and he had already notified Andrew and the other bodyguards through his watch. The Clemens family''s bodyguards were well-trained in security, and everyone was prepared to ensure that no one caused trouble at the wedding.Serena nodded, too afraid to say anything. But she felt a sense of panic, her hand holding the hem of her dress trembling slightly."Don''t be afraid, we''re here," Rn reminded her in a low voice."Yeah," Serena thought, ''the Clemens family''s bodyguards are all experts, and with the full set of security measures taken today, nothing should go wrong.''Olivia, a simple-minded girl, didn''t think much of it when Rn said that."Miss, I''m too fat and have short legs. I might walk slowlyter, so take it slow, too. I''m afraid of stepping on your wedding dress," Brenda saidter. Brenda worried about the entrance andmunicated with Sadie about the details."I got it," Sadie smiled. "If I cry, please pinch me. I can''t embarrass you," Brenda said. "How can I pinch you? If you want to cry, cry. It''s okay, it''s not embarrassing," Sadie replied. "Miss, do you think this outfit looks good on me? I feel like it makes me look fatter," Brenda asked."No, no, it looks great; it makes you look slimmer," Sadie reassured her."Really?" "Yes."The two of them chatted along the way and became less nervous without realizing it. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of the church. The etiquettedy standing at the door opened it, and instantly, the light poured in and illuminated Sadie as if she were under a spotlight, making her glow! At this moment, Sadie radiated a brilliance that surpassed thousands of stars, like a goddess descending from the heavens, stunning everyone.So, the guests'' attention was all focused on her. The people from the Clemens family, who were originally wondering how thismoner bride with no background could capture Micah''s heart so quickly, were now amazed by Sadie''s stunning beauty and demeanor. Meanwhile, there were more than a dozen people like Jonathan Chase, some of Edmond''s former subordinates, and some distant rtives of the Roth family.These distant rtives did not kick the Roth family when they were down because they had limited ability and couldn''t help much, but they secretly cared about Sadie''s life through Brenda and Jonathan.So they were all invited to witness the wedding. At this moment, all of them couldn''t help but tear up when they saw the graceful and outstanding Sadie, silently sighing that Edmond could finally rest assured.Jonathan especially couldn''t help but shed tears. Although he had some misunderstandings about the Clemens family before, the misunderstandings wereter resolved, and he knew that Miss Roth had found happiness. From the bottom of his heart, he was genuinely happy for Sadie.

 Chapter 643 The Uninvited Guest

    Sadie moved with a slow grace towards Micah, her feet lightly treading on the plush red carpet. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and a smile graced her lips as she looked at Micah, who stood not too far away.Micah, resplendent in a finely tailored suit, seemed like a deity descended from the heavens. He stood in anticipation, his gaze fixed on her. Memories of their past encounters and shared love flooded Sadie''s mind, ying out like scenes from a movie--''Starting today, you will give me half of your daily ie aspensation for that year for the next three months."I''m telling you that you must be a good duck and work hard to pay off the debt from now on!"I met a devilish boss; you have no idea how perverted he is."You greedy and lewd woman. You''ll never change!"Deliver it to the 66th-floor conference room within half an hour!"I''m done with this!!!'' These memories brought a chuckle to Sadie''s lips, but also caused fresh tears to well up in her eyes. She remembered how she used to tease Micah, and how he would retaliate. There was a time when she truly despised him and yearned for nothing more than to escape. Yet, she never imagined that one day, she would marry him. Perhaps this was the work of fate!Micah watched Sadie anxiously, the short distance of 300 feet felt like a century away.Each step she took seemed to tug at his heartstrings. His heart pounded in sync with her footsteps, his palms slick with nervous sweat.He wished she would walk faster,e to him quicker.Finally, Sadie was within reach. From a mere six feet away, Micah could no longer wait. He reached out to take her hand, his eagerness elicitingughter from the crowd.Mr. Clemens Senior, seated in the front row, couldn''t help but smile at the scene unfolding before him. He had once failed to understand why Micah was so stubborn, so unwavering in his feelings. Now, he realized that marrying a woman one deeply loves brought an entirely different sensation.Micah was simply more loyal to his emotions. And that was good, very good!Mr. Clemens Senior sighed contentedly, a smile on his face. Reflecting on his life, he had his share of regrets, but as he looked at Micah and his three great-grandchildren, he felt that everything had been worth it."Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests and friends, love is sacred. Today, after countless difficulties, the love of this couple has finally reached this moment."After the emcee''s opening remarks, the priest began.


    "Miss Sadie, would you be willing to marry Micah? Regardless of wealth or poverty, regardless of health or sickness, regardless of the ups and downs of life, would you stay with him forever, until eternity?" "I do!" Sadie answered without hesitation.


    "Mr. Clemens, would you be willing to marry Sadie? Regardless of wealth or poverty, regardless of health or sickness, regardless of the ups and downs of life, would you stay with her forever, until eternity?" "I-" Micah was about to respond when the church doors burst open, and an unexpected guest strode in.


    All eyes turned as the light illuminated the neer''s face, causing a ripple of awe to spread through the crowd.


    "Pardon me!"


    Dressed in a sleek ck suit and radiating an aura of authority, Nick strode in confidently, followed by his capable assistant, Selina, and two imposing bodyguards.


    "I am your aunt. I can''t possibly miss my dear nephew''s wedding, can I?" Nick''s gaze held a meaningful look as itnded on Micah.


    Sadie looked at this formidable woman, her mind filled with thoughts of the poison within her, and she felt a surge of emotion.Micah gripped her hand tightly, his gaze cold as he stared at Nick. "What are you doing here?!"

 Chapter 644 A Shocking Secret

    "Of course, I am here to attend your wedding, my dear nephew!" Nick''s words dripped with sarcasm as he addressed Micah. "It seems you''re not too thrilled to see me." Micah''s expression was as cold and distant as an iceberg, his brows furrowed in displeasure. Outside, bodyguards scrambled to intercept Nick, but she had already slipped inside. n, one of the bodyguards, attempted to exin, "Mr. Micah, Miss Clemens, she-" His words were cut short as Micah''s furrowed brows deepened and Rn swiftly ordered them all to step back. Mr. Clemens Senior, maintaining his calm, interjected, "Since you''re here, please take your seat and witness the ceremony!" "Yes, Daddy!" Nick was about toply when Mr. Clemens Senior added, "Why sit so far away from your family? Come sit by my side." Nick was momentarily taken aback butplied obediently, taking her ce next to Mr. Clemens Senior. The guests gasped in surprise. Everyone was aware of the strained rtionship between Nick and Micah, and it was clear that Mr. Clemens Senior was asserting his dominance over Nick."You three, step back," Mr. Clemens Seniormanded, referring to Selina and the two bodyguards. Selina nced at Nick, who signaled her toply. The three of them quickly retreated."Proceed!" Mr. Clemens Senior gestured. On the stage, the priest repeated his question, "Mr. Clemens, would you be willing to marry Sadie?" As the priest spoke, Mr. Clemens Senior lowered his voice and warned Nick, "Today is your nephew''s wedding. Don''t cause trouble; otherwise, I won''t hesitate to be impolite!""Daddy, that''s unfair," Nick responded, her expression somber. "I am also part of the Clemens family. I genuinely want what''s best for the Clemens family. Why do you always treat me like an outsider?""Kidnapping Micah''s girlfriend, is that also for the good of the Clemens family?" Mr. Clemens Senior retorted."Daddy," Nick began, but on the stage, Micah dered resolutely, "I do!" The audience erupted into thunderous apuse, congratting Micah."Now, please exchange rings," the priest announced.At that moment, three children slowly made their entrance, their steps in sync with the music. Mia, dressed like a princess, walked in the middle, clutching champagne-colored roses, while Noah and Nathan nked her on either side, each holding a wedding ring. The three children were enchantingly adorable, like little princes and princesses straight out of a fairy tale, instantly captivating the entire audience. Micah and Sadie watched the children approach, their faces glowing with happiness.Mr. Clemens Senior, upon seeing the children, softened his stern expression and smiled warmly."These three children are Micah''s?" Nick suddenly asked. "That''s right," Mr. Clemens Senior confirmed, his face turning serious. "They are the flesh and blood of our Clemens family, and no one can harm them.""You can trust me; I have no such intentions," Nick replied with a sly smile. "As a member of the Clemens family, I will always prioritize the interests of the Clemens family. In fact, I have a secret to share with you!""What are you nning?" Mr. Clemens Senior asked, his brow furrowing."How could I dare to deceive you?" Nick responded, her tone grave. "I don''t want the Clemens family to fall into the hands of the James family!""What do you mean?" Mr. Clemens Senior looked puzzled."You''ll understand once you see this," Nick said, producing a photograph and handing it to Mr. Clemens Senior. "This is a photo of my older brother and a woman from the James family."Mr. Clemens Senior studied the photo, his eyes widening in shock. He scrutinized the image, then nced up at Sadie. The woman in the photo bore an uncanny resemnce to Sadie!"Where did you get this photo?" Mr. Clemens Senior asked, suppressing his excitement. "You couldn''t possibly have fabricated it?""How could I resort to such petty tricks?" Nick replied, herugh cold and self-mocking. "The Clemens Group started in the field of electronics; you should be able to tell if the photo was doctored. If you still have doubts, ask Nelson. He has met Eleanor!"

 Chapter 645 A Pause in the Proceedings

    "Daddy, the passage of time has not dulled the memory of my older brother''s death," Nick confessed, her voice heavy with sorrow. "The car crash, the explosion... He and his wife were blown up, their bodies so damaged that we had to bury their personal effects in lieu of their remains. ""Enough! Stop talking!" Mr. Clemens Senior interrupted abruptly. His outburst sent shockwaves through the gathered crowd, their faces reflecting their surprise.Micah, his brow furrowed in confusion, turned his attention to the scene. He had always known that Nick''s presence spelled trouble, but he was at a loss as to what could have sparked such anger in Mr. Clemens Senior. With a swift gesture from Mr. Clemens Senior, Ss promptly guided him aside, simultaneously signaling the bodyguards to summon Nelson.The gathered guests, witnessing this unexpected turn of events, were left puzzled. However, their attention was soon drawn back to Micah and the bride as the wedding proceedings continued. The three children, who were making their way towards the stage, were momentarily taken aback by Mr. Clemens Senior''s sudden outburst. They assumed he was merely chastising the woman beside him and thought little of it."Mr. Clemens Senior, is everything alright?" Nelson, who had been seated in the row behind Mr. Clemens Senior, inquired. He had been present at the wedding and had witnessed the entire spectacle."I recall you once mentioned that Sadie bears a striking resemnce to someone," Mr. Clemens Senior replied, wasting no time as he handed a photograph to Nelson. "Is it her?"Nelson''s face drained of color as he studied the photo, but he remained silent."Your reaction confirms my suspicions," Mr. Clemens Senior deduced. "You''ve known about this for some time. Why did you not inform me?""I thought she bore a resemnce to Eleanor, but I wasn''t certain of her identity. Given her rtionship with Micah, I didn''t think it was my ce to say more," Nelson exined, his brow furrowed in concern. "Have you investigated her identity? Is she truly...""She is Eleanor''s daughter," Nick interjected, revealing the truth without hesitation. This revtion sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone stunned."What?!" Ss gasped, his face a mask of disbelief.Nelson, too, was taken aback. Despite his suspicions, hearing the truth spoken aloud shook him to his core.Mr. Clemens Senior''s expression darkened considerably, his gaze bing sharp and piercing."This is the proof," Nick dered, handing a document to Mr. Clemens Senior.As he read the document, Mr. Clemens Senior''s face grew even more somber and menacing.Ss and Nelson exchanged a grave look, their faces reflecting the weight of the situation.Satisfied that she had achieved her objective, Nick turned to her father. "Daddy, while the James Group has been attempting to undermine our Clemens Group by courting various alliances, they''ve also used Eleanor''s daughter to seduce Micah. Their intentions are clear and malicious. If they seed, the consequences will be dire. Micah is still too young; he''s not ready for this responsibility.""Silence!" Mr. Clemens Senior roared, his anger palpable. "Leave at once!"Nick was momentarily taken aback, but then she scoffed, "I''ve always had the best interests of the Clemens Group at heart. Is this how you repay me? Fine. If my loyalty means nothing to you, then I''ll take my leave."With that, she stormed off, her anger evident. Mr. Clemens Senior looked up to see the three children standing on the stage, proudly holding up the rings, their faces beaming as they looked towards their parents. "Thank you, Noah!" Sadie epted the ring with a smile, slipping it onto Micah''s finger, her eyes brimming with love. The audience erupted into apuse, their well-wishes filling the air.Micah gently kissed her forehead, pulling her into a tender embrace."The groom may now ce the ring on the bride''s finger," the priest announced."Daddy, the rings," Nathan prompted, holding up the ring box."Thank you, Nathan!" Micah epted the ring, preparing to ce it on Sadie''s finger."Wait!" Mr. Clemens Senior''s voice cut through the air, his tonemanding and cold, a stark contrast to the warm, romantic atmosphere of the wedding.

 Chapter 646 Killing Intentions

    Micah paused, his gaze shifting to meet the eyes of the man before him. The children, in their innocent confusion, followed suit. The audience, a sea of guests, were taken aback, their eyes darting towards Mr. Clemens Senior in a collective state of bewilderment.Ss, his face etched with a solemn expression, gently guided Mr. Clemens Senior back onto the stage. Nelson, in a tactful disy of discretion, retreated to his seat."Little ones," Mr. Clemens Senior addressed the children, his voice softening, "Great-grandpa needs to have a word with Daddy. Ss will take you to the back hall to y. Be good, won''t you?" His gaze, once stern, softened as he looked at the children, a gentle smile ying on his lips. The three children turned their eyes upward, seeking the approval of Micah and Sadie. "Go on," Micah encouraged, patting their small heads. He sensed the brewing storm; Mr. Clemens Senior was merely trying to shield the children from it."Be good," Ss echoed, stepping forward to coax the children. "I''ll take you to get something to eat." As he spoke, a group of caregivers hurriedly arrived, nked by bodyguards, and whisked the children away.Noah cast a nce at Sadie, who responded with a reassuring smile and a wave to Micah, signaling that he had nothing to worry about. Yet, beneath her calm exterior, Sadie was a bundle of nerves. Her fingers twisted her wedding ring anxiously. An ominous feeling had taken root in her heart, a sense of impending doom."Grandpa, can''t this wait?" Micah asked, his brows furrowing slightly. Despite his unease, he maintained hisposure. Turning to the priest, he said, "Let''s continue." He then reached for Sadie''s hand, preparing to slide the ring onto her finger..."No need," Mr. Clemens Senior interjected, addressing the guests, "Everyone, please make your way to the front hall for the meal. I apologize for the interruption." The guests were taken aback, unable toprehend why the wedding was being abruptly halted and why they were being ushered away. However, none dared to question Mr. Clemens Senior''s directive. They rose from their seats and began to file towards the front hall."Grandpa," Micah began, his voiceced with confusion, "What are you doing?" "The ring hasn''t been ced, and there''s been no registration," Mr. Clemens Senior announced, his voice echoing through the room, "I dere this marriage invalid!" Sadie felt a chill run down her spine. She stared at Mr. Clemens Senior, disbelief etched on her face. "Grandpa, why?""Don''t call me grandpa!" Mr. Clemens Senior''s voice was a snarl. Sadie recoiled, unable toprehend her misstep."What did Nick tell you?" Micah demanded, his voice rising in anger. "You know she''s malicious.""Regardless of her intentions, the facts remain," Mr. Clemens Senior cut Micah off, his voice thunderous, "I won''t allow this woman into our home, even if it costs me my life!"""Why?" Micah was taken aback. Even though Mr. Clemens Senior had previously expressed his disapproval of Sadie and their marriage, he had never been so resolute. His determination was unwavering.Ignoring Micah, Mr. Clemens Senior turned his icy gaze onto Sadie. "Is your mother''s name Eleanor?" he questioned.Caught off guard by his intimidating aura, Sadie instinctively responded, "Yes." At her confirmation, the documents in Ss''s hand slipped to the floor. Behind him, Nelson''s eyes widened in shock, his voice barely a whisper, "So it''s true."Mr. Clemens Senior closed his eyes tightly, thest vestiges of hope crumbling. "What does this have to do with us getting married?" Sadie asked, her voice trembling. "Grandpa, what happened? You agreed to this before. What did I do wrong?""You erred in getting involved with Micah," Mr. Clemens Senior replied, his voice devoid of emotion. He averted his gaze from Sadie, hismand resolute, "Leave before my patience wears thin and kill you. Get lost!"Fear gripped Sadie, causing her to stumble backward, her bouquet tumbling to the ground. It seemed he had murderous intentions.


    Mr. Clemens Senior had never epted her, but to want her dead? What had happened? What had she done to warrant such a dire threat?

 Chapter 647 Natural Born Frenemies

    "What are you talking about?" Micah''s voice echoed in the room, his toneced with disbelief. "What in God''s name has happened?" Mr. Clemens Senior, a man of few words, responded not with speech but with a simple gesture. At his silentmand, two burly bodyguards advanced, their gazes fixed on Sadie as they nked her from both sides. "Miss Roth, if you would," they intoned in unison."Stand down," Micah ordered, his voice a sharp bark in the tense silence."Do you wish for her death?" The patience of Mr. Clemens Senior had worn thin, his gaze now filled with a chilling intent to kill. Micah''s brows furrowed at the sight, a sight he had not seen in two decades. Thest time he had seen such a look in Mr. Clemens Senior''s eyes was when his father had met with an ident. A fierce light had zed in the elder''s eyes then, and all those involved had met their end alongside the deceased."Andrew," Micahmanded, his tone firm, "Escort her to the lounge and await my arrival.""Of course." Andrew immediately stepped forward, addressing Sadie with respect, "Miss Roth, if you would."Sadie was a whirlwind of distress and panic. She clung to Micah''s hand, her eyes wide with fear as she looked at him, terrified that he might abandon her."Fear not," Micah reassured her, his grip on her hand tightening as he spoke softly, "Regardless of what transpires, I will not forsake you. Wait for me in the lounge.""Alright," Sadie replied, her anxiety somewhat alleviated by his promise. She offered a polite nod to Mr. Clemens Senior before following Andrew out of the room."The wedding is off, and she is to be expelled. This is my final act of mercy," Mr. Clemens Senior dered bluntly.


    "Grandpa, you..." Micah began, only to be cut off by the elder''s furious outburst, "Your words carry no weight! Unless your father can return from the grave and stand before me, this woman will never be weed into the Clemens family!""What are you implying?" Micah was taken aback, "What does this have to do with my father?""She is the daughter of your father''s adversary. Do you truly believe there is no corrtion?" Mr. Clemens Senior retorted, brandishing a photograph.Micah stood frozen, his mind a nk canvas. After what felt like an eternity, he found his voice, "You''re spouting nonsense! How can that be possible?""See for yourself," Mr. Clemens Senior gestured dismissively.Ss handed a stack of documents and photographs to Micah.Micah scanned the contents, his mind reeling as if on the brink of implosion. "This cannot be true. It must be a fabrication by Nick.""Fabricated? Can''t you discern the truth with your own eyes?" Mr. Clemens Senior sneered, "Stop deluding yourself. She is Eleanor''s daughter. Her mother is the murderer of your parents. Their James Group is our sworn enemy. Do you still wish to marry her? Are you attempting to disturb your parents'' eternal rest? Or do you wish for the James Group to engulf our Clemens Group?"Micah''s brows furrowed deeper, his fingers clutching the documents tightly as he fell into a stunned silence. He couldn''t ept this revtion. There had to be a mistake somewhere. There just had to be..."I will spare her life for the sake of the three children. That is the greatest act of mercy I can offer," Mr. Clemens Senior dered, his voice strained as if he was forcibly restraining himself, "Otherwise, with her face that is the spitting image of Eleanor''s, I would have torn her apart limb from limb!""Mr. Clemens Senior, please, calm yourself," Nelson interjected cautiously, before adding, "We must keep this matter under wraps for now. Otherwise, if the James Group were to find out..."Mr. Clemens Senior trembled at the thought, quickly instructing Ss, "Immediately suppress any news of the wedding. We cannot afford any leaks of the photographs or videos.""Understood," Ss promptly departed to carry out the order."Do you understand the gravity of the situation?" Mr. Clemens Senior roared, "If the James Group were to discover Sadie''s true identity in the future, have you considered the repercussions? We can suppress the news now, but what aboutter? Can you keep her hidden forever? And the three children, if the James family were to discover that they are descendants of the James Group..."At this point, Mr. Clemens Senior''s anxiety escted, "No, we absolutely cannot let them find out!"

 Chapter 648 Terms of Negotiation

    Mr. Clemens Senior''s brow furrowed tightly, a grim expression on his face. "As long as Sadie is removed from the picture, the identities of the three children can remain concealed," he dered. "We can''t afford to dy any longer. I''ll handle this; I''ll ensure that woman is sent far away.""No!" Micah interjected, cutting off Mr. Clemens Senior. "She can''t leave."Mr. Clemens Senior''s face turned livid. "Even now, you still want her by your side?" he retorted, incredulous. "Have you lost your mind? Can''t you discern what''s truly important?"Micah''s thoughts were clear and unwavering. "The matters of the previous generation have nothing to do with Sadie," he argued. "She lived with her father, never knowing her mother. Besides her name, she has no idea who her mother is, let alone her connection to the James Group. Why should she bear the grudges of the past?"Mr. Clemens Senior opened his mouth to retort, but Micah continued. "Furthermore, regarding the James family, if you''re worried about her connection being discovered, I can do everything in my power to suppress the news and erase all traces. No one will know. As for her resemnce to Eleanor, we can keep Sadie out of the public eye. That should suffice."Mr. Clemens Senior was livid. "You''re insane!" he roared in anger. "How long do you think you can keep this hidden? She''s left a mark on society. Can you erase all of that? Even if you could, those who''ve interacted with her could still expose her. Are you nning to silence them all?"Her father was also a figure in the business world. His data can''t bepletely erased. As soon as a single clue is revealed, the James family will find out."The three children, on the other hand, have been raised solely by her and haven''t been publicly acknowledged since you recognized them. Their presence in the world is minimal. We can arrange new identities for them."Micah fell silent at these words. From a logical standpoint, Mr. Clemens Senior''s argument made sense. Sadie couldn''t be kept around under any circumstances.But Micah couldn''t bear to let her go. He couldn''t let go... "Emotions have no ce here," Mr. Clemens Senior continued, trying to persuade him. "Even if not for me, not ""for avenging your father, not for the Clemens Group''s interests, at the very least, you should consider the children, right? For their sake, this woman can''t stay.""Enough," Micah sighed. He slumped in his chair, feeling as though he was being torn apart. Logic pulled him one way, emotion the other. The internal battle threatened to rip his heart To shreds.Meanwhile, on the other side.... Nick was preparing to flee, but Rn arrived swiftly, a contingent of bodyguards In tow."Miss Clemens, please hand over the antidote," Rn approached and began negotiations."And if I refuse?" Nick sneered. "Will you resort to violence?"Rn''s face lit up. "So there is an antidote," he eximed. "Miss Clemens, it would be best if you handed it over. Don''t force our hand.""Why don''t you try?" Nick challenged, raising an eyebrow.At Rn''s signal, his men surrounded Nick, more than a dozen guns trained on her.Nick''s face fell. She hadn''t expected them to actually point guns at her. "Rn, have you grown tired of living?" she spat angrily. "Apologies, Miss Clemens, I''m merely following orders," Rn responded, waving his hand dismissively. "Take her away."Yes, sir."At that moment, a bodyguard hurried forward, whispering something in Rn''s ear.Mr. Clemens Senior frowned, ncing at Micah. "Why have you detained your aunt? She came here to exin the situation and hasn''t done anything wrong. Release her immediately.""She poisoned Sadie, and Sadie is suffering greatly because of that," Micah replied coldly. "Conveniently, she can also provide the antidote.""Very well," Mr. Clemens Senior agreed. "But you must leave that woman."

 Chapter 649 The Final Choice

    "Your aunt is extremely stubbornness. No matter what you say, she will not give you the antidote," Mr. Clemens Senior warned once more. "Unless I step in!""Grandpa," Micah began to interject. However, Mr. Clemens Senior cut him off, "You should be well aware of my temperament too." He continued without giving Micah a chance to respond, "If I decide to protect your aunt, you won''ty a finger on her!"Micah''s brow furrowed in thought. Indeed, his grandfather''s words rang true."I had Nick bring her here, refusing to surrender the antidote. That woman''s death is inevitable, and it would save me a great deal of trouble," Mr. Clemens Senior stated coldly. "I only spared her for the sake of her three children. I''ve done my utmost in the name of benevolence and righteousness!"Upon hearing this, Micah fell into a contemtive silence.Reality was now forcing Micah to consider abandoning Sadie.She was the daughter of his father''s adversary, the descendant of his mortal enemy. Even if Micah harbored no resentment, her presence would still bring turmoil to the entire Clemens family. Moreover, Sadie''s existence would also impact the children. Furthermore, without separating from Sadie, he would not obtain the antidote, and she would inevitably die."You better think carefully," Mr. Clemens Senior left no room for Micah''s indecision. "Getting rid of her is for the best!"As he finished speaking, Rn hurriedly approached, saluting Mr. Clemens Senior before whispering to Micah, "We''ve apprehended her, but regardless of our efforts, Miss Clemens refuses to surrender the antidote. We dare not resort to torture."Simultaneously, Serena rushed over, her voice filled with urgency, "Mr. Clemens, you must hurry to Sadie.""What''s happened to her?" Micah immediately bolted outside."She suddenly suffered a severe headache and then began bleeding profusely."Serena''s voice trembled, a sob breaking through.Micah rushed to the lounge where Sadiey writhing in pain on the sofa, clutching her head. Blood flowed from her nose, staining her immacte wedding dress. Beside her, Brenda held her hand, trembling with tears. "Miss, please don''t frighten me."The doctor administered a painkiller injection, but it seemed to have no effect.Sadie continued to endure unbearable pain."How did it deteriorate to this extent? Her pain wasn''t this severe before.." The doctor was at a loss."Mr. Clemens." Dahlia spotted Micah and quickly reported, "Miss Roth''s poison has red up again. The painkillers aren''t effective. What do you suggest? Should we administer an anesthetic?""There''s no need for anesthesia." Micah anxiously approached, tightly gripping Sadie''s hand. Seeing her in such agony, his heart ached unbearably. He made a swift decision. "Give her the medicine.""Understood." The doctor promptly fed Sadie the concoction.Soon, Sadie''s body rxed, and she clung to Micah''s hand, drifting into a deep sleep.Micah felt something in her palm and gently opened it, revealing his wedding ring.Sadie had held onto it, intending to ce it on his finger, but never found the opportunity. Even during her seizure, she clung to the ring, leaving a deep imprint in her palm.Micah removed the ring and slid it onto his left ring finger. He then gently pressed Sadie''s hand against his face, whispering, "Everyone leave. I wish to stay with her alone for a while.""Alright, alright." Brenda quickly gestured for everyone to exit.Outside, Andrew and a dozen bodyguards stood on high alert.Brenda, Serena, and Olivia lingered, their anxiety palpable, reluctant to leave."Brenda, take them to eat. With us here, Miss Roth will be fine," Andrew reassured. "Return after you''ve eaten.""I can''t eat." Brenda''s thoughts were consumed by Sadie, but considering Serena was a guest, she suggested, "Serena, let me apany you first."With that, they departed.

 Chapter 650 Handing Over the Antidote

    With a tender touch, Micah smoothed Sadie''s disheveled hair, carefully wiped the blood from her face, and cast a sorrowful nce at her wedding dress, now a grim tableau of crimson stains. A profound ache resonated within his heart.Sadie was ensconced in a deep slumber, seemingly freed from the torment of the virus.Gently, Micah traced the contour of her cheek with his fingers, his thumb brushing lightly against her lips. He found it difficult to tear his gaze away from her. His affection for her was boundless, his desire to envelop her in happiness and joy, insatiable.He had scaled countless hurdles to stand beside her in the wedding hall. Yet, unexpectedly, a formidable array of challenges had emerged, casting a shadow over their path forward. If he insisted on confronting these obstacles head-on, countless lives, including Sadie''s, could be caught in the crossfire. Thus, Micah found himselfpelled to halt his advance, if only temporarily, to seek an alternate course of action.Suddenly, a knock echoed from the other side of the door, followed by Ss''s voice, "Micah, we''reing in."The door swung open, revealing Ss, who ushered Mr. Clemens Senior into the room. They were trailed by an entourage of elite bodyguards from the Clemens family, and Nick, who was under arrest. "Have you thought it through?" Mr. Clemens Senior inquired coldly. In response, Micah wordlessly removed his jacket and draped it over Sadie. "You still can''t bear to let go?" Mr. Clemens Senior cast a nce at the unconscious Sadie, his toneced with a hint of generosity. "If things continue in this vein, she''ll perish without my lifting a finger!"Micah''s reaction to these words was swift. He swiveled his head to fix a cold stare on Nick. "Hand over the antidote.""Who do you think you are?" Nick retorted with a scoff. "Even when your father was alive, he wouldn''t dare address me in such a manner."In a fit of rage, Micah mmed his fist into the coffee table. The impact sent the table splintering into fragments. The sudden outburst left everyone in the room stunned, Nick included.Micah swiftly grabbed a fruit knife from the remnants of the coffee table and held it to Nick''s throat. "Either you die, or you hand over the antidote!" he threatened."Ha!" Nick merely raised an eyebrow and chuckled, his demeanor unfazed."Damn it!!!" Mr. Clemens Senior roared in anger. "Micah, put the knife down!"Ignoring themand, Micah pressed the knife further, causing a thin line of blood to trickle down Nick''s neck."Do you really think injuring me willpel me to hand over the antidote?" Nick remainedposed. "When has anyone from the Clemens family ever feared death?""If you''refortable with this woman dying here, make your move," Mr. Clemens Senior gestured, and instantly, a bodyguard aimed his gun at Sadie."Do you dare??" Micah growled, his teeth clenched."You dare to threaten your aunt with a knife; let''s see if I dare!" Mr. Clemens Senior retorted confidently. "Put the knife down now, and we can still negotiate. Otherwise," He pointed his cane at Sadie. "I will send her to hell right now!"As he finished his threat, the bodyguard pulled the trigger.With a grimace, Micah reluctantly lowered the knife.Nick erupted into gleefulughter. "Father, I always thought you didn''t love me, but it seems that''s not the case."Enough nonsense," Mr. Clemens Senior extended his hand towards Nick. "Hand over the antidote!""Why would you also want to save this woman?" Nick was shocked. "Her mother was the one who killed my older brother and sister-inw.""I told you to hand over the antidote; don''t make me repeat myself." Mr. Clemens Senior dismissed Nick''s objections, his tone growing more authoritative."Why do you always protect him?" Nick challenged. "He injured my son and sabotaged mypany. You haven''t said a word, and now you want me to give the antidote to the daughter of my enemy?""If you hand over the antidote, I will ensure he ceases his attacks on yourpany, and I will also grant your son five percent of the Clemens Group''s shares," Mr. Clemens Senior proposed as a condition. "Now, are you satisfied?"Upon hearing this, Nick paused for a moment, then broke into a broad smile. "Father, you should have said so earlier. We''re family, after all, and should be harmonious."With that, Nick produced a small bottle and handed it to Mr. Clemens Senior.

 Chapter 651 Were Married

    Without a moment''s hesitation, Micah swiftly procured the antidote and administered it to Sadie. Nick, his smirk as cold as ice, retorted, "This is merely a fraction of the antidote. The remainder will be delivered once mypany is restored to its former glory and the shares are appropriately allocated.""The antidote is segmented?" Micah''s brow creased in confusion."Ten vials," Nick sneered, his voice dripping with condescension, "to be consumed in ten separate doses, my dutiful nephew."Micah''s fury surged like a tempest, his fist itching to collide with Nick''s smug face. But Ss, his grip irond, restrained him. "Compose yourself, Micah! Nick has pledged to surrender the antidote. She won''t renege on her promise, not with Sir present. Trust in me."Deliver the remaining antidote, and I will transfer the shares immediately." At Mr. Clemens Senior''s signal, the bodyguards relinquished their hold on Nick."Truly?" Nick''s voice wavered, a hint of fear creeping in at the mention of Mr. Clemens Senior."When have I ever reneged on a promise?" Mr. Clemens Senior''s tone was as icy as a winter''s night."Very well, I''ll have it brought over immediately..." Nick retrieved his phone and retreated to a corner to make the call."Now, are you aware of your next course of action?" Mr. Clemens Senior turned his gaze to Micah. "Administer the antidote, send her away, and all will be well. Don''t let obsession cloud your judgment!"Micah''s gaze lingered on Sadie. He understood that he was cornered, left with no other alternative. Given the circumstances, he was forced to make a temporary concession."Agreed, I willply!" Micah finally conceded. "But I will personally oversee it; there''s no need for an intermediary.""Very well," Mr. Clemens Senior acquiesced readily. "Regardless of your actions, you cannot evade my vignt scrutiny."Their exchange was cryptic, iprehensible to outsiders, yet Ss grasped the underlying implications. Micah insisted on personally overseeing the matter, fearing that Mr. Clemens Senior would covertly orchestrate Sadie''s demise once she was out of sight. Mr. Clemens Senior''s words were a veiled threat. He would permit Micah to handle the situation, but if Micah attempted any subterfuge, such as pretending to send Sadie away while secretly harboring her, he would not be fooled. In their terse conversation, the grandfather and grandson were subtly warning each other!"Miss Roth is regaining consciousness!" Andrew''s sudden exmation broke the tense silence.Micah swiveled his head to see Sadie''s fingers twitch. Her face was contorted in pain, signaling her imminent awakening."Don''t dawdle. Resolve this swiftly before the children be aware!" With this final admonition, Mr. Clemens Senior departed, his entourage, including Nick, trailing behind him. Andrew promptly ushered everyone out and stationed himself at the door.Micah cradled Sadie in his arms, his voiceced with urgency, "Sadie, how do you feel?"Sadie''s eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry. "What transpired?""Nothing of consequence. You merely dozed off," Micah reassured her, his embrace so tight it bordered on suffocating. Micah yearned to hold her like this indefinitely, to never release her. In doing so, Sadie would never leave him.Feeling constricted, Sadie squirmed ufortably. Micah immediately loosened his grip and gently patted her back. "I was overly forceful.""Yes," Sadie managed a weak smile. "It''s alright, I''ve grown ustomed to it.""Fool!" Micah''s lips twitched, an attempt at a smile that failed, rendering his expression grotesque."What''s troubling you?" Sadie''s hand tenderly caressed his handsome face. "We''re wedded, shouldn''t you be happy?" "Yes," Micah pressed his lips to her hand, the one adorned with the wedding ring. "My wife!""My husband!" Sadie reciprocated softly."Good girl!" Micah lifted his left hand. "Look, I have already put on the ring. We are now husband and wife!""When did you put it on?" Sadie''s eyes widened in surprise. "Shouldn''t I have been the one to do so?"With that, Sadie forcefully removed the ring and slid it back onto his finger.

 Chapter 652 Im Sorry

    With the official conclusion of their wedding ceremony, Sadie tenderly ced Micah''s hand on her tear-streaked face, a fragile smile ying on her lips. "We''ll never be parted, will we?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Micah''s lips parted, the word "yes" teetering on the edge of his tongue. But it remained unspoken, trapped in the silence that had fallen between them. He was at a loss, unsure of how to meet her gaze, how to broach the subject of their impending separation, or even how to look at her.A frown creased Sadie''s forehead as she sensed his hesitation. "Why are you silent?" she queried, a note of worry creeping into her voice. "Is something troubling you?"Micah drew in a deep breath, steeling himself for the words he had to utter. "We may need to part ways for a while," he confessed. The world seemed to freeze around Sadie. "Why?" she stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief."You have to trust me," Micah implored, cradling her face in his hands. "It''s only temporary."His decision was made. For her safety, for the future of their children, and for the sake of their family, he had to send her away. He would handle everything as swiftly as possible and then return for her."But why?" Sadie asked again, her voice trembling. "Why must we separate? Where are you going?"In her innocence, she assumed that he was the one leaving, that he had some urgent matter to attend to and would return after a short while."I''m not going anywhere," Micah rified, taking another deep breath to steady his nerves. "You''re the one who needs to leave for a while. Once I''ve sorted things out here, I''lle for you."Sadie was taken aback. It took her a moment to regain herposure. "What do you mean? What''s happened? Is it Grandfather? Has he rejected me again?""Some things have happened; it''splicated, and it''s hard for me to exin," Micah admitted, not wanting to burden her with the details. "All you need to know is that I have to send you away for now. Once everything is resolved, I''lle for you.""Can I return home with the children to our previous residence?" Sadie asked, her voiceced with panic. "You can visit us when you have time.""No," Micah replied, his brow furrowing. "The children must stay with the Clemens family. Brenda will apany you, but you can''t return to our old home. You''ll have to go to a city further away."Sadie was bbergasted. "Why can''t I take the children with me? Why must I go to a city further away?"Micah remained silent, his gaze lowered."What exactly happened? Tell me," Sadie pleaded, her voice shaking. "Is it because Grandpa doesn''t ept me again? Did Nick say something to him? Did Grandpa force you to choose? Did you agree?""Yes!" Micah finally confessed, his words slicing through the air like a knife. "That''s why I have to send you away!"Sadie was stunned. Her eyes widened in shock, her face a mask of disbelief. "What did you say?""I said I have to send you away," Micah reiterated. "But I promise I''lle back for you. You have to believe me.""No," Sadie sobbed, her voice filled with usation. "You promised you''d always be by my side. You said you''d never let go, no matter what. So why did you agree? Why are you doing this to me?"As she spoke, she pounded his chest, her emotions reaching a fever pitch."I''m sorry," Micah murmured, the words tasting foreign on his tongue.It was the first time he had ever apologized. He had always been proud, never one to bow his head in submission. But now, he felt a genuine sense of remorse.Micah had always believed in his own strength, in his ability to remain unbound and unthreatened. But reality had proven him wrong. He too had moments of weakness, moments when he was unable to protect the one he loved. He felt powerless.

 Chapter 653 Dont Touch My Mommy!

    "I don''t want to leave," Sadie sobbed, her body shaking with fear. "I can''t abandon this ce alone. If the Clemens family can''t amodate me, then I''ll take the children and we''ll set off together. We''ll return to the rural areas, perhaps to another town. We won''t miss the luxuries the Clemens family offered. We were content, relying on each other in the past."Micah held her close, his voice a low murmur in her ear. "Don''t cause a scene, listen to me," he urged. "This is only temporary. I promise I''lle for you, trust me! Trust me!"He repeated the phrase ''trust me'' twice, and she was almost convinced...Just then, a knock echoed from the other side of the door. Ss''s anxious voice pierced through the silence, "Micah, Noah has been found. The master requests that you escort Miss Roth away immediately!"With his announcement, several bodyguards burst through the door, advancing towards Sadie with the intention of removing her.Sadie''s emotions spiraled out of control, her protests fervent. "No, I won''t go."But before she could finish her sentence, the bodyguards roughly hauled her away.


    "No, let her go!" Micah roared in fury. Suddenly, a child''s voice cut through the tension, "Let my Mommy go!"


    Noah charged in, his small feet kicking and striking the bodyguards as he bellowed, "Don''t touch my Mommy, don''t touch my Mommy!"Left with no other option, the bodyguards released their grip and retreated."Noah." "Mommy!"


    Mother and son clung to each other tightly.Sadie had always maintained a brave front for her children, but today, she couldn''t suppress her tears. The thought of being separated from them was unbearable, as she had never truly been apart from them throughout their lives.But now, they were on the brink of being torn apart, separated by distance."Daddy, what''s happening? Why did you let them bully Mommy?"


    Noah, a clever and perceptive child, questioned. When the wedding was abruptly interrupted and he was whisked away with his parents, he knew something was amiss.So, while the others were distracted, he had slipped backstage to find his mother, only to stumble upon this distressing scene."Daddy will exin everythingter," Micah reassured, squatting down to Noah''s level and cing aforting hand on his shoulder. "For now, you need to go with Andrew. "As he spoke, Micah signaled for Andrew to escort Noah away."Mr. Noah.""No!" Noah wrenched his hand free from Andrew''s grasp, positioning himself protectively in front of Sadie. "Don''t think you can mistreat my Mommy just by getting rid of me. None of you should touch my mother! Stay away from her!"His defiant stance was a mirror image of Micah''s."Mr. Noah.""Noah!" At that moment, the authoritative voice of Mr. Clemens Senior echoed through the room.Noah looked up, his eyes red and teary, and asked in a trembling voice, "Great-grandpa, are you trying to send my Mommy away? Didn''t you ept her already? Why are you treating her this way now?""Your Mommy isn''t being sent away, Noah. She''s ill and needs medical attention," Mr. Clemens Senior lied effortlessly. "See, there''s blood on your Mommy''s clothes. She''s gravely ill. If she doesn''t receive treatment soon, it could be dangerous."Noah nced up, noticing the blood staining Sadie''s clothes. He remembered that she had been unwell recently and began to believe Mr. Clemens Senior''s words. Micah couldn''t help but admire Mr. Clemens Senior''s knack for deceiving children, much like he had done to him in his childhood."Your parents are already married; why would I want to send her away?" Mr. Clemens Senior continued his charade. "I merely want to ensure your Mommy receives the treatment she needs.""Really?" Noah looked up at Sadie, seeking confirmation.Sadie locked eyes with Mr. Clemens Senior.Mr. Clemens Senior offered her a friendly smile, but his eyes held a clear warning.Sadie averted her gaze, tears streaming down her cheeks.

 Chapter 654 Sending Her Away

    Sadie was acutely aware that she was being manipted by Mr. Clemens Senior'' childlike ruse, yet she also understood the futility of resisting the Clemens family. Despite her reluctance, she knew she had to leave. Her emotions, which had surged in a tumultuous wave, began to ebb back into the shores of reason as she faced the children. Having borne witness to Billy''s transformation, Sadie was painfully aware of the importance of shielding the children from her own predicament. Her current state was dire; she was poisoned and could perish at any moment, rendering her incapable of providing the care the children needed. Leaving them in the care of the Clemens family, despite its ws, was a far better alternative than subjecting them to a life of uncertainty with her. With this realization, Sadie managed a tearful nod, her voice wavering as she conceded, "Yes, Grand-grandpa is right. Mommy is sick and needs treatment."Noah, puzzled, began to question her, "Then why did you...""My silly child, getting shot hurts," Sadie interrupted, crouching down to gently stroke Noah''s hair, forcing a smile onto her face despite the pain. "Mommy is afraid of pain; Mommy doesn''t want to go to the hospital for shots.""No, Mommy, don''t be afraid," Noah reassured her, hugging Sadie and patting her shoulder gently. "After getting the shot, your illness will be cured. Be brave!"Sadie nodded tearfully, biting her lip Great-Grandpa to stifle her sobs. Mr. Clemens Senior, watching the exchange, waved at Noah affectionately, "See, I didn''t lie to you. Be good,e over here with Grand-grandpa, let Daddy take Mommy for treatment!"Noah nced up at Micah, who gave him a gentle nudge, "Go!"Regardless of the disputes between adults, the children should never be involved. This was the unspoken agreement between Micah and Sadie. Thus, they both cooperated with Mr. Clemens Senior toplete this charade. Noah,plying, walked towards Mr. Clemens Senior taking his frail hand. Two bodyguards approached Sadie, respectfully requesting, "Miss Roth, this way, please."This time, Sadie offered no resistance. She simply lifted her gown and followed them, her heart heavy with sorrow. As she passed Noah, she couldn''t resist stealing a nce at him. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she forced a gentle smile onto her face. "Noah, take care of yourself and your siblings, okay?"Her voice trembled, mirroring the state of her heart. She couldn''tprehend why the Clemens family was forcing her to leave, or why Micah, her protector, had suddenly changed his stance. She was lost, utterly lost. But she knew resistance was futile. All she could do was pray for the children''s well-being in the Clemens household. "I know," Noah nodded, tears streaming down his face, "Mommy, take care of yourself. Tonight, I''ll bring Nathan, Mia, and Coco to see you."Hearing this, Sadie couldn''t hold back her tears any longer. She quickly lowered her head, not wanting Noah to witness her sorrow, and hurried away. "Daddy," Noah called out, "Aren''t you going?"Snapping out of his thoughts, Micah quickly followed. As they exited the house, Noah advised, "Daddy, take good care of Mommy."Micah didn''t turn around, but his eyes reddened slightly as he nodded. The children''s unconditional trust in him had prompted such advice. Regrettably, he was on the verge of bing a father who couldn''t keep his promises. Mr. Clemens Senior gestured, and Ss immediately followed with his men. Micah and Sadie exited through the back door, avoiding the guests and the searching eyes of Nathan and Mia. "Miss!" Brenda, seeing Sadie, hurried over, "What happened? Ah?"Just half an hour ago, Mr. Clemens Senior'' men had brought Brenda here, instructing her to wait for Miss Roth. Brenda was left in the dark, her phone confiscated, and she had no choice but to anxiously wait. Upon seeing Sadie, relief washed over her.

 Chapter 655 Sending Her Away - Part 2

    Sadie''s gaze fell upon Brenda, but it wasn''t a look of joy that met the young woman. Instead, she turned to Micah, her voice steady, "Let Brenda stay within the Clemens family. She can look after the three children."Brenda''s confusion was palpable. "What do you mean, let me stay with the Clemens? What''s happening?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.Micah countered, his tone firm, "With Brenda by your side, I can rest easy. The children will be safe within the Clemens family. There''s no need for you to worry.""But-""Enough," Micah cut her off, "Get in the car." With that, he swung open the car door and ushered Sadie inside with a gentle push."Mr. Clemens," Brenda began, only to be interrupted by Ss."Brenda, this is your suitcase," Ss said, handing her the luggage along with a silver box. "Inside this box is Miss Roth''s antidote. She needs to take one bottle daily. Once the medicine is finished, the poison in Miss Roth''s body will bepletely eliminated. Remember, not even one bottle can go missing.""Antidote?" Brenda''s voice was filled with joy. "Really? Just by drinking this, Miss will recover?""Yes," Ss nodded, emphasizing his point, "You must take good care of it. There''s only one dose of the antidote; if it''s lost, there won''t be anymore.""I understand," Brenda clutched the silver box tightly, "I will protect it with my life."Ss then handed Brenda a bank card. "This is given to Miss Roth by the elderly master. The password is the children''s birthday.""But-""Just take it," Ss interrupted, cing the card into Brenda''s hand. "Take care of yourself. We will meet again." With a gesture from Ss, the bodyguard opened the back door, inviting Brenda to get in the car.Brenda stowed away the bank card, hugged the silver box, and climbed into the car. The bodyguard helped her with the suitcase, cing it in the trunk.Micah was about to join them when Ss stopped him. "Micah, why don''t you ride in the back seat of this car with me?""Why?" Micah asked, his brow furrowing. "It''s the orders of the elderly master. I''m just following them," Ss exined cautiously. "Miss Roth has a deep misunderstanding of you now. If you get together, it will only add to the emotional pain. Why bother?"Micah nced at Sadie inside the car and then climbed into the back seat of the other vehicle. He had already allowed Mr. Clemens Senior''s guys to control the situation in order to obtain the antidote. Resisting now would only create unnecessaryplications. The car started and slowly drove away.Inside the car, Brenda held Sadie''s hand, her eyes filled with concern. "Miss, are you alright? Does it hurt?"Sadie shook her head numbly, her gaze distant. "What happened? Where are we going?" Brenda asked anxiously. "Ss gave me this box and said it''s your antidote. He told me to take good care of it and said you''ll get better after drinking it...""Antidote?" Sadie echoed, her eyes widening in realization. "Was it for the antidote that Micahpromised?""Whatpromise? What do you mean?" Brenda asked, needing rification.Sadie remained silent, her gaze fixed out of the car window towards the back, a flicker of hope igniting within her.In the back of the other car, Micah was on the phone. Rn was updating him that Nick was still under Mr. Clemens Senior'' control and probably wouldn''t make any further moves. Micah finally rxed, hung up the phone, and frowned at the flight ticket information in Ss'' hands."Why send Sadie to Thand, such a far ce?" he asked."Just in case, it''s better to go abroad," Ss exined. "Micah, don''t worry, we have everything arranged for Miss Roth over there, including medical care. She will be fine."Micah didn''t say anything more. Where they would send her now was irrelevant; what mattered were the issues ahead.Soon, the car arrived at the airport. Mr. Clemens Senior had arranged a private ne for Sadie,plete with apanying medical personnel. Everything seemed meticulously arranged, not like a final farewell but rather like sending Sadie on a vacation.

 Chapter 656 Making a Choice

    As Sadie emerged from the car, she was greeted by a sky of mncholy grey, the drizzle falling softly as if echoing the sorrow of their parting. The Clemens family''s bodyguards, standing in orderly rows, seemed to be bidding her a silent farewell.Clutching her wedding dress, Sadie moved slowly towards the private ne. The drizzle persisted, drenching her hair and clothing. With her gaze fixed on the ground, she moved forward in a numb trance. Brenda trailed closely behind, clutching a silver box with a firm grip.Micah stood by the car, watching her in silence. A part of him yearned to cross the distance and envelop Sadie in aforting embrace, but he resisted. He feared that once he held her, he wouldn''t be able to let go. As he watched her retreating figure, he whispered a promise to himself, "This brief separation is merely a prelude to a grand reunion. Hold on, I''ll be there to catch you when you fall.""Micah, get in the car," Ss urged gently. "Our people are escorting her, and the flight crew on the ne are ours too. She will be safe."


    Micah remained silent, his gaze unwaveringly following Sadie until she began ascending the stairs to the ne. As she reached the top, she turned to look back.Micah opened his mouth, intending to reassure her of his imminent return, but the words remained unspoken. Instead, he tried to convey his message through his eyes, "Trust me."Tears welled up in Sadie''s eyes as she looked at Micah. She longed to hear him say something, anything, but he chose silence. After a long. expectant pause, she turned away in despair and disappeared into the cabin."Sadie," Micah called out as she turned away, but his words fell on deaf ears. Brenda followed Sadie into the ne, a silver suitcase in hand, trailed by a bodyguard carrying their luggage. The cabin door closed, and the ground crew signaled for everyone to clear the area. Ss ushered Micah back into the car.As the private ne slowly ascended, Micah watched with a mix of regret and hope. He was certain that it wouldn''t be long before he would be there to bring her back. Meanwhile, Sadie leaned against her seat, peering through the cabin window at the retreating Clemens family motorcade, her heart heavy with despair.Confusion clouded her mind. Why had they done this? Mr. Clemens Senior had given his consent, the wedding had taken ce, so why had they so abruptly decided to send her away?


    ''What did Nick say to Mr. Clemens Senior?


    ''What fatal problem do I have that they can''t tolerate?


    "Or they think marrying Micah would bring disadvantages to their family?''


    She pondered over the possible reasons, but none seemed to make sense.Brenda, too, was anxious. "What''s going on?" she asked the Clemens family''s bodyguard. "Where are we going?" The bodyguard remained silent, standing as still as a statue. "Say something!" Brenda pushed the two bodyguards with her hands in desperation. "The wedding hasn''t even ended yet; the guests are still in the church, and, oh, the three children will be worried without seeing us." The bodyguards still didn''t speak.


    "Oh my god, have you all turned mute?"


    Despite Brenda''s desperate pleas for answers, the bodyguards remained mute. Even the flight attendant could only confirm their destination as Chiang Mai, offering no further information. In a state of panic, Brenda turned to Sadie. "Miss, what is happening?" she asked."Can''t you see?" Sadie finally spoke, her voice low and hoarse. "The Clemens family wants to get rid of me.""What?" Brenda was taken aback. "No way, you are already married to Micah.""Marriages can end in divorce, and besides, we haven''t even registered." Sadie replied with a bitter smile. "They only want the children, not me."

 Chapter 657 A Foreign Country

    "Why would they do this?" Brenda''s voice trembled with shock. "Hadn''t Mr. Clemens Senior already epted you? You''re married now, so why this sudden change of heart?""I''m as lost as you are," Sadie confessed, her gaze fixed despairingly on the clouds outside. "What could have possibly happened? Why are they so insistent on sending me away?"Brenda''s fear and unease deepened at Sadie''s words. She cast a wary nce at the people around her, a chilling suspicion creeping into her mind that they all harbored ill intentions.In her anxiety, Brenda clutched a small silver box tightly, as if afraid it would be snatched away from her. Sadie, meanwhile, sumbed to exhaustion and gradually drifted into sleep. Before long, the ne touched down at Chiang Mai Airport. The Clemens family''s bodyguards promptlypleted the necessary formalities and escorted Sadie and Brenda to a quaint vi nestled in the suburbs. It was a picture of elegance andfort, furnished with all the necessities one could ask for. After helping them settle in, the two bodyguards bowed respectfully to Sadie, preparing to take their leave."Wait," Brenda interjected, stepping forward to halt their departure. "Are you just going to leave us here? What does all this mean?""Mr. Clemens Senior hopes you''ll settle in here and not return to the country," one of the bodyguards finally exined. "You''re wee to stay as long as you wish. There''s a car in the yard, your Thai IDs are on the table, and there''s a stash of Thai baht in a box that should tide you over for a while.""What?" Brenda gasped in disbelief."Take care!" With another bow, the bodyguards turned and left."Brenda, don''t bother," Sadie murmured weakly as Brenda made to call them back. "It won''t make any difference.""But, Miss," Brenda turned to Sadie, her voice trembling with anxiety. "What does the Clemens family intend to do? What does all this mean? Are they asking us to live in Chiang Mai forever?""Perhaps," Sadie replied, her hand pressed against her throbbing head as she leaned against the sofa."What''s wrong?" Brenda asked, quickly helping Sadie lie down. "I''ll fetch you some water."Before leaving. Brenda ced the small silver box beside Sadie, instructing her to keep it safe. It was then that she noticed the two bodyguards conversing with a few locals outside the yard. They exchanged some money before finally driving away.A wave of anxiety washed over Brenda. She rushed outside to investigate, but the bodyguards had already disappeared. The locals, however, greeted her with respectful palms pressed together."Tm Jimmy," one of the young men introduced himself in English. "I live next door. If you need any help, don''t hesitate to ask. ""Thank you," Brenda replied, quickly retreating back into the house. "It seems the Clemens family has arranged for the neighbors to look after us. We''ll stay here for now."" Micah wouldn''t abandon us," Sadie reasoned, her voice weak. "Perhaps he''s just temporarily appeasing Mr. Clemens Senior. He''ll find a way toe for us in a few days.""But honestly, I think he''s already abandoned us," Sadie admitted after some hesitation, disappointment heavy in her voice. "He promised he would never let go of my hand, but in an instant..."Her gaze fell to the wedding ring on her hand, a stark reminder of the joyous wedding they had celebrated mere hours ago in a church, only to be exiled to a foreignnd."Perhaps he had no choice," Brenda attempted tofort Sadie. "Even if Mr. Clemens hesitated, you still have your three children. Noah, Nathan, and Mia will miss you. When they cry and make a fuss at home, Mr. Clemens Senior will be forced to act."Hearing these words, a glimmer of hope ignited in Sadie''s heart. "If the Clemens family can''t ept me, then I''ll leave. We''ll take the children and return to the countryside. We''ll live a peaceful life there, happy and together as a family. I don''t need to marry into the Clemens family.""Yes," Brenda agreed, her eyes welling up with tears. "I just don''t understand why they sent us here. Thand is so far away from home. What do they want?"

 Chapter 658 Aftermath

    "Maybe they''re afraid that I''ll take the children away," Sadie mused, her voiceced with uncertainty. "The Clemens family wishes to retain custody of the children, so they''ve banished me to a distant ce."Brenda, however, struggled toprehend their logic. "Even if they believe the children would agree to it, the children will miss you."


    Sadie''s eyes widened as a chilling realization dawned on her. "Mr. Clemens Senior informed Noah that they sent me away for treatment. If anything were to happen, they would tell the children that I didn''t survive the treatment," she said, her voice trembling with fear. "Yes, they might indeed resort to such measures. I need to call Noah now!"Brenda, taken aback, immediately attempted to contact Noah via his wristwatch phone, but to no avail. She tried reaching out to Nathan, Mia, and Serena as well, but each call ended in failure. Overwhelmed with panic, she questioned, "Is this phone broken?"


    Sadie, spotting a bottle of mineral water on the table with a phone number printed on it, suggested, "Try this."Brenda dialed the number and was relieved when the call connected instantly. She quickly ended the call and asked, her voice filled with urgency, "Could it be that international long-distance calls aren''t enabled on this phone?"Sadie inquired about Brenda''s phone, to which Brenda replied, her annoyance evident, "Ss confiscated it a while ago. He imed he was merely holding onto it for me, but it seems he intended to trick me out of my phone all along. Miss, what about your phone?"Sadie furrowed her brow. "Serena was holding onto my phone during the wedding ceremony. Tomorrow, we''ll purchase a new phone, acquire a local number, and then we can attempt making international calls."Brenda nodded in agreement. "Don''t worry, I''ll be by your side. Everything will work out."Tears welled up in Sadie''s eyes and began to trickle down her cheeks. She clung tightly to Brenda, her gaze fixed on the inky ck horizon, her heart filled with dread and uncertainty about the future. Meanwhile, in Newark, the wedding proceeded as scheduled despite Sadie''s absence. The guests followed the program, partook in the feast, and offered their blessings. However, the newlyweds were conspicuously absent from the social interactions.After the wedding concluded amidst a cloud of doubt, the guests quietly dispersed, none daring to probe further. Only Jonathan and a few others from the bride''s side cautiously inquired about Sadie''s whereabouts, stating they had brought gifts and wished to personally extend their blessings to Sadie and Micah.Ss managed the situation deftly, exining that Sadie had fallen ill and Micah had apanied her to the hospital. Jonathan, anxious, immediately asked about the nature of her illness. Ss, however, maintained that it was not appropriate to disclose such information. Left with no other choice, Jonathan had to depart without pressing further.In the evening, the three children returned home, moring to visit their Mommy in the hospital. Mr. Clemens Senior exined that their mother was battling aplex illness and required a peaceful environment for her treatment. He assured them that Daddy was with Mommy at the hospital and that they would be preupied for a while. He requested the children to stay at his house until Mommy''s condition improved.Recalling their Mommy''s prolonged treatment and her frail health upon her return, the children agreed toply and let their Mommy receive the necessary treatment. Thus, they followed Mr. Clemens Senior. The house fell eerily silent. Upon his return, Micah found himself alone in the living room, staring at the empty house. Gone was Brenda''s lively chatter, Sadie''s tender smile, and the children''s boisterousughter. The house no longer felt like home. Micah''s spirits plummeted. He raised a hand to his forehead, his mind consumed with thoughts of Sadie. ''She must be feeling utterly hopeless and devastated. I''m sure she must be harboring suspicions and resentment towards me.'' he thought."Mr. Clemens!" a cautious voice interrupted his thoughts. "I''ve arranged for someone to keep an eye on Miss Clemens. She hasn''t made any moves. She handed over the antidote and left with the old master''s shares. She has just boarded a private jet bound for State H."Micah nodded slightly and instructed, "Continue monitoring Nick and make sure she doesn''te near Sadie.""Understood," Rn nodded, confirming, "I''ve already made the necessary arrangements."

 Chapter 659 The End is Nigh

    Andrew burst into the room, a sense of urgency radiating from him. "Mr. Clemens," he announced breathlessly, "The news has been entirely suppressed. Serena and all other relevant personnel have been relocated to ensure that Miss Roth''s situation remains confidential. The video footage from the wedding has been meticulously erased, save for a single copy that has been forwarded to your email. Moreover, Mr. Clemens Senior has taken it upon himself to erase all remnants of Miss Roth''s past life."Micah Clemens, upon hearing this, fell into a contemtive silence. His father was attempting to erase every trace of Sadie Roth, to make it as if she had never existed. This was the only way to safeguard the future of the children, to prevent the James family from discovering Sadie''s existence, and to avoid igniting a new feud between the two powerful families. "Mr. Clemens, you''ve had a long day. You should rest," Andrew suggested cautiously, breaking the silence.Micah merely lowered his gaze, seemingly lost in his thoughts. Andrew didn''t dare to repeat his suggestion. Instead, he exchanged a worried nce with Rn, their concern for their boss palpable.After what seemed like an eternity, Micah finally spoke. "Gather all the relevant information on the James family and this Mr. L. I want aprehensive understanding of their affairs.""Understood," Rn immediately set off to fulfill the request.Micah continued, "Contact the four major families and the sevenrge chambers ofmerce. I want to arrange a meeting with them."Andrew furrowed his brows, a wave of anxiety washing over him. "What are you nning to do?" he asked, ignoring the orders. "Are you intending to confront the James family head-on? Do you believe that by eliminating the James family, the Clemens family will no longer be under threat, and you can bring Miss Roth back? But have you considered the power the James family wields? Their financial strength is on par with the Clemens family, not to mention...""Enough!" Micah snapped, his patience worn thin. "Why all this unnecessary chatter? Just do as I say."Andrew, initially intending to further persuade Micah, was silenced by Rn''s intervention. He could only bow his head inpliance and utter a resigned, "Yes."As the two men left the room, Andrew vented his frustration. "Why did you stop me? Why didn''t you try to persuade him with me?""Do you think it would have made a difference?" Rn retorted. "Can we really stop Mr. Clemens from doing what he wants?"Andrew was left speechless by Rn''s words. Indeed, no matter how much he argued, Micah wouldn''t listen. He might even endure a few punches, but Micah would still proceed with his ns."Don''t worry, the old master won''t let him run wild," Rn reassured, casting a nce back into the room. "The old master has mobilized the entire Clemens family to Newark, with the intention of suppressing Micah and stabilizing the situation."""It seems the old master is determined to erase Miss Roth from the picture," Andrew mused, his brow furrowed in concern. "The impact is significant, and we can''t let Mr. Clemens act impulsively.""The James family has made remarkable progress in recent years, and their influence is not to be underestimated," Rn sighed. "Now that Miss Clemens has taken a portion of their power, Mr. Clemens is facing both internal and external threats. This is not the time for rash actions!"Andrew could only sigh helplessly. "It''s hard to believe that Miss Roth is a descendant of the James family.""This so-called descendant might be more of a liability than an asset," Rn said, his expression grave."What do you mean?" Andrew asked, intrigued.Rn leaned in closer to Andrew and whispered, "The James family is currently under the control of Mr. L, who is rumored to be ruthless. He even killed his own brother to gain power. Miss Roth is merely his cousin. If he discovers her identity, she could be a pawn against the Clemens family.""No wonder Mr. Clemens ispromising," Andrew realized. "If Mr. Clemens truly wanted to resist the old master, he could. But if Miss Roth''s identity is exposed, she would be in grave danger!""Exactly," Rn agreed. "The current approach is the best for Miss Roth. Let her rest peacefully in Chiang Mai for a couple of years, and Mr. Clemens will find a way to bring her back. If we don''tpromise with the old master now and stand up against him, and Miss Clemens causes trouble in the process, the news will leak, and the consequences will be unimaginable."

 Chapter 660 Dangerous Situation

    "I understand," Andrew exhaled a deep sigh, his voice heavy with resignation. "Mr. Clemens is indeed a man of great cunning, but I fear Miss Roth remains oblivious, she is probably filled only with bitterness towards him."Rn shook his head, a helpless expression on his face. "That''s just the tip of the iceberg. The greater concern is that the three children will harbor the same resentment. He bears this burden alone, unable to utter a single word of his plight."The two men exchanged hushed whispers for a moment before setting off to their respective tasks. They were acutely aware of the futility of their actions, yet they were bound by duty to see them through. They also harbored a grim expectation that at some point, Mr. Clemens Senior '' men would intervene.Indeed, it was Mr. Clemens Senior himself who came to quell Micah''s rebellion. For the sake of Sadie''s safety and the greater good, Micah waspelled to temporarily capitte. Reluctant though he was, it was a necessary sacrifice. Their immediate strategy was to buy time, to erase all traces of Sadie until the Clemens family could regain its equilibrium. Then, Micah could employ more subtle, business-oriented tactics to gradually undermine the James Group. The day woulde when the Clemens Group would utterly vanquish the James Group, eliminating them as a threat. Only then could Micah safely bring Sadie back into the fold. However, that day seemed an eternity away. Both Rn and Andrew understood the reasoning behind these actions, as did Micah. His anxiety and worry stemmed from his deep-seated concern. Meanwhile, in a Chinese-style vi nestled in the northern suburbs, Ss was leading Mr. Clemens Senior from the children''s room towards the study. Mr. Clemens Senior wore a grave expression, lost in contemtion. "We were having such a pleasant time with the children. What happened?" he asked. Ss studied Mr. Clemens Senior '' face carefully Mr. Clemens Senior before responding. "Nathan and Mia are blissfully unaware, but Noah is burdened with heavy thoughts. He''s been asking about his mother''s illness and the hospital where she''s being treated. The boy is remarkably perceptive; keeping the truth from him will be a challenge."Mr. Clemens Senior''s face darkened further. "They''re still so young, they won''t remember," Ss reassured him in a whisper. "They may grieve for a time, but as they grow older, they will forget.""I hope you''re right," Mr. Clemens Senior sighed deeply. "My only fear is the pain this might inflict on the children."Ss nodded in understanding. "Regardless of our actions, some measure of sorrow is inevitable.""Such a tragic fate," Mr. Clemens Seniormented, his voice heavy with despair. "Sir," a servant interrupted, rushing in with a report. "Mr. Lingston has arrived.""Why would he visit at thiste hour?" Mr. Clemens Senior''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Have him join me in the study."Ss led Mr. Clemens Senior to the ground-floor study where Nelson was seated on the sofa, sipping coffee. On seeing Mr. Clemens Senior, he quickly rose to his feet, greeting him respectfully, "Sir.""Please, sit," Mr. Clemens Senior gestured. "Nelson, it''s quitete. What brings you here?"Nelson hesitated for a moment before cautiously beginning, "There are matters I cannot meddle in, so I dare not overstep. However, I recently recalled something of grave importance and feltpelled to inform you."


    "Go on," Mr. Clemens Senior urged."Recently, Micah took Miss Roth to Ronan and Arianna''s wedding. It appears Mr. L from the James Group was also present," Nelson revealed. Before he could continue, Mr. Clemens Senior'' face paled noticeably. "What?""Of course, it''s possible they didn''t cross paths," Nelson hurriedly added. "Mr. L has been keeping a low profile and hasn''t made any public appearances, perhaps-""Verify this immediately," Mr. Clemens Seniormanded with urgency."Of course," Ss promptly left to carry out the investigation."I only remembered this recently," Nelson admitted in a soft voice. "I believe Mr. L hasn''t made any moves since the wedding. He probably didn''t get a clear look at Miss Roth; perhaps he only caught a glimpse.""If he did see Sadie, it''s all over," Mr. Clemens Senior'' face contorted with dread.

 Chapter 661 The Substitute

    Nelson sought to reassure the room, "He probably didn''t notice her, there''s no need for concern." Just then, Ss entered the room in a rush, phone in hand. "Sir," he began, reporting his findings, "I spoke with Andrew the other day. Mr. L from the James Group was seen conversing with Micah in a car. The windows were closed with only a small gap open. It''s doubtful he saw anything clearly. As for the wedding, Mr. L kept to the shadows. Whether he saw Miss Roth or not is uncertain. Even if he did, the distance and the crowd would have obscured his view, leaving him with only a vague outline."Mr. Clemens Senior frowned, deep in thought. "Regardless of the rity of his sight, we must find a way to rectify this situation," he dered. "I had initially nned to establish a status for her and announce her death in a month or two, thereby resolving the issue. However, I now believe we should find a substitute to avoid arousing suspicion."Ss looked uneasy at the suggestion. "Micah won''t agree to this," he warned."Does he have a say in the matter?" Mr. Clemens Senior retorted, his voice rising in anger. Ss bowed his head, choosing not to respond further."Nelson," Mr. Clemens Senior suddenly asked, "Don''t you have another daughter? I''ve met her. She''s quite beautiful, with a gentle and kind demeanor. Her figure and mannerisms bear a resemnce to Sadie''s. "Nelson''s eyes widened in surprise. "What are you suggesting?" he asked, taken aback."Everything will be easily resolved," Mr. Clemens Senior replied cryptically. Meanwhile, in Chiang Mai, Thand, a loud p of thunder jolted Sadie awake from a nightmare, her screams piercing the silence of the night."Miss, Miss," Brenda quickly rose from her small bed nearby, rushing tofort Sadie. "Did you have a nightmare? Don''t worry, it''s alright.""I dreamt that I died," Sadie confessed, her body trembling and slick with sweat. "Someone reced my face with hers and she married Micah in my ce. The children even called her mom."Brenda hurried to reassure her. "Silly girl, such a thing could never happen. It was just a nightmare, don''t overthink it. Let me get you a ss of water." With that, Brenda left to fetch water for Sadie.Sadie sat on the bed, clutching a pillow, her eyes fixed on the swaying shadows of the trees outside the French windows. Fear gnawed at her as she curled up in the corner of the bed, still trembling. Returning with a cup of warm water, Brenda soothed, "It''s raining, and the wind is strong. But it''s okay now. When it gets light, we''ll buy a phone and call Noah, Nathan, and Mia."The thought of her children calmed Sadie. She drank the water and soon fell back asleep. "Sleep well," Brenda whispered, tucking her in and gently patting her. "Brenda, don''t go. Stay here and sleep with me," Sadie pleaded, gripping Brenda''s arm tightly."Silly child, you''re all grown up now but still acting like a child," Brendaughed,ying down beside Sadie. "When you were little, whenever there was thunder, you wanted me to hold you to sleep."Sadie snuggled into Brenda''s arms, findingfort in her presence. "Don''t be afraid; our ancestors in god are protecting us. Everything bad will pass soon," Brendaforted her.Sadie nodded, feeling hopeful. As the sound of the rain lulled her, she murmured, "Why does Chiang Mai have so much rain? Since we arrived, it seems like it has been raining continuously and getting heavier.""Yes, it''s the rainy season now," Brenda replied, patting her back. "Sleep, don''t be afraid with me here."Brenda''s gentle voice gave Sadie a sense of safety. She quickly fell asleep, and Brenda looked at her pale face, gently wiping the sweat off her forehead. As she gazed at the curtain of rain outside, she let out a deep sigh.

 Chapter 662 Trapped in Perpetuity

    As dawn broke, Brenda and Sadie embarked on a quest to purchase phones. Each procured a device and a local tel card for Chiang Mai. However, a peculiar incident urred; the service provider declined to activate their international long-distance service, citing restrictions on their identification cards. Brenda''s frantic gestures fell on deaf ears. Sadie attempted to bridge themunication gap with English, but her efforts were met with ims of iprehension. They sought assistance from their neighbor, Jimmy, who also found himself at a loss. "You shouldn''t try to reach out to folks back home; it''s futile," he advised. Upon hearing this, Sadie had an epiphany. The Clemens family, who had orchestrated her relocation, had ensured she would face difficulties contacting her children. They had arranged for a local ID, but it wasden with restrictions. A sudden realization struck Sadie, and she hurried home to rummage through her suitcase for her passport. As she had suspected, both her passport and driving license were missing. All that remained was a Thai ID card, which imposed a multitude of limitations. They were effectively marooned in Chiang Mai, cut off from the world beyond its borders."Where are our passports? And our driving licenses, why are they all gone?" Brenda''s voice echoed with anxiety as she sifted through the suitcase. "Miss, have we been robbed?" "Yes, by the Clemens family," Sadie responded, her teeth gritted in resentment. She couldn''t fathom the family''s intentions. Why had they exiled her to a foreignnd, severed her contact with her children, and left her in such a predicament?"So, the Clemens family took our documents?" Brenda''s realization dawned. "No wonder the bodyguards always handled our suitcases." A memory sparked in Brenda''s mind, and she hastily searched the suitcase for a small box containing a keepsake from Sadie''s father. To their relief, the box was still there. Inside, the letters and ck card left by Edmond remained untouched. Brenda exhaled a sigh of relief, but her worry quickly resurfaced. "Miss, what should we do now?" "Stay calm," Sadie responded, determined not to be confined to this small town for the rest of her life. "Let''s wait until I recover from my illness and then decide." Brenda nodded, remembering something and quickly retrieving a small silver box. "Ss said this contained the antidote. We haven''t taken it today, so let''s do it now." She extended a bottle of antidote towards Sadie, only to retract her hand abruptly. "Wait, what if this antidote is a hoax? What if the Clemens family is deceiving us? What if it''s poison?" "If they want to kill us, then we have no chance of escape," Sadie said, snatching the bottle and downing its contents. Brenda watched Sadie''s reaction closely and, seeing no adverse effects, sighed in relief. "At least the antidote is real," she murmured. "Yes," Sadie responded, forcing a bitter smile. "As long as we''re alive, there''s still hope."Brenda nodded, visibly relieved. "Miss, I''ll go cook, you rest a bit." She then retreated to the kitchen.Sadie sifted through the box, finding her father''s letter and business card still intact. She recalled her father''s words, promising assistance if she ever found herself in a desperate situation. However, the number was for international calls, a service they were currently denied. If they were to face imminent danger, would they be left to meet their fate?Sadie sighed deeply, her gaze drifting towards the window. The drizzle outside mirrored her gloomy mood. She couldn''t help but wonder when this ordeal would end.

 Chapter 663 Long Time No See

    Days passed in a slow, monotonous rhythm. Sadie had been in Chiang Mai for nine days now. In the silver box that she carried with her, only a single bottle of antidote remained. Over the past few days, she had managed to avoid any further episodes, a small mercy that she clung to. The final bottle of antidote promised her a chance at a poison-free existence, a prospect she was looking forward to with the dawn of the next day.In the early morning light, Brenda was busy in the yard, hanging clothes to dry. She carefully brought in Sadie''s custom-made wedding dress, a garment that had been difficult to dry due to the recent persistent rains. The weighty fabric of the dress had absorbed the moisture, making it particrly challenging. Brenda had spent the entire day washing it, employing various methods to remove the stubborn blood stains. After hanging for nine days, the dress was finally ready to be taken inside.Locating arge clothes hanger, Brenda hung the wedding dress on the wall and began to iron it, bit by bit, with a steam iron. Sadie, watching her, offered to take over the task. "Let me do it," she said, taking the iron and meticulously smoothing out the wrinkles on the dress.In an ideal world, this million-dor wedding dress wouldn''t be subjected to such treatment. It should have been dry-cleaned and professionally ironed. However, the limitations of their small town and Brenda''s fear of damaging the dress at a dry cleaner''s had left them with no other option. After over an hour of careful ironing. Sadie finally finished. She stepped back, looking up at the dress. The gentle breeze made the veil sway lightly. It looked much the same as before, yet something was different. The diamonds scattered on the dress shimmered in the sunlight, but without a bride to wear it, the dress seemed like a fallen angel, stripped of its radiance. It was a sentiment reflected in Sadie''s eyes.She lowered her gaze, looking at the wedding ring in her hand, a wave of misery washing over her. Brenda, noticing her distress, tried to reassure her. "Miss, don''t overthink. At least your illness is improving. After you finish thest bottle of medicine tomorrow, all the poison will be eliminated from your body. That''s a blessing.""Yes," Sadie managed a smile, "I can live on." But she couldn''t help but wonder, trapped here, stripped of everything, was there any difference between her current state and death?"As long as we are alive, there is hope for everything," Brenda encouraged her, "Mr. Clemens will definitelye to rescue us."Sadie stared nkly at the wedding dress, her emotions a whirlwind. Each day brought with it two distinct moods. In the morning, she would wake up filled with hope, believing that Micah wouldn''t abandon her. But as night fell, she would feel disillusioned, resenting his apparent heartlessness. Now, she was unsure of what to believe."I''m going to cook; you rest for a bit," Brenda said, disappearing into the kitchen. Left alone, Sadie stared at the wedding dress, lost in thought. After a while, she changed out of the dress and into something else. Looking at herself in the full-length mirror, she was a far cry from the beautiful, noble bride she had been on her wedding day. Now, she looked worn out and exhausted. In just ten short days, she had lost a significant amount of weight, and the wedding dress hung loosely on her."Oh my god, it was sunny just now. How did it start raining again?" Brenda''s voice broke through her thoughts. She rushed out of the kitchen to collect the clothes from the yard, only to spot several ck cars approaching. It was unmistakably the Clemens family''s motorcade.Brenda, assuming that the Clemens family hade to pick them up, was overjoyed. "Miss, Miss,e out quickly, the Clemens family''s here..." she called out excitedly. At the sound of Brenda''s voice, Sadie ran outside barefoot, not even pausing to put on her shoes. "Miss, look, is that the Clemens family''s motorcade?" Brenda pointed at the cars outside the yard, "It looks like it!""Yes, it''s them." Sadie confirmed, clutching her wedding dress as she hurried over to the gate. But as she pushed it open, she was met with an unfamiliar face."Sadie, long time no see!" Amelia stepped out of the car, a sinister smirk on her face, "You didn''t see thising, did you? I''ve got you now."

 Chapter 664 He Doesnt Want You Anymore

    Sadie''s eyes widened in disbelief, her gaze locked onto Amelia. She quickly regained herposure, swiftly closing and locking the gate. "Miss, what''s wrong..."


    "It''s Amelia. We need to run!" Sadie seized Brenda''s arm, preparing to make their escape through the back door. However, Brenda darted into the room, clutching a small silver box tightly. "Thest vial of antidote, we can''t leave it behind." "Quickly, we must go!" Sadie urged, tugging Brenda towards the exit. The sound of a loud crash echoed behind them as their bodyguards broke down the door. The pair bolted out the back door, colliding with Jimmy who was carrying a durian. "Brenda, this durian is particrly delicious..." "We''re in danger, call the police!" Sadie yelled at Jimmy, pulling Brenda past him. Jimmy stood there, stunned, unable to react. Suddenly, a group of men dressed in ck charged at him, knocking him to the ground. He had barely risen when he was knocked down again, his durian rolling away and crushed under the feet of the intruders. Anger surged within Jimmy. He tried to confront them, but the sight of a tall, menacing man brandishing a gun silenced him. He quickly retreated to the side. "Don''t interfere!" the man barked, quickly catching up with the others. "Capture her!" A woman''s voice rang out. Jimmy turned to see a tall, elegant woman in high heels, nked by several bodyguards, rapidly closing in. A scream pierced the air. Jimmy froze, wanting to rush to Sadie''s aid, but the sight of a dozen men forming a human barrier around Sadie and Brenda made him retreat in fear. "What do you want with us?" Brenda demanded, shielding Sadie even as she was forced to the ground. "What do we want?" Amelia''s voice dripped with scorn. "Revenge, of course!" "I''ve never wronged you. Why seek revenge?" Sadie retorted, her voiceced with anger. "You''ve never wronged me?" Ameliaughed, her voice filled with bitter amusement. "I was Micah''s fianc¨¦e, yet he always defended you. I saw him sneaking into your room, but I had to hide my feelings. You can''t imagine the pain that causes, can you?" "I can''t understand. I have wealth and beauty; in what way am I inferior to you? Why does he reject me for you?" "Our engagement was public knowledge, but then it was abruptly called off. I became the world''sughingstock!" "I slit my wrists in front of him, hoping for a shred of sympathy, but he didn''t even spare me a nce." Amelia''s voice grew hoarse, her face reflecting her destion. But then, she smirked eerily, squatting down and running a sharp knife against Sadie''s face. "Isn''t all of this your doing?" "This is between you two. I have no part in it," Sadie replied, carefully avoiding the knife, fearful it might mar her face. "Not your business?" Amelia''s hand shot out, pinching Sadie''s cheeks, lifting her head, and tracing her face with the knife. "Are you certain?" "Stop this! Let her go!" Brenda attempted to intervene but was brutally knocked down by a bodyguard. A scream escaped Brenda''s lips, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. "Brenda-" Sadie roared in fury, "You''re after me, not her. Leave her alone!" "Well then, we''ll deal with you," Amelia said, her eyes scanning Sadie. "Still wearing your wedding dress, are you? Still dreaming of your wedding with Micah? Too bad, he doesn''t want you anymore."

 Chapter 665 A Fate Worse Than Death

    "Don''t you know?" Amelia inquired, the de of her knife gently lifting Sadie''s chin, a scornful smirk ying on her lips. "The Clemens family has found a recement for you. In your wedding photos, your face has been digitally erased and supnted by another."What did you say?" Sadie''s eyes widened in shock, the scene before her eerily reminiscent of a nightmare she had once had."News of Micah''s wedding is now the talk of the town, and clips from your wedding are being circted as well. But in every frame that should have featured you, your face has been reced with another''s." Amelia produced her phone, opened a news article, and handed it to Sadie. "See for yourself."Sadie epted the phone, scrutinizing the screen with a gaping mouth of disbelief... The VIC Group''s Mr. Clemens Micah Weds in Secret; Bride is Daughter of Lingston Group Chairman"You?" Sadie''s gaze shot up, her eyes wide with astonishment as she stared at Amelia."Of course not," Amelia retorted with a bitter smile. "If it were me, would I be standing here?" "Her name is E, my half-sister from a different mother. The Clemens family has truly struck gold with her as your recement. After all, she''s a docile and obedient mute!" A tremor ran through Sadie''s heart. She hastily clicked on the video link embedded in the news article. It depicted scenes from her wedding to Micah, but each time the bride was shown, her face morphed into another''s. Even when the child handed her the ring, eximing, "Mommy, the ring," the face captured by the camera belonged to another woman, her smile radiating happiness and tenderness. It was as if she was the true heroine of the story! The nightmare had materialized out of the blue, leaving Sadie aghast. She stared at her phone in disbelief, her trembling hands scrolling through other news stories.A Hidden Four-Year Love StoryThe subtitle read: Four years ago, she bore him triplets, took the children, and disappeared. Four yearster, they reunite under different identities and rekindle their love! Sadie clicked on the article, her eyes scanning the photos: a family portrait, Coco, their home on Blissful Lane 1, and even pictures of her joining the VIC Group...... Every detail of their life together was documented, except that her face had been reced with another woman''s in every image, and her name changed to E! Sadie''s hand shook uncontrobly, causing her phone to slip from her grasp and tter to the floor. The screen still disyed an image of her, Micah, and their three children on the beach, but the faces in the family portrait now belonged to another woman. This terrifying, cruel, and horrifying nightmare had be her reality! Sadie''s world crumbled around her, her mind reeling from the shock. She had clung to a glimmer of hope, trusting that Micah woulde for her, even when she suspected that she had been brought here by the Clemens family''s people. But now, that hope had been extinguished. All the past beauty and happiness had morphed into mere illusions. Sadie felt as though her skin had been peeled away, leaving her exposed to the elements, battered by the harsh winds of reality. Tears welled up in her hollow eyes, thest vestiges of hope draining away.At this moment, even with a knife pressed against her throat, she felt no fear. Her heart had already sumbed to death."Seeing you so devastated brings me joy," Amelia cackled. "What I can''t have, you can''t have either. This is the sweetest revenge!" She pinched Sadie''s chin, her eyes gleaming with mockery. "I''ve lost the desire to kill you. You should live; a fate worse than death awaits you!"

 Chapter 666 Brenda Gets Shot

    Amelia rose to her feet, a slow, deliberate retreat marked by a chilling smile that curled at the corners of her mouth. "She''s all yours now. Enjoy yourselves," she purred. "Much obliged, boss!" came the eager response.


    The men, their skin as dark as the night itself, began to unbuckle their belts, advancing toward Sadie with a predatory leer.


    "No, no!" Sadie protested, her voice a tremulous whisper of fear. She attempted to flee, but her escape was thwarted as her bridal gown was stepped on, pinning her to the cold, hard ground. "Let me go! Let me go!" she cried, her struggles futile against their brute strength.


    The men tore at her gown with a savage disregard, diamonds scattering onto the ground like fallen stars, and the once pristine fabric was reduced to tattered remnants, dancing in the wind... "Don''t touch mydy--" Brenda''s voice rang out, but her attempt to intervene was met with a swift and brutal response.


    As thunder roared overhead and lightning illuminated the scene in stark relief, the men paused, a flicker of apprehension crossing their faces.


    "What are you waiting for? Get on with it!" Ameliamanded, her voice as cold as ice.


    Reluctantly, the men resumed their assault on Sadie...


    "No, no!" Sadie''s protests echoed into the night, her struggles against her captors proving futile.


    Just as one of the men was about to vite her, the piercing wail of a police siren cut through the tension. "The police are here, the police are here!" Jimmy''s voice rang out from a distance, panic evident in his tone. The men hastily retreated.


    "You''re lucky," Amelia sneered, her foot poised to stomp on Sadie''s head. "But what good is luck when you''re as good as dead? Micah has betrayed you, and your children now call another woman ''Mommy.'' You''re worthless. Why not let me help you end your misery?"


    As she spoke, Amelia gestured to one of her bodyguards. He promptly seized the silver box from Brenda''s grasp and handed it to Amelia.


    "What are you doing? Return the box to me." Brenda''s plea fell on deaf ears as she was met with another swift kick.


    With a sickening thud, Brenda''s head hit the ground, blood pooling around her...


    "Brenda, Brenda," Sadie''s voice was filled with terror as she reached out to her fallen friend.


    "This is the final vial of antidote, isn''t it?" Amelia''s voice wasced with malicious glee as she opened the silver box and toyed with the lone vial.


    "I''ve heard that this is the lethal ''Red Tears'' concocted by the Dark Night organization. If even a single drop is left undrunk, all previous efforts will be in vain."


    "No, please," Brenda pleaded, crawling towards Amelia and clutching at her legs. "Please give it back, please."


    Amelia''sughter rang out, a chilling sound that echoed in the still night. Suddenly, she released her grip on the vial.


    With a resounding crash, the vial shattered on the ground, the clear liquid within pooling momentarily before being washed away by the rain.


    "No, no." Brenda''s desperate attempt to salvage the antidote was in vain.


    Sadie hung her head in despair.


    "You truly are loyal!" Amelia''s voice was filled with mockery as she took a gun from one of her henchmen, aimed it at Brenda, and dered, "Then I shall grant your wish!"


    "No...," Sadie wailed desperately. "Amelia, if you want to kill someone, kill me, but spare her."


    Bang!


    A gunshot rang out, cutting off Sadie''s plea.


    Sadie stood frozen, her body trembling as Brenda''s blood sttered across her face.


    "Sadie, I''ll spare your life. Be sure to thank me!" Amelia''sughter echoed through the night as she turned and walked away.


    "Brenda," Sadie''s voice was choked with tears as she cradled Brenda in her arms. " Brenda, wake up, don''t frighten me. Please don''t frighten me-"


    "Oh my god!" Jimmy''s voice was filled with horror as he took in the scene. "What happened?"


    "Call an ambnce, call an ambnce!" Sadie''s voice was filled with anguish.


    Jimmy quickly dialed a number on his phone, speaking rapidly in Thai. "The ambnce will take some time to arrive. Don''t be afraid; the police have gone after those criminals. I''ll go find a doctor."

 Chapter 667 The Arrival of Death

    In a state of panic, Jimmy took off, leaving Sadie alone in the rain, clutching Brenda tightly in her arms. Sadie''s tears mixed with the raindrops, falling onto Brenda''s pale face."Miss," Brenda managed to gasp, her hand clutching Sadie''s with desperate strength. Blood seeped from the corners of her mouth as she struggled to speak. "Miss.""Brenda, don''t be afraid," Sadie''s voice trembled with fear and desperation. "Nothing will happen to you. I won''t let anything happen to you." Her words were a plea, a promise. "You can''t leave. I have nothing now. You''re the only one I have..." The thought of losing Brenda filled her with a sense of dread. Without Brenda, her life would be devoid of hope. She would have preferred to take the bullet herself than to see Brenda hurt."Miss," Brenda''s eyes widened, tears mingling with the rain on her cheeks. Her voice was barely a whisper, "Stay...alive.""Brenda," Sadie tried to respond, but Brenda''s hand slipped from hers, falling limp."Brenda, Brenda," Sadie''s voice was a soft, shaky whisper. "Brenda, don''t scare me. Wake up."But Brenda didn''t respond. Shey still in Sadie''s arms, her once lively and caring presence now silent and motionless. Sadie''s eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth opened to call out, but no sound came out. The reality of the situation hit her hard. Brenda, who had been her source of warmth andfort, was truly gone."No," Sadie clung to Brenda, her body shaking. She lifted her head and let out a cry of agony, "No--"Her cry was a desperate usation against the unfairness of fate. She couldn''t understand why she was being punished this way. The once pristine white wedding dress was now stained with Brenda''s blood. She would have preferred it to be her own. After what seemed like an eternity, the ambnce arrived. They examined Brenda on the spot and then announced, "Sorry."Jimmy stood nearby, lost for words. All he could manage was a repeated, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry."The medical personnel said something to Sadie, but she didn''t react. They eventually left, leaving only Jimmy standing in the corner, watching Sadie with a look of pity. Time seemed to slow down as Sadie sat in the rain, holding Brenda from noon until evening. The sky darkened, night fell, and the rain continued to pour."Sadie, take Brenda inside," Jimmy urged gently. "Don''t let her get soaked in the rain."At his words, Sadie looked down at Brenda in her arms. She struggled to her feet, dragging Brenda''s lifeless body with her. "I''ll take you home," she cried. "We''re going home."I''ll help you," Jimmy offered, stepping forward."Go away!" Sadie yelled, startling Jimmy into stepping back. With all her strength, Sadie began to drag Brenda towards their home. But after only a few steps, a sharp pain struck her head, as if a de was twisting and shattering her brain, bones, and marrow Sadie copsed to the ground, one hand clutching her head, the other still holding Brenda''s hand.


    "Sadie, what''s wrong with you?" Jimmy shouted in fear. "Don''t scare me. I''ll go get a doctor."As Jimmy ran off, fresh blood trickled from Sadie''s nose, staining Brenda''s body. The pain continued to spread, threatening to split her mind apart."Ahh!" Sadie cried out, falling to the ground. She stared up at the dark, gloomy sky, the rain pouring down on her. Despair filled her heart. Slowly, she closed her eyes, ready to ept the fate that had been arranged for her and the arrival of death.

 Chapter 668 The Final Gambit

    In that fateful moment, Brenda''s voice echoed hauntingly in Sadie''s ears, "Miss, stay...alive."


    Simultaneously, the innocent cries of children pierced through the curtain of rain.


    "Mommy, Mommy, we''re waiting for you toe home."


    Slowly, Sadie opened her eyes, her gaze meeting the spectral image of her father. He seemed to be looking down at her from the heavens, his silent plea resonating in her heart, "Sadie, you must live well." These three voices melded together, forming a potent force that propelled Sadie forward.


    She blinked, her frail and limp hand gradually clenching into a determined fist.


    Her desperate eyes reignited with a spark, a spark of undying hatred.


    They wanted her dead, but she refused to sumb!


    She was resolute in her decision to survive and make those who conspired against her pay dearly!


    With an unyielding will to live, Sadie forced herself to crawl, inch by painstaking inch, to the right.


    Amelia had left behind a cell phone, its screen still shing ominously.


    Struggling, Sadie crawled, leaving behind a crimson trail. Her once pristine wedding gown was now sullied with blood and mud...


    But she paid it no mind. Nothing could quell her fierce determination to survive.


    Finally, Sadie reached her destination. With a trembling, blood-stained hand, she picked up the phone that had been seared into her memory. She dialed the number!


    Her father had once told her, when all hope seemed lost, to dial this number. The person on the other end would swoop in like a guardian angel. From then on, her life would take a new turn. A few busy tones echoed in her ears.


    Finally, a low, masculine voice answered from the other end of the line, "Hello!"


    "I, I am Eleanor''s daughter; I''m in Chiang Mai. Save me, save me, save me!!"


    With thest vestiges of her strength, Sadie managed to utter these words before her head fell heavily to the ground...


    "There!" Jimmy rushed over with a doctor, "Sadie, Sadie, pull yourself together!"


    The phone screen continued to sh until the ambnce ran over it, severing the connection.


    The mobile screen shattered into a spider''s web of cracks,pletely destroyed.


    The relentless rain continued to pour, the sky dark and foreboding, as if mirroring the unpredictability of life.


    Inside the ambnce, Jimmy anxiously questioned the doctor in Thai, "How is she? Is she dead?"


    "She''s not dead yet, but her condition is critical. And the fatdy, she has no chance of survival."


    Upon hearing this, Jimmy''s face hardened, and he quickly made a phone call to ry the day''s events.


    The recipient of the call was shocked and immediately sought out Ss.


    At that moment, Ss was engrossed in a discussion with Mr. Clemens Senior in the study, a cup of freshly brewed coffee in hand. A bodyguard rushed in, breathless, and reported, "Miss Roth is in trouble!"


    "What?" Ss inquired anxiously, "What happened to her?"


    "She was attacked, and Brenda was shot and killed; Miss Roth is critically injured, her life hanging by a thread."


    The coffee cup in Mr. Clemens Senior''s hand slipped, crashing to the ground. He urgently asked, "How did this happen? Who did it?"


    "I don''t know. Our informant, Jimmy, said it was an American woman, but we don''t know her identity."


    "Quickly." Mr. Clemens Senior immediately ordered Ss, "First, notify our people in Thand to protect Sadie, then head to Thand yourself."


    "Yes!" Ss promptly set off to execute the orders.


    Just then, another follower rushed in with more news, "Sir, Mr. Clemens has escaped and is now en route to the airport. He likely already knows about Miss Roth''s situation." "What? How could this happen?" Ss'' face paled.


    "Didn''t I have him drugged and locked in the basement? How did he escape?" Mr. Clemens Senior was on the verge of panic,"Quick, get to the airport immediately!" "Yes, Sir!"

 Chapter 669 Let Her Die

    In a frenzied race against time, Micah sped towards the airport, his eyes ame with a blood-red hue that threatened to spill over. "Sadie, wait for me, wait for me. I''ming soon," he murmured, his voice a desperate mantra against the roaring wind.


    The cruel machinations of Mr. Clemens Senior had led to this moment. He had drugged Micah, imprisoning him in his basement, all to rece Sadie with E. Micah had been unconscious for three days and three nights. By the time he awoke, the deed was done.


    Sadie''s existence had been meticulously erased, reced with E''s, and the news had been broadcasted for all to hear. Micah was livid, yet trapped, rendered powerless to undo the damage.


    Mr. Clemens Senior had nned to keep him locked away until the following day. Sadie would then take thest dose of the antidote and be whisked away to an undisclosed location, far from Micah''s reach. Only then would he be released. But fate had other ns.


    Before the dawn of the new day, Micah found a way to escape. He snatched a bodyguard''s phone, frantically contacting Rn and Andrew. Upon learning of Sadie''s peril, he stole a car and tore towards the airportlike a crazed man.


    Meanwhile, Mr. Clemens Senior and his henchmen were also in a mad dash to the airport, hoping to intercept Micah and prevent further chaos.


    Ss had reached out to the Clemens family''s contacts in Bangkok, Thand, dispatching them to Chiang Mai to safeguard Sadie. But they were toote.


    An SUV, seemingly on a casual cruise, rammed into the ambnce carrying Sadie, just 1.24 miles away from the hospital.


    The impact sent the ambnce careening into a utility pole, flipping it over. The shrill rm pierced the night, and the caregivers inside scrambled to escape. Jimmy managed to crawl out of the wreckage and attempted to pull an unconscious Sadie to safety.


    Not far from the scene, Amelia sat in the SUV, her phone''s camera trained on the wreckage. "Did you see that?" she asked the person on the other end of the video call.


    "The Clemens family''s people will be here soon. We need to act quickly and ensure Sadie dies!" came the urgentmand from Nick.


    "I understand," Amelia responded, her voice chillingly calm.


    A group of burly bodyguards emerged from the SUV. With a few swift gunshots, they neutralized the caregivers.


    Jimmy, his hands raised in surrender, screamed in terror, "Don''t kill me, I don''t know anything, I don''t know anything!" His plea was cut short by a gunshot, and he copsed into a pool of blood.


    Amelia, phone in one hand and gun in the other, slowly approached Sadie''s lifeless body. Sadie''s wedding dress was drenched in blood, the rain and mud washing over her cold body, giving her the appearance of a corpse.


    Amelia nudged Sadie''s head with her foot, but there was no response. She squatted down and prodded Sadie''s face with her gun. "Hey, hey, wake up. It''s not fun like this."


    "Get on with it!" Nick barked through the phone.


    "What''s the rush?" Amelia retorted, her fingers pinching Sadie''s philtrum. She wanted Sadie to wake up, to beg for mercy. That would be her ultimate satisfaction. "Amelia, get on with it!" Nick ordered, his voiceced with urgency. "Do you want to die?"


    Growing impatient, Amelia ended the call and stood up, kicking Sadie a few more times. Finally, Sadie stirred.


    "That''s right," Amelia said, forcefully turning Sadie''s face with her foot. "Sadie, look at me!"


    Sadie''s eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred. As her sight cleared, a deep-seated hatred flickered in her eyes.


    "Good, that''s the look I want," Amelia cackled, pointing the gun at Sadie. "Beg me, and maybe I''ll make your death easy."

 Chapter 670 The God Who Descended from the Sky

    Sadie''s lips parted, a raspy whisper escaping them, barely audible amidst the mor of the storm.


    "What?" Amelia crouched low, leaning in to discern the words.


    "You must live well," Sadie forced out the words, her voiceden with effort. "I shall return to exact my revenge, to make you pay an eye for an eye!"


    A peal ofughter erupted from Amelia, ringing out into the storm as if she''d just heard the most amusing jest. "Sadie, have you lost your mind? You stand on death''s doorstep, yet you speak of revenge? Do you n to haunt me as a vengeful spirit? How utterly hrious!"


    Herughter, arrogant and derisive, echoed in the wind and rain, filling the air with mockery.


    Eventually, theughter subsided, and Amelia, wielding the butt of her gun, struck Sadie''s face once more. "You foolish woman, it''s no wonder you''ve ended up like this!


    "If you truly be a vengeful spirit, do remember to seek me out!


    "Oh, and by the way, it''s not entirely my doing. I had initially nned to spare your life, to let younguish in sickness and torment. But the Clemens family couldn''t wait for your demise. I had no choice. "Take a look."


    Amelia gestured towards the dark-d bodyguards and the fleet of cruisers parked nearby. "All of these are the Clemens family''s assets, you know? Now, they can''t bear to let you live another minute. Your very existence is a threat, a disgrace to them!"


    "Don''t lie!" Sadie''s voice trembled with shock.


    "Think about it. They''ve erased all traces of you and found a perfect recement. How could they possibly let you continue to exist in this world?" Amelia sneered, "They will only find peace once you''re dead!" "I have no reason to lie to a dead woman!"


    At these words, Sadie''sst vestiges of hope crumbled. Her gaze hardened, her hands clenched into fists, sowing the seeds of hatred deep within her heart.


    "Goodbye, Sadie!" Amelia leveled the gun at Sadie, "Be smarter in your afterlife; don''t let men fool you again!"


    With that, she squeezed the trigger, preparing to fire...


    "Boom!"


    At that critical moment, a thunderous roar echoed through the sky.


    A gust of wind swept through, carrying everything in its path.


    Instinctively, Amelia shielded her eyes, looking up to see several helicopters converging from all directions, one hovering directly above her, stirring up a fierce wind that nearly knocked her off her feet. Amelia''s bodyguards rushed to her aid, attempting to escape to the car, but the gale-force wind toppled them before they could take more than a few steps.


    In a fit of rage, Amelia fired her gun wildly at the helicopter.


    With a resounding gunshot, a bullet struck Amelia''s wrist.


    Amelia screamed, writhing in agony on the ground.


    The bodyguards prepared to retaliate, but upon seeing the golden emblem on the helicopter, they froze in shock. "They''re from the James family!" "It''s Mr. L!"


    The helicopter''s cabin door swung open, and a group of ck-d figures descended from the sky, clinging to ropes.


    Simultaneously, a tall, lean silhouette leaped from the central helicopter,nding in front of Sadie with an air of authority.


    Sadiey in a pool of her own blood, her vision blurred as she gazed at the almost divine figure before her. He was young and aloof, his brows exuding an aura ofmand, surrounded by an enigmatic presence that seemed beyond reach. "You made the call, didn''t you?" the man''s voice was slow and deliberate.


    "Yes," Sadie managed to utter a single word, wanting to say more butcking the strength.


    The man crouched down, gently brushing away the bloody strands of hair on Sadie''s face. As he saw her face clearly, a smile appeared on his lips. "You''re my aunt''s daughter!"

 Chapter 671 A Brothers Promise

    long-lost


    kin.


    There was no need for verification. The face before her, a mirror image of Eleanor''s, was evidence enough. As the man drew nearer, Sadie could finally discern his features with rity. A wave of familiarity washed over her, as if recognizing a They were destined to be family.


    Their shared resemnce, bearing the unmistakable stamp of the James lineage, was impossible to hide. The man shrugged off his coat and gently draped it over Sadie. He scooped her up in his arms, whispering softly into her ear, "I will take you home."


    A spark of hope ignited within Sadie as she pressed against the man''s warm chest, his strong heartbeat resonating in her ears.


    Voices from her past and promises for her future echoed in her mind.


    "Sadie, we will be happy."


    "Sadie, we will be together for a lifetime."


    "Sadie, don''t be afraid. I will never let go of your hand, no matter what happens!""Sadie, trust me, I wille to pick you up!"."


    "News of Micah''s wedding and snippets of your own are everywhere, yet wherever you appear, your face has been reced by another woman''s."


    "I had nned to spare your life, to let you slowly sumb to illness, but the Clemens family couldn''t wait for you to die!"


    "They''ve erased every trace of you, found a perfect substitute; how could they allow you to remain in this world? They''ll only rest easy once you''re dead!" "Miss, you must survive."


    "Sadie, you must live well."


    "If you find yourself at a dead end, make that call. No matter the obstacle, that person will descend from the sky to rescue you."


    "But remember, once you make that call, you will embark on apletely new life!"


    "Mommy, we''re waiting for you toe back!!!"


    "Miss, you must survive."


    "Sadie, you must live well."


    The repeated pleas of her loved ones filled Sadie''s ears, amplifying the intense pain reverberating within her mind.


    "Mr. L, the targets have been apprehended, awaiting your orders!" the bodyguards reported."Let them go," the manmanded.


    "What?" The bodyguards were taken aback.


    "I''ll leave these people to you. You will personally seek revenge in the future!" the man said as he looked at Sadie, cradled in his arms. "Remember, if anyone dares to harm you, retaliate with twice the force!" With effort, Sadie nodded, pointing weakly towards the ambnce, murmuring, "Brenda."


    At his signal, his men immediately retrieved Brenda''s body.


    "Mr. L, the Clemens family''s people are approaching," a bodyguard urgently reported.


    With a swift release of a dart, Sadie and the man ascended into the sky aboard a helicopter, leaving everything behind.


    Through her blurred vision, Sadie surveyed the wreckage below. The day''s events reyed in her mind - the abuse she endured, Brenda''s demise - all echoing relentlessly.


    Sadie made a solemn vow to herself to remember everything.


    To ensure those who had wronged her would pay in kind!


    When the Clemens family''s people arrived, all they found was an overturned ambnce and medical personnel lying lifeless. They frantically overturned the ambnce and conducted a thorough search, but Sadie and Brenda were nowhere to be found. However, they discovered that Jimmy was still alive and promptly arranged for his medical attention.


    They proceeded to Sadie and Brenda''s residence, but their search yielded no results. All that remained were their belongings. A small silver boxy discarded in the backyard, alongside a shattered bottle of medicine.


    The security guards ryed these findings to Mr. Clemens Senior. He was taken aback. Thest bottle of medicine had been destroyed. Was Sadie''s life now hanging by a thread? Who could have possibly attacked Sadie? Was she already dead? If she truly was, where could her body possibly be?

 Chapter 672 To Live, To See Death.

    The situation was shrouded in mystery. Micah, desperate and frantic, arrived in the quaint town of Chiang Mai only to be met with the same disheartening news. He threw himself into a frenzied search for Sadie, but his efforts bore no fruit. In the midst of a raging storm, Micah sprinted through the rain-soaked streets, his voice echoing off the buildings as he called out Sadie''s name. His suit clung to his body, drenched from the rain, his voice had grown hoarse, and his eyes were bloodshot, teetering on the brink of bleeding.


    Standing on the street by the ruined bridge, Micah''s gaze fell upon the overturned ambnce, the puddles of blood, and the remnants of a wedding dress strewn across the ground. Regret welled up within him, filling his heart to the brim. He berated himself for his inability to protect her. He cursed his decision topromise, allowing Mr. Clemens Senior to send her to this unfamiliar ce.


    He loathed his failure to find a solution in time, to reach her before it was toote. The thought of her enduring unspeakable horrors, possibly even death, tore at his heart.


    Panic set in as he looked around, fear gripping him for the first time in his life. The thought of Sadie being dead was unbearable. What was he to do? Micah was on the brink of copse, his voice trembling as he called out, "Sadie, where are you? Don''t hide from me. Please,e out."


    "Noah, Nathan, and Mia are waiting for you at home. They miss their Mommy every day. I promised to bring you back to them. You can''t make me break my promise." His pleas grew quieter, more desperate, his voice shaking with fear. A single tear slid down his cheek as he lowered his head, whispering apologies into the void.


    Not far from him, Mr. Clemens Senior watched the heartbreaking scene unfold, guilt gnawing at him. He had thought he was doing the right thing, minimizing harm, but he had never anticipated the harm he would cause Sadie, his grandson, and his great-grandchildren.


    Ss, attempting to offer somefort, murmured, "Sir, don''t be too sad. No one could have foreseen this."


    "Who did this?" Mr. Clemens Senior demanded, his hand mming down on the armrest of his wheelchair. "Did you find out? Was it Nick?"


    Ss shook his head. "Our people, Micah''s people, have been watching Nick to prevent her from harming Miss Roth, but she hasn''t made any moves."


    Mr. Clemens Senior frowned, "If it''s not her, then who? Who else knows about the antidote?"


    Ss sighed, "We can investigate this matterter. For now, our priority is to find Miss Roth. Otherwise, Micah will never forgive you."


    "Tell everyone to search for Sadie, dead or alive. Leave no stone unturned!"


    "Yes, sir."


    The Clemens family mobilized all their resources, sparing no expense in their search for Sadie. Unfortunately, the town''sck of surveince hindered their efforts. No one knew what had transpired that fateful day.


    The first responders on the scene reported that Brenda had been shot and killed, while Sadie had not sustained any major physical injuries. However, her mental state had been severely impacted, leaving her in a state of despair. What happened after that was unknown.


    The only eyewitness, Jimmy, had survived but was left mentally incapacitated due to a bullet fragment lodged in his brain, erasing his memory of the events.


    The crime scene remained untouched, revealing that Sadie''sst bottle of antidote had been shattered. The untouched household belongings indicated that robbery was not the motive.


    With few people aware of the antidote, Micah immediately suspected Nick. He used every means at his disposal to force a confession from her. Despite her adamant denial and a solid alibi, Micah was not convinced. He continued to apply pressure on herpany while tirelessly searching for Sadie....

 Chapter 673 The Day She Returns

    Micah had been relentless in his pursuit of anyone harboring ill will towards Sadie, yet his efforts had yielded no leads. Arianna was already behind bars, and Ronan was too engrossed in his own world, grappling withwsuits and seeking assistance. He hadn''t even left his country, let alone journeyed to Chiang Mai with harmful intentions.


    Amelia''s records showed no signs of her entering or leaving the country in recent months. All evidence pointed to her being preupied with projects in Newark. With no other options, Micah was left to continue his investigations through other channels.


    Amelia was petrified upon discovering that Micah had been scrutinizing her. She couldn''t fathom why the person who had once saved Sadie hadn''t killed her then and why they had hidden her location. If not for these factors, Micah would have unearthed her long ago. Regardless, she had finally evaded danger, albeit with a shot to her right hand that left her partially disabled.


    Three months slipped by.


    Micah was still no closer to uncovering Sadie''s whereabouts.


    The children were left parentless. Initially, they asked about their mother daily. As time passed, their inquiries turned into tears until they were brutally informed by Mr. Clemens Senior that their mother had sumbed to illness. This news shattered the children. It was as if a bolt from the blue had struck them, reducing them to inconsble tears.


    Nathan''s face flushed with emotion as he cried out in disbelief, "Impossible! Mommy was perfectly healthy; how could she die? You''re lying, you''re lying."


    "I don''t care; Mommy isn''t dead, Mommy isn''t dead." Mia sobbed, her small head lifted, gasping for breath, "I want Mommy, I want Mommy."


    "There must be a mistake." Noah trembled with agitation, his small fists clenched as he interrogated, "On the day Mommy and Dad got married, you whisked Mommy away, iming she needed treatment. And when we wanted to visit Mommy, you wouldn''t let us. Did you send Mommy away? Where did you send her? Is it because her family background isn''t good, and you didn''t want her to marry Dad, so you deliberately sent her away? Is it?"


    Confronted with the children''s wails and questions, Mr. Clemens Senior was deeply unsettled. He had mentally prepared for this moment, but seeing the children in such a state still filled him with guilt. Regardless, he had topose himself and exin earnestly.


    "I had already given my blessing for your parents to tie the knot, I wouldn''t judge her based on her past. Your mom was genuinely ill. She had a series of nosebleeds on the wedding day, and we had to rush her to get help. We didn''t foresee that we wouldn''t be able to save her."


    "I don''t believe it. It''s not true. Mommy won''t die; Mommy can''t die. You''re lying to me, lying to me; I want to find Mommy..." Noah sobbed and shook his head.


    With that, Noah dashed out in a frenzy.


    Seeing Noah run, Nathan and Mia followed suit.


    "Noah..."


    "Mr. Noah!"


    The bodyguards and servants hurriedly gave chase.


    "Hurry, go after them. Don''t let anything happen." Mr. Clemens Senior was fraught with anxiety.


    "Yes, Sir." Ssmanded his men and gave chase, but halted as soon as he reached the doorstep.


    Micah, who had been absent from home for three months, had returned. He stepped out of the car, dust-covered and weary. His beard had grown, his hair was longer, his skin was tanned, and his eyes were bloodshot. He hadn''t had a decent sleep in what felt like an eternity.


    The children, initially stunned at the sight of him, rushed over and clung to his legs.


    "Daddy, Great-grandpa said Mommy died, but I don''t believe it. I don''t believe it!"


    "Daddy, take us to find Mommy. We want Mommy!"


    "Daddy, Mommy isn''t dead, right? Mommy is still okay, right?"


    "Yes," Micah bent down and wiped away the children''s tears and snot, "Mommy didn''t die; she''s still alive. She just got lost. Daddy is looking for her everywhere, and one day, Mommy wille back!"


    As Micah uttered thest sentence, his voice faltered. He held the three children tightly in his arms, not wanting them to see the tears welling in his eyes.

 Chapter 674 She Must Be Alive

    Witnessing the unfolding scene, a wave of guilt washed over Mr. Clemens Senior. He yearned to speak, to voice his remorse, but the burning re of Micah''s contempt kept him silent.


    Straightening his posture, Mr. Clemens Senior adopted a facade of stern seriousness. "I''m relieved to see you''ve returned," he dered. "You should stop wandering around aimlessly. You''re not alone in this world. You are the heir to the Clemens family, and these three children are your responsibility."


    Micah offered no response, leading the children wordlessly into the safety of the house.


    He kept his loathing for Mr. Clemens Senior locked away, preventing it from erupting, all for the sake of the children.


    The world, as seen through the eyes of a child, is simple. They had just lost their mother and Brenda. The loss of their great-grandfather would onlypound their grief.


    "What''s with his attitude?" Mr. Clemens Senior muttered under his breath.


    "The fact that Micah can remain soposed is a miracle in itself," Ss counseled in a grave tone. "Give him time."


    "Have I erred in all my actions, taken in the name of this family and these children? Was I truly mistaken?" Mr. Clemens Senior questioned, seeking answers from Ss, and from himself.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if he was truly in the wrong.


    "Fate has a cruel sense of humor," Ss sighed heavily. "While it''s not your fault, we must bear the burden of Miss Roth''s death. Micah''s silence on the matter, especially in front of the children, is a blessing." Mr. Clemens Senior fell silent upon hearing these words.


    He had braced himself for a heated confrontation with Micah upon his return, but it never came. This unexpected calmness unsettled him further.


    "Don''t worry, Micah is resilient," Ss reassured, knowing the thoughts guing Mr. Clemens Senior. "With the children around, he''ll find his footing again."


    "Yes," Mr. Clemens Senior nodded, his thoughts drifting to the three children. He realized then that all his actions, no matter how questionable, were worth it.


    "Time will heal all wounds," Ss said, leading Mr. Clemens Senior away.


    Mr. Clemens Senior cast a final nce at the second floor. The master bedroom was dark, but the study was bathed in light. He sighed deeply, instructing, "Arrange for a private jet. We''re returning home tomorrow." Surprised, Ss asked, "Not staying to watch over Micah?"


    "He''s an adult, not a child in need of constant supervision," Mr. Clemens Senior retorted impatiently. "Life is not always smooth sailing. Experiencing setbacks doesn''t equate to surrender. That''s not the Clemens way!" "Understood," Ss nodded, assisting Mr. Clemens Senior into the car. "Bring Nelson to the house. I wish to speak with him."


    "Of course."


    Meanwhile, Micah had tucked the children into bed and retreated to his bedroom.


    After a three-month absence, everything remained untouched, preserved as it was on his wedding day. No one dared to alter anything without his express permission.


    Yet, all the wedding photos featuring him and Sadie had vanished.


    There were no physical reminders of Sadie throughout the house, but her presence lingered in every corner.


    Micah could almost see her sitting at the dressing table, a soft smile on her lips as she told him, "Go take a shower."


    He could almost feel her gentle touch as she helped him out of his coat, whispering, "You''re back. Are you tired today? I''ve prepared a bath for you. Go soak."


    Her phantom moved about the room, so close yet always just out of reach. Each time he reached out to touch her, she would dissolve into smoke and disappear. His hand hung in the air, frozen, mirroring the state of his heart.


    Micah lowered his gaze, a profound sadness washing over him.


    Despite the overwhelming grief, an inexplicable confidence surged within him. He was certain that Sadie was still alive. She had to be.

 Chapter 675 Two Years Later, The Return of the King

    In the heart of country E, nestled within the confines of the James family estate, Mr. L had exhausted every resource and consulted countless physicians before finally assembling the right medical team to treat Sadie. After three grueling months of intensive treatment, the poison that had once coursed through Sadie''s veins was finally eradicated.


    However, the aftermath of the treatment, coupled with psychological trauma, had left Sadie with a severe affliction - amnesia.


    She had lost all recollection of her adult life, retaining only the memories of her parents and the blissful innocence of her childhood. Moreover, the onset of a thunderstorm would trigger debilitating headaches.


    Despite these setbacks, Mr. L remained undeterred; everything would begin anew. He enlisted a team of professionals to guide Sadie, teaching her as one would a child, instilling in her a myriad of skills and business acumen with the intention of molding her into a bona fide member of the James family.


    Two yearster...


    In Newark, at an auction event.


    Newark had seen exponential growth over the years, emerging as the leading city in the domestic economy. Every avable space had been developed, leaving virtually no vacantnd. The Antic coastline was the sole exception, bing a fiercely contested project among major business conglomerates worldwide.


    The auction that day included several plots ofnd around the area and the ownership of ''Out of the Sea''. Given the significance of thisnd, numerous groups hade to vie for it, including the high-profile VIC Group. The group''s CEO, known for his discretion, had delegated the task to the newly appointed vice president, Chloe, who was apanied by the director.


    The auction was in full swing, with each bid more aggressive than thest. The VIC Group, although arriving ten minuteste, instantly became the cynosure of the event. As the bidding escted, the sea area had already been bid up to $20 billion, causing some businessmen to bow out. An emerging businessman dared to raise the bid to $20.5 billion.


    Then, the VIC Group made their move. Under Mr. Wood''s directive, Chloe raised her sign and bid a staggering "$25 billion!"


    The venue erupted into a frenzy. The previous bidders had been incrementing by $50 million, maintaining a tense atmosphere. Chloe''s audacious bid of $25 billion left no room for others topete.


    The Clemens family, renowned for their wealth and influence, were simply unmatched. The businessman who had previously bid cast a regretful nce at the auction tform and the VIC Group before reluctantly withdrawing. The auctioneer''s voice rang out, "25 billion dors going once! 25 billion dors going twice! 25 billion dors going..."


    Suddenly, a chilling voice interjected, "30 billion dors!"


    The room fell silent as everyone turned to see eight ck-d female bodyguards parting the crowd, making way for a figure exuding an icy allure. Dressed in a tailored white suit, her hair casually tied back and her face adorned with minimal makeup, the woman radiated an extraordinary arrogance.


    The woman, now the center of attention, was recognized by Chloe, who gasped, "Isn''t that Miss Roth?" Ryan, equally stunned, rubbed his eyes in disbelief.


    By the time he looked again, the woman had already taken her seat next to the Clemens Group, her sign reading ''James Group''.


    The room buzzed with whispers, "She''s from the James Group." "The elusive Mr. L never makes an appearance. Who could this woman be?"


    "Could she be his fianc¨¦e?" The auctioneer''s voice cut through the murmurs, "Miss James bids 30 billion dors. Does anyone wish to bid higher?"

 Chapter 676 Two Years Later, The Return of the King 2

    The host''s excitement was palpable as he posed his question. All eyes in the room were drawn to the VIC Group, the only entity that could feasibly rival the James Group. The Clemens family was their onlypetition.Chloe managed to tear her gaze away from the girl who had stunned the room. She leaned towards Mr. Wood, her voice barely above a whisper, "Mr. Clemens had stated that the highest bid shouldn''t exceed 26 billion dors. Should we consult him?""Contact Mr. Clemens," Mr. Wood instructed quietly."Understood." Without missing a beat, Chloe moved to the side to make the call to Micah. The room was filled with anticipation as they waited for the Clemens Group''s response. Meanwhile, the girl in question rubbed her forehead, her voiceced with authority, "What? Are we expected to wait for them to hold a meeting?"The host nced nervously at the auction director, who was quick to interject, "That''s not..." His words were cut short by the girl''s icy stare. He hastily added, "ording to the proper procedure, we can only wait for a maximum of sixty seconds."The girl merely shrugged, seemingly indifferent to the proceedings. "The countdown begins," the director announced. Therge screen in the room began a sixty-second countdown. Simultaneously, the host asked, "Does anyone wish to bid higher than the James Group''s thirty billion dors?"There was a murmur of discussion, but no one dared to outbid the James Group. Some businessmen even put their signs down, content to watch the drama unfold. From a few feet away, Mr. Wood studied the girl carefully. Her face bore a striking resemnce to Sadie''s, but her demeanor was entirely different. The cold, domineering gestures were not something the naive and oblivious Sadie would have made. Who was this girl?As the countdown continued, Chloe grew increasingly anxious. She muttered under her breath, "Mr. Clemens, please answer the phone quickly."Meanwhile, the girl sat on the sofa, a picture of confidence. She epted a ss from her attendant and swirled it leisurely, waiting until the countdown reached thirty seconds. A mocking smile yed on her lips, "Since the VIC Group, Mr. Clemens, doesn''t value this sea area, why waste time?""Little girl, our Mr. Clemens has not attended any public events for the past two years; it''s not that he doesn''t value it," Mr. Wood''s voice was gentle, yet firm, "Business auctions are about fairpetition. We will all abide by the rules, there''s no need to rush!""I''m not in a hurry." The girl raised her eyebrows, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Even if Mr. Clemens is here, he can''t afford 30 billion dors!"Her words hung in the air, creating a palpable tension. The Clemens family had been a dominant force in the business world for decades, and everyone showed them the utmost respect. But this girl was audacious! It wasn''t surprising, considering she was from the James Group. The James Group and the Clemens Group were archenemies, their financial status and positions evenly matched. Neither acknowledged the other, and neither feared the other. For the past twenty years, they had maintained a peaceful coexistence. Was that about to change?"You shouldn''t speak like that, youngdy," Mr. Wood admonished, his brow furrowed, "Let''s keep it professional, we are the Clemens Group-""Enough!" The girl''s brow furrowed in annoyance, "Is it time yet?""Miss James, ten seconds remaining," her female bodyguard whispered. To ease the tension, the emcee asked again, "The James Group has made a bid of 30 billion dors. Does anyone wish to raise the price?"The audience remained silent; no one dared to respond. "If there are no further bids, then we can only wait for a response from the VIC Group," the emcee turned to Mr. Wood. Mr. Wood''s brow furrowed as he looked at Chloe. She gestured to her phone, her expression fraught with anxiety. No one was answering; Mr. Clemens should be at thepany at this time; why wasn''t he picking up?"There are just three seconds left," the emcee reminded."Can we wait a little longer?" Chloe''s plea was interrupted by the sound of the call connecting.

 Chapter 677 Two Years Later, The Return of the King 3

    The low, serious voice of Micah echoed through the phone, a simple greeting, "Hello!" Chloe, on the other end, wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. "Mr. Clemens, the James Group has bid 30 billion dors. Should we continue to raise it?" Micah''s eyebrows rose in surprise. "The James Group is here? Tristan James?" Before Chloe could rify, a cold voice interrupted them. "Time''s up!" The girl''s voice was icy, her words sharp. "What? Are you trying to get the Clemens Group to break the rules?" The representative, taken aback, quickly tried to exin. "No, no, I see Miss Chloe''s phone is connected." "So what?!" The girl snapped, her patience worn thin. "The time was up. Give me the final decision, now!" The representative, flustered, gestured to the emcee. The emcee, understanding the urgency, immediately made the final inquiry, "30 billion dors for the first time!" "Three hundred billion dors," came the response. Chloe, her heart pounding, asked anxiously, "Mr. Clemens, should we raise the bid?" But Micah, stunned by the bid, was silent. After a moment, he finally managed to ask, "Who was speaking just now?" Before Chloe could answer, the emcee''s voice rang out again, "Three hundred billion dors for the third time!" Chloe tried once more, her voice desperate. "Mr. Clemens, should we raise the bid? This is the final chance." But it was toote. The gavel fell, and the emcee announced, "Deal!" The room fell into stunned silence. For the first time, the Clemens Group had failed. And the James Group, in their first action in the country, had won against the Clemens Group. It was a victory that felt like the first battle of a war, with the James Group emerging victorious!


    "Congrattions to the James Group for obtaining the Antic coastline area," the emcee formally announced, "We will contact yourpanyter to process the necessary procedures." "Thank you!" the girl smirked, stood up, and proudly walked out. Apuse filled the room, a thunderous ovation for the girl who had defeated the Clemens Group. Mr. Wood hurriedly caught up with her. "May I ask if you are Sadie?" he asked softly. "My surname is James," the girl smirked. "Call me Sadie James!" With that, she walked away, leaving Mr. Wood frozen in his tracks. Chloe, seeing Mr. Wood''s reaction, quickly ran over. "Mr. Clemens is on his way here. Let me try to hold that girl back. What did you say to her?" "I asked her if she was Sadie. She said her surname is James, Sadie James," Mr. Wood shook his head and sighed, "It''s just too simr, not only in appearance but also in name." Chloe, convinced that Sadie was the girl they were looking for, hurriedly followed her. Sadie, nked by eight female bodyguards, walked briskly towards her car. Chloe chased after them, calling out, "Please wait, Miss James!" Sadie stopped and turned, her gaze cold. "Miss James, I am Chloe, the vice president of the VIC Group. Do you remember me?" Chloe asked, slightly out of breath. "Why should I remember you?" Sadie responded, her lips curling into a cold smile. Chloe hesitated, then quickly changed her approach. "I''m sorry, I misspoke. What I meant to say was that Mr. Clemens would very much like to meet you. Would you be so kind as to wait for him? He is currently on his way here." "Micah?" Sadie raised an eyebrow. "Yes, yes," Chloe nodded eagerly.


    "Make an appointment with my secretary," Sadie responded, her tone dismissive. With that, she turned and continued on her way, leaving Chloe standing alone.

 Chapter 678 The Icy Hauteur

    "Miss James..." Chloe''s words were cut short by the imposing figure of a female bodyguard.


    With no other option, Chloe could only retreat, her gaze lingering on the retreating silver Rolls-Royce Phantom that carried Sadie away.


    With a sigh, Chloe turned to reenter the building, only to find a throng of businessmen had congregated, their faces etched with a mix of emotions. They had all been witnesses to the spectacle that had just unfolded. Who could have predicted that even the Clemens Group would stoop to court someone so actively?


    This Miss James was indeed a fortunate woman, a true pioneer in her own right!


    After a two-year hiatus, the James Group''s inevitable entry into the domestic market was now confirmed, and they were poised to be the Clemens Group''s most formidable adversary!


    "Gone?" Mr. Wood emerged slowly, a hint of amusement ying on his lips as he took in Chloe''s difited expression. "You hit a brick wall, didn''t you?"


    "Yeah," Chloe admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "I told her Mr. Clemens was on his way and asked her to wait. Can you guess her response?"


    "What?" Mr. Wood inquired, his curiosity piqued.


    "She instructed Mr. Clemens to schedule an appointment with her secretary," Chloe recounted, a helpless chuckle escaping her lips.


    Mr. Wood erupted intoughter. "This young woman is truly something else. Her poise at the auction was nothing short of extraordinary!"


    "Yes," Chloe agreed, her admiration evident. "She''s truly remarkable!"


    "But she''s nothing like the clumsy and naive Sadie we once knew," Mr. Wood mused, his expression turning serious. "Yet, how can two people be so strikingly simr?"


    "Their personalities are poles apart; even their smallest gestures differ," Chloe reflected, a sigh escaping her lips.


    "When Sadie and I worked together, we were inseparable. I knew her well. She was endearing. But this Miss James, every action of hers radiates an undeniable authority and arrogance. Her gaze alone is so intimidating that I dare not meet her eyes."


    "Yes," Mr. Wood nodded in agreement. "That incident was a severe blow to Mr. Clemens. He retreated into silence for half a year before finally emerging, more reserved and taciturn than ever. Only you, I, and Andrew Rn know of that past. Now, even though there''s a new woman in the picture, we all know that Mr. Clemens still yearns for his true love, Sadie."


    "Yes," Chloe sighed, unable to suppress her thoughts any longer, "I was truly taken aback when I first saw Miss James."


    Their conversation was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a Maybach, speeding like the wind. The car came to a halt and Micah burst out, his voice urgent, "Where is she? Where is she?" "She''s gone," Chloe reported weakly. "I tried my best to persuade her, but Miss James is just too aloof."


    "Did she leave any contact information?" Micah asked, his voiceced with desperation.


    "No," Chloe responded, shaking her head. "She said if you wanted to see her, you would have to schedule an appointment with her secretary."


    Micah was taken aback. This didn''t sound like something Sadie would say.


    "Mr. Clemens, listen to me," Mr. Wood interjected, his voice soothing, "Although this woman bears an uncanny resemnce to Sadie, her demeanor and temperament are starkly different." "Let''s continue this in the car." Micah, unable to wait any longer, instructed Andrew to locate the auction''s supervisor and review the surveince footage. "Understood."


    Inside the car, Chloe and Mr. Wood recounted the day''s events to Micah in painstaking detail.


    As he listened, Micah''s brows furrowed in deep thought.


    Based on their ount, this woman was definitely not Sadie. Sadie didn''t possess such an aura. She would merely clutch his sleeve and timidly hide behind him, her eyes wide with curiosity. Could he have been mistaken?


    "Mr. Clemens, the surveince footage is ready," Andrew announced, handing him a tablet.


    Micah yed the video and was left dumbstruck. He immediately confirmed, "It''s her, it''s definitely her!"

 Chapter 679 Majority Shareholder

    At a single nce, Micah recognized her. It was Sadie. Despite her two-year absence, her visage was etched deeply into his memory. Her transformation could not disguise her from his discerning eyes. "However, she introduced herself as Sadie James," Chloe interjected cautiously."She doesn''t seem to recognize either of us, and it doesn''t appear to be an act," Mr. Wood added gravely. "We must tread carefully. After all, she is associated with the James Group.""Understood. I''ll handle it," Micah responded, making a dismissive gesture. The bodyguard swung open the car door from the outside, allowing Chloe and Mr. Wood to exit."Initiate an immediate background check on Sadie," Micahmanded, his exterior calm belying the storm of emotions brewing within him.


    "Yes," Andrew responded, promptly setting off to execute the order.Micah''s gaze fell upon the video ying on his tablet, his emotions aplex whirlpool. Could it truly be her? Had she returned? She had altered her appearance and adopted a new identity, and her first move had struck him like a bolt from the blue. It felt as though she was intentionally dering war on him."Mr. Clemens, I have the information," Andrew reported, ending his call hastily. "ording to the data, this Miss James is Tristan''s sister. She has been studying abroad and returned this year to help Tristan manage the James Group. She holds 20% of thepany''s shares, making her the secondrgest shareholder. This is her first venture into the business world and her first public appearance.""20% of the shares," Micah mused, furrowing his brow. "Nick only holds ten percent, andbined with her son''s five percent, they don''t wield as much influence as this Sadie.""That''s right," Andrew agreed, his toneden with implication. "At present, it appears that Miss James holds significant sway.""If Tristan was the one who rescued Sadie years ago, then everything falls into ce," Micah posited, his expression grave. "Many details from that day in Chiang Mai were erased, and we lost track of Sadie. It''s usible that the James Group was involved.""We overlooked this possibility," Andrew conceded, nodding. "For two years, we exhausted every resource to locate Miss Roth, but to no avail. In retrospect, only the James Group could have concealed her from us."Andrew paused before adding, "However, this is just our spection. This Miss James may not be Miss Roth, and Tristan could have brought her here to deceive you."Micah fell silent at these words. The situation was convoluted. If Sadie James was truly Sadie Roth, it meant that Tristan had known her true identity all along, had taken her away years ago, and was now using her as a weapon against him. If she wasn''t his Sadie, it still implied that Tristan knew about Sadie and had found a lookalike to confound him. But the likelihood of that seemed slim.At this point, Micah was unconcerned with the intricacies. He simply wanted to know if Sadie James was Sadie Roth. He issued a decisivemand, "Track Miss James'' movements. I want to see her.""Understood!" Andrew immediately set off to fulfill the directive. Just then, Micah''s phone rang. Recognizing the caller ID, he answered promptly, "Noah!""Daddy, the enrollment ceremony is about to begin. Where are you?" Noah, now six years old, sounded more mature than his age, his tone imbued with a seriousness that belied his years.Micah nced at his wristwatch. "T''ll be there shortly!""Hurry up. Nathan and Mia are waiting for you."Okay." Micah gestured to Andrew, who tapped the driver''s shoulder, signaling him to elerate After ending the call, Micah swiftly instructed, "The gifts I''ve prepared for the three children are at home. Have someone deliver them to the school immediately.""Right away." Andrew made the necessary call. Micah nced at his watch again, urging the driver to hasten.n maneuvered the car as if it were a rocket, speeding towards Golden Apple Elementary School. However, as they rounded a bend, their vehicle collided with a silver Rolls-Royce Phantom.

 Chapter 680 Until We Meet Again

    A thunderous crash echoed through the air as the car jerked to a halt. Both vehicles had been moving at a high speed when their front ends collided, resulting in a slight deformation. In an instant, bodyguards from both cars emerged, theirmanding presence as formidable as a gust of wind. "We''re on a tight schedule, so we won''t hold you ountable. Move out of the way quickly!"


    The female bodyguard from the opposing car barked orders before Andrew could even open his mouth. "Who should be held ountable?" Andrew retorted, his brow furrowed in displeasure. "We were driving straight; you were the one turning. You''re the one who vited the traffic rules and should clear the way!"Having lived in Newark for years, this was the first time Andrew had encountered such audacity. Did this woman not recognize him?"Enough with the chatter!" The female bodyguard red at him, her fist cracking ominously. "Will you move or not?""You want a fight?" Andrew puffed out his chest, ready to confront her. As the top bodyguard of the Clemens Group, he couldn''t allow himself to be belittled by a woman."Andrew!" A deep voice called from the car. "Let''s move on; we''re pressed for time.""Okay," Andrew shot a re at the female bodyguard, "You''re lucky!""Consider yourself fortunate!" She retorted without missing a beat. Andrew''s face turned a ghastly pale, his anger ready to erupt, but the female bodyguard had already retreated into her car."This is outrageous!" Andrew fumed as he climbed back into his car. "Who does she think she is? If we weren''t in a hurry, I would have taught her a lesson today."Andrew''s rant was cut short as the window of the other car slowly descended, revealing a familiar face. A face as stunning and ethereal as the winter snow Sadie nced sideways at the car and recognized her insubordinate driver. She frowned and gestured for the driver to clear the way."It''s Miss Roth!" Andrew gasped in shock. Micah''s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly rolled down the car window for a better look. Indeed, the person in the adjacent car was Sadie, the woman he had yearned for day and night. That face, that profile, those eyes, that golden hair, that familiar scent. Even though she had changed her clothes and her demeanor was different, Micah could still recognize her at a nce!It was Sadie, it had to be her!Micah''s heart pounded in his chest. He hurriedly pushed the door open and stepped out of the car, calling her name, "Sadie."But before he could finish speaking, the silver Rolls-Royce Phantom had already rounded a corner and sped away."Sadie, Sadie." Micah chased after her, nearly getting hit by a speeding vehicle in the congested traffic. Numerous cars honked at Micah, forcing him to stop."Mr. Clemens," Andrew said as he got out of the car and held him back, "We have plenty of time in the future; let''s prioritize going to school for now."Micah watched as the vehicle disappeared into the distance, his heart filled with excitement. He was sure it was her, it was really her! She hade back. The female bodyguard in the passenger seat of the silver Rolls-Royce Phantom realized btedly. "The car just now seemed to belong to Micah, the head of the Clemens Group!"Sadie looked up from the documents and coldly looked at the man in the traffic through the rearview mirror.Due to the distance, she couldn''t see his face clearly, but his tall and slender figure gave her an inexplicable sense of familiarity.Somewhere deep inside Sadie''s heart, she suddenly felt a sharp pain, aplex feeling that was hard to describe.Sadie raised her hand to cover her heart and furrowed her brows, "My brother said we are archenemies with the Clemens family. I guess this is what hatred feels like!""If we had known it was him, we should have rammed into him earlier," the female bodyguard said indignantly."No rush!" Sadie squinted her eyes and coldly stared at the figure. "Micah, we''ll meet again!"

 Chapter 681 Shes Back

    As they slid into the car, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled within Micah''s mind, all centered around Sadie. His previous encounters with her had been limited to grainy surveince footage from an auction, and from that vague silhouette, he had deduced that Miss James was indeed Sadie. However, a cloud of doubts had cast a shadow over his conviction. Yet, the close encounter he had just experienced had dispelled all his uncertainties. He was now certain, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that she was Sadie. This revtion filled him with immense joy. He had no desire to involve himself in any conspiracies or Vendettas. All he knew was that his beloved Sadie was alive and well, and she had returned! Despite the numerous hurdles and setbacks thaty ahead, he was resolute in his pursuit of her, determined to reunite their family. They raced towards the school, but despite their haste, they were still fifteen minuteste. Thankfully, the family''s bodyguard had arrived punctually, bearing a gift. As the car door swung open, a petite figure immediately clutched the gift, timidly extending it towards Micah with an expression of appeasement and caution."Why are you Here?" Micah questioned, his brows furrowed in confusion. The bodyguard epted the gift, freeing E''s hands. She hastily signed, "I had dinner with Grandfather tonight. He sent this car to take me home. The driver received an urgent call, and I was worried about dying the children''s school opening ceremony, so I came straight here."Micah responded with a curt "thank you" before turning to leave."You''re wee," E signed, her gaze following him as he walked away."Escort Miss E home," Andrew instructed, before hurrying to catch up with Micah."Miss E, please!" the bodyguard opened the car door. E remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on Micah until his figurepletely vanished from sight. Only then did she tear her gaze Away Micah quickened his pace, making his way towards the meeting hall. The opening ceremony was already underway, and it was the perfect moment for the freshman representatives to Deliver their speeches Mia, now six years old, had blossomed into an even more beautiful and delicate girl. Her chubby hands had slimmed down, and her once tear-filled eyes now radiated strength and confidence."Hello everyone, I''m Mia, a first-grade freshman. I''m honored to represent this year''s new students on stage," Mia announced from the tform. Micah watched Mia on stage, a contented smile ying on his lips. Following Sadie''s incident, the children had endured significant emotional trauma. Micah had expended considerable effort and utilized various methods to help them ovee their past and regain theirposure. Two years had flown by in the blink of an eye, and all three children had begun their elementary school journey. Noah, however, had already started receivingprehensive one-on-one training and had achieved an impressive level of education. Despite this, Micah still allowed Noah to participate in school activities, ensuring he had the chance to make friends and enjoy his childhood, rather than being wholly consumed by his training. Despite these efforts, Noah was noticeably more mature than his peers. He would often find himself lost in thought, silently scouring the inte for Any trace of Sadie."This is the end of my speech, thank you!" Mia concluded her speech, bowed to the audience, and stepped down from the stage.Micah watched as Mia approached, a pout forming on her lips. "You promised to be on time today, but you were stillte.""I''m sorry, I won''t make the same mistake next time," Micah ruffled Mia''s hair and handed her the gift. "Starting today, you''re an elementary school student, so you need to work hard in your studies!""Thank you, Daddy," Mia epted the gift, her face lighting up with a bright smile. Upon seeing the gift, she couldn''t help but sigh, "It''s another Barbie doll. I already have a room full of dolls!""Then what else should I have given you?" Micah asked, his tone serious. "Don''t all little girls like this?""I bet mine is a toy car or airne," Nathan chimed in, his six-year-old face already losing its baby fat and maturing into a handsome young boy."And mine must be a puzzle," Noah smirked, his expression aloof. "And it''s probably one with thousands of pieces and a high difficulty level."

 Chapter 682 Mommys Coming Home Soon

    Micah felt a sense of helplessness wash over him as he admitted, "You all truly know me well. However, this time, I made a point to select something distinct from my usual choices."Noah shot him a look of contempt, questioning, "Apart from the different version, what else is unique? Forget it, I''ve given up expecting anything.""What do you all prefer? I can send someone to purchase it," Micah quickly offered. Nathan, with the wisdom beyond his years, gently patted Micah''s shoulder and replied, "Would that still be considered a gift? Don''t worry, Dad, any gift is fine."Mia, engrossed in her new doll, chimed in, "I really like this doll, especially since it''s a new model. She''s number 39, my little 39!"Micah made a promise then, "Next time, I''ll definitely surprise you all." He felt a pressing need to rectify this issue. Otherwise, every time he presented them with gifts, the children would ept them with reluctance. The event was nearing its end, and Noah, who had been itching to leave, dered, "Let''s go." To him, these formal activities were nothing more than a waste of time. If it weren''t for Mia''s speech today, he wouldn''t have bothered to attend."Alright, let''s leave," Micah agreed, gathering his three children to depart early from the table. He yearned to carry them on his shoulders as he did when they were younger, but the children were no longer willing."We''re elementary school students now; we can''t ride on Daddy''s shoulders," Nathan protested, relishing his newfound maturity. He nced at the girls around him and whispered to Micah, "There are so many beautiful girls here. If they see me, they might think I''m a boy who never grows up and won''t want to y with me anymore."Micah chuckled at his son''sment, "A boy who never grows up, huh?"Mia teased Nathan, "You promised your mixed-race girlfriend Shlery when you graduated from kindergarten that you''d marry her when you grew up. You even wrote her a love letter. Have you forgotten so quickly?""We''re elementary school students now, not kindergarteners. That''s all in the past," Nathan retorted yfully, "Who remembers things from when we were little?"Noah sighed at his brother''s fickleness, "Nathan, you''re not being faithful. That''s not good."Mia pouted, shooting a disdainful nce at Nathan, "Yeah, that''s not like Dad at all," Micah added, patting Nathan on the head.Noah suddenly asked, "Is Dad faithful? What about E?"Micah was taken aback by the question. He had always assumed the children were too young to understand, so he had never broached the subject with them. But it seemed theyprehended more than he had given them credit for.Mr. Clemens Senior had expunged all traces of Sadie, recing her with E. The children, though unaware of these machinations, had noticed E''s frequent visits to the Clemens household and her attempts to win them over, especially Micah. Had it been anyone else, the children might have rejected and disliked them. But E, with her delicate health and inability to speak, seemed so pitiful that they felt it would be rude to express any negativity. They maintained a polite distance instead.As the children matured, they began to understand the adults'' intentions. They knew Mr. Clemens Senior wanted E to be their new mother. Nathan and Mia turned serious at this realization, looking up at Micah for answers."Dad, do you like E?" Nathan asked, his brow furrowed. "Dad, will you marry her?" Mia clutched Micah''s hand, her eyes filled with anxiety."No, I won''t," Micah shook his head, "my heart only has room for your Mommy."Noah exhaled in relief, "That''s good. Lately, I''ve been dreaming about Mommy a lot. I feel like she''sing back soon."

 Chapter 683 A New Mom?

    "Yes, yes, me too," Mia quickly chimed in, her hand shooting up into the air. "I''ve been dreaming of Mommy and Brenda quite often recently. At times, it feels as though I can hear Brenda''s voice, gently coaxing me awake, and the sound of Mommy preparing chocte toast in the kitchen."Nathan, his expression tinged with mncholy, added, "I remember, Mommy''s chocte toast was always a bit salty. If it meant having Mommy and Brenda back, I''d dly eat salty chocte toast every day, even without the apaniment of fully roasted chicken and watermelon juice.""Noah echoed his sentiment, his gaze shifting to Micah. "Even though we''re young, we''ve never forgotten Mommy and Brenda.""I haven''t forgotten either!" Micah reassured, affectionately ruffling Noah''s hair. "Don''t worry, Mommy will be home soon!"Mr. Clemens Senior had once stated that children over the age of three would soon forget past events, and would swiftly ept Sadie''s recement as their new mom. Yet, two years had psed, and the three children had not forgotten Sadie. Quite the opposite, they eagerly anticipated her return.Recently, this sentiment had intensified. All three children had dreamt of her simultaneously. This was surely the unbreakable bond between a mother and her children!"Dad," Mia''s voice suddenly faltered, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight before her. Following her gaze, Micah spotted E standing beside a car in the nearby parking lot, clutching a collection of gifts, her face alight with anticipation. Upon seeing them approach, her delight was palpable as she waved them over Noah''s brow furrowed as he released Micah''s hand.Nathan, engrossed in solving a Rubik''s Cube as he walked, was initially puzzled by Mia and Noah''s abrupt halt. However, upon spotting E, he too came to a standstill.E quickly approached them, presenting the carefully selected gifts to the three children.Initially, the children were hesitant to ept, but E''s sincerity and radiant smile made it impossible to refuse. They epted the gifts, expressing their gratitude with a polite, "Thank you!"E responded with a smile and a gesture. "Starting today, you are all elementary school students. Study hard. If you need any help with your studies, you can ask me anytime."Despite her inability to speak, E held dual degrees in education and medicine and was a renowned expert in psychology. This made her an ideal choice for Mr. Clemens Senior to rece Sadie. E''s selection was not only due to her gentle nature and inability to speak, but also her capabilities that would aid in the children''s education."Thank you!" was the only response the three children could muster in reply to E."Let''s head home," Micah signaled, gesturing towards their house Andrew personally escorted E to her car.E waved a cheerful goodbye to the children before climbing into the car with Andrew.As the car pulled away, the children finally exhaled a collective sigh of relief.Mia pouted, her voiceden with emotion. "Actually, E is a nice person. If she weren''t trying to be our Mommy, I think I could be good friends with her."Nathan''s brow furrowed in concern. "She always takes such care in selecting gifts. If we refuse them, she persists until we ept. It leaves me feeling a bit guilty."Daddy, I don''t think we should continue this way," Noah, the most clear-headed of the trio, advised. "If you don''t have feelings for her and have no intention of marrying her, you should be honest with her. Ask her not to waste her efforts on us. It won''t be fair to anyone when Mommy returns.""You''re right," Micah agreed, nodding. He had voiced this sentiment before, but E had insisted that she acted out of her own volition, expecting nothing in return. She had hoped he wouldn''t feel burdened. He was at a loss for words. However, now that Sadie had returned, he felt it was crucial to rify the situation with E. He hoped she would understand and refrain from appearing frequently in his and the children''s lives.

 Chapter 684 The Blessing of Children and Grandchildren

    Upon their return home, they found Mr. Clemens Senior patiently awaiting their arrival in the living room. He had thoughtfully prepared gifts for the three children, having flown all the way from the distant Y country to partake in their celebration."Great-Grandpa!" Nathan and Mia''s youthful voices echoed with excitement as they spotted Mr. Clemens Senior, instantly rushing towards him. Noah, on the other hand, remained aloof, disying an air of indifference.A sense of warmth spread across Mr. Clemens Senior''s aged face as he watched the children. His health had been on a steady decline over the past two years, confining him to a wheelchair. Yet, at the ripe age of 98, he considered himself fortunate to be surrounded by his progeny."Great-Grandpa, when did you arrive?" Mia inquired, squatting down to gently massage Mr. Clemens Senior''s legs. Her innocent demeanor warmed the hearts of those around her."Great-Grandpa, your health isn''t the best. Why not stay here with us? We can keep youpany every day," Nathan suggested, kneading Mr. Clemens Senior''s shoulders as he chatted away.Noah lingered nearby for a moment before nonchntly announcing, "Great- Grandpa, I still have some coding to finish. I''ll be heading upstairs." With that, he ascended the staircase, leaving the room. Mr. Clemens Senior watched Noah''s retreating figure, a mncholic expression creeping onto his face. He understood that Nathan and Mia, in their innocence, could maintain their usual closeness with him. Noah, however, bore the weight of understanding the role Mr. Clemens Senior had yed in their mother''s departure. While Noah recognized Mr. Clemens Senior''s kindness towards them, he couldn''t forgive the older man for his part in their mother''s absence. His youth prevented him from fighting back, resulting in a distance and indifference that served as his form of protest."So, you''ve flown all this way for such a minor asion. Aren''t you tired?" Micah''s tone was uncharacteristically serious and straightforward as he addressed Mr. Clemens Senior, a stark contrast to his usual yful demeanor."The children have officially started elementary school. I felt it necessary toe and see them," Mr. Clemens Senior responded, his brow furrowing at Micah''sment. "I heard the James Group acquired the Antic coastline today?""We can discuss business in the study," Micah suggested, patting Nathan and Mia''s shoulders. "It''s gettingte. You two should head to bed.""Oh!""Goodnight, Great-Grandpa. Goodnight, Dad!""Goodnight, children!"Once the children had retreated upstairs, Ss wheeled Mr. Clemens Senior into the study. Micah followed suit, changing into morefortable attire before epting a ss of chilled wine from Andrew."You''re still drinking?" Mr. Clemens Senior questioned, his brow furrowing in concern. "Have you forgotten your previous bout with alcohol that resulted in stomach bleeding?"Following Sadie''s ident, Micah had spiraled into a depressive state, neglecting to eat or sleep and relying heavily on alcohol to numb his pain. This unhealthy coping mechanism eventually led to severe healthplications, culminating in a hospitalization for stomach bleeding. Mr. Clemens Senior had kept vigil by Micah''s hospital bed, aging considerably in the process. Since then, his attitude towards Micah had softened. As long as Micah''s actions weren''t excessive, he refrained frommenting."Just a small amount!" Micah assured, his mood considerably lighter than usual. His usual indifference towards Mr. Clemens Senior was noticeably absent."Why didn''t you personally bid for the Antic coastline? It''s so important." Mr. Clemens Senior broached the topic again, his tone grave."Two years ago, the James Group attempted to take over the Antic coastline. You managed to topple the rk and Potter families, while I subdued the Lingston family, effectively thwarting their ns. Now, they''re making another attempt. You should take this seriously. I heard Tristan sent a young woman to bid, and she won, causing quite a stir in the business world.""Have you investigated this further?" Micah asked, his brow furrowing in concern. He didn''t want Mr. Clemens Senior to learn about Sadie''s situation, fearing further interference. "Do I still need to investigate this?" Mr. Clemens Senior sternly replied, "The news has already spread."

 Chapter 685 Dont be Too Hasty

    Micah''s voice was light, yet firm as he replied, "I have my limits. You''re unwell, rest more and don''t burden yourself with thepany''s affairs." past two years, I haven''t asked what you''ve been doing," Mr. Clemens Senior said gravely, "but the James Group''s aggressive move on the domestic market is a matter you can''t ignore. Tristan has nearly monopolized the Southeast Asian market and has rallied significant support. If you were in his shoes...""I understand," Micah cut him off, setting down his drink with a casual air. "Is there anything else? If not, I''ll retire for the night."With a sigh of frustration, Mr. Clemens Senior turned his face away, waving Micah off dismissively. "You should retire early as well;te nights are detrimental to your health," Micah advised, rising from his seat and departing. Mr. Clemens Senior watched Micah''s retreating figure, a deep sigh escaping his lips, his eyes filled with a profound sadness.Ss, attempting tofort him, poured a cup of coffee and offered, "Don''t worry so much. Despite Micah''s cold and arrogant demeanor, he has always been adept at handling business matters.""If he were truly adept, the James Group wouldn''t be in the position it is today," Mr. Clemens Senior retorted coldly. "I can see his mind is elsewhere, constantly preupied with finding that woman."Ss, treading carefully, advised, "That''s only human nature. As long as he can regain his focus, everything will be fine."He''s as incorrigible as his father," Mr. Clemens Senior muttered angrily, "Always entangled in romantic affairs. How can he achieve anything under these circumstances?"Ss chose to remain silent, opting instead to cover Mr. Clemens Senior''s legs with a nket."Alright, take me back to my room," Mr. Clemens Senior conceded, aware that aside from venting his frustrations, there was little else he could do. He was growing old, and many decisions now fell to Micah. No matter how much he advised, it seemed to fall on deaf ears. As Ss wheeled Mr. Clemens Senior back to his room, they passed the living room and noticed the study door on the second floor slightly ajar, light spilling out from within. Andrew hurriedly entered, a stack of documents in hand."See, Micah is still workingte into the night. It''s evident he''s dedicated," Ss quickly pointed out."Dedication ismendable," Mr. Clemens Senior agreed, nodding in satisfaction.In the upstairs study, Andrew handed the documents to Micah. "Micah, this is all the information on Miss James."Micah epted them, scanning the contents with a sneer. "wless.""It''s nearly impossible to find any discrepancies," Andrew agreed. "Her academic records are meticulously detailed, from elementary school to college, and even her postgraduate and doctoral studies. They''ve even documented the kindergarten she attended, and her academic achievements are all clearly recorded."Micah remained silent, continuing to review the materials and photographs. They contained records of Sadie''s growth from childhood to adulthood, including pictures from her early years and adolescence. No discrepancies were apparent."Could it be possible that she isn''t Miss Roth?" Andrew ventured, "Otherwise, why would there be suchprehensive evidence of her upbringing?"Micah chuckled coldly, "Our Clemens family can erase all traces of a person''s existence. How hard could it be for the James family to fabricate someone''s history?"Andrew had no response to that."Have you located her?" Micah asked, setting the documents aside."Not yet," Andrew admitted, shaking his head. "It seems they''ve intentionally gone into hiding. It''s proving difficult to track them down. Rn is still investigating; he''ll find a way.""Tell Rn to stop investigating," Micah ordered immediately. "If they wish to keep it a secret, we shouldn''t pry. It would only make it seem as though I orchestrated it.""Understood," Andrew replied, promptly rying the message to Rn."The James Group has seized control of the Antic coastline and is preparing to prate the domestic market. We''re bound to cross paths in the business world. I''m certain we''ll meet soon."Micah drummed his fingers on the table, anticipation stirring within him. Yet, he forced himself to maintain hisposure. He couldn''t afford to act hastily.

 Chapter 686 The New Neighbor of Hillside Villa

    As the day drew to a close, Micah found himself staring at another text message from E, a message brimming with concern and warmth. E was nothing if not persistent. For the past two years, she had been a constant presence in Micah''s life, sending him daily text messages, wishing him good morning and good night, her gentle care never wavering. In the past, Micah would dismiss these messages, but today was different. With Sadie''s return and Noah''s words echoing in his mind, Micah felt a need to rify things with E. So, he replied to her message.


    Micah: [Let''s have dinner together tomorrow.]


    E: [Okay, see you tomorrow night!]


    E replied almost instantly, showing how surprised and excited she was on the other end of the line.


    With that, Micah set his phone aside, closed his eyes, and surrendered to sleep. As he drifted off, Sadie''s figure danced at the edges of his consciousness, ready to popte his dreams once more...


    Morning found Micah breaking his fast with the children, preparing them for another day at school. For two years, he had made it a point to apany them, regardless of how demanding his schedule became. Those forty minutes on the road were the most precious parent-child time of the day.


    However, today, Mr. Clemens Senior offered to take on the task.


    He smiled and lovingly said, "Kids, would you like Great-Grandpa to take you to school today?"


    Micah looked at the children, seeking their opinions.


    "Yay, Great-Grandpa is taking us to school!" Mia pped her hands and cheered happily.


    "Sure, Great-Grandpa, you haven''t been to our new school yet, so let''s go today," Nathan said, also excited.


    Noah, however, responded indifferently, "Whatever."


    "Shall we let Great-Grandpa take you then?" Micah looked at Noah.


    Noah nodded without even lifting his eyshes.


    "Take care," Micah instructed Mr. Clemens Senior. "Don''t get too tired. After dropping off the kids,e back and rest."


    "I understand." Mr. Clemens Senior, despite not being in the best spirits due tock of sleep, felt happy at the thought of being able to take the children to school.


    "I''ll go ahead." Micah hugged the three children and hurriedly left.


    "Kids, have you finished eating?" Mr. Clemens Senior greeted me with a smile.


    "Yes!" The children started packing their bags and pushed Mr. Clemens Senior''s wheelchair toward the door.


    "I just remembered that I have an international economics ss today so that I won''t be going to school. You all can go."


    Noah finished his meal and elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin.


    "Mr. Noah..." Ss wanted to advise Noah otherwise, but he was interrupted by Mr. Clemens Senior''s gentle words.


    "All right, then you behave at home." Mr. Clemens Senior replied.


    "Okay." Noah nodded, not even ncing at Mr. Clemens Senior, and went straight upstairs. He instructed his caregiver, "Inform the teacher toe early."


    "All right, Mr. Noah!"


    Mr. Clemens Senior watched Noah''s retreating figure, feeling somewhat dejected. He knew that Noah was intentionally keeping his distance, which saddened him. However, he also understood that some things took time... "Noah, isn''t your ss in the afternoon?"


    Nathan looked at Noah''s back, his handsome face filled with confusion.


    "Never mind him. Noah has already self-studied the elementary school curriculum." Mia furrowed her little brow and urged, "Hurry, we''re going to bete!" "Oh!" Nathan replied.


    As the luxurious Rolls-Royce glided out of the driveway, it came face to face with an identical vehicle at the intersection halfway up the mountain. The drivers and their front-seat bodyguards in both cars exchanged instinctive nces. The Clemens family was filled with confusion, while the upants of the other vehicle exuded an air of cold pride.


    Ss found himself wondering if there were new upants in the vi to the north of the mountain. The Clemens family''s vi, nestled on the mountainside, was one of two in the Hillside Vi area- the other, situated to the north, had long been unupied. The sudden appearance of an identical extended Rolls-Royce at the midpoint intersection was a surprise.


    As he watched the car depart towards the north, Ss'' suspicion was confirmed-there were indeed new residents in the vi up north!

 Chapter 687 The Enigmatic Neighbor

    "What has caught your eye?" Mr. Clemens Senior inquired, his attention diverted from the card game he was engaged in with Nathan and Mia. He had noticed Ss repeatedly lifting the curtain to peer outside. "A car identical to ours just drove by; it was silver," Ss revealed with a hint of intrigue. "I observed it heading toward the North District of Hillside Vi."


    Mr. Clemens Senior was momentarily taken aback, his eyebrows knitting together in thought. "There are only seven of these cars globally; not many can afford them. Silver... Could it be the James family?" Tristan, true to his reputation, had a known preference for silver automobiles, in contrast to the Clemens family''s inclination towards ck ones.


    "No way!" Ss eximed in astonishment. "Tristan is a private individual who values his seclusion. Surely, he wouldn''t choose to live next to Micah?"


    "Go and find out," Mr. Clemens Senior instructed.


    "Understood." Without dy, Ss ced a call to dispatch someone to investigate.


    "Great-Grandpa, who is the James family?" Nathan queried, his small head tilted in curiosity. "Are they very powerful?"


    "They are the enemies of our Clemens family," Mr. Clemens Senior responded, his gaze fixed on Nathan with an air of gravity. "If you ever cross paths with anyone from the James family in the future, stay away, understand?" "Yes, Great-Grandpa," Nathan nodded in earnest, his expression solemn as though he were confronting a formidable foe.


    "We have enemies?" Mia''s small brows furrowed in confusion. "Aren''t we the most powerful? I''ve heard that Daddy is very powerful, even more powerful than Superman!"


    Mr. Clemens Senior nearly choked on his tea, sputtering and coughing uncontrobly.


    "Mia, your innocence is delightful. You''ve made Great-Grandpaugh," Mr. Clemens Senior managed to say between bouts of heartyughter.


    "Hahaha, the honesty of children!" Ss chimed in, joining theughter.


    "Hehe, did I say something wrong?" Mia blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Our teacher, ssmates, and even our family members, Brenda, and our uncles and aunts, all say that Daddy is amazing. I always thought there was no one in the world more powerful than Daddy."


    "I thought the same," Nathan concurred sincerely. "I always believed that only Noah could surpass Daddy in the future!"


    "Noah is exceptional and will undoubtedly surpass the previous generation," Mr. Clemens Senior stated with pride, thinking of Noah. "But your father also has his rivals!"


    "Is it someone from the James family?" Nathan leaned in closer, curiosity piqued. "Is it a man or a woman? How old are they? Are they bad people?"


    "Obviously!" Mia rolled her eyes at him, regarding him as if he were simple-minded. "They are enemies of our family, so they must be bad people."


    "The people from the James family are very dangerous," Mr. Clemens Senior cautioned gravely. "If you ever happen to encounter them, make sure to stay away and not get close to them. No matter what they say, never believe them, understand?"


    "Yes, sure!" The two children nodded in unison.


    Ss, who had been listening from the sidelines, felt a wave of unease. Mr. Clemens Senior''s fear was that the James family would discover the existence of these three children and attempt to abduct them, which was why he had issued such a stern warning.


    But how long could they keep this secret?


    Fortunately, Noah was absent that day. Otherwise, he would undoubtedly have numerous questions and might even stumble upon something...


    "Ss, inform Micah," Mr. Clemens Senior instructed, his expression fraught with worry.


    "Of course." Ss promptly dialed Andrew''s number and ryed the earlier incident involving the identical car.


    At that moment, Micah''s car was nearing thepany. Andrew ended the call and promptly reported the situation.


    Upon hearing the news, Micah was taken aback and asked, "What? They''ve relocated to North Hill? Could it be Sadie?"

 Chapter 688 Noahs New Innovation

    "We''re not sure," Andrew confessed, his voiceced with hesitation, "Ss is investigating the matter."


    Micah, without missing a beat,manded, "Contact Ss at once." His tone was urgent, his words precise. "Inform him that I''ve dispatched Rn to monitor the situation, and he is not to interfere." Andrew acknowledged the order with a curt nod, promptly dialing Ss''s number.


    Upon receiving Andrew''s message, Ss discreetly covered the receiver, turning to Mr. Clemens Senior. "Micah has sent Rn to manage the situation," he ryed. "He doesn''t want us to interfere in this." Mr. Clemens Senior''s brow furrowed in contemtion, but he ultimately nodded in agreement. "Very well, let him handle this minor issue independently."


    Ss ryed Mr. Clemens Sr.''s message back to Andrew, who in turn passed it on to Micah.


    A sigh of relief escaped Micah''s lips. "Get Rn tomence the investigation," he ordered.


    "Understood," Andrew replied, before rying the instructions to Rn.


    Micah, lost in thought, twirled the wedding ring on his left finger, his eyes brimming with anticipation. Perhaps Sadie wanted to return, to reunite with him and their children...


    Meanwhile, Noah was secluded in his study, engrossed in a book.


    A servant entered, bearing news. "Mr. Noah, your tutor is en route, but due to the distance, his arrival may be dyed by an hour and a half."


    "Understood," Noah responded, his tone nonchnt.


    Having finished his book on international economics, Noah rubbed his temples, seeking relief from the strain of reading. He moved to the window, his gaze settling on the distant, dense forest, a wee respite for his weary eyes. However, his attention was soon drawn to a shiny object in the distance...


    Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a car.


    The Clemens family''s fleet consisted solely of ck vehicles, and even their private doctors and tutors were transported in simr vehicles. The sudden appearance of a silver car was indeed peculiar. Had they received a guest?


    Curiosity piqued, Noah reached for his telescope, focusing on the distant silver object.


    It was an elongated silver Rolls-Royce, identical in model to the Clemens family''s fleet. The vehicle made its way into the northern area, disappearing into the thick forest.


    Based on its trajectory, Noah deduced that the car had reached the vi in the north.


    Andrew had previously informed Noah of the two vis on Autumn Mountain - their residence in the south and the unupied vi in the north. Thetter, it seemed, had new upants. Judging by the car, these new neighbors were likely affluent.


    Setting down his telescope, Noah decided against further observation. His room''s angle only allowed a partial view of the circr road. To see the northern vi, he would need to ascend to the attic. However, prying into others'' affairs was not his style.


    Nor did it interest him.


    With his tutor yet to arrive and having finished his book, Noah sought to alleviate his boredom by tinkering with his mechanical pigeon.


    This was histest project - a toy pigeon he had purchased from a market, disassembled, and fitted with an electronic controller. He released the pigeon through the window...


    Noah was eager to test the pigeon''s range and its ability to capture a panoramic view of the mountain.


    If sessful, it would function much like a drone, albeit with a few additional features.


    Heunched the monitoring software on his tablet, capturing the pigeon''s perspective.


    First, it captured the Clemens family''s front yard, then ascended, providing an aerial view of the entire estate. As it climbed higher, the estate shrank, the surrounding forest dominating the frame, until finally, it revealed a panoramic view of Autumn Mountain...


    A smirk of satisfaction spread across Noah''s face. It was a sess!


    He guided the pigeon using hisputer, testing its ability to capture a fixed-point shot. He directed it towards the northern vi, not with the intention to spy, but to test the sensitivity of his control.


    As the pigeon approached the northern vi, it captured the silver Rolls-Royce from above. Several bodyguards, d in ck, emerged from the car, carrying luggage into the house...


    A figure, seemingly attractive, was seen walking toward the house. Sensing something, the figure turned around and nced back...

 Chapter 689 A Capable Woman

    Noah found himself entranced by the flickeringputer screen, his curiosity piqued as he strained to discern the identity of the figure on the disy...


    Suddenly, a voice rang out from beyond the room, "Mr. Noah!"


    The announcement was abrupt, "Your tutor has arrived!"


    Reacting instinctively, Noah swiveled his head towards the sound, responding with a weing, "Please,e in!"


    As his gaze returned to theputer screen, he found the intriguing figure had vanished into the vi. He noted with surprise that all the bodyguards bustling about were women. However, he chided himself for not paying more attention to the other aspects of the mountainousndscape.


    Peeping, after all, was hardly bing.


    The door swung open, and in walked the caregiver, apanied by the international economics tutor.


    "Hello, Helen!" Noah greeted the tutor warmly, gathering his materials tomence the lesson.


    Meanwhile, after wrapping up the morning meeting, Micah was gearing up for a visit to the project site.


    Chloe, in a flurry, approached him with news, "Mr. Clemens, the American Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event this afternoon. Would you care to attend?"


    "I was under the impression that you and Mr. Wood were attending?" Micah retorted, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.


    "I''ve just received word that Miss James will be in attendance," Chloe swiftly informed him.


    Micah, who was about to sign off on some documents, paused at her words, instructing, "Let me review the meeting materials."


    "Of course." Chloe promptly handed over the documents.


    Micah scanned the documents. The event was a gathering of the top 101 businessmen from themerce sector at the Noble Summit Manor. They would engage in a series of discussions and exchanges on Asian business development, culminating in an evening banquet.


    This annual event, which rotated among various cities, garnered significant interest within the businessmunity.


    Numerous businessmen eagerly attended, and Micah, a revered figure in the Asian business world, had been a participant in previous years. However, he had been avoiding public engagements for the past two years, initially intending for Mr. Wood to represent him. But upon hearing of Sadie''s attendance, he promptly changed his mind.


    "All right, I''ll go," Micah replied.


    The prospect of seeing Sadie stirred a hint of excitement within him.


    "The event spans two days, and as per usual, we''ll be staying overnight," Chloe reminded him. "Should I prepare anything?"


    "Andrew will handle it," Micah responded, ncing at his wristwatch. "Bring the relevant documents and apany me."


    "Okay." Chloe pulled out the itinerary. "You have a few more appointments to squeeze in. We should depart around 4.00 p.m. The main event tonight is the wee dinner, with the meeting scheduled for tomorrow." "I understand." Micah nodded. "Andrew is out, so please inform him to get ready."


    "Sure," Chloe replied.


    With the change in ns, Micah found himself pressed for time toplete his current tasks, leaving little room for any other thoughts.


    At 4.00 p.m., Andrew packed his belongings at home and, escorted by a bodyguard, joined Micah en route to the event.


    Chloe and a handful of secretaries upied the second car, busily preparing the necessary documents for the meeting.


    Micah reclined in his seat, engrossed in the documents. Recently, the James Group had not only secured the Antic coastline but also poached several major clients, a development that thepany''s top brass took very seriously. Micah was cross-referencing the information of these clients, pondering how the James Group had managed to snatch the VIC Group''s old clients in such a short span.


    "The James Group certainly doesn''t dawdle," Andrew remarked. "I heard that Miss James personally visited these three clients and met with each of them. Following her departure, all three clients indicated that they would not be renewing their contracts with us."


    "That''s impressive." Micah mused, intrigued by the resourceful businesswoman, Miss James, and her remarkable sess.


    "Let''s see for ourselves today," Andrew suggested.


    "Mr. Clemens, look!" the driver, n, suddenly eximed.


    Micah turned his head and spotted a silver Rolls-Royce Phantom gliding by, adorned with a golden "J" emblem - the unmistakable insignia of the James Group. "Drive faster!" Micahmanded.


    "Yes, Sir." n immediately elerated to catch up with the car.

 Chapter 690 A Public Contest

    Among the bodyguards, all of whom were top-tier experts in their respective fields, n was renowned as the most skilled driver. His usual duty was to chauffeur Micah, a task he performed with unmatched precision and grace. Until today, n had never met an opponent who could challenge his driving prowess.


    The silver Rolls-Royce Phantom, a symbol of luxury and power, glided through the bustling traffic with ease, maintaining a consistent lead. n, in his pursuit, found himself constantly trailing by a significant distance of over forty feet. "n, what''s happening? Close the gap!" Andrew''s voice echoed with urgency.


    Sweat trickled down n''s forehead as he pressed harder on the elerator, but to no avail. The elusive Phantom remained tantalizingly out of reach. The sting of this unexpected failure sparked a surge of determination in n, his teeth clenched as he pushed the car to its limits.


    "Come on, don''t let a woman best you," Andrew''s voice wasced with a fiery determination, the memory of a challenge issued by the female bodyguard in the Phantom still fresh in his mind. Today, they were determined to im victory. The female bodyguard, hidden behind dark sunsses, maneuvered the Phantom with the skill of a seasoned pilot. In the passenger seat, Annika James watched the trailing car in the rearview mirror, a triumphant smirk ying on her lips. "They won''t be catching up with us anytime soon."


    In the back seat, Sadie sat with her eyes closed, her voice steady as she instructed, "Safety first."


    "Yes, Miss James!" Annika responded promptly.


    Arya, the driver, nced at the ck Rolls-Royce in the rearview mirror, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Arya, what''s wrong? Speed up," Annika urged.


    "I know," Arya replied, her toneced with annoyance, "That guy doesn''t seem to know what he''s doing." "Then let''s not give them a chance to catch up," Annika said, her voice edged with irritation.


    Despite Arya''s best efforts to increase their lead, the ck Rolls-Royce managed to draw level with them. "Keep it steady!" Andrew reminded n.


    "I know," n replied, his focus unwavering as he maintained pace with the silver Rolls-Royce.


    The two cars were now running parallel, a mere three feet separating them.


    Micah turned his head to scrutinize the upants of the Phantom, but his view was obstructed by shadows. He could only infer that he was being watched in return.


    "So, that''s Micah?" Sadie''s voice was cool as she studied the figure in the adjacent car. Despite only seeing a silhouette, she felt a strange sense of familiarity.


    "It should be," Annika leaned over to get a better look, "It''s hard to tell."


    "Slow down," Sadie instructed.


    "Got it." Arya eased off the elerator.


    The ck Rolls-Royce matched their pace, maintaining the parallel formation regardless of their maneuvers.


    "This is getting annoying," Arya muttered through gritted teeth, gradually reducing their speed.


    Sadie lowered her window slightly, revealing a pair of clear, alert eyes. The car next to them responded in kind, revealing half a face.


    Their gazes met, but the emotions they conveyed were starkly different.


    Sadie''s eyes held a mixture of pride, arrogance, and a hint of provocation...


    Micah''s gaze, on the other hand, was a whirlpool ofplex emotions. Memories flooded his mind, stirring a maelstrom of feelings within him. His eyes flickered with a myriad of emotions, but he struggled to maintain hisposure. The eyes staring back at him were all too familiar; they belonged to Sadie. But there was something different about them, a coldness he had never seen before. Despite her past arrogance, this was a side of Sadie he had never encountered... Yet, for reasons he couldn''t fathom, Micah was certain that she was indeed Sadie!


    Sadie''s gaze locked with Micah''s, and an inexplicable shiver ran down her spine. It felt as though a thorn was piercing her heart each time she looked at him.


    With a cold flicker in her eyes, she averted her gaze and rolled up the window. "Speed up!"


    "All right." Arya pressed down on the elerator.


    The ck Rolls-Royce matched their speed, thepetition between them intensifying. "Leave them in our dust!" Sadiemanded.


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 691 Public Contest 2

    Upon the open highway, a pair of Rolls-Royce Phantoms raced, their speed akin to a gust of wind. It was as though they were engaged in a silent contest, each vying to reach their shared destination first. "Interesting!" Micah mused from within his car, his lips curling into a smirk of anticipation. Each encounter with Sadie was a fresh revtion, her unpredictability sending ripples through his otherwise calm world. In theirst encounter, she had mistaken him for a male escort at a nightclub, leading to a yful game of settling debts. Now, she had transformed into his opponent, challenging him in a battle of wits. Micah found himself intrigued, wondering what other surprises she had in store. As he pondered, he realized their game was evolving, bing moreplex with each interaction. Yet, he was certain, no matter how she stirred the pot, she would never elude his grasp.


    The two Rolls-Royces arrived at their destination simultaneously, pulling into a parking lot brimming with luxury vehicles. Major businessmen had already arrived, stepping out of their cars with entourages and bodyguards in tow, engaging in animated conversations and exchanging pleasantries.


    The atmosphere, however, shifted abruptly when the two Phantoms arrived in unison, one executing a dazzling drift that whipped up a whirlwind of attention. Conversations ceased as all eyes turned to the spectacle. The distinct hum of the engines and the gilded "S" and "L" emblems on the cars proudly announced their affiliations - the Clemens Group and the James Group, both titans of industry, had arrived.


    A murmur of excitement swept through the crowd, anticipation mounting as the businessmen sensed a heightened intensity to the proceedings. As if on cue, the car doors swung open, and bodyguards emerged from the front seats, swiftly opening the rear doors.


    From one car, Micah stepped out, his ck suit shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight. He exuded a natural regal air, amanding presence that was impossible to overlook, a subtle air of authority evident in his demeanor.


    From the other car, Sadie emerged, her slender legs encased in wide-leg ck pants, paired with a crisp white shirt. The simple ensemble, entuated by its unique tailoring, radiated a sense of fashion and charisma. Her light makeup, pearl earrings, and neatly tied-up hair added to her intellectual and capable demeanor, instantly drawing all attention to her.


    The venue buzzed with admiration. Who was this beautiful and elegant woman? Now, they had the chance to see her up close and clearly.


    Micah''s heart stirred, a whirlpool ofplex emotions swirling within him. At that moment, he was certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was indeed Sadie.


    "Mr. Clemens, Miss James, wee, wee!" Arthur Hamilton, the head of the American Chamber of Commerce and the host of the event, approached them with his entourage. He warmly shook hands with Micah before turning to greet Sadie. "Miss James, your reputation precedes you. Despite being a neer in the business realm, your aplishments speak volumes. Your talent and potential are truly remarkable!"


    "Arthur, aren''t you afraid of Mr. Clemens taking offense?" Sadie raised an eyebrow, her voiceced with amusement. "After all, all those contracts on my table were won at the expense of the Clemens Group!"


    Her audacious statement caused a stir among the businessmen present. They watched Micah''s reaction closely, finding Sadie''s open provocation quite bold.


    Arthur, usually a master of tactful conversation, found himself at a loss for words. He managed a forced smile, nervously wiping the sweat from his forehead.


    "The earth is not afraid of being stepped on because everyone relies on it to stand firm," Micah said, his lips curling into a knowing smile as he locked eyes with Sadie. "Miss James, you are young and still have much to learn!"


    His words left Sadie speechless and showcased his superiority. With a simple remark, he had informed everyone that the James Group''s temporary victory was merely a concession from the Clemens Group. The James Group was nothing extraordinary.

 Chapter 692 Close Range

    "Mr. Clemens, great to learn from you!" Sadie''s words wereced with encouragement. A meaningful smile yed on her lips as she departed, her entourage trailing behind her. "Make way!" Annika''s voice sliced through the air as she purposefully collided with Andrew. His teeth ground together in a silent disy of his anger.


    The other merchants, witnessing Sadie''s departure, recognized the temporary ceasefire. Disappointment etched on their faces, they dispersed.


    However, the sparks of their earlier exchange still lingered in the air, their whispers echoing in the wake of their retreat.


    "Miss James is quite the firebrand, huh? She''s constantly needling Mr. Clemens. Yet, he remains poised, his anger never surfacing. Any other man would have lost his temper long ago."


    "Mr. Clemens is typically unppable. What''s different this time? Why does he seem to bend to Miss James'' every whim?"


    "Perhaps Mr. Clemens is strategically retreating, only to advanceter..."


    "Or perhaps it''s simpler than that. Even heroes have a soft spot for a beautiful woman!"


    Andrew''s face darkened at the sound of these discussions, but Micah remained unaffected, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Sadie...Several people attempted to approach Micah, hoping to curry favor. However, theirpanions quickly dissuaded them, "Mr. Clemens is in a foul mood. Engaging him now would be inviting trouble."


    Upon reflection, they agreed, offering Andrew a distant greeting before hastily retreating.


    Micah''s gaze lingered on Sadie''s retreating figure, a wave of affection washing over him, held in check by his self-restraint...


    Two years of yearning and remorse found their sce on this day...


    She had returned, truly returned.


    Their brief interaction, the fleeting conversation, stirred memories of the past...


    In those days, she reveled in their yful banter, always on the losing end but goading him nheless...


    As these memories surfaced, a captivating smile graced Micah''s lips, his gaze softening...


    Sadie had feigned ignorance of him. Was she still nursing a grudge over past events?


    It was alright. He could be patient.


    In time, he would untangle her resentment and reim her heart!


    "Mr. Clemens, Miss James is young and impulsive. Please overlook her remarks," Arthur pleaded cautiously. "I will have a word with Mr. James about it."


    If anyone else had dared to provoke Micah in such a manner, the consequences would be dire. Even the event organizers would bear the brunt of his wrath. Thus, Arthur feltpelled to apologize and adopt a more humble stance. "She''s quite spirited, I must say," Micah responded, a smile ying on his lips.


    He sauntered off, Andrew and the bodyguards trailing closely behind. Arthur stood rooted to the spot, confusion etched on his face. "What just happened?"


    "Can''t you see? Mr. Clemens has taken a liking to Miss James," the young assistant remarked, a knowing smile on his face.


    "Really?" Arthur was incredulous. "But the two families are sworn enemies."


    "Love is aplex emotion; it defies exnation," the young assistant added.


    Arthur found it hard to believe, but if Micah was unperturbed, it was a wee development, sparing him the awkwardness of being caught in the crossfire.


    As Micah was about to depart, Arthur hurried to catch up. "Mr. Clemens, wait! Allow me to guide you."


    The Noble Summit Estate was a sight to behold, boasting sprawling grounds, a golf course, a hot spring hotel, a horse stable, and a luxurious banquet hall.


    As the afternoon sun began to wane, the merchants checked into the hotel, freshened up, and prepared for the evening banquet.


    The entire Noble Summit Manor was reserved for themerce event. Due to space constraints, each attendee was allowed only twopanions, while the rest were amodated at a nearby hotel close to the horse stable. The James and Clemens families, being the most distinguished, were naturally assigned the best vis.


    However, the vis were semi-detached, cing the two prestigious families in close proximity. Arthur contemted switching their amodations, but Micah dismissed the idea, "There''s no need to change; this is perfectly fine!"

 Chapter 693 Are You Teasing Me

    Micah found himself with an opportunity to draw nearer to her. A thought that brought a provocative smile to his lips. With a newfound determination, he spun on his heel and strode towards the vi. Arthur, his loyal attendant, trailed behind him, careful not to overstep his boundaries with unnecessary chatter.


    The master suite of the vi was a grand affair, bathed in the soft hues of the evening sun that filtered through the French windows. Micah discarded his suit jacket and loosened his shirt, making his way to the balcony with a highball ss in hand. He settled into an ivory-white lounge chair, his gaze wandering to the neighboring vi.


    Before long, the sliding door of the adjacent vi creaked open, revealing a familiar figure. She was barefoot, her long hair cascading freely over her shoulders, her body draped in an elegant silk dress. Her rxed demeanor was a stark contrast to her usual aloofness, reminding Micah of the simple and innocent Sadie of the past.


    "Mr. Clemens, you seem to be in high spirits!" Sadie teased, mirroring his position on an identical lounge chair. She epted a cocktail from Arya with a graceful lift of her hand.


    "Both the beautiful scenery and the beautiful woman are worth appreciating!" Micah retorted, a yful smirk ying on his lips.


    "Are you always this flirtatious, Mr. Clemens?" Sadie countered, her smile frosty. "This is quite different from the serious and cold demeanor you''re known for!"


    "It depends on the person I''m talking to," Micah replied, his gaze unwavering.


    He studied her, noting the subtle changes time had brought. Her face was as he remembered, untouched by makeup, her hair loose and free. Her eyes, however, had hardened, revealing a newfound sharpness. With her elevated status, Sadie had found her power.


    "Mr. Clemens, are you trying to flirt with me?!" Sadie scoffed, herughter tinged with mockery. "I heard you''re already married!"


    "You look a lot like my wife..." Micah ventured, testing her reaction. "She''s been missing for two years. Could it be you?"


    Sadieughed again, her amusement evident. "Mr. Clemens, your seduction tactics are rather crude!"


    "Do you really not recognize me?" Micah inquired.


    Micah was very puzzled.


    Sadie''s response was perplexing. Her reaction seemed genuine, devoid of any pretense. There was no sign of panic, no hint of longing for the past. It was as if she truly didn''t know him, as if they were merelypetitors. "Why would I know you?" Sadie retorted, her smile icy.


    Her outward indifference masked a whirlwind of emotions. His insinuation that she resembled his wife had struck a nerve, reopening old wounds. It left her questioning their shared history.


    "Sadie..." Micah was about to speak when suddenly amotion came from downstairs. "How dare you! Are you blind? Don''t you know who I am? I''m here to find Micah."


    The voice sounded familiar. It was Amelia. Micah hadn''t interacted with her in two years. Why would she choose to appear now?


    "Probably here on behalf of the Lingston Group for the event, and knowing that you''re here, she wanted toe and see," Andrew whispered. Micah gestured for him to handle the situation promptly.


    By this time, Sadie had taken notice and couldn''t resist a jibe. "Mr. Clemens, you''re quite popr, huh? I wonder if this one resembles your wife?"


    "Miss James..." Micah began, but Sadie had already risen and retreated into the house.


    Her bodyguard promptly closed the balcony door and drew the curtains, obstructing Micah''s view. A promising opportunity had been squandered, leaving Micah with a furrowed brow.


    However, he soon realized that Amelia''s arrival might not be entirely unfortunate. Surely, Sadie wouldn''t be able to maintain her facade in front of an old adversary?


    "Mr. Clemens, the situation has been handled," Andrew reported, approaching him. "Ms. Amelia has returned to her room, but I suspect she will attempt to disturb you again tonight. Shall I intervene?"


    "No need," Micah responded. He was curious to see how Sadie would react upon encountering Ameliater that evening...

 Chapter 694 Miss James Has a Bad Temper

    In the midst of changing his attire, Micah''s phone buzzed with an iing text message. Dismissing it as another piece of spam, he paid it no mind.


    "Mr. Clemens, our guests have arrived!" Andrew announced, a note of urgency in his voice.


    "Already?" Micah responded, hastily slipping on his shoes. "My watch, Andrew."


    "Ah, of course." Andrew promptly handed him the timepiece.


    With swift efficiency, Micah prepared himself, Andrew trailing closely behind.


    As they emerged from the vi, Micah''s pace slowed, his demeanor shifting to one of calm andposure. He sauntered down the steps with an air of nonchnce.


    Sadie, adorned in a white strapless evening gown, her long hair cascading down her back, and a diamond ne gracing her neck, radiated an aura of divine nobility. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, leaving one breathless at the sight. Two maids swung open the car door, and as Sadie prepared to step in, Micah greeted her with a cool, collected tone. Sadie cast a nce back at him, a smile ying on her lips, before sliding gracefully into the vehicle without a word. "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew held the car door open.


    With a furrowed brow and a displeased expression, Micah climbed into the car.


    "Patience is key when pursuing ady," Andrew advised, assuming Micah''s mood was due to a romantic setback.


    "What kind of dress was that..." Micah''s voice trailed off, his displeasure evident.


    In the past, Micah had always approved of Sadie''s attire. Even if some dresses were strapless, they would be tastefully decorated withce or reveal only a modest amount of shoulder. However, the dress Sadie had chosen for the evening was far too provocative!


    Andrew fell silent, finally understanding the source of Micah''s irritation.


    Naturally, no man would appreciate his wife being ogled by others.


    Although, she wasn''t quite his wife yet...


    The banquet hall was a spectacle of opulence, with grand crystal chandeliers casting a dazzling light throughout the room.


    Soft, romantic music filled the air, mingling with the quiet conversations of elegantly dressed merchants, each holding a ss of red wine or champagne.


    Sadie''s entrancemanded the attention of all present. As someone respectfully greeted her, "Miss James!", she acknowledged them with a nod and a smile.


    Others soon followed suit, warmly greeting her, "Good evening, Miss James!"


    "Miss James, it''s a pleasure to meet you!" Someone walked over and tried to shake her hand.


    Sadie returned the gesture with a gracious smile, her elegance and charm captivating all who observed.


    This was Sadie''s first appearance at a public banquet. Having previously witnessed her fiery temper, many had been hesitant to approach her. Now, seeing her poised and graceful demeanor, they eagerly sought herpany. The atmosphere in the venue shifted, bing lively as all eyes were drawn to Sadie, including Amelia''s.


    Amelia stared in disbelief at the sight of Sadie. ''Isn''t this Sadie? Wasn''t she supposed to be dead? How is she here?''


    Her face paled, and she snatched a ss of wine from a passing waiter, downing it in one gulp in an attempt to steady her nerves. ''Stay calm; it could just be a lookalike.''


    "Who is this Miss James?" Two nearby businessmen whispered amongst themselves.


    "I heard she is Tristan''s sister, the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group."


    "So young and already so influential?"


    "Indeed, she''s impressive. Rumor has it that Miss James outbid the Clemens Group for the Antic coastline with a staggering 30 billion dors. She''s truly exceptional!" "And not to mention, Miss James is stunning!"


    "Watch your words; she''s known to have a fiery temper. She even had a confrontation with Mr. Clemens in the parking lot today."


    "Really? She dared to challenge Mr. Clemens?"


    "Absolutely; I saw it with my own eyes."


    "Well, I''ll be sure to steer clear of her then..."


    Overhearing this exchange, Amelia''s confusion deepened. ''How did Sadie be the secondrgest shareholder of the James family? Does she have such a powerful background?''

 Chapter 695 Strong Counterattack

    Amelia''s gaze lifted, and her eyes fell upon the figure of Miss James. The woman was the epitome of elegance and grace, a truedy born of a distinguished family. She bore no resemnce to the timid and foolish Sadie of the past, despite their shared physical attributes.


    ''Hadn''t she been reduced to a pitiful state, begging like a dog on the ground when she was humiliated and persecuted by her?'' Amelia pondered. The memory of that moment gradually dissolved the fear that had been creeping into her heart. Suddenly, an excited voice rang out, "Mr. Clemens has arrived!"


    Instantly, all the merchants who had been fawning over Sadie turned their attention to Micah. Despite Sadie''s undeniable charm, Micah''s standing in the business world was unassable. These merchants were adept at ying both sides, not wanting to risk offending either party.


    Micah was not one for socializing or mingling with such people, yet today, he seemed unusually amenable. He not only wore a rare smile but also acknowledged their greetings with a nod.


    A few of them tentatively requested appointments, and Micah had his assistant, Chloe, make a note of them.


    In a matter of minutes, Micah''s presence had eclipsed Sadie''s, and he became the center of attention. Amelia watched this scene unfold with a sense of pride, basking in Micah''s reflected glory.


    Once the crowd dispersed, Amelia wasted no time in approaching him. "Micah!" she called out.


    Upon seeing her, Micah''s brows furrowed, and a flicker of distaste shed in his eyes. However, to gauge Sadie''s reaction, he maintained his smile and responded, "It''s been a while!"


    "Yes, it certainly has!" Micah echoed her sentiment.


    Amelia''s gaze softened as she looked at Micah. Despite his past coldness and abandonment, he remained the epitome of perfection in her heart, irreceable.


    Micah''s eyes strayed to Sadie, who was surrounded by a group of young men, engrossed in conversation and oblivious to their presence.


    Casually, Micah epted a ss of champagne from a passing waiter and casually walked toward her.


    "Do you know that I''ve secured thend in San Francisco?" Amelia tried to engage him in a topic of interest. "And recently, the underground casinos in Las Vegas have been reaching out to us for coboration..." "Operating a casino in Las Vegas is legal and worth considering," Micah responded absentmindedly, his gaze still fixed on Sadie.


    "I''m now in charge of the United States market. My father is overwhelmed, and he needs to learn to have more confidence in business. Thepany has faced many problems under his management in the past few years."


    "My family used to be among the top thirty in the American business circle, but now we''ve dropped to over seventy, while the Clemens family has always held the first ce. That''s the difference..." Amelia continued, hoping to capture Micah''s attention.


    "Who said the Clemens family has always been in the first ce?"


    Finally, a voice responded to Amelia''s statement.


    Amelia''s body stiffened, and she looked up to find Sadie staring at her with a cold gaze.


    "The data for this year hasn''t been released yet, so we don''t know who is ranked first!" Sadie retorted, her eyebrows raised in a challenging manner. Sadie felt a sense of familiarity when she looked at Amelia, followed by a surge of anger and a strong sense of hatred, as if they were sworn enemies.


    Feeling unsettled under Sadie''s intense gaze, Amelia quickly averted her eyes, not daring to meet her stare.


    However, with everyone''s attention on her, she was forced to respond, "Even when the data is out, the Clemens family will still be the first, and no one can take that away!"


    "Take it away?" Sadie''s eyes narrowed dangerously as she stepped closer to Amelia. "In the business world, fairpetition is based on data. Where does this idea of taking it awaye from?"

 Chapter 696 Extremely Arrogant

    "I..." Amelia faltered, her words caught in her throat."What is your name? And to which group do you belong to?" Sadie interjected, her voiceced with hostility. She didn''t wait for Amelia to respond before she continued her tirade. "How can a person of such questionable ethics even be present at this gathering?" Sadie then turned her attention to Arthur, her toneced with disappointment. "Arthur, your performance leaves much to be desired."Arthur was left floundering, but he quicklyposed himself stering a forced smile on his face as he attempted to mediate the situation. "Miss James, this is Miss Amelia of the Lingston Group, a prominent yer in the world ofmerce...""A prominent yer?" Sadie cut him off, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I distinctly recall Miss Amelia stating that herpany barely makes it into the top 70." She sneered, her eyes glinting with mockery. "While the top 101 are allowed to participate in this gathering, shouldn''t we also take into ount their moral standing?"Arthur nced helplessly at Amelia, who was visibly distressed, before seeking assistance from Micah. As the conversation shifted towards the Clemens Group, Micah was about to interject when Amelia suddenly snapped back at Sadie. "Sadie, are you intentionally provoking me?" Sadie''s eyes narrowed into slits as she regarded Amelia with an icy stare. "What did you just say?""Changing your surname to James and marrying into the James family doesn''t intimidate me," Amelia retorted defiantly. "The once docile Sadie, who used to cower before me, why the sudden arrogance?"Her words were abruptly silenced by a resounding p. Amelia clutched her reddening cheek in disbelief, her face a mask of shock. "You... you dare to hit me, you bitch!"


    Sadie responded with another p, the force of which caused Amelia to stagger, nearly toppling her over. The room erupted into chaos, and the attendees were shocked into silence, including Micah. He had never seen Sadie resort to violence, let alone disy such ferocity. Was this truly the woman he knew?"Miss James, what on earth are you doing? Resorting to violence..." Arthur''s protest was silenced by a chilling re from Sadie."She had the audacity to insult me. Striking her was the least I could do," Sadie retorted, her eyes gleaming with deadly intent. Arthur was so taken aback that he was rendered speechless, his face paling considerably. "I''ll kill you!" Amelia screamed, lunging at Sadie in a fit of rage. But Sadie was quicker, grabbing Amelia''s wrist and twisting it with such force that a sickening crunch echoed through the room, followed by Amelia''s agonized screams. The room descended into pandemonium, the faces of the attendees pale with fear and apprehension. With a nonchnt push, Sadie sent Amelia sprawling to the floor, her broken hand trembling with pain.


    "Quick!" Arthur gestured, and two attendants hurriedly helped Amelia to her feet and led her away."Sadie, mark my words: I won''t let this go..." Amelia''s voice was filled with venom, her hatred for Sadie palpable. "Next time, don''t bring a rabid dog," Sadie retorted coldly, her gaze fixed on Arthur. She then turned to face the crowd, her face once again adorned with a serene smile. "I''m sorry, everyone. Did I startle you?"The businessmen, initially taken aback by the sudden turn of events, were now dumbfounded by her swift change in demeanor. Some quickly shook their heads, stammering, "No, not at all.""Miss James is truly skilled!"


    "Miss James may appear gentle, but who would have thought she''s so formidable..." Their words were apanied by nervous smiles, their previous confidence reced by a newfound wariness. "Don''t provoke me; I''m usually quite amiable..." Sadie smirked, her voice light and airy, devoid of any emotion." But should anyone dare to cross me, they won''t be spared."Her words may have been delivered casually, but her piercing gaze sent shivers down everyone''s spines. "Yes..." The crowd responded in unison, their voices trembling with fear. "Miss James, you are absolutely right !""Mr. Clemens, what do you think?" Sadie raised an eyebrow, her gazending on Micah. Her demeanor was one of unapologetic arrogance.

 Chapter 697 An Unexpected Approach

    "You''re impressive," Micah''s smile was a knowing one. "However, allow me to correct you. The Clemens Group, ording to this year''s data, also holds the top rank!" Sadie, ever so blunt, challenged him. "You seem quite confident. What makes you so sure that the James Group won''t outdo the Clemens Group?" Micah, with a casual, almost dismissive smile, responded, "The majority of the James Group''s assets are in Europe. Naturally, the Clemens Group has the upper hand in the American Chamber of Commerce rankings. Tristan, of all people, should understand this logic!" At this, Sadie found herself momentarily at a loss for words. Truth be told, she didn''t care much about the rankings. Her anger, inexplicably triggered by Amelia''s earlier appearance, had driven her to confront Micah, to suppress him. Hence, her previous words and actions. "Excuse me," Micah said, setting down his ss and making his exit. Sadie watched him leave, her eyebrows knitting together. This man, always so calm andposed, elegant yet dismissive in his retorts, was no easy opponent. "The Clemens and James families are both exemry, role models for us all," Arthur interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Wouldn''t you all agree?" The businessmen around them nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes." "Miss James, a lounge has been prepared for you. Shall I escort you there to rest?" Arthur was exceedingly careful, wary of inadvertently offending the fiery young woman. "Excuse me, everyone," Sadie said, smiling and nodding at the surrounding people before following Arthur out. Micah''s phone had been ringing incessantly, providing him with a convenient excuse to leave. Now, in the lounge, he finally answered the call. "Hello?" "What''s the matter with you?" Mr. Clemens Senior''s voice came through the line, scolding him immediately. "You had ns with E, and now you''re ignoring her messages and calls. She can''t even reach you. Are you toying with her?" It was then that Micah remembered his dinner ns with E. He had intended to discuss certain matters with her, but his schedule had changed, and he had forgotten. No wonder his phone had been buzzing with notifications. "My schedule changed, and I forgot to inform her," Micah responded nonchntly. "She waited for you at the restaurant for two hours..." "What''s the big deal?" Micah interrupted Mr. Clemens Senior. "If she can''t wait, then she doesn''t have to. She even went to you toin." "She''s notining; she''s worried about you," Mr. Clemens Senior exined. Micah, growing impatient, retorted, "What could possibly happen to me? I''ll exin everything to herter. You don''t need to worry." "She''s at home. When will you be back?" Mr. Clemens Senior pressed. Micah was at a loss for words. "Why did you bring her back home again?" He knew the children would feel awkward seeing E. "What''s wrong? Don''t I have the right to do so?" Mr. Clemens Senior shot back. Micah felt a headacheing on. "I''m at an American Chamber of Commerce event. I won''t be home tonight. Have someone take her home, and I''ll contact her tomorrow." "You can''t just..." Mr. Clemens Senior began to protest. "I''m busy right now," Micah cut him off, ending the call. He nced at the unread text message and chose to ignore it. "Mr. Clemens, sorry to disturb you," a pleasant voice suddenly came from behind him. Micah turned to see a young, beautiful woman with a stunning figure and delicate features. Dressed in an elegant, form-fitting ck dress, she held a ss of red wine and looked at him from a distance, admiration in her eyes. "And you are?" Micah asked. "I''m Ariana Green. It''s a pleasure to meet you," the woman responded. "May I have the honor of chatting with you?"

 Chapter 698 Bully Men Again?

    Micah was on the verge of refusing when his gaze fell upon Sadie, striding towards them. This sudden sight prompted him to alter his decision. "Sure," he responded, a change of heart that left Ariana brimming with joy."Thank you!" she eximed, her happiness palpable. Micah, with deliberate slowness, guided Ariana into the lounge. Sadie, in passing, cast a disdainful nce at Micah, her gaze cold and indifferent. She continued on her path, offering no reaction to the scene unfolding before her. Micah''s brow furrowed in confusion. He had just witnessed Sadie''s encounter with Amelia, her nitpicking and vengeful demeanor confirming her identity. Yet, why was she so nonchnt upon seeing him with another woman?"Mr. Clemens, the Green family is primarily involved in the entertainment industry. Ourpany represents numerous top Korean celebrities..." Ariana began, introducing herself as they settled into their seats. She then added earnestly, "I hope we can find an opportunity to coborate."Micah responded with a nomittal nod. "We''ll see. There might be a chance," he said, his tone casual. As he spoke, he gestured subtly..."Miss Green, if you please," Andrew interjected, beginning to escort her out. Ariana was taken aback. She had been invited in by Micah, only to be ushered out after a brief exchange. What was going on?


    "Mr. Clemens, may I have your contact information?" Ariana asked cautiously. Micah''s gaze dropped to his phone, offering no response."Please, Miss Green," Andrew insisted, his tone firm. Ariana, realizing the futility of her request, bowed her head in acknowledgment and exited, a sense of loss shadowing her departure.As Andrew shut the door behind her, he grumbled, "That female bodyguard apanying Miss James... One day, I''ll deal with her." His annoyance was evident. "She shouted at me after the car ident yesterday, and before that, she intentionally bumped into me in the parking lot. Just now, she even red at me fiercely.""That bodyguard seems quite capable. You might not necessarilye out on top," Micah teased, a yful edge to his voice."How is that possible?" Andrew retorted, his anxiety apparent. "Mr. Clemens, I''m on your side. Why would you support someone else...""Enough," Micah cut him off coldly. "If you get the chance, beat her and prove yourself.""I would like to, but she is Miss James'' bodyguard. I can''t just resort to violence..." Andrew protested. His words were interrupted by a loud crash from outside, followed by an angry shout."What are you doing?" It was n''s voice."Your skills seem to be far inferior to your racing abilities," a female voice taunted arrogantly."Nonsense! Let me show you what real skills are!" n retorted, his politeness abandoned as he engaged in a brawl with the woman Andrew, hearing themotion, rushed out to investigate. He flung open the door, reprimanding, "n, what are you doing?" Andrew..." n was momentarily distracted, receiving a punch to the chest. His anger red, and he was about to retaliate when the door of the opposite private room swung open. A leisurely voice echoed, "Arya, what are you doing? Bullying the weak again!""Weak??" n''s eyes widened in astonishment. "Who are you calling weak?" Andrew''s brow furrowed as he red at Annika. It was this woman who had provoked him time and again. If he continued to endure, he would lose his dignity."It''s you, what''s the matter?" Annika raised an eyebrow, a wicked smirk ying on her lips."You..." Andrew''s fist clenched, and he lunged towards her."Impudent!" A stern voice suddenly rang out from behind. Despite his reluctance, Andrew had no choice but to step aside."Arya, Annika," a reproachful voice echoed from the opposite private room. "Why are you bullying men again?"Bullying men! The words hung in the air, causing n''s anger to surge to the point of nearly spitting blood. Andrew''s expression darkened, his frustration akin to a cornered leopard.

 Chapter 699 A Duel of Two Families

    "Miss James, your subordinates are as fiery as you are," Micah observed, a leisurely stroll carrying him into the room, a faint smile ying on his lips. Sadie, not one for humility, responded with a gracious nod. "The James family is known for its courage and uniqueness. We beg your pardon, Mr. Clemens."Micah, ever the gentleman, waved off her apology. "No need for forgiveness. It''s a gentleman''s duty to show respect to ady," he said, his words carrying a note of respect for Andrew and n. "The Clemens family may be skilled, but we never oppress the weak."Andrew felt a surge of admiration for Micah''s noble sentiment, and a sense of relief washed over n, his expression brightening. Sadie, however, scoffed. "Strength and weakness are rtive. We''ll see who stands tall in the end."Annika and Arya cracked their knuckles, ready for a showdown, while Andrew and n puffed out their chests, fists clenched in anticipation. "Arguing with women isn''t the gentlemanly thing to do," Micah said, a look of disdain crossing his face. "How about we engage in a friendlypetition instead?"Sadie raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose?""Would you dare to apany me to the basement?" Micah suggested, casually pushing Andrew aside with one hand while the other found its way into his pocket. "There are many interesting diversions there. "Sadie rose to her feet, her face a mask of defiant pride. "What do I have to fear? The oue is far from decided."Micah gestured for her to lead the way. The two hosts walked side by side, each trailed by six attendants, theirbined presence radiating an aura of power. The corridor was wide, but their proximity seemed to draw them closer. Micah stole a nce at Sadie. Her beauty, her dark hair, even the faint, fresh scent of her perfume were as he remembered. "What are you looking at?" Sadie asked, a hint of frost in her voice. "Nothing less than you," Micah replied, his gaze unwavering. "Your gaze won''t win you anything," Sadie retorted, her pride undiminished. "That remains to be seen," Micah countered with a smirk. Upon reaching the basement, Sadie discovered the ''fun'' Micah had hinted at - a man''s yground. The stage was alive with pole dancers, their seductive performances heating up the atmosphere. Various forms of entertainment, including darts, shooting, and card games, were scattered around the room. A group of businessmen were engrossed in a game of Texas Hold''em with a few minor celebrities, while young entrepreneurs engaged in lively conversation over drinks. Arthur, the host, was busy weing guests. Upon learning of Micah and Sadie''s arrival, he rushed over to greet them, followed by the other businessmen. "Mr. Clemens, Miss James!" "Please, continue," Micah gestured, indicating that they shouldn''t be disturbed. The businessmen returned to their game, though their eyes kept straying in Micah and Sadie''s direction. "What would you like to y, Miss James?" Micah asked, his tone gracious. "Anything," Sadie replied, her gazending on the dartboard. "Darts?"


    "Sure," Micah agreed. "My men are quite skilled at darts."""That''s perfect," Sadie smirked. "It wouldn''t be fair otherwise!"


    Micah found her eloquence and sharp wit intriguing. The group settled in the dart area, where Arthur had prepared some fine wine. "Do you need anything else? I can have it ready immediately," he offered."No need," Micah replied. "We''re here for enjoyment, not formalities."With a nod from Micah, Andrew picked up a dart and casually threw it.


    Bullseye. "Nice shot!" Sadie apuded. "But this isn''t fun. We need to make it more interesting."" And how would you like to y it?" Micah asked, raising an eyebrow as he regarded her. Sadie made a gesture. Arya picked a champagne-colored rose from a vase, ced it in her mouth, and positioned herself in front of the target. "First to hit the stem wins?" Andrew asked.


    "No," Sadie corrected, a smile ying on her lips. "The one to make the petals fall wins!"

 Chapter 700 A Duel of Two Families, Part 2

    With an air of confidence, Andrew reached out to pick up the dart. "This is child''s y," he dered, his voice echoing in the room."No touching the stem!" Sadie interjected, her voice ringing out clearly. Andrew was taken aback for a moment. The rose that the girl held had only a small portion of its stem visible. The task of breaking the stem without causing harm to the girl seemed daunting. The challenge now not only involved avoiding the stem but also ensuring the petals fell off, a task that seemed almost impossible.Sadie raised an eyebrow and a yful smile danced on her lips. "Feeling nervous?" she taunted. "You can always back down now."The room, filled with businessmen, suddenly fell silent. Their activities halted as they turned to watch the unfolding drama. Some even sauntered closer, wine sses in hand, eager to witness the spectacle. The thought of surrendering at such a moment was unthinkable."Absolutely not," Andrew responded without hesitation. "I''m not afraid of anyone.""Bravo, Andrew!" n, who had recently been on the receiving end of Arya''s taunts, was riled up. He hoped that Andrew would rise to the asion and defend their honor.Arya rolled her eyes, a rose held delicately between her teeth. "Childish," she muttered under her breath.Sadie, her pride evident, raised her wine ss. "Mr. Clemens, let''s get one thing straight. If anyone gets hurt, I won''t be so polite!"Micah, with a raised eyebrow, turned to Andrew. "Did you hear that?""Yes, Sir," Andrew responded, his brow furrowed. The challenge was daunting, but backing down was not an option."Let''s begin then," Annika said, picking up a dart and raising an eyebrow arrogantly. "You can go first.""No need," Andrew retorted, his male pride stung. "Ladies first, after you.""Very well." With no hint of politeness, Annika stepped back about 640 feet, took aim at the rose in Arya''s mouth, and...A soft "whoosh" filled the air. The dart grazed the center of the rose, causing a spray of juice.


    Arya closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, a few delicate rose petals clung to her eyshes."Excellent shot!" The audience apuded. Annika''s skill was indeed impressive. The dart had flown without causing the stem to tremble; only the petals had been hit, causing a slight tremor upon impact."Your turn," Annika said, a triumphant smirk on her face as she stepped aside. As Andrew approached with his dart, ready to make his move, Annika suddenly added, "You can''t hit the leaves."Andrew''s eyes widened in surprise. "Why didn''t you mention that earlier?" Annika had hit the center of the flower, leaving only the disheveled base with two leaves adjacent to it. If he couldn''t even hit the leaves, the task would be even more difficult."I didn''t hit the leaves," Annika shrugged, showing no remorse. Andrew clenched his teeth in frustration, but with so many eyes on him, he couldn''t argue."Go for it, Andrew!" n silently cheered him on. Meanwhile, Micah sipped his drink leisurely, not even batting an eysh."Mr. Clemens, you don''t seem worried at all," Sadie teased. "Won''t it be embarrassing if your subordinate loses?""We, the Clemens family, never lose," Micah said, swirling his wine ss nonchntly.As he finished speaking. Andrew''s dart shot out, skillfully hitting the rose petal while avoiding the leaves and branches. The petals fluttered down,nding on Arya and adding a ssh of red to her ck attire."Well done!" The onlookers apuded. Although Andrew''s rose petals were fewer than Annika''s, his ability to urately hit the target and navigate the challenging conditions was impressive. "You''re not as bad as I thought," Annika admitted, a smile ying on her lips. "I underestimated you."Andrew snorted coldly and gestured for her to continue. He was eager to see how Annika would navigate the increasingly difficult challenge. With one rose already scattered, hitting the remaining petals and causing them to fall would be no easy task.

 Chapter 701 Accompany Me Tonight

    Annika''s once steady demeanor had faltered, her grip on the dart wavering as she took careful aim before letting it fly. This time, the dart merely skimmed the petals, taking only a small piece with it. The task of aiming had be increasingly difficult due to the obstructing branches and leaves. Andrew''s cold voice sliced through the tension, "Is that the best you can do?" He picked up the dart, subtly adjusting the fan leaves beforeunching it. The dart whizzed sideways, taking down arge chunk of petals.


    The crowd erupted into apuse, their cheers echoing in support of Andrew. A smile tugged at the corners of Micah''s lips as he savored his wine, reveling in the spectacle.


    "Well done," Sadie casually praised, her voice tinged with an air of nonchnce. As if an afterthought, she added, "But, Mr. Clemens, it seems we haven''t discussed the stakes yet." Micah''s interest was piqued, his gaze settling on her as he asked, "What stakes do you propose, Miss James?" "If I win, I want you to do something for me." Sadie squinted her eyes, her voice steady. Micah agreed readily, "All right!" "Aren''t you going to ask what it is?" Sadie questioned.


    "As long as it''s not illegal or immoral, it''s fine," Micah said confidently, "Besides, I won''t lose!" "Is that so?" Sadieughed, her voice ringing with amusement, "Then let''s wait and see!" "And if you lose?" Micah swirled his wine ss, his body slowly leaning closer to her. "You set the terms," Sadie said without hesitation. "I want you..." Micah leaned forward slightly, his deep gaze filled with a primal intensity, "to apany me tonight!" The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and gasps. Micah was known for his arrogance and unrestraint, but his audacity still managed to shock them, especially considering his status as the secondrgest shareholder of the James family.


    The female bodyguards of the James family were livid, their faces flushed with anger as they red at Micah, their eyes practically shooting daggers at him. The Clemens Group''s bodyguards, including Andrew and n, were thrilled to see their boss taking the lead and couldn''t help but smile.


    n and Andrew had been on the receiving end of the women''s bullying time and again, but now the tables had finally turned. "Mr. Clemens is indeed my idol!" a businessman eximed sincerely, "I really admire him!" "Yes, I admire him so much, I dare not even think about it..." another businessman murmured, quickly covering his mouth, fearful of offending the James family. "Indeed, Mr. Clemens..." The other businessmen were equally excited, gathering around to watch the unfolding drama. Sadie sneered mockingly, "Micah, you''ve outdone yourself!" "What? Are you scared?" Micah leaned back in his ck leather chair, a single arrogant eyebrow raised in challenge. "Or do you think you''ll lose?" "Of course, I won''t lose," Sadie retorted, showing no signs of backing down. "Let''s make a bet! If you lose, you''ll see how I deal with you!" "I''m looking forward to it!" Micah smirked shamelessly. Sadie''s face turned a shade paler with anger as she red at Micah. Turning to Annika, she ordered, "You must win!" "Yes, Miss James!" Annika walked over with a dart, pushing Andrew aside. "Hey, you...." Andrew''s fist clenched tightly. If it weren''t for the bet, he would have been itching for a fight. Annika held the dart, squinted her eyes, adjusted her angle, and then, with a swift "whoosh," she let it fly. At that critical moment, Arya suddenly moved, and the dart urately grazed the pistil, causing a shower of petals to scatter,nding on Arya''s face and clothes... Arya blinked, looking at the falling petals, a smug smile ying on her lips.

 Chapter 702 A Demand for a Striptease

    "Hey, is this even allowed?" Andrew eximed in astonishment, protesting. "This is clearly cheating!"


    "Exactly, it''s outrageous," n chimed in, his voice thick with anger and a sense of injustice."Nobody stated that the target was forbidden to move," Annika retorted with a confident shrug, her hand held aloft. "If you disagree, you have two choices: either be the target yourself or cooperate. The method is irrelevant as long as we achieve our objective!" Andrew''s face flushed a deep purple, his gaze turning to Micah, who was calmly observing Sadie."She''s right!" Sadie shrugged, looking unfazed."Have you all lost your minds?" Andrew''s fists tightened, the sound of his knuckles cracking filled the air.The surrounding businessmen nervously rubbed their noses, coughed a few times, and remained silent. The James family was known for their unreasonable behavior, but this was a game, not apetition, and reason had no ce here. Whether it was fair or not depended entirely on Micah''s stance. Thus, all eyes turned to him, awaiting his response."If Miss James deres it to be correct, then it must be," Micah nodded solemnly, addressing Andrew, "Continue!"


    Andrew was taken aback. He hadn''t anticipated that Mr. Clemens would be sopliant, especially when he was being tantly manipted by the other party.


    Was Micah so blinded by beauty???


    "Continue!" Micah''s voice was firm andmanding.Despite feeling wronged, Andrew had no choice but to swallow his pride and continue. The rose now only had half a petal remaining. If Andrew failed to hit it, the James family would undoubtedly im victory in the next round. While hitting the half-petal wasn''t a difficult task, there was no guarantee that the rule-breakers wouldn''t move again in this round. No one knew if she would remain a stationary target. If she caused Andrew to miss by even the slightest movement...Arya was already raising her eyebrows, her knees bent, not even standing properly. Andrew was filled with frustration and resentment, but he still held the dart, carefully calcting the angle."Last chance, make it count," Annika taunted from the side, her voice dripping with arrogance. "If you harm her, we''ll cut off your hand!""You''re crossing the line!" n rushed over, agitated, ready to argue."n?" Micah''s voice halted him.n reluctantly stepped back, his teeth clenched as he red at the group of women."Mr. Clemens, I just had a thought..." Sadie began, her hand resting on her forehead as if a sudden realization had struck her. "If I win, I want you to... "Sadie approached him slowly, a suggestive smirk ying on her lips, and said each word deliberately, "I want you to strip and dance in the ballroom!"Arthur choked on his wine, coughing uncontrobly, while the surrounding businessmen all widened their eyes in shock and disbelief.


    Moments ago, they had thought Micah was arrogant, but now, the audacity of the James family surpassed even that... They dared to demand Micah strip and dance in the ballroom? How could Sadie be so bold? They wouldn''t even dare to dream of such a thing!


    However, this outrageous demand stirred excitement among the crowd, their anticipation for what was toe palpable. Whether it was Sadie apanying Micah tonight or Micah performing a striptease in the ballroom, it promised to be a spectacle unlike any other... They had never witnessed anything like it in their lives, and they likely never would again."We''ve crossed a line, Mr. Clemens!" Andrew whispered in panic. "Why should we agree to such a humiliation?""Mr. Clemens, these women are shameless. We should stop ying their game," n suggested, his voice filled with anxiety.If their esteemed Mr. Clemens was forced toply, they would never be able to show their faces again."Silence!" Micah''s voice cut through the air, cold andmanding. "How can a gentleman renege on his word?"Micah turned to look at Sadie, his gaze soft, a smile tugging at his lips. "A striptease, is it? Consider it done!" he replied.

 Chapter 703 We Won

    The entire room was thrown into chaos, every individual present was taken aback by Mr. Clemens'' extreme lengths to win the woman''s favor. The ssic tale of a damsel ensnaring a hero was unfolding before their eyes. Micah, in his quest to please the woman, didn''t think twice before lowering his dignity and performing a striptease.


    The spectators'' minds were filled with grandiose words to describe Micah''s audacious act. Their shock was coupled with sighs of resignation. Regardless of a man''s greatness, he seemed unable to resist the allure of a woman. Sadie''sughter rang out, echoing her delight. "Mr. Clemens, you are a man of your word, and I admire that!" she eximed. Annika, Arya, and the others joined in, their faces beaming with pride. The consensus among the crowd was that victory would undoubtedly go to the James family. After all, they were the ones who had set the rules. How could they not emerge victorious? "Let''s get this show on the road!" Sadie, eager to see the oue, beckoned to Andrew. "Don''t worry, it''s Mr. Clemens who''s doing the striptease, not you!" Andrew''s gaze fell upon the once familiar and friendly face, now transformed into an arrogant and cruel beauty. Silently, he made a vow to himself to steer clear of women for the rest of his life. Women were nothing but trouble, the root of all disasters. Micah, impatient, prodded Andrew, "Your turn!"


    Andrew felt a surge of humiliation. Mr. Clemens had abandoned all decorum in his pursuit to please women. Resigned, Andrew took a deep breath, picked up thest dart, and walked to his position. "Get on with it!" Annika urged from the side, a dart in her hand. She was confident that Andrew would miss the target and was eagerly awaiting his failure. The female bodyguards of the James family, in their arrogance, goaded Andrew with their eyes. The Clemens family''s bodyguards, filled with resentment, saw no hope as even their Mr. Clemens had seemingly switched sides.Andrew squinted and released the dart. Just as it was about to hit the petal, Arya swiftly moved aside. Simultaneously, an ice cube struck her right cheek, causing her to not only fail to dodge in time but also to tilt her head. The dart sailed through the rose petal and hit the target behind, quivering slightly. The deep red rose petal began its descent, gliding down Arya''s ck dress, andnded in the tall wine ss filled with red wine, creating a slight ripple. The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation. Everyone watched, wide-eyed and breathless, as the rose petal floated in the wine ss. After a moment, a voice broke the silence, "We won!" The onlookers erupted in cheers.


    "The Clemens family won!" The usually reserved Clemens family bodyguards also joined in the celebration. n quickly walked over, snatched the rose stem from Arya''s mouth, and held it up for everyone to see. "Look, there are no more petals. We won, we won!"


    Andrew, still in shock, managed a smile of joy. He turned to Micah, his eyes filled with admiration and respect. Their Mr. Clemens had remained true to himself. "My apologies!" Micah said as he elegantly wiped the water stains off his hands with a napkin. "You just... made a move?" Sadie asked, her brows furrowed as she studied Micah''s hand. Micah''s swift action had taken her by surprise. Indeed, it was Micah who, at the crucial moment, had picked up an ice cube and thrown it, hitting Arya''s right cheek with precision. This forced Arya to flinch, allowing the dart to hit the rose petal urately. "Yes," Micah admitted, a smirk ying on his lips. "How about that? We made quite a team, didn''t we?" "You...." "What you did is not fair; it''s clearly cheating," Annika protested angrily. Micah turned his gaze to Annika, who recoiled in fear and fell silent. His gaze was light, but it carried a chilling undertone.

 Chapter 704 This Night Belongs to Me

    "Who was it that just proimed that as long as the objective is met, the means are irrelevant?" n retorted instantly. "You''re allowed your indiscretions, but we''re not?""You..." "Silence!" Annika''s retort was cut short by Sadie''s sharp interjection."Let''s bet and see who emerges victorious!" Sadie proposed, raising her ss and draining its contents in one swift motion. "Miss James, you are indeed a paragon among women!" Micah''s lips curled into a gratified smile as he leisurely closed the distance between them. "You''ve lost tonight; you belong to me!" The room erupted into a frenzy of excitement, the crowd thrilled and cheering for Micah.


    The James family had been the instigators, deliberately resorting to deceit. Despite their continuous provocations, Micah had repeatedly shown restraint, demonstrating admirableposure. In the end, his victory was both fair and deserved. This oue brought a sense of satisfaction and relief to everyone present."Miss James..." Arya approached, cradling her swollen right cheek, her voiceden with remorse. "I''ve failed in my duties; please punish me!""Step back," Sadiemanded, her voice icy. She then turned her gaze to Micah, a smirk ying on her lips. "Mr. Clemens, consider your actions carefully. No regrets!""I never harbor regrets," Micah retorted, wrapping an arm around Sadie and yfully threading his fingers through her hair. "I''ll treat you to a private dance in the roomter."His words,den with innuendo, ignited a flurry of spection. The spectators were all abuzz, silently rooting for Micah.


    "All right!" Sadie responded, devoid of any shyness or hesitation. She looped her arms around his neck and leaned in closer. "I''m quite curious... to see what your private dance entails."The crowd below whistled and cheered, their excitement palpable. Particrly the group of men, who were all cheering for Micah as if he had secured a victory on their behalf."What are you waiting for? Time waits for no one!" Micah took Sadie''s hand, and they departed, nked by bodyguards on either side.


    The onlookers watched Micah with envious eyes. Andrew and n also shared in the joy for Micah. They exited the banquet hall through the back door, where a chauffeur had already prepared the car. Micah was about to guide Sadie towards his vehicle when she interjected with a yful smile, "The nightlife is so enchanting. Why don''t we take a stroll instead?""Can your high heels handle it?" Micah asked, eyeing her 3-inch stilettos. "It''s fine," Sadie replied. Sadie took off her high heels, twirling them in her hand, then lifted her gown and took the lead. Micah watched Sadie''s retreating figure, a whirlwind of emotions stirring within him. It felt as if he had been transported back two years... The Sadie from back then was free-spirited and uninhibited. Now, despite her altered status and newfound strength, she still asionally exhibited that yful and endearing side... Sadie remained Sadie; no matter how she disguised herself, her essence remained unchanged!Micah removed his coat and draped it over Sadie, maintaining a respectful distance without intentionally closing the gap."I didn''t expect you to be so chivalrous, Mr. Clemens," Sadiemented, a smile tugging at her lips."So, in your eyes, am I a vulgar person?" Micah asked, looking at her.


    "It doesn''t matter what kind of person you are," Sadie responded, her gaze fixed on the shadowy avenue ahead, her eyes narrowing coldly. "What matters is that the James and Clemens families are sworn enemies!"Hearing these words, a sense of heaviness descended upon Micah. The two families were indeed archenemies, and every appearance by Sadie was a challenge to the Clemens family, a deration of war...


    Back then, they had feared that Sadie''s true identity would be revealed, and that the James family would exploit her, leading to her departure. Yet, despite all the unexpected twists and turns, she had returned.


    Regardless of the obstacles, Micah was determined to bring Sadie back to his side...

 Chapter 705 Her Pet

    "Sadie, there are no permanent enemies," Micah dered abruptly.


    The statement took Sadie by surprise, causing her to pause momentarily. A hint of mockery yed at the corners of her lips as she retorted, "Mr. Clemens, are you attempting to extend an olive branch?""You are free to interpret it as you wish," Micah replied, his arms snaking around her slender waist, drawing her close. "Regardless, tonight, you are mine!"


    Instead of resisting or rebuffing him, Sadie ced her delicate hand against his chest. "You''ll have to catch me first," she challenged. With a swift push, she broke free from his grasp, her long skirt billowing as she sprinted barefoot into the distance.Micah watched her retreating figure, a seductive smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The cool night breeze tousled Sadie''s long hair, causing her white, cloud-like dress to sway gently. Bathed in the moonlight, her enchanting figure radiated an irresistible allure. Unable to resist, Micah quickened his pace, giving chase. The moonlight cast a long shadow of Sadie before Micah, a tantalizing reminder of the distance between them. He relished the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of the hunt, and the anticipation of the capture.After a while, Sadie nced back, a wicked smirk ying on her lips. "Can''t catch me, can you?" she taunted.


    Micah sneered in response, lunging forward to grasp her slender arm. However, Sadie nimbly sidestepped him and darted ahead.Micah continued the pursuit, maintaining a calcted distance of thirty-two feet. Sadie''s wless feet glided along the t, clean road, bathed in moonlight. Her graceful movements held Micah''s gaze captive, much like a predator entranced by its prey. The neatly lined shadows of the trees, the glow of the streetmps, and the dance of the moonlight on their figures painted a scene reminiscent of a heartwarming romantic movie."If I reach thatmppost up ahead and you haven''t caught me, you lose your chance tonight!" Sadie called out, her skirt gathered in her hands. She turned to look at Micah, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower. Her petite figure swayed adorably in the night breeze."Are you nning to cheat?" Micah squinted his eyes.


    "Don''t you know?" Sadie retorted with a mischievous grin. "Cheating is a woman''s nature!"


    With that, she continued her sprint, her figure once again a captivating silhouette in the moonlight.Micah smiled, maintaining his pace until only ny feet separated him from themppost. Suddenly, he broke into a sprint, reaching out to grab Sadie''s arm. Just as he was about to catch her, a ck object swooped down from the sky, carrying a chilling aura."Mr. Clemens, watch out!" Andrew warned urgently. Micah swiftly dodged, but not before the sharp object grazed the back of his hand. The object, which turned out to be a hawk, brushed against his clothes before swooping towards the people behind him.Andrew and n narrowly escaped the danger. The hawk circled low before returning tond steadily on Sadie''s shoulder. Its fierce eyes red at Micah."Coco, you''re being naughty again!" Sadie chided gently, stroking the hawk''s wings. She turned to Micah, her smile softening. "This is my pet, Coco."When Tristan had given her the hawk, he''d asked her to name it. Without thinking, she''d blurted out, "Coco!" She wasn''t sure why she''d chosen such a silly name, but it was the first thing that hade to mind.

 Chapter 706 Cherish Life and Stay Away from Women

    "Are you still denying it''s you, Sadie?" Micah''s voice echoed in the dimly lit street, his toneced with a hint of amusement. "Even your pet''s name is the same." He began to close the distance between them, his steps measured and deliberate. Sadie''s eyes, filled with a seductive allure, met his gaze. However, her feet were inching backward, betraying her outward confidence. "We had an agreement, Micah," she reminded him, her voice yful. "If you can''t catch me by thismppost, you forfeit your chance for tonight."


    Micah''s response was a mere whisper, "Not yet..." His hand reached out to grab her, but his action was abruptly interrupted.


    The eagle, her faithfulpanion, swooped down once again, effectively blocking Micah''s advance. In the meantime, Sadie spun around gracefully, her back resting against themppost. A triumphantugh escaped her lips, "Haha, I won!" The eagle, previously injured by Micah, let out a piercing cry. It retaliated by pecking at Micah''s hand, but he was quick to react. His grip tightened around the bird''s neck, threatening to end its life in the next moment. "No..." Sadie''s plea was desperate, her voice echoing in the quiet street. Micah''s movement stilled, and he released his hold on the bird. The eagle, now free, fluttered its wings weakly and sought refuge on Sadie''s shoulder, its previous arrogance nowhere to be seen.


    Sadie''s fingers gently traced the bird''s neck, her heart sinking at the sight of the missing tuft of feathers and the injured wing. Anger red within her as she turned to Micah, "You have no manners, Micah!"


    "I spared its life, which is already kind enough," Micah retorted, his tone nonchnt. He produced a handkerchief from his pocket, dabbing at the blood on the back of his hand with a calm demeanor.


    Sadie was at a loss for words. She had initiated the encounter, and her pet had attacked first. Given Micah''s temperament, sparing Coco''s life was indeed an act of kindness.


    Micah''s warning was clear. "I let you off this time, but you won''t be so lucky next time." He cast a lingering nce at Sadie before turning away, rejoining Andrew and the others.


    Sadie watched his retreating figure, her fingers gently stroked Coco''s wings.


    Annika and the others, rushed over, their faces filled with concern. "That man has no manners, actually fighting with a pet," Annika voiced her indignation.


    Sadie smirked. "If he didn''t fight back, he would be the one who got hurt. Coco is not an ordinary pet!"


    Annika and Arya nodded in agreement, understanding the truth in her words.


    Meanwhile, Micah''spanions were not satisfied with the oue. "Mr. Clemens, is that all you''re going to do?" Andrew questioned, his toneced with disappointment. "Those women are really good at ying dirty, aren''t they?" Micah''s response was cold. "What else can we do, resort to violence?" Andrew and n fell silent, knowing they could never stoop to such a level.


    Back in the room, Andrew immediately fetched the first aid kit to tend to Micah''s hand. Thankfully, Micah''s quick reflexes had saved him from a more severe injury. "I''ve heard that Tristan likes to raise fierce beasts, and it seems to be true," Andrew mused, his brow furrowed in thought. "This eagle must be the one he gave to Miss Roth, no, Miss James."


    Micah warned hispanions, "This eagle is untamed and extremely brutal. You all need to be careful!" Andrew sighed. "Miss Roth is really amazing. She used to have a pet tiger-striped parrot, and now she even has an eagle! She has changed like apletely different person!"


    n found it hard to believe. "Is that really Miss Roth? She used to be so gentle, so timid, even trembled at the sight of a fight. How did she be so terrifying now?"


    Andrew cryptically reminded them, "When a woman turns ruthless, she''s even more brutal than an eagle. Remember, stay away from women in the future!"


    n nodded in agreement, his previous encounters with the female bodyguards of the James family had left asting impression. He now viewed women as terrifying as eagles, creatures to be kept at a distance...

 Chapter 707 Hero Saves the Beauty

    Micah was attentively tending to a wound when the piercing cry of an eagle abruptly filled the air. A swift shadow darted across the balcony, ascending into the sky with an air of defiance.


    Andrew, startled by the suddenmotion, rushed over to investigate.


    On the neighboring balcony, Annika was anxiously shouting at the sky, her voice filled with desperation. "Coco,e back!" she pleaded. But the eagle, indifferent to her pleas, continued its flight, disappearing into the distance. "Oh no!" Annika eximed, quickly retreating inside to report the incident. "Miss James, Coco flew away, and we couldn''t stop it."


    Sadie''s angry voice echoed in response, "Useless! Go find it."


    "Yes!" Annika promptly responded, leading the caregivers on a mission to retrieve the rogue eagle.


    Andrew, having observed the unfolding chaos from the balcony, returned to the room. He curiously asked Micah, "Mr. Clemens, did you scare the eagle away?"


    "I didn''t use much force," Micah replied calmly, "otherwise, its neck would have snapped."


    "I see..." Andrew nodded, "But that eagle is quite formidable; it even injured your hand."


    "It''s not fully tamed yet, with a strong instinct for prey," Micah said, finishing the treatment of his wound and rolling down his shirt sleeves. "If it had been someone else in front of it, the consequences would have been dire." "Yes, fortunately, you are agile; otherwise, it would have been a disaster," Andrew said, still shaken by the thought.


    "Mr. Clemens," n hurriedly reported, "The people next door have all gone out to search for the eagle, including Miss Roth, I mean, Miss James."


    "Let them be..."


    Before Andrew could finish his sentence, Micah stood up and walked briskly toward the balcony.


    Sadie, now dressed in a more casual outfit and apanied by a female bodyguard, was about to get into the car when Micah''s voice echoed from the second-floor balcony of the vi, "Hey!" Sadie instinctively turned around. "What is it?"


    "Are you going to look for that eagle?" Micah casually leaned on the railing, "Be careful not to get pecked by it!"


    "How is that possible? It''s my pet," Sadie retorted coldly, "If it weren''t for you scaring it, how could it have flown away?"


    With that, she got into the car directly, leaving Micah watching her retreating figure. His gaze then shifted to the nearby jungle, his brow furrowing involuntarily.


    The sound of a car engine signaled Sadie''s departure.


    "Prepare the car," Micahmanded, donning his coat and hurrying downstairs.


    "What''s going on?" Andrew asked quickly. "Are you going to help them find the eagle? It''s not necessary; it''s their pet, and it wille back soon."


    "You talk too much!" Micah red at him, effectively silencing him.


    n had already prepared the car, and they apanied Micah in pursuit of Sadie.


    Micah first searched the map of the Noble Summit estate on his phone, then opened the car window to observe the surroundings. He ordered n to drive south, where he suspected the eagle had headed.


    As they arrived, the cries of the eagle and the screams of women filled the air. The group quickly disembarked from the car and rushed over.


    The eagle was in a frenzy, darting around in the sky above the jungle and asionally attacking people. The female bodyguards were in a state of panic, dodging the bird''s erratic movements.


    Sadie whistled at the eagle, attempting to calm it down, but the eagle ignored hermands, continuing to circle menacingly above her head.


    In her desperation, Sadie reached out to grab it...


    "Be careful!" Micah warned, rushing forward.


    The eagle seized Sadie''s hand with its ws and aimed its sharp beak at her eyes. In the nick of time, a strong hand firmly grasped the eagle''s neck. The pet immediately turned around and attacked Micah, who reacted swiftly,nding a punch. With a muffled sound, the eagle collided with a tree and then fell softly into the bushes, motionless.


    "Coco!" Sadie rushed over, picking up the eagle. She was relieved to see that it was not in any danger...

 Chapter 708 Not to Be Eaten by Me

    "Are you alright?" Micah''s voice cut through the tension as he moved to assist Sadie. She was still reeling from the unexpected incident, her face a mask of confusion and concern. "Coco is usually very well-behaved; it has never been like this before," Sadie frowned and said, "It must be your presence that startled him."


    Micah looked at her, disbelief etched on his face. "I save you from harm, and you respond with usations? What kind of twisted logic is that?"


    Sadie''s face contorted with anger. "Had you not been here, none of this would have happened!"


    Micah was momentarily taken aback by her outburst but quickly regained hisposure. He moved closer to inspect the scene, swiftly identifying the cause of the issue.


    "This is a Hignd Harrier, a notoriously aggressive breed of eagle," he exined. "Despite its seemingly docile demeanor, the sight of human blood triggers its predatory instincts."


    Sadie''s eyes widened in realization. "Yes, my brother warned me about exposing it to human blood," she said, a note of regret in her voice. "It must have tasted your blood when it pecked you, causing it to go berserk."


    Micah shot her a pointed look. "Had I not intervened, you could have lost an eye. Go home and tend to your wound. Make sure it doesn''t get infected." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away. Sadie looked down at her hand, her heart sinking as she noticed the deep scratches left by Coco.


    "Miss James!" Annika rushed over, her face filled with concern. "Are you alright?"


    "I need to take Coco home," Sadie replied. As she spoke, the sound of a car echoed in the distance, signaling Micah''s departure.


    Inside the car, Micah found his gaze lingering on Sadie. He was worried about her, but he kept his feelings in check, knowing that some things required patience.


    "Miss James certainly has a fiery temper," Andrew remarked, breaking the silence. "You went out of your way to help her, and she repaid you with usations."


    n chimed in, "She''s nothing like Miss Roth. The old Sadie was much gentler."


    Micah couldn''t help but smile at the memory of Sadie''s tantrums. "Her fiery spirit remains the same, though," he said, a hint of fondness in his voice. Suddenly, he instructed the driver to slow down. Meanwhile, Sadie and herpanions were also on their way to the hot spring vi.


    The jungle road was aplex maze, and they relied heavily on the signal for navigation.


    Arya, who was driving, was on the verge of losing her bearings when she spotted the Clemens family''s car ahead. They followed it and managed to navigate their way out of the jungle.


    Back at the hot spring hotel, Micah was freshening up when his phone rang. "It''s two in the morning. Why aren''t you resting?" he answered, his toneced with irritation.


    "E''s had an ident. You need toe to the hospital immediately," came the urgent voice of Mr. Clemens Senior.


    Micah''s heart skipped a beat. "What happened?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.


    "She was in a car ident and is currently in the ER," Mr. Clemens Senior replied, his voice shaking with anxiety. "She''s been waiting for you all night. The ident happened on her way home, and we, the Clemens family, are responsible. Please hurry."


    "Okay," Micah responded curtly, ending the call. He quickly instructed Andrew to prepare the car for the hospital trip.


    As Micah was heading downstairs, he crossed paths with Sadie and her group, who were also preparing to leave.


    "Mr. Clemens, what a coincidence," Sadie greeted him, her voice light. She was dressed in afortable long dress, her hair cascading down her back, giving her an approachable aura. "Leaving so soon, troublemaker?" Micah teased, a yful glint in his eyes.


    Sadie raised an eyebrow and shed him a smile. "There''s a wild beast living next door. How can I sleep? It''s better to leave early."


    Micah leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "So, you do know I''m a wild beast," he said, his lips brushing against her cheek. "Be careful, or I might just devour you!"

 Chapter 709 Navigating the Crisis

    Sadie''sughter echoed as she slid into the car. "But you have to be able to stomach it!" she teased, rolling down the window and leaning against it with anguid grace. "By the way, thank you for today."


    Micah watched her with a steady gaze, his eyes lingering on her bandaged hand. "It seems you''ve finally found your conscience," he remarked dryly. "Just remember to disinfect that wound, or it will be infected." "I got it," Sadie replied, raising her hand with a smile that was both yful and defiant. "I still need this hand to deal with you, after all. I won''t let it get hurt."


    "That''s good to hear," Micah responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he climbed into his own car.


    The two vehicles pulled away simultaneously, driving side by side.


    n and Arya locked eyes, theirpetitive spirits ring as they elerated in unison. In the backseat of their respective cars, Micah and Sadie shared a knowing smile, their windows closing in perfect sync as they silently bid each other, ''Until we meet again!''


    By the time Micah reached the hospital, the clock had already ticked past 3:30 a.m. As his entourage disembarked from their vehicles, they found Ss waiting at the entrance.


    "Ss, why are you here at this hour?" Andrew asked, his voiceced with concern.


    "Miss E had an ident and is still in the emergency room. Mr. Clemens Senior is quite worried, so naturally, I apanied him," Ss exined. "Nelson is currently en route back to the country. He''s not expected to arrive until dawn." Micah frowned, confusion creasing his brow. "How did E, who was perfectly fine, end up in an ident? Was she being chauffeured by someone from the Clemens family?"


    "No, it was the Livingston family''s bodyguard," Ss replied.


    "And the driver?" Micah pressed.


    "He''s also in the emergency room," Ss said, his expression grave. "His injuries are more severe than hers." Micah''s frown deepened as they walked towards the hospital. "What kind of vehicle did they collide with?"


    "The details are still unclear. The traffic department is investigating, but the other party has already fled the scene."


    Upon reaching the emergency room, they found Mr. Clemens Senior slumped in a wheelchair, his head nodding with exhaustion. Micah removed his coat and draped it over the older man, who jolted awake with a start. "Why did you take so long to arrive?" he demanded.


    "I rushed over from Noble Summit. It takes time," Micah exined patiently. "You should return home and rest. I''ll take care of things here."


    "I''ll wait for the results," Mr. Clemens Senior insisted, his expression resolute. "E has been taking care of me for the past two years. She''s a good, kind-hearted girl. With her father absent, we can''t simply abandon her."


    "I understand," Micah nodded. He appreciated E''s skills in therapy and her dedication to Mr. Clemens Senior''s care over the past two years. She had provided various acupuncture treatments that had significantly improved his health. When Mia had fallen ill, E had also taken care of her day and night. Although Micah harbored no romantic feelings for E, he felt a profound sense of gratitude towards her.


    "It''s good that you understand. One must have a conscience," Mr. Clemens Senior sighed deeply.


    "Go and rest for now. I''ll call you when the results are out," Micah assured him. At his signal, Ss wheeled Mr. Clemens Senior away.


    Micah settled outside the emergency room, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts as he waited. Andrew went to gather more information and soon returned with a report. "The police believe that the other party''s car deliberately collided with Miss E''s, causing it to overturn. They''re still investigating the details."


    "Instruct them to expedite the investigation and keep me updated," Micah ordered.


    "I''ve already done so," Andrew replied.


    Just then, the door to the emergency room swung open, and a doctor emerged. "The patient has passed the critical period," he announced.


    Micah exhaled a sigh of relief. "That''s good..." He turned to Andrew. "You stay here; I''ll go find Grandpa."


    With the good news, Mr. Clemens Senior finally rxed. Micah offered to escort him home to rest, but the older man insisted on staying at the hospital to care for E. Unable to dissuade him, Micah resigned himself to staying, instructing Andrew to take the others home.


    Not long after Mr. Clemens Senior''s departure, Nelson arrived. He rushed to the emergency room, his relief palpable when he learned that his daughter had survived through the critical period.

 Chapter 710 Scared

    Micah cast a fleeting nce at his wristwatch, turning to address Nelson. "Mr. Lingston, I''m heading back now. I have an important meeting in the morning." "All right, take care," Nelson politely replied.


    With a curt nod and a brisk farewell, Micah made his exit, leaving Nelson alone with his thoughts. As he watched Micah''s retreating figure, Nelson''s expression darkened gradually, a gloom settling over his features.


    "Mr. Clemens is pushing the boundaries, isn''t he?" an attendant remarked with a hint of indignation. "He leaves as soon as we arrive, treating the visit as a mere formality. Miss E is in such pain, and he doesn''t even bother to feign concern." Nelson sighed deeply, his heart heavy with regret. "E is deeply in love with him, but it''s such a shame... Amelia''s fiery spirit can somewhat justify being left behind, but E is gentle and kind. Why should she suffer such a fate?" "Miss E is just too gentle and kind. That won''t keep a man," the attendantmented. "I think you should intervene, help Miss E secure a ce in the Clemens family."


    Nelson''s response was stern, his voice firm. "How can I interfere in such personal matters? Let''s drop the subject for now. My only hope is for E''s swift recovery."


    Meanwhile, Micah rushed back to his residence, quickly showering and changing his attire, readying himself for the day at thepany. As he was about to leave, he crossed paths with Mr. Clemens Senior, who was preparing to take the children to school.


    "Why are you back, Micah? Weren''t you at the hospital?" Mr. Clemens Senior asked, surprise etched on his face.


    "E is past the critical stage, and Mr. Lingston is present at the hospital," Micah replied, buttoning his suit as he prepared to leave. "I have pressing matters to attend to at thepany."


    Mr. Clemens Senior was on the verge of expressing his anger, but the presence of the children forced him to suppress his emotions. "Goodbye, Dad!" the three children chorused, waving their small hands at Micah.


    "Be good," Micah responded, squatting down to embrace them. "Once these busy days are over, Dad will take you all out to sea."


    The children, obedient as always, hugged Micah before climbing into the car.


    Mr. Clemens Senior pulled Micah aside, his voiceced with anger. "What''s going on with you? E is still in the hospital; why are you here?"


    "E is out of danger. The doctors are in control now, and there''s nothing more I can do there," Micah responded nonchntly.


    Before Mr. Clemens Senior could respond, Micah cut him off. "I have an urgent matter to attend to, so I must leave." With that, he quickly climbed into his car and drove off.


    Mr. Clemens Senior was left fuming, but he refused to lose his temper in front of the children. He swallowed his anger and let the matter rest.


    "Great-Grandpa, what''s wrong?" Mia asked, noticing Mr. Clemens Senior''s sour expression. She walked over tofort him, clutching her white alpaca toy.


    "Did Dad upset you? I''ll talk to himter," Mia said.


    "Mia, you''re such a sweetheart!" Mr. Clemens Senior''s mood lifted slightly at the sight of his great-grandchildren. "You three always make me happy." "Great-Grandpa, what did Dad do to make you angry?" Nathan asked, tilting his head in curiosity.


    "It''s nothing," Mr. Clemens Senior quickly changed the subject. "How are you all adjusting to the new school? How are your rtionships with your teachers and ssmates?"


    "It''s great! I''ve made many new friends..."


    "My desk mate is a mixed-race..."


    The two children excitedly began sharing their school experiences, their voices filled with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Noah sat engrossed in his tablet, his robotic pigeon capturing footage of the mountainousndscape. He nned to retrieve the pigeonter that night and make some improvements.


    Suddenly, a silver Rolls-Royce drove by, and an eagle''s cry echoed from the car.


    Coco trembled in fear, its body shaking uncontrobly.

 Chapter 711 The Raising of an Eagle

    A gentle warmth began to trickle down from the crown of Noah''s head, eliciting a shudder from him as he nced upwards.


    "Nathan gasped, pointing at the source of the warmth. "Oh dear, Coco pooped on Noah''s head!"


    Mia''s hand flew to her eyes, shielding them from the sight. "How utterly revolting!" she eximed.


    Noah''splexion took on a sickly green hue, a vein throbbing visibly on his forehead. His teeth ground together in anger as he bellowed, "Coco!"


    In response, Coco hastily fluttered over to the safety of the sofa, casting a fearful nce at Noah. "Scared, scared," it whimpered pitifully.


    "You pooped on my head and you''re the one who''s scared?" Noah''s face flushed a deep crimson with indignation.


    "Noah, Coco was likely startled by the noise just now. Try not to be too upset," Mr. Clemens Senior advised gently. "Go clean yourself up."


    At his signal, a maid swiftly guided Noah away to wash his hair.


    Thankfully, they had opted to travel in the nanny car that day, a vehicle well-stocked with all necessary amenities.


    "Coco,e here," Mia beckoned, extending her arm towards the bird. Coco immediately flew into her embrace, nuzzling its fluffy head against Mia''s cheek in a bid to win her over.


    "Promise not to defecate on anyone''s head next time, alright?" Mia instructed patiently. "Noah loves cleanliness, and he''ll get angry if you repeat this."


    "Scared, scared," Coco repeated, its voice trembling.


    "What was that noise earlier? It frightened me as well," Nathan inquired curiously. "It sounded like a wild beast."


    Ss pondered for a moment before responding, "It bore some resemnce to a bird of prey. Although the mountains are teeming with a variety of creatures, it''s unlikely to have been an eagle!"


    "That sound originated from that car earlier," Mr. Clemens Senior, despite his advanced age, observed astutely. "Could it be a domesticated creature?"


    "Who would domesticate an eagle?" Ss frowned. "Wait, there have been rumors about Tristan''s fondness for exotic pets. We''ve suspected that the inhabitants of the mountain''s midpoint are from the James family, and this seems to confirm it."


    "Have Rn look into it," Mr. Clemens Senior ordered, his expression grave. "I won''t tolerate any threat to my family from those savages."


    "Understood," Ss acknowledged, preparing to ry themand.


    Meanwhile, Noah had finished washing his hair and was now blow-drying it. He scrutinized his reflection in the mirror. Despite the absence of any visible stains, he felt a lingering difort, as if a foul odor clung to his scalp. "Noah, don''t worry, it''s already clean," Mr. Clemens Senior reassured him.


    "I''m not going to school," Noah dered, his brow furrowed in distaste. The thought of attending school with a potentially malodorous head was unbearable. "I''lle back with youter."


    "All right." Mr. Clemens Senior knew that Noah, like Micah, had a severe obsession with cleanliness. He knew that unless Noah thoroughly cleaned himself, he would remain uneasy for the remainder of the day.


    Noah resumed his position on the sofa, his attention returning to theputer. He had overheard the conversation between Mr. Clemens Senior and Ss, and he was curious to ascertain whether the noise he had heard earlier was indeed an eagle.


    He activated the tracking system and quickly located the silver Rolls-Royce, dispatching his mechanical pigeon to tail it.


    The car had already reached the northern vi greenway and hade to a halt outside a vi. Two young girls alighted from the car, opened the trunk, and retrieved an iron cage. Inside the cage was a formidable eagle! A sudden screech from theputer startled everyone in the car.


    Coco, its wings pping wildly, sought refuge in Mia''s arms, its cries echoing its fear.


    Mia huddled against the edge of the sofa, her face drained of color.


    "Don''t be scared; it''s just a sound from myputer," Noah reassured them.


    "What''s going on?" Mr. Clemens Senior asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    "I dispatched my mechanical pigeons to investigate the northern vi, and they discovered an eagle!" Noah exined.


    As Noah nced back at the screen, he saw that the cage had already been transported into the vi.

 Chapter 712 Big Pets, Small Pets

    "This is outrageous!" Mr. Clemens Senior erupted, his voice thick with indignation. "What kind of people are they? How dare they keep eagles as pets? Do they believe they can control such creatures?" "That''s right," Ss echoed, his disbelief mirroring that of his elder. "I shall ry this information to Micah. He will handle the situation ordingly."


    Mr. Clemens Senior, however, was not yet satisfied. "Noah, give it another look. Who lives in the vi to the north?" He was eager to confirm if the residents were members of the notorious James family. Noah peered at theputer screen once more. "It appears to be a group of young women..." His voice trailed off as he noticed a figure ring directly into the lens of the mechanical pigeon''s camera.


    Caught off guard, Noah attempted to redirect the pigeon, but it was toote. A gunshot rang out, and theputer screen was instantly transformed into a chaotic mess of white static, punctuated by the harsh crackle of electronic interference.


    "My pigeon!" Noah leapt to his feet, his small hands balled into tight fists, his face flushed with rage.


    "What''s the matter?" Mr. Clemens Senior asked, concern etched on his face.


    "Some scoundrel has destroyed my mechanical pigeon," Noah replied, his voice a shout of fury. "This is an outrage!"


    Mr. Clemens Senior''s brow furrowed in displeasure. "This is intolerable! They dare to destroy my great-grandson''s invention!"


    Mr. Clemens Sr. turned to Ss andmanded, "Send someone over immediately. We must show them we are not to be trifled with!"


    "Right away, sir." Ss was quick to respond, dialing a number and issuing instructions. "Inform them that their ferocious pets have frightened our family''s young heirs. Moreover, they have damaged Noah''s invention, and we demand an apology from the owner."


    After ending the call, Ss turned to Mr. Clemens Senior. "Will this course of action suffice?"


    Mr. Clemens Senior nced at Noah. This was an opportunity to strengthen their bond. If someone had wronged his great-grandson, it was his duty to defend him. "What are your thoughts, Noah?"


    Noah frowned, his anger still palpable. "While I admit that using the mechanical pigeon to spy on them was wrong, they had no right to destroy it. Couldn''t they havemunicated their displeasure instead?"


    Ss nodded in agreement. "You''re absolutely correct, Mr. Noah."


    "Noah is right," Mr. Clemens Senior affirmed. "Furthermore, keeping eagles as pets is illegal in this country. Just the sound of one today frightened Coco. What if one of these creatures were to crash into something next time? Or worse, what if one were to attack Coco?"


    Coco, visibly shaken, burrowed deeper into Mia''s arms, trembling uncontrobly as if an eagle was indeed about to swoop down on it. "Exactly!" Nathan chimed in, his small fists clenched in righteous indignation. "Although I am skilled in martial arts, I''ve never battled an eagle." Mia, on the verge of tears, whimpered in fear.


    "Nathan patted her head reassuringly. "Don''t worry, Mia. I''ll protect you."


    Mr. Clemens Senior nodded his agreement. "Rest assured, I will handle this matter and ensure your safety!"


    "Thank you, Great-Grandpa," Mia and Nathan chorused, throwing themselves into Mr. Clemens Senior''s arms in a disy of affection. Noah, too, expressed his gratitude, and the longstanding distance between the two generations seemed to lessen that day.


    "I''ll contact Micah and inform him of the situation," Ss dered, stepping aside to make the call.


    "Micah," Ss began once the call was answered. "I''ve just spoken with Rn about the situation at Half Mountain North. You''re aware of it, correct?"


    "I am," Micah replied. "I''ll handle it."


    "Very well," Ss continued. "However, Noah''s mechanical pigeon was destroyed again. He''s quite upset, and Mr. Clemens Sr. has decided to intervene personally..." "No, please don''t!" Micah interjected hastily.


    "Pardon?" Ss was taken aback.


    "It''s a minor issue, and I can handle it. There''s no need to involve the old man," Micah quickly exined. "At his age, it''s unseemly to engage in a dispute over a children''s matter." "I think so too..." Ss murmured, covering his mouth as he whispered, "But I''m unable to dissuade him."

 Chapter 713 The Couple in Love

    "I''ll ask Rn to go over and negotiate first, let them take a good look at that eagle, and handle other matters when I get back. But make sure he doesn''t personally go and teach them a lesson!" Micah wanted Mr. Clemens Senior to avoid seeing Sadie, as that would cause trouble.


    "I understand," Ss responded, just as he hung up the phone. Mr. Clemens Senior asked, "What''s the situation? Have you sent someone over yet?"


    "Micah has sent Rn and his team to negotiate. It will take some time, so there''s no need for concern," Ss assured him, wary of inciting any trouble. Whenever Mr. Clemens Senior interacted with his great-grandchildren, he reverted to a childlike state. This wasrgely due to his immobility. If he were able, he would likely be itching to charge into the fray himself.


    "Very well," Mr. Clemens Senior nodded, turning tofort Noah, "Don''t worry, I will stand up for you today."


    Ss watched the scene unfold, noting to himself, ''Mr. Clemens Senior has always beenmitted. When has he ever exerted such effort to appease someone? As he ages, he''s investing more and more energy into these three children. Now, he''s working diligently to mend his rtionship with Noah. It''s a truebor of love.''


    "Mr. Clemens, you''re truly pulling out all the stops!" Andrew eximed, "You''re not only trying to win back Miss Roth, but you''re also keeping it a secret from Mr. Clemens Sr. The irony is that Miss Roth has relocated to the north of the mountain and is now our neighbor. They cross paths daily, so a meeting is inevitable!"


    "We must ensure Grandpa returns to E country soon," Micah expressed his concern.


    "This time, Mr. Clemens Senior used the excuse of the children''s enrollment to return, but his true intention was to improve his rtionship with them. He also wanted to supervise the progress of your rtionship with Miss E," Andrew added weakly. "I don''t think he will leave easily."


    "You''ve reminded me..." Micah suddenly realized. "Set aside some time tonight, we need to visit the hospital."


    "Understood," Andrew nodded.


    Just then, Micah''s phone rang. He answered, "Hello!"


    "Mr. Clemens, Louis has arrived at the airport. Mr. Wood and I are waiting here, but..." Chloe''s voice trailed off as she covered the receiver and whispered, "I''ve spotted members of the James family."


    "They really are everywhere," Micah smirked. "Did Sadie show up?"


    "I don''t think I saw her..." Chloe began, but was quickly interrupted. "Wait, I see her now! She just arrived!"


    Micah''s brow furrowed. "I''m on my way!"


    "Okay, hurry!" Chloe urged.


    After hanging up, Micah gestured to Andrew, who understood hismand. "To the airport!" Micah ordered.


    "Yes," Andrew confirmed.


    Louis, a long-time client of the VIC Group from France, was also a close friend of Micah''s. They had coborated happily for many years.


    This time, Louis had arrived in Newark to discuss a crucial project with Micah, a project of significant value. However, to Micah''s surprise, members of the James family had made their move even before Louis had reached the airport. Having lost several projects to the VIC Group in the past, Micah was determined to prevent them from gaining the upper hand this time.


    This wasn''t just about thepany''s interests, but also about personal dignity. Micah was intent on putting a stop to Sadie''s actions.


    n skillfully navigated through the traffic, reaching the airport in record time.


    Micah quickly led his team towards the exit, spotting Louis and his team emerging from a special channel in the distance.


    Louis was strikingly handsome, with a wless face reminiscent of a prince from a European legend. His noble, ice-blue eyes were captivating, and he had a deep passion for music. As a world-renowned pianist, he had made significant contributions to the arts.


    "Mr. Clemens, over here!" Chloe called out, hurrying to greet him. "Mr. Wood knew you wereing, so he left earlier. The James family is waiting at the exit."


    "All right." Just as Micah was about to quicken his pace to greet Louis, a pleasant voice suddenly echoed through the air...


    "Louis!"

 Chapter 714 Mr. Clemens Gets Jealous

    "Sadie!"


    The name escaped Louis'' lips as his gaze swept past Micah and found Sadie, a spark of unexpected delight lighting up his eyes. Without hesitation, he took a step forward, pulling Sadie into an intimate embrace.


    She did not resist, nor did she refuse. Instead, she nestled into Louis, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle, painting a picture of a couple deeply in love.


    Micah watched the scene unfold, a furrow forming between his brows as he stared at them coldly. Unconsciously, his hands clenched into fists, the knuckles turning white under the strain.


    "What''s going on?" Andrew''s eyes widened in astonishment. "Does Louis know Miss James?"


    "They''re probably more than just acquaintances..." n''s voice wasced with a meaningful tone, suggesting a deeper connection.


    Shaking off his initial shock, Micah quicklyposed himself and strode over. "Louis!" He called out, his voice echoing in the room. Louis released Sadie, but his arm still lingered around her shoulder. He turned around, a beaming smile on his face as he greeted Micah in French. "Micah, let me introduce you. This is my good friend, Sadie!"


    "When did you be friends?" Micah''s question was directed at Louis, but his gaze was fixed on Sadie.


    "We''ve known each other for two years..." Louis'' eyes met Sadie''s as he shed her a charming smile. "Sadie, this is the good friend I mentioned to you, Micah!"


    "We''ve known each other for a while." Sadie''s voice was soft as she nestled further into Louis'' embrace, looking petite and lovely. "Mr. Clemens and I just met yesterday!"


    "Oh, really?" Louis'' surprise was evident. "How did you two meet?"


    "We met through work..." Sadie''s French was fluent, a stark contrast to the Sadie from two years ago, whose English needed to be clearer.


    "Louis, it seems you don''t know her well." Micah''s gaze bore into Sadie as he spoke, his tone straightforward. "She is the second shareholder of the James family, Tristan''s sister!"


    "What?" Louis'' shock was palpable, his hand recoiling from Sadie''s shoulder. "You''re Tristan''s sister??" He echoed Micah''s words, disbelief etched on his face.


    "Yes." Sadie''s smile was bright as she confirmed her identity. "I did mention that I had a secret to tell you the next time we met!"


    "But..." Louis was at a loss for words, a mix of emotions ying across his face. He had his share of unpleasant experiences with Tristan and had kept his distance from him. The revtion that Sadie was Tristan''s sister was something he had not anticipated.


    "What? Just because I''m Tristan''s sister, you don''t want to be friends with me?" Sadie''s question wasced with a hint of doubt, her smile never wavering.


    "No, it''s not that..." Louis quickly shook his head, struggling to find the right words. "I said we would be forever friends; it''s just..."


    "All right, I won''t interrupt your work." Sadie cut him off, her gaze lingering on Micah for a moment before she turned to leave.


    "Sadie..." Louis'' voice trailed off as he watched her retreating figure. Sadie turned back, leaving him with a charming smile before disappearing from sight.


    "All right, she''s gone." Micah''s tone was slightly sour, a hint of displeasure creeping into his voice.


    "I never expected that Sadie would be Tristan''s sister!" Louis echoed Micah''s sentiment, his moodplicated.


    "You knew her, and yet you didn''t know her identity?" Micah''s question hung in the air as he pulled Louis along, their footsteps echoing in the room. "How did you two meet?"


    "I met her two years ago at a banquet. She yed the piano exceptionally well, and I was instantly captivated..." Louis'' voice trailed off as he recalled the memory. "At that time, she was on stage ying the piano, and the music sheet was missing a page. I went up on stage to help her out..."


    He added, "By the way, you were also there at that banquet. It seems like you were the host at the Noble Summit Manor." Louis'' voice was filled with nostalgia, the memory of that night still vivid in his mind.


    "Two years ago..." Micah''s voice was soft as he remembered the banquet. He and Amelia had coborated on a project and held a dinner at the Noble Summit. Sadie had reced Serena on stage to perform, and indeed, Louis had gone up to help her. If only he had cut off his feelings back then, he would not bepeting with him for a woman two yearster!

 Chapter 715 Pulling Down the Rival 1

    "How did you recognize her when she was wearing a mask?" Micah asked, puzzled.


    "Her eyes... they''re distinctive," Louis mused, a unique sparkle dancing in his icy-blue gaze. "In truth, I noticed her even before she yed the piano. As she alighted from the car, she was a radiant spectacle. I was so captivated that I captured her image..."


    His words trailed off as he reached into his wallet, producing a photograph of Sadie from two years prior. In the picture, Sadie was adorned in a provocative evening gown, a result of Amelia''s persuasion. The evening zephyr toyed with the hem of her dress, and she instinctively held it down. Her stance was enticing, her countenance a blend of innocence and allure. It was then that Louis had stealthily taken the photograph.


    Micah studied the image, his brow creasing further. He hadn''t anticipated his past unknowingly intertwining with Louis and Sadie at that banquet two years ago.


    "Sheter took the stage, her face concealed by a mask, but her eyes were unmistakable," Louis stated, a hint of smugness in his voice. "To verify my suspicion, I trailed her backstage post-performance and witnessed her unmask herself..." "You have a sharp eye," Micah interjected, unwilling to entertain more of Louis''s tale.


    "What''s strange is that I met her at the Paris Royal Theatreter, and she didn''t remember any of those things..." Louis continued, lost in his thoughts. "I showed her the photo, but she insisted it wasn''t her." "Perhaps she''s reluctant to confront her past," Micah suggested nonchntly.


    "No, that''s not the case," Louis countered, shaking his head. "She suffered a severe illness and lost her memory!"


    Micah halted abruptly. "Is that the truth?"


    "Yes," Louis confirmed. "Her condition hasn''t fully improved. She''s reliant on daily medication. Her childhood memories are intact, but her adult life is a nk te..."


    Upon hearing this revtion, Micah''s expression turned grave, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. If Louis''s im was urate, then Sadie genuinely had no recollection of him or any other acquaintances. Had she forgotten her own children?


    A sudden realization struck Micah. Sadie, who adored her children, had not visited hers since her return and hadn''t even mentioned them. Moreover, she had remained silent about Brenda''s tragic demise. If it wasn''t amnesia, what else could exin her behavior? Had Tristan manipted her into returning, exploiting her amnesia?


    "Micah, Micah..." Louis''s voice jolted Micah from his reverie.


    Regaining hisposure, Micah responded, "Let''s head to the hotel so you can rest."


    "You seem distracted. Is something amiss?" Louis asked, puzzled.


    "I didn''t sleep well," Micah replied, then added, "She''s aplex puzzle. It would be wise to maintain your distance."


    "I don''t see her asplicated. I find her mysterious," Louis disagreed, still full of expectations.


    "I bumped into herst year at the Royal Music Concert in Francest year. I confessed my feelings then, pursuing her relentlessly. However, she gently rebuffed me, suggesting we remain friends... I had resigned myself to this fate, but her recent warmth has rekindled a glimmer of hope."


    "That''s her way of seducing men!" Micah said coldly. "In contemporary terms, it''s all a charade!"


    "Regardless, she''s a toxic temptation. Keep your distance," Micah advised sternly. "Newark is teeming with beautiful, innocent girls. I''ll introduce you to some tonight."


    "I''m not that type of man!" Louis rejected firmly. "We French are known for our passion and loyalty."


    At 10.00 p.m., Louis followed Micah to the Night Club. As he took in the vibrant lights and the bevy of beautiful women, his eyes sparkled with excitement. "I never knew such an entertaining ce existed!"

 Chapter 716 Pulling Down the Rival 2

    Micah''s eyebrow arched in a yful manner as he announced, "The real fun is yet to begin." He paused, a smirk ying on his lips. "By the time you leave tonight, you''ll no longer see that woman as anything extraordinary." "Sadie, you mean?" Louis'' mind was immediately filled with thoughts of her, guilt gnawing at his conscience. "I still think she''s great. If she knew I was here, she would be upset. Forget it, I should go back..."


    He began to turn away, but his departure was interrupted.


    A stunning woman, adorned in a sexy cat-themed outfit, collided with him. Her lips, painted a vibrant red, parted slightly as she spoke, her breath carrying the sweet scent of orchids. "Where are you off to, handsome?" she asked. Louis'' eyes widened in surprise, his gaze involuntarily trailing from her elegant corbone down to her generous cleavage. A slow trickle of blood seeped from his nose.


    The cat-costumed woman covered her mouth, a giggle escaping her lips. "Feeling a little overheated, are we? Have some chilled wine to cool down." She beckoned herpanions and guided Louis into Micah''s private quarters. Andrew sighed, watching the scene unfold. "Louis reminds me of my first time at the Night Club," he mused, "So shy, so timid, so out of ce... and then you dragged me into it." He shot Micah a resentful look, adding, "Now you''re unfazed by everything!"


    Micah smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Isn''t that a good thing? You''ve built up immunity. Despite frequenting this ce, you''ve managed to maintain your innocence. That''s quite an achievement!"


    Andrew''s face flushed with embarrassment at Micah''s words. "Mr. Clemens, how could you..." he stammered, but Micah merely smirked and confidently strode into the private room.


    n, who had been observing the exchange, turned to Andrew. "Are you really innocent?" n asked curiously.


    "Shut up!" Andrew retorted, a sneer ying on his lips. "You''re so young, yet you gossip like an olddy!" He watched as Andrew disappeared into the private room, skillfully sidestepping two bunny-costumed girls without so much as a flinch. n admired Andrew, who had unknowingly be a role model in his heart. He silently vowed to maintain his own purity and innocence.


    The VIP room was a den of decadence and indulgence. Women dressed as cats, foxes, and bunnies, along with mature women in seductive red dresses, filled the room. Every imaginable style was represented.


    Louis found himself lost in this dark paradise, surrounded by a bevy of beauties who plied him with wine and grapes. The scene was so alluring that Andrew dared not look directly at it.


    Louis was a prisoner, teetering on the edge of morality and desire. His hands clenched the leather of the sofa, his nails digging in as he wrestled with his internal conflict.


    "Stop crowding me, get off..." he stammered.


    "Hey, don''t unbuckle my belt!!!


    "Don''t touch my thigh!!!


    "Ah!!! Don''t sit on me...


    "Micah, help me, save me!"


    His pleas were desperate, reflecting his inner turmoil and physical struggle. With tear-filled eyes, Louis sought help from Micah, who stifled augh and gestured with a wave of his hand. His ice-blue eyes were misted over with amusement. At his signal, Andrew, n, and the others dispersed the group of women, and the room fell silent once more.


    Louis slumped on the sofa, wiping the sweat from his forehead and taking deep breaths in an attempt to regain hisposure.


    "Are you okay?" Micah asked, an eyebrow raised at Louis'' uncontroble reaction.


    "I-I''m fine," Louis stammered, clutching a cushion in front of him. "Those girls, they''re so fierce!" he managed to say.


    Micah teased, "You don''t like them? Then we won''t let them in next time, and we''ll just drink!"


    "No, no, no, it''s not that..." Louis hurriedly exined, "They work hard; they should be supported!"

 Chapter 717 Skillful Inducement

    "Why did you call for aid earlier?" Micah inquired, his gaze fixed on the other man. Louis found himself ensnared in a mental tug-of-war once more, torn between the call of reason and the allure of desire. "Mere appetizers, nothing more," Micah dismissed, patting Louis'' shoulder with a cryptic grin. "The main event is yet to unfold."


    Louis'' eyes gleamed with anticipation. "What do you mean by the main event?"


    "Let''s forget about it..." Micah abruptly shifted back to a serious tone. "You said it yourself: the French are passionate and loyal. I won''t be the one to lead you astray."


    Louis'' anxiety red. "How is this leading astray? I''m merely curious, eager to explore this vibrant world. My heart remains steadfast and loyal."


    "Is that so?" Micah rubbed his forehead, a troubled expression on his face. "But you also mentioned it wouldn''t be fair to Sadie. What if she finds out and mes me for leading you astray?"


    "I just don''t want her to find out." Louis hurriedly said. "I won''t do anything wrong, I swear. I want to broaden my horizons, I will not take anything to heart."


    "We should end this conversation," Micah insisted, his tone firm. "Return to France and enjoy yourself there. If the Duke discovers our little escapade, he''ll hold me ountable."


    "The Duke has always been overly controlling. I''ve lived under his rules since childhood, never experiencing anything beyond them," Louis confessed, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Today, for the first time, I''ve discovered that the world holds such thrilling ces."


    "Thrilling? You seemed more terrified than thrilled earlier," Micah observed calmly. "It was as if those girls were demons ready to devour you."


    "I-I was just nervous," Louis stammered, tugging at Micah''s arm. "Enough with the dys, let''s proceed to the main event."


    "Alright, since you''re so eager, let me show you something special!" Micah pped his hands, and the private room was instantly filled with exotic music. A group of women d in white veils and red dresses entered, their allure palpable. The women in white scattered yfully, leaving the woman in the red dress at the center. She swayed her enticing figure, performing a seductive Indian dance. As the rhythm of the music changed, her hips moved like a well-oiled machine, her provocative gaze locked onto Louis.


    The women in white served as a stunning backdrop, entuating the dancer''s allure. Their thin skirts, wrapped in transparent gauze, revealed their enticing figures, stoking the fires of desire...


    Louis was spellbound, standing frozen, his eyes riveted on the woman in red. His heart pounded in his chest, his body ame with desire. Micah handed him a stack of tissues, indicating that he should attend to his nosebleed. Louis was so entranced by the woman that he failed to respond.


    Micah nudged his arm, snapping him out of his trance. Louis hastily took the tissues and covered his nose, his gaze never leaving the dancer. Micah pped Louis on the shoulder, a wicked grin on his face. "How do you like the show?" "It''s... it''s beautiful," Louis responded, his voice distant. This was his first encounter with such a spectacle. He, who had been under strict control since childhood, had never witnessed such a scene.


    Tonight, on his first visit, he was immediately captivated by the exhrating performance, which expanded his horizons in an instant...


    "Would you like me to arrange something for you?" Micah offered, his voice dripping with persuasion. "This woman is clean and skilled; she will definitely take good care of you."


    "I''m afraid that''s not possible," Louis''st shred of rationality reminded him. "I''ll just watch, no need to get involved."

 Chapter 718 The Irresistible Temptation

    "Oh, right."


    Micah nodded, not saying more. He reclined on the plush sofa, his posture radiating an aura of pride. With an air of elegance, he savored the wine in his hand.


    The enchanting woman in the crimson dress began her dance, her movements drawing her closer to Louis. Her eyes, filled with allure, held him captive. With a graceful wave of her hand, she let a veil fall onto Louis''s face, its seductive fragrance wafting in the air. Louis found himself entranced, his heart pounding in his chest as if threatening to break free. He gulped, his throat dry with anticipation.


    Catching Louis''s reaction, Micah shot a discreet signal to Andrew, who promptly exited the room without a sound. The woman in red continued her dance, her voluptuous figure and slender waist exuding an irresistible charm. With each step, she drew closer to Louis, then, with a graceful twirl, she nestled shyly into his embrace.


    Louis trembled, his body rigid with tension. His gaze was locked onto her captivating face, unable to tear away. The woman''s hand curled around Louis''s neck, her rosy lips teasingly brushed his cheek before leaning in to whisper sweet nothings into his ear.


    Louis shivered, his body reacting instinctively as he wrapped his arms around her waist.


    Her slender hand traced a path across his chest, moving slowly downward, stopping at a certain key area. She shot him a seductive nce before gracefully leaving.


    "Ah..." Louis let out a subconscious gasp, but the enchantress had already made her decisive exit.


    The group of women in white dresses followed suit, their departure as swift and graceful as butterflies fluttering away.


    Louis stared at the closed door of the private room, his mind taking a moment to catch up with the events. He turned to Micah, questioning in a hurried tone, "Why did they leave?"


    Micah replied with a hint of helplessness, "I offered to arrange it, but you declined. So, they naturally left. They have other tasks to attend to."


    "Tasks? What tasks?" Louis asked, his voiceced with anxiety.


    "Besides you, there are many others waiting to see her dance," Micah replied nonchntly. "She''s the star performer at the Night Clubtely!" "Tell her toe back; I''ll take care of everything..." Louis blurted out.


    "Hmm? Take care of what?" Micah questioned, his toneced with curiosity.


    "Just, just..." Louis stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment.


    "Are you sure I should arrange it?" Micah asked calmly, "Judging by your shy demeanor, you wouldn''t happen to be a virgin, would you?"


    "Of course not," Louis said, his face reddening further, "I''ve had girlfriends before!"


    "Oh." Micah nodded. "Then why hesitate? A man should be decisive!"


    "I am decisive," Louis said anxiously, "Please ask her toe back."


    Micah gestured to n, who promptly left to make the arrangements. Before long, the woman in the red dress returned, her entrance as graceful as before. "Enjoy yourself!" Micah said, setting down his ss and making his exit.


    "Hey!" Louis reached out, grabbing at Micah''s clothes. "Are you leaving?"


    "Are you going to watch the show here?" Micah raised an eyebrow mischievously. "Don''t worry; she won''t devour you. Have fun..." With that, he shrugged off Louis''s grip and walked away. The attendants also left, leaving the private room to Louis and the woman.


    As the door closed, the woman approached Louis, her charming smile in ce, her voice sweet as honey, "Louis, my name is Eliana..."


    "Hello, Eliana, you look stunning!" Louis said, his voice trembling with nervousness, "Your dancing is beautiful..."


    "Is dancing the only thing that''s beautiful?" She asked, her voice dripping with seduction. Like a wildcat, she pounced on him, straddling hisp.


    Micah, who witnessed this scene, smirked knowingly at the door. He knew that someone like Louis, a nobleman who followed the rules and had little experience, couldn''t resist such temptation... "Mr. Clemens, Miss James is here!"

 Chapter 719 The Pleasure of Misdeeds

    "Mr. Clemens, Miss James is here!" Andrew whispered from behind. Micah merely hummed in acknowledgment, his back still turned. A smirk yed on his lips as he dered, "I never realized how much fun it could be to misbehave." Andrew''s voice held a note of disapproval as he muttered, "You can be quite despicable..." Micah''s brow furrowed at thement, prompting a swift retraction from Andrew. "What I meant to say," he hastily corrected, "is that you, Mr. Clemens, are a man of integrity. You would go to great lengths for your bros..."


    Micah''s lightughter cut him off. "Are you sure you''ve got that right?" he teased. "I''m more likely to betray my bros for a woman." Andrew swallowed his retort, rolling his eyes discreetly instead.


    "But that''s not necessarily a bad thing," Micah continued, a note of pride in his voice. "It''s a lesson Louis needs to learn." Andrew echoed his sentiment softly, earning a suspicious nce from Micah. "Are you being sarcastic?" he asked.


    Andrew immediately straightened his back, responding with a firm, "Absolutely not. I stand by your side, Mr. Clemens. Everything you do is right!" Micah nodded in satisfaction, pleased with the response.


    Andrew''s attention was suddenly diverted by a familiar figure. "Miss James..." he trailed off, his eyes wide. "How did shee from that direction?" Micah followed his gaze, spotting several female bodyguards parting the crowd. Among them, Sadie walked with an air of confidence. Without a word, Micah led the group into a nearby private room, disappearing from view.


    "Miss James, it''s too noisy here. Shall we go back?" one of the bodyguards suggested.


    "Yes, this ce is a man''s paradise, not suitable for us," another chimed in.


    Sadie silenced them with a cold stare, and Annika and Arya dared not speak further.


    As they walked along the corridor, their eyes were drawn to a ck and gold sign adorning a private room ahead. The room held an air of mystery that intrigued Sadie.


    She paused, a strange image shing in her mind: a man wearing a mask, his deep, ocean-like eyes seeming tomunicate a silent message. She blinked, and the image was gone, but the surroundings felt eerily familiar. She stopped, looking around, straining to remember when she had been here before, but her memory failed her.


    "Miss James, those appear to be Louis''s men," Annika pointed out, her voice filled with surprise. Two French bodyguards stood outside the VIP room. "Is Louis really here?" Arya asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "I always thought he was gentle and upright, but I didn''t expect..."


    "He might just be here to see a friend," Sadie interjected calmly, continuing towards the room. The bodyguards looked panicked at her approach, their eyes darting nervously. "Why are you here?" they stammered.


    Ignoring their question, Sadie asked, "Is Louis inside?"


    She nced at the ss window of the private room door. Through the dim light, she could see Louis lying stiffly on a sofa, a beautiful woman in a red dress clinging to him. His bodynguage was a mix of resistance and eptance, reminiscent of a reluctant maiden.


    With a raised eyebrow, Sadie kicked open the door.


    The loud bang startled the upants of the room. Louis''s eyes widened in shock at the sight of Sadie. He quickly pushed the woman away, scrambling to cover himself with a pillow. His face flushed with embarrassment, he wished for a hole to hide in.


    The woman in the red dress frowned at Sadie, demanding, "Who are you?"


    Sadie''s piercing gaze silenced her. The woman hastily picked up her red veil from the floor and fled the room.

 Chapter 720 A Scene From the Past

    "Sadie, I, I..." Louis stammered, struggling to articte his thoughts. His nerves were a tangled mess, rendering him incapable of forming coherent sentences.


    "Who brought you here?" Sadie asked, her voice steady, devoid of any anger. She cast her gaze around the private room, a sense of familiarity washing over her. It was as if she had been here before, but she couldn''t quite ce it. "Well..." Louis began, intending to reveal a name, but he hesitated. It didn''t seem fair to implicate his friend, so he changed his exnation, "Sadie, I didn''t do anything. I was merely standing my ground, nothing more..." "Oh!" Sadie''s eyes flickered to Louis'' trousers. His belt was undone, but his pants remained intact. The woman in the red dress''s efforts had been in vain.


    "What a pity." Sadie sighed.


    "Don''t be angry..." Louis stepped forward, reaching out to Sadie.


    She swiftly retreated, avoiding his touch. "I''m not angry!" she dered.


    "Then why..." Louis Said with a wounded look in his eyes.


    "You touched someone just now," Sadie said, keeping her distance. "I''ll leave first. We''ll see each other another day."


    "Sadie..." Louis was about to say something, but Sadie had already spun on her heel and departed. He watched her retreating figure, a pang of regret and disappointment gnawing at him for his actions.


    Two bodyguards entered the room, attempting tofort him. "Duke, don''t be disheartened. Miss James'' reaction indicates she cares for you."


    "Really?" Louis'' eyes sparkled with hope.


    "Yes, she''s clearly jealous," the other bodyguard chimed in.


    "Yes, she''s jealous..." Louis mused, recalling Sadie''s behavior. A wave of joy washed over him. "She must be jealous!"


    "Perhaps this is a good thing," the bodyguard added. "She used to be hot and cold toward you, unsure of her feelings. But this incident has made her value you."


    "As the saying goes," the bodyguard continued, "a setback may turn out to be a blessing in disguise!"


    "Exactly, that''s the point!" Louis'' ice-blue eyes twinkled with newfound optimism. He suddenly felt that the day''s events had taken a fortunate turn.


    Meanwhile, Sadie hadn''t actually left. After some distance, she instructed Annika, "Go and find out who owns that private room."


    "Okay," Annika promptly set off to investigate.


    "Miss James, are we leaving? Shall I have the car prepared?" Arya asked.


    "No, we''re not leaving." Sadie nced around, the sense of familiarity growing stronger. She was certain she had been here before. "You go and enjoy yourself in one of the private rooms!" "What?" Arya was shocked.


    Sadie frowned, and Arya quickly lowered her head inpliance. "Yes, I''ll arrange it right away." She then sought the Night Club manager to secure a private room.


    Apanied by her remaining six female bodyguards, Sadie ventured into the public area. She watched the young girls dancing provocatively on stage and the youthful crowd partying below. The sense of familiarity returned, stronger than ever. It seemed she had been a regr here in the past...


    From a corner, Micah observed Sadie, his eyes narrowed. He was eager to know... Was she reminiscing? Or had she genuinely lost her memory?


    "Mr. Clemens, the Night Club manager, said someone is investigating our private room," n reported in a hushed tone. "I''ve instructed him not to disclose any information."


    "Good job," Andrew patted his shoulder in approval.


    "Has Louis left?" Micah suddenly asked.


    "Just now," n confirmed.


    "My old equipment is still in the private room, right?" Micah cast a final nce at Sadie''s figure before turning to head towards the private room.


    "Yes, I''ve kept it locked in the safe there," n replied.


    "Very good!" Micah praised, his mind already churning with ns.

 Chapter 721 The Art of the Game

    Annika, with the Night Club''s manager, Jonny, in tow, approached Sadie. Uponying eyes on Sadie, Jonny was visibly taken aback, uttering in disbelief, "Is it you?" "Do you know our Miss?" Annika queried, her brows furrowed in confusion.


    "I..." Jonny stuttered, his gaze fixed on Sadie. He blinked repeatedly, as if trying to dispel an illusion. Two years ago, he had learned from Serena about an unfortunate incident involving Sadie and Brenda, and their subsequent disappearance. Jonny had refrained from prying further into the matter, but he had a vague understanding that the Clemens family, desiring only the children, had cast aside Sadie and Brenda.


    For the past two years, Jonny had treaded lightly, careful not to upset Micah, who hadn''t visited the Night Club either.. Thus, Jonny had managed to maintain his position at the club unscathed.


    On this particr day, Micah''s arrival had been uneventful. Annika had approached Jonny about the ck Gold Private Room, and he had nned to deflect her inquiry. However, Annika had revealed her identity, prompting Jonny to reconsider. He knew he could not afford to offend someone of her stature, so he promised to personally address the matter with the host.


    Yet, he was utterly unprepared for the revtion that Miss James was, in fact, the Sadie he had known years ago. This left Jonny perplexed. Why was Sadie unaware of the private room''s owner? Why had she sent someone to investigate? "What''s wrong?" Annika asked, noting Jonny''s bewildered expression.


    "Nothing," Jonny quickly regained hisposure. As a seasoned professional, he understood that if Sadie had chosen not to disclose her identity, it meant she wished to leave her past behind. He decided to respect her decision and feigned ignorance, greeting her formally, "Hello, Miss James!"


    Sadie turned to look at Jonny, finding his face vaguely familiar, but she couldn''t ce him.


    "Miss James, I have prepared a private booth for you. Please follow me," Jonny offered.


    After seating Sadie and herpanions in the private booth and providing them with a selection of fine wines, Jonny reassured her, "Miss James, please rx. Your private room will be ready shortly."


    Sadie didn''t respond directly to Jonny. Instead, she turned to Annika, who promptly ryed, "I inquired earlier, but this Jonny imed..."


    "Apologies, Miss James!" Jonny interjected, his gaze lowered in deference. "Ourpany policy prohibits us from disclosing guest information. Please forgive us!"


    Rather than pressing the issue, Sadie asked, "How long have you been working here?"


    "For two and a half years," Jonny responded, his gaze still fixed on the floor, not daring to meet hers.


    "Have you seen me here before?" Sadie questioned further.


    "Well..." Jonny hesitated, his expression tightening.


    "It seems you have," Sadie concluded.


    Sadie realized something was amiss: she had visited the Night Club in Newark before and it appeared she had lost some of her memories.


    Jonny stood silently to the side, not daring to utter a word. He was well aware of the James Group''s formidable reputation, on par with the Clemens family. Given the respect the Clemens family orded the James Group, he knew better than to cross them.


    Yet, he was baffled as to why Sadie had changed her name and aligned herself with the James family.


    Just then, a staff member approached with a report. Jonny promptly announced, "Miss James, your room is ready. Allow me to escort you."


    Sadie set down her ss and followed Jonny towards the private room, with Annika, Arya, and the others trailing behind.


    "Miss James, if you require any service, please don''t hesitate to ask. I will arrange it immediately," Jonny offered eagerly.


    "What kind of services do you provide here?" Sadie asked, her gaze sweeping over the elegantly dressed middle-aged women in the private booths, each apanied by a handful of handsome young men. "Typically, when mene to enjoy themselves, they request thepany of a few hostesses. As for thedies..." Jonny began to exin.


    "Outrageous!" Annika interjected.


    Jonny immediately bowed his head, falling silent.


    "Do women need to request men?" Sadie asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Well..." Jonny cleared his throat and cautiously replied, "That''s the usual practice, but you can also simply enjoy a drink, listen to music, and rx."

 Chapter 722 Several Mr. Clemens

    Sadie cast a cold, sneering nce at the decadent spectacle before her. Jonny, catching the icy edge of her expression, quickly altered his approach. "I have a fine selection of wines in my collection," he offered hastily, "I''ll bring some to youter." Nodding her assent, Sadie was on the verge of stepping into the private room when an all too familiar figure caught her eye. She froze, her heart pounding inexplicably as she stared in astonishment at the figure. It was as if the silhouette was deeply etched into her memory, a remnant from a past life...


    Without a second thought, Sadie gave chase, her voice catching in her throat as she tried to call out to the figure. But he moved swiftly, disappearing into a narrow corridor with a fleeting nce thrown back at her. The side profile of his masked face was strikingly handsome, radiating an aura of mystery. His eyes, deep and meaningful, were akin to the dark sea, holding a myriad of secrets that beckoned her to uncover.


    For a moment, Sadie was captivated, her pursuit momentarily forgotten. But by the time she regained her senses, the figure had vanished. She stood still, trying to collect her scattered thoughts.


    The image of the enigmatic figure lingered in her mind. She tried to dredge up any recollection of him, but her memory remained stubbornly locked, leaving her frustrated and confused.


    "Miss James!" Annika, Arya, and the others hurried to catch up, their faces etched with concern. "Are you all right?"


    "Find that man for me," Sadiemanded, turning to Jonny with an authoritative air. "Now!"


    "Huh?" Jonny was taken aback. He had seen her chasing after someone, but he hadn''t gotten a clear look at the person.


    "Tall, slender, dressed in ck, wearing a ck half mask, with deep and spirited eyes..." Sadie described, adding, "And there''s a mysterious symbol on his mask!"


    "Ah, a masked man. That must be Mr. Clemens from our Night Club," Jonny deduced. "I''ll find him immediately."


    Arya and Annika exchanged bewildered nces. Miss James had just dismissed the idea of finding Mr. Clemens, and now she was actively seeking him...


    Sadie turned and walked into the private room, where several attendants were already pouring wine and arranging a tter of fruits. She settled onto the sofa with an air of regality, epting a ss of red wine from Annika and swirling it thoughtfully.


    Her gaze lowered, her mind still upied with the figure she had just seen. Since returning to Newark, Sadie had experienced an uncanny sense of familiarity towards certain people and things, like Micah, Amelia, and now Jonny. Each encounter stirred a whirlpool ofplex emotions within her - piercing heartache, corrosive hatred, or calm indifference. But the figure she had just seen evoked a sincere tenderness, a feeling that was soft and beautiful. She was desperate to find him...


    Annika and Arya exchanged worried nces, their brows furrowed in concern. Sadie leaned back on the sofa, sipping her wine with a cold detachment. As the minutes ticked by, her patience began to wear thin.


    "I''ll go inquire right away." Annika offered, preparing to find Jonny.


    Just then, Jonny reappeared, apanied by a dozen men, all towering over six feet tall, d in ck half-masks and leather jackets, almost matching Sadie''s description. Even the seasoned bodyguards present were taken aback by the spectacle. They exchanged awkward nces with Annika and Arya, none daring to speak.


    "Miss James, I''ve brought all the Mr. Clemens who fit your description," Jonny introduced enthusiastically, gesturing towards the thirteen men. "They are all highly educated and emotionally intelligent. Every one of them has undergone rigorous training and possesses health certificates..."


    "Shut up!" Sadie snapped, her frown deepening.


    Jonny quickly fell silent. He didn''t dare to utter another word.

 Chapter 723 Kicked Away

    Sadie''s gaze swept over the line of men with an icy detachment, her eyebrows knitting together in a clear disy of annoyance.


    "None of them?" Jonny questioned, his voiceced with disbelief.


    "Make way," Annika ordered.


    Without hesitation, Jonny instructed the assembled Mr. Clemens to step back. He then approached Sadie, his voice weak as he said, "Miss James, all the Mr. Clemens fitting your description are present..." "Could they have changed their attire?" Annika asked.


    "It''s a possibility. I''ll double-check," Jonny said, preparing to exit the room.


    "Hold on," Sadie suddenly interjected.


    "Yes?" Jonny paused at the door, awaiting her instructions.


    "What if the person we''re looking for isn''t among these Mr. Clemens?"


    Sadie''s mind churned, recalling the individual''s demeanor. It was certainly not that of a subordinate.


    "How could someone not be a Mr. Clemens and yet don a mask?" Jonny mused, drawing on his experience.


    "Those who frequent this ce are either affluent heirs, socializing businessmen, or mid to high-level executives. They all seek rxation and malepanionship here. They wouldn''t resort to such subterfuge. Moreover, each Mr. Clemens has undergone rigorous training. They each possess unique characteristics and styles. Some may not resemble Mr. Clemens at all, but rather assertive CEOs. It''s all part of the packaging..." As he spoke, Jonny cast a cautious nce at Sadie, wary of provoking her ire.


    However, Sadie merely lowered her gaze and took a sip of her wine, her expression frosty.


    "Go and search again," Annika instructed.


    "Understood." Jonny immediately set off to do so.


    Sadie continued to drink. As the bottle neared empty, her patience finally snapped. She mmed her ss down, startling the servers in the room who quickly scurried aside.


    Wiping her hands with a damp cloth, Sadie collected her coat and exited the room. Annika and Arya promptly followed, with the rest of the female bodyguards trailing closely behind.


    They had barely taken a few steps when Jonny rushed back, apanied by a few "Mr. Clemens." He reported to Sadie, "Miss James, I''ve brought a few top-tier Mr. Clemens. Would you care to inspect them?" Sadie nced up, her gaze cold and dismissive. Without a word, she turned on her heel and left.


    One of the leading Mr. Clemens boldly approached her, his voice gentle and filled with concern, "Miss James, you''ve had quite a bit to drink. Perhaps I could apany you..."


    "Scram!" Sadie snapped, her brows furrowed in annoyance.


    "Look at me; you''re bound to like what you see."


    With that, the man named Micah removed his mask, revealing a handsome face.


    Sadie nced up at him. He was indeed attractive, but she found him repugnant...


    Upon seeing Sadie''s gaze on him, Micah was ted. He reached out to steady her, saying, "Allow me to help you..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, Sadie delivered a swift kick.


    Micah was sent flying several meters, crashing into the door of the private room before copsing to the floor, clutching his stomach as he howled in pain.


    The other Mr. Clemens were taken aback, their faces draining of color as they anxiously retreated behind Jonny, who was equally stunned. The Sadie they had known was weak and powerless, always the victim of bullying. How could she possess such strength and agility?


    Could this woman, who bore an uncanny resemnce to Sadie, truly be her?


    Sadie spared Micah a final nce, scraped her high heels against the carpet, and elegantly walked away.


    Annika handed Jonny a check, gesturing towards the injured Micah. "This should cover his medical expenses and your inconvenience. You can handle the rest."


    "Thank you..." Jonny epted the check, his eyes widening in shock.


    One million dors??


    The Sadie he remembered would have squabbled over a mere thousand. How could she casuallypensate a million dors for a simple kick? Was he mistaken? Or could it be that this Miss James was not Sadie at all?

 Chapter 724 The Female Demon Lord

    Lost in a sea of his own thoughts, Jonny barely noticed as Sadie and her subordinates made their departure. The groan of pain that escaped Micah''s lips, however, was enough to pull him back to reality. "Jonny, help me..." Micah pleaded, sprawled out on the ground.


    Without hesitation, Jonny and a few other men, all bearing the name Mr. Clemens, rushed to his aid. But their attempts were met with a tearful protest from the injured man.


    "Don''t... don''t move me..." Mr. Clemens whimpered, "My back... it feels broken. Call an ambnce!"


    "An ambnce?" Jonny echoed, shock etched across his face, "Is it really that serious?"


    Micah''s response was a tearful nod. "She''s not some wealthydy; she''s a witch..."


    Jonny quickly silenced him. "Shut up! If you want to die, don''t drag me down with you."


    "And don''t drag us into this either," one of the other Mr. Clemens added, his voiceced with fear, "I saw her bodyguards. They were armed."


    The revtion sent a shiver down their spines. "That''s terrifying!"


    "Wuwuwu... Jonny, I''m so scared!"


    "Enough!" Jonny snapped, "Stop whining and get him to the hospital."


    "No, don''t move me; just call an ambnce," Micah insisted.


    "Why call an ambnce if you''re not dying? If the ambncees, will the Night Club still be in business?" Jonny retorted.


    "Jonny, you have no conscience!"


    "Shut up!"


    The argument continued, their voices fading into the background as the scene shifted to Sadie. Her brows were furrowed, her face a mask of gloom. The mysterious figure had stirred up memories she''d rather forget, disrupting her mood. But where was he now? Who was he, really?


    Observing her expression, Annika cautiously broke the silence, "Miss James, don''t be angry. I''ll immediately send someone to investigate."


    "We must find him..." Sadie began, but her words trailed off as she spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Wasn''t that him?


    "Miss James, the car is ready. There are too many people at the front entrance; let''s go through the back..." Arya suggested, but her words were cut short as Sadie darted forward, intent on catching up with the mysterious man.


    A drunkard, however, had other ns, "Hey pretty, where are you going? Join me for a drink, prettydy."


    "Let go!" Sadie snapped, her annoyance clear.


    "I won''t; I''ve looked around and haven''t seen such an elegant beauty like you..."


    As the drunkard reached out to touch Sadie''s chin, a gust of wind brushed past her ear, followed by a loud thud. The drunkard was knocked to the ground, blood streaming from his nose.


    Turning around, Sadie found herself in the arms of the tall, mysterious man from the corridor. His deep eyes were filled with aplex light as he gazed at her, half of his face hidden behind a cold, ck mask. Despite the mask, Sadie felt a strong sense of familiarity and intimacy. It was as if they were deeply in love in a past life.


    "Are you looking for me?" His voice was deep and hoarse, teasing her with an ambiguous tone.


    "Who are you?" Sadie demanded, her gaze never leaving his.


    The question seemed toplicate his gaze even further. It appeared she had truly lost her memory...


    "This is outrageous! How dare youy a hand on us?" Several bodyguards roared, charging towards them with bottles in hand.


    With a swift movement, the man spun Sadie around, protecting her as he kicked out fiercely. The bodyguards were sent flying, crashing onto a ss coffee table. "Come with me!" Hemanded, grabbing Sadie''s hand and leading her towards the back door.


    "Miss James!" Annika and Arya called out, hurrying after them.


    Sadie turned around and gestured to them, prompting Annika to toss her the car keys. She then grabbed Arya.


    "Why didn''t you go after them?" Arya asked anxiously, "What if something happens? What should we do?"

 Chapter 725 Ten Thousand Dollars, No Discount

    "Didn''t you see Miss James'' signal?" Annika''s brow furrowed as she spoke, "If we trail them, we risk jeopardizing her scheme. She''s the one who ignited this situation, remember."


    "But the man''s background remains a mystery. What if he has bad intentions?"


    "That''s precisely why we must shadow them discreetly." Annika''s gaze followed Sadie and the enigmatic man as they darted out the back door, and she promptly trailed behind. "We must maintain a safe distance, but we should be fine." "What''se over Miss James? She''s typically so aloof and logical, but tonight, in the presence of this man, she seems like a lost soul..." "Even the bravest of heroes have their Achilles'' heel!"


    Lurking in the shadows, n observed as Micah sessfully whisked Sadie away, his joy uncontainable. "Mr. Clemens has triumphed!" "These women are truly a handful." Andrew''s brow furrowed as his gaze fell upon Annika and Arya.


    "What should we do? Should we intervene?" n''s voice wasced with anxiety.


    "If we intervene, our cover will be blown." Andrew''s tone was assured. "Don''t fret, with Mr. Clemens''s adeptness, he''ll lose them in no time." "That''s true!" n''s pride was evident. "Should we get a closer look?"


    "We can observe from here."


    Andrew gently pushed open the partition, revealing the parking lot adjacent to the back door through the window.


    They caught sight of Micah, a masked enigma, leading Sadie out in haste.


    "Would you dare to embark on a ride with me?" Micah was on the verge of retrieving his car keys.


    "Shouldn''t it be, ''Do you dare?"" Sadie activated the car key, and a silver Pagani swiftly emerged from its parking spot, parking next to them with an air of cool nonchnce.


    Micah quietly returned the Volkswagen keys to his pocket.


    His initial n was to approach Sadie under a different identity, concealing his true persona and maintaining a low profile. For this, he had Andrew procure a Volkswagen worth a mere tens of thousands. But he hadn''t anticipated...


    "Get in the car!" Sadie yanked Micah into the vehicle.


    Before Micah could even adjust, the Pagani took off with lightning speed, forcing him to quickly secure his seatbelt.


    Sadie''s gaze was fixed on the rearview mirror as she elerated.


    "Is that your bodyguard?" he inquired.


    Micah nced at the rearview mirror, spotting Annika and Arya tailing them from the back door.


    "What? Are you scared?"


    Sadie didn''t recognize Micah at all. His hair slicked back, donned in a ck leather jacket, and sporting a mysterious half-mask, he bore the image of a rebellious figure. This was a stark contrast to the usual aloof and superior Micah.


    Micah was aware that Sadie, two yearster, was more astute than before, so he adjusted his details and voice ordingly.


    "I''m not scared." Micah yfully taunted her. "You''ll protect me!"


    "Hahaha..." Sadie''sughter filled the car, then she turned to face him. "You''re Micah from the Night Club?"


    "Yes!" Micah nodded subtly. "If you''re notfortable, you can throw me out now."


    "Name your price." Sadie, far from being repulsed, raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "How much for the entire night?"


    "Ten thousand dors for the night!" Micah blurted out. "No discounts!"


    Micah internally cringed at his own cheesy line, feeling utterly shameless.


    "Hahaha..." Sadie''sughter echoed once more. "So, what can you do for me?"


    "What would you like me to do?"


    Micah extended his hand, resting it on the back of her seat, inching closer to her in a suggestive manner.


    "Have we met before?"


    Sadie was taken aback by herck of aversion to his closeness. Despite his corny lines and flirtatious tactics being no different from Mr. Clemens'', she felt an odd sense of familiarity.


    As he drew closer, her heart fluttered. Micah, slightly surprised, wondered if she was beginning to remember something or pretending to have amnesia intentionally.

 Chapter 726 The Sweet Taste of Retribution

    A glimmer of recognition flickered in his eyes, and Sadie knew he remembered her. "It appears you do recall me," she murmured, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.


    Micah, ever the opportunist, yed along. "I wasn''t sure you would," he confessed, a yful twinkle in his eye. "I thought I had been forgotten."


    His words puzzled her. "What do you mean?" she inquired, one eyebrow arched in confusion as she studied him.


    "You were my first guest," he murmured, his voice a seductive whisper against her cheek. "Six years ago, you found me at the Night Club, and we spent the night together in a hotel..."


    "Six years ago?" Sadie echoed, straining to recall such an event. But her memory was a nk te. "I can''t seem to remember..."


    Micah chuckled, his teeth grazing her earlobe in a teasing bite. "Your memory seems to be failing you," he taunted. "That night, we made love seven times..."


    With a swift movement, Sadie distanced herself from his flirtatious advances. His touch, akin to an electric shock, sent waves of sensation coursing through her, leaving her inexplicably on edge... "Would you like to relive that night?" Micah murmured, his breath warm against her neck.


    Instead of responding, Sadie abruptly swerved the car. Micah, caught off guard, nearly collided with the car window. His quick reflexes saved him, his hand bracing against the ss.


    A frown marred his handsome features. His own tactics, once used to tease her, were now being used against him. Was this her way of getting back at him?


    "Scared, are we?" Sadie challenged, an eyebrow raised in amusement. "If you''re frightened, behave yourself."


    Micah''s frown deepened, a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washing over him. Their roles seemed to have reversed.


    With a smirk, Sadie pressed down on the elerator, steering the car onto the highway.


    "Where are we going?" Micah asked, a sense of familiarity creeping over him as he recognized the route.


    "We''re going somewhere special," Sadie replied cryptically, her foot heavy on the gas pedal as she sped towards the vi.


    Micah studied the familiar route, his mind buzzing with questions. ''Is she taking me home? Does she know who I am? Is this a test? What is she nning?''


    His thoughts were interrupted by the shrill ring of his phone. A nce at the caller ID revealed it was Louis. Micah quickly ended the call, not wanting to spoil the moment. But the phone rang again. Still Louis. As Micah moved to dismiss the call, Sadie snatched the phone from his grasp and tossed it out the window...


    Micah stared at her in disbelief. "What are you doing?"


    "You were being noisy!" Sadie replied coldly.


    Memories of their past together flooded Micah''s mind. He had treated her the same way in the past. When they first got together, he had discarded several of her phones!!! The actions, the words, the arrogance... It was all too familiar. Was she deliberately mimicking him?


    Micah began to question whether she had truly lost her memory. Who lost their past but still harbored such resentment?


    Sadie was mirroring his past actions, one by one...


    "Are you angry?" Sadie asked, ncing at him as she pulled out a check. "This should cover a new phone. Or a house full of them." Micah felt a pang of hurt. He felt like he was the one being yed now.


    "Do you want it?" Sadie asked, "If not, I''ll toss it out the window."


    As she made a motion to throw the check, Micah snatched it from her grasp. His eyes widened in shock as he read the amount. "One million dors?"


    The Sadie he remembered would haggle over a thousand dors, constantly trying to squeeze money out of him. Now, she was handing him a million? It was true what they said. When women had money, they became tough!


    The taste of retribution was indeed sweet.

 Chapter 727 Watching the Sunrise Together

    "Let''s do the math," Sadie proposed, a smirk ying on her lips. "Exactly how long can this money sustain you?"


    Micah, with an air of seriousness, replied, "A hundred nights. No, after deducting the phone bill, it''s 99 nights!"


    A sense of finality in her voice, Sadie dered, "Then it''s settled. From this day forward, you''re to serve only me. You''re forbidden fromying a finger on any other woman." "Any other requirements?" Micah asked, his gazeden with meaning.


    "You''re to be at my beck and call," Sadiemanded, tossing her phone in his direction. "Save your number in it."


    "All right, boss," Micahplied, inputting his original number into Sadie''s phone. As he hesitated over what name to save it under, he remembered that Sadie had previously saved his contact as "Debt Repayment Male Escort." Deciding to maintain this familiar moniker, he saved it as such.


    "Why did you choose this name?" Sadie questioned, a frown creasing her brow. For some reason, the name stirred a sense of familiarity within her.


    "This is the name you assigned me in the past," Micah reminded her, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Back then, I was in debt to you, and you demanded half of my nightly earnings as repayment."


    "Really?" Sadie chuckled, "Why would I be interested in such a small amount of money?"


    "You were very poor back then," Micah reminisced, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions. "You fought tooth and nail for every penny."


    "Is that so?" Sadie raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in her tone.


    "It doesn''t matter..." Micah dismissed, tucking away the check. "Now that you''re wealthy, I''ll dly ept this money."


    Sadie, with a serious expression, stated, "If your service is satisfactory, I''ll reward you further in the future."


    "What kind of service are you expecting?" Micah asked, leaning in teasingly.


    "I''ll let you know when the timees," Sadie said and gently pushed him away.


    "All right..." Micah replied, a spark igniting within him, only to be extinguished each time by Sadie''s aloofness.


    Sadie slowed the car, retracting the convertible top. The cool night breeze wafted in, dispelling the lingering awkwardness. Micah rested his chin on his hand, his gaze fixated on the brightly lit Hillside Vi in the distance. ''Is she nning to take me back to that vi? She''s bold, bringing a man home on their first encounter,'' he mused.


    However, Sadie didn''t stop halfway up the mountain. Instead, she drove straight to the summit. They found themselves enveloped by thin white clouds, as if they were in a perilous realm. As dawn broke, the once-dark horizon gradually ignited with fiery hues, casting a stunning glow over the majestic peaks. It was a sight to behold.


    Sadie reclined in her seat, her gaze lost in the distant horizon. Micah squinted at the sky, his expression a mix of emotions. Over the past two years, he had oftene here alone, spending the entire night. Even in the rain, he would sit in his car, silently watching the receding horizon, his thoughts consumed by Sadie. When she was around, he never entertained any romantic notions, never took her to witness the sunrise or sunset. But after she was gone, he had spent countless solitary moments here, reminiscing about her.


    "Why did you bring me here?" he wondered aloud.


    "I recently discovered that the sunrise here is breathtaking," Sadie confessed softly. "This scenery has been recurring in my dreams." "You''ve dreamt of this ce?" Micah asked, taken aback.


    "Yes," Sadie confirmed, her expression puzzled. "I''ve been having some strange dreams over the past two years."


    "Did you dream of me?" Micah asked, his gaze intense.


    "No," Sadie turned to face him. "But when I saw you, there was a strange sense of familiarity."


    "That means you''ve kept me in your heart," Micah suggested, reaching out to gently stroke her hair. "You''ve just forgotten."

 Chapter 728 Apology at the Door

    "Perhaps," Sadie murmured, her fingers reaching out to remove his mask. "Let me see your face..."


    In the nick of time, Micah caught her restless hand, a smile ying on his lips. "The familiarity you sense is born from the mask I wear. Why risk spoiling that sensation?"


    "Well said." Sadie conceded, a pang of realization washing over her. She feared that if she saw his face clearly, she might lose that enchanting feeling. Thus, she withdrew her hand, resigning herself to a quiet wait for the sunrise. Micah, in a silent act ofpanionship, removed his coat and draped it over Sadie without making contact. Over the past two years, he had often fantasized about her being by his side, watching the sunrise together. Now, his fantasy was finally bing a reality.


    As the horizon began to blush with the fiery hues of dawn, the autumn mountaintop reflected the beauty of the awakening day. Sadie, in high spirits, stretched her arms wide, basking in the rare spectacle. Micah yearned to hold her close, but he remained still, understanding that some things needed time to unfold.


    The sun continued its ascent, bathing them in warm sunlight. Sadie finally tore her gaze away from the spectacle, closed the convertible top, and began the descent down the mountain. However, before they reached the halfway point, they encountered Annika and Arya, who hade in search of her. The two cars came to a simultaneous halt, facing each other.


    Annika exited her vehicle, her head bowed in respect. "Miss James!" she greeted.


    Sadie, slightly displeased, remained silent. Instead, she turned to Micah, asking, "Can you drive?"


    "Of course." Micah nodded.


    Sadie exited the car, handbag in tow, and handed the driver''s seat over to Micah. "You drive home and await my call," she instructed generously.


    "All right," Micah replied, shifting gears and pressing on the gas pedal.


    Arya prepared to reverse to make way, but Micah skillfully maneuvered the car sideways, narrowly avoiding the Rolls-Royce in front, and drove directly from the edge of the cliff. The car sped away, half of its wheels hanging in the air in a disy of precise control, leaving everyone astounded.


    "Wow!" Arya eximed, leaning out of the car window, her eyes wide with astonishment as she watched the disappearing car. "Am I hallucinating?"


    "This man''s driving skills are extraordinary," Annika echoed, equally shocked.


    "Interesting," Sadie mused, squinting as she watched the retreating figure. She found herself eagerly anticipating their next meeting!


    "Miss James, who is he?" Arya asked, her admiration for skilled drivers evident.


    "Clearly, he''s the mysterious man in the mask," Annika retorted disdainfully. "Didn''t you see him earlier?"


    "No, I think he''s more than just an ordinary Mr. Clemens," Arya countered excitedly. "With such skills, he could easily be a professional racer. Why would he do anything else?" "Ahem!" Annika coughed, a subtle reminder for Arya to be mindful of her words.


    Arya quickly rified, "No, what I meant was..."


    "You talk too much," Sadie interjected, her gaze cold.


    "Sorry, Miss James, I understand my mistake," Arya apologized, her head bowed in fear.


    Without another word, Sadie headed straight for her car, Annika and Arya trailing behind as they drove home.


    Upon entering the yard, a maid hurriedly approached to report, "Miss James, the Clemens family''s people came yesterday."


    "Hmm?" Sadie questioned, "What did they want?"


    "They imed that our family''s hawk frightened their heir and heiress, as well as their pet. They demanded that we get rid of it immediately and also requested that you..." The maid''s voice trailed off, her hesitation evident. "Speak!" Sadiemanded, unbuttoning her shirt as she made her way into the house.


    "They requested that you apologize in person," the maid finished, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Sadie halted in her tracks, a mocking smile gracing her lips. "Apologize?"


    "They really have some nerve," Annika growled in annoyance. "We''ve kept Coco locked in a cage the whole time; how could it have possibly scared their heir, heiress, and pet?"

 Chapter 729 Apology at the Door 2

    "Exactly," Arya retorted with a hint of indignation, "Mr. Clemens, the very man who dared to provoke us at the Noble Summit estate, and who had the audacity to seize Louis at the airport, is now causing a ruckus once again." "The man imed to represent Mr. Clemens Sr. of their family, not Mr. Clemens himself," someone rified.


    "Mr. Clemens Sr.?" The mere mention of the name filled Sadie''s heart with an inexplicable loathing. "He expects a personal apology from me, does he? Very well, I''ll oblige himter."


    "What?" Both Annika and Arya were taken aback by Sadie''s unexpected decision.


    Without a backward nce, Sadie ascended the staircase, issuing amand as she went. "Release Coco and wait for me to finish my shower. I''ll be taking him with me."


    Annika responded with an excited grin. "Miss James''s true nature is resurfacing."


    "The Clemens family won''t know what hit them!" Arya dered triumphantly. "I''ll go and free Coco!"


    "Miss James, your bathwater is ready. Shall I prepare breakfast as well?" the maid inquired, trailing behind Sadie.


    "Bring it to my room," Sadie instructed as she entered her quarters, casually discarding her coat on the floor. "As you wish," the maid replied.


    Sadie indulged in a hot, rxing shower, washing and quickly drying her hair. She forwent her usual makeup routine, opting instead for a stark outfit. She then departed with Coco, who had been sedated and confined since his uncontrolled episode at the Noble Summit estate.


    Sadie had initially nned to keep Coco caged for a few more days. However, upon learning of Mr. Clemens Senior''s request, she decided to confront him with Coco by her side. She was curious to see just how far Mr. Clemens Senior would go in meddling with other people''s affairs, including their pets.


    Meanwhile, Micah returned home in his Pagani, greeted promptly by Andrew and Rn.


    "Mr. Clemens, whose car is this?" Rn inquired, his curiosity piqued.


    "A woman''s," Micah responded nonchntly, stepping out of the car. He directed Andrew, "Park it in the underground garage, and don''t let anyone use it."


    "Understood," Andrewplied immediately.


    "Mr. Clemens," Rn approached and whispered, "Yesterday, I was ordered to visit the James family with a polite reminder. However, it seemed thedy of the house was not home and didn''t respond. Later, Mr. Clemens Sr. sent his people..." "Hmm?" Micah interjected, "Didn''t I instruct you to keep a close watch on them?"


    "I did, but I was unable to deter Ss''s men," Rn exined, "As I reported to youst night, you hadn''t returned."


    "What did Ss''s men do?" Micah inquired, his voice dropping to a low murmur.


    Rn nced around before leaning in to confide in Micah. "They demanded that the James family dispose of the eagle promptly, and also... they insisted that someone from the James family personally deliver an apology!" Micah''s brow furrowed. This was a predicament. If Sadie were toe, wouldn''t she be walking straight into a trap?


    Yet, given her haughty demeanor, it was unlikely she would deign to apologize in person. Furthermore, at this early hour, she was probably luxuriating in a shower, indulging in skincare, enjoying breakfast, and resting after her return home... With this thought, Micah''s worry subsided, and he quickened his pace towards his room.


    "Good morning, Daddy!"


    "Morning, Daddy!"


    "Daddy, why are you dressed like that?"


    Suddenly, three children emerged from their rooms, greeting Micah before scrutinizing his attire from head to toe.


    "I... I attended a ballst night," Micah hastily fabricated an excuse.


    In reality, he had already removed his mask and coat, appearing rtively normalpared to the previous night. However, his unusual T-shirt, pants, boots, and hairstyle were not his typical attire.


    "No wonder you didn''te back all night," Mia pouted unhappily. "That''s not good. Even though you''re a man, you should take care of yourself. Staying upte is bad for your health!"

 Chapter 730 Apology at the Door 3

    With a nod of understanding, Micah bent down to envelop Mia in a gentle embrace. "Off you go to breakfast, darling," he urged. A tender kiss was nted on his cheek by Mia before she scampered off downstairs. As Mia''s footsteps faded, Nathan leaned in closer to his father, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Daddy, are you going on a date with a girl?" he asked in a hushed whisper.


    Micah quickly silenced him, ncing back to ensure Mia was out of earshot. Such topics were eptable for father-son discussions, but he was adamant they should not reach his daughter''s ears.


    Once Mia was safely downstairs, Micah released Nathan''s hand, yfully tapping his head in a light reprimand. "You mischievous imp," he chided, "What kind of nonsense are you always concocting?"


    Nathan raised his eyebrows in a cheeky smirk, countering his father''s words. "Am I wrong, though? Lately, you''ve changed. You''re more vibrant, you smile more, and you''ve been going out at night. It would be odd if you weren''t dating." Micah ruffled Nathan''s hair affectionately, dismissing his son''s observations. "What could you possibly understand at your age?"


    Nathan swatted his father''s hand away, grumbling about his disheveled hair. "Isn''t it normal to date girls? Why are you hiding it?"


    Before Micah could respond, he noticed Noah''s icy re. Their conversation was interrupted by the booming voice of Mr. Clemens Senior calling from downstairs. "Noah, Nathan, breakfast is ready!"


    Nathan was quick to respond, "Coming!" He turned to his father, "Daddy, I''ll go down first."


    Micah gave a nod of approval, patting Nathan''s back as he scampered off. He reached out to take Noah''s hand, but the boy evaded his touch, briskly walking past him to join the others downstairs.


    Micah watched Noah''s retreating figure, a frown creasing his forehead. Noah, more mature than his siblings, had been eagerly awaiting their Mommy''s return, hoping Micah shared his sentiments. He didn''t want anyone to take their Mommy''s ce...


    Micah longed to reassure Noah that his date was, in fact, their Mommy, but the words remained unspoken. He decided to focus on the present matters at hand. Retreating to his room, he prepared for a shower.


    As he wasthering his hair, an urgent knock echoed through the room, followed by Andrew''s anxious voice. "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Clemens!"


    Recognizing the urgency, Micah quickly wrapped a towel around himself and stepped out, foam still clinging to his hair. "What''s the matter?"


    Andrew rushed in, flustered. "Miss James is here!"


    Micah''s surprise was evident, but he quicklyposed himself. "Go and stop them immediately; don''t let Grandpa and the children see her. I''lle down after changing." Andrew nodded, hurrying off to carry out his orders. Downstairs, chaos had erupted. The screeching of an eagle and terrified screams of the children filled the air. Micah sighed, shaking his head. This woman, he thought, truly must have amnesia to bring such a creature and frighten her own children.


    Noah stood strong amidst the pandemonium, fear etched on his face but courage in his heart. Nathan and Mia, pale and terrified, sought refuge in Mr. Clemens Senior''s arms. Mr. Clemens Senior quickly shielded them, demanding an exnation. "What''s going on?"


    A bodyguard stepped forward, reporting, "Mr. Clemens Senior, representatives from Half Mountain North have arrived. They im to havee to apologize."


    Mr. Clemens Senior''s face turned a shade of livid. "Apologize? By bringing that beast? They''re clearly provoking us."


    "Yes," the bodyguard agreed, lowering his head in fear.


    "Kill that eagle!" Mr. Clemens Senior ordered, mming his hand on the table. The bodyguard hesitated, torn between the orders of Andrew and Rn to avoid interference and themand of Mr. Clemens Senior.

 Chapter 731 Eagle Attack

    "What? My words carry no weight now?" Grandpa Clemens seethed with anger.


    "It''s not that..." The bodyguard hurriedly lowered his head. "I''ll take care of it right away." With that, several bodyguards went to fetch their guns.


    Outside, Andrew and n intercepted Cold Sadie''s car at the iron gate, not letting them in.


    The women in the car were arrogantly shouting, "Didn''t your Grandpa Clemens ask us toe and apologize? Now that we''re here, why are you still keeping us out?"


    "Exactly! You''vee over to warn us time and again, iming that our pet eagle has frightened your young master, young princess, and pet. And now, here we are,ing to your doorstep to apologize with our pet eagle. Yet, you still won''t open the door to receive us?!"


    "Open up! Open up! Open up!"


    Several women pounded on the iron gate, shouting at the top of their lungs.


    Sadie crossed her arms, sitting proudly in the car, lips curled, coldly watching outside.


    Grandpa Clemens, knowing she was from the James Group, still deliberately sent people to reprimand her. If she just sat and did nothing, wouldn''t it make them think the James Group was easy to bully? Didn''t they ask her toe and apologize?


    Well, here she is!


    She wanted to see how the Clemens family would handle this!


    "This attitude doesn''t seem like an apology, more like a show of strength!" n gritted his teeth in anger.


    "Let''s drive them away first." Andrew urged, "It''ll be trouble when Grandpa Clemens sees Sadieter."


    "If I were a man, I could at least engage in a fight," n fumed, his face turning red. "Dealing with these women, we can''t outtalk them, can''t fight them, can''t even drive them away. It''s truly exasperating!" "Indeed!" The other bodyguards allmented in unison.


    "Fools!" Andrew red at them in annoyance, moving forward to advise, "We''ve epted your apology. Now leave quickly!"


    Andrew, not wanting to stir up trouble, hoped Sadie and her entourage would leave quickly.


    "I haven''t even seen your Grandpa Clemens yet. Why did you ept the apology?" Annika raised her eyebrows, sneering, "What if we go back and your Grandpa Clemens sends someone to reprimand us again?" "Yeah," Arya chimed in, "Sadie came in person today, full of sincerity."


    "We''ve felt your sincerity, hurry up and leave."


    Andrew noticed Grandpa Clemens'' men emerging with guns, hastily pushing the iron gate outward in an attempt to drive the women away.


    However, instead of leaving, the women became even more audacious and provocative.


    n and the other bodyguards clenched their fists in frustration.


    Seeing that Grandpa Clemens'' men did note out for a long time and Micah Clemens was avoiding her, Sadie, losing patience gradually, decided to reveal some revtions. She opened the convertible top and released the eagle... "Screech-"


    The eagle emitted a shrill cry that pierced the skies, swooping down like an arrow.


    "Watch out!" Andrew managed to dodge in time due to the iron gate blocking the assault, but the eagle turned to attack the other bodyguards.


    n and the others were scratched by it, unable to retaliate in time, as the eagle then headed towards the mansion...


    "Fire!" Ss''s men immediately aimed their guns at the eagle.


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    Several gunshots rang out. The eagle''s wings were injured, but it was still extremely fierce, flying directly over their heads and into the mansion.


    At this moment, Nathan and Mia were being protected by Grandpa Clemens, screaming in fear, trembling all over.


    Ss was originally protecting Noah by the dining table, but Noah heard the gunshots just now and wanted to rush out to see, so Noah lost his protection... The eagle rushed into the mansion, heading straight for Noah.


    Noah looked up, eyes wide with fear, staring nkly at the eagle...


    "Noah-" Grandpa Clemens eximed in shock.


    At the same time, in the upstairs corridor, Micah had juste out of the room and saw this scene, wanting to rush over to rescue, but it was already toote...

 Chapter 732 On A Knife-Edge

    "Noah!!!" Nathan shouted excitedly, wanting to rush over to save Noah, but was firmly held back by Grandpa Clemens. "Ah-" Mia screamed in fear, covering her eyes and not daring to look any further.


    Just as the eagle was about to attack Noah, at this critical moment, a whistle suddenly sounded from outside...


    The eagle stopped its attack in time, hovering in mid-air, its sharp eyes coldly fixed on Noah!


    Noah was staring back at it, his eyes full of fear.


    An eagle and a six-year-old child facing off; the scene was truly breathtaking!


    "Noah-"


    At that moment, a sharp voice suddenly sounded, and then a small green shadow flew over like an arrow, fiercely pecking at the eagle''s wings.


    The eagle slowly turned its head, coldly eyeing the ridiculous little parrot.


    Nathan and Mia were stunned, staring nkly at Coco.


    Poor Coco, in front of that fierce eagle, was like a praying mantis against a car!


    Sure enough, with a slight p of its wings, the eagle flung Coco away...


    "Coco!"


    Mia ran out to catch Coco, but because she didn''t stand firmly, she fell to the ground. Although it didn''t hurt, when she saw the sharp eyes of the eagle, Mia cried out in fear. Upon hearing Mia crying, the eagle seemed curious and fluttered its wings towards her.


    "Ah-ah-"


    Mia screamed in terror, her little face turning red, her small body trembling uncontrobly. She held Coco so tightly in her hands due to nervousness that she almost strangled him... At that moment, Micah rushed down in time to protect Mia, throwing a punch at the eagle.


    The eagle''s eyes flickered, immediately turning and flying away.


    Having taken a punch from Micahst time, it had learned its lesson.


    "Noah, Mia..." Grandpa Clemens hurriedly called out to his two great-grandchildren, "Are you both okay? Come and let Grandpa see." "Wah..." Mia was truly frightened, crying loudly with her little face raised.


    Outside, Sadie faintly heard the child''s cries. Suddenly, it felt as though a sharp de was stirring in her heart, causing unbearable pain. Sadie lowered her head, gazing at her chest. It seemed like there was a piece missing, the most crucial part of her life.


    She seemed to have lost the most vital thing in her life.


    "Screech-"


    At this moment, the eagle flew out.


    Ss''s men were about to shoot at it, but Rn stopped them. "That''s enough. If things get out of hand, the consequences will be dire!"


    The eagle flew over and crashed into a car, blood streaming from its wings.


    "Coco is injured!" Upon seeing the eagle''s blood, Arya''s face turned red with anger. She immediately got into the car to grab a gun, "They have gone too far. I will confront them!" "Stand down!" Sadie sternly shouted.


    Arya halted her actions, turned around, and stared at her in astonishment. "Sadie!"


    "Go back." Sadie frowned, pain evident in her expression as she clutched her chest. "Sadie, what''s wrong with you?" Annika noticed something off about Sadie.


    "Retreat!" Sadie ordered. "Yes."


    A group of women immediately got into the car and left.


    Seeing them go, Andrew finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Rn walked over quickly, looking at Sadie in the car, and couldn''t help but exim, "No wonder you said she looked so much like Miss Roth!"


    "I now doubt if she is Miss Roth. Otherwise, how could Sadie not even recognize her children?"


    Andrew furrowed his brow, his gazeplex as he watched the departing convoy.


    "It is indeed strange."


    Rn couldn''t understand either. Even if Sadie Roth held a grudge from the past, harbored resentment towards Micah and Grandpa Clemens, and sought revenge, she would never harm the children. The scene just now was too dangerous!


    Although the eagle was her pet, wild animals were neverpletely tamed.


    If it lost control, Young Master Noah could be in danger.

 Chapter 733 To Settle Scores Later

    "Did they leave?" At this moment, Ss hurried out to check.


    "They''ve already left, Ss," Rn reported.


    "Grandpa Clemens is furious, so be careful," Ss reminded before turning back to the house.


    "I''m in for it now."


    Andrew knew that even though Ss didn''t explicitly say it, Grandpa Clemens could tell that it was his interference that prevented his men from handling things promptly, leading to the eagle flying into the house. Now that Grandpa Clemens is angry, he''s definitely going to deal with him.


    "At most, he''ll give you a few hits," Rn patted his shoulder, reassuringly saying, "Grandpa Clemens is old and won''t draw blood."


    "Take the children to their rooms first." Micah gestured.


    The butler and several maids hurried forward to take the three children back to their rooms.


    Mia had stopped crying, but she was still cold all over, her little face pale.


    "Don''t be afraid. Daddy''s here, and everything will be fine," Micah hugged her, gentlyforting her. Mia, go rest in your room. Daddy will handle things ande to be with you soon."


    "Okay." Mia''s little face still had tear marks, but she bravely nodded.


    Micah turned to look at Noah, his eyes full of concern, but he just asked, "Are you okay?"


    Noah shook his head in a daze, not saying a word.


    "That eagle was so scary," Nathan said, holding Coco, who was trembling and still shaken. "We were already half scared to death when we heard the noise in the car earlier, and today, it actually flew into our house." Mia was scared again and on the verge of tears.


    "Don''t be afraid, Mia, I won''t say anything more," Nathan hurriedly reassured her.


    "Daddy, who does that eagle belong to?" Noah asked, furrowing his little brows.


    "I''ll exin to youter," Micah said, gently rubbing his son''s head. "Let''s head back to the room for now."


    "The butler!" Grandpa Clemens signaled discreetly.


    The butler immediately led a few maids, coaxing the three children upstairs.


    "When will Dahlia arrive?" Grandpa Clemens asked Ss.


    "I called her; she''s on her way with a child psychologist; it shouldn''t be long," Ss respectfully replied.


    "Good." Grandpa Clemens nodded, then turned to Andrew, who had entered, angrilymanding, "Kneel!"


    Andrew trembled in fear, quickly lowering his head to kneel.


    n and the other eight bodyguards knelt neatly in two rows behind him.


    "And you." Grandpa Clemens red at Rn.


    "Me?" Rn looked bewildered. "Sir, I didn''t do anything..."


    Before he could finish his exnation, he saw Ss shaking his head and gesturing at him.


    He immediately shut his mouth and knelt on both knees.


    With a crisp and forceful sound, the eight attendants he brought also knelt neatly behind him.


    Grandpa Clemens gave them a sharp nce, then turned to focus on Micah. "Tell me honestly, what''s going on?"


    Micah frowned and lowered his eyes, emotions brewing...


    He had been evasive before, not wanting to confront The James Group directly and especially not wanting Grandpa Clemens to know Sadie''s identity.


    But today, that foolish woman Sadie had barged into the house, causing such amotion that Grandpa Clemens couldn''t ignore it any longer.


    Grandpa Clemens had navigated the business world for decades, and nothing can escape his keen eye. The first time he spotted that silver Rolls-Royce on the mountain road, he suspected it belonged to someone from The James Group. Despite instructing inquiries to be made, Micah''s people continued to obfuscate the situation.


    He had long harbored suspicions about something amiss.


    However, after Sadie''s incident, Grandpa Clemens significantly eased his control over Micah, paying no heed to many matters. Little did he anticipate that his leniency would embolden individuals from The James Group to the point of doorstep provocations.


    Instead of promptly addressing the issue, Micah''s associates opted for mediation-an approach that, to Grandpa Clemens, hinted at an underlying problem.

 Chapter 734 Let Go of the Past

    While Grandpa Clemens suspected something was amiss, he could never have fathomed that the person residing in Hillside Vi was Sadie, the one who once was known as Sadie Roth... Perhaps Grandpa Clemens would eventually find out, but for now, every day that the truth remains hidden is a day gained.


    "I have my strategy," Micah finally interjected. "At the moment, it''s not advisable to engage in direct conflict with The James Group."


    "They''ve already pushed us to the brink, and we still can''t confront them head-on?" Grandpa Clemens seethed, trembling with anger. "If it hadn''t been for luck just now, Noah and Mia could have been in serious trouble!" "Indeed," Micah nodded. "Their actions have crossed a line this time, so I will not tolerate it any longer."


    Micah rarely exined patiently like this, without the rebellious opposition of the past or the arrogant disregard.


    The sharpness in Grandpa Clemens'' gaze softened slightly as he turned his head to re at Andrew. "You kneel outside the iron gate and guard it diligently. If any of those chaotic elements dare to break in again, I will personally sever your hands!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    Andrew''s reply was resolute and loud, representing his brave determination to ept punishment.


    "Get lost!" Grandpa Clemens bellowed.


    Andrew immediately led his men out in military formation, kneeling neatly outside the iron gate.


    Ss went out to check, then returned to report to Grandpa Clemens. "They''re kneeling properly, all in a straight line!"


    Grandpa Clemens then turned his fiery gaze to Rn. "From today onwards, if you hide anything from me again, get out of the Clemens family!"


    Rn shivered and looked timidly at Micah.


    This punishment was much harsher than Andrew''s!


    Micah silently averted his eyes.


    "You don''t need to look at him," Grandpa Clemens coldly stared at Micah but was warning Rn, "As long as I''m alive, this household is under mymand!" Rn pleaded with a mournful face to Ss.


    Ss nodded slightly.


    Rn had to bow his head and say, "Grandpa Clemens is right, I understand!"


    "Get out," Grandpa Clemens ;ordered coldly.


    Rn immediately led his people away. Although he wasn''t punished, this warning was even harsher than punishment.


    In the future, Rn''s days would be even more difficult.


    "Come with me to the study."


    Grandpa Clemens gestured, and Ss promptly led him to the study.


    Micah had no choice but to follow.


    Once the study door closed, Grandpa Clemens stared coldly at Micah, his gazeplex.


    "If you have something to say, speak up. Why stare at me?" Micah frowned.


    Grandpa Clemens asked in a low voice, "Is it because The James Group is that woman''s family that you are deliberately favoring them?"


    Micah''s heart trembled. Oh, he was still thinking about what excuse to use to get through, but Grandpa Clemens had already figured it out for him.


    "Indeed." Grandpa Clemens sighed deeply. "Although she carries the bloodline of The James Group, Sadie has never acknowledged her connection to the group nor shown any affection towards it. It is not necessary for you to constantly make concessions to The James Group for this reason."


    Micah lowered his head and remained silent.


    At this point, the less said, the better for Micah.


    In any case, if he said nothing, Grandpa Clemens would find a reason for him.


    "Remember, The James Group is our archenemy!" Grandpa Clemens said with great emphasis, "You cannot be confused by personal feelings. In the business world, if you keep yielding, you will end up as fish meat, at the mercy of others. The fate on your shoulders is not just your own but the rise and fall of the Clemens family and the future of those three children!"


    Micah had heard these words since he was young.


    Even a fool, after hearing them hundreds of times, would likely have them etched in their mind.


    "That woman is no longer here. You should let go of the past and start a new life," Grandpa Clemens said again, the first time in two years that he had formally brought up this topic.

 Chapter 735 Mommys Ring

    Over the past two years, Grandpa Clemens and Micah had an unspoken agreement, not to mention the events of the past, in order to preserve their rtionship.


    Although the thorn in Micah''s heart had long been embedded, he couldn''t hold Grandpa Clemens ountable. What could he do?


    He couldn''t possibly harm his grandfather... Thus, Arya and estrangement became his only means of retaliation.


    "I know you resent me." Grandpa Clemens sighed deeply. "But everything is set in stone. Even if you resent and hate me further, it cannot be undone. You can make up for that regret in your three children, but never in The James Group." "I know!" Micah finally spoke up, "I have a n."


    "Are you sure?" Grandpa Clemens still seemed uneasy.


    Micah remained silent, frowning at him, silently protesting.


    "Fine," Grandpa Clemens sighed helplessly, then coldly warned, "I hope you truly have a n. Otherwise, even if I have to use my old bones, I will clean up The James Group before I kick the bucket."


    Pausing, he stared fiercely at Micah, his gaze intense. "You know, once I make a move, there''s no turning back."


    "Alright, I understand."


    Micah certainly knew. Grandpa Clemens had been at odds with The James Group since his generation, which was why he vehemently opposed his son''s rtionship with Eleanor, leading to a tragedy...


    In his generation, Micah was even more vignt, ensuring no contact between him and anyone from The James Group.


    Yet, Grandpa Clemens never expected that, despite all precautions, he still couldn''t prevent it.


    The woman Micah met in Newark, who seemed unrted to The James Group, turned out to be Sadie, a descendant of The James Group, and she bore him three children...


    Perhaps this was fate.


    "Get out," Grandpa Clemens ordered coldly.


    Micah had intended to persuade Grandpa Clemens to return to Country Y, but the words stuck in his throat. He knew Grandpa Clemens''s temper. With such a major incident today and the three grandchildren frightened, how could Grandpa Clemens possibly leave now?


    ''Better to wait.''


    Micah left the study, and Dahlia hurriedly arrived with a doctor. After greeting Micah, he quickly went upstairs to check on the three children.


    Concerned that today''s scare might leave asting impact on the children, Grandpa Clemens had Ss summon Dahlia.


    As Micah went upstairs, he watched the children at the study door.


    Dahlia and the child psychologists were providing psychological counseling to the three children, starting by guiding them to narrate the incident in the form of a fairy tale.


    "Nathan and Mia narrated the scene that had just happened to them like telling an animated story. Because they presented it in a fairy tale manner, they were less afraid, instead narrating vividly and enthusiastically..." Soon,ughter could be heard from the study.


    Micah''s lips curled up as he turned and left.


    ''The Clemens family''s children were not easily frightened.''


    "Micah, are you leaving?" Rn hurried to catch up. Today, Andrew was punished for kneeling, so he had to stay by Micah''s side.


    "Louis is still waiting for me." Micah nced at his watch. "Let''s go to the hotel first!"


    "Yes."


    On the second floor, Noah stood by the window, watching Micah''s car gradually disappear, his expression bingplex.


    "Noah, what''s wrong with you?" Dahlia observed that Nathan and Mia quickly rxed, but Noah remained distracted, as if a door in his heart had closed, refusing to engage with the child psychologists. "Nothing." Noah turned and walked out.


    "Noah, where are you going?" Nathan asked.


    "Back to my room."


    Noah returned to his room, took out a new mechanical pigeon, and released it from the window, controlling it directly to the northern vi. He wanted to know the identity of the person who came to provoke them. Why their pet hawk, adorned with Mommy''s ring on its foot...

 Chapter 736 The Truth of the Northern Part of Hillside Villa

    No one had noticed that the pet hawk was wearing a ck-gold ring on its foot! And that ring happened to be Sadie and Micah''s wedding ring from years ago. Perhaps no one else had spotted it.


    When the hawk swooped down on Noah, it momentarily halted in mid-air in front of him upon hearing a whistle. Looking up at the hawk from his perspective, Noah caught a glimpse of that ring.


    At that moment, Noah''s eyes held not just fear but also astonishment!


    After the incident, everyone was busy dealing with the aftermath, except for Noah, whose mind was consumed by that ring. Noah wasn''t scared silly or left with psychological scars; he was simply pondering why Mommy''s ring would be on that hawk. Noah thought, ''Why?''


    The hawk was the pet of the owner of the northern part of Hillside Vi. By tracing its identity, he could potentially track down Mommy.


    So, Noah released another mechanical pigeon, hoping it would capture an image of the owner of the northern part of Hillside Vi! The mechanical pigeon soared higher and farther...


    "Knock, knock!" Suddenly, a knocking sound came from outside. Dahlia softly inquired, "Noah, are you there?"


    Knowing the pigeon wouldn''t arrive so quickly, Noah went to answer the door, "Doctor Rey, what''s up?"


    "Noah, can we talk?" Dahlia squatted down, gazing gently at him. "I know you must have been frightened just now, but you''re a man, so you didn''t shed any tears or have any tantrums..."


    "I think you''ve misunderstood," Noah interjected calmly, "I admit I was a bit scared at the moment, but it passed, and now I''m genuinely busy with my own matters. I''m not avoiding anything, so you needn''t worry." Dahlia awkwardly chuckled, "That''s good."


    "Thank you!" Noah politely thanked her. "Is there anything else?"


    "No, nothing," Dahlia quickly said. "You carry on with your tasks; I won''t disturb you."


    "Please look after Nathan and Mia for me!" Noah said as he bowed his head in acknowledgment, then closed the door.


    Dahlia felt somewhat helpless but proceeded to the study tofort Nathan and Mia.


    Noah walked to theputer and continued tracking the mechanical pigeon, which was now flying towards the northern part of Hillside Vi.


    The camera on the mechanical pigeon captured everything below it clearly, transmitting it wirelessly to Noah.


    Noah nervously stared at theputer screen, waiting for the mechanical pigeon to reveal the answer for him.


    At this moment, there was another knock on the door outside.


    Noah frowned, feeling annoyed, and asked, "Who is it?"


    "Noah, great-grandfather has breakfast ready in the kitchen, let''s eat together." Grandpa Clemens'' gentle voice came, followed by Nathan and Mia''s voices. "Great-grandfather, is there really chocte toast?" Nathan asked excitedly.


    "Indeed, I had Mary especially learn how to make it," Grandpa Clemens chuckled. "Go and see for yourself how delicious it is."


    "Yay, that''s great." Nathan cheered and ran downstairs.


    "What about Noah?" Mia was concerned about Noah.


    "I''m calling him." Grandpa Clemens lovingly stroked her hair. "You go down first, and we''ll be down in a moment."


    "Okay, I''ll go find Coco first."


    Mia bounced downstairs.


    In the room, Noah''s eyes were fixed on the screen without blinking. The pigeon had flown to the northern part of Hillside Vi, getting closer and closer to the vi. He didn''t want to miss the truth, but people outside were waiting for him, so he had to go and open the door first.


    "Noah..."


    "Great-grandfather, I''m not hungry at the moment. Please go ahead and eat."


    Noah nced back at theputer, feeling very eager. If he dyed any longer, he might miss out.


    "Noah, great-grandfather wants to talk to you..."


    "I don''t want to talk right now." Noah blurted out.


    Grandpa Clemens'' expression froze, andhis eyes dimmed.


    Noah realized he had been impolite just now and immediately apologized, "I''m sorry. I really have something to do. You go have breakfast." Chapter

 Chapter 737 Chocolate Toast

    After saying that, Noah closed the door.


    Outside the door, Grandpa Clemens sighed deeply. He thought his rtionship with Noah was starting to improve, but Noah was still distant from him.


    Noah was his beloved great-grandson and the heir he had high hopes for. He had put so much effort into nurturing him, but now things had turned out like this. Inside the room, Noah also felt a bit guilty. He had been rude to great-grandfather just now in a moment of urgency, and great-grandfather must be feeling upset. "Squawk-"


    At that moment, a hawk''s cry suddenly emanated from theputer, prompting Noah to rush to check.


    The mechanical pigeon had flown to the northern part of Hillside Vi,nding on a tall tree with its camera pointed directly at the mansion''s entrance.


    A woman got out of a car, holding the injured hawk, which pped its wings in distress and squawked incessantly.


    After scolding a few times, the hawk obediently nestled in her arms.


    In the footage, the camera captured the woman''s slender figure, evoking a sense of inexplicable familiarity.


    Noah wanted to see the woman''s face clearly, but she never turned around. It wasn''t until she reached the door that she suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked over...


    Noah stared at the screen intently, his heart almost stop beating..


    Just then, the hawk pped its wings, blocking the woman''s face.


    Then, the woman directly carried the hawk into the vi. A female bodyguard with binocrs looked over in this direction, seemingly searching for something. Learning from thest lesson, this time, Noah installed a hidden system on the mechanical pigeon.


    Sure enough, the mechanical pigeon hid behind dense foliage and wasn''t discovered.


    The female bodyguard didn''t notice anything unusual. She entered the house with binocrs while the other bodyguards also became busy.


    Noah was determined to find out the truth, so he had the mechanical pigeon hide in the tree.


    As soon as the woman left the vi, it could capture her.


    Noah kept his eyes on theputer for a while longer. Not only did the woman note out, but she also had the main gate closed.


    It seemed she wouldn''te out for a while.


    However, in order to uncover the truth sooner, Noah continued to watch.


    "Knock, knock!" At that moment, there was another knock on the door from outside.


    Noah, feeling exasperated, asked, "Who is it?"


    "It''s me, Noah," Nathan''s voice came through.


    "Come in," Noah rxed a bit.


    Nathan walked in carrying a tray with three slices of chocte toast and a ss of milk.


    "Noah, Mary has learned how to make chocte toast. I brought you some to try," Nathan said.


    "Thank you." Noah nced up, then returned his gaze to theputer screen. "Mary has tried dozens of times and finally seeded this time!"


    "Dozens of times?" Nathan''s clear, bright eyes widened.


    "You and Mia head off to school early every day, so naturally you''re unaware. Mary spends her idle time at home practicing making chocte toast, and the botched batches are handed over to the others, who haveined about it numerous times."


    "No wonder..." Nathan suddenly realized. "I just praised Mary for her talent and quick learning. She blushed and humbly shared that this sess was preceded by numerous failures and setbacks." "Yeah, 38 times." Noah nodded faintly.


    "Mary is really thoughtful." Nathan ced the breakfast in front of Noah. "Noah, are you really not going to try?"


    Noah reached out, took a bite of chocte toast, and eximed, "It''s delicious. Thank Mary for me."


    Frowning slightly, Nathan endured and finally couldn''t help but ask, "Noah, why are you like this?"


    "What?" Noah finally turned to look at him.


    "Great-grandfather and Dad are very fond of us; Mary, Doctor Rey, is also very kind to us. Why do you always keep people at a distance?"


    Chapter

 Chapter 738 Finding Mommy Back

    It was the first time Nathan had such a serious discussion with Noah. He usually appeared carefree and lighthearted.


    Today, he suddenly became serious, his face resembling Noah''s, showing a hint of determination.


    "I don''t..." Noah paused, exining, "My personality has always been in, not as lively as yours."


    "No, that''s not it." Nathan shook his head and solemnly said, "When Mommy was around, although you were smarter and more mature than me, you used to smile and get close to Great-grandfather, but now, you seem unable to smile." "Mommy is gone. I can''t smile anymore." Noah''s voice was low, his eyes red.


    Upon hearing this, Nathan lowered his head in sadness, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "Mommy isn''t here, and Mia and I are also very sad, but we shouldn''t be angry with great-grandfather for that. It''s not his fault." Noah furrowed his brows, remaining silent. On the day Mommy had an ident, only he saw Mommy for thest time and witnessed Mommy being coerced by great-grandfather. He regretted believing his words and not stopping them. If he had stayed by Mommy''s side, maybe Mommy wouldn''t have had the ident.


    But he couldn''t tell Nathan and Mia about this; he could only keep it to himself and silently endure.


    Let them continue in their blissful ignorance. Only then can they enjoy pure happiness.


    "I saw great-grandpa with red eyes just now, lost in thought while holding a cup. When I talked to him, he seemed absent-minded." Nathan continued, "Great-grandfather tries so hard to please you. Why do you treat him like this?" "I had something urgent just now."


    Noah was about to exin when he noticed it was raining heavily outside.


    His mechanical pigeon was still hidden in that tree. While it wouldn''t be discovered at the time, if it had been rained on for too long, could it have short-circuited?


    Although he had a waterproof system set up, and light rain wouldn''t affect it, but if the rain got heavier, it could be troublesome.


    "What urgent matter?" Nathan frowned at him.


    "I''ll tell youter." Noah replied as he operated theputer, preparing to move the mechanical pigeon to a safe ce to avoid the rain.


    "Noah!" Nathan was a bit angry. "I''m talking to you. Isn''t it rude to be so busy?"


    "I''m busy, I''ll tell youter; go have breakfast first!" While staring at theputer, Noah tried to cate him.


    "I''m really angry now, hmph!!!"


    Nathan, with a red face, crossed his arms and walked out angrily.


    Noah nced at Nathan and continued working on theputer, thinking to himself, ''Once I bring Mommy back, you won''t be angry anymore.'' Sadie returned to the room after treating Coco''s injuries, drew back the curtains, and looked at the rain outside, feeling suddenly heavy-hearted. She remembered the cries of the children she had heard at the Clemens family before, and her heart still ached.


    Why did she have such feelings?


    Sadie couldn''t figure it out.


    Just then, she noticed a faint red light flickering on arge tree not far away. She immediately took out her binocrs and saw a pigeon!


    She remembered the pigeon she had shot downst time, and when Arya opened it, she was surprised to find a mechanical pigeon just like this one.


    The VIC Group was mainly focused on technology, making these little gadgets effortlessly.


    A mocking smile yed on Sadie''s lips. Micah actually used such tricks to spy on her. How childish!


    Sadie picked up the gun, ready to shoot the mechanical pigeon, but then she had a second thought. ''Micah enjoyed spying so much; ying a little prank on him might be more fun.'' So, she put down the gun.


    As the rain continued outside, Annika knocked on the door and brought in a steaming cup of fruit tea. "Sadie, have some fruit tea to warm up."


    "Go and close all the windows," Sadie instructed. Today''s schedule is canceled; I''m taking a day off."


    "Understood."


    Chapter

 Chapter 739 Fierce Killing Intent

    Noah had been staring at theputer in the room, waiting for the master toe out so he could see her clearly. After waiting for a long time, she still hadn''t appeared, and all the doors and windows of the mansion were closed. Apart from the cold outer walls of the mansion, the mechanical pigeons couldn''t capture anything.


    Noah felt a bit hungry, so he started eating the chocte toast on the table, finished the milk, and then continued to stare at theputer.


    Shortly afterwards, it was already noon, and Mary knocked on the door from outside, calling out softly, "Young Master, it''s time for lunch." Unconsciously, it was already noon.


    Noah''s eyes were sore, and his stomach was empty, but he didn''t want to give up this opportunity, so he said to Mary, "Please bring the meal to me; I''ll eat in the room."


    Mary looked at Grandpa Clemens behind him.


    Grandpa Clemens nodded, and Mary immediately said, "Alright, I''ll go prepare it."


    Noah continued to monitor theputer, refusing to believe that those people wouldn''te out.


    Mary prepared the meal, knocked on the door, and, upon seeing Noah sitting at the desk staring at theputer, kindly advised, "Young Master, if you keep staring at theputer like this, you might harm your eyes. Come, let''s have a meal first."


    "Thank you, Mary." Noah turned to Mary. "Please bring it over here for me."


    Mary had originally nned to ce the meal on the dining table, but he had to eat at the desk, which she felt was inappropriate, but she did it anyway. "Thank you, Mary."


    Noah picked up the meal and started eating heartily.


    "Take your time; there''s no rush." Mary looked at him affectionately. "You can have some fruit juice, freshly squeezed."


    "Okay." Noah nodded. "I''ll call you when I''m done. You can go out and be busy; don''t mind me."


    "Alright." Mary replied and left the room.


    Noah ate while staring at theputer, but there was still no movement in the mansion. However, he felt that those people would eventuallye out. And so, the day passed until night fell, and the people in the mansion still hadn''te out.


    Noah was tired and sleepy. Hey his head on the table and fell asleep.


    Suddenly, the sound of a car came from theputer. Noah immediately woke up, rubbed his eyes, and looked at the screen.


    The rain had stopped, the mansion door had opened, and eight female bodyguards stood in an orderly line at it, holding ck umbres to shield the master from the wind and rain.


    A woman in a ck suit walked out of the mansion.


    Noah''s heart tightened immediately. He hurriedly leaned closer, staring at the woman. Since he saw her back in the morning, he felt she resembled his mom, so he had to see her clearly, even if it meant not eating, drinking, or sleeping. But a whole day had passed, and he still hadn''t seen her.


    Now the opportunity hade, Noah dared not blink, keeping his eyes fixed on the screen.


    However, the umbre covered her upper body, making it impossible to see her clearly.


    Noah felt anxious. He swiftly adjusted the angle of the mechanical pigeon, lowering it in the hope of catching a glimpse of the person''s face. Despite the risk of being detected, Noah was unconcerned at this moment. His sole focus was on getting a clear view of the person''s face.


    The mechanical pigeon slowly descended, perching on a tree near the door. The camera angle lowered, gradually revealing the person who was half-covered by the umbre, with only the face left to see.


    Noah held his breath, staring at the screen, his small hands clenched into fists, anxiously shouting, "Faster, faster..."


    The shooting angle lowered, zoomed in, and the face was about to slowly appear in front of his eyes.


    Suddenly, a hawk screech sounded, and then the eagle swooped down, its sharp eyes directly facing the camera, exuding a fierce killing intent.


    Noah was startled, instinctively dodging backward.


    At the same time, with a "sizzle" sound, the entire screen turned into white dots.


    Noah widened his eyes in shock, staring nkly in ce.


    He knew his second mechanical pigeon had been attacked by that hawk!


    Chapter

 Chapter 740 Father and Son

    This time, Noah didn''t get angry likest time. He just felt a bit lost.


    However, because he got a clue about Mommy, a new hope ignited in his heart, and he also felt very excited!


    Although he was still young, he knew that the more mysterious the other party was, the more problems there were.


    He needed to find out the rtionship between the woman in the northern part of Hillside Vi and Mommy.


    Noah thought, ''Why does her back look so much like Mommy''s? Why does she have Mommy''s ring?''


    But now that he had alerted the enemy, so he couldn''t act so rashly now.


    Just as he was thinking, there was a sudden knock on the door outside, and then Micah''s voice came, "Noah, can Ie in?"


    "Dad!" Noah hurried to open the door. "Pleasee in."


    Micah walked into the room, took off his suit jacket and ced it on the small sofa, surveying the room''s decor. "This is the room Dahlia arranged for you when you were three and a half. Now that you''ve grown up, do you want to redecorate it?"


    "No need; it''s fine like this." Noah handed Micah a bottle of juice. "In my room, there''s only juice, milk, and yogurt, no alcohol!"


    Micah smiled. "When you grow up, I''ll set up a small bar in your room."


    "How old is considered grown up?" Noah poured himself a ss of cold milk.


    Micah touched his ss with the juice and looked at him gently. "In terms of mentality and intelligence, you are already considered grown up, but in terms of physical structure, you are still young." "Thank you." Noah felt this was Micah''s praise for him.


    "Nathan and Mia both say their rooms are too childish and want to change the style. Don''t you want to change?" Micah returned to this topic.


    "I don''t want to." Noah looked around his room, his gaze falling on the family photo on the wall. "This room bears Mommy and Brenda''s traces..." Upon hearing this, Micah fell silent. There were so many inner workings that Nathan and Mia were unaware of; only Noah was privy to them.


    He was already more mature than other children; even though he only had a vague understanding of those things, he could still figure out afterward that Grandpa Clemens had driven Sadie away. So, his resentment towards Grandpa Clemens was understandable.


    "Why did youe back so early today?" Noah changed the subject, not wanting the atmosphere to be too heavy.


    "Sails called me, saying you locked yourself in your room all day and didn''te out at all; Grandpa Clemens was very worried and didn''t eat or drink all day."


    Micah looked deeply at Noah.


    "Huh? Why didn''t great-grandfather eat or drink?" Noah was somewhat surprised, "I had something in my room, but I had eaten."


    "Great-grandfather is worried about you, and at the same time, he feels guilty towards you." Micah exined softly.


    It was the first time Micah had brought up this topic with Noah, but he was not good at expressing himself, and he didn''t know how to continue.


    He also harbored resentment and estrangement towards Grandpa Clemens, so how could he demand fake warmth from the child? "So?" Noah furrowed his little brows. "What do you want to say?"


    "Just do me a favor, go see great-grandfather." Micah gently stroked his little head. "He''s old, and if he doesn''t eat, his body will deteriorate." "Okay, I''ll go." Noah readily agreed. "But, Dad, there''s something I''ve been holding back for a long time, and I still want to ask you." "Go ahead." Micah looked at him gently.


    "Why didn''t you protect Mommy in the first ce?" Noah''s clear and bright eyes looked deeply at Micah. "Why did you give up on her?"


    Micah lowered his gaze, memories flooding his mind, a mix of emotions swirling within him. "I protected her; I just didn''t do it well enough. I haven''t given up on her either..." Chapter

 Chapter 741 A Warm and Cozy Family

    "If Mommyes backter, will you still protect her well?" Noah asked again.


    "Of course." Micah answered without hesitation, then asked, "Why are you suddenly asking this?"


    "Nothing." Noah didn''t want Micah to know until the matter was confirmed.


    "Alright, wash your face, go downstairs to see great-grandfather, and then we''ll have a meal together." Micah patted his little head.


    "Okay." Noah obediently nodded.


    Micah returned to his room, changed his clothes, and prepared to go downstairs to have a meal with his family. At this moment, Andrew came to report, "Micah, there''s news from the hospital that Ms. Lingston has woken up." "Okay." Micah nodded, "I''ll go see her tonight."


    Noah arrived at Grandpa Clemens'' room and found him sitting in a wheelchair, staring nkly at the rain outside the French window, his back looking lonely.


    "Young Master, be a dear and take this cup of hot tea to your great-grandfather." Sails whispered, handing Noah a teacup.


    "Okay." Noah took the teacup, walked over, and called softly, "Great-grandfather!"


    Grandpa Clemens didn''t react.


    Noah walked up to him and called out again, "Great-grandfather!"


    Grandpa Clemens finally snapped out of it and looked up to see Noah, first stunned, then delightedly embracing him, "Noah, howe you''re here?"


    "I came to see you," Noah said, handing a cup to Grandpa Clemens. "Great-grandfather, have some coffee!"


    "Good, good." Grandpa Clemens was very pleased, took the teacup, and had a big sip, "It''s delicious! It tastes good."


    "Great-grandfather, I''ve been busy studying about the mechanical pigeons today, feeling a bit anxious. I might not be very polite when talking to you. Please don''t be upset." Noah apologized softly.


    "It''s okay." Grandpa Clemens stroked his head and looked at him lovingly. He consoled, "Noah, if you have something on your mind, speak up. If you''re upset, you can vent it out or argue with me; it''s all fine, but don''t keep it inside; don''t let it weigh you down, understand?"


    "I understand." Noah was deeply moved. Grandpa Clemens was really good to him; he was impable.


    "Let''s go out for a meal together. Dad is back. Tonight, our family can have a meal together." Noah held Grandpa Clemens'' aged hand.


    "Okay, okay." Grandpa Clemens nodded repeatedly.


    "Great-grandfather..."


    At this moment, Nathan and Mia ran in from outside.


    The room instantly became lively. Nathan and Mia eagerly talked to Grandpa Clemens.


    "Time for dinner; Mary made a lot of delicious food today."


    "Dad even squeezed juice for us himself."


    "Haha, how hard can it be to squeeze juice?"


    "Grandpa Clemens, I''ll push you out!"


    Noah pushed Grandpa Clemens'' wheelchair outside.


    "I''ll bring you the cup." Nathan took Grandpa Clemens'' cup.


    "I''ll get you a nket." Mia brought a nket and covered Grandpa Clemens'' legs.


    The three children surrounded Grandpa Clemens. The family was harmonious and warm again, just like the lively and cozy family they used to be.


    "Even at this age, you still need to be pampered!" Although Micah said this, he still personally pulled Grandpa Clemens'' chair.


    "What nonsense are you talking?" Grandpa Clemens scolded, but a smile appeared on his face.


    When Nathan sat down, Micah habitually picked him up and put him on the chair. Nathan couldn''t help butugh. "Dad, I''ve grown up. I''m not a toddler anymore." "No matter how old you are, you''re still Dad''s child." Micah patted his head and went to hug Noah.


    "Hey, no need, I can do it myself." Noah quickly sat down.


    Micah''s hand froze there. Mia tactfully approached and openly said, "Dad, hug me! No matter how old I get, I''m still your little darling!"


    "Mia is always the sweetest!" Micah praised Mia as he stretched out his hand to hug her.


    Chapter

 Chapter 742 Compulsion for Emotional Cleanliness

    The family enjoyed a harmonious mealtime together, a rare atmosphere that had been absent for a long while.


    In the past few years, every time Grandpa Clemens visited, Micah would use his busy work schedule as an excuse toe and go early. Noah also remained stoic and distant.


    Only Nathan and Mia continued to show the same affection towards Grandpa Clemens as before.


    Over time, Grandpa Clemens stoppeding over.


    However, recently, when Nathan and Mia entered elementary school, he flew all the way from Country E, especially to celebrate with them. This time, he put in a greater effort, aiming to bond with the children and bridge the gap between himself and Noah.


    At first, it seemed like a lost cause, but then a surprising transformation took ce.


    Grandpa Clemens was overjoyed, feeling that his efforts had not been in vain, and he held new hopes for the future.


    He hoped that Micah''s marriage would be settled in his lifetime and that the three children would ept E and start a new life together.


    After dinner, while the three children were in the garden, Grandpa Clemens said to Micah, "E has woken up. Later, you''lle with me to the hospital to see her." "I''ll go alone. You''ve had a long day. Rest at home," Micah replied.


    Micah thought he could make a trip, but if he went with Grandpa Clemens, the atmosphere would be strange.


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens felt that he shouldn''t rush Micah too much; he needed some time. "I''ll stay home with the children; you go see E," he said. "Okay." Micah replied calmly.


    Then he said goodbye to the children and set off.


    On the way, Louis called again. Micah felt annoyed seeing this number, but he reluctantly answered, "What''s up?"


    "Micah, I''m about to meet Sadie. I''m so nervous. If she asked me aboutst night, how should I exin it?"


    Louis was like a fool who had never been in love, asking Micah everything.


    "Do you need me to teach you this too?" Micah was speechless. "Can''t you juste up with a reason on your own?"


    Louis exined, "I''ve already thought of a reason; just say a friend took me there and then forced a girl on me; I had no choice..."


    "You''ve already figured it out and stille to ask me?" Micah retorted impatiently.


    Louis continued, "But she asked me yesterday who took me there. Can I tell the truth?"


    After all the back-and-forth, they finally got to the point: This was what Louis wanted to ask.


    "It''s up to you." Micah seemed indifferent.


    "Then I''ll have toe clean." Louis hurriedly said, "When she asked me yesterday, I didn''t tell her. I just felt that betraying a dude behind his back was not right. At least I should ask you first." "Selling out in person is better?" Micah retorted.


    "Uh... well..." Louis was speechless.


    "Alright, handle it well." Micah replied indifferently, and he hung up the phone, his face calm, showing no signs of trouble.


    "Micah, why don''t you make Louis keep it a secret? What if Sadie finds out you took him there? Wouldn''t she misunderstand you as a regr at nightclubs?" Rn asked cautiously.


    "Will she have fewer misunderstandings about me?" Micah retorted, "Besides, do you think if Louis doesn''t say it, she won''t find out?"


    "She didn''t find out anything at the Night Club either." Rn was puzzled.


    "Louis only knows me in Newark. Besides me, who else would dare take him to a nightclub? And who could make the people at the Night Club deliberately conceal the private room matter?" Micah said, "Sadie is so clever. She wouldn''t fail to think of that."


    "That makes sense." Rn nodded. "So, Louis and Sadie have a date tonight. Are you worried?"


    "Worried about what?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "That woman is particr about rtionships. Even if I took Louis there, if Louis is really determined, he won''t touch other women. If he does touch someone and Sadie sees it, then it''s not my problem."


    Chapter

 Chapter 743 Dont Disturb Our Date

    "I understood." Rn suddenly realized.


    "But I''m quite surprised that she''s still meeting him," Micah said calmly on the surface, but there was still some unease in his heart. Two years ago, Sadie had an extreme aversion to rtionships and cared about a man''s loyalty.


    However, two years passed, and she transformed from a naive girl into a cold and proud woman, her personality bing more arrogant. It was not impossible for her views on rtionships to change.


    "In fact, Sadie meeting Louis today means she doesn''t love him at all," Rn analyzed, "The more you love someone, the more you care about such things. It''s only been a day, and she''s already let go of past grievances? That means she definitely doesn''t love him."


    "That makes sense." Micah breathed a sigh of relief.


    "However, not loving him doesn''t mean she won''t be with him," Rn added, "Louis is a member of the French royal family, and James Group has been friendly with France in recent years. For the sake of expanding the family''s influence, a marriage with the royal family is not impossible."


    Upon hearing this, Micah''s face instantly darkened.


    "I see Sadie now,pletely different from the Miss Roth of the past." Rn, unaware of Micah''s change in expression, continued, "Perhaps after these two years, she no longer cares so much about love and instead focuses more on the bigger picture. In that case, it''s really possible..."


    "Shut up!" Micah interrupted Rn and called Louis.


    "Micah?" Louis asked.


    Micah said, "Where are you?"


    Louis replied, "At a restaurant in the Sapphire Depths. The restaurant is called... the Spectrum Gourmet."


    As soon as Louis finished speaking, Micah hung up the phone and instructed the driver, "Go to the Spectrum Gourmet."


    "Yes, sir," the driver immediately changed direction.


    Rn was puzzled, "Micah, what are you..."


    "You''re right." Micah squinted, turning the ck and gold wedding ring on his hand. "If she has changed and decided to be with Louis for family reasons, where will I find a mother for the children?" Rn was speechless. If he had known this would happen, he wouldn''t have said anything.


    Clearly promised Grandpa Clemens to go to the hospital, made ns with the Lingston family, now suddenly changed course to head to the seaside restaurant.


    Rn thought, ''Grandpa Clemens is going to be furious again.''


    Rn remembered that earlier today, Grandpa Clemens had warned him that if there was another incident kept from him, Rn would be kicked out of the Clemens family.


    Thinking of this, Rn hastily persuaded, "Mr. Lingston is still waiting for us at the hospital, and Grandpa Clemens also instructed us to go see Ms. Lingston. This sudden change in direction, will it..." "We''ll go to the hospitalter." Micah checked his watch. "Let them know I''lleter."


    "Well..." Rn wanted to say more, but seeing Micah''s cold, stern look, he immediately lowered his head and obeyed: "Yes, understood."


    Then, Rn called Nelson and said that Micah had urgent matters to attend to and wouldeter. Nelson, on the other end of the phone, told him not to worry and to let Micah handle his affairs first. After hanging up, Rn looked helpless. But Micah urged, "Faster."


    "Yes, sir." the driver elerated towards the Spectrum Gourmet. During the journey, Louis sent messages to inquire about Micah. Louis: [What did you want to say when you called just now?]


    [You''re noting to find me, are you?]


    [Please don''te to me. I''m on a date with Sadie. Don''t disturb us!]


    [She''s here; I won''t tell you anymore. Don''te!]


    Finally, Louis even sent a photo.


    The restaurant was romantically decorated, with pink roses and heart-shaped balloons everywhere. Louis, dressed in a white suit, looked even more noble and elegant.

 Chapter 744 A Natural Pair

    Furthermore, Louis also shed a bright and sweet smile at the camera, the kind that many women adored.


    Micah furrowed his brows, his expression darkening, as he stared at the photo and said to Rn, "Look at this expression. Did he look like a fool?"


    Rn paused, looking at Micah. "Louis was your only friend."


    Micah had always been cool and aloof, rarely making friends, with Louis being his only friend.


    Louis, two years Micah''s junior, had been shielded since childhood, his life, studies, and friendships closely monitored.


    Louis practically lived in the castle once he came of age, rarely venturing into the outside world. His acquaintances were mostly from the affluent and aristocratic circles, and due to conflicting interests, other members of the royal family viewed him with a degree of calction.


    There were also some merchants who were very purposeful and scheming, whom Louis could not get along with.


    Only Micah, although somewhat proud and aloof, at least did not scheme against Louis.


    Furthermore, while one exuded calmness and the other radiated passion, and one remained cold while the other was warm, they formed a stark contrast.


    Unconsciously, they had managed to be friends.


    "You are also his only friend," Rn added.


    Micah frowned. "What do you mean?"


    "You two often y together. If he is a fool, then aren''t you...?"


    "Rn!" Micah interrupted, asking sternly, "Do you know why I always assign you tasks outside?"


    "Because I''m not a sweet talker like Andrew?"


    Rn also wanted to know the answer to this question. He and Andrew came to the Clemens family together, following Micah, but Micah always sent him out to handle tasks, keeping Andrew by his side. Rn worked tirelessly.


    Meanwhile, Andrew effortlessly gained the master''s approval.


    Rn felt it somewhat unfair. If they weren''t brothers, he wouldn''t have epted it.


    "Your mind doesn''t work that way." Micah stared coldly at him and added, "Andrew is much cleverer than you."


    "I know I was wrong," Rn said dejectedly.


    "From now on, you stay quiet. Don''t speak unless necessary," Micah ordered harshly.


    "Yes," Rn lowered his head.


    The car soon arrived at the Spectrum Gourmet.


    From a distance, Micah saw the James Group''s silver Rolls-Royce and the ck Maybach he had lent to Louis.


    Getting out of the car, Micah led the group towards the restaurant.


    The soothing notes of romantic piano music wafted from the Spectrum Gourmet, mingling with the fresh floral scents that permeated the air, creating an ambiance of sweetness all around. As Micah stepped into the restaurant and beheld the enchanting scene, he came to a sudden halt.


    By the window, a white grand piano, Louis and Sadie were ying a four-hand piece, performing Beethoven''s ''Symphony No. 5''.


    Their exquisite piano skills and seamless harmony created a perfect scene.


    The restaurant''s staff and guests couldn''t help but pause to admire, with some even taking out cameras to capture this joyful moment. Micah looked on coldly, feeling bitter inside.


    He thought, ''What''s so special about being able to y the piano? It''s not that impressive. I also... Well, I can''t!''


    Finally, as the piece concluded, the entire room erupted in thunderous apuse.


    Some guests and servers excitedly discussed.


    "This must be a world-ss pianist, ying so brilliantly."


    "Yes, but it''s strange, it seems like we haven''t seen them in the media before."


    "True masters, they never bother with publicity."


    "Not only are their piano skills exquisite, but they also look like characters stepped out of a myth, so beautiful!"


    "Yes, a talented man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven!"


    "They look so in sync, they must be a couple!"


    "I heard the roses and balloons in the restaurant today were arranged by this young man, maybe he''s nning a proposal." "Wow, how wonderful, didn''t expect to witness a perfect love story!"

 Chapter 745 True Love between Men

    Upon hearing these words, Micah''s brows furrowed even tighter, his face stern as he strode over...


    At that moment, the two individuals in front of the piano were smiling at each other.


    Louis''s ice-blue eyes were filled with affection, a happy and sweet smile ying on his lips.


    Sadie also beamed with a radiant smile, her gaze tender.


    Seated side by side on the piano bench, they were intimate, their affection palpable...


    The piano was suddenly tapped a few times.


    Everyone gazed at this enigmatic, arrogant, and aloof man dressed in ck.


    There was a natural aura of menace emanating from him, instilling fear and dread in those around him.


    Simultaneously, his eyes held a cold chill, as if he were a god emerging from hell, intent on breaking up this happy couple!


    Instantly, the romantic and warm atmosphere was shattered.


    The onlookers all timidly stepped back, afraid to get too close, fearing they might be affected.


    "Micah?" Sadie looked up at Micah, her expression turning cold. "What are you doing here?"


    "He... he''s here to see me," Louis stated.


    Unaware of Micah and Sadie''splex rtionship, Louis truly believed Micah hade to see him. He hastily pulled Micah aside and spoke in a hushed tone.


    "I told you not toe, didn''t I? Why did you show up?"


    "I''ve told you..." Micah nced at Sadie, reminding sternly, "This woman, she''s not a good person."


    Louis replied, "Oh, don''t worry about me. I have my own ns." Louis anxiously urged Micah, "You better leave now, or Sadie will scold you. She already knows it was you who took me to the Night Clubst night." "So what if she knows?" Micah raised an eyebrow, coldly staring at Sadie.


    Sadie red back at him, her expression filled with anger.


    The two eyed each other like enemies, neither willing to back down.


    "I know you mean well, afraid that I might be taken advantage of, so you especially came to warn me." Louis put his arm around Micah''s shoulder, whispering, "But I''m already an adult; I can distinguish right from wrong."


    "You''re too naive; you don''t understand." Micah leaned in close to Louis''s ear, speaking ill of Sadie in a low voice. "This woman not only has a dangerous background but also a bad temper and a tendency towards violence. Also, her family keeps a fierce pet, rumored to be an eagle, which specifically targets men''s eyes!"


    "Ah?" Louis gasped in shock. "Is that true?"


    Rn watched all this from the side, unable to help but sigh in his heart. Louis was truly a kind and naive person!


    "How could it not be true? If you don''t believe me, ask her yourself?" Seeing Louis already wavering, Micah continued to persuade, "And also, I heard she likes S&M!"


    "Ah!!!!"


    Louis widened his eyes in astonishment, turned around, cautiously nced at Sadie, then quickly looked back and nervously said, "Where did you hear this from? That can''t be true, right? Sadie is pure and innocent, and she doesn''t seem like that kind of person!"


    "You fool, do you think people wear their secrets on their sleeves?" Micah remarked.


    "But..." Louis said.


    "Enough, stop talking." Micah didn''t give Louis a chance to speak, grabbed his wrist, and was about to lead him away. "Come with me!"


    "Just a moment," Louis said.


    Louis looked back at Sadie, then at Micah, appearing deeply conflicted.


    By now, the onlookers couldn''t help but exim.


    "Oh my, I thought that handsome foreign guy and Sadie were a couple, but I never expected..."


    "I thought this handsome man in ck was here to steal girls, but it turns out he''s stealing boys!!!!"


    "It''s truly unbelievable!!!!"


    "You guys are so behind. I figured it out long ago," a young and pretty girl gave them a disdainful look, proudly saying, "These two handsome men, one good and one evil, one ck and one white, one cold and one warm, they are truly meant for each other!"

 Chapter 746 So Righteous

    Upon hearing these words, Rn secretly felt relieved, thinking, ''See, I was right, wasn''t I? You two seem more like a pair.''


    Micah''s expression turned sour with all the rumors and gossip, which indeed confirmed Rn''s words, making people think he and Louis were gay!


    "Oh my, what are they saying?" Louis blushed with embarrassment. "They actually think you and I..."


    He pointed at Micah, then at himself, and then covered his face in embarrassment.


    Micah felt utterly speechless. French men, indeed, had expressive bodynguage.


    "Louis!" Sadie called out.


    "Here!" Louis was about to run back but was stopped by Micah. Louis anxiously pushed him. "Don''t pull me. Everyone already thinks there''s something between us, and you''re still pulling me. It''s really hard to exin." "Do you believe her and not me?" Micah frowned and asked.


    "It''s not..." Louis didn''t know how to choose and could only say, "Alright, stay and have dinner with us. We can talk after the meal."


    "Okay!" Micah let go of his hand.


    The three of them sat down, with Micah and Louis on one side and Sadie opposite.


    The surrounding audience whispered and discussed.


    Luke tentatively asked, "Sadie, can I sit on your side?"


    "Sure." Sadie readily agreed.


    Luke immediately changed seats and sat next to Sadie.


    That movement was as fast as if he were escaping for his life.


    Micah gave him a cold re, took the menu handed by the manager, ordered a bottle of wine, and then handed the menu to Louis.


    "I''ve already arranged dinner for Sadie and me." Luke took the menu and asked, "Aren''t you going to order anything to eat?"


    "I''ve already had dinner." Micah picked up his water ss and drank.


    "Then why are you here for the show?" Sadie raised an eyebrow, ring at Micah unapologetically.


    Micah looked at her coldly, saying nothing.


    "Sadie, don''t be like this..." Louis hurriedly defended Micah and announced, "Micah is my best friend!"


    "Then what about me?" Sadie asked deliberately.


    "You..." Louis was a bit nervous, "You are my favorite girl."


    "Fine!" Sadie picked up a ss of red wine and asked Louis, "If this were a cup of poison, and one of us had to drink it for the other to live, the choice is yours. What would you do?" "I..." Louis was very troubled, not knowing how to choose.


    Micah directly took the ss of red wine from Sadie''s hand and drank it all in one go.


    Both Sadie and Louis were stunned.


    Sadie''s eyes becameplicated as she frowned at Micah.


    Louis was first shocked, then moved.


    Micah put down the ss, looked at Sadie, and asked, "Satisfied?"


    "What do you mean?" Sadie was very puzzled.


    "I won''t let you take risks anymore." Micah blurted out, then quickly corrected himself, "Women are naturally meant to be protected; as a man, one must have gentlemanly manners."


    "Yes, Micah is right!" Louis repeatedly praised him, ncing gratefully at him and thanking him for resolving the situation.


    "You should know that was a cup of poison; drinking it would have been fatal." Sadie red at him, displeased, saying, "Did you not listen to me seriously?"


    "I heard." Micah looked deeply at her and said seriously, "To prevent you from dying, I would rather die myself. Is that not eptable?"


    Sadie''s heart trembled. For some reason, upon hearing these words, she felt somewhat moved.


    It seemed like Sadie had been waiting for this statement for a long time.


    "Micah, you..." Louis looked at Micah in astonishment. "What are you saying?"


    "This way, you won''t be in a difficult position." Micah reacted quickly, adding, "Am I a good friend?" "So righteous!" Louis nodded repeatedly.

 Chapter 747 Falling into a Trap

    Sadie looked deeply at Micah. His words seemed like a yboy deliberately seducing and teasing a girl.


    Yet Sadie felt inexplicably moved.


    This feeling was quite strange.


    Micah sensed Sadie looking at him, but he didn''t look back at her. He just calmly sipped his wine and chatted with Louis. Louis and Micah had more inmon and were more at ease with each other.


    Micah was warmer towards Louis than he was towards others, not as cold and arrogant.


    As they chatted, a sumptuous French dinner was slowly served.


    Sadie quietly ate her meal. Louis attentively took care of her, but his thoughts were all on Micah''s topics.


    Sadie felt somewhat speechless, sensing that at this table, the one who seemed out of ce wasn''t Micah, but herself. People around them saw this scene and whispered to each other in low voices.


    "You see, it''s always the closest between two men. That girl in the middle seems so unnecessary, poor thing."


    "Yeah, I feel like they''re pulling off a scam where a gay person pretends to be straight in a marriage, shameless!"


    "I don''t think it''s a scam. The girl seems to know about their rtionship."


    "Soplicated, so messy, oh my!"


    "Why do they have to like the same sex when there are perfectly good opposite-sex options?"


    Of course, none of the murmured words reached the individuals involved, but nearby attendants like Rn, Annika, and Arya heard them loud and clear.


    Rn was unfazed, with a strong mindset and thick skin. Knowing his master''s intentions, he remained unaffected.


    On the other hand, Annika and Arya were visibly upset, their faces flushed, and both felt indignant on behalf of Sadie. Suddenly, Micah''s phone rang. He nced at the caller ID, greeted Louis and Sadie, then went out to take the call.


    Finally, only Louis and Sadie remained at the table.


    Louis quickly took out an exquisite gift box and handed it to Sadie. "Sadie, open it and see if you like it."


    "Thank you." Sadie took the package and opened it, revealing a diamond ne. "It''s quite lovely. I really like it. Thank you."


    With that, she closed the lid, set it aside, and resumed her meal.


    Louis looked at her. "You don''t seem to like it?" he asked. "Do you not like diamonds, or do you not like nes? I''ll get you a different gift next time."


    "She doesn''t like you." The handsome young man at the adjacent table couldn''t bear it any longer and angrily eximed, "You shameless gay, having a boyfriend and still deceiving girls, despicable!" With this outburst, others started pointing and whispering.


    "We don''t look down on gays, but you can''t just rely on your looks to deceive girls."


    "Exactly, this is hical!"


    Louis was stunned, looked at them in disbelief, and tried to exin in a panic, "No, you''ve misunderstood..."


    Unfortunately, Louis''s voice was quickly drowned out by the chatter.


    Louis felt like crying without tears. If he had known it would turn out like this, he should have rented the whole ce.


    Thinking that a crowded and lively setting would witness their romantic moment with Sadie, he didn''t rent the ce, only to find himself in such a miserable situation now.


    Sadie held back a smile and deliberately asked Louis, "No wonder. I always felt something was off between you two. Come clean. Are you and him in that kind of rtionship?"


    "No, I swear," Louis raised his hand, excitedly stating, "Micah and I are just good friends. We definitely don''t have any improper rtionship."


    "Then why did you invite him?" Sadie asked, displeased. "I thought you only invited me."


    "I didn''t invite him, really. He came on his own," Louis blurted out in distress. "He was worried I might fall into a trap, so he came to warn me!"

 Chapter 748 Tit For Tat

    "Fall into a trap? What''s going on?" Sadie looked at him suspiciously.


    "Well..." Louis realized he had slipped up and panicked for a moment, unsure how to exin.


    At that moment, Micah walked in.


    Louis hurriedly whispered, "Sadie, let''s talk about thister."


    Sadie didn''t press further, but her gaze towards Micah sharpened.


    ''This despicable man deliberately took Louis to the nightclub and ndered me in front of him. Just wait and see how I deal with him.'' Sadie thought to herself. Micah had just received a call from Grandpa Clemens, who was questioning why he hadn''t visited E in the hospital and where he had suddenly disappeared to. Micah exined that Louis had an urgent matter to attend to, so he came over to help Louis first and would go to the hospitalter.


    Grandpa Clemens demanded he arrive at the hospital before ten o''clock.


    Micah agreed.


    ncing at the time, it was already past nine, and it would take some time to get to the hospital from there, so Micah would have to leave in about ten minutes. "Micah, your drink is here; see how you like it," Louis said. He was guilty that he slipped up, trying to appease Micah.


    The waiter had already poured half a ss of wine for Micah.


    Micah took a sip and said casually, "It''s fine."


    "Mr. Clemens, do you know that peeping is illegal?" Sadie suddenly interjected.


    "What?" Micah narrowed his eyes.


    "What? Do I need to provide evidence?" Sadie opened a photo on her phone. "Is this some gadget from yourpany?"


    Micah nced at it, seeing two blown-up mechanical pigeons. Wasn''t this Noah''s little experiment? How did it end up with her?


    "Twice in a row, you''ve sent these inferior tech products to spy on me at my ce." Sadie retrieved her phone and coldly stated, "I''m considering whether to take legal action against you."


    "Spying? Is that true?" Louis looked at Micah in astonishment, seemingly not expecting Micah to do such a thing.


    Micah shrugged off the threat. "Go ahead and sue. Just remember, I could counter-sue you for trespassing and inciting pet attacks. And let''s not forget about your eagle, a Level Two nationally protected animal that you''re illegally keeping. You''re clearly breaking thew here!"


    "What do you know? I have a permit; I''m legally keeping it." Sadie red coldly at him.


    "You really keep an eagle?" Louis paled in shock.


    "I do keep one," Sadie said indifferently.


    "I..." Louis faltered.


    "That eagle is quite fierce; this is its handiwork." Micah raised his hand, showing several deep scars that hadn''t fully healed yet.


    "Oh my, was this from that eagle''s w?" Louis eximed in shock. "With your skills, getting injured like this, then what about me..."


    "Last time, near Noble Summit in the jungle," Micah looked at Sadie and said, "If I hadn''t intervened in time, those beautiful big eyes of yours would have been gone long ago."


    "I didn''t ask you to save me," Sadie retorted coldly.


    "Okay." Micah nodded, then solemnly warned, "Your pet eagle scared my son and daughter at my home that day. I didn''t hold you ountable this time; consider it a first warning. If there''s a next time, I''ll pluck its feathers and stew it!" "Do you dare?" Sadie raised an eyebrow.


    "See if I dare." Micah gave her a cold re, got up, and left. "I''m leaving now, Louis; take care of yourself."


    "Micah, Micah..." Louis called out twice.


    Micah didn''t respond.


    Watching him leave, Louis nced at Sadie, feeling flustered. "Sadie, why do you keep an eagle as a pet?"


    "I keep it because I like it," Sadie replied coldly. "Any issues with that?"


    "No..." Louis looked at her. "I just think eagles are too fierce. I suggest you get a different small pet. If you like birds, I rmend a small parrot!"


    A small parrot?


    For some reason, Sadie felt strangely drawn to that word..

 Chapter 749 Playing Tricks is a Womans Nature

    "Sadie, I''ve booked opera tickets. Would you like to go with me tonight?" Louis asked cautiously. "No, thanks. I have other ns," Sadie replied, feeling uninterested as she got up to leave.


    "Sadie..." Louis watched Sadie walk away, feeling not reluctance, but rather relief.


    Louis watched Sadie walk away, not feeling any reluctance but rather relieved.


    He looked down at the scar on the back of his right hand, a result of being bitten by a pet snake once owned by Tristan. That time, he hade close to death... That was why he still felt afraid of such fierce creatures.


    He had thought Sadie was different from her brother, but now...


    The thought of those fierce creatures sent shivers down his spine.


    Micah''s car was still on the road when a silver streak suddenly zoomed past.


    He raised his eyes to the streak of silver, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    "James Group''s car?" Rn, surprised, saw the streak of silver and remarked, "Impressive driving skills!"


    "Yeah." Micah acknowledged and ordered, "Catch up."


    "Got it." The bodyguard immediately elerated to catch up.


    However, the car ahead was just too fast, and the bodyguard couldn''t catch up at all.


    Furrowing his brow, Micahmanded, "Move aside, I''ll take over!"


    "Understood." The bodyguard activated cruise control and moved to the passenger seat.


    Micah flipped over from the back seat to the driver''s seat, made a few maneuvers, and the car immediately elerated, swiftly catching up with the car ahead like lightning. In the blink of an eye, the ck car had caught up.


    Arya stared at the rearview mirror, shouting anxiously, "Damn, they actually caught up."


    "No way, they were so far behind just now."


    Annika hurriedly leaned over to check, and indeed, the car was catching up.


    Soon, two cars raced side by side, like ck and silver lightning bolts, speeding away into the distance.


    Arya turned her head and eximed, "It looks like Micah is driving!"


    "Not the bodyguard?" Annika quickly leaned over to look.


    Sadie turned her head and, through the blurry window, saw the familiar figure.


    He was also looking over in this direction.


    "Drive faster!" Sadie ordered.


    "Got it." Arya was speeding up, but no matter how fast she went, the Rolls-Royce next to her could keep up without missing a beat.


    She was so anxious that sweat beaded on her forehead, gripping the steering wheel tightly, not daring to ck off.


    "It seems Micah''s driving skills far surpass those of his bodyguard," Annika remarked, feeling nervous on Arya''s behalf.


    "Isn''t that obvious?" Arya furrowed her brow, saying, "His bodyguard is on par with me, but Micah''s driving skills far exceed mine."


    "So impressive?" Sadie stared at the car next to her and suddenlymanded, "Take the next exit from the highway." "Huh?" Arya was very surprised by this sudden change of route.


    "Do it," Sadie ordered firmly.


    "Got it." Arya immediately changednes and took the exit from the side ramp.


    The silver Rolls-Royce suddenly veered off, leaving the ck Rolls-Royce alone on the road.


    Micah was speechless: women were truly unpredictable.


    He had thought he could have another race and let that woman see his driving skills, but they resorted to tricks again.


    ''ying tricks is a woman''s nature!'' Micah thought to himself.


    Feeling bored, Micah didn''t even feel like driving anymore, but since he had already elerated, he couldn''t hand over the wheel to the bodyguard and had to continue driving. In no time, they arrived at the hospital.


    As soon as Micah got out of the car, he saw Ss and was surprised, "Ss, what are you doing here?"


    "Grandpa Clemens was worried, so he insisted oning over, and I had to apany him." Ss exined, "He thought it was about time, so he asked me to wait at the entrance." "That''s better than dealing with me," Micah remarked.


    Micah was somewhat surprised. He also knew that E had been by Grandpa Clemens'' side frequently in the past two years, and Grandpa Clemens seemed to have some affection for her, but he didn''t expect it to be so deep.

 Chapter 750 Accident or Man-made

    "Grandpa Clemens is Deeply emotional and fiercely loyal," Ss remarked with a sigh. "E has devoted herself to taking care of him for the past two years, so it''s only natural for him to be concerned now that she''s facing difficulties."


    "Hmm," Micah nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful.


    As the group reached the ward and prepared to knock on the door, they heard Grandpa Clemens'' voice from inside. "You can stay at my house without any worries. We have a small building on the property that we''ve converted into a medical room, which will make your recovery more convenient."


    Upon hearing this, Micah quickly pushed the door open.


    Nelson greeted Micah warmly as he entered the room. "Micah, you''re here! Come, have a seat."


    "Sure," Micah nodded politely and then turned to Grandpa Clemens. "Grandpa!"


    Grandpa Clemens red at him displeased. "Why are you sote?"


    "I went to see Louis. He had something going on." Micah exined patiently.


    "It''s okay,e and have a seat," Nelson reassured, gesturing towards a chair.


    Micah walked over to the bedside and finally looked at E directly. "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine, thank you," E struggled to gesture in signnguage. Though still pale, her condition seemed stable.


    "Good to hear you''re okay. Get well soon," Micah said politely.


    "Okay, thank you." E nodded and smiled at him.


    Micah sat there awkwardly, not knowing what to say. He always dreaded these situations and wasn''t good at finding topics to talk about.


    "E will be discharged tomorrow," Grandpa Clemens announced directly. As I''ve already said, let her stay at your ce for convenience in treatment and recovery."


    "Is that really necessary?" Micah frowned and questioned.


    "What''s wrong with that? She had stayed there before," Grandpa Clemens asserted strongly. "Remember when Mia was sickst time? E stayed at the house for a month, taking care of her day and night. Have you forgotten?"


    Micah was speechless, but in front of Nelson and E, he couldn''t say anything.


    Moreover, E did indeed have merit in taking care of Mia before.


    After Sadie''s incident, Mia kept falling ill frequently. Initially, Dahlia managed to handle it, but as time went on, the medications became ineffective.


    When Mia fell sick again, Dahlia was at a loss. That''s when Grandpa Clemens arranged for E toe and treat Mia. E gave Mia meticulous therapy, acupuncture, and pediatric massage. After a month of careful care, Mia''s condition improved, as did her overall health.


    Because of this incident, Micah has always felt indebted to E.


    "So it''s settled." Seeing Micah''sck of objection, Grandpa Clemens directly finalized the matter and said to Dahlia, who was waiting on the side, "Arrange for E to move in tomorrow morning." Dahlia nced at Micah and respectfully responded, "Alright, Mr. Clemens, I understand."


    "Will it be too much trouble for you?" Nelson waited for everything to be settled and pretended to be polite.


    "Not at all; the house is so big, with so many servants; what trouble could there be?" Grandpa Clemens smiled and said, "Besides, we''re all family, no need to be polite!"


    "Then we''ll leave it to you." Nelson smiled and nodded, then added, "Grandpa Clemens, the air here is too stuffy. I suggest you go outside for some fresh air."


    "Alright, let''s go out for a walk." Grandpa Clemens tapped Micah''s leg with his cane. "Apany E well."


    Micah looked helpless but didn''t say anything.


    When the two of them went out, he remembered something and asked, "How did this car ident happen? Was it an ident or intentional?"


    Upon hearing this, E''s expression seemed a bit nervous, her eyes flickering as she nervously gestured in signnguage, "It was an ident!"


    "Is that so?" Micah looked deeply at her, feeling that something was off, but he didn''t expose it.


    E nodded, not daring to look at him.


    "Then rest well." Micah got up and left.

 Chapter 751 The Queens Command

    E wanted to keep him by her side, but he had already turned around, unable to see her gesture. Her voiceless call had no effect. She could only watch his retreating figure with a sense of loss, witnessing him walk away.


    Seeing Micah walked out of the ward, Ss was surprised and asked, "You''re out so soon? Don''t you want to chat more with Ms. Lingston?" "No specific topics in mind." Micah said lightly, "By the way, Ss, there should be news from the police. What happened in the car ident?" Ss nced at E in the ward, pulled Micah aside, and whispered, "It''s said to be intentional."


    "Intentional?" Micah raised an eyebrow, "Who was the perpetrator?"


    "It might be..." Ss lowered his voice, "Amelia."


    "As expected." Micah muttered.


    Micah had already anticipated this. He had Andrew investigate long ago. The scene of the incident was on Third Ring Road, two kilometers from Lingston''s family, where surveince cameras were everywhere. It was impossible not to find out. The culprit got away, and Lingston''s family chose not to pursue it?


    It was suspicious.


    That''s why Micah asked E just now.


    "But I can''t be sure." Ss whispered."Mr. Lingston doesn''t seem to want to discuss it, so I didn''t inquire further."


    Micah recalled the night of the incident. Amelia had been angered by Sadie at the Noble Summit Manor. Given her fiery temper, how could she simply let it slide? However, with no outlet for her frustration, she coincidentally crossed paths with E on her way home, leading her to drive over...


    "Mr. Lingston was concerned that Amelia might bully E upon her return home, so Mr. Clemens had E stay at our house," Ss exined. "Mr. Lingston is typically not in Newark. He''s apprehensive about potential incidents involving E after his departure, which is quite understandable."


    "If that''s the case, why didn''t he punish Amelia properly?" Micah couldn''t understand. "Even blood sisters can turn against each other. It is attempted murder. If E had been unlucky, she would have been dead long ago."


    "Yeah, I think so too." Ss sighed, "But there''s a fine line. Mr. Lingston may have his reasons. I heard he has already detained Amelia these days, preparing to educate her properly."


    "Nelson is too mild. His way of education will cause trouble sooner orter," Micah said indifferently, turning to leave. "Tell Grandpa I''m leaving now."


    "Wouldn''t you stay a bit longer? If Grandpa Clemens doesn''t see you, he''ll get upset again," Ss said, but Micah had already hurried into the elevator before he could finish his sentence.


    Ss sighed and turned to find Grandpa Clemens.


    Just as Micah got into the car, another phone rang. Although the number had changed, he recognized it at a nce-it was Sadie''s number.


    He gestured for Rn and the others to be quiet, then answered the phone.


    "Hello!"


    "Drive over to pick me up." It was like the Queen''smand.


    "Where are you?" Micah asked.


    "Night Club." Sadie replied.


    "I''ll be there in half an hour." Micah responded.


    After hanging up, Micah immediately instructed Rn, "Have n bring the Pagani over. We''ll meet near the Night Club."


    "Got it." Rn immediately made the call.


    At this moment, poor n was still kneeling in penance. When he received the call to drive over for a meeting, he jumped up happily, but his knees went weak, and he almost fell to the ground. "Are you okay? Can you still drive?"


    "I''m fine, and I''ll go right away."


    n hurried to the underground garage to get the car.


    Andrew watched n''s cheerful figure, feeling envious and bitter at the same time. The heartless Micah hadpletely forgotten about him. He had been kneeling here all day, and he didn''t even bother toe up with an excuse to let him stand up.


    "Andrew!" n turned to look at Andrew.


    Andrew immediately straightened up.


    "Micah wants you to take the brothers to the Night Club."


    "Okay, okay, right away!"


    Andrew and the brothers were ecstatic.


    Finally, there were no more kneeling penalties, and they could go to the Night Club to see pretty girls. It seemed Micah still had a conscience.

 Chapter 752 Who Dares to Touch My Man

    Twenty minutes downhill, the two cars converged.


    When Micah got in the car, he ordered, "Team one, go with me to the Night Club, and team two, go back."


    "Got it," Andrew was overjoyed.


    Rn felt a bit aggrieved.


    Every time Micah went to ces like the Night Club and Noble Summit Manor for fun, he always took Andrew and n with him, and his second team did all the hard work. "Go back and rest well," Micah casually reminded.


    Rn immediately straightened his back, feeling a surge of strength again.


    "Good job." Andrew patted Rn''s shoulder and led his people into the car.


    Rn watched them leave, and the followers behind him sighed, "When will Micah take us to the Night Club to experience it?" "There will be a chance!" said Rn.


    Micah slipped into his gear in the car, gave his hair a quick fix, scrutinized his reflection in the mirror, and then finally disembarked. The Night Club was perpetually swarming with people, teeming with young, attractive men and women lost in the throes of pleasure. Micah wedged himself into the crowd, aiming to cross over to the booths, but was intercepted by three corpulent, affluent matrons. With a look of thrill in their eyes, they appraised him from head to toe and then burst out.


    "Is it really you? Who would have thought, running into the King of male escorts from two years ago, right here, haha..."


    "We''ve been regretting for so long that we didn''t get to sleep with you two years ago."


    "Handsome, state your price. Wedies are flush with cash. As long as you satisfy us, we''re ready to shell out whatever it takes!"


    The three women grew increasingly animated, their excited chatter escting as they edged closer to him.


    Micah didn''t want to deal with them, but he noticed a familiar figure watching him not far away, so he didn''t avoid them.


    "I already have ns!" he stated.


    With that, he attempted to bypass them and walk away. However, one of the women grabbed his clothes, preventing him from leaving. "Hold up, hot stuff, whatever anyone else throws at you, we''ll multiply by ten."


    "Right, we''ll each pitch in three times that, tenfold, that''s a whopping thirty times more."


    "Handsome, give it a thought; wedies have got the skills; we know how to treat a man right..."


    As they made their pitch, the three loadeddies extended their hands towards Micah.


    Micah frowned and quickly stepped back to avoid, but the three rich women were ruthless and pounced on him directly.


    Just as the three of them were about to overwhelm Micah on the sofa, a slender hand suddenly pulled Micah from behind.


    Micah turned his head and saw Sadie in white, cold and cool, like a queen protecting him behind her.


    The three rich women missed and fell on the sofa, looking very embarrassed. They angrily climbed up from the couch, cursing loudly, "Who''s the bitch daring to steal my man!" "Watch your mouth," Annika sternly scolded.


    "This is my man," Sadie dered arrogantly, with one hand on Micah''s shoulder. "You have designs on him? Are you looking for trouble?"


    Micah''s lips curled into a sly grin, a peculiar twinkle lighting up his eyes.


    This woman, with a different personality, is also quite adorable!


    The three loadeddies barely kept their footing. One dialed up some help, one fussed over her dress, and another jabbed a finger at Sadie, hollering, "You little minx, you dare to mess with us..."


    Her words hung in the air as she froze, eyes wide, staring at Sadie. "Why the hell is it you again??"


    Sadie''s brows knitted together, puzzled. Did these women recognize her?


    "Is it her?" One of the women said.


    "Unbelievable! You little minx, two years ago, you pawned him off to us for one hundred and fifty thousand dors, then you drugged us, and you two ran off with the cash. Lucky for us, we managed to cancel the check in time, or you''d have gotten away with it!"


    "Today, we won''t let you off!" they said angrily.

 Chapter 753 Intentional Testing

    As they were talking, the three affluent matrons'' bodyguards arrived, all of them burly and imposing men.


    Micah nced over and found, ''Aren''t these the same people from two years ago?''


    It''s the same team, the same location, and the time seems about right.


    However, the current Sadie ispletely different from the past Sadie.


    "Anyone else?" Sadie pointed at the six muscr bodyguards, raising an eyebrow, and asked, "Just these few?"


    "What do you mean?" The three affluent matrons immediately got angry. "These few are enough to deal with you."


    "That''s right! Bring it on!" one of them said.


    As soon as the words fell, the six muscr bodyguards attacked Sadie.


    Sadie smiled, making a gesture.


    Annika and Arya raised their eyebrows, swiftly taking action. A few spinning kicks knocked down the six men, each clutching their stomachs in pain and wailing.


    The three affluent matrons were dumbfounded; they had never expected that these seemingly slender girls would have such skill and strength!


    "Still want to fight?" Sadie gestured.


    "You, you just wait and see!"


    The three affluent matrons, their faces livid with anger, were still trying to save face while talking tough.


    Annika and Arya clenched their fists, and the three of them immediately fled in fear, even kicking the fallen bodyguards a few times. "Useless, get up quickly."


    The six bodyguards scrambled to their feet, looking disheveled as they fled.


    "Are you okay?" Sadie turned back to look at Micah, "Did they take advantage of you?"


    "Do I look that weak?" Micah pulled her into his arms, getting close in an intimate way, "Hmm?"


    "Let go!" Sadie struggled a bit, but finding she couldn''t break free, she raised an eyebrow, "You''re quite strong."


    "Have you forgotten who saved youst time?" Micah''s sensuous lips brushed ambiguously across her cheek, whispering in her ear, "So, what''s the n, boss? Dinner tonight?" His tantalizing breath sent shivers down her spine, electrifying and warm.


    Sadie''s body tensed, her hands restlessly pushing against his chest to keep him at bay. "Stop fooling around, let go!"


    Behind them, Annika and Arya exchanged a nce, furrowing their brows and looking conflicted.


    They had never encountered such a situation before and were unsure whether to intervene.


    "Alright." Micah released her, putting his arm around her shoulder, heading towards the private room. "How do you want to y today?"


    "Who has time to y every day?" Sadie shot him a look. "I have to meet a client here. Wait for me next door, and then we''ll go out for a drive together." "Meet a client here?"


    Micah''s eyes narrowed slightly. He also often met clients here, but those were all shady, under-the-table transactions.


    ''Could it be that James Group also had such transactions?'' Micah thought to himself.


    "Mm." Sadie looked up. At the other end of the corridor, several unfamiliar foreigners were approaching, each with a stern and vignt expression.


    Sadie gestured, and Arya stepped forward, saying to Micah, "This way, please."


    Micah nced at the foreigners and followed Arya into the adjacent private room.


    On the other side, Sadie and the foreigners entered the neighboring private room.


    The door closed, and the people inside did nothing, just standing to the side.


    Annika poured half a ss of wine for Sadie and whispered, "Do you think he''s really a problem?"


    "Whether he''s a problem or not, we''ll know from his reaction."


    Sadie swirled her ss, coldly staring at the ss door.


    "Exactly." Annika said angrily, "This morning, up on the mountain, he disyed such exceptional driving skills. And now, in the evening, we discover that Micah is also so skilled at driving. Is it really just a coincidence?" "I don''t think Micah is that foolish," Arya whispered from the doorway, peeking outside. "If it''s really him, how could he show a w in his skills within a day?"

 Chapter 754 Testing Him

    "That''s true," Annika nodded in agreement.


    "No more nonsense." Sadie gestured.


    Annika immediately stepped forward to open the tablet and pull up a video. Soon, everything happening in the oppositepartment appeared on the screen.


    Micah sat on the sofa in a proud posture, lighting a cigar and elegantly puffing on it.


    A waitress squatted beside him, mixing a drink for him.


    Such a simple scene, yet it inexplicably gave a sense of oppression.


    "Is he really a male escort?" Annika stared at theputer screen, still feeling incredulous. "His aura is truly extraordinary!"


    "Micah also has a strong aura, but they arepletely different," Arya analyzed. "Moreover, Micah is arrogant and aloof. How could he condescend to y a male escort?" "Yeah." Both subordinates felt that the male escort couldn''t possibly be Micah.


    Sadie continued to stare at the screen, watching him smoke the cigar and drink, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.


    And that familiarity remained warm andforting.


    This feeling waspletely different from herplex feelings towards Micah.


    Even based on intuition, Sadie should believe in him.


    Sadie was about to order the test to be removed when the male escort in the oppositepartment stood up.


    Annika and Arya stared at theputer screen anxiously. Was there really a problem?


    Sadie''s gaze immediately turned cold, squinting at the screen.


    "Sir, what would you like?" The waitress asked respectfully.


    The male escort took out a stack of money from his pocket and handed it to her, instructing, "You don''t need to serve here anymore. Go to the door of the oppositepartment." "What? Go there for what?" The waitress asked.


    In front of theputer, Annika gritted her teeth in anger. "There''s definitely a problem."


    Arya said angrily, "Even if he''s not Micah, he has malicious intentions. This despicable man actually dares toe and deceive Sadie."


    Sadie furrowed her brows tightly, her eyes fixed on theputer screen, aplex and indescribable gaze.


    "Go listen at the door." The male escort pointed outside. "If there''s a fight in the oppositepartment or someone is being bullied, wave to me immediately."


    Arya and Annika exchanged a puzzled nce. What did this mean?


    Sadie also found it strange. Why should the waitress listen to these instructions?


    "Sir, if you don''t exin clearly, I dare not go." The waitress, clever from taking money from both sides, said, "That side involves important people; I dare not offend them."


    "The owner there is my girlfriend. She''s negotiating business with a client, and I''m afraid she might be at a disadvantage." The male escort exined simply. "Are you going or not? If not, I''ll find someone else." "I''ll go. I''m going right now." the waitress said.


    The waitress immediately took the money, picked up the tray, and went out.


    The male escort walked to the door, staring outside.


    "How touching!" Arya was instantly moved. "It turns out we misunderstood him. He''s not Micah at all, and he has no ill intentions. He just wants to protect Sadie."


    "Yes, I feel so ashamed..." Annika was also deeply moved. "Although he''s a male escort, he truly cares for Sadie."


    "Alright!" Sadie closed theputer and ordered, "The test is over!"


    Then, she got up and walked outside.


    The waitress outside was caught off guard and almost collided with her. Feeling her cold gaze, the waitress hurriedly apologized, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry..."


    Sadie said nothing, striding forward, pushing open the door to the oppositepartment.


    "Finished talking?" Micah asked.


    Micah nced at the oppositepartment. The unfamiliar foreigners had already left, and drinks were not prepared in the oppositepartment. It didn''t look like a business negotiation. It seems that he guessed right, Sadie is indeed trying to test him.

 Chapter 755 Wonderful Sensations

    "Well, that''s settled." Sadie''s gaze softened as she looked at Micah again, "Let''s go for a drive."


    "Okay." Micah picked up the car keys from the table and, with his arm around Sadie''s shoulder, headed for the back door.


    Annika, Arya, and another female bodyguard followed behind.


    Micah waved his hand and said, "Don''t follow. Go have fun on your own."


    "But..." Annika was about to speak when Sadie instructed, "Do as he says."


    "Alright." Annika and the others had to stop.


    "Where do you want to go tonight?" Micah was enjoying the night.


    "To the beach..." Sadie was speaking when a sexy girl dressed as a bunny walked towards them. The girl saw Sadie and widened her eyes in surprise. "Sadie?"


    Sadie stopped in her tracks, looking at her in confusion. "Do I know you?"


    "How could you not recognize me?" The sexy bunny girl grabbed Sadie''s hand, excitedly saying, "I''m Lucian. Did you forget me?"


    Sadie furrowed her brow, looking puzzled.


    Micah squinted, carefully examining the girl. Judging by her attire, she seemed to be a bar girl from the Night Club. Was she Sadie''s former colleague from the Night Club, where Sadie worked as a bar girl for a few days? "Do you really not remember me? You''re so heartless. We used to be colleagues." Lucian sounded a bit hurt. "I even pretended to be you to help you deceive your boyfriend."


    "Boyfriend?" Sadie was even more puzzled.


    "Just that... ah..." Before Lucian could finish her sentence, she was stepped on, causing her to scream in pain. "Who stepped on me?"


    At that moment, a group of girls dressed as little wildcats surged forward, pushing Lucian ahead.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Micah hugged Sadie and left. That was close; Lucian almost let slip.


    He remembered when Sadie used to sell alcohol here, and he came to catch her. She had found a masked girl to take the me; the one called Lucian we just saw. So, Lucian knew that Sadie''s boyfriend was Micah.


    Fortunately, she didn''t know about his identity, or he would have been exposed.


    "Sadie, Sadie, don''t leave..." Lucian turned back to shout at Sadie, "You don''t remember me, but you must remember Serena, right? She''s been looking for you..." Upon hearing this, Sadie stopped in her tracks and looked back.


    Unfortunately, Lucian had already been pushed into the dance hall by the group of girls.


    Sadie furrowed her brow, carefully recalling the name Serena. It sounded familiar, giving her a sense of warmth as if she was a long-lost friend... Exiting the Night Club, Sadie was still lost in thought.


    "What are you thinking about?" Micah fastened her seatbelt for her.


    "Do you think we were together before?" Sadie carefully recalled the past and asked, "Do you know the girl we just met?"


    "I don''t know her." Micah adjusted her seat again.


    "What about Serena?" Sadie furrowed her brow.


    "I don''t know her." Micah rubbed her hair gently. "What''s wrong? You don''t remember your own things?"


    "I''ve lost some memories," Sadie murmured to herself. "There''s a nk in my memory as if I can''t recall it no matter how hard I try, but asionally seeing some things gives me a familiar feeling as if they appeared in my life before." "What have you remembered?" Micah gently held her face. He was now sure that she had amnesia, which might be a good thing. At least she could forget all the unhappy things and start anew.


    "I remembered you." Sadie looked up at him. "The memories of you are the clearest!"


    "Are they beautiful?" Micah lightly caressed her lips with his thumb, his gaze gentle as water.


    Sadie nodded. "Warm, familiar, and happy, all are wonderful sensations."

 Chapter 756 Our Former Home

    "That''s good!"


    Micah raised his lips; at least this identity brought her positive feelings.


    "Let''s go." Sadie gently pushed his hand away.


    "Do you want something even better?" Micah held the back of her head, ambiguously leaning closer to her. "What..." Before Sadie could finish her words, he kissed her.


    Micah''s kiss was gentle and delicate, as if caressing dewdrops on petals, bringing her infinite warmth and tenderness.


    Sadie instinctively pushed a few times but soon melted in his arms, enduring his rain-like kiss.


    The feeling was familiar but strange, as if there was an instinct that her body had long been ustomed to his closeness.


    Surprisingly, Sadie didn''t feel repulsed at all. In fact, she wanted more.


    However, Micah didn''t continue his actions but quickly let her go. His hot palm held her face, his thumb gently wiping away the moisture at the corner of her lips, and his deep eyes full of affection! Sadie was almost melted by this gaze and said, "We must have loved each other very much before!"


    "Yes." Micah leaned his forehead against hers.


    "Then why did we separate?" Sadie asked in confusion.


    "It''s a long story." Micah didn''t know how to exin thatplicated past to her, so he avoided the topic, "Let me take you somewhere."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded.


    "Aren''t you going to ask me where I''m taking you?" Micah smirked, "What if I sell you off?"


    "No one dares to buy me." Sadie raised her eyebrows, exuding dominance.


    "That''s true," Micahagreed.


    The car started and headed in an unknown direction.


    The city highway dictated a leisurely pace, affording Sadie the luxury of soaking in the night scene.


    The dazzling array of red lights, the hustle and bustle of the thriving city, and the chic and bustling streets stirred an uncanny sense of familiarity within her.


    Before long, the car rolled onto a charming, verdant avenue.


    On both sides of the street were tall and straight trees, behind which were rows of red walls, giving a warm feeling ofing home.


    The familiar feeling grew stronger and stronger. Sadie looked around and saw a tall green sign by the roadside, saying "Blissful Lane." Seeing this sign, Sadie felt a strange warmth in her heart.


    "What ce is this?" Sadie asked.


    "Blissful Lane." Micah slowed down the car and introduced to Sadie, "We used to live here."


    "Me and you?" Sadie was somewhat shocked; she didn''t know that she had actually lived with this man.


    "And..." Micah almost mentioned Brenda and the three children, but he swallowed the words back.


    "What?" Sadie''s attention was still on the scenery by the roadside, not noticing what he said.


    "How about it? Does anythinge to mind?" Micah changed the subject.


    "There are some familiar feelings, but I can''t recall..." Sadie frowned, looking around.


    At this moment, Micah parked the car across the street from Blissful Lane 1 and pointed to a window on the sixteenth floor, "Look, that''s our home!" Sadie looked up, the lights in that house bringing a sense of warmth of home.


    Suddenly, some fragmented pieces shed through her mind, as if a big family was gathered around the dining table, but the figures were unclear. Nothing was clear. She only knew that she once had a family.


    Sadie tried hard to recall the past, but sharp pains shot through her head. She covered her head, telling herself not to think about it anymore.


    "What''s wrong?" Micah immediately hugged her.


    "My head hurts..." Sadie''s expression was very painful.


    "Don''t think about it." Micah immediately drove away.


    As the car left Blissful Lane, getting farther and farther, that familiar feeling dissipated, and Sadie finally stopped having a headache. Still, there was a faint sadness lingering in her heart...

 Chapter 757 Self-Protection

    Micah looked at her, feeling very conflicted. He wanted her to remember the past, yet he didn''t want her to remember.


    If she couldn''t remember, she wouldn''t be able to ovee the family''s grudges, be with him, and most importantly, she couldn''t return to the children;


    If she remembered, all the good and bad woulde rushing back, including that heartless wedding and the bloody encounters she had in Thand. No matter who attacked her, it all stemmed from the Clemens family, and Sadie would never forgive him.


    Thinking about this, Micah felt extremely conflicted.


    At this moment, in the corner of his eye, he suddenly noticed several ck modified cars following them. Micah''s eyes sharpened, immediately elerating.


    "Someone is tracking us," he stated.


    Sadie also quickly noticed. She coldly stared at the rear-view mirror, trying to figure out who they were, but for a moment, she couldn''t distinguish them. "Your enemies?" Micah also couldn''t tell; the sky was too dark; those cars were all ck market-modified vehicles, obviously not wanting to be recognized. "Maybe." Sadie''s eyes were fixed on the rear-view mirror, and she was manipting her watch and sending the location system to Annika.


    Once Annika received the message, she would know she was in danger and immediately bring people over.


    "Don''t worry, I can handle these small characters for you."


    Micah elerated, preparing to shake off those people.


    "Slow down." Sadie suddenlymanded.


    "Huh?" Micah was puzzled.


    "If we don''t let them catch up, how will I know who they are? We James Group never fear enemies; we can handle any situation!"


    Micah smirked, "Your subordinates are not here. Aren''t you afraid I can''t handle it?"


    Micah was suspicious, wondering if Sadie had brought these people to test him.


    "You definitely can''t handle it." Sadie analyzed while staring at the rear-view mirror.


    "Three modified cars, a total of twelve people, able to silently follow us here, indicating excellent surveince skills, then their skills won''t becking, as for you, an emotional service provider, even if you''ve learned martial arts, can''t beat these professional killers."


    "Emotional service provider..." This euphemistic and artistic term amused Micah.


    "Isn''t it?" Sadie looked at him. "Slow down a bit more; they''re almost losing us."


    Micah had to slow down again.


    "Your driving skills are good. Where did you learn them?" Sadie chatted with him while keeping an eye on the rear-view mirror.


    "Self-taught." Micah nced at her, "You''re different from before. It seems you''ve really learned a lot over these two years."


    "Of course." Sadie raised an eyebrow coldly. "Only when one bes strong can they fear nothing."


    ''I will protect you too.'' Micah said to himself, he hadn''t protected her well two years ago, but now, he wouldn''t let her get hurt again.


    "I can''t be dependent!" Sadie said with a faint smile. "Otherwise, the one who once protected you might end up hurting you in the future."


    Upon hearing this, Micah fell silent. It seemed, indeed, to be true.


    Due to the slowed speed, the three cars quickly caught up, heading straight to Pagani.


    Micah''s driving skills were superb, skillfully avoiding them.


    But those three cars kept chasing.


    Micah kept maneuvering around them, not letting them get close.


    No matter how they changed formations or altered strategies, they couldn''t touch the Pagani.


    Like a clumsy cat unable to catch a cunning mouse, instead getting infuriated by the opponent.


    Sadie smirked, "Your driving skills are exceptional."


    "Watch, they''re about to get angry soon."


    As Micah spoke, the windows of the three cars opened, and several masked men in ck shot at their tires.

 Chapter 758 The Bastard

    Micah immediately elerated to evade, but the three cars kept chasing relentlessly.


    However, they didn''t shoot at people; they kept firing at the tires.


    It was clear they wanted to capture them alive.


    Micah was busy driving and dealing with those people.


    Meanwhile, Sadie kept an eye on the rearview mirror, observing their origins. Soon, she concluded, "They are from the Clemens family!" Micah was slightly taken aback and looked over.


    From the firearms they were using, it indeed seemed like they were from the Clemens family.


    Moreover, the two leading them, although wearing masks and hats, were clearly African American.


    These were Nick''s men!


    "This is outrageous." Sadie gritted her teeth in anger. "That scoundrel Micah actually sent people to ambush me!"


    Micah furrowed his brow. Why did she only think of him when it came to the Clemens family''s people?


    The one whomitted all sorts of atrocities was that madwoman Nick, right?


    However, Micah suddenly thought of a question.


    Two years ago, after Sadie had an incident, Micah had aggressively dealt with Nick, significantly weakening her power. Grandpa Clemens even issued a ban-while he was alive, Nick was not allowed to set foot in Newark again! Sadie had only reappeared these past few days, not publicly, so how did Nick get wind of it so quickly and send people to hunt her down?


    Could it be that among the people Sadie had met these past few days, there were Nick''s informants?


    As he pondered, suddenly, a gunshot rang out.


    The Pagani''s rear tire was hit, but fortunately, this high-end car had a protection system that automatically slowed down.


    Micah immediately steered to the side and parked.


    "Wait in the car..."


    "You stay in the car. I''ll handle this outside," Sadie instructed. "Don''t worry, I won''t let anything happen to you!"


    "Are you sure?" Micah chuckled slightly. He was about to say the same thing, but she beat him to it.


    "Nonsense," Sadie gave him a look and got out of the car.


    Micah stayed put in the car, just shifting gears and turning off the engine, quietly watching the confrontation.


    Twelve people emerged from the three ck modified cars, all tall foreigners. A man led the group, walking to the front and coldly staring at Sadie, saying in English, "Quite the resemnce!" "What do you mean?" Sadie narrowed her eyes dangerously.


    The lead ck man didn''t say more, just ordered, "Come with us!"


    "You few scoundrels dare to mess with me?" Sadie raised an eyebrow, sneering coldly. "If you have the guts, let that bastard Micahe in person!"


    Micah sneezed in the car, feeling quite helpless. It seemed that cursing someone to their face really worked!


    "Enough talk!" the ck man waved his hand.


    A ck-d bodyguard moved forward to grab Sadie, but before he could get close, she punched him, making him step back, blood streaming from his nose.


    Clearly, this ck-d bodyguard hadn''t expected Sadie to strike, let alone so swiftly and fiercely.


    Enraged and embarrassed, the bodyguard threw a punch and charged forward.


    Sadie calmly met him, and they exchanged blows for a dozen rounds, evenly matched.


    Watching this, Micah couldn''t help but admire Tristan. In just two short years, he not only transformed the once impulsive Sadie into a strategic powerhouse but also honed herbat skills to this level from her previously delicate state. Truly impressive.


    Soon, the ck-d man was defeated.


    Two more ck-d men joined the fray, and Sadie held her ground at first, but this time, she quickly fell into a disadvantage.


    Micah had already anticipated that even with Tristan''s excellent training, in just two short years,bat skills needed time to refine. To be able to take on the Clemens family''s bodyguards after only two years of learning was alreadymendable.


    With more opponents, she definitely wouldn''t be able to handle it.


    At this moment, Sadie took a punch, forced back repeatedly, and the two ck-d men were about to continue their attack when Micah leaped out of the car and swiftly brought them down.

 Chapter 759 The Woman in Love

    The lead ck man, seeing Sadie aided by a skilled fighter, immediately signaled his men to attack together, targeting Micah.


    However, they were no match for Micah. Within minutes, he had kicked them all to the ground, with one even colliding with the hood of their car before falling. Sadie, shocked by his prowess, once again began to doubt his identity.


    Seeing the situation, the lead ck man hastily drew his gun and aimed it at Micah. "Froze or I''ll shoot."


    "Don''t do anything rash..." Sadie attempted to intervene but was shielded by Micah.


    "Shoot?" Micah''s eyes narrowed coldly as he slowly advanced towards the ck man, step by step. "You want to try?"


    "Who are you?" The ck man pulled the trigger directly.


    Sadie widened her eyes in astonishment and quickly signaled Annika and Arya.


    "Who I am doesn''t matter." Micah continued, advancing towards the African American man, his eyes shing with a chilling intent. "What does matter is that you can''t afford to cross me!" "You..." The ck man, humiliated and enraged, was about to shoot when he suddenly looked into Micah''s eyes and recognized him in an instant.


    His hand trembled.


    His gaze grew frantic.


    At this critical moment, Micah swiftly disarmed him, pressing the gun against his head.


    The ck man was about to plead for mercy, but upon catching Micah''s warning gaze, he immediately changed his tune. "Mercy!"


    "Get lost!" Micah tilted his head slightly, indicating that he should take off with his crew.


    The ck man quickly rallied his men and fled in haste.


    As they left, Annika and the others arrived, a group of women rushing out of the car towards Sadie. "Sadie, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." Sadie shook her head and reached out to Micah.


    Micah handed her the confiscated gun, pped his hands, and straightened out his clothes that had been messed up from the fight.


    Sadie scrutinized the gun, a bit puzzled. "This gun is from Country Y, and Micah''s people seem to bew-abiding and not big on firearms. Could it be that those people aren''t his?"


    ''You''re quite clever! Not for nothing did I intentionally seize a gun for you to inspect.'' That''s what Micah thought to himself, but what he actually said was, "It''s quiteplicated. Who exactly have you managed to provoke?" "It''s none of your business." Sadie gave him a look and tossed the gun to Annika. "You all get in the car and wait for me."


    "Yes." Several female attendants got into the car.


    Sadie looked at Micah and said, "Thank you today!"


    "It''s nothing." Micah smiled slightly, "So, are you still going to the beach?"


    "I''m not going. I have something to take care of." Sadie nced at her watch, pointed at the wheels of the Pagani, and said, "Call the insurancepany or..."


    "I know how to handle it." Micah interrupted her, saying, "Don''t worry. Go take care of your business."


    "Alright." Sadie looked at him, feeling an impulse to hug him, but she controlled herself and walked away.


    "Hey!" Micah called out to her.


    Sadie turned to look at him and asked, "What?"


    "What are you forgetting?" Micah''s gaze was as fiery as it was ambiguous. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace, a scorching kiss sealing her lips shut. Like a storm raging through, she was swept away in an instant, lost in his arms.


    "Wow!" In the car, Arya widened her eyes in astonishment.


    "Oh my!" Annika shook her head in amazement. "Isn''t this developing too quickly?"


    "Love is all about passion and impulsiveness," Arya said, looking envious.


    "You speak as if you''re an expert on love," Annika retorted, giving her a sidelong nce, furrowing her brow. "If Tristan were to find out about this, it could be... troublesome." "Right." Arya suddenly realized. "Tristan said that Sadie is not allowed to date anyone other than Louis."

 Chapter 760 Emerges

    On that note, Annika and Arya''s expressions grew solemn as they turned back to look at the two individuals locked in a passionate kiss. The once romantic scene now filled them with worry. After a while, Micah reluctantly released Sadie, cupping her face with one hand. He gently wiped her lips with his thumb and said, "Go on, attend to your business. You can find me anytime you need." Sadie nodded and turned away, walking off.


    Micah watched her retreating figure, his gaze gradually bingplex.


    Soon after, Sadie was gone, the silver glimmer of her car vanishing from sight.


    At that moment, Andrew hurriedly arrived with his men. "Micah, are you alright?"


    In truth, they had been discreetly following Micah from a distance, not daring to get too close.


    Looking at the surrounding environment, it was obvious that there were signs of fighting, and the Paganis'' tires showed signs of being shot.


    "I''m fine." Micah tossed the keys to the Pagani to n. "Once it''s fixed, park it on Blissful Lane."


    "Got it." n drove off. These luxury carse equipped with automatic security systems; even if a tire blows out, they can still be driven for some time.


    Getting into the car, Andrew cautiously inquired, "What just happened? Was someone tracking you?"


    "It''s probably Nick''s people," Micah replied, his brow furrowed.


    "How did Nick''s people find out about Sadie so quickly? What was their motive? Did they know Sadie was Miss Roth?" Andrew fired off a series of questions, mirroring Micah''s current concerns. After a moment of silence, Micah instructed, "Inform Rn to keep an eye on Nick''s people and... Amelia!"


    "Amelia?" Andrew was greatly surprised. "Is she involved?"


    "In the past few days, besides the auction, the only other public event Sadie attended was the banquet at Noble Summit Manor. Among these people, there might be individuals in contact with Nick, but none more suspicious than Amelia!" Micah squinted his eyes and analyzed carefully.


    "Two years ago, the Chiang Mai police once said that before the Thai man had an ident, he told them that the leader who attacked Sadie with people was a tall, beautiful American woman."


    "I had long suspected that person was Amelia, but I couldn''t find evidence of that."


    "Thinking about it, if that person was her back then, then when she met Sadie at Noble Summit a few days ago and was counterattacked by Sadie, she must have been furious, but she couldn''t deal with Sadie, so she passed on this information to Nick."


    "So, the person who plotted against Miss Roth back then was Nick Clemens and Amelia?" Andrew was somewhat surprised.


    "Amelia may be ruthless, but shecks the capability. She does not know the poison and couldn''t possibly have located Sadie''s whereabouts in such a short time. With Nick under our surveince, he''s unable to act, so..."


    Micah narrowed his eyes dangerously, stating his conclusion, "Nick is orchestrating and directing from behind the scenes, with Amelia as the executor!"


    "Most likely." Andrew frowned and said, "But we still don''t have evidence."


    "So I need Rn to keep an eye on it," Micah ordered sternly.


    "Understood." Andrew immediately called Rn.


    Twirling his wedding ring in his hand, Micah furrowed his brow, recalling events from two years ago and posing another question, "What does Tristan really want?"


    "What?" Andrew, just off the phone, puzzled by this statement, asked, "How is this rted to Tristan?"


    "If my earlier spection is correct, then why was there no departure record of Amelia two years ago? The only possibility is that Tristan erased it. Why would he do that?" Micah pondered, perplexed. "As Sadie''s brother, he should have sought revenge immediately. Even if he couldn''t at that time, why would he go to the lengths of erasing Amelia''s departure records? What is his true intention?"

 Chapter 761 Moving into the Clemens Family

    "Both Nick and Amelia can be dealt with, but this Tristan..." Andrew''s expression turned grave, leaving the rest of his thoughts unspoken.


    The James Group and the Clemens family were originally evenly matched, but the presence of Nick, an internal traitor within the Clemens family who constantly opposed Micah, added countless obstacles. Now, with Tristan holding Sadie as a trump card, the scales were tipping dangerously.


    Andrew was truly worried. If Tristan intended to use Sadie against Micah, the consequences would be unimaginable!


    "Let''s take it one step at a time," Micah sighed, furrowing his brow. "Even if Sadie harbors great resentment towards me, she would still consider the children. She shouldn''t be a pawn for Tristan!" As he spoke these words, Micah felt uncertain deep down.


    "Yes," Andrew nodded quickly. "If Miss Roth knew the truth about what happened back then, she would surely forgive you."


    Micah remained silent, and his gaze lowered in contemtion. Would she really forgive him?


    Even if some things could be exined away, even if many hurts could be overlooked, the death of Brenda and the humiliations and injuries she had suffered would be hard to forgive.


    Nevertheless, he was determined to expose the mastermind behind those past events and provide her with an exnation!


    Micah looked out the window as the two silver cars approached the southern part of Hillside Vi, nearing home.


    Inside the car, Sadie squinted as she carefully examined the gun, instructing Annika, "Find out as soon as possible whose gun this is."


    "Understood." Annika nodded, epting themand.


    Looking out at the deste darkness through the window, Sadie''s mind was suddenly filled with strange images-a woman leading a group of men in ck chasing her.


    She closed her eyes, trying to envision the woman''s face, but it eluded her.


    A fierce ze of hatred ignited within Sadie''s heart. It was the fire of vengeance!


    She had a vague sense that the people pursuing her tonight were connected to events from two years ago.


    Two years ago, when she woke up, she was poisoned and suffered from pain every day.


    At the same time, she saw Brenda''s ashes and memorial tablet, crying her heart out.


    Her brother had told her that someone had poisoned her, and another had destroyed her antidote, leading to Brenda''s death, cruelly humiliating her and trampling on her dignity. Her brother had said, "Sadie, you must grow stronger and one day take revenge with your own hands!"


    It was rumored that her enemies were connected to the Clemens family.


    That was why she had returned to Newark.


    Sadie thought it would take some effort to lure those people out, but to her surprise, as soon as she began, they came knocking on her door one by one.


    It was convenient, saving her the trouble of seeking them out one by one. It would be best if they all willingly presented themselves to her, allowing her to deal with them all at once! However, she needed to hasten her pace.


    With this in mind, Sadie instructed, "On the 13th, The Sapphire Depths project unveiling. Invite more media; we need to publicize this matter well and make it as big as possible!" "Understood," Annika nodded.


    Micah returned homete at night. As he gave instructions to Andrew, he made his way upstairs. When he reached the spiral staircase, Ss suddenly called out to him, "Mr. Clemens!" "Ss, still up at this hour?" Micah paused, turning to look at him.


    "We just got back not long ago," Ss said with a smile, "Just settled E in."


    "What?" Micah was puzzled. Then he saw Dahliaing out of the second-floor guest room, followed by two medical staff members.


    "You brought her over tonight?" Micah frowned, sounding displeased. "And settled her in that room?"


    It was the room where Sadie had stayed before getting married, left untouched by Micah, who never allowed anyone inside.


    Seeing Micah''s expression darken, Dahlia hurriedly exined, "Micah, because this room has an oxygen machine and monitoring equipment, E wasn''t feeling well when she moved in, so Grandpa Clemens..."

 Chapter 762 Give Him a Good Scolding

    "Isn''t there a medical room in the back of the annex?" Micah interrupted Dahlia, giving her a cold stare. "What were you thinking?"


    "I''m sorry. I know I made a mistake." Dahlia lowered her head, not daring to say more.


    "What''s all the fuss about?" Grandpa Clemens'' voice came from behind, addressing Micah. "Don''t disturb the patient''s rest. If you have something to say,e to the study."


    Micah was very annoyed but still followed to the study on the first floor.


    Dahlia was uneasy, and Andrew gestured to her not to worry.


    In the study, Micah angrily questioned, "Didn''t we agree to stay in the annex behind? If you want to bring someone over for recuperation, I have no objection, but is it necessary to stay here? And in that room?" "You also promised to apany her well. Why did you leave early?" Grandpa Clemens questioned.


    "That''s a different matter!" Micah was very angry.


    "Since you can act on your own, so can I," Grandpa Clemens justified. "That room has the necessary equipment for recovery."


    "This is my home." Micah blurted out.


    "Do you have a home without me?"


    Grandpa Clemens raised his eyebrows, showing his dominant and assertive side.


    "You''re being unreasonable." Micah held back his anger, trying to control himself. "I have been yielding, but you keep pushing."


    "E saved Mia, so she has done a favor for our Clemens family," Grandpa Clemens stated firmly. "Now that she''s seriously injured and staying with us for a few days to recuperate, is this how you react?" Micah replied, "I didn''t say she couldn''te, just that staying in that room is not appropriate."


    "She''s already there. What''s done is done," Grandpa Clemens started to be stubborn again.


    "You..." Micah was getting frustrated.


    "Mr. Clemens, calm down." Ss hurriedly intervened, exining, "Actually, Grandpa Clemens didn''t intend for E to stay in that room initially. He wanted to arrange her in the annex behind. But when we arrived home, E suddenly felt unwell and needed oxygen immediately. The small building wasn''t fully prepared yet, so we temporarily settled her here..."


    "There''s no need to exin to him." Grandpa Clemens''s face turned livid. "It''s just a room. What''s wrong with E staying there? Do I not even have this right now?"


    "Grandpa Clemens, please calm down..." said Ss.


    "Micah, you listen to me." Grandpa Clemens pointed at Micah, his anger evident in his warning. "Everything you have now is because of me. Without me, you are nothing! If you dare to continue this reckless behavior and ignore advice, I will transfer all the Clemens Group''s shares to n Davis. Then, Tristan could crush you as easily as squashing an ant!"


    "Are you threatening me??" Micah''s face darkened, his gaze turning icy. "Do you truly believe that without you, I am nothing?"


    "You can try," Grandpa Clemens menacingly pointed at him.


    "Let''s see then..."


    "Micah, calm down," Andrew quickly intervened to prevent Micah from saying something harsh.


    Ss also advised, "Grandpa Clemens, don''t get so angry! The children are grown up, and they need to be taught slowly."


    "Children? He''s thirty years old, still a child?" Grandpa Clemens was burning with anger. "My three great-grandchildren are true children! This kind of person is entangled in the past for his own stubbornness, not considering the future of the children, selfish!"


    "Who is really selfish? If it weren''t for your selfishness, would this family be in such a mess?" Micah retorted.


    "You... dare to lecture me?" Grandpa Clemens angrily said.


    "Please stop arguing. It will be troublesome if the children wake up." Ss anxiously intervened, gesturing to Andrew to lead Micah out.


    Andrew waspletely unable to handle Micah.


    Ss had no choice but to push Grandpa Clemens''s wheelchair towards the door. "At your age, still so hot-tempered? If the three children see this, they will criticize you again."

 Chapter 763 Im Getting Old

    "What are you doing, pushing me out, you old coot?" Grandpa Clemens fumed. "Stop right there. I''m not done scolding yet."


    Ss reminded, "If you keep shouting, all three children will be woken up by you, especially Noah. He understands everything after a few words. Do you think he will me you? The rtionship that has been so hard to repair, do you want to This statement proved effective, and soon Grandpa Clemens quieted down.


    ruin it again?"


    "And Micah, how dare he defy you like that. You go back and rest first; I''ll talk to him." Ss pretended to scold.


    "That brat, disrespectful. Teach him a lesson!" Grandpa Clemens added.


    "Yes, you can count on me." Ss assured him.


    Ss managed to coax Grandpa Clemens away with a mix of cajoling and deceit.


    In the study, Micah angrily kicked over the coffee table.


    Andrew hurriedly advised, "Micah, calm down, don''t wake up the children."


    Micah''s anger was still hard to dissipate.


    Andrew suddenly remembered something and added, "Didn''t you mention before that you wanted E to help persuade Grandpa Clemens to return to country Y early? This is a good opportunity to..."


    Upon hearing this, Micah suddenly fell silent. He almost forgot; this was the main issue.


    Sadie had already returned to Newark, staying in the northern part of Hillside Vi. James Group had begun arge-scale attack on the domestic market, and it was likely to be widely publicized soon. Sadie would also appear in the media. At that time, it would be impossible to hide it from the children and Grandpa Clemens.


    So, it was necessary to persuade Grandpa Clemens to leave early. Once he returned to the country Y, things would be easier.


    At this moment, someone knocked on the door outside, and Dahlia''s voice came. "Micah, there''s something to report." "Come in," Andrew responded.


    Dahlia entered cautiously and said, "Micah, don''t be angry. The medical staff has already moved Ms. Lingston to another room."


    "Did she hear?" Micah frowned and asked.


    "Yeah." Dahlia nodded gently. "She asked me to arrange it. Now, the room on the other side has been cleaned up, but there are still some..."


    "No need to change," Micah suddenly said.


    "Huh?" Dahlia was stunned, thinking she had misheard.


    "Let her stay for now," Micah instructed.


    "Got it." Dahlia quickly went out to inform the medical staff, "Micah said there was no need to change. Quickly bring back Ms. Lingston''s things; she doesn''t need to move. Let her rest assured..." Outside, Ss, who was about toe out to mediate, heard this and was somewhat surprised. He quickly went back to inform Grandpa Clemens.


    Grandpa Clemens said angrily, "My threat must have had a deterrent effect. That kid knows what''s good for him."


    "Micah is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He respects you," Ss advised emphatically. "Don''t push him too hard; give him some time."


    "I don''t have much time left..."


    Before Grandpa Clemens could finish his sentence, he started coughing, clutching his chest, struggling to breathe.


    "Grandpa Clemens..." Ss hurriedly went up to pat his back. "You really need to take care of your health."


    "It''s not about treatment, I''m 98 years old. I''m old." Grandpa Clemens helplessly smiled, "No matter how domineering when I was young, I couldn''t resist the vicissitudes of time." "You''re not old, and you''re still spirited." Ss'' eyes turned red.


    "Man is mortal." Grandpa Clemens said calmly, "I just want to see that brat let go of the past before I leave and start a new life."


    "I think he has feelings for E, too." Ssforted, "Now that E has moved in, as they spend time together day and night, feelings will naturally develop."


    "I hope so..." Grandpa Clemens sighed, "As long as I can see them together, I can rest assured to return to country Y."

 Chapter 764 Please Help

    Micah went upstairs and passed by that room, where he saw several medical staff helping E from the wheelchair onto the bed.


    Dahlia was beside them, advising, " Take it easy, take it slow."


    However, as Ey down, the needle in the back of her hand got caught, causing blood to flow immediately.


    "Quick, get the first aid kit." Dahlia hurriedly attended to E''s wound.


    Several medical staff fetched the first aid kit and assisted on the side.


    One of them couldn''t help butin, "Ms. Lingston is already so badly injured. She finallyy down, and now she has to be moved again. Halfway through the move, it stops. Isn''t this just tormenting her?" "That''s right, Ms. Lingston is so pitiful," another medical staff said.


    "Shut up!" Dahlia coldly rebuked.


    The two medical staff lowered their heads, not daring to speak out of turn.


    Ey weakly on the bed, but her face was adorned with a soft smile. As soon as Dahlia had finished treating her wounds, she immediately expressed her gratitude in signnguage.


    "You''re wee, Ms. Lingston." It was clear that the nurses had a soft spot for E.


    Micah saw this scene and couldn''t help but feel a little guilty, so he walked in.


    "Micah!" Dahlia hurriedly bowed.


    The other medical staff all bowed their heads, very nervous.


    Micah made a gesture, and Dahlia immediately led the medical staff to step back. "Did I wake you up just now?"


    Micah stood at the foot of the bed, deliberately keeping his distance from E.


    "I wasn''t asleep from the start." E smiled and shook her head, exining in signnguage. "Because there was a situation at home, it''s temporarily inconvenient to stay there. My father is about to return to the Y country, and Grandpa Clemens is worried about my safety alone outside, so he let me stay here. Did I disturb you?"


    E''s understanding and gentle demeanor made it hard to dislike her.


    "Not at all." Micah politely said, "I wasn''t targeting you just now, so please don''t mind."


    "I understand." E smiled gently and said in signnguage, "I heard that this room belonged to the formerdy. It was wrong of me to move in without permission. I''ll move out early tomorrow morning."


    "It''s okay," Micah reassured her. "The annex hasn''t been lived in for a long time, and it''s dusty and not suitable for patients. Just stay herefortably."


    "Aren''t you angry?" E looked at him nervously.


    "There''s nothing to be angry about." Micah nced back, made sure the door was closed, and said straightforwardly, "There''s something I''d like to ask for your help with."


    "Me?" E was very surprised, "How can I help you?"


    "My grandfather is too strict with me here, which isn''t good for our rtionship. Besides, his health isn''t good, and I hope he can return to Y country for recuperation as soon as possible." Micah spoke somewhat cryptically, "Could you help me persuade him?"


    "Of course." E smiled slightly, "But my persuasion may not be effective. I''ll try my best."


    "Thank you!" Micah thanked her and then left.


    E watched his back, her eyes filled withplex emotions.


    After returning to his room, Micah took a shower andy down, retrieving the phone he used as a male escort. Looking at Sadie''s call history, he couldn''t resist sending her a text: [Are you asleep?] Sadie didn''t reply.


    Feeling somewhat dejected, Micah wondered what that woman was up to.


    That night, Micah had a strange dream. He dreamt of Sadie pointing a gun at him, questioning why he had sent her away years ago, why he had someone try to murder her, why he had allowed her to be mistreated, and why he had caused Brenda''s death.


    Micah struggled to exin, but no sound came out of his mouth.


    Sadie pulled the trigger, aiming to shoot.


    At that moment, Grandpa Clemens appeared, wheeling over in his wheelchair, stating that everything was his doing and unrted to others.


    Sadie smirked darkly, "Then you can go to hell-"


    And then, she aimed the gun at Grandpa Clemens'' head and fired...

 Chapter 765 New Mommy

    The sound of a gunshot rang out, and blood sttered into Micah''s eyes.


    Micah suddenly woke up from the nightmare, staring at the ceiling with wide eyes, gasping for breath.


    ''I must prevent this tragedy from happening.''


    Just as he was thinking, an excited scream came from outside. "Mommy-"


    Micah was slightly startled and quickly got up, put on his clothes, and went to check.


    Three children woke up in the morning and found someone in the room where Mommy used to stay. They thought Mommy hade back and immediately ran over screaming. However, the person being pushed out in a wheelchair by the medical staff was E!


    The three children stopped in their tracks, staring at her in astonishment.


    Nathan widened his eyes, looking puzzled. "E? How did you end up in my house?"


    Mia''s little face was full of disappointment, but she still politely asked, "E, are you injured?"


    Noah furrowed his brow, remaining silent.


    E smiled and exined in signnguage, "I had a car ident and got injured. Since your house has a medical room, I will stay here temporarily for a while. Sorry for the disturbance." "Oh, I see." Nathan nodded politely and said, "Wish you a speedy recovery!"


    "I also wish you a speedy recovery." Mia smiled at E.


    "Thank you, Natty, Mimi!" E gestured in signnguage to express her gratitude.


    "You''re wee..."


    "E!" Suddenly, Noah said seriously, "Just call us by our names. Noey, Natty, and Mimi are what my parents call us; it''s not suitable for you to use."


    E looked a bit embarrassed but quickly changed her tone. "Alright, Noah."


    "Wish you a speedy recovery!" Noah bowed to her, then turned and left.


    "Let''s go have breakfast." Nathan also went downstairs.


    Only Mia approached, asking friendly, "E, have you had breakfast?"


    E shook her head with a smile.


    "Why don''t you join me for breakfast downstairs? Mary has recently learned to make chocte toast," Mia gestured with a smile, "It''s a delicious breakfast." "Really? I''d love to try it," E signed with enthusiasm, her face beaming.


    "Let''s go, I''ll take you." Mia warmly invited.


    "Thank you, Mia!" E affectionately patted Mia''s head.


    The two of them descended the elevator together. At that moment, Mia spotted Micah standing at his room''s doorway and waved at him. "Good morning, Daddy!" "Morning." Micah, noticing the children weren''t too upset, closed the door without making eye contact with E throughout.


    E, as she was about to say good morning, noticed him retreating to his room. She could only offer a wistful smile as she lowered her hand.


    Downstairs, Noah and Nathan walked to the dining table together.


    Noah''s expression was very cold. Nathan leaned over and whispered, "Don''t be like this. She saved Mia. Let''s treat her as a guest."


    "I didn''t say anything." Noah sat in his own seat.


    "Alright." Nathan shrugged. He knew that Noah''s personality was exactly like Daddy''s-cold and stubborn, and no one could persuade him. "Noah, Nathan, good morning!"


    At this moment, Ss pushed Grandpa Clemens over, and Grandpa Clemens greeted the children energetically.


    "Good morning, great-grandpa!" Nathan responded with a smile.


    "Good morning, great-grandpa!" Noah''s response was polite yet distant.


    Grandpa Clemens had already anticipated that Noah might find it difficult to ept, but he felt that the children would eventually go through such a process. Their mommy had passed away, and Daddy would eventually marry a new mommy.


    But he hadn''t told the children yet, hoping that E would first establish a good rtionship with the children before finding an opportunity tomunicate with them. "Great-grandpa!" At this moment, Mia walked over with E and greeted Grandpa Clemens from a distance, "Good morning!"


    "Good morning!" Grandpa Clemens was very pleased. At least Mia did not reject E.

 Chapter 766 Noahs Plan (Part 1)

    "E, how are you feeling here? Are you getting used to it?" Grandpa Clemens kindly inquired.


    "Everything is fine, thank you, Grandpa Clemens."


    E gestured slowly in signnguage, a gentle smile always adorning her pale face.


    E lived up to her name, like a pure white cloud, untainted and gentle. She always had a calm demeanor, giving off a sense of kindness, gentleness, and fragility. Even with the strongest biases against her, one couldn''t bring themselves to speak harshly to her.


    It felt like even speaking loudly to her would be hurting her.


    "Ms. Lingston, a special breakfast for patients has been prepared for you."


    Mary personally brought E her breakfast.


    "Thank you, Mary." E gestured her gratitude with a smile.


    "You''re wee." Mary and the other servants all liked E very much.


    In their eyes, apart from her inability to speak, everything about E was fine.


    Seeing everyone''s fondness for E, even Grandpa Clemens instructing Mary to prepare a special breakfast for her, Noah furrowed his brow.


    "Let''s have a meal, everyone," Grandpa Clemens greeted.


    "Great-grandpa, let''s eat, E, let''s eat!" Nathan and Mia both politely responded.


    Noah, however, sat there, furrowing his brow, lost in thought.


    Grandpa Clemens noticed his unusual mood and cautiously asked, "Noah, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." Noah lowered his head to eat.


    Grandpa Clemens didn''t say much more. He felt that Noah being able to interact with E calmly without any outbursts was already good enough. Perhaps with time, he would slowlye to ept E.


    After breakfast, Grandpa Clemens, as usual, sent the three children off to school. Noah also carried his small backpack today and set off together. The school had a celebration event today, and he had to attend. On the way, Nathan and Mia yed games with Grandpa Clemens while Coco watched on the side. The family had a lively and enjoyable time.


    Only Noah remained on the sidelines, sometimes going to the restroom, sometimes weakly leaning on the sofa.


    "Noah,e and y with us." Grandpa Clemens coaxed Noah.


    "My stomach doesn''t feel well." Noah held his stomach, his brows tightly furrowed, saying, "I probably feel unwell because I drank cold milk in the morning in my room, and now I feel really ufortable." "Did you eat something that upset your stomach?" Grandpa Clemens quickly ordered, "Quick, get Dahlia over here."


    "I think I''ll head back," Noah said, clutching his stomach. "Even if Dahliaes and gives me some medicine, I''m not in the mood to attend the school anniversary today."


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens nodded, furrowing his brow. "I''ll have someone take you back, and then we''ll have Doctor Reye over to examine you. You just rest at home today." "Okay, thank you, Grandpa Clemens," Noah nodded.


    Grandpa Clemens promptly arranged for a few bodyguards to escort Noah back home.


    Noah quickly said, "Great-grandpa, with the school celebration today and theplex crowd, you should let them stay to protect Nathan and Mia. Just send a driver to take me back." Nathan looked deeply at Noah, a hint ofplexity shing in his eyes.


    "Just a driver won''t do..."


    "Great-grandpa," Nathan suddenly said, "During thest kindergarten sports day, a group of people in ck infiltrated, and they even took me and Mia away, scaring me."


    "Nathan, are you talking about the chip robbery incident?" Mia recalled the event, her face turning pale with fear. "I remember, that person was so scary, he picked us up and threw us into the car, thenter ran to our house to steal things..." "Yes, thankfully, Mom and Brenda protected us."


    "Yeah, he wanted to steal the chip from Coco''s stomach."


    The two recounted past events to each other, growing more and more frightened as they spoke.


    "Wah, Great-grandpa, I''m scared," Mia whined, hugging Grandpa Clemens tightly. "I don''t want to go to school anymore, and I don''t want to be part of the school celebration."

 Chapter 767 Noahs Plan (Part 2)

    "Don''t be afraid; with Grandpa Clemens here, no one can harm you." Grandpa Clemens hurriedly reassured them. So, let''s do this. I''ll have someone take Noah back first, while the others will fully protect Nathan and Mia. Stay by their side at all times. Got it?" "Yes," the bodyguards answered.


    "We''re not far from home, we''ll be there soon, nothing should happen," Grandpa Clemens still had some lingering worries, reminding, "Be careful on the way, make sure to escort Young Master back home safely." "Please rest assured!" the bodyguard assured.


    The car stopped, and they split into two groups.


    The bodyguard drove the Maybach alone to take Noah home, while the others continued to escort Nathan and Mia to school.


    Before parting, Nathan said to Noah, "Noah, make sure to rest well when you get back."


    "I got it. Thanks, Nathan."


    Noah looked deeply at Nathan, knowing that Nathan had seen through his n and was intentionally helping him.


    "Drive safely," said Grandpa Clemens.


    Grandpa Clemens waited for the bodyguard''s car to drive off before retracting his gaze and instructing the driver.


    Inside the car, Noah furrowed his brows, staring out the window as if nning something.


    As the car was about to pass by the North-South Junction on the Hillside, Noah suddenly clutched his stomach and cried out in pain, "Oh, my stomach hurts..."


    "Young Master, what''s wrong?" The bodyguard asked anxiously, "Hold on, we''re almost home."


    "My stomach hurts so much, I can''t bear it. Stop the car." Noah cried out in agony, "I need to poop."


    "What? Here?"


    The bodyguard looked around in the wilderness with no restroom in sight, but considering Noah was just a child, and there was no one around, he didn''t think too much about it. "Alright."


    The bodyguard parked the car by the roadside, purposely closer to the side with the trees, to prevent Noah from identally falling off the cliff.


    Carrying a small backpack, Noah got out of the car and headed towards the small grove, clutching his stomach.


    "Young Master, wait." the bodyguard hurried to catch up.


    "Don''t follow me, wait in the car," Noahmanded arrogantly. "But..."


    The bodyguard felt something was off but didn''t follow, thinking it was normal for Young Master to be shy.


    He stayed nearby watching, thinking nothing should go wrong.


    After Noah entered the grove, he didn''t pause. He let his hand fall from his stomach, brushed aside the blocking nts, and strode ahead. He quickened his pace towards an open space, then broke into a sprint towards the northern part of Hillside Vi.


    He was going to search for clues to find his mom as soon as possible.


    Otherwise, other women might try to take advantage of the situation!


    "Young Master, are you feeling better?" The bodyguard, unable to rest easy, anxiously inquired, "Did you bring tissue? I''ll bring you some."


    After saying that, the bodyguard took a pack of tissues from the car and slowly walked towards the grove. "Young Master, please don''t be angry. I''m not intentionally intruding; I''m just bringing you tissue..."


    There was no sound from inside.


    The bodyguard was suddenly stunned, looked around, and anxiously called out, "Young Master, Young Master? Stop ying,e out. There are wild animals here, not suitable for hide-and-seek." Still, there was no response.


    The bodyguard became anxious in an instant, frantically searching around, but Noah was nowhere to be seen.


    He was sweating profusely from fear. After carefully examining the area, he noticed the dense undergrowth had been disturbed ahead, and a row of small footprints were on the ground. He hurriedly followed the footprints. While chasing, he called Rn, "Hey, Rn, something''s wrong. Young Master Noah ran away!"


    "What?" Rn was out handling business at the moment. Upon hearing the news, he urgently asked, "What do you mean? What do you mean by run away? Exin clearly."


    "It''s like this..."


    The bodyguard was exining the situation to Rn.


    On the other side...


    Noah had already followed the route he had surveyed earlier and sessfully ran to the hill behind the northern part of Hillside Vi.


    He was about to take out his tablet and drone for reconnaissance when a piercing eagle cry suddenly rang out...

 Chapter 768 Noah and the Eagle (Part 1)

    Noah looked up and saw an eagle soaring in the sky, its usual agile and sharp posture reced by a sense of panic and loss of control, as if...


    Noah was lost in thought when the eagle suddenly swooped towards him like a released arrow, incredibly swift.


    Terrified, Noah turned and ran with all his might.


    But how could a child outrun a flying eagle?


    Soon enough, the eagle caught up...


    Noah stumbled over a rock, falling to the ground with a thud, immediately trying to get back up using his hands and feet.


    But a hawk was already swooping down, about to prey on Noah.


    At this critical moment, the hawk suddenly swooped past Noah''s head, lost bnce, and crashed to the ground, tumbling a few times before falling off the hill. Noahy on the ground, his small body trembling in fear.


    After a while, he finally regained his senses and looked around.


    The hawk was nowhere to be seen!


    Only a few bloodstained feathers fell to the ground, gently stirred by the breeze.


    Noah recalled the sounds from earlier, then looked at the long trail ahead, instantly understanding-


    The hawk was injured. Originally attempting to fly, it immediately attacked upon spotting him, but at a crucial moment, its strength failed, causing it to fall down the slope. Noah quickly got up from the ground and walked to the edge of the hill to investigate.


    The eagle had fallen onto arge rock, bleeding profusely, now barely moving and trembling its wings.


    Noah took out a pair of binocrs from his small backpack and, upon closer inspection, noticed a ck and gold wedding ring on the eagle''s foot.


    Noah immediately put away the binocrs and cautiously descended the slope from the side.


    Although the eagle was severely injured, Noah was still somewhat afraid. He picked up a small stone and threw it near the eagle.


    The eagle''s wings twitched, but it couldn''t stand up. Even its sharp eyes seemed weak and powerless at that moment.


    Noah breathed a sigh of relief, picked up a stick from the roadside, and approached the eagle carefully.


    With only 3 feet left between them, the eagle suddenly pped its wings.


    "Ah-!" Noah screamed in fright, stepping back repeatedly.


    However, when he calmed down, he realized that the eagle was still lying there. Besides a slight movement of its right wing, it had no more attack power.


    Noah breathed a sigh of relief, approached again, and patiently said to the eagle, "Don''t worry. As long as you don''t harm me, I won''t harm you. I just want to retrieve my mommy''s ring." The eagle seemed to stare at him coldly without understanding his words.


    "That ring..." Noah pointed at its foot, exining again, "It belongs to my mommy. You have to give it back to me, understand?"


    The eagle continued to stare at him with a cold gaze.


    Noah tried to get closer, but the eagle remained still. He moved closer again, attempting to use the stick to remove the ring.


    At that moment, the eagle suddenly pped its wings fiercely and let out a fierce eagle cry.


    It seemed to say, "Even if I, the eagle, am grounded here, a little kid like you won''t bully me."


    The wooden stick in Noah''s hand was knocked away, his hands scratched. Noah took a few steps back, no longer daring to approach.


    It appeared that the eagle was not unconscious, and retrieving the ring was now impossible.


    Gritting his teeth, Noah picked up a stone, preparing to throw it at the eagle. Knocking out this troublesome eagle would allow him to retrieve his mommy''s ring.


    However, as he approached with the stone, seeing the injured wing and the slowly flowing blood, he hesitated.


    ''Did this eagle also have a mommy?''


    ''If it''s mommy who saw it in this state, she would surely be heartbroken and saddened.''


    ''If I don''t knock it out but kill it instead, wouldn''t I be a killer of eagles?''


    With these thoughts in mind, Noah set down the stone.

 Chapter 769 Noah and the Eagle (Part 2)

    "I''m still too kind."


    Noah let out a deep sigh, looking at the hawk.


    The hawk was also looking at him, but this time, its gaze wasn''t as cold, almost showing some warmth. Frowning, Noah was pondering. Since he couldn''t throw the rock at it, he had to take a risk.


    With determination, Noah cautiously approached and struggled to remove the ring from the hawk''s foot.


    The hawk warily pped its wings once, startling Noah, who flinched. The hawk then retracted its wings, no longer trying to intimidate him.


    Noah continued to work on removing the ring, saying as he did, "Don''t be rmed, I just want to retrieve this ring. I don''t intend to harm you. This ring belongs to my mom and should be returned to its rightful owner." With its foot injured and unable to move, the hawk could only watch Noah with a hint of understanding.


    After a while, Noah finally took off the ring. He took a wet tissue from his small backpack, carefully wiped off the bloodstains from the ring, then delicately stored it away, put his backpack on, and prepared to leave. However, looking at the eagle, Noah felt a pang of guilt.


    It was injured, unable to fly, and now stuck in this secluded valley. Its owner might not find it for a while, and if other wild beasts attacked, it would be left here to die.


    Thinking of this, Noah opened his backpack, took out a first aid kit, and approached the eagle cautiously. "I''ll bandage you. Don''t move, okay?"


    The eagle didn''t react; it just looked at him, but its eyes had softened by now.


    Noah disinfected the eagle with iodine, applied medicine powder to its wound, and then bandaged it with gauze.


    Noah often visited hospitals and had medical staff at home, so he knew these simple steps, although he had never practiced them before, and the bandaging looked messy.


    Finally, looking at the eagle all wrapped up like a dumpling, Noah sighed and said, "I thought I wasing here today to check things out, and I was worried about getting hurt, so I brought the first aid kit. I didn''t expect it toe in handy." The eagle suddenly became extremely docile.


    Noah was taken aback, then chuckled, "Your voice sounds just like Coco."


    At the mention of this name, the eagle became even more excited, as if it found the name very endearing.


    "Coco is a little parrot. You''ve seen it before, the little parrot that flew out to protect me before."


    Noah chatted with the eagle while tending to its other wounds, but unfortunately, the medical supplies in his kit were too few, and some wounds were left untreated as the medicine ran out. "Can only do this."


    Noah packed up and tried to lift the eagle, but it was too heavy for him to carry.


    "I have to get you up there. Otherwise, your owner won''t find you, and you''ll be trapped here."


    Noah found arge branch, ced the eagle on it, and thenboriously dragged the branch up the hill.


    The hawk let out a few "caws," its sharp gaze now gradually softening.


    Noah dragged the hawk halfway up the mountain, his young hands now scraped and sore. He shook his hands, then continued walking forward.


    At this moment, a familiar shout suddenly came from not far away-


    "Young Master Noah!"


    "Young Master..."


    "Noah! Come out, don''t scare me!"


    The voices of the guards were ahead, with Grandpa Clemens'' voice trailing behind.


    Noah turned to look at the hawk and eximed, "Oh no, my grandpa has brought people to find me."


    The hawk cawed at him a few times.


    "Noah..." The shouts were getting closer.


    Noah furrowed his brow, hesitating. "I can''t let them see you. It would lead to misunderstandings. I need to leave first. I will find a way to guide your owner here to rescue you. Trust me!"

 Chapter 770 James Groups Turf (Part 1)

    Noah moved the eagle to a safe ce and then hurriedly left.


    As soon as Noah ran to the hillside, he was spotted by Rn, who rushed over in a few strides. "Young Master, are you okay?" "No, I''m fine..."


    Noah shook his head, about to speak, when Ss and a few bodyguards pushed Grandpa Clemens over.


    "Noah, Noah..." Grandpa Clemens anxiously called out, "I finally found you. You scared Great-grandpa to death." "Great-grandpa..."


    Noah looked at Grandpa Clemens''s anxious look and couldn''t help but feel guilty.


    "Let me see if you''re injured." Grandpa Clemens held Noah''s small hand and looked up and down. "What happened to this little hand? How did it get scraped? And your knee? How did it get bruised? What happened? Did someone bully you?" "No, I just tripped." Noah exined quickly, "Great-grandpa, I''m sorry for making you worry."


    "Silly child, whatever is on your mind, tell Great-grandpa, and I will take care of it for you. Don''t keep it inside, and certainly don''t resort to running away." Grandpa Clemens was really scared. He hadn''t even sent Nathan and Mia to school when he received a call from the bodyguards saying Noah had run away.


    Immediately, he instructed the driver to turn back and find Noah.


    Nathan and Mia, therefore, didn''t attend the school celebration. Both were extremely worried about Noah, moring to search for him together, but Grandpa Clemens insisted on sending them back. Meanwhile, upon receiving the news, Rn hurried over and joined them in the search.


    After half an hour of searching, they finally found Noah.


    "I just came to find my mechanical pigeon." Noah came up with a good reason, "My second pigeon was released and didn''te back. Thest ce it was seen was nearby, so I came to look for it." "Alright, whatever the reason, as long as you''re safe, let''s head back home first." Grandpa Clemens didn''t want to delve into the matter in front of so many people; he simply wanted to take Noah home. "Okay." Noah nodded. Rn held his hand, ready to take him to the car. At that moment, a bodyguard suddenly shouted, "Rn!"


    Rn turned around and saw several female bodyguards from James Group rushing over, holding weapons and looking aggressive.


    "Are these people from James Group?" Grandpa Clemens frowned and ordered sternly, "If they dare to be arrogant again, don''t be polite with them!"


    "Yes!" The Clemens family''s bodyguards immediately stepped forward.


    Noah frowned. Oh no, he had onlye to inquire about his mother''s news but had inadvertently stirred up tensions between the two families.


    "It''s indeed someone from the Clemens family." Annika saw the Clemens family members and immediately demanded, "Where have you taken our pet hawk?"


    Behind the James Group mansion was arge expanse of hills where Coco often freely flew. Two days ago, after getting injured and returning for treatment, Coco rested for a while. Today, while attempting to fly again, Coco mysteriously disappeared.


    They quickly checked the cameras and discovered that members of the Clemens family had appeared in the northern part of the Hillside Vi area. Recalling the incident two days ago when Coco almost injured their Young Master, they spected that the Clemens family might havee to capture Coco. So Annika immediately rushed over with the others.


    Meanwhile, Arya reported the situation to Sadie at home, expressing her indignation. "They must have taken Coco. And that old Grandpa Clemens is here, too. Now the Clemens family''s group is on our back hill."


    Upon hearing this while working on official matters in the study, Sadie immediately set aside her work, put on a coat, and headed out, saying, "Let''s go see."


    "Yes!"


    "We''re here to find the Young Master. We haven''t touched your pet hawk!" Rn coldly replied, preparing to leave with Noah.


    At that moment, Annika added, "If no one touched it, then why are you here? Here is the turf of our James Group!"

 Chapter 771 James Groups Turf (Part 2)

    "James Corporation''s turf?" Grandpa Clemens sneered angrily, "Such audacity!"


    Seeing Grandpa Clemens, Annika couldn''t help but feel a bit awed and dared not speak much.


    Sadie instructed Annika to retrieve Coco. Since the Clemens family members had indeed trespassed into the northern part of Hillside Vi, which was their fault, she couldn''t be too timid either.


    Therefore, Annika took a step forward, bowed to Grandpa Clemens, and respectfully said, "Grandpa Clemens, I dare not speak out of turn in front of you, but our pet hawk is indeed missing. Our master instructed me to find it, so..." "That hawk is untamable. It almost harmed my great-grandson. Good riddance if it''s lost," Grandpa Clemens said imperiously. "Go back and tell your master to discipline it properly. If it dares to scare my children again, I won''t spare it!" With one statement, Grandpa Clemens managed to refer to both the hawk and Annika''s master subtly!


    "You..." Although Annika was red with anger, she didn''t dare to talk back.


    "Let''s go!"


    Giving Annika a cold re, Grandpa Clemens led Noah away.


    Having dominated the scene in the business world for decades, Grandpa Clemens was untouchable. Even if Tristan were to arrive, he would have to show some deference, let alone a female bodyguard.


    With the Clemens family in an advantageous position, the guards were all smug.


    Rn, not wanting Grandpa Clemens to meet Sadie, wished they would leave quickly. He lifted Noah onto his shoulder with one hand and pushed the wheelchair with the other.


    "Let''s head back quickly. Nathan and Mia are waiting at home and must be very worried!"


    "Yes." Grandpa Clemens also nodded.


    As the group prepared to get into the car, a cold and arrogantmand suddenly came from not far behind. "Listen up! Anyone who dares to harm my Coco, even a feather, will face ruthless consequences!" Upon hearing this voice, Noah widened his eyes in astonishment and quickly turned his head to look.


    A rugged off-road vehicle approached from the hillside. Several female bodyguards were helping a figure out of the car, striding towards them.


    The figure was shielded by the female bodyguards, making it difficult to see clearly.


    Noah, perched on Rn''s shoulder, could only tilt his head, his view limited, eager to climb down.


    However, Rn simply ced him inside the car.


    Noah wanted to get out of the car, but Rn held him back. "Noah, be good. Go back with Grandpa Clemens first. Behave!"


    "What was that sound just now? It sounded very arrogant."


    Grandpa Clemens also vaguely heard a sound, but being old, his hearing wasn''t very clear.


    "It should be someone from James Group," Rn exined evasively. "Grandpa Clemens, you and Young Master go back first. I''ll handle this."


    "Don''t be afraid of them. Anyone who dares to act arrogantly towards our Clemens family will face consequences!"


    Grandpa Clemens was furious with the James Group people. In his view, Noah''s visit this time was probably rted to the scare caused by the hawk the morning before. In any case, this trouble was stirred up by the people from the James Group.


    They dared to bully the Clemens family; he wouldn''t be polite to them.


    "Understood," Rn nodded repeatedly. "You take Young Master back first and ensure he doesn''t get scared again."


    Saying this, Rn helped Grandpa Clemens into the car, swiftly closed the door, and urged, "Drive!"


    The bodyguards immediately drove off.


    Ss frowned as he looked at the rearview mirror, feeling that there was something strange about Rn. ''And Noah...''


    Noah leaned out to look back, as if trying to see clearly what was happening.


    At this moment, the owner of James Group had already climbed up the hillside with her female bodyguards standing behind her. Initially, her face was clearly visible, but Rn had shielded herpletely. Noah became anxious and leaned out halfway to look.


    Sails quickly pulled him back, saying, "Young Master, it''s dangerous!"

 Chapter 772 The First Step to Success

    Noah was pulled back, missing the chance to get a clear look at the person once again.


    He was very frustrated but couldn''t get angry. After all, Sails was also thinking about his safety.


    Grandpa Clemens frowned at Noah, feeling very uneasy.


    Back home, Nathan and Mia were waiting at the door with Coco. When the car drove in, the two of them rushed over and yelled, "Noah, Noah!"


    Noah got out of the car, not yet steady on his feet, when Mia immediately rushed over and hugged him tightly. Noah pouted and cried uncontrobly.


    "Noah, don''t you want us anymore? Why did you leave home alone? Where are you going? You promised Mommy that you would take care of me and Nathan!"


    Hearing these words, Noah couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. He quickly hugged Mia, gently patting her shoulder tofort her. "Mia, please don''t cry. I didn''t intend to run away from home. I just..."


    "You can''t do this in the future, okay?" Nathan pouted, his eyes red, choking up as he spoke. "You almost scared me and Mia to death. If you have something going on, you should discuss it with us. We''re triplets; we should stick together no matter where we go."


    "I understand, I''m sorry," Noah guiltily said.


    Noah felt deeply remorseful. All along, he had been acting alone, mainly because he wanted Nathan and Mia to live innocently without having to worry about so much.


    Additionally, he didn''t want to put them in danger.


    "Alright, let''s all go inside," Grandpa Clemens said.


    Seeing this scene, Grandpa Clemens frowned even tighter. Although these three children had different personalities, they had always stood together. If one of them had negative emotions, it would affect the other two. After all thismotion, it was almost noon.


    The school''s anniversary celebration is out of the question now. Grandpa Clemens had the kitchen prepare lunch for the children, then called Noah to the study for a serious talk.


    Grandpa Clemens asked Noah if he was scared by the eagle that day, to which he said no. He then asked if he felt ufortable because E moved in, but Noah denied it. No matter how Grandpa Clemensmunicated and guided him, Noah insisted that he was going to find the mechanical pigeon and had no other thoughts.


    Grandpa Clemens was very helpless and had to let Noah go back to rest.


    Noah returned to his room, opened his tablet, and pulled up the wedding video of his parents from years ago. He zoomed in on his mother''s hand wearing the wedding ring, carefullyparing it with the ck gold ring he had taken out of his backpack.


    ''Indeed, it was correct!''


    ''It was Mommy''s wedding ring!''


    This discovery excited Noah greatly. He was one step closer to sess. Next, as long as he had the chance to meet thedy of the northern part of Hillside Vi, he could inquire about Mommy''s whereabouts.


    However, today''s incident had already alerted others, and it might be difficult to sneak out next time.


    Noah drew back the curtains and looked outside; sure enough, Great-grandpa had sent more people over.


    The Clemens family was practically under surveince, with a bodyguard every 7 feet.


    Each of the three children was assigned four bodyguards, who took turns on duty. Wherever they went, these bodyguards stayed close.


    Noah was worried when he heard a knock on the door, followed by Nathan and Mia''s voices-


    "Noah, it''s Nathan. I brought you some food. Can Ie in?"


    "Noah, it''s Mia. I want toe in, too."


    Noah quickly put away the ring and walked over to open the door. "Come in."


    "Thank you." Nathan wheeled in a small cart with some delicious desserts.


    Mia was holding Coco, her little face still flushed from crying earlier.


    "Have a seat." Noah moved the clothes from the sofa and said.


    As they sat down, Nathan angrily questioned, "Noah, what have you been up totely? Do you have some secret n?"

 Chapter 773 Inquiring about Mommys Whereabouts

    Noah was taken aback. He hadn''t expected Nathan to notice. He had always thought of Nathan as a carefree guy, always focused on indulging in food, drinks, fun, and admiring pretty girls. "Noah, don''t worry. We''ve sent the maid outside away. No one is eavesdropping on our conversation," Mia whispered, "If you''re still concerned, you can speak softer." "Yes, you need to tell us any secrets," Nathan frowned, looking serious. "As siblings, we stand together and face things as a team."


    Noah pondered carefully. It was true. While they might not listen to him about other matters, they would definitely listen to him regarding their mother. Moreover, with great-grandpa keeping such a close eye on him, he couldn''t sneak out alone to find out about their mother unless Nathan and Mia helped. After all, in great-grandpa''s eyes, they were the most obedient and well-behaved children. If they were to do something, great-grandpa wouldn''t suspect them. Their mother wasn''t just his mother; she was their mother, too. They needed to stand united as three siblings to find her; that way, they could achieve much more together! With that in mind, Noah got up, locked the door, and drew the curtains.


    Nathan and Mia looked at each other, feeling a bit nervous.


    Nathan asked anxiously, "Noah, do you really have a secret?"


    "What secret is it? Are you going on an adventure?" Mia imagined Noah taking them on an adventure like a Caribbean pirate.


    Noah didn''t answer their questions; he just took out the ring from the drawer and asked mysteriously, "Nathan, Mia, do you recognize this?"


    "This is a ring."


    Nathan and Mia leaned in to observe, whispering to each other-


    "It looks a bit like Dad''s ring."


    "No, this is ady''s ring; I seem to have seen it somewhere..."


    "Take a look at this." Noah disyed theputer screen in front of them, opened the wedding video of Dad and Mommy, and pointed to Mommy''s ring finger. "Do you see the key point?"


    "Oh my, this ring looks like Mommy''s wedding ring."


    Mia took the ring, examining it carefully.


    "Could this be Mommy''s ring!" Nathan asked tentatively.


    "Yes." Noah nodded heavily.


    Nathan and Mia widened their eyes in astonishment, full of disbelief.


    After a while, they both came back to their senses, bombarding Noah with questions-


    "What''s going on? Did Mommy give you the ring before she left?"


    "But I haven''t seen you take it out before. Could it be..."


    Mia froze halfway through her sentence, staring at Noah in disbelief, "Mommy is back?"


    "Noah, is Mommy really back?" Nathan grabbed Noah''s hand, excitedly asking, "Tell us quickly."


    "Yes, I''m so anxious." Mia tugged at Noah''s sleeve, urging anxiously. "What''s going on?"


    "Do you remember that eagle?" Noah began to recount the events, "The ring was found on its foot..."


    "What?" Nathan and Mia were extremely shocked.


    "Here''s what happened..." Noah detailed the sequence of events to them.


    Both of them were extremely excited upon hearing it.


    Nathan immediately said, "No wonder you deliberately slipped away today. I thought you were upset because E was at home, so you pretended to run away to scare great-grandpa. I even yed along with you." "Noah, what about that eagle now?" Mia asked anxiously, "Does Mommy live in the northern part of Hillside Vi?"


    "I don''t know. Even if Mommy isn''t there, the people there must know her whereabouts." Noah said solemnly, "Now we need to find a way to sneak over there and gather clues about Mommy!"

 Chapter 774 Mia Reconnaissance Team

    Nathan nodded vigorously, clenching his fist, and passionately dered, "Noah, the three of us fighting side by side, working together, will definitely find our mother!"


    "Yes, as long as the three of us stand united, we will surely bring our mother back home soon!"


    Mia reached out with her small hand, Nathan''s and Noah''s hands stacked on top. The three of them made a vow to bring their mother back.


    Coco hurried over, extending a paw to ce on top.


    Three small hands, one paw, ovepped together like a force of unity!


    "Noah, when do we take action?" Nathan, full of enthusiasm, asked eagerly.


    "Next time, you must bring both of us, don''t act alone."


    Mia leaned forward, afraid of being left behind.


    "We can''t act for the time being." Noah carefully put away the ring and said, "Today, I have already alerted the enemy. Great-grandpa has sent many people to watch over me. We can''t act for now." "What should we do then?" Nathan asked anxiously.


    "We''ll have to wait a few days." Noah furrowed his brows, analyzing carefully. "With great-grandpa around, we can''t move. If great-grandpa finds out about Mommy''s whereabouts, it will be troublesome..."


    Noah didn''t say the rest. If great-grandpa found out about Mommy''s whereabouts, he would probably find ways to send Mommy away again.


    "How long do we have to wait?" Mia''s face turned gloomy, pouting with grievances. "I miss Mommy so much. I want to see Mommy and Brenda soon."


    "Me too." Nathan thought of Mommy and Brenda, feeling a bit sad. "I wonder how they''ve been these past two years, and I hope theye back home soon!"


    "I see Dad is already fed up with great-grandpa. He should be figuring out ways to send great-grandpa back to Y country as soon as possible. This matter doesn''t require our attention; Dad will handle it. Once great-grandpa goes back to Y country, then we can take action!"


    Noah''s thoughts were very thorough; he didn''t seem like a six-year-old at all.


    "These days, let''s eat, sleep, go to school quietly, don''t think about anything, don''t say anything, absolutely don''t let anyone know this secret, understand?" said Noah.


    "Understood!" Nathan and Mia nodded repeatedly.


    Coco also nodded along and repeated, "Understood, understood!"


    "Let''se up with a name." Nathan said passionately, "Let''s call it the Mia Reconnaissance Team, and the name of this secret mission is Mommy n!" "Nathan, have you been reading too manyics?" Noah was a bit speechless.


    "It''s more inspiring this way." Nathan said eagerly, "Noah,e on!"


    "I''m really at a loss with you." Noah couldn''t do anything about him.


    The three of them stacked their hands again, shouting passionately, "Mia Reconnaissance Team, Mommy n, officiallyunched!"


    Micah was on his way back when Rn called, saying that Noah had been found and everything was resolved. Then he asked n to turn back to thepany.


    These days, James Group''s grand unveiling of the Sapphire Depths had captured headlines in major media outlets nationwide.


    The shareholders are anxious about this matter, fearing that James Group might impact the release of VIC Group''s new technology products.


    Micah is busy handling these issues, and on top of that, the sports arena project he''s coborating on with Louis is also about to be deployed.


    Micah is spinning around in a whirlwind of busyness, shuttling between thepany and project sites every day.


    He had to promote VIC Group''s new product before the Sapphire Depths marine projectunch so that they couldpete with it. Otherwise, they would lose the spotlight. However, Rn''sst words on the phone made Micah very worried.


    "Grandpa Clemens and Sadie almost met; luckily, I managed to get them away in time. I feel like Young Master Noah is acting a bit strange. It seemed like he had discovered something; he kept looking around in Sadie''s direction as he left there.

 Chapter 775 Progress in Emotions

    "What?" Micah frowned and asked, "Noah saw his mom?"


    "No," Rn replied confidently, "I blocked him, so he shouldn''t have seen Sadie''s face clearly."


    "What do you mean ''shouldn''t''?" Micah snapped.


    "Yes, I failed in my duty," Rn felt aggrieved in his heart but dared not argue.


    "Micah, calm down," Andrew advised from the side, "This matter can''t be kept secret forever. Even if the two sides haven''t met recently, Sadie will definitely appear in the media on the day of the Sapphire Depths project unveiling. By then, everyone who knows her will know she''s back!"


    Upon hearing this, Micah''s brows furrowed tightly as he asked, "Which day is the unveiling?"


    "The 13th of next month," Andrew quickly replied, "Today is already the 29th!"


    "So, we have sixteen days left," Micah said.


    Micah tapped his knuckles on the leather seat, deep in thought. Suddenly, he told Rn on the phone, "Go ask E how she''s feeling. If possible, we''ll have dinner together tonight." Rn was taken aback for a moment but quickly responded, "Yes, I''ll go ask and get back to youter!"


    Micah hung up the phone, looking very serious. He needed to send Grandpa Clemens back to country Y as soon as possible so he could focus on solving the issues at hand. "Don''t worry, we still have plenty of time to resolve this," Andrew reassured.


    While Andrew was speaking, Rn called, "Ms. Lingston is quite unwell and can''t go out."


    Micah was somewhat surprised; he had assumed that E would join him for dinner no matter what, but to his astonishment, she actually declined.


    "That''s fine." Micah ended the call.


    "Ms. Lingston is quite seriously injured. I saw her yesterday, and she couldn''t even get out of bed. Going out for dinner really isn''t feasible for her," Andrew exined. "Let''s discuss it in a few days. Let''s deal with business matters first," said Micah.


    "Understood," Andrew replied.


    Micah had a busy day outside, declined social engagements in the evening, wanting to go home early to spend time with the children. However, when he arrived home, it was already past ten.


    As soon as he entered, he saw Grandpa Clemens and E in the living room, drinking tea and ying chess.


    Grandpa Clemens was in high spirits,ughing heartily, "Haha, E, you''re really good at chess. You''re the second person who''s patient enough to y with me and keep winning."


    E put down the chess piece, curiously gesturing in signnguage, "Is the first one Micah?"


    "No." Grandpa Clemens shook his head, sighing, "It''s Micah''s mother."


    E was taken aback for a moment and hurriedly apologized, "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have brought up your sad memories."


    "It''s okay, it''s all in the past," said Grandpa Clemens.


    As Grandpa Clemens spoke, he noticed Micah walking in. The warm and friendly demeanor he had just disappeared, reced by a stern expression as he immediately questioned, "Why are you back sote?" "I tried toe back early." Micah went straight upstairs. After a few steps, he remembered something, turned back, and asked, "Are you hungry? Would you like to have ate-night snack together?" Grandpa Clemens, who was drinking tea, was somewhat stunned by this statement.


    He had gotten used to Micah''s demeanor, but this sudden offer for ate-night snack took him by surprise.


    "Sure, that''s great. I''m hungry too," E smiled and gestured in signnguage.


    "Mary," Micah instructed, "please prepare something light to eat. I''ll go upstairs to change ande back down."


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens!" The butler promptly instructed the kitchen staff to prepare.


    Micah quickly went upstairs.


    Grandpa Clemens watched his retreating figure, then nced at E and tentatively asked, "E, has Micah initiated any conversations with you these past few days?" "Today, he invited me to dinner, but I wasn''t feeling well, so I didn''t go." E gestured with her hands.


    "Is that so?" Grandpa Clemens was very pleased, "That means your rtionship is progressing!"

 Chapter 776 Ellas Thoughts

    E shyly bit her lower lip, blushing as she gestured, "Maybe Micah is just being polite and doesn''t mean anything by it."


    "I see his attitude is much better this time than before. You should seize the opportunity," Grandpa Clemens advised earnestly, "Although my grandson looks cold, he is actually very affectionate deep down. As long as you capture his heart, he will treat you well!" "Okay, I understand." E nodded with a smile.


    "Do you still like him now?" Grandpa Clemens asked again.


    "I do," E answered without hesitation, "As I''ve told you before, I''ve liked him since I first saw him at fifteen, and that feeling hasn''t changed."


    "Good." Grandpa Clemens smiled contentedly.


    Soon, the butler prepared exquisite desserts and creamy mushroom soup.


    The servants seated Ss and E at the dining table, while Micah changed into fresh clothes and came downstairs.


    The three of them sat down to eat, with Grandpa Clemens inquiring about business matters. Micah sometimes responded and sometimes remained silent.


    Grandpa Clemens was displeased with his indifferent attitude and criticized him.


    Micah grew impatient. "I spend over a dozen hours outside during the day. Can you leave me some peace at night?"


    "You..." Grandpa Clemens was about to get angry when E ced a dessert on his te and gestured, "Grandpa Clemens, this dessert is delicious. Try it."


    Her gentle smile quickly extinguished Grandpa Clemens'' anger.


    "Learn from E, be gentler," Grandpa Clemens scolded Micah, pointing at him. "You like a headstrong lion, always ready to bite."


    Micah ate silently, saying nothing.


    In fact, he really wanted to go back to rest. If it weren''t for the invisible forcepelling E to help him persuade Grandpa Clemens, he wouldn''t have been able to sit still for a second. "Grandpa Clemens, you don''t seem to be in good healthtely. Are you tired?" E chatted with Grandpa Clemens using signnguage.


    "Just shuttling the children every day, nothing else." Grandpa Clemens sighed. "It''s just that I''m getting old, and the damp climate on the mountain makes my bones ache every day. I always feel lethargic." Upon hearing this, Micah nced at E, knowing that they were getting to the point.


    "The mountain is indeed a bit damp, but in the summer, Hillside Vi is cool andfortable. And the air is fresh," E gestured with a smile. "But I think staying here is not very good for your body. I remember you looked very healthy in Aetheria."


    "That''s right." Grandpa Clemens nodded. "I got used to the lifestyle there and adapted better to the climate."


    "When I recover, I can help you with some therapy; it can also relieve your difort." E continued to gesture, "By the way, the old doctor that treated you in Aetheria was good. Why not invite him over?"


    "He can''te anymore." Grandpa Clemens shook his head sadly. "He''s in his eighties, not in good health, and his family won''t let him travel abroad. We talked on the phone yesterday; he said he''ll see me when I go back, but I''m really worried that he might gone by the time I return.


    As he spoke, Grandpa Clemens felt a bit sad. At his age, losing old friends one by one was his greatest fear.


    "Really? I thought Grandpa Rey was quite robust." E looked surprised.


    "He was, but after a fall, his health has been deteriorating," Grandpa Clemens said with a heavy heart, "I also ended up in a wheelchair two years ago after a fall. Before that, I could still y football with my great-grandson." "Old folks shouldn''t be falling," E frowned, reminding him. "I think with proper care from that old doctor, Grandpa Rey can still improve. And you too. You needprehensive therapy."

 Chapter 777 Acting in Concert

    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens nodded with a smile. "You''re doing great with the hospital you run in Country F. Rey often goes to you for therapy. After all, even though he''s a doctor, it''s hard for him to heal himself." "I''m just a novice in front of him." E smiled humbly. "Grandpa Clemens, the therapy you did before is great. You shouldn''t give up."


    "I''ve been having back pain recently. I really want to go back for some rest and treatment. Once things settle down here, I''ll go back." Grandpa Clemens continued ying with the chess pieces. "There''s nothing going on here!" Micah said casually, "I can deal with the matters in thepany. You don''t need to worry too much."


    After talking for a while, they finally came to this topic, and Micah seized the opportunity.


    "I know you handle those matters well." Grandpa Clemens looked deeply at him. "But what about your love issues?"


    Micah was slightly taken aback. "What do you mean?"


    "E is a good girl." Grandpa Clemens looked deeply at E. "You should cherish her."


    Micah furrowed his brows, about to get angry. Suddenly, a thought came to his mind. If he pretended to date E, Grandpa Clemens would feel at ease to go back, and he wouldn''t bother him anymore.


    Then he could focus on dealing with Sadie.


    With that in mind, Micah nodded. "Yes. She is indeed great. Let''s give dating a try."


    "Really!" Grandpa Clemens was delighted.


    E was also stunned. It seemed like she had been waiting for this moment for a long time.


    "There''s no faking such matters!" Micah didn''t show too much enthusiasm, appearing insincere. "I''ll give it a try."


    "Great," Grandpa Clemens nodded happily. "The more you get to know her, the more you''ll see how wonderful E is."


    "I understand." Micah handed E a dessert.


    E was very touched, looking at him gently with a smile.


    Seeing this, Grandpa Clemens was very happy. He didn''t want to disturb them any longer, so he deliberately said, "Oh, I''m getting sleepy after eating. I''ll go back to rest. You two take your time." With that, he patted E''s hand and gave her a meaningful look.


    Ss came forward to push him back to his room.


    "I finished eating. I''ll take you back to your room." Micah put down his utensils, got up, and pushed E''s wheelchair upstairs.


    Grandpa Clemens nced back and whispered to Ss, "Checkter to see if they really started dating. Micah is quite cunning. He better not be trying to fool me intentionally."


    "He wouldn''t," Ss said firmly, "Mr. Clemens has always been arrogant and self-assured. If he doesn''t like her, he can''t fake it."


    "That''s true." Grandpa Clemens nodded. "Micah has never bothered with disguises. He used to be very cold with E, but his attitude seems to have changed a lot recently." "Perhaps he pities her." Ss analyzed. "Micah has developed a sense of pity for E, and it may gradually lead to love."


    "You''re right," Grandpa Clemens nodded with a smile, then said, "But just to be cautious, you should still go to have a look."


    "Alright, I''ll settle you in first."


    Ss settled Grandpa Clemens, then quietly went upstairs.


    At this moment, Micah escorted E back to her room,id her on the bed, leaned in close to her, and whispered, "Since Grandpa Clemens wants us to be together so much, let''s act together to reassure him and let him go back." E''s face stiffened for a moment, but soon, she put on a gentle smile and gestured in signnguage. "Okay, I will cooperate with you."


    "Great." Micah nodded. "Consider it a favor I owe you. I''ll make it up to you in the future."


    "No need. I volunteered."


    E was gesturing when she suddenly noticed a figure outside. She quickly reached out, wrapped her arms around Micah''s neck, and willingly offered her tender red lips.

 Chapter 778 Acting in Concert 2

    At the door, Ss peered through the slightly ajar door and saw E lying on the bed, with Micah leaning in close to her. She, hooking her arms around his neck, offered a passionate kiss.


    A cough came from behind her.


    Ss hurriedly fled, not forgetting to re at Andrew as he did.


    Andrew walked over and closed the door.


    Just as Micah''s lips were about to touch E''s, he instinctively pushed her away.


    He could pretend to be in a rtionship with E, but the furthest he could go was to avoid physical intimacy. If it came down to it, his body would instinctively resist!


    E hurriedly gestured in signnguage, exining, "I didn''t mean to. Someone was peeking outside just now, so I..."


    "I know," Micah interrupted her, "It was Ss."


    E, like a startled deer, bit her lip and nodded.


    "Thank you." Micah got up and left. "Rest early!"


    Opening the door, Andrew was outside, reporting in a low voice, "Ss has returned to his room."


    Micah walked out of the room, casually closing the door behind him. Instead of going straight to the bedroom, he headed to the study.


    Andrew poured a ss of red wine and asked with concern, "Are you putting on a show with Ms. Lingston to reassure Grandpa Clemens to leave?"


    "You''ve figured it out, I see." Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "I''ve been following you for so many years. I can understand your thoughts." Andrew smiled. "I think Grandpa Clemens knows your trick, too. If it''s just a few words and some acting, he probably won''t believe it either." Upon hearing this, Micah frowned. Indeed, he had only said he was willing to try dating E and act a bit, but it couldn''t deceive the cunning Grandpa Clemens.


    "If you really want to reassure Grandpa Clemens to return to the country, you probably need to do more." Andrew cautiously reminded.


    "What more?" Micah blurted out, then scolded, "You''re crossing the line!"


    "Sorry!" Andrew quickly lowered his head.


    Micah gave him a cold stare and then began to rack his brains. It seemed like he might really have to push things further to achieve his goal, even if he didn''t want topromise his principles. Putting on an act was still an option. After all, behind closed doors, no one would know what they were doing.


    "It seems like a good idea."


    Micah squinted and pondered the idea.


    "However, be careful not to let Miss and Young Master see." Andrew started on his n again. "Especially Mr. Noah, he''s quite sensitive. If he sees you and Ms. Lingston getting close, it might have an impact on him. He ran out today, probably because he was upset."


    "Right." Micah frowned and nodded. "That''s particrly important."


    "Tomorrow, I''ll be inspecting Noble Summit for two days. So, ask E next morning if she wants to go with me," Micah said.


    Micah wanted to avoid being seen by the kids while he was putting on an act for the sake of his "upgraded" rtionship with E.


    "I think she''ll definitely agree," Andrew said, "But Grandpa Clemens won''t know that."


    "He''s not foolish, and he''ll definitely find a way to keep an eye on us." Micah knew Grandpa Clemens very well. "He might even make a surprise inspection."


    "I see."


    The next morning, Andrew deliberately asked E in front of Grandpa Clemens if she wanted to stay at Noble Summit with Micah for two days, mentioning that there were hot springs there, which might be beneficial for her recovery. Upon hearing this, Grandpa Clemens raised his eyebrows and advised, "Go, E. It''s not good for you to stay all day long at home. You should go out and get some fresh air."


    "Okay." E, who was initially reserved, smiled and gestured in signnguage, "Thank you, Andrew!"


    "Don''t mention it. I''ll go inform Micah now, and then have Dahlia prepare for you."


    Andrew prepared to leave, but Grandpa Clemens added, "It''s not safe for E to go alone. You should find two bodyguards to follow them for protection."


    Everything was just as Micah had anticipated.


    "Yes sir." Andrew nodded.

 Chapter 779 Foes

    In the afternoon, Dahlia came to pick up E, bringing along two nurses because E''s injuries had not healed. Grandpa Clemens also arranged for two bodyguards in addition to the two arranged by Andrew, making a total of four bodyguards. Also one doctor, and two nurses. This lineup was a very impressive one.


    When Mr. Arthur picked E at the Noble Summit Manor parking lot, he saw this lineup and knew that her rtionship with Micah was extraordinary. Therefore, he also weed her with the best hospitality. Following Micah''s instructions, Mr. Arthur arranged for E to stay on the ground floor of the vi, with a natural hot spring in the backyard.


    After everything was settled, it was already 8 p.m.. However, Micah had not arrived yet. E did not rush or urge, instead, she instructed Mr. Arthur not to tell Micah that she had arrived, to prevent him from worrying. Mr. Arthur nodded with a smile, secretly sighing that E was truly a tender and kind girl.


    Although she didn''t speak, with her background, manners, education, and gentle nature, as well as her clean and charming appearance, she was already considered perfect. Dahlia helped E with her wound and advised, "Ms. Lingston, your wounds have not healed yet, so you can''t soak in the hot spring, but you can soak your feet."


    "OK, thank you, Doctor Rey." E was a very thoughtful person, humble and polite to every subordinate. Even when the waiters came in and out to serve, she would smile and nod in appreciation.


    "Don''t mention it. You rest for a while. I''ll go to pack my luggage," Dahlia said.


    "Go ahead."


    Dahlia went to the next room. E sat quietly, wheeling herself to the French window to watch the rain. It was sunny outside when she left, but it started raining when she arrived at the manor. Now, the rain was getting heavier, and she wondered about the road conditions since Micah was still on the way.


    As she expected, Micah''s car was stuck at the highway exit, unable to move due to the traffic jam.


    Micah was looking at some documents when Andrew suddenly pointed to the rearview mirror and eximed, "That looks like Ms. Roth''s car." Micah looked up and indeed saw Sadie''s silver Rolls-Royce.


    Taking advantage of a slight movement ahead, the silver Rolls-Royce squeezed in and lined up next to the Clemens family''s ck Rolls-Royce.


    "It''s a small world. We always run into them wherever we go." n red at the car. Although he couldn''t see clearly, he could feel Sadie staring back at him. "Exactly." Andrew felt headache when thought of them. "They must be going to the Noble Summit Manor too!"


    "No!" Micah frowned. "Could Louis have also invited her?"


    Andrew was momentarily stunned. "If that''s the case, it could be troublesome. If Ms. Roth sees Ms. Lingston, you won''t be able to exin the situation."


    "It shouldn''t happen." Micah analyzed rationally. "Thest time at that seaside restaurant was unpleasant. Louis wouldn''t be so foolish to arrange us together." "True." Andrew nodded.


    Soon, the road cleared. As the ck Rolls-Royce was about to drive, it was cut off by the silver one. n was furious, gritting his teeth. "These women are both arrogant and unreasonable."


    "We''re not in a rush. Take it easy," Micah instructed.


    "Yes sir." n dared notin further. The car slowly moved forward, dying them for about fifteen minutes before they exited the highway.


    Upon arriving at the Noble Summit Manor, Micah did not go directly to the hot spring hotel but headed towards the banquet hall. Louis had arranged a reception here for him, along with several business partners from Country C, to discuss the sports arena project.


    As he got out of the car, Mr. Arthur came forward to greet him, "Mr. Clemens, Louis is waiting for you, and everything is settled on Ms. Lingston''s side. Do you want to invite her over?"


    "No need." Micah had no intention of letting Louis know that E had arrived. After all, Louis stayed in the vi on the other side of the estate, a distance away, and there would be no chance of interference.

 Chapter 780 Full of Anger

    "Alright." Mr. Arthur said nothing more and led them to the banquet hall.


    Micah nced at the cars in the parking lot, but the silver Rolls-Royce was not there, so it seemed that Sadie hadn''t arrived. His slightly furrowed brow rxed, and he could now focus on handling his own things.


    As he entered the banquet hall, a passionate piano piece filled the air, apanied by enthusiastic apuse.


    Micah paid no attention, knowing that Louis was a very talented pianist who always showcased his skills at every banquet.


    However, as he approached and saw the people in front of the ck piano, he couldn''t help but freeze!


    "It''s Ms. Roth!" Andrew was somewhat astonished.


    "I didn''t see her car." n found it strange.


    "Ms. Roth arrived twenty minutes earlier than you. She drove directly to the vi, and then came over with Louis," Mr. Arthur exined in a low voice. "She''s like a ghost." n red at Arya.


    "We''re in trouble now." Andrew frowned at Micah.


    "Shut up!" Micah said.


    The two immediately lowered their heads, not daring to say more.


    "What''s wrong?" Mr. Arthur felt a bit uneasy.


    "Mr. Arthur," Andrew leaned in and whispered something to Mr. Arthur.


    Mr. Arthur nodded repeatedly. "Okay, I know what to do."


    At that moment, as the music concluded, the banquet hall erupted in enthusiastic apuse.


    Louis elegantly held Sadie''s hand and bowed to the crowd.


    The two of them were intimate, looking like they were a couple, which drawing praise and envy from those around them.


    Micah watched them coldly and apuded gracefully.


    Andrew and the others also joined in the apuse.


    When Louis saw Micah, he immediately greeted him warmly. "Micah, you''re here!"


    Only then did the guests at the banquet notice Micah and quickly stood up to greet him.


    Micah nodded politely, but he noticed a problem - all five shareholders at the table had brought their dates; even Louis was with Sadie while he was alone!


    "Sadie, please have a seat!" Louis helped Sadie sit down and then hurried over to greet Micah. "You''re here sote!"


    "Why you invite Sadie?" Although Micah was talking to Louis, his eyes were fixed on Sadie.


    Sadie was already chatting happily with the other shareholders, getting along well with their families, even bringing gifts for each of them. She gave them in person while Annika and Arya held the presents for her.


    "There''s something I need to tell you," Louis pulled Micah aside and cautiously said, "Can we add another partner to our project?"


    "No." Micah refused without hesitation.


    "Micah, please reconsider," Louis exined anxiously, "Sadie has already gained approval from the other five shareholders. They all agree to have Sadie join, and I can''t do anything about it."


    "So you set up this situation intentionally today to force me to agree!" Micah frowned, looking very serious. "Who taught you to do this?"


    "I..." Louis subconsciously nced at Sadie, then quickly averted his gaze. "No one taught me. We had agreed to meet with the other shareholders tonight to discuss. We just added one more person."


    "So, who informed them to bring their families and who allowed the James Group''s people to attend this internal banquet?" Micah questioned with displease, "And who kept these arrangements secret from me?" "It was me!" A cold voice rang out, and Sadie walked over gracefully, smiling at Micah. "I wanted to give you a surprise. But you seem unhappy!"


    Micah stared coldly at her, feeling a surge of anger that he couldn''t even express.

 Chapter 781 What Was His True Intention

    "Sadie, it''s our fault. We should have discussed it with Micah beforehand." Louis felt ashamed. "Micah, don''t be angry. If you''re not happy, let''s treat tonight as a regr gathering. We can discuss the coborationter." "I invested thirty million dors to the shares. It''s fair and reasonable. Why can''t we talk about it?" Sadie bluntly retorted.


    "The businessman from Country D put in sixty million dors for only ten percent of the shares. I didn''t let him in," Micah coldly nced at her, questioning Louis, "How many shares did you give her?" "Erm..." Louis weakly said, "Fifteen!"


    "Fifteen!" Micah felt speechless. "Are you treating this project as an opportunity to please Sadie?"


    "Nonsense!" Sadie angrily retorted, "Even if my investment is not substantial, I''m valuable to you. The James Group''s strength can contribute more to this project!"


    "Really?" Micah raised his eyebrows, questioning, "Alright, we are nning to expand into Country E''s market with this project. Bring the authorization letter from there before we discuss the shares."


    "You..." Sadie was left speechless by his words.


    "Micah, let''s discuss these matterster. Don''t make me embarrassed tonight," Louis pulled Micah, anxiously saying, "All the shareholders are looking at us. It would be very embarrassing to argue here. Let''s just treat this banquet as a normal dinner, and don''t talk about coboration."


    Sadie remained silent. She couldn''t provoke Micah now. Otherwise, if he truly got upset, Louis and the other shareholders would stand by his side.


    Micah looked at Louis with displease. In fact, Micah had no shortage of projects. The reason he coborated with Louis was not for the sake of his royal power, but more to help him out.


    Louis had been too sheltered since childhood, unaware of the harsh realities of the world. At the age of 28, he was still naive. If he didn''t achieve something, he would only be mocked by other royals, and his title might be at risk. Through tonight''s incident, Micah realized that Louis was not cut out for business. His behavior tonight was a taboo for Micah. And if it were someone else, Micah would never give them another chance!


    But seeing Louis begging so earnestly, and looking at Sadie, Micah couldn''t bring himself to be harsh and had to go along with Louis.


    Sadie was also surprised. The rumors about Micah being cold-hearted and arrogant seemed to be untrue. He appeared quite amodating now. From their first meeting until now, he had always been yielding to her. What was his true intention behind all this?


    Could it really be a strategy of retreat for advancement, deliberately leading her into a trap?


    "Ms. James, you must be cautious!" Annika whispered beside her ear.


    Even she thought Micah was too easy to deal with. In the same situation, if it were Mr. Tristan, he would have left at the beginning.


    "Good evening, Mr. Clemens."


    The five shareholders all stood up to greet Micah and introduced their respective partners to him.


    "Good evening!"


    Micah didn''t like such asions and just wanted to handle them politely for a while and then leave.


    Ady suddenly asked cautiously, "Mr. Clemens, why didn''t you bring your wife?"


    Micah was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked at Sadie.


    At that moment, Louis walked over with Sadie, sitting beside him.


    "I saw the news of you and your wife getting married two years ago. It''s touching. You have three lovely children, which is truly admirable." thedy smiled. "I heard those three children are triplets?" "Yes." Micah nced at Sadie.


    Sadie, upon hearing about the children, also seemed interested. "Triplets!"

 Chapter 782 Cold and Stingy

    "Ms. James, you don''t know yet!" Thedy saw Sadie''s interest in this topic and quickly leaned over to say, "The triplets are two young masters and a little princess. They are so beautiful, like angels drawn on an oil painting. I believe they are named Noah, Nathan, and Mia, right? Mr. Clemens."


    Thedy smiled at Micah.


    "Yes." Micah observed Sadie quietly.


    Upon hearing this, some vague scenes shed through Sadie''s mind again. She really wanted to see clearly what it was, but immediately began to have a headache. She covered her head, not wanting anyone to notice.


    "Oh, they also have a little parrot in their house," Thedy said excitedly, "If I remember correctly, its name is Coco."


    "Coco!" Annika and Arya looked at each other with surprise. Because it was simr to their pet''s name!


    "Evelyn, how do you know so much?" The otherdies were very interested.


    "Well." Evelyn raised her eyebrows proudly. "I watched all the news about Mr. Clemens'' marriage back then. Their love story is more romantic and beautiful than a movie, and I was particrly moved."


    "I saw it, but I didn''t read carefully," Mrs. Sinir said, "I only know that the bride is Miss Lingston from the Lingston family."


    Upon hearing this, Micah was slightly stunned and turned to look at Sadie.


    The Lingston family!


    Sadie looked up at him, withplex emotions in her eyes.


    "Thedy from the Lingston family! Could it be the one who argued with Ms. Jamesst time!"


    Evelyn looked cautiously at Ms. James, not daring to continue her words.


    "It''s not her. That was Amelia, an illegitimate daughter. Mrs. Clemens'' eldest daughter is from the legitimate wife, who..."


    "If it''s a women''s discussion gathering, I won''t participate." Micah interrupted Mrs. Sinir, stood up and buttoned his suit. "Enjoy your meal, I''ll take my leave first!"


    "Sorry, Mr. Clemens," Mr. Nathaniel hurriedly stood up to exin, "Sinir talks too much. I will scold herter."


    "Yes, me too," Mr. Mario also apologized in a hurry, "Otherwise, I''ll ask thedies to leave, and we can discuss our cooperation slowly."


    Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, looking at Micah.


    At this moment, Ms. James realized that in terms of business status, she was far behind Mr. Clemens.


    With just one sentence from him, she was now on the verge of being cut out!


    Indeed, Micah turned to look at her, with icy gaze. "This project..."


    "Mr. Clemens!" Sadie smiled brightly at him. "How about the three of us have a private chat first?" "Leave it alone now."


    Micah gave her a cold nce and turned away.


    ''Cool!'' Andrew followed behind, silently praising in his mind.


    n also felt relieved, after being bullied by those women every time, they had finally gained back some confidence this time.


    "How dare he!" Annika gritted her teeth in anger.


    Everyone looked at each other, not know what to do.


    "Sorry, everyone," Louis apologized hastily, "It''s my fault for not arranging things properly today, and not telling Mr. Clemens about the situation in advance. He''s upset with me, it''s not your fault." Sadie looked at Louis. Her gaze softened. He was nice. In this situation, he still considered Micah''s reputation first.


    "Louis, don''t worry. It''s our fault too. We shouldn''t talk about irrelevant things, making Mr. Clemens unhappy." Mr. Mario and Mr. Nathaniel bowed to apologize to everyone.


    "All thedies are lovely and sincere. They didn''t say anything wrong. It''s Mr. Clemens who is too stingy." Sadie smiled. "ept my apology and then finish our dinner. Don''t mind him."


    "We can''t!" Those people were all uneasy. "Louis, why don''t you go find Mr. Clemens first? Don''t mind us."


    "Let''s have our meal first. Later, Louis and I will go to look for him." Sadie beckoned.

 Chapter 783 Attracting His Attention

    Micah returned to the hot spring vi with suppressed anger. He wanted to calm down, but he found two bodyguards secretly observing him. He knew both of them were sent by Grandpa Clemens to watch him and E. He had to continue the game although he was not willing to do so. So he changed into casual clothes and went to the hot spring to see E.


    E was wearing a thin white silk dress, with her long ck hair scattered, sitting by the hot spring pool soaking her feet.


    Several nurses were taking care of her, sincerely admiring her, "Ms. Lingston, you are so beautiful!"


    "Yes, Ms. Lingston''s beauty is pure and clean, like an angel."


    "Yes. That''s right."


    The girls chatted and discussed lively.


    A gentle smile lingered on E''s lips, and as the breeze blew, her hair gently lifted, making her look extraordinarily beautiful. However, her beauty was different from Sadie''s. She indeed resembled a pure angel without being affected by the mortal world.


    While Sadie exuded a sense of sacred nobility, with an unparalleled aura in her eyes.


    Micah stood there looking her for a few seconds, and then walked over.


    "Mr. Clemens!" A nurse noticed Micah and hurriedly saluted.


    "Mr. Clemens!" The other nurses quickly stepped aside.


    E saw Micah and appeared somewhat flustered. She reached for a shawl beside her. But she moved awkwardly and almost fell into the water due to her injury. Fortunately, Micah caught her in time.


    She was so scared that she fell into his arms.


    A fragrant floral scent wafted over her. Her slender and soft body trembling gently against his chest, and she looked charming.


    "Are you all right?" Micah naturally pushed her away, took off his coat, and draped it over her.


    "Thank you!" E gestured, with her big eyes gazing affectionately at him.


    Micah sat on a nearby lounge chair and waved his hand to the nurses and attendants. They all moved aside.


    Beside a flowerbed not far away, a bodyguard held a phone, filming something in this direction.


    His phone was on a video call, through which, Grandpa Clemens saw the intimate scene between Micah and E, feeling delighted.


    "It rained heavily just now. Did you have a smooth journey?" E gestured.


    "Of course, that''s why I''m here now," Micah blurted out.


    E''s face stiffened for a moment, not knowing what to say.


    Micah seemed indifferent. No matter what topic she brought up, he always made the conversation to end.


    "How are you doing here? Are you used to here?" Micah nced at the vi.


    "It''s fine," E quickly replied, "I really like it here."


    "That''s good." Micah nodded, pointing to the hot spring pool. "Take a bath in the hot spring. It''s good for your health."


    Saying that, he moved to leave. But Andrew signaled to him. He knew the two bodyguards were still watching them secretly, and Grandpa Clemens was probably watching them through the camera. He had to endure a little longer. It was strange that, except Sadie, he had nothing to talk about with women.


    No matter what they said, he couldn''t muster any interest.


    "Did something unpleasant happen just now?" E asked suddenly.


    "Yes." Micah was somewhat surprised. "How did you know?"


    "I saw your furrowed brow and the concern in your eyes." E smiled at him and continued gesturing, "Did you meet Mr. Louis? Did something go wrong with your coboration?"


    "You know I met Louis!" Micah finally shifted his focus to her.


    "Mr. Arthur mentioned that you went to a banquet to meet an important friend, and I heard Mr. Louis was in Newark recently, so I thought that important friend must be him," E gestured with a smile. "As for how I knew you were in a bad mood, it''s because I study psychology."

 Chapter 784 A New Girlfriend

    "Right." Micah nodded. "Then do you know why I brought you here?"


    "Of course. It''s to continue with our act, make Grandpa Clemens think we''re dating, so he can return to the United States earlier."


    While E gestured, she slightly turned her body to prevent the two bodyguards from catching her signnguage. "You''re clever."


    Micah smirked and was about to get up and leave while he suddenly heard the sound of a car outside the courtyard.


    "Mr. Micah!" Andrew hurried over, leaning in to whisper, "Mr. Louis and Ms. James are here."


    "What did theye for?" Micah frowned, quickly striding outside,manding, "Have Dahlia watch over E. Don''t let here out. Also, have someone keep an eye on those two bodyguards. Don''t let them see Sadie." "Yes sir." Andrew went to make arrangements immediately.


    E watched Micah''s hurried figure, then nced at the bright car lights outside the vi, knowing someone had arrived.


    She didn''t know who it was that Micah valued so much.


    "Ms. Lingston, are you about done soaking?" Dahlia hurried over. "Let me take you inside."


    With that, Dahlia gestured, and two maids quickly came forward to assist E.


    Clutching Micah''s coat tightly and putting on slippers, E was about to return to the house when a group walked in from outside. She instinctively turned to look, seeing Louis and another girl beside him.


    Due to the distance, she couldn''t make out the girl''s face clearly, only catching a glimpse of her graceful and sexy figure, exuding a noble and sacred goddess-like aura.


    Even at this distance, she had an undeniable presence!


    "Ms. Lingston, let''s go inside," Dahlia urged E.


    E withdrew her gaze,boriously moving her feet, following Dahlia and the others.


    At the courtyard entrance, Sadie also noticed E, a mocking curve forming on her lips. "No wonder Mr. Clemens rushed back. Because his new girlfriend is waiting for him!"


    Micah followed her gaze, furrowing his brows, and thought, ''Damn Dahlia, so slow to act.''


    "What do you mean?"


    Joe looked around, only seeing several nurses tidying up by the hot spring pool. From the flowers and scarves on the nearby chairs, it was evident that a girl had been soaking in the hot spring. "Micah, you brought your girlfriend here!" Mr. Louis asked excitedly, "You''re not honest to me. Why don''t you let here out and meet us?"


    "She''s just a regr friend," Micah exined lightly.


    "A regr friend? I don''t believe it." Louis seemed a bit agitated. "I''ve known you for so many years, and besides your previous wife, you''ve never taken a girl out. This is the first time." "Isn''t this considered cheating!" Sadie looked disdainful. "You''re married but still date girls outside. It''s shameless!"


    "Are you jealous?" Micah raised an eyebrow at her.


    "You!"


    "Stop." Joe quickly intervened. "You two start arguing as soon as you meet."


    Then, he exined to Sadie for Micah, "Sadie, you don''t know the situation. Micah''s wife has been missing for two years. He''s been searching for her all this time. Unfortunately, there''s been no news. Legally, he''s single now. Even if he has a girlfriend, it''s reasonable."


    "Missing!" Sadie felt inexplicably uneasy upon hearing this.


    "Forget it. Let''s go outside and talk."


    Micah wanted to avoid the two bodyguards seeing Sadie.


    "Why are you in such a hurry to make us leave!" Joe said with displeasure, "Are you afraid we''ll see your girlfriend?"


    "She can''t be known to the public?"


    Sadie was also curious. Who was the woman wearing Micah''s coat? For some reason, she wasn''t one who liked to gossip about others, but now she was eager to know.

 Chapter 785 Im Into You

    "You guys are really boring," Micah said impatiently, "Are we going out or not?"


    "Alright, let''s go."Joe, seeing Micah losing his temper, could onlypromise. "But we want to talk to you about the project." "Let''s talk at your house," Micah said and forcibly pushed them out.


    Andrew quickly had someone close the courtyard gate.


    Behind them, the two bodyguards who were entangled by n hurriedly chased out, only to see a car speeding away.


    "It''s Mr. Louis and his girlfriend. Why don''t you two believe me?" n found an excuse.


    "Because you''re acting strange." Although the two felt puzzled, they didn''t dare to say much.


    "Go back and rest," n said.


    *


    "Mr. Clemens, how can you go with us to the vi and leave your girlfriend alone in the big house!" Sadie mocked.


    Micah remained silent, just looking at her coldly.


    "It''s fine. He''ll be back soon." Louis quickly intervened. "We are just here to chat for a while. It won''t take long."


    "That''s true," Sadie smirked. "It''s not even ten o''clock yet. It won''t dy your rest."


    "Are you jealous?" Micah suddenly approached her, with ambiguous and fiery gaze. "If you''d like, I can stay and apany you." "You!" Sadie''s face turned red all the way to her ears.


    "Micah, what are you doing!" Joe hurriedly squeezed between them, separating Micah and Sadie. "Nonsense. Sadie is my lover." "Really?" Micah raised an eyebrow at Sadie.


    "It''s none of your business." Sadie stared coldly at him.


    "Of course, it matters." Micah teased her intentionally, "I''m into you!"


    Louis was stunned. "No way!"


    Sadie was also stunned, suspecting she had misheard.


    "Think about it." Micah pushed Joe aside, approaching Sadie little by little. "I understand you better than Louis does!" "Micah, you, you..." Louis was speechless.


    "Are you kidding me!" Sadie frowned, staring at him in confusion. "You can''t possibly like me."


    Micah smiled and asked, "If I didn''t like you, you wouldn''t have been able to ess the Sapphire Depths area!


    "If I didn''t like you, I wouldn''t tolerate your constant provocations."


    "If I didn''t like you, that night when you got lost, I wouldn''t have let you off. A hawk couldn''t stop me."


    "If I didn''t like you, I wouldn''t have rushed to save you."


    "If I didn''t like you, when you incited Louis to cause trouble for me, I would have kicked you out long ago. You wouldn''t be able to mock me here now."


    With these words, Sadie was speechless.


    Joe was even more dumbfounded.


    Arya, driving in front, found her palms growing increasingly sweaty.


    Annika in the passenger seat frowned, as if facing a formidable enemy.


    Andrew, in the back, said nothing. He just looked meaningfully at his boss.


    He knew that Micah had revealed everything so quickly because he was worried Joe would get Ms. James ahead of him, and also because he was worried that if Sadie continued to make a scene, it would have a big impact on the Clemens family. If he didn''t act, it would be troublesome.


    "Micah, are you kidding?" Louis finally reacted, agitatedly saying, "Don''t you already have a girlfriend? You can''t possibly like Sadie."


    "That''s not my girlfriend," Micah exined lightly.


    "Ridiculous!" Sadie was somewhat embarrassed and angry. "Micah, you can''t kick me out with this kind of prank. I''ve invested all my funds into this project..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Micah suddenly grabbed the back of her head and fiercely kissed her.

 Chapter 786 Three Birds with One Stone

    Sadie was taken aback by the kiss. Her eyes widened in astonishment, looking at Micah in disbelief.


    She waspletely frozen.


    This feeling, somehow, seemed strangely familiar.


    Mr. Louis stared wide-eyed, looking at them in shock.


    Andrew was stunned for a moment, then quickly looked away.


    Arya, who was driving, was so startled that her hands slipped on the steering wheel, causing the car to swerve suddenly.


    Everyone in the car fell to one side, and Sadie came to her senses. She pushed Micah with force. But his arm was so strong that she could not push him. Her mind was in a whirl, and in a moment of panic, she bit his lip hard.


    Blood slowly trickled out, spreading between their mouth, filling the air with a metallic taste.


    Micah reluctantly let go of her, holding her face with one hand, his thumb gently caressing her lips.


    "You jerk!" Sadie raised her hand to hit him.


    Micah promptly grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards him. "You want another round?"


    "You!" Sadie blushed, unsure if she was angry or embarrassed.


    "Micah, you''ve gone too far!" Mr. Louis hurriedly pushed Micah away, taking Sadie behind him. "I''ve never even kissed Sadie, but you..."


    "That''s good then." Micah nodded in satisfaction. "We can still be friends!"


    "You!" Mr. Louis was furious. "I don''t want to be your friend! You despicable home-wrecker!"


    "You two are not a good match. Just give up early," Micah said seriously.


    "You..." Joe Louis was so angry that couldn''t speak.


    "Stop the car!" Sadie suddenly ordered.


    Arya promptly stopped the car, and Annika, in the passenger seat, immediately got out and opened the door.


    "Get out!" Sadie red at Micah.


    "You said you wanted to discuss cooperation." Micah smirked shamelessly.


    "Get out!" Sadie tried to kick him.


    Micah dodged in time and then got out of the car.


    Andrew followed behind, as he was also getting kicked out of the car.


    Annika gave Andrew a kick on the butt.


    Andrew almost stumbled to the ground, but only gritted his teeth in anger.


    Annika red at him fiercely, then got back into the passenger seat.


    The silver Rolls-Royce sped away.


    Behind them, the Clemens family''s car stopped, and the attendants got out, looking bewildered. They did not know what had happened and stood by the car cautiously.


    Micah watched the silver Rolls-Royce in the distance, smiling triumphantly, then turned and got back into the car.


    "Mr. Clemens, what are you doing?" Andrew sounded a bit aggrieved.


    "It''s all going well," Micah said coldly, "Joe will definitely beg her to leave the project to prevent me from pursuing Sadie. Sadie doesn''t want to have anything to do with me, so she''ll automatically quit. At the same time, they won''t have the time to discuss E''s matters in the near future, and I can handle the issues intently."


    "That makes sense." Andrew nodded.


    "Most importantly..." Micah raised an eyebrow. "This kiss will make her restless, ensuring Joe won''t get to her before me."


    "Solving three problems with one action. You''re truly brilliant!" Andrew couldn''t help but admire.


    Back at the mansion, Dahlia was waiting in the yard and hurried forward to apologize to Micah, "Mr. Clemens, I didn''t handle things well."


    She had learned from n that she brought E inside a bitte, and Sadie and Louis had seen E, so she waited here to apologize.


    "Fortunately, they only saw a silhouette from a distance," Micah said coldly, "You''ve always been thorough, but you made a mistake today." "Yes, I realize my mistake," Dahlia said, bowing his head in shame.


    "This time, I''ll let it slide, but be more careful next time," Micah warned coldly.


    "Yes, sir." Dahlia replied.

 Chapter 787 A Loud Thunderbolt

    When Micah returned to the room, he passed by E''s room. The door was slightly ajar. A bodyguard stood not far away in the corridor, his eyes ncing in that direction. Micah hesitated as he stepped up the stairs and turned to knock on E''s door.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Two nurses hurried over to open the door.


    "Has she sleep already?" Micah didn''t enter.


    "No, Ms. Lingston has been waiting for you," A nurse said with a smile, then stepped back.


    ''Waiting for me?'' Micah thought.


    Micah was a bit curious, so he walked in slowly.


    In the room, E was wearing a whitece nightgown, with her long hair cascading down. She was busy at the table mixing something. Light purple smoke slowly wafted, emitting a fresh fragrance.


    Beneath the thin smoke, E''s fresh and ethereal appearance became even more charming. She looked up at him with a gentle smile and gestured. "Grandpa Clemens said you have trouble sleeping, so I made somevender essential oil for you to ce in your room to help you sleep."


    "Thanks."


    Micah nodded and gestured for Andrew toe in. Then, he took E''s essential oil and aromatherapymp.


    "Get rest early." E didn''t say much, just gazed gently at Micah.


    "Good night." Micah nced at her and left.


    E watched his back until hepletely disappeared.


    Back in the room, Andrew breath in relief, cing the items on the table, and asked, "Shall we light it up?" "Go ahead."


    For the past two years, Micah had been having nightmares every night. His mental state was indeed not as good as before. Grandpa Clemens had mentioned several times that E had a method to help, but he had not acted upon it. Since she had prepared it today, he decided to give it a try.


    "It looks like it''s going to rain tonight." Andrew lit the aromatherapymp and went to close the window. "I''ll close the window for you. Go take a bath and have a good sleep."


    "Okay." Micah went to the bathroom and didn''t notice his phone vibrating.


    After Andrew finished, he left, closing the door behind him and leaving two attendants waiting outside. Then, he went back to his room to rest.


    Micah came out from the hot bath and poured a ss of wine while drying his hair. With the room''s doors and windows closed, the delicate scent ofvender flowers filled the air. It indeed gave a calming effect.


    He drank a few sses of chilled wine and sat on the sofa to dry his hair.


    His phone vibrated again, and it was Mr. Louis. He answered the phone, "Hello!"


    "Micah, the more I think about it, the angrier I get. We need to talk." Louis demanded angrily, "You knew I liked Sadie. Why did you do that?"


    "She won''t like you," Micah advised, "Before you get too deep, it''s better to give up."


    "How do you know she won''t like me?" Joe became increasingly agitated. "I hinted to her yesterday and she said we could try dating. I prepared flowers and gifts tonight, ready to confess to her formally, and you ruined it all."


    "Is that so!" Micah smirked. "Great!"


    "You!" Mr. Louis was furious. "Micah, I thought of you as my best friend and this is how you treat me? I''m done with our friendship!"


    "Joe..." Micah was about to exin when suddenly, a loud thunderp sounded from outside.


    Immediately, a terrified scream came from the other end of the phone.


    That voice was familiar.


    Micah paused for a moment and asked urgently, "What was that sound?"


    "It sounds like Sadie." Mr. Louis was also taken aback. "I have to go check on her."


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    Micah held the phone, frowning. The voice just now was indeed Sadie''s, and it carried an immense sense of fear and panic.

 Chapter 788 Taking Full Responsibility

    Micah felt extremely uneasy. He immediately set his ss down, put on his clothes, and rushed downstairs. "Mr. Clemens, what''s wrong?" n, who was waiting outside the door, asked urgently.


    "Prepare the car, and we''re going to the mansion."


    Micah buttoned up his shirt as he walked downstairs. His anxiety grew, and after a few steps, he started running. "Yes sir," n immediately instructed someone to get the car.


    At that moment, a loud noise came from downstairs.


    Micah collided with E, who was being held by medical staff, at the corner of the first floor.


    E fell to the ground from the impact, trembling in pain.


    "Ms. Lingston!" The medical staff hurried to E.


    "You''re staying up sote. What are you doing here?" Micah helped E up.


    "Ms. Lingston was giving a gift to Doctor Rey and had juste out of the room," the medical staff exined.


    E''s wound seemed to have been aggravated, causing her to sweat profusely and turn pale.


    "Call Dahlia," Micah ordered.


    "Okay!" The medical staff hurried to call.


    Micah tried to help E back to her room, but her legs were trembling out of control, making it impossible for her to walk.


    He had to carry her back to the room,id her on the bed, turned on the light, and found that the wound on E''s leg had reopened, with blood slowly trickling down. He couldn''t help but feel guilty. "I was too hasty just now." "What''s going on?" Dahlia rushed in at that moment, examining E''s wound. "Oh no, the wound has torn open. Get the first aid kit."


    "Okay." The medical staff hurried to get the kit.


    "How is she?" Micah frowned.


    "The wound on her leg has reopened and needs to be treated. I need to check other areas as well. It shouldn''t be too serious, so don''t worry too much," Dahlia said, "She''ll be fine." "That''s a relief." Micah nced outside, seeing that the car was ready. He instructed E, "Rest in your room and don''t wander around anymore."


    With that, he prepared to leave.


    Suddenly, E let out a scream.


    Micah stopped, turned back, and saw Dahlia lifting her skirt, revealing that the wound on her waist had also reopened, staining her white dress with blood.


    "Oh my God!" Dahlia''s face turned pale. "She needs to go to the hospital."


    "This is serious!" Micah returned. "Quickly, take her to the hospital."


    "I''ll call the hospital staff right now," Dahlia said, taking out his phone to make the call.


    Watching E in pain, Micah felt very guilty. He bent down tofort her. "The doctor will be here soon."


    "I''m fine." Despite the pain, E smiled weakly, shaking her head and gesturing. "You have urgent matters to attend to, right? Go ahead and take care of them. I''ll be fine with Doctor Rey here."


    The more she insisted, the more guilty Micah felt, but he was also worried about Sadie and indeed eager to leave.


    After Dahlia made the call, he reported, "They will be here soon, probably in half an hour."


    "You take care of her. I have to go out for a while."


    Micah was about to leave when his phone rang. Grandpa Clemens was calling.


    Micah frowned, looking at the security guard outside.


    The guard quickly lowered his head, hiding the hand holding the phone behind his back.


    "Hello!" Micah answered the call.


    "What do you think you''re doing!" Grandpa Clemens scolded angrily, "Rushing out in the middle of the night and injuring E, don''t you feel any shame?"


    "You seem to know everything. Nothing gets past you," Micah said coldly, "It wasn''t intentional. I''ve already arranged for the hospital staff toe."


    "You..." Grandpa Clemens was so angry that he gritted his teeth, but he couldn''t be bothered to continue scolding him, "Listen to me. You must take full responsibility for this. No matter what you have going on, set them aside and take care of E, understand?"


    "I have something urgent right now."


    "No matter what it is, you must handle this matter first." Grandpa Clemens didn''t give him a chance to exin. "You''re responsible for the person you injured!"

 Chapter 789 Old Illness’s Recurrence

    "You..." Micah was about to speak when another call came in on the phone. It was Mr. Louis. He immediately told Grandpa Clemens, "I have to hang up. There''s an emergency on Joe''s end."


    With that, he switched to Joe''s call. "Joe!"


    "Micah, did you bring Dahlia over?" Mr. Louis urgently asked, "I need her help right away."


    "What''s going on?" Micah asked hastily.


    "Just now there was thunder, and Sadie suddenly had a severe headache. I suggested calling an ambnce, but her staff refused. I thought since you often go out with Doctor Rey, so..." Mr. Louis was interrupted by another deafening thunder outside.


    Immediately, Sadie''s terrified and agonized screams rang out again, piercing the air.


    Micah''s heart clenched once again, and he said urgently, "I''ll be there right away."


    With that, Micah hung up the phone and ordered Dahlia, "Get the medical kit ready ande with me to Joe''s house."


    Dahlia looked puzzled, ncing at him and then at E. "She..."


    "You just said the hospital staff would arrive soon. They will take care of E''s injuries," Micah urged, "Go get the medical kit quickly."


    "Yes." Dahlia nced at E and hurried to prepare the medical kit.


    "Mr. Clemens, you can''t leave Ms. Lingston like this." A nearby medical staff said with a mournful face. "She''s seriously injured. You can''t just leave her and take Doctor Rey away. What about Ms. Lingston!"


    Micah was about to exin when E, enduring the pain, signed with her hand, "Mr. Louis'' situation is urgent. Go handle it. Don''t worry about me. The hospital staff will arrive soon, and I''ll be fine."


    "Thank you!" Micah felt somewhat ashamed, yet also grateful for E''s understanding. He turned to Andrew and ordered, "Stay here and escort E personally to the hospital. Protect her the entire time. Understand?" "Understand!" Andrew nodded.


    "Mr. Clemens, I''m ready." At this moment, Dahlia shouted from outside.


    Micah looked deeply at E, then turned and quickly walked out.


    "He''s out of line!" The Lingston family''s medical staff cried, "How can Mr. Clemens do this?"


    "It''s okay. I''m here." Andrew hurriedly reassured.


    "It''s not the same. You''re not Mr. Clemens."


    Micah, along with n, Dahlia, and others, hurriedly arrived at the vi near the racetrack.


    Along the way, the sky was shing with lightning and thunder, and a fierce storm was raging. The weather was extremely bad.


    Micah''s phone rang continuously with calls from Grandpa Clemens, but he ignored them.


    As soon as the car stopped, Micah heard Sadie''s painful screams. He quickly got out of the car and rushed towards the vi, only to be stopped by the female bodyguards of the James Group. "Stop, this is Ms. Roth''s vi. Unauthorized persons are not allowed in."


    "Get out of the way!" Micah pushed them aside without hesitation and hurried upstairs.


    "Sadie, Sadie, are you okay? Please, don''t scare me!" Mr. Louis was pacing anxiously outside the bedroom, banging on the door in distress. "Open the door and let me in."


    "Mr. Louis, don''t worry. Ms. Roth''s condition always res up during thunderstorms. No medication works. She''ll be fine when the rain stops," the female bodyguard beside him exined.


    "But..." Mr. Louis was about to speak when he suddenly saw Micah rushing up from downstairs. He felt like he saw hope and quickly grabbed Micah. "Micah, you''re finally here." "Doctor Rey, please help check on Sadie."


    "OK, don''t worry." Dahlia quickly reassured.


    Micah tried the door handle, only to find it locked. He immediately ordered the nearby female bodyguard, "Open the door!"


    "We can''t open it," the female bodyguard exined, "When Ms. Roth was ill, we can''t get close. Only Annika and Arya stay inside."


    Micah took a step back and kicked the door with force.


    With a loud bang, the door, along with the wall, shook as if in an earthquake.

 Chapter 790 Old Illness’s Recurrence 2

    Everyone around was stunned, knowing Micah was strong, but not realizing just how strong. With another kick, the door burst open. "What are you doing!" Arya pointed a gun at Micah. "This is Ms. Roth''s room. You''re not allowed in. You..."


    Before Arya could finish her sentence, Micah rushed in.


    Sadie was not in the bedroom; the screams wereing from the bathroom.


    Micah quickly walked towards the bathroom.


    "Get out! This is the James Group territory."


    Annika blocked the bathroom door, but Micah pushed her aside with such force that she fell to the ground. Micah entered the bathroom and was stunned by what he saw.


    Sadie was lying naked in the bathtub, hands tightly covering her ears, screaming in pain.


    Her nose, mouth, and eyes were all bleeding, so much so that the water in the bathtub be red.


    Seeing this, Micah''s heart shattered. He rushed over, hugged her tightly, and shouted, "Dahlia!"


    "Coming." Dahlia rushed anxiously and administered a sedative to Sadie.


    But Sadie kept struggling, like a wild beast gone mad.


    Micah held her hands tightly, but she kicked and hit Dahlia with her legs, making it impossible for Dahlia to get close. Micah had no choice but to get into the bathtub, pressing Sadie down with his weight and holding her hands.


    Sadie kept struggling, but her strength was no match for Micah''s.


    Unable to move her hands and feet, she bit into Micah''s neck with all her might.


    Feeling like she was about to bite off his flesh, Micah, gritting his teeth,manded, "Hurry up!"


    "Okay!" Dahlia, terrified, shakily administered the injection.


    "What are you doing?" Annika and Arya tried to intervene.


    Mr. Louis held them back, saying, "This is a sedative; it''s the only way to ease Sadie''s pain."


    The two did not intervene further.


    Indeed, Sadie soon calmed down, softly falling into Micah''s arms, closing her eyes, and murmuring, "Don''t, don''t kill Brenda, don''t kill her."


    Upon hearing this, Micah felt as if his world had turned upside down. He dared not imagine what kind of suffering Sadie had endured two years ago to leave such severe consequences. "Alright," Joe, seeing Sadie fall asleep, finally breathed in relief, patting his chest and saying, "You scared me!"


    "Mr. Louis, please leave." Annika and Arya hurriedly cleaned up the room.


    "I see nothing."


    Mr. Louis stood at the bathroom door, only seeing Sadie''s face.


    "Mr. Clemens, please..."


    Before Annika could finished, Micah had already carried Sadie out of the bathtub, wrapped her tightly in a towel, ced her on the bed, and said to Annika and Arya, "Clean her up, change her clothes." Then, he left.


    Dahlia was about to follow, but Annika said, "Doctor Rey, please stay."


    Dahlia stopped.


    "Could you help me with something?"


    "Of course."


    Micah walked out of Sadie''s room, and Mr. Louis immediately grabbed him. "God! Your neck is bleeding."


    "Where''s your room?" Micah frowned and asked.


    "Here." Joe immediately took him to his room.


    Micah rinsed off in the bathroom, dried himself, and came out wrapped in a robe.


    Mr. Louis poured him a ss of wine and asked cautiously, "Are you okay? Do you need to go to hospital?"

 Chapter 791 He Really Like Her

    "I guess I need a rabies shot," Micah said casually.


    Mr. Louis almost spit out his drink.


    At this moment, Dahlia knocked and entered the room, respectfully asking, "Mr. Clemens, shall I treat your wound for you?" "How is she?" Micah asked.


    "She has calmed down, and isn''t in immediate danger," Dahlia said as she treated his wound, "Annika has put a noise-canceling headphones on her. Even if it thunderster, she won''t hear it."


    "Good," Joe quickly added, "They usually pay special attention to the weather. Once it rains, they would help her put on noise-canceling headphones in advance. I don''t know why she didn''t wear them today. When the thunder sounded, her condition couldn''t be controlled."


    Upon hearing this, Micah fell silent. Two years ago, when she was attacked, thest bottle of antidote was broken. At that time, she must have experienced a life-threatening situation, and just surviving was a stroke of luck. And now, the amnesia and the recurrence of the old illness on rainy days were probably the aftermath of that incident.


    "Your wound is deep." Dahlia frowned. "You probably need to go to hospital for a shot. I didn''t bring the necessary medicine with me."


    "We''ll deal with thatter." Micah didn''t mind. "You go and watch over Sadie."


    "Okay." Dahlia left with the medical kit.


    Mr. Louis looked at Micah with aplicated gaze. Previously, when Micah had forcibly kissed Sadie in the car and imed to like her, Mr. Louis didn''t believe him. He thought it was Micah''s strategy to force Sadie out of the project. But now, it seemed to Joe that Micah was serious.


    When Sadie''s ill red up, Micah was more anxious than anyone else. In order tofort her, he didn''t hesitate to use his own body to protect her. Even if Sadie bit him so fiercely, he didn''t let go.


    Such emotions were definitely not fake.


    "What are you looking at?" Micah was calling n.


    "You really like Sadie!" Mr. Louis frowned. "Since when?"


    Micah nced at him, not rushing to answer, but urged n, "Has the clothes arrived yet?"


    "They''re here, Mr. Clemens. I''m downstairs."


    "Hurry up."


    "Got it."


    After hanging up, Micah looked at Joe, "Two years ago."


    "What?" Joe widened his eyes in astonishment. It took him a while toe back to his senses. "You''ve known Sadie two years ago?"


    Joe was stunned and puzzled. "Wait a minute. Two years ago, you had a beloved wife. Then she disappeared, and you searched for her everywhere."


    Micah didn''t reply and just said seriously, "She doesn''t belong to you. Find another one."


    As soon as he finished, there was a knock on the door outside.


    "Come in," Micah responded.


    n came in with a bag of clothes and then went out.


    Micah took the clothes and went to the dressing room.


    Joe, asked anxiously from outside the door, "What on earth is going on? Tell me!"


    Micah ignored him, changed into his clothes, and left the room.


    "Hey!" Joe followed.


    Micah went to Sadie''s room, looked at her sleeping peacefully on the bed, and felt very conflicted.


    "Mr. Clemens, thank you very much for your help tonight. Ms. Roth has already fallen asleep. Let her rest well. If there''s anything, we''ll talk about it tomorrow." Annika and Arya stood vigntly by the bed, as if afraid that Micah would touch Sadie again.


    "Take good care of her."


    Micah looked deeply at Sadie before turning and leaving.


    "Can Ie in and see her?" Mr. Louis tried to went in.


    "No." Annika directly blocked him at the door. " Mr. Louis, I''m sorry. We can''t let anyone disturb Ms. Roth now. If there''s anything, let''s talk about it tomorrow!" Feeling quite aggrieved,Joe could only follow Micah out.

 Chapter 792 Fantastic Assistance

    Leaving the vi, Micah went straight to the car. It was already one-thirty in the morning, with seven or eight missed calls on his phone, all from Grandpa Clemens. Micah knew that if he didn''t deal with E''s situation soon, Grandpa Clemens would probablye looking for him.


    So he headed directly to the hospital near Noble Summit Manor to see how E was doing.


    However, on the way, Micah encountered a returning car.


    The two cars stopped, and Andrew got out of the car and greeted, "Mr. Clemens."


    "What''s going on?" Micah asked, "Where''s E?"


    "Ms. Lingston is in the car," Andrew replied in a low voice, "Her wounds have been treated. She insisted oning back, saying she didn''t want to stay in the hospital. So we take her back after the doctor''s permission." Micah looked into the car, where E was weakly leaning on the seat, pale but smiling at him. She signed to him, "It''s just a superficial wound. I''m fine. Let''s go back now."


    Micah waved his hand, and everyone got into the car and headed to the hot spring hotel.


    In the car, Micah considered calling Grandpa Clemens back, but realized that it was veryte. Grandpa Clemens might have been asleep. If he called now, he might wake them up, so he decided not to call.


    As the group returned to the hot spring hotel and were about to get out of the car, a wheelchair suddenly rolled out into the yard, startling everyone. They hurriedly bowed and greeted, "Grandpa Clemens!" Grandpa Clemens stared coldly at Micah, with gaze as sharp as a knife.


    Micah was taken aback and frowned, "Why are you here?"


    "If you didn''t answer the phone, I thought you had gone to meet God," Grandpa Clemens said coldly, staring at him.


    "There was an emergency on Joe''s side," Micah exined briefly.


    "What could be more important than E''s safety?" Grandpa Clemens rebuked.


    "It''s a matter of life and death," Micah retorted, "Don''t you think it''s important?"


    Upon hearing Micah''s words, Grandpa Clemens fell silent. After all, Mr. Louis held a significant status, and if something really happened on their property, the Clemens family would be in a difficult position.


    If there was real danger on Joe''s side, it was understandable for Micah to go and handle it first.


    "Ms. Lingston, be careful!" At this moment, a medical staff helped E out of the car.


    "E, how are you? Are you seriously injured?" Grandpa Clemens looked at E with concern.


    "It''s just a superficial wound. I''m OK." E gestured. "Grandpa Clemens, don''t scold Micah, there was an urgent matter on Mr. Louis''s side, and I asked him to go and deal with it first." "Good child," Grandpa Clemens said with relief and appreciation, "You are really understanding."


    "It''s the least I can do." E looked guilty, gesturing in signnguage, "It''s my fault for insisting oning along, causing a lot of trouble for Micah."


    "Don''t say that. He should have taken better care of you," Grandpa Clemens advised with concern, "It''s windy outside. Let''s go inside."


    As the medical staff helped E walk into the house, her legs softened, almost to fall. Micah promptly supported her and shouted, "Wheelchair!"


    Inside, the medical staff were frantically searching for a wheelchair, but it took a while to bring one. E was already unable to stand.


    Grandpa Clemens was about to lose his temper, but Micah picked E up and carried her inside.


    Only then did Grandpa Clemens''s anger subside, shaking his head and sighing. "He''s really not romantic."


    "In love issues, your impatience won''t help," Ss advised, "it''s only depended on his willing."


    "You don''t know," Grandpa Clemens said irritably, "if I don''t urge him, it will never happen."


    Ss had no choice but to remain silent.


    Micah ced E on the bed and instructed the medical staff, "Take good care of her."


    He was about to leave, but Grandpa Clemens sitting on the wheelchair blocked the doorway, ring at him coldly. "You injured someone, and now you want to leave like nothing happen!" "What else can I do?" Micah frowned.

 Chapter 793: An Ambiguous Night

    "Apologize sincerely to E and inquire about her injury. This is basic courtesy," Grandpa Clemens asserted strongly.


    "It''s alreadyte." Micah wanted to refuse, but seeing Grandpa Clemens'' stern expression, he nodded. "OK."


    Then, he walked back.


    The medical staffs hurriedly left, leaving the room to Micah and E.


    The door closed. The atmosphere in the room was ambiguous with the dim warm light, drifting white curtains, and the faintvender fragrance.


    Micah sat on the sofa, opened a bottle of wine, and started drinking by himself.


    E leaned on the bed, quietly looking at him. Her eyes were filled with deep affection.


    "I''ll sit for a while before leaving, so that Grandpa Clemens won''t me me." Micah nced at E. "Will it disturb your?"


    "No. It''s fine." E gestured gently. "You can stay as long as you want."


    Micah looked up at her. Her face blushed and she exined in a flustered manner, "I mean, to reassure Grandpa Clemens, you can stay longer. No, I mean, you can stay as long as you want." The more she exined, the more confusing it got. She was flustered.


    Micah said nothing, lowering his gaze and silently sipping his wine. There was no noise outside.


    He nced at the door, knowing someone was watching.


    So, he put down the wine ss, got up and walked towards E.


    E was very nervous, clutching the nket tightly and lowering her eyes, afraid to look at him.


    Micah approached her, leaned in, and she instinctively closed her eyes.


    Micah reached behind her to turn off the main light in the room.


    The room instantly darkened, leaving only the faint light of the aromatherapymp reflecting on the wall, making the atmosphere even more ambiguous. E trembled nervously, her breathing bing erratic.


    However, Micah didn''t touch her. Instead, he stood up, returned to the sofa and continued drinking.


    E slowly opened her eyes, staring at him nkly, feeling immensely upset.


    She had thought...


    But he had only turned off the light.


    Perhaps he was too tired, or the wine was too strong. Micah fell asleep on the sofa.


    The wine ss in his hand fell onto the carpet, staining it with wine.


    E nced outside, lifted the nket and limped over. She covered Micah with a nket, then sat on the sofa, quietly watching him.


    In the dim light, his handsome and charming face looked somewhat tired. Even in his sleep, his brows were furrowed, as if there were unresolved worries. E couldn''t hide her concern, cautiously reached out her hand, gently stroking his forehead.


    Micah suddenly moved.


    E quickly withdrew her hand, covering her chest, feeling nervous.


    Micah didn''t make any other movements for a long time.


    E finally breathed in relief, mustering up the courage, gently caressed his handsome face.


    Her hand, delicate and fair, moved gently as if a feather caressing his face, filled with sincere love.


    The affection in her eyes gradually became intense and passionate, her fingers moved from his cheek to his lips, gently caressing, then leaned in as if to kiss him. Suddenly, the vibration of the phone interrupted E.


    E was startled, quickly backing away.


    Micah woke up, sat up suddenly, and seeing E sitting on the floor beside him, he bent down to help her up. "What''s wrong?"


    "I, I saw you asleep and wanted to cover you with a nket." E gestured in a flustered manner.


    "Thank you." Micah helped her lie down on the bed. "Get some rest, good night."


    "Good night!" E responded with gestures.


    Micah picked up phone, checking it as he walked out. It was a call from Sadie.

 Chapter 794 Your Body is Warm

    However, Sadie dialed the number of Male.


    Micah walked out of E''s room, and there was no one outside.


    However, he could sense that a pair of eyes were watching him from the shadows, undoubtedly ced there by Grandpa Clemens.


    He stayed in E''s room for almost an hour. That was enough.


    Grandpa Clemens probably had nothing to say now.


    Micah hurried back to his room. The phone was already disconnected. He locked the door, then went to the bathroom and called Sadie back using the Male''s number. "Hello!" Sadie''s voice was still weak.


    "What''s wrong with you? Your voice sounds off."


    Micah felt sorry, but he could only pretend to be indifferent.


    "I want to see you," Sadie said.


    "Tell me the address."


    After hanging up, Micah immediately asked Andrew to get the gear.


    Fortunately, Andrew was prepared early on. Wherever Micah went, a set of masks was always in the trunk of the car.


    After wearing the mask in his room, Micah climbed out of the window and ran directly to the mansion at the racetrack.


    In the master bedroom on the first floor.


    Grandpa Clemensid exhausted on the bed, listening to Ss''s report. "Mr. Clemens stayed in Mr. E''s room for seventy-five minutes before leaving. Now you can be at ease!"


    "Micah is softhearted. I knew he wouldn''t be indifferent." Grandpa Clemens was very pleased. "E is not feeling well now. Once she recovers, we should let them spend more time alone together, and things will work out."


    "Yes, it''ste. Please get some rest," Ssforted him. "At your age, you shouldn''t stay upte."


    Grandpa Clemens was indeed tired, but suddenly he thought of something, " "Wait, what if that boy is just putting on a show for me? We still can''t be too careless."


    "Don''t worry. I''ll keep an eye on him."


    Ss tucked him in, then left quietly.


    Ss went to the second floor to observe. The master bedroom door was locked, the lights inside were off. Looking outside from his room, he saw all the cars in the parking area were there. It seemed that Grandpa Clemens was overthinking. Wearing a mask, Micah climbed over the wall to Sadie''s window.


    Probably worried that Dahlia might disturb Sadie again, Annika and Arya ;had locked all the doors and windows.


    Micah couldn''t break in through the window, so he could only signal her with his phone.


    Sadie immediately got up to open the window.


    Micah jumped inside, seeing her pale face. He wanted to hug her, but he forced himself to hold back and asked, as if he knew nothing, "What''s wrong with you? You don''t look well." "It''s nothing."


    Sadie was clearly weak but pretended to be strong, dragging her weak legs to the edge of the bed.


    Micah reached out to help her, but she frowned and pushed him away. "I''m not that fragile."


    Her stubbornness and strength were in stark contrast to E''s weakness.


    As Sadieid back in bed, she felt a bit morefortable, but her body still felt cold and she was shivering.


    Micah stood by the bed, quietly watching her, feeling very conflicted.


    "Why are you staring at me?" Sadie frowned.


    Micah took off his coat andy down beside her, reaching out to pull her into his arms. She didn''t resist, quietly leaning against his chest. Her body was still sweating and even trembling slightly, but she tried hard to hide it. She didn''t want him to be aware of that.


    "Your body is so cold."


    Micah didn''t expose her, just using his warm palms to rub her cold body.


    "Do you know why I wanted to see you?" Sadie closed her eyes and snuggled up to him. "Because you are warm. In your arms, I don''t feel so cold."


    Upon hearing this, Micah felt a lump in his throat, and his eyes turned red.


    This silly goose was still the same as before, pitiful yet pretending to be strong.

 Chapter 795 Body Temperature

    Over the past two years, she has been through a lot. Every time it rained, she would bleed all over, in excruciating pain, then curled up in bed alone and shivering. ''When I wasn''t there, who warmed her up?'' Micah wondered.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Sadie was still rubbing against him, like an octopus, clinging tightly to him.


    "Do you want to be warmer?" Micah was starting to have other thoughts as she rubbed against him.


    "Yes." Sadie''s face buried in his neck, greedily smelling his scent.


    Micah suddenly turned over and pressed her underneath him, gently kissing her.


    This time, his kiss was gentler and more delicate than ever before, filled with intense emotions, as if protecting a dewdrop on a petal, even somewhat cautiously. Sadie''s rational mind told her that this was dangerous, but her body instinctively epted it, even cooperating with him.


    She wondered why her body enjoyed his touch so much, even beyond her brain''s control.


    Every time he hugged her, kissed her, or even went further, her brain told her to resist, but her body irresistibly responded, even wanting more.


    At this moment, Micah''s kiss gradually deepened, his burning palm moving from her shoulders down, caressing her smooth skin.


    Sadie melted in his arms like water, silently enduring his hot kiss. Her hands weakly clung to his waist, eyes closed, enjoying his caresses.


    The room''s temperature rose, and Sadie''s body temperature gradually increased, bing warmer.


    Micah achieved his goal.


    However, at this moment, his desire was roaring like a trapped beast, almost uncontroble.


    But he struggled to restrain himself, reluctantly rolling off her, pulling her into his arms, but no longer kissing her.


    Even though his breath was heavy like a wild beast, even though his body was boiling with hot blood, he endured it and didn''t make love to her.


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie raised her face, looking at him with a dazed gaze.


    "You are too weak now, and you can''t handle it." Micah bit her earlobe obsessively, his hot breath filled with extreme restraint. "When you''re better, I will definitely make love to you." A warm smile appeared on Sadie''s lips, leaning over to kiss him.


    "You can sleep." Micah held her face. "I''m here. No need to be afraid."


    "Okay." Sadie snuggled in his arms like a kitten, listening to his heartbeat, gradually falling asleep.


    The pain and difort from the recurring illness had gone.


    Every time it red up, she was in unbearable pain, unable to sleep. But tonight, she slept soundly. She felt incredibly secure and warm.


    Because she had an inexplicable trust in him, as if the sky were to fall, he would shield her.


    Watching Sadie fall asleep, Micah was relieved. He held her face with one hand, gently rubbing her tender lips with his thumb, and gazing at her. Although very tired, he couldn''t sleep.


    At this moment, all he could think about was how topletely relieve her pain and bring her back to his side.


    He should find a way to remove the toxins remaining in her bodypletely.


    Perhaps, in doing so, not only would her body heal, but her memories would also return.


    Perhaps he was too tired; Micah fell asleep holding Sadie while thinking.


    Soon, it was already dawn. Startled from a nightmare, Sadie woke up, sweating profusely. She opened her eyes and saw Male beside her, feeling extremely secure once again, so she snuggled up to him and fell asleep. But then, she suddenly noticed the wound on his neck and couldn''t help but be stunned.


    She vaguely remembered that she seemed to have bitten someonest night when her illness red up.

 Chapter 796 Trust

    When her illness red up, her consciousness was unclear. Sadie couldn''t remember who she had bitten, and she wasn''t even sure if she had actually bitten anyone. Without much thought, she buried herself in his chest and continued sleeping.


    After a while, the phone beside the bed vibrated, startling Micah awake. He opened his eyes to find that it was already dawn, and it was Andrew calling. He needed to go back soon, or Grandpa Clemens would find out.


    Micah got up gently, afraid of waking Sadie.


    But she woke up anyway, opening her eyes drowsily and asking, "What''s wrong?"


    "Sorry for waking you up," Micah said, looking at her beautiful face with reluctance, "I have to go."


    "Okay." Sadie turned over, facing away from him to continue sleeping.


    Micah leaned over and kissed her shoulder before reluctantly pulling away. He quickly got dressed, and left through the window.


    Sadie didn''t look back, but she could sense his agility from the wind.


    From a rational perspective, Micah was by no means an ordinary person.


    However, deep down, she had an inexplicable trust in him.


    ''Let him go!''


    With that thought, Sadie fell back asleep once again.


    Micah ran all the way, leaping into the hot spring vi from the backyard,nding right outside Grandpa Clemens'' window.


    Grandpa Clemens was already up, sitting in his wheelchair, sipping tea facing the French windows.


    Micah immediately leaped up onto the second-floor balcony.


    Grandpa Clemens looked up with alert, without seeing anything, but still felt uneasy. "What''s going on? I feel like something jumped past the window just now." "Maybe it''s a cat." Ss spected. "It''s said that Mr. Arthur keeps many cats here, wandering around freely."


    "Go check if Micah is up." Grandpa Clemens felt something was amiss.


    "I just checked; he''s still asleep," Ss replied, "It''s only eight o''clock now. He was uptest night, so let him sleep a bit longer."


    "No matter how busy he is, he gets up at six in the morning for exercise." Grandpa Clemens frowned. "Today, he''s still asleep at eight. Something must be wrong." "Alright. I''ll go check."


    Ss turned to leave when there was a knock on the door, and Andrew''s voice came through. "Grandpa Clemens. Mr. Clemens wonders if you are up? Would you like to have breakfast together?" Ss and Grandpa Clemens exchanged a nce, and Ss hurried to open the door. "Mr. Clemens is up."


    "Just got up. He''s washing," Andrew said with a smile, "Ms. Lingston is up too. Shall I prepare breakfast?"


    "Sure, go ahead." Ss nodded.


    "Got it." Andrew left.


    Ss nced upstairs at the master bedroom. The maid reported that she was delivering clothes, and Micah''s voice came from inside. "Come in."


    Then, the maid opened the door and went in.


    Ss closed the door and turned to Grandpa Clemens, saying, "See? I told you there''s nothing wrong, but you didn''t believe me."


    "Okay." Grandpa Clemens nodded. "Maybe I was overly suspicious."


    "Yeah. Don''t worry too much," Ss advised earnestly," Mr. Clemens and Ms. Lingston are getting along well."


    "I hope so." Grandpa Clemens sighed in relief. "After breakfast, I''ll go back. Three of my great-grandchildren are staying at home with no one looking after them. I can''t help worrying about them." "Alright. I''ll prepare a car right away." Ss smiled and nodded.


    Andrew instructed the servants to prepare breakfast and then went upstairs.


    At this moment, Micah had changed into fresh clothes and was fixing his hair in front of the mirror. "Did Grandpa Clemens suspect anything?"


    "He shouldn''t have. I saw the bodyguards preparing the car, so I guess after breakfast, Grandpa Clemens will leave." Andrew breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Good, that''s a relief." Micah put on his shoes, ready to head downstairs, when n hurriedly came to report, "Micah, Joe is here!"

 Chapter 797 Coming to the Villa

    "What''s he here for now?" Micah frowned.


    "Could it be what happenedst night?"


    Andrew was uneasy. Mr. Louis was straightforward. If he identally revealed it, it would be troublesome.


    "It should be about the project."


    Micah had yet to agree to the James Group''s involvement in the project. Mr. Louis mentioned discussing itst night, but there was no conclusion.


    The other five shareholders were still waiting for news. Mr. Louis was waiting to give them an answer, so he must havee to ask Micah about it now.


    Micah went downstairs. Grandpa Clemens and E were already seated at the dining table. Micah didn''t go to the dining room but walked briskly outside. "Where are you going again?" Grandpa Clemens asked.


    "Joe is here. I''m going to greet him."


    Micah replied and quickly walked out of the yard.


    Mr. Louis had just gotten out of the car. "Micah!"


    "What are you here for in the early morning?" Micah asked.


    "Those shareholders are still waiting for my response." Mr. Louis frowned. "I tried to persuade Sadie for a long time this morning to get her to withdraw, but she disagreed."


    Micah was very surprised. He thought that by kissing Sadie with his real identity, she would be furious and voluntarily withdraw. He didn''t expect her to refuse.


    It seemed her mental strength had grown stronger.


    "Micah, I''m in a dilemma now. It''s hard to resolve this matter. Can you agree to her joining?" Mr. Louis pulled a long face. "Sadie said that if you think her investment is insufficient, she can add more funds, but no matter what you say or do, she will never withdraw."


    "Go back first. I''lle to youter."


    Micah wanted Mr. Louis to avoid meeting Grandpa Clemens.


    "Why?" Mr. Louis was puzzled. "I haven''t had breakfast yet. I was thinking of having breakfast here."


    "Grandpa Clemens is here. If he knows that the James Group is involved in this project, he will definitely be furious," Micah said in a low voice.


    "I see." Mr. Louis''s look changed drastically."Then I''ll leave now."


    He was about to get into the car when a silver Rolls-Royce suddenly sped towards them.


    Sadie was here!


    Andrew closed the gatehurriedly.


    Micah frowned."What''s she here for now?"


    The car stopped. Annika got out and opened the back door. A pair of slender and beautiful legs stepped out.


    Sadie got out of the car in an intellectual white suit. Her pale face fromst night looked beautiful and charming with light makeup, and that cold, domineering air between her brows had returned!


    "Mr. Clemens, sorry to disturb you." Sadie''s lips curved with a hint of politeness but also fearless courage."Since I couldn''t invite you, I had toe in person!"


    "You were in painst night, and now you look so energetic!"


    Micah raised an eyebrow at her, appearing cold and arrogant, but his mood was actually quiteplex.


    In the past, when he yed tricks on her, he could switch between two roles effortlessly, being flirtatious with her at night and frosty during the day.


    But now, he hadpromised his principles several times due to personal feelings for her.


    This couldn''t go on.


    Sadie had no idea that Micah had helped out when she fell illst night.


    "Ms. James," Annika whispered a few words in her ear.


    Sadie''s face immediately darkened, and she angrily asked, "Who let him in?"


    "It''s my fault," Annika immediately apologized.


    "Sadie, let''s talk about thister. Let''s leave now." Mr. Louis hurriedly pulled Sadie away. " Grandpa Clemens is here. If he finds out you''re involved, this project will be aplete failure." Although Mr. Louis didn''t know about Micah and Sadie''s rtionship, he was aware of the deep-seated feud between the Clemens family and the James family.


    "Grandpa Clemens is here too!" Sadie''s eyebrows raised at the mention. "Perfect, I want to meet him!"

 Chapter 798 Cant Fool Around

    "What an arrogant tone," a furious shout came from the yard.


    Micah''s look changed drastically, and he quickly signaled to Mr. Louis.


    "Sadie, let''s go!" Mr. Louis dragged Sadie into the car.


    "Joe, what are you doing!" Sadie was a bit annoyed, but considering the bigger picture, she got into the car, ring at Micah. "Micah, you must give me an answer today!"


    Micah furrowed his brows and made a "get lost" gesture.


    Mr. Louis hurried the driver to start the car.


    As the car just drove out, the yard''s gate opened.


    Ss led Grandpa Clemens out, only to see the back of two cars speeding away.


    Grandpa Clemens, with a stern face, asked, "Who was that woman speaking so arrogantly?"


    "Someone from the James Group," Micah replied with a frown.


    "Unbelievable," Grandpa Clemens angrily eximed, "She was so arrogant and domineering on Half Mountain North that day, and now she dares toe provoke us at our doorstep! Such audacity! Go find out who this person from the James Group is."


    "Yes, sir!" Ss replied.


    "No need," Micah immediately said, "She is Tristan''s sister, the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group."


    "Her status is indeed prominent," Grandpa Clemens said with a dark expression, "No wonder she''s so arrogant."


    He then pointed at Micah and ordered, "Let me tell you, don''t be polite to her just because she''s a woman. If she dares to provoke our Clemens family again, you hit back hard!"


    "I will." Micah nodded repeatedly, reassuringhim. "You can rest assured; I have plenty of tricks to deal with her, and we won''t lose."


    ''When the timees to marry her into the family, she won''t be able to act so arrogantly,'' Micah thought.


    "Good." Grandpa Clemens nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, why is Joe staying with someone from the James Group?"


    "She wanted to win over Joe," Micah said selectively, "That''s why I''ve been busy dealing with it these days."


    "Joe is easy to talk to, and he''s naive. You need to remind him." Grandpa Clemens frowned. "I''ll call Old Mr. Louister. Don''t let Joe be deceived. If something happens to him on our turf, it won''t look good for the Clemens family." "No need." Micah hurriedly stopped him. "I''ll handle this. If you call Old Mr. Louis, Joe will be in trouble. He might even get called back."


    "Alright, you must handle it well," Grandpa Clemens instructed, "Go have breakfast first."


    "Okay."


    Micah led Grandpa Clemens inside, feeling relieved. It was thrilling just now. If Grandpa Clemens hade out one minute earlier, he would have run into Sadie. Fortunately, Ss was old and moved slowly.


    But he still needed to get Grandpa Clemens to leave as soon as possible.


    During breakfast, Grandpa Clemens reminded Micah to treat E well and not just focus on work.


    He also warned Micah not to be kind to anyone from the James family. Things could escte into enmity, turning hidden enemies into open foes, battling it out in the open to see who would prevail. Micah frowned as he listened. Grandpa Clemens was always cautious and considerate, leaving room for maneuver, but when it came to the James family, there was no room for niceties.


    The feud between the James family and the Clemens family was indeed veryplicated and unresolvable!


    After breakfast, E casually mentioned the three children, prompting Grandpa Clemens to urge Ss to prepare the car to rush back and take care of the kids.


    Micah was more than happy toply and immediately escorted them to the car.


    Watching Grandpa Clemens'' car leave the hot spring hotel, Micah breathed a sigh of relief, but when he turned around, he saw Oliver and Ethan still there, causing him to furrow his brows. Grandpa Clemens had left with a backup n in ce.


    It looked like the drama with E had to continue. Grandpa Clemens wasn''t one to be fooled around with!

 Chapter 799 Neck Biting

    After seeing off Grandpa Clemens, Micah prepared to go to Mr. Louis''s ce.


    Before leaving, he said to E, "Rest well at the hotel. If you feel bored, let someone take you out for a stroll. The scenery at Noble Summit Manor is beautiful."


    "Okay. You go ahead and do your work without worrying about me," E smiled and gestured in signnguage.


    Micah left a few bodyguards to take care of her, then hurriedly left with Andrew, n and others.


    Arriving at the vi, Mr. Louis was having breakfast. Micah made himself at home, walked straight over, sat down, and started eating.


    "You haven''t had breakfast!" Mr. Louis quickly signaled the servants to set the table for Micah and instructed them to prepare some desserts that Micah liked,pletely forgetting that he had vowed to sever ties with the despicable Micah who made a challenge to be his love rival yesterday.


    Micah was truly hungry. He hadn''t eaten anything sincest night.


    "You must have been hungry for a long time." Mr. Louis frowned at him. "You haven''t eaten anything sincest night, have you?"


    "Of course not!" Micah nced at him.


    "Alright, my bad." Mr. Louis felt somewhat guilty. "I didn''t arrange it properly."


    "Where''s Sadie?" Micah asked.


    "She''s in the room. I''ll go call her." Mr. Louis was about to get up when Micah stopped him. "Let''s talk first."


    "Oh." Mr. Louis, upon hearing that Micah wanted to talk to him, couldn''t help but feel nervous. "If you think her joining will reduce your profits. I can make up for that."


    "You know that''s not what concerns me." Micah looked at Mr. Louis, feeling somewhat troubled. "I realize that I shouldn''t have involved you in business. You are not shrewd." Micah was at a loss for words, letting out a sigh.


    Meanwhile, in the room, Sadie''s face was dark and her gaze sharp.


    Annika, Arya, and others knelt down, keeping their heads down and not daring to make a sound.


    "So, Joe invited him here."


    Annika had just recounted all the events fromst night. After hearing it, Sadie angrily questioned, "What were you all doing? Couldn''t you stop him?"


    "I had a gun pointed at him, but he still barged in. I couldn''t stop him at all," Arya exined in a low voice.


    "I tried to stop him too, but Mr. Clemens pushed me aside with great force. When I got up, he had already rushed into the bathroom and..." Arya dared not to continue.


    Sadie''s face turned livid with anger. Clearly, Micah had seen her naked body.


    "At that time, the situation was urgent, and we really couldn''t stop him," Arya exined cautiously, "You were in excruciating pain at that time. Although Mr. Clemens was rough, he was trying to save you."


    "Rough!" Sadie''s eyebrows furrowed upon hearing the word. "How was he rough?"


    "He was originally sitting on the edge of the bathtub, holding your wrist to let Doctor Rey give you a shot. But you kept kicking and struggling, knocking Doctor Rey down. Doctor Rey couldn''t do anything, so Mr. Clemens had to..." Arya timidly nced at her, unable to continue.


    "Speak!" Sadie hissed.


    "He had to step into the bathtub, press you down, hold your wrist, and let Doctor Rey give you the shot."


    Arya''s voice was soft, but Sadie still heard it clearly.


    Her expression changedpletely.


    "I wanted to rush over, but Mr. Louis stopped me," Annika said softly, "Actually, Mr. Clemens isn''t that bad. At that time, he really just wanted to save you, nothing else."


    "Yeah, you were using all your limbs, constantly hitting him, even biting his neck. He bled a lot, but he endured it..." Arya said.


    "What did you say!" Sadie suddenly interrupted Arya''s words. "You said I bit Micah''s neck?"

 Chapter 800 Negotiating Terms

    "Yes." Arya nodded. "You bit really hard. I was afraid you might have severed his artery; that would have been disastrous." "You almost bit off a piece of flesh," Annika added, "but he gritted his teeth and let Doctor Rey give you the injection first.


    "After you calmed down, he immediately wrapped your body in a towel, then carried you out of the bathroom, gently ced you on the bed, and instructed us to dry your hair and change your clothes." Recalling the details at that time, Arya couldn''t help but be moved. "To be honest, I was touched at that moment." "Me too," Annika quickly said, "I felt at that time, when he said he liked you, it wasn''t a joke, it should be serious..." "Which side did I bite?"


    Sadie didn''t pay attention to what they were saying but focused on the wound.


    She vividly remembered that when she woke up in the morning, she saw a wound on the Male''s neck, but it was bandaged. She couldn''t be sure if she had bitten him.


    "On the right side," Annika affirmed, "I remember he was pressing you down, holding your hands and feet. You couldn''t move, so you could only bite him. It was towards my side. I saw it clearly..."


    Sadie frowned. Male''s wound was also on the right side.


    ''Could it be true then...'' Sadie thought.


    At this moment, a female bodyguard came in to report, "Ms. James, Mr. Clemens is here. Mr. Louis asked you to join them."


    Sadie came back to her senses and walked out.


    In the dining room, Mr. Louis was a bit uneasy. "Is this really okay?"


    "Either she backs out of this project or listens to me." Micah was very firm.


    "Alright." Mr. Louis was a bit timid. "Then you tell her it''s your idea."


    "Why are you so afraid of her!" Micah stared at him with disdain. "He''s not afraid. He knows what is respect."


    Sadie''s voice suddenly came, with a sense of pride and dissatisfaction.


    Micah turned to look at her. His eyes sharp, and his scrutiny wasplex, as if trying to see through her.


    "Do you mean I don''t respect you?" Micah raised an eyebrow at her.


    "Mr. Clemens, you''re used to being arrogant and never take anyone seriously." Sadie shrugged. "But I have no choice but to forgive you!"


    Micah couldn''t help butugh. He had to admit, after two years of experience, her verbal attack capability and responsiveness had indeed increased a hundredfold.


    No matter what he said, she could handle it with ease.


    She could actively provoke a war at any time and handle it. This momentum and intelligence had be quite formidable.


    In fact, in the business world, sometimes it was all about response capabilities and aura.


    "How about it?" Sadie sat on the sofa chair opposite and coldly raised her chin. "Have you reached a conclusion?"


    "I agree with your participation in the project, but I have a condition," Micah said, leaned back in his chair, smiling at her, "You need to bring in support from the sports world in E country first!" Sadie frowned and looked at Mr. Louis.


    Mr. Louis hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to say a word.


    "Isn''t this condition too harsh?" Sadie asked angrily, "Other shareholders are just investing funds, so why do you have to add extra conditions for me? Moreover, as thergest investor, I haven''t seen you bring in any support either." "It''s not like that," Mr. Louis said cautiously, "at the beginning of the project nning, he received support from the government of F country, even I couldn''t do that."


    "But the other investors didn''t."


    "The other investors, with the same investment amount as you, only have a third of your shares," Micah interrupted her, "do you think that''s fair to them!"


    Sadie was suddenly at a loss for words. Even though those few investors feared the position of the James Group and dared not object, from a business perspective, she indeed had to show strength to have the right to join in.

 Chapter 801 His Kind Intentions

    The key was, as long as Micah disagreed, Sadie had no chance of joining this project.


    Sadie took his strict demands as an attempt to make her give up.


    "I promise you." Sadie stared coldly at him. "I will leave for E Country tomorrow to handle this matter."


    "Great." Micah smirked. "I''ll wait for your good news!"


    Then he got up and left, leaving a sentence behind. "We will sign the cooperation agreement after you obtain the authorization document from the E Country Sports Management Agency." Sadie watched his back, gritting her teeth in anger. She couldn''t connect this sinister and cunning man with the affectionate Male fromst night.


    They could not be the same person, absolutely not!


    "Sadie, are you angry?" Mr. Louis cautiously coaxed her, "I have prepared a dinner tonight to entertain Mr. Brown and Mr. Mario. Will youe?"


    "Of course, I will go," Sadie said disdainfully, "Such trivial matters can''t defeat me."


    "That''s good." Mr. Louis breathed a sigh of relief. "I''m going to ride horses with them now."


    "I''ll go to The Sapphire Depths. See you tonight." Sadie got up and left.


    In the car, Andrew couldn''t help but ask, "Micah, did you deliberately send Ms. James away?"


    Andrew had followed Micah for so long and knew him very well. Although Micah clearly distinguished between public and private matters, he wouldn''t go so far as to make things difficult for Sadie.


    If it was really for business, he could have negotiated with her, reducing the James Group''s shareholding, or asking her to increase funding.


    By asking Sadie to get the support of the E Country Sports Management Agency, it seemed like he was deliberately making things difficult for Sadie. But he actually wanted to send her away temporarily, to keep her away from Newark. "You figured it out."


    Micah was reading documents, Mr. Wood had sent him some information regarding theunch of a new tech product, and there were some minor issues.


    "There are 13 days before the unveiling of The Sapphire Depths area. In such a short time, Grandpa Clemens should not return to Country F. By sending Ms. James away, you''re trying to avoid them meeting?" Andrew asked tentatively. "Yes." Micah nodded. "They have almost met several times these days. Once they meet, the consequences would be unimaginable!"


    "Yeah." Andrew recalled these incidents and felt a shiver down his spine.


    "After Sadie returns to E Country, I will deal with Grandpa Clemens first, then go to Avalis." Micah had already nned everything. "You go find out Dr. Henry''s whereabouts."


    "Got it."


    Two years ago, after Sadie disappeared, Serena and her apprentice said they wanted to take Dr. Henry back to Avalis. At that time, Dr. Henry was still unconscious, but they were eager to leave.


    Micah didn''t stop them, just gave them some money.


    He knew that because of what happened to Sadie, they had lost trust in him, even suspecting, like Serena, that the Clemens family only wanted to keep the children, leading to the deaths of Sadie and Brenda.


    Sure enough, after they left Newark, they lost contact with the Clemens family.


    Serena did the same, leaving with her mother and never returning in these two years.


    Seeing Sadie fall illst night had a great impact on Micah. He couldn''t let her suffer anymore, nor let this matter be an obstacle between them.


    Therefore, he had to find Dr. Henry as soon as possible to remove the remaining toxins in her body.


    But they had a big misunderstanding about Micah, and because of some idents before, Dr. Henry was seriously injured. To ensure nothing went wrong this time, Micah had to handle it personally.


    However, he was worried that Grandpa Clemens might identally meet Sadie in his absence, so he hatched out a n to send Sadie away from Newark first and make sure Grandpa Clemens returned to Country F as soon as possible. This way, he could focus on handling those issues.

 Chapter 802 Get her done

    In the afternoon, everyone was busy.


    Micah returned to thepany to handle matters, while Sadie went to inspect the base at The Sapphire Depths.


    Mr. Louis was busy weing the five shareholders and their families, while also preparing for a small dinner to ease the tension fromst night.


    Micah was still in the office signing documents.


    Mr. Louis called and repeatedly urged, "Micah, you muste to the dinner tonight. The project is being handled as you instructed, so you need to show up and not embarrass me."


    "Fine, 7 o''clock, right? I''ll be there on time," Micah replied shortly.


    "Okay, we''ll be waiting for you."


    After hanging up, Micah instructed Andrew to remember the schedule and then went to meet with Mr. Wood and others to discuss the new technology products.


    The busy day continued until 6 p.m., with Micah still working.


    Andrew reminded him once, but he didn''t dare to push too much; he just kept an eye on the clock. It wasn''t until 6:20 that Micah finished up, realizing he was runningte, and hurried to Noble Summit Manor. The traffic was heavy, and it was 7 o''clock in the blink of an eye. Their car was stuck at the highway exit again, encountering the silver Rolls-Royce once again.


    n keenly eximed, "It''s them again. We can''t let them overtake us this time."


    "Calm down, don''t get into an ident and dy us further," Andrew reminded.


    "I won''t," n said, determined to overtake them, quickly maneuvering ahead and leaving the silver Rolls-Royce behind. n was very pleased. "We''ve finally won for once, that woman is too despicable!" Micah nced at the rearview mirror. The silver Rolls-Royce broke through the traffic and caught up, the woman driving had a frown on her face, looking furious like an angry wildcat.


    n elerated immediately, leaving them behind.


    Their eyes met, though inpetition, there was a different feeling.


    Micah suddenly asked, "n, how long have you been with me?"


    n hesitated for a moment, then hurriedly replied, "Eight, eight years, Micah."


    "He''s been with you since he was thirteen," Andrew added.


    "Okay." Micah nodded.


    n''s hand on the steering wheel trembled, fearing he had done something wrong and Micah was going to dismiss him.


    "I have a task for you!" Micah suddenly said.


    "No matter how difficult, I will do my best," n said passionately, "I am your subordinate; as long as you allow me, I can sacrifice for you whenever you need. Please don''t drive me away." As he said thest sentence, his voice choked up, and his eyes became moist.


    Andrew felt uneasy, carefully observing Micah''s expression.


    At that moment, the silver Rolls-Royce suddenly sped past them. Arya''s hand reached out the window, giving n a thumbs-down gesture.


    n was furious, wanting to fight her, but now he had no mind for such thoughts. He looked at the rearview mirror, his voice trembling as he asked, "Micah, what task do you want me to do?"


    "The girl who''s driving that car, I recall her name being Arya." Micah pointed to the silver Rolls-Royce ahead. "Settle her!"


    Andrew was stunned.


    n hesitated for a moment, then frowned, looking serious. "Although she is very annoying, but, but she doesn''t deserve to die!"


    "Who told you to kill her?" Micah said, "I want you to make her your girlfriend, understand?"


    n was shocked, took a while toe to his senses, and then blushed. "I don''t know what to do!"


    "Teach him," Micahmanded Andrew.

 Chapter 803 Encounter with the Substitute

    Andrew was stunned. "I don''t..."


    "If you dare say you can''t, I''ll cut out your tongue." Micah coldly threatened. "If you can''t, then learn it. Is it harder than shooting?"


    "Yes, sir." Andrew lowered his head in obedience.


    "Yes, sir!" n pouted, looking aggrieved.


    Soon, the car arrived at the Noble Summit Manor. Micah intended to change clothes back in his room before heading over, but Mr. Louis called to urge him, "You''re already half an hourte. Everyone is waiting for you." "I''ll be right there." Micah went straight to the banquet hall.


    Andrew had the bodyguard who stayed at the hot spring hotel send over a set of clothes.


    As they arrived at the banquet hall and got out of the car, another car from the Clemens family pulled up, and to everyone''s surprise, E stepped out. "Why are you here?" Micah frowned.


    "I happened to be out for a stroll, heard you needed clothes, so I thought I''d bring them over." E smiled and gestured in signnguage.


    "No need to trouble yourself." Micah, though displeased, didn''t dwell on it.


    Andrew stepped forward to take the clothes.


    "Go back and rest early." Micah reminded, turning to go inside.


    At that moment, a group of people came out to greet Micah, and Mrs. Brown immediately recognized E, shouting excitedly, "Oh, isn''t this Mrs. Clemens?"


    "Yes," Mrs. Mario also eximed excitedly, "She''s Mrs. Clemens, thedy from the news before, Mr. Clemens. I didn''t expect you to bring your family tonight. That''s great. We can get to know each other!" Micah quickly signaled Andrew.


    Andrew hurriedly urged the bodyguard to take E back quickly.


    Just then, a cold voice rang out, "Why let her go? Can''t let the public know?"


    Sadie had just changed her clothes and heard the discussions outside.


    E, who was still in the car, couldn''t be seen clearly.


    Sadie was inexplicably curious, and wanted to know who that woman was.


    Micah''s brow furrowed tightly, not wanting Sadie to see E.


    Perhaps Sadie would infer from the women''s discussions that the Clemens family had reced her with E back then.


    However, as the bodyguard was about to close the car door, medical staff had already helped E out of the car.


    E waved and smiled, greeting thedies.


    Micah''s face darkened, immediately moving to push E back into the car.


    But in the eyes of others, it seemed as if he was going to support E.


    They appeared so affectionate.


    But it was toote.


    Sadie finally saw E''s face clearly, and suddenly, aplex and strange feeling surged within her.


    She felt dizzy, and something cold began to trickle from her nose.


    "Sadie!" Mr. Louis hurried over, supporting Sadie.


    Micah turned around to see Sadie bleeding from her nose and rushed over.


    Suddenly, Sadie raised her head with a terrifying look. There was a bone-chilling hatred in her mind.


    Micah''s steps abruptly halted, staring at her in astonishment.


    She remembered something!


    Or she knew something!


    "Sadie, are you okay!" Sadie''s gaze also took Mr. Louis aback.


    Feeling a throbbing pain in her head, a strange emotion had surged within her just now, but now she was starting to feel confused again.


    "You need to take a rest now." Mr. Louis quickly helped Sadie inside.


    Others witnessing this scene were at a loss.


    Micah watched Sadie''s retreating figure, his heart sinking like falling into an abyss.


    He suddenly realized that two years ago, before Sadie lost her memory, she might have already known about E recing her. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have been so curious about the woman by his side. And she wouldn''t have had such a strong reaction upon seeing E.

 Chapter 804 Investigating Ella

    Behind, a hand pulled Micah''s arm.


    "Get lost!" Micah angrily shouted.


    E shivered, her face turning pale instantly.


    The two nurses beside her trembled in fear, not daring to breathe.


    The guests hurriedly retreated, not daring to provoke Micah.


    After a while, Micah adjusted his emotions and turned to look at E.


    With tears in her eyes, E trembled as she gestured to him, "Micah, did I do something wrong? Did I make you angry?"


    Surprisingly, the anger in his heart did not ignite at this moment.


    Micah frowned,manding in a deep voice, "Take her back."


    "Yes, sir." The nurses immediately helped E into the car.


    The bodyguard closed the door and hurriedly drove away.


    Andrew carefully observed Micah''s expression, softly advising, "Ms. James probably hasn''t remembered anything. Don''t worry for now, let''s go inside and check on her." Micah stepped inside.


    The banquet hall was still lively, with piano music ying, but the guests dared not dance orugh, each feeling uneasy.


    Micah hurried to the lounge at the back, where the door was slightly ajar. Mr. Louis was taking good care of Sadie. "Are you okay? Do you need to go to hospital?"


    "I''m fine." Sadie had calmed down by now. She drank a cup of hot water, and looked up at Micah outside with a frosty gaze. "Mr. Clemens, I see you''re not apanying Ms. Lingston. What are you doing here?" Micah opened his mouth, wanting to inquire about her condition, but what came out was. "Ms. James is delicate. You should go back and rest early."


    "Ms. Lingston is delicate." Sadie raised her eyebrows coldly. "I will not admit defeat whether in the business or on the battlefield."


    "You better be that way!"


    Micah gave her a deep look and turned to leave.


    His eyes were downcast, hands clenched tightly.


    He felt sorry, but he couldn''t step forward to embrace her or exin.


    This feeling was truly terrible.


    "What''s going on?" Mr. Louis watched Micah leave, taking a while toe back to his senses. He said, "Why is everyone saying that girl is Micah''s wife? Isn''t his wife missing?"


    "You go out first. The guests outside are waiting." Sadie didn''t catch Mr. Louis''s words, urging him to go out and greet them. "Things got unpleasant yesterday. Don''t let Micah ruin this banquet." "OK. I''ll go out first." Mr. Louis quickly got up and left, but after a few steps, he turned back to ask her, "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine, and I''ll touch up my makeup ande out." Sadie smiled at him.


    "Okay." Mr. Louis left quickly.


    Sadie''s gaze gradually turned cold as she ordered, "Find out who that woman is."


    "I''ve found out." Annika was very efficient. "She''s from the Lingston family, and she''s the half-sister of Amelia. Here is her detailed information."


    Sadie nced at the information and coldly smiled, "She''s a mute."


    "The Clemens family is so powerful, yet he married a mute!" Arya was very puzzled.


    "Find the news of their marriage," Sadie ordered, "all rted news, including wedding videos and photos. All of them!"


    "Yes!" Annika immediately went to work.


    The maid touched up Sadie''s makeup, and Sadie fixed her clothes and hair before walk towards the main hall.


    By now, the main hall had be lively again.


    Mr. Louis warmly greeted everyone.


    Mr. Mario and Mr. Brown sternly reprimanded their respective wives, forbidding them from speaking tonight.


    The twodies had made several mistakes in their words towards Micah fromst night, and now they sat in a corner, feeling uneasy and not daring to speak.

 Chapter 805 The Relentless Rival

    Micah looked at Sadie approaching with great momentum, suddenly instructing Andrew, "Inform Rn to erase all the marriage records from back then, leaving no trace for anyone to find." "Got it." Andrew immediately went to handle it.


    Micah knew that the current Sadie was no longer the same as before.


    With her current temperament, if she were to find out something and confirm it, she would probably harbor deep hatred towards him, and then unleash a crazy retaliation against the Clemens family. "Mr. Clemens, a toast to you!" At this moment, Mr. Mario and Mr. Brown came over with their wives to apologize, "My wife misspoke and upset you, we apologize to you!" "We''re sorry, Mr. Clemens, we offended you."


    The two wives raised their sses to Micah together.


    "If you''re clumsy in speech, you don''t have to speak," Micah coldly replied.


    The two wives blushed with shame, lowered their heads, and dared not say a word.


    Mr. Mario and Mr. Brown were also extremely embarrassed.


    Micah raised his ss, tapped theirs in eptance of the apology, and then walked away.


    The two men scolded their wives in a low voice, "If you speak out of turn again, I''ll seal your mouth!"


    "If you don''t speak, no one will think you''re mute."


    Sadie had just had a nosebleed and was in great pain, but now she was able to socialize effortlessly.


    Guests raised their sses to her, engaged in conversation, and even began envisioning future coboration details with her.


    Micah quietly watched from the side, sighing to himself that he hadn''t noticed her potential before.


    She had changed a lot in just two short years.


    "Micah,e and dine."


    Mr. Louis pulled Micah to sit at the head of the long table and invited everyone to take their seats.


    The arrangement at the long table was with men and women seated on either side, couples facing each other.


    Mr. Louis sat at the head, with Micah and Sadie seated opposite each other on his left and right.


    After everyone was seated, Mr. Louis gave a speech, followed by a piano performance, and everyone began dining to the romantic and melodic piano music. Micah nced at Sadie, who was sipping wine, and casually remarked, "If you''re not feeling well, drink less."


    "Care more about your wife." Sadie swirled her ss, a cold and arrogant curve on her lips. "I''m not buying into your act."


    "That''s not my wife," Micah exined in a low voice.


    Sadie mocked with a sneer, ring at him with immense disdain. "Do you take me for a fool?"


    Micah couldn''t be bothered to exin further.


    At that moment, after Mr. Louis finished ying, he returned to toast everyone for a sessful coboration and also weed Sadie''s participation. Sadie stood up to toast everyone.


    The guests all looked at Micah.


    In this situation, Micah could only stand up, and clink sses with her, which relieved everyone present.


    Then they learned from Mr. Louis that Sadie and Micah had reconciled, and as soon as she obtained the documents from the E Country Sports Management Agency, she could formally join the project. They believed that securing this was easy, given the strength of the James family.


    So they congratted Sadie in advance.


    And Micah did not object or oppose, indicating that he had, to some extent, epted her joining.


    The atmosphere finally became harmonious, and everyone rxed.


    From that moment on, the banquet truly felt like a celebration.


    Taking advantage of the wine, Mr. Louis invited Sadie to dance, and she dly epted.


    The two danced a romantic waltz to the melodic piano music, like a pair of perfectly matched individuals, earning praises from the guests.


    Micah watched them, furrowing his brows involuntarily, as he had repeatedly advised Mr. Louis against it, only to realize that Mr. Louis was relentless in his pursuit. It seemed he had underestimated this love rival''s determination.

 Chapter 806 Be My Girlfriend

    At the end of the song, Joe still held onto Sadie''s waist, reluctant to let go.


    With a finger on his chest elegantly, Sadie gently pushed him away and turned to leave.


    At that moment, Joe suddenly knelt on one knee, holding up a diamond ring, and confessed, "Sadie, please be my girlfriend!"


    The crowd erupted in excitement.


    Everyone was surprised, never expecting such a surprise.


    The guests all stood up, cheering Joe on. "Say yes, say yes!"


    Micah furrowed his brow. Despite being friends with Joe for many years, he didn''t know this side of him.


    He had repeatedly reminded Joe to keep his distance from Sadie, believing Joe had agreed, only to witness this public confession tonight.


    "Joe, what are you doing!" Sadie nced around, frowned, and said sternly, "Stand up first!"


    "You answer me first." Joe gazed at her affectionately. "It''s okay. Don''t feel pressured. Even if you reject me, I''ll keep waiting for you!" Sadie looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and said, "I''ll give you an answer when I return from E Country!"


    "Really! That''s great."


    Joe was overjoyed. He knew deep down that Sadie wouldn''t agree tonight, but the fact that she gave him a specific time made him very happy.


    Sadie helped Joe up, gave him a brief hug, and they sat down together.


    At that moment, Sadie instinctively looked at Micah, who was already looking at her.


    Their eyes met, each reflectingplex emotions.


    Sadie looked away first, her demeanor cold and aloof.


    Micah lowered his gaze and quietly sipped his wine, outwardly calm but inwardly turbulent.


    Based on Sadie''s attitude, it seemed she didn''t dislike Joe.


    Perhaps, as Rn had said, she valued family interests over personal emotions.


    Under such circumstances, she might say yes to Joe.


    Micah had matured a lot after many experiences. In the past, he would have been jealous and impulsive, but now he could calmly and rationally assess the situation. Even though he felt uneasy inside, he wouldn''t make any rash moves.


    "Mr. Louis, Ms. James, a toast to you both!"


    The guests raised their sses to Joe and Sadie, offering words of encouragement, hoping Sadie would consider Joe''s proposal.


    Sadie smiled but remained silent, neither epting nor rejecting Joe''s proposal.


    In everyone''s eyes, this silence was a form of acquiescence.


    They all believed that Sadie was testing Joe out of shyness and consideration for the family''s interests.


    They would eventually be together!


    The atmosphere suddenly turned romantic, and the piano music became the theme of love.


    Everyone was lively and cheerful, chatting andughing.


    Only Micah sat aside, quietly sipping his wine, feeling out of ce in this lively atmosphere. He looked like an outsider.


    After a few drinks, Micah put down his ss, put on his coat, and stood up.


    Joe hurried over. "Micah, join us for a drink."


    "I''m heading back now," Micah said with a faint smile. "You guys have fun."


    Then, he looked at Sadie. "Have a safe journey tomorrow!"


    "Thanks." Sadie smiled coldly.


    "Mr. Clemens, stay a bit longer!"


    Others cautiously invited him to stay.


    Micah waved goodbye, turned around, and left.


    Andrew followed behind, watching his calm and rational demeanor, and couldn''t help but sigh in his heart that the master had truly matured.


    If this had been his temper two years ago, Joe would have been lying on the ground with a nosebleed by now.


    As he got into the car, Micah nced back. Joe and Sadie were on the terrace on the second floor, leaning against the railing, chatting in the night breeze. They appeared intimate, and the atmosphere was very ambiguous.

 Chapter 807 Purple Aromatherapy

    Joe took off his coat and draped it over Sadie, then casually put his arm around her shoulder.


    Sadie didn''t refuse, but as she turned to the side, she nced over somewhat casually.


    Just in time to meet Micah''s gaze.


    Micah''s expression wasplex, while Sadie appeared cold and disdainful, quickly averting her eyes and continuing to chat with Joe. Micah got into the car, his brow furrowed, remaining silent.


    "What if we contact Ms. James using a different identity?" Andrew cautiously suggested.


    "If she really wants to be with Joe, I can''t stop her." Micah''s voice was calm, but his lowered gaze revealed his inner unease.


    Andrew dared not speak further and quietly apanied him.


    Soon, they returned to the hot spring hotel.


    Micah intended to return to his room to rest but encountered E in the lobby on the first floor.


    She sat on the sofa, clutching a cushion, looking nervous as she waited for him.


    Seeing hime in, she quickly got up to greet him, gesturing. "Micah, I want to talk to you." Micah paused, frowning at her.


    "I know I must have caused you trouble today, but it wasn''t intentional."


    Tears shimmered in E''s eyes as she exined in a guilty and flustered manner.


    "I stayed in the room all day, feeling a bit suffocated. In the evening, I wanted to go out for a walk. When I saw the bodyguard taking your clothes out to the banquet hall, I thought I''d deliver them to you. I really didn''t mean anything else." "I understand," Micah responded lightly, "Get some rest early. Good night."


    Then, he went straight upstairs.


    E watched his retreating figure, her expression turning mncholy. She lowered her head as tears fell.


    "Ms. Lingston, don''t be upset. Mr. Clemens believes in you," the nurse whispered, trying tofort her. "Rest well, and don''t overthink that."


    Micah returned to his room, casually took off his coat, loosened his tie, and unbuttoned his shirt. He then poured himself a ss of iced wine and sat on the sofa to drink.


    At that moment, his phone rang. It was a call from Grandpa Clemens.


    Feeling somewhat annoyed, Micah silenced his phone without answering.


    Thinking about Sadie trying to get along with Joe, he wondered if there was still a possibility of further development. His mind was filled withplex and indescribable emotions. He drank one ss after another.


    In the dim light, the purple smoke from the aromatherapymp lingered, carrying a seductive effect that made him feel increasingly restless.


    The purple smoke from the scentedmp lingered in the dim light, creating a tititing effect that made him feel hot.


    He unbuttoned his shirt, drinking freely, and as he did so, there came a knock on the door.


    "What is it!" Micah grumbled irritably.


    No one responded, and the door was pushed open. E, dragging her injured foot, slowly walked in, holding a tray with a ss of milk.


    E closed the door, approached Micah, squatted in front of him, ced the milk on the coffee table, and tugged at his sleeve, gesturing. "You''ve had too much drink. It''s not good for your health. I brought you a ss of milk. Drink some milk."


    Micah frowned, gave her a cold look, and said, "Thanks. You can go now."


    E picked up his zer from the floor, hung it on the hanger, and prepared to leave.


    But at that moment, she found that she couldn''t open the door. She tried to turn the doorknob forcefully, but it didn''t respond.


    She hurried to the sofa and gestured to Micah. "Micah, the door is locked from the outside!"


    Micah, feeling dizzy, got up unsteadily to open the door but suddenly felt lightheaded and weak, eventually copsing.


    E hurriedly tried to support him, but due to herck of strength, they both fell onto the bed together.


    Micah ended up on top of E. In his blurred vision, the delicate woman beneath him seemed to be Sadie. He stroked her hair, murmuring affectionately, "Sadie."

 Chapter 808 Witnessed with My Own Eyes

    E gazed at him with infatuation, her eyes filled with tenderness. When she heard Micah call out another name, her expression stiffened, and her gaze becameplex.


    However, she did not push Micah away.


    Instead, she cupped his face and leaned in to offer him her red lips.


    Suddenly, a hurried knock at the door interrupted E.


    Micah instantly snapped out of it, shook his heavy head, and realized the person beneath him was E. Shocked, he hastily backed away.


    Seeing E in a state of panic, he apologized and rushed into the bathroom to ssh cold water on his face, trying to clear his mind.


    Soon enough, Micah regained hisposure, emerged from the bathroom, and found E still in the room, clutching her cor tightly, and looking at him in confusion. He furrowed his brow and asked, "Why haven''t you left yet?" E hurriedly gestured, indicating the door had been locked from the outside.


    Micah frowned and walked over to open the door, but then was taken aback.


    "Micah, we''vee to drink with you."


    Joe and Sadie stood outside the door, their cheerful voices abruptly silenced upon seeing E in Micah''s room.


    "Sorry for the interruption!" Joe said, extremely embarrassed.


    "That goes without saying!"


    Sadie continued to smile, but it was a cold smile. Her slightly narrowed eyes were like a curved de, exuding a sharp edge.


    Although Sadie and Micah had a rtionship of hostility and resentment, witnessing this scene now filled Sadie''s heart with strong anger and hatred, even a hint of bitterness.


    "I''m sorry. We''ll leave right away." Joe pulled Sadie aside, preparing to depart.


    "Please,e to the study."


    Micah directly put his arm around Joe''s shoulder and led him to the study.


    "Really? Now?!" Joe tried to refuse, but he was unable to resist.


    At that moment, E rushed out of the room, collided head-on with Sadie, froze for a moment, and then stared nkly at her.


    E had seen Sadie''s photo in the Clemens family, in Micah and the children''s room, where there were photos of them together. The woman in those photos was now standing before her. Wait! Isn''t Mrs. Clemens dead?!


    "Do you know me?" Sadie asked, noticing E''s reaction, her eyes narrowing coldly.


    E nervously shook her head and then hurriedly ran downstairs.


    Due to her nervousness, she almost stumbled, but fortunately, a medic caught her.


    Sadie watched E''s retreating figure, her eyes slightly narrowed. For some reason, seeing this woman stirred aplex and indescribable sense of hatred in her heart.


    "Ms. James, please!"


    Micah came to invite Sadie to the study and signaled Andrew downstairs.


    Andrew gestured, indicating that Oliver and Ethan had been dealt with and that he would keep an eye on E and her associates to ensure Sadie''s information remained confidential. "Micah, Sadie and I just came to drink with you, nothing serious." Joe, now sitting ufortably, didn''t want to linger. "Since you have ady in your arms, we should leave." "Yes. We don''t want to ruin your night," Sadie said indifferently, not even bothering to look at Micah.


    "She was just bringing me medicine," Micah exined lightly.


    "It''ste at night, and she''s bringing you medicine while disheveled!" Sadie sneered mockingly. "Do you think we''re fools?"


    "We''re all adults. There''s nothing to be embarrassed about." Joe chuckled. "But Micah, is this Ms. Lingston from the Lingston family? Why did Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Mario say she''s your wife? I remember you telling me your wife is amon girl!"


    "She''s not my wife, and we have no romantic rtionship." Micah didn''t want to exin further. "Believe it or not, it''s up to you."

 Chapter 809 "Male Version of Scheming Bitch"

    "I trust what I saw.."


    Sadie shot him a cold look and got up to leave.


    "Sadie, wait for me." Joe shouted and also stood up, "Micah, I''m leaving now. Tomorrow I will apany Sadie to Country E. I came here to tell you about this." "What are you going to do there!" Micah frowned. "Aren''t you supposed to inspect the project site?"


    "I have to go with her. I''m leaving now. Goodbye."


    Joe hurriedly chased after her.


    Micah frowned. He had only intended to get Sadie away, but he didn''t expect Joe to shamelessly follow her.


    They might develop feelings after spending so much time alone together.


    Thinking of this, Micah immediately chased after them.


    As Sadie passed Micah''s room, she smelled a faint floral scent and nced inside. The ambiguous lighting and scattered clothes on the floor exuded intimacy. A mocking curve formed on her lips, as she quickly went downstairs, her eyes filled with disgust.


    Joe quickly caught up, took off his coat, and draped it over her, considerately advising, "Sadie, it''s windy outside. Have my coat. I don''t want you to catch a cold." "Thank you."


    As the two walked out together, about to get into the car, Micah hurriedly came out. "Joe!"


    Joe stopped and turned to look at him.


    "The base on the Sunvale side needs your attention," Micah said straightforwardly, "You go back there tomorrow directly, and I''ll join you after I finish my business." "I''m going to apany Sadie to Country E. We can meet up at Sunvaleter." Joe didn''t want to miss this opportunity to be alone with Sadie. "No. The base at Sunvale is very urgent. You need to go back and oversee it," Micah urged. "Sadie''s not a child who needs yourpany." "Micah."


    "It''s alright. I''ll go by myself," Sadie interrupted Joe decisively. "He''s right. The base needs to be secured early for the project to proceed smoothly."


    Joe''s face turned ashen with anger. He red at Micah resentfully, his eyes conveying, ''I''ve been supporting you all along, and you''re ruining my ns.''


    If you treat me badly, don''t me me for retaliating against you.


    "Bon voyage!" Micah smirked.


    "Take good care of your wife." Joe suddenly said softly.


    Micah squinted his eyes, coldly staring at him. Alright, daring to cause trouble for him.


    "Mr. Clemens is a married man and should keep himself pure." Sadie gave him a cold look, urging Joe, "Get in the car!"


    "Okay." Joe quickly got into the car and sat next to her. "Sadie. If I marry you, I won''t even nce at another woman."


    Micah was stunned. What a scheming bastard!


    The car slowly drove away, and Joe threw a provocative look at Micah before continuing to coax Sadie, "Sadie, let me apany you to Country E. My father will watch over the project on Sunvale for me. There won''t be any issues." "Is your father personally watching over it?"


    "Yes, my family attaches great importance to this project."


    "It shows that my decision to join was right."


    "Of course, you''re wee!"


    The two chatted andughed intimately.


    Micah''s face turned livid with anger. He had to resolve this quickly, or Joe might actually seed.


    Back in his room, Micah was restless, worried about Joe pursuing Sadie. The two being alone together could lead to ambiguity. So, he sent a message to Sadie using Male''s number: [Meet tonight?]


    After a long time, Sadie replied: [Night Club at midnight.]


    [Okay.]

 Chapter 810 Suspect Him

    After replying to the message, Sadie got out of the car and headed straight to his mansion.


    "Sadie, good night!" Joe said reluctantly.


    Without even looking back, Sadie waved her hand and whispered to Annika, "Keep an eye on Micah and see if he leaves Noble Summit Estate." "Got it." Annika immediately left from behind.


    Meanwhile, Micah had changed his clothes and was driving out with Andrew, n, and two bodyguards.


    To avoid drawing attention, they used the car assigned to the bodyguards.


    "Micah, do you want to go to Blissful Lane 1 to retrieve the Pagani?" n, familiar with his habits, asked.


    "No need." Micah nced at his watch. "Changing the tires of a Pagani costs a lot of money, something a regr waiter can''t afford."


    "That''s rue." n suddenly realized.


    "You were supposed to pursue Arya, but it seems you haven''t made any progress." Micah remembered this matter.


    "I, I didn''t have the chance tonight." n''s face turned red all of a sudden.


    Micah frowned.


    "Micah, this is indeed a bit difficult for n," Andrew cautiously advised, "He has been following you since he was thirteen. Now he''s only twenty-one. He has never been with a woman, and he doesn''t know how to pursue girls at all." "That''s right." Micah nodded. "I should ask you to do this task. You''ve been hanging out with me at the Night Club for so long, and you''re much more experienced than n."


    Andrew widened his eyes, not expecting that defending for n would get him in trouble.


    "Alright. It''s settled," Micah decisively ordered, pointing at Andrew, "You''re in charge of pursuing Annika." "And n pursue Arya."


    "I..." n was flustered but dared not say more.


    "Annika is hot-tempered, arrogant and unreasonable. Every time I see her, I grind my teeth in anger, and you want me to pursue her." Andrew was at his wit''s end. "Micah, have mercy on me."


    "There''s no love without friction. She''s deliberately trying to get your attention. Understand?" Micah exined.


    Andrew looked bewildered. "Really?"


    "When I say it will, it will." Micah was very assertive. "Do you want to disobey orders?"


    "I dare not." Andrew looked helpless but had toply.


    n looked at him with sympathetic eyes. The boys looked at each other, their eyes full of helplessness toward life.


    At the same time, Sadie changed her clothes, ready to get in the car. Annika hurriedly came to report, "Micah left, and he didn''t take the Rolls-Royce but drove a Mercedes used by the bodyguards. Here''s the license te photo." Annika handed the phone to Sadie.


    Sadie nced at the license te number and memorized it. Tonight, she would verify whether Micah was Male or not.


    If Micah dared to y tricks on her, he would be in big trouble.


    Micah put on a mask and arrived at the Night Club, which was bustling with people every day and very lively.


    He was already tired of this kind of noise, but because he could see Sadie soon, he was somewhat looking forward to it.


    He checked the time. He was ten minutes early.


    He went to his balcony, carefully checking if there was anything suspicious about him.


    He immediately noticed the wound on his neck.


    It was such an obvious wound. She must have noticed it before. The reason she didn''t suspect it was probably due to her inherent trust and reliance on Male.


    However, if she were to have any suspicions, that would be troublesome.


    Thinking of this, Micah took out a dagger and modified the wound on his neck.


    "Micah, what are you doing?" Andrew asked in astonishment.


    "No nonsense, get the first aid kit," Micah ordered.


    "Got it." Andrew quickly fetched the medical kit and removed the gauze and hemostatic medicine to treat Micah.


    Micah transformed the bite wound on his neck into a knife wound, making it lookpletely different from before, and re-bandaged it.

 Chapter 811 Leaving a Mark

    "Micah!" n hurriedly reported, "They''re here. The car just parked."


    "Okay." Micah made a gesture, and the bodyguards immediately withdrew.


    He dealt with the bloodstains, walked out of the balcony, deliberately walked into the dance floor, and went to the bar for a drink.


    Sadie, apanied by several female bodyguards, entered the Night Club. Wherever she went, her presence was formidable and could not be underestimated.


    In the crowded crowd, she seemed to hear someone calling her. She turned back to look but didn''t see a familiar face, so she ignored it and went straight to her balcony. At the same time, she was about to call Male when suddenly a hand embraced her shoulder from behind.


    She turned around and saw him!


    "You''rete." Micah ruffled her hair. Only with this identity could he be so close to her.


    "I was dyed a few minutes on the way," Sadie said, looking up at him. Her gaze fell on the wound on his neck, and she asked deliberately, "What happened here?" "A dog bit me." Micah raised an eyebrow mischievously.


    "You''re teasing me." Sadie narrowed her eyes coldly.


    Micah smiled without saying a word and led her to the box.


    "I''ll check your wound." Sadie sat on the sofa,manding forcefully.


    "Do it yourself." Micah leaned over his neck.


    Sadie uncovered the gauze and saw the wound. She was stunned to find it was a knife wound, not a bite.


    "What happened?" Sadie frowned.


    "I got into a fight with someone and identally got cut." Micah reattached the gauze. "Luckily, I dodged quickly. Otherwise, you wouldn''t see me now." "Be more careful next time." Sadie chose to believe him, feeling self-reproachful for being suspicious. "If there''s anything you can''t solve, tell me and I''ll help you." "There is!" Micah leaned back on the sofa, elegantly swaying his ss.


    "What?" Sadie looked at him.


    Micah took a sip of his drink, beckoned with his finger, and Sadie subconsciously leaned over. Micah suddenly kissed her, fed her the drink, and kissed her forcefully, forcing her to drink it. Annika and Arya quickly looked away and silently retreated.


    In the room, only Micah and Sadie were passionately kissing.


    Sadie angrily pounded his chest and pushed him hard but couldn''t push him away. Soon, she was forced to drink strong liquor and was bitten on the lips and passionately kissed by him. Micah''s kiss was rough and wild, but filled with deep love, quickly igniting the me in Sadie''s body.


    She melted in his arms like spring water, letting him greedily im her.


    The atmosphere heated up rapidly, and Micah''s hand slowly explored her wless legs, teasing subtly.


    Sadie was almost suffocated by his kiss. He finally let her go, his hot lips brushing her cheek, softly murmuring in her ear, "Remember, you are mine, forever."


    He wanted to leave a mark on her heart before she left.


    Sadie looked at him with a dazed expression. This sentence seemed familiar, as if someone had said it to her like this before.


    Micah kissed again. This time more like a storm, intense and passionate.


    He urgently wanted to possess her again, fearing that someone else might take her away.


    Sadie was frightened by his passion tonight, weakly pushing his chest with both hands.


    But his chest seemed as solid as a rock wall. She couldn''t push him away at all.


    Finally, her body waspromised,pletely beyond her control.


    Soon, Micah pressed her on the sofa and took off his pants, wanting to make love to her.


    "Let me in!" At this moment, a voice full of excitement suddenly came from outside. "I''m Sadie''s good friend Serena. She definitely remembers me!"

 Chapter 812: Things That Shouldnt Be Said

    Upon hearing that, the two individuals in the room were both taken aback.


    Micah furrowed his brow slightly. Serena was Sadie''s best friend, and she knew a lot about their past. If she identally mentioned some things back then, Sadie might misunderstood. "I''ll need to use the restroom."


    Micah got up and walked into the balcony''s restroom to message Andrew.


    Sadie straightened her clothes and got up to check outside. "What''s going on?"


    "Ms. James, she said she''s your friend."


    "Sadie!" When Serena saw Sadie, tears welled up in her eyes. "It''s really you! I''m not dreaming, am I?"


    Sadie looked at the girl in front of her, feeling a bit stunned. The face seemed somewhat familiar, evenforting, but she couldn''t recall who she was.


    "Sadie, you don''t remember me! I''m Serena." Serena held Sadie''s hand, crying. "Where have you and Brenda been these past two years? I''ve been looking for you everywhere." "Brenda!" Sadie was taken aback. "You know Brenda?"


    "Of course, I know Brenda. Sadie, what''s wrong with you!" Serena eximed, "You seem not to recognize me. I''m your best friend, Serena. My mother used to be the nanny for your family, the Roth family. Your father sponsored my education. The Roth family has been our benefactor."


    "You still know the Roth family!"


    Sadie could now confirm that this girl was indeed her good friend.


    "Of course I do!" Serena looked at her in astonishment. "Your father''s name is Edmond. He was once the wealthiest man in Newark but was tragically killed by viins. You told me all of this." "My father was murdered!"


    Sadie''s eyes widened in shock. In an instant, fragmented memories shed through her mind, causing her intense pain as if an axe was splitting her head.


    She clutched her head in pain, her face turning pale.


    "Sadie, what''s wrong with you? Are you sick?" Serena anxiously supported her.


    "What else do you know?" Sadie grabbed her hand and asked.


    "I... I know you got married, and your husband..." Serena''s words were cut off as the room''s door suddenly swung open. Micah, wearing a mask, emerged, exuding a chilling aura like a devil from hell. Upon seeing him, Serena froze, her eyes widening in shock and fear.


    "What''s wrong with you!" Micah reached out, embracing Sadie gently and tenderly.


    Sadie didn''t resist, leaning against him meekly.


    Witnessing this scene, Serena panicked and retreated. She couldn''t understand why Sadie didn''t recognize her and why she was with this demon.


    "Serena!" At that moment, Jonny hurried over, pulling Serena away. "Lucian has been looking for you everywhere. Come with me."


    He then bowed to Micah and Sadie, smiling and apologizing, "Mr. Clemens, Ms. James, I''m sorry for the disturbance."


    "What!" Serena was puzzled and asked Jonny, "What did you call Sadie?"


    "You''ve mistaken her. That''s Ms. James from The James Group, not your friend," Jonny exined. "You know The James Group, right? A prominent family in E country, on par with the Clemens Group." "What are you saying? That''s clearly Sadie."


    "Alright, let''s stop here. I''ve told you that you''ve mistaken her. Lucian is such a person. I reminded her not to speak carelessly, yet she brought you back..."


    Jonny dragged Serena away.


    In the shadows, Andrew kept an eye on Jonny. He received a message from Micah and immediately went to find Jonny to take Serena away, unsure if it was in time and if Serena had said something she shouldn''t have told to Sadie.

 Chapter 813 Low-End Player

    "Don''t leave!" Sadie wanted to keep Serena, but she had a severe headache. She held her head, struggling to say, "Keep that girl."


    "Ms. James, what did you say?" Annika didn''t hear clearly.


    "It''s too noisy here. I''ll take her somewhere quiet to rest.."


    Micah picked up Sadie and took her away.


    Annika and Arya hurriedly followed, but soon Micah''s figure disappeared.


    Annika and Arya were frightened and searched everywhere for Sadie.


    Micah carried Sadie from behind, and Sadie was in pain and dazed.


    At this moment, n had driven the Pagani over and tossed the car keys from a distance to him.


    Micah took the car keys, put Sadie in the car, took off his coat and draped it over her, and then drove away quickly.


    Watching the car''s receding figure, n asked in confusion, "Didn''t Micah say we can''t drive the Pagani now? He also mentioned that ordinary waiters can''t afford to have the Pagani''s tires changed."


    "Ms. James suspects Micah. Maybe she has already sent someone to watch us when we leave. If we use another car now, she will be even more suspicious," Andrew exined in a low voice. "Alright, you go hold Annika and Arya, I''ll go find Jonny." "Why me?"


    "Of course, it''s you. Don''t let anyone recognize you." Andrew handed n a ck fox mask. "Exclusive for Night Club waiters!"


    After driving for half an hour, Sadie finally recovered a bit, opened her eyes dazedly, looked around, and found herself in the Pagani. She asked, "Where did the money for the tire changee from?"


    "I sold my Mercedes," Micah answered seriously.


    "Didn''t I give you some money?" Sadie rubbed her temples.


    "I was afraid you would go back, so I didn''t dare to use them." Micah joked.


    Sadie smiled, looked in the rearview mirror, and found that Annika and Arya hadn''t followed. She took out her phone to call Annika but found that her phone was dead.


    "Do you need to call with my phone?" Micah handed her his phone.


    "No need," Sadie declined, "Take me to Frostpeak Mountain."


    "Not going to Noble Summit?" Micah turned to look at her.


    "Not anymore. I''m going back tomorrow." Sadie stared at her watch, her gaze somewhatplicated. "When you took me out just now, weren''t my bodyguards following us?"


    "They were, but somehow they got lost," Micah answered naturally. It had to be said that the current Sadie was much more alert than she was two years ago. Even if he acted more wlessly than before, she would still find some clues. "Rubbish," Sadie muttered.


    "You look fierce when you''re angry." Micah gently pinched her cheek. "I''m here and I can protect you."


    Just as he said that, several ck SUVS chased from behind.


    Micah was about to elerate to shake them off when Sadie suddenly said, "Slow down."


    "What?" Micah was puzzled.


    Sadie directly grabbed the steering wheel and pulled the car to the side of the road.


    Micah had to slow down and parked the car by the roadside.


    The five ck SUVs quickly surrounded the Pagani, and the people who got out were all young thugs, each holding a weapon, looking fierce and menacing.


    Micah knew at a nce that they were not Nick''s people, nor were they henchmen of any high-end enemies. Could it be...


    "You scum, get out of the car!" The leader of the men arrogantly shouted.


    Sadie didn''t get out of the car, she just opened the car''s convertible top.


    The silver Pagani convertible slowly opened, under the cold light, Sadie''s cold face carried a chilling coldness, raising her chin slightly, she stared coldly at them. "Who sent you here?"


    "Think about it yourself. Who did you offend." The group of men with weapons approached step by step. "Tonight, I''ll show you how to spell death!"

 Chapter 814 Come at Me Together

    Sadie smirked, showing no intention of engaging in a fight, as if these people weren''t worth her effort.


    "Do you want them to live or die?" Micah unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.


    "Half-dead is fine!" Sadie nced at the group and then looked down at her watch. "Twenty people. Is twenty minutes enough for you?" "Plenty!" Micah walked to the front of the car and gestured. "Come at me together!"


    "Arrogant!"


    The leader of the thugs gritted his teeth and shouted angrily, while hisckeys brandished iron rods and charged forward.


    Micah kicked, sending the one in front flying twenty feet back, crashing into the others behind.


    The rest stood in shock, frozen in ce and hesitant to advance.


    "What are you standing around for? Catch them!" the leader barked, "There''s no way all of us can''t take down him!"


    Armed with knives, they took a couple of steps forward, but upon seeing Micah''s cold gaze, they hesitated and stepped back. "Cowards, do you still want money?"


    The leader swung his iron rod and charged, with the others following suit.


    Micah nced at his watch, ready for a swift resolution.


    The headlights of the Pagani illuminated the scene like a grand stage. Sadie reclinedzily in her seat, eyes closed, feeling the lingering headache and a sense of weariness creeping in. The sounds of fighting, cursing, and screaming didn''t disturb her. She remained immersed in her world, quietly at peace.


    "Go grab that woman. Hurry up."


    The leader and a dozen others besieged Micah.


    Two thugs turned and rushed to grab Sadie with their knives.


    A sharp sense of danger approached.


    Sadie slowly opened her eyes, a sh of silver passing by. Just as the de was about to reach her neck, a swift wind intervened, disarming the attacker. Soon after, screams rang out. Some blood sttered on Sadie''s face.


    She furrowed her brows slightly, showing a hint of displeasure in her eyes.


    But in the next moment, Micah had dealt with the twenty thugs, bodies strewn under the light of the car.


    Sadie nced at her watch-it had only taken thirteen minutes!


    He was unarmed but fought against twenty armed assants. This speed was impressive!


    Micah pped his hands, looked at the bloodied car hood, and frowned. "It needs a wash!"


    "And clothes need changing," Sadie remarked, lifting her chin.


    Micah looked down at his clothes, which were stained with blood.


    He never killed people. He merely injured the two thugs who had tried to harm Sadie, teaching them a lesson, but blood was still shed. "Get in the car," Sadie urged.


    As Micah got in, he nced at a silver Rolls-Royce approaching in the distance. Annika, Arya, and others hurriedly got out to deal with the remaining thugs.


    "Within an hour, I want to know who ordered this," Sadie demanded.


    "Yes. Ms. James." Annika and Arya nodded inpliance.


    Sadie closed the convertible top, and Micah drove away.


    The night was quiet.


    Micah handed Sadie a few tissues.


    Sadie gently wiped the blood off her face and suddenly asked, "Who are you?"


    Micah paused for a moment and then turned to her. "Who do you think I should be?"


    "You can''t be just a regr waiter." Sadie cut to the chase. "I believe you won''t harm me, but I want to know, what is your purpose in getting close to me?" "I want you back by my side."


    Micah spoke without hesitation, expressing his deepest feelings.


    Upon hearing this, Sadie was stunned. She had many spections but never expected this answer.

 Chapter 815 Secret Contest

    The atmosphere suddenly grew quiet.


    Sadie''s initial expression was shock, but then she fell silent.


    Micah also remained silent, driving quietly.


    Soon, the car arrived at the foot of Frostpeak Mountain.


    Micah parked the car by the roadside. He opened the convertible top, reclined the seat, and looked up at the sky.


    Sadie nced at her watch, leaned back in her seat, and quietly gazed at the brilliant starry sky.


    Both of them were quiet, not saying a word.


    A gentle breeze blew, stirring Sadie''s hair and agitating herplex thoughts.


    "Do you believe me?" Micah suddenly asked.


    "Based on my intuition and feelings, I do believe you," Sadie honestly replied. "But from a rational perspective, there are many aspects of you that are questionable."


    "Sometimes reason is not urate." Micah turned to look at her. "You should trust your intuition."


    "Many mistakes are made based on intuition." Sadie smiled bitterly. "I lost a segment of my memory. The doctor said it was too painful, so after a severe injury, my brain selectively forgot it."


    She turned to look at him. "I forgot many people and things, but I remember you. My feelings for you are beautiful and warm. I don''t think you have caused me pain!"


    Faced with this question, Micah didn''t know how to answer.


    "If there is, you better tell me honestly." Sadie remained calm. "if your mistakes are not serious, perhaps I will choose to forgive you."


    "You won''t..."


    Micah''s words stopped halfway, and he retracted them.


    "It seems like there really is."


    Sadie squinted, looking at him with aplex gaze.


    At this moment, the sound of a car came from a distance. Annika and Arya arrived.


    "I''m going back to the country tomorrow, and it may be a while before I return." Sadie raised her lips, making herself appear less indifferent. "You can take the car. I won''t ask for the money back. Feel free to use it." "Will youe back to me?" Micah looked at her gently.


    "Let''s talk about itter."


    Sadie unbuckled her seatbelt, ready to get out of the car, when Micah suddenly grabbed her head and kissed her.


    Sadie had intended to push him away, but his kiss and his breath always made her body instinctively ept, so the hand that was originally pushing his shoulder gradually softened.


    Micah''s kiss was filled with intense emotions and a delicate tenderness. He wanted her to remember him in this way.


    Even after a dozen days apart, she couldn''t forget him.


    After a long time, Micah finally reluctantly let go of Sadie, holding her face with one hand and gently rubbing her lips with his thumb. "Remember, you are my girlfriend, forever." This sentence was like a spell and he wanted her to remember it firmly.


    Sadie''s expression was slightly stunned, but she quickly reacted, opening the door and getting out of the car. "I''m leaving, goodbye!"


    Micah watched her leave, feeling reluctant and uneasy.


    Sadie could feel someone watching her from behind, but she didn''t turn back. She just got into the car.


    The silver Rolls-Royce sped away.


    Micah withdrew his gaze, picked up his phone, and called Andrew, "I''m under Frostpeak Mountain."


    "I''ll be right there."


    Sadie looked at Micah through the rearview mirror until his figurepletely disappeared from her sight. She then withdrew her gaze and asked, "Did you find that girl?"


    "We went after you immediately but were stopped by some strange people," Annika reported, bowing her head. "Then Arya and I split up. She went to find you, and I went to find the girl named Serena, but she miraculously disappeared." "What did Jonny say?" Sadie frowned.


    "Jonny insisted that Serena left the Night Club, but he doesn''t know where she went," Annika replied cautiously, "We searched the Night Club for a long time, but couldn''t find Serena, and even Lucian was nowhere to be found."

 Chapter 816 Secret Contest 2

    Upon hearing these words, Sadie remained silent, just lowering her gaze as she pondered.


    "Ms. James, please don''t be angry," Annika said hastily as she saw her dark expression, "I have arranged for people to search for Serena with all their might, and we will definitely find her." "Have you noticed that someone has been ahead of us this whole time?" Sadie dangerously narrowed her eyes. "He seems to know my whereabouts very well." "Ms. James, who are you talking about?" Annika asked in confusion.


    Sadie didn''t answer, remained silent for a moment, and then asked again, "Have you found the information about Micah''s marriage two years ago?"


    "No," Annika reported cautiously. I don''t know why. The information that was always avable online, when we tried to check, had all been wiped clean." "Very well." Sadie chuckled coldly.


    Annika and Arya exchanged fearful nces, unable to understand the meaning behind Sadie''s smile.


    "Go and bring Jonny to me," Sadie suddenlymanded.


    "Yes." Annika immediately made a call to have it done.


    Sadie took out her phone, spinning it in her palm, and slowly said, "I remember my phone being fully charged when I left."


    "Yes, the phone was charging when you left, and I unplugged it," Arya affirmed, "Now it''s out of battery! Is it broken?"


    Sadie didn''t say anything. Just plugged the phone into the car charger and then ordered, "The Pagani has a tracker installed. Go check its location." Annika hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "Yes."


    ...


    Micah tossed the Pagani''s car keys to n. "Drive to Blissful Lane 1."


    "Yes." n drove off quickly.


    "Micah, should we go home or back to Noble Summit?" Andrew opened the car door, inviting Micah in.


    "Back to Noble Summit," Micah took off his mask, looked up, and asked, "Is Serena taken care of?"


    "Yes." Andrew nodded. She''s a friend of Ms. James, so we dare not harm her. We''ve temporarily kept her in the suburban vi, cut off contact, and have someone watching over her. Because Lucian also knows Ms. James and is close to Serena, we''re afraid he might know something, so we''ve locked him."


    "We must not let Sadie see Serena," Micah solemnly instructed, "Once I send Grandpa Clemens away and find Dr. Henry, I''ll exin everything to her."


    "If you tell her the truth so early, will she forgive you?" Andrew asked nervously.


    "I wanted to wait a bit longer and handle everything, but now it seems we can''t dy any longer." Micah frowned. "Sadie is exceptionally clever now. I can''t hide anything from her. I''m afraid she''s already investigating me, that Pagani must have a tracker."


    "Isn''t that dangerous for n?" Andrew asked anxiously.


    "No." Micah was certain. "Even if she knew something, she wouldn''t act recklessly."


    "That''s good," Andrew said, feeling somewhat uneasy, "What if Ms. James tracks to Blissful Lane 1, and upon arrival, she remembered that she and the children lived there? After all, the house still retains its original appearance, filled with photos of her, Brenda, and the children."


    "She will find out sooner orter," Micah said lightly, "It''s a good thing for her to know under my guidance."


    "Once she knows these things, she''ll be able to trace her rtionship with you." Andrew frowned. "Seeing Ms. James''s current momentum, if she learns about those things from the past, she might officially dere war on you!" "With three children present, she won''t." Micah rotated the wedding ring on his hand. "Once Grandpa Clemens leaves, I''ll have the children to meet her first to evoke her maternal instincts."

 Chapter 817 Micahs Conspiracy

    "Exactly, that''s a good idea." Andrew nodded repeatedly. "Ms. James loves children. For the sake of the child, she will definitely change her mind."


    "I''m racing against time now." Micah looked worried. "If I can get Grandpa Clemens out of the way before she regains her memory, find Dr. Henry, and let the child get closer to her, she might soften up. But if she regains her memory first and remembers all the harm the Clemens family has brought to her, she will probably find it hard to forgive me. And with her current temper, she will definitely stop at nothing to take custody of the child!"


    "That would be disastrous," Andrew said anxiously, "Once the James and the Clemens families openly sh, it will be an all-out conflict with no resolution in sight.."


    Micah''s expression turned serious. He could already sense that Sadie''s emotions and intuition were being suppressed by reason, and she was beginning to doubt him. Moreover, he had made many mistakes tonight, and she would surely investigate him.


    On the other side, Sadie looked at the starry sky outside the window, her gaze somewhat cold.


    Annika answered a call and reported, "Ms. James, the Paganini has arrived at the underground parking lot at Blissful Lane 1."


    Sadie was slightly startled. He had taken her to Blissful Lane 1 before, saying it used to be their home.


    So, this didn''t necessarily mean he was suspicious.


    Perhaps he had already hinted at something, wanting her to know, but she was unwilling to uncover the truth and confront to know about those painful past events.


    "Ms. James, should we send someone up to check?" Annika asked cautiously.


    "No need," Sadie still didn''t want to face the past, changing the subject. "Have you found out who was behind the attack on me?"


    "Yes. It''s Amelia!" Annika presented the information.


    "As I expected." Sadie''s mouth curved into a mocking smile. "Last time I pped her, she clearly didn''t learn her lesson!"


    After a pause, she ordered, "Inform the Business Department tounch a full-scale attack on the Lingston Group!"


    "Yes!" Annika quickly ryed themand.


    By now, the car had reached halfway up the mountain, and Sadie''s phone was fully charged and turned on. Seeing a text message, her look changed drastically, and she quickly made a call. Soon, the call was answered.


    "Hello!"


    "Good morning, cousin!"


    It was 2:30 in the morning in Newark, and 7:30 in E country.


    "Your phone is rarely turned off."


    Tristan''s voice came through the phone, seemingly calm but carrying a subtle air of authority.


    "I had a bit of a situation," Sadie exined, "I''ll be back tomorrow."


    "Annika already reported it." Tristan always knew about her affairs. "It''s just a sports management pass. Such a trivial matter doesn''t warrant you making a special trip. I''ll have someone send it over!" "Thank you, cousin." Sadie smiled. "But you''ll spoil me this way. I wanted to handle it myself."


    "You still haven''t figured it out," Tristan interrupted Sadie, gently reminding her, "Micah sending you back to E country has a different purpose."


    "Are you saying...?" Sadie suddenly realized. "He deliberately sent me away."


    "I''ve taught you for two years, and your reaction is still slow." Tristan''s tone was slightly displeased.


    "I''m sorry." Sadie both respected and feared this cousin.


    "Think carefully about what you should do next."


    With that, Tristan left this statement and hung up directly.


    Sadie sat on the sofa, frowning. She had almost fallen into Micah''s conspiracy.


    But why did Micah send her away?


    "Ms. James, the private jet is ready," Arya reported.


    "Cancel it," Sadie ordered but then quickly added, "No, let it take off on time. We just won''t board."


    Arya and Annika exchanged puzzled nces, not quite understanding.


    "Let Micah think we''ve left." Sadie narrowed her eyes. "I want to see what he''s up to."

 Chapter 818 Smart Ella

    Micah returned to the Noble Summit Ranch. It was already past three in the morning.


    The hot spring hotel was quiet. Everyone was asleep.


    Micah unbuttoned his coat hastily and went upstairs. When he passed by E''s room, he nced inside but saw no movement.


    Back in his room, the bodyguard came to report, "Oliver and Ethan didn''t see Ms. James. Ms. Lingston should have seen her, but she didn''t ask or say anything. After you left, she stayed in her room and hasn''te out since." "Alright." Micah nodded and made a gesture for the bodyguard to leave.


    That night, Micah had a nightmare. He dreamt that Sadie led people to break into the Clemens family, killed Grandpa Clemens, took the child away, and pointed a gun at him, saying with deep hatred, "Micah, all of this is because of you. I want you to go to hell and apologize to Brenda."


    A gunshot rang out.


    Micah woke up abruptly, opened his eyes, and looked around in panic.


    His forehead was covered in sweat.


    There was a knock on the door, and Andrew''s voice came from outside. "Mr. Clemens, I have something to report."


    Micahposed himself, got up, and put on his robe. "Come in."


    Andrew entered and reported with a lowered voice, "I received news that Ms. James left for the airport early this morning. Also, the Lingston Group''s stocks plummeted overnight, several major shareholders withdrew their investments, and Grandpa Clemens asked you to call him."


    "It seems that Amelia was really the one who sent people to chase Sadiest night." Micah lowered his gaze. "She''s truly foolish, thinking Sadie is as easy to deal with as before."


    "Ms. James was quite ruthless too." Andrew sighed. "The Lingston Group is in chaos now. Grandpa Clemens called me early in the morning, saying your phone was unanswered and asked me to inform you to return as soon as possible." "Why should I go back? The James Group is dealing with them. It''s none of our business." Micah''s expression darkened. "Even if I go back, I can''t interfere in this matter."


    "Perhaps he wants you to help the Lingston Group," Andrew cautiously suggested, "Ms. Lingston is waiting downstairs. Mr. Lingston sent a car to pick her up." "Ask her to wait for a moment. I''lle soon," Micah instructed.


    "Yes." Andrew exited.


    Micah quickly freshened up, changed clothes, and then went downstairs.


    Several medical staff were packing up, and E was organizing her medical kit. When she saw Micah, she quickly stood up, looking at him uneasily.


    Micah gestured for everyone to leave, leaving only him and E in the room.


    "I''ve been busy with work these days and haven''t taken care of you properly. I''m sorry." Micah finally spoke.


    "No, I''ve caused you trouble." E hurriedly gestured in signnguage. "I hope I didn''t cause you any inconvenience."


    "It''s not much trouble." Micah looked deeply at her. "But what did you seest night?"


    There was a hidden meaning in Micah''s words.


    He knew that E often visited the Clemens family and must have seen Sadie''s photo. She met Sadiest night, and there must be many doubts in her mind. What she thought didn''t matter. What mattered was that this matter couldn''t be known to anyone.


    "I saw Joe and his friend." E gestured in signnguage. "I was a bit rude at the time. I panicked and rushed out without even saying hello to them. It was rude."


    "It''s alright." Micah smiled slightly. E was indeed clever and knew what to say.


    E took out a delicate box, handed it to Micah, and then gestured. "This is the aromatherapy essential oil I blended myself. Light it up in your room at night. It helps with sleep." "Thank you." Micah took the item. "I''ll walk you out."

 Chapter 819 The Lingston Family Crisis

    After seeing off E, Micah set off back to thepany.


    On the way, Rn called and reported, "I''ve been following the Johnson family. They did go to the airport, but I didn''t follow them further to avoid being noticed." "Very good." Micah breathed a sigh of relief. With Sadie back in the U.S., he now could focus on other matters.


    After hanging up, Micah called Grandpa Clemens.


    "I''ve called you ten times, and you never answer. Is your phone not working?"


    "As soon as you start scolding, no one wants to answer your calls."


    "You!"


    "Alright. No nonsense." Micah got to the point. "I just sent E off and I''m on my way back to thepany."


    "How are things with E?" Grandpa Clemens was most interested in this topic.


    "You know," Micah said, "Oliver and Ethan should have briefed you on the details of the past few days."


    Grandpa Clemens was furious. "You, this jerk, always contradict me."


    "I''m just stating the facts." Micah softened his tone. "If you must know, we get along fine. She is gentle and amodating. I actually think she could be a good wife." "That''s good." Grandpa Clemens was overjoyed. "You''re getting older, and the kids need a mother. If you marry E soon, I''ll be at ease."


    "Marriage is not a joke. Let''s spend some more time together before deciding," Micah said lightly.


    "Of course." Grandpa Clemens agreed wholeheartedly. "I just hope you can move on from the past and try to get along with E. I won''t rush you into marriage." "Alright," Micah responded, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up."


    "I haven''t finished speaking." Grandpa Clemens said coldly, "Have you seen the news about The Lingston family?"


    "I have a rough idea, but I haven''t had time to look into it," Micah said casually.


    "I did some research. It''s The James Group suppressing the Lingston Group from behind." Grandpa Clemens''s tone was serious. "Two years ago, Tristan tried to win over the Lingston Group, but I stopped him. When our Clemens Group was in trouble, your uncle Lingston took the risk of offending The James Group and stood firmly by our Clemens family''s side, protecting us. Now, for some reason, The James Group has suddenly started to suppress the Lingston Group. Our Clemens family cannot sit idly by."


    "Do you want me to intervene?" Micah frowned. "I don''t see a reason to!"


    "So you can''t be too obvious," Grandpa Clemens cautioned, "Just help them quietly."


    "I can''t get involved in this matter." Micah was very decisive. "Amelia is arrogant, offending The James family, and the James family will surely leave her no way out. There''s no reason for me to intervene." "What do you mean!" Grandpa Clemens was stunned. "You know the reason behind this!"


    "I have a rough idea. Anyway, it''s something Amelia brought upon herself," Micah said, "You don''t need to worry about this matter. If Nelson asks for your help, let hime to me."


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens sounded somewhat helpless. "Since I''ve handed over the Clemens Group to you, I shouldn''t interfere too much."


    "You''re right to think that way." Micah was relieved. I''ll hang up now. Take care of yourself!"


    "Okay."


    After hanging up, Micah furrowed his brows. He suddenly realized a problem. Both Amelia and E had met Sadie before. If they told Grandpa Clemens this secret to save themselves, it would be troublesome. Just then, Micah''s phone rang. It was a call from Nelson.


    He hesitated for a moment before answering, "Uncle Lingston."


    "Micah, are you avable? I want to talk to you."


    "Come to my office before ten o''clock. I will leave half an hour for you."


    "Okay, I''lle see you right away."

 Chapter 820 The One Who Tied the Bell Must Untie It

    Micah had just sat down in his office when Nelson showed up.


    Chloe poured Nelson coffee, prepared iced wine for Micah, and then quietly withdrew.


    "Micah. I''m really sorry to disturb you so early." Nelson rarely asked for help in his life, so he seemed very awkward. "Technically, I shouldn''t bother you. But Grandpa Clemens said that all matters of the Clemens Group are entrusted to you, and he told me toe directly to you if I had any issues, so..."


    "Uncle Lingston," Micah said directly, "It''s an urgent moment now, and I don''t want to waste your time. I''ll get straight to the point. You are an experienced businessman. You should already know who is behind the downfall of the Lingston Group. To resolve this matter, you need to confront the person who caused it. You should go to the source to solve it."


    "I have found out, but I can''t figure it out. Why did The James Group suddenlye to suppress us, the Lingston Group?" Nelson looked troubled. "The only connection between our Lingston family and the James family is that incident two years ago. But it''s been so long. They wouldn''t retaliate against us for that, would they?"


    "You need to go back and ask your precious daughter, Amelia," Micah said meaningfully. "You mean..." Nelson was shocked. "Amelia offended someone from the James family!" Micah smiled faintly without saying a word.


    Nelson was furious, his face turning pale. He hurriedly left, calling his subordinates as he walked, "Did Amelia just go to the airport? Stop her immediately!"


    "Ms Amelia Lingston really knows how to stir up trouble." Andrew couldn''t help but sigh. "Knowing she''s in trouble, she wants to escape abroad. Fortunately, Nelson came to you. Otherwise, Amelia would have run away."


    "Even if he knows now, what can he do?" Micah mocked coldly. "With Nelson''s temperament, he will probably end up softening, swallowing his pride, and finding other ways to patch up the holes."


    "Now that you''ve pointed him in the right direction, it''s up to him." Andrew nced at the time. "Mr. Wood and the others have just arrived. They''re waiting for you in the office."


    "Alright, I''ll go over immediately." Micah returned to his desk, signed some documents, and urged, "Ask Rn if he has found out Dr. Henry''s whereabouts." "Okay."


    Micah hadn''t had breakfast yet. After signing several important documents, he went to the meeting room to meet with Mr. Wood and the others and then dealt with issues regarding new technological products. Micah took a brief rest during lunchtime. Rn hurriedly came to report, "We''ve found Dr. Henry. He''s still in Avalis but has just moved to a different location."


    "Send me his address," Micah immediately put down his utensils and ordered, "Prepare a private jet to go to Avalis."


    "Okay." Andrew went to make arrangements right away.


    Micah finished the wine in his cup, then put on his suit jacket, and walked out quickly.


    Rn followed beside him, reporting, "I intercepted Serena''s phone data, retrieved Serena''s contact address from it, and found their conversation on WeChat. Dr. Henry has woken up, but he''s been paralyzed in bed since that car ident, being cared for by an apprentice."


    "How is Serena doing?" Micah asked.


    "She''s very emotional, constantly cursing you, saying you plotted against Ms. James and Brenda, and now want to imprison her. I have someone keeping an eye on him. She won''t cause trouble for now. But I''m afraid her mental state may deteriorate over time."


    "We can''t keep her locked up for long." Micah nced at his watch. He probably wouldn''t be able to wait until the children finished school.


    He hurried home to grab his luggage and documents, only to find Noah ying chess with Grandpa Clemens in the study. Both of them were surprised to see Micah return.


    "How did they fare?" Micah changed into more casual andfortable clothes.


    "It ended in a tie." Noah looked up at Micah. "Dad, why are you back at this time?"

 Chapter 821 A Touch of Sentiment

    "I''m back to get my luggage and documents. I need to go out for a while." Micah rubbed Noah''s head. You go get something to eat, and I''ll talk to Grandpa Clemens for a bit." "Okay," Noah slid off the chair, reminding, "Grandpa Clemens, we''ll continue ying chesster."


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens looked affectionately at Noah.


    Noah left quickly with Coco in his arms.


    Andrew closed the study door and waited outside.


    "Why so sudden? Where are you going?" Grandpa Clemens asked.


    "I''m going to Crestonvale. There''s a situation at the base over there," Micah said lightly, "Uncle Lingston came to me. I gave him some hints, but for the specific situation, he has to rely on himself." "Alright, check the situation first." Grandpa Clemens didn''t push the issue. "Has E contacted you?"


    "No, she''s smart. She wouldn''t contact me over this."


    Micah said this from the heart.


    "Cherish E," Grandpa Clemens said, ncing at him. "Since things are settled here, I should go back to Country F."


    Micah finally heard Grandpa Clemens say this. These days at the hot spring hotel, he deliberately created ambiguity with E and even spent twote nights together. Supposedly, Oliver and Ethan have already told Grandpa Clemens everything.


    Now that he''s back, he repeatedly praised E, even sincerely, and Grandpa Clemens should believe it. That''s why he''s nning to go back to Country F.


    "It''s better to go back early. Newark''s climate is humid, and you never quite adapt when youe back. After things are settled here, I''ll take the kids to Country F to see you." Micah tried to show a hint of reluctance. "Alright, when youe back, I''ll leave." Grandpa Clemens nodded. "These days when you''re not at home, there''s no one to look after the kids. I''m worried about them."


    "It''s actually fine." Micah tried to make his words sound indifferent. "There''s a housekeeper and Dahlia, plus so many servants."


    "That''s different!" Grandpa Clemens stared at him. At least one close rtive should be around, so the kids can feel the love of family and then feel secure."


    "I''ll be back in two or three days." Micah was anxious, afraid he wouldn''t go back. "The kids are already this big. Leaving for two or three days won''t make them miss out on family care."


    "Are you looking forward to me leaving?" Grandpa Clemens red at him displeased.


    "No."


    "Fine," Grandpa Clemens immediately took over, coldly saying, "Once you''re done with your business, I''ll go back to Country F. I don''t like staying here. The air up the mountain is so humid, and my arthritis is acting up." Micah felt very helpless, but he had to go along with it, anyway, Grandpa Clemens had already said he''d leave when he came back, he shouldn''t go back on his word.


    Since Sadie isn''t here now, just two or three days, everything should be fine.


    Thinking of this, Micah nodded. "Alright, take care. You can have Oliver and the others pick up the kids, and you can rest more."


    "No. I''m already here. I naturally have to pick them up myself." Grandpa Clemens was very stubborn. "Alright. go on your trip."


    Micah turned and left. Arriving outside Noah''s door, he knocked. "Noah, it''s Dad."


    "Dad. I''ming."


    Noah was fiddling with the ck gold ring on the desk, thinking that with Dad going on a business trip, some of the bodyguards at home would leave, and the vignce would rx. Maybe Grandpa Clemens would also return to Country F, and then Mia''s reconnaissance team could execute the n to find Mommy.


    He quickly put away the ring, walked over, and opened the door. "Dad!"


    "Can Ie in?" Micah smiled at him.


    "Of course, pleasee in." Noah stepped aside, making a weing gesture.


    Micah entered the room, looked at the familiar decorations and the photo of the family of six on the wall, and felt a touch of sentiment.

 Chapter 822 Mommy Will Come Back

    This was the photo taken by Micah and Sadie at the beach when they got married. Their family of five, plus Coco and Brenda, actually a family of seven, were all smiling happily at the camera. Since then, this photo had been hanging in everyone''s room.


    Grandpa Clemens once ordered it to be taken down, but the three children vowed to defend it to the death, so he had to give up.


    Children of this age were said to be very forgetful, but they always remembered their Mommy and Grandma''s appearance and every little detail of being with them.


    "Daddy, do you miss Mommy?" Noah followed Micah''s gaze.


    "Yes." Micah sat down, his tall figure somewhat out of ce on the small sofa. "This sofa is too small for you. I''ll get you a bigger one."


    "Daddy, you say this every time youe into my room." Noah handed him a bottle of drink.


    Micah patted Noah''s little head. "Daddy will be going on a business trip soon. I may take two or three days toe back. You guys have to behave at home while I''m gone. Grandpa Clemens will take care of you. You can tell him if you need anything."


    "Is Grandpa Clemens not going back to Country F?" Noah frowned slightly.


    "When Daddyes back, Grandpa Clemens will leave." Micah pinched his cheek. "Seems like you''re also looking forward to Grandpa Clemens leaving?"


    "Yes, I am!" Noah nodded like a little adult.


    Micahughed.


    Noah was very simr to him in personality and speech. Although he didn''t talk much, he always got to the point.


    "Daddy should go now." Micah stood up.


    "Okay." Noah nodded. "Daddy, don''t worry, I''ll take care of Nathan and Mia."


    "You''re still a child. Take care of yourself. They have adults to look after them." Micah rubbed his little head. "Daddy hopes you can be carefree like Nathan and Mia!" "Thank you, Daddy." Noah felt touched.


    Micah got up to leave, but as he reached the door, Noah suddenly shouted, "Daddy!"


    Micah paused and turned to look at him.


    "They said you''re dating Ms. Lingston. Is that true?" Noah looked deeply at him.


    "No." Micah didn''t borate, just gave a simple and firm answer. "I only have your Mommy in my heart!"


    "That''s great." Noah breathed a sigh of relief. "If Mommyes back, you''ll be happy, right?"


    "Of course." A hopeful smile appeared on Micah''s face. "Mommy will be back with us soon."


    "Yes," Noah affirmed firmly. "Soon, we''ll be reunited as a family."


    Micah felt that Noah''s words were filled with unwavering confidence, and he couldn''t help but wonder if Noah knew something.


    "Alright, Daddy, you should go get busy," Noah reminded, "Andrew and Rn are waiting for you."


    "Okay, I''m off." Micah squatted down to hug him, then turned and left.


    Noah watched his back and thought to himself, ''Daddy, I will definitely find Mommy and bring her back.''


    "Noah." At this moment, Ss pushed Grandpa Clemens out of the room. "I''m going to pick up Nathan and Mia from school. Do you want toe along?"


    "I''m not going. I have a science ss in the afternoon," Noah replied briefly.


    Noah nced at the time on his watch. It was already past two.


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens didn''t think much of it, but still earnestly reminded, "You behave at home, and we''ll be back soon."


    "I know. You can rest assured," Noah obediently said, "I''ll see you off."


    "Okay. Thank you, Noah."


    Grandpa Clemens was very pleased. During this time, Noah''s attitude towards him had improved a lot, and the distance between them had been eliminated, as if they were back to how they used to be. He hoped it would stay that way.

 Chapter 823 Plan for Search Mommy 1

    Micah was about to get in the car when he noticed that Grandpa Clemens'' car was also pulling out. Ss was pushing Grandpa Clemens out, with Noah following beside them. "Where are you all going?" Micah asked.


    "I''m going to the school to pick up Nathan and Mia," Grandpa Clemens said.


    "It''s just past two o''clock. Isn''t it too early?" Micah nced at his watch.


    "There''s an open ss at school today. I''m going to attend and chat with the principal." Grandpa Clemens was very concerned about the children''s education and growth. "By the time we finish chatting, they''ll be done with school." "Alright." Micah helped Grandpa Clemens into the car, then prepared to lift Noah into the car, but Noah said, "I''m not going, I have a science ss in the afternoon."


    "Alright then." Micah patted his little head, then got into the car.


    "Bye, Dad. Bye, Grandpa Clemens!" Noah waved goodbye to them.


    "Noah!" Grandpa Clemens rolled down the car window and leaned out. "If Nathan and Mia want to go to the amusement park after school, I''ll have someone take you there to meet up with us."


    "Okay." Noah nodded in agreement, watching them leave.


    As the two cars slowly drove away, Noah nced around. Half of the bodyguards had left, and the surveince wasn''t as tight now. It was the perfect time to act.


    Noah returned to his room and messaged Nathan''s phone watch: [Call me after ss.]


    Then, Noah began to prepare.


    After that eagle destroyed his second mechanical pigeon, Noah researched a new secret weapon-the all-purpose micro-surveince device!


    It was a soybean-sized all-purpose micro-surveince device, mounted on Coco''s head, with the software directly connected to Noah''s phone. When he activated the function, the phone would disy what the surveince device captured. Moreover, this all-purpose micro-surveince device contained a small bead inside, capable of 360-degree all-angle shooting, not limited to one direction.


    Noah ced Coco on the desk, leaned towards it, and whispered, "Coco, it''s up to you to find Mommy!"


    "Mommy, Mommy!" Coco became somewhat excited when this name was mentioned.


    "Quiet!" Noah opened the window and let Coco out.


    Coco pped its wings and flew out.


    The bodyguards outside paid no attention to it.


    Noah immediately checked his phone. Good, Coco was flying towards the north of the hill.


    All the training he had given Coco during this time to adapt to the guidance function of this micro-surveince device had paid off, so it would follow the guidance to fly towards the north of the hill.


    Noah was excited. His new research was sessful, and as soon as he found an opportunity to slip out, he could go to the north of the hill. Maybe Mommy was there!


    Just as he was thinking, Noah''s phone watch suddenly vibrated. It was a call from Nathan, and he answered immediately, "Hello!"


    "Noah, are you looking for me?" There was some noise on Nathan''s end. He was clearly still in the ssroom.


    "Find a quiet ce to talk to me," Noah said.


    "Wait a moment." As soon as Nathan heard his tone, he knew it was serious, and he quickly ran to the rooftop. "There''s no one here. You can speak now."


    "Dad is on a business trip, and Grandpa Clemens went to pick you up, so I''m about to start Mia''s reconnaissance operation and implement the Mommy n," Noah said.


    "Are you alone? Let Mia and I join in," Nathan said excitedly.


    "Of course, the three of us will act together, so I''m assigning tasks to you now," Noah said seriously.


    "Alright, tell me what to do!" Nathan was very excited.


    "After Grandpa Clemens picks you up, you''ll say you want to go to the amusement park. Then Grandpa Clemens will call someone to send me over. By the time, I''ll find an opportunity to slip away. What you and Mia need to do is to hold off Grandpa Clemens. Don''t let hime back, and don''t let him send people to find me. Understand?"

 Chapter 824 Plan for Search Mommy 2

    Nathan paused for a moment, then nodded. "Understand. But it seems like we''re not doing anything, and you''re the only one carrying out the mission." "This is called cooperation," Noah exined very seriously, "You should have learned from books. This is one of the strategies."


    "Alright. Then be careful on you own." Nathan was somewhat worried.


    "I''m not alone. I''m with Coco," Noah said, with eyes fixed on Coco in the phone, "Don''t you remember? Coco is also a member of the reconnaissance team."


    "That''s right." Nathan remembered. The day they formed an alliance and created a reconnaissance team, Coco also ced its paw on top of their stacked hands, representing its participation.


    "Remember. You must dy Grandpa Clemens, so I have enough time to act," Noah reminded again, "Understand?"


    "Understand, Noah. You take care of yourself!" Nathan said worriedly.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll be fine," Noah assured him.


    After hanging up the phone, Noah continued to stare at Coco. Coco still wasn''t flying fast like a machine pigeon, mainly because it was kept indoors most of the time. Fortunately, during this period, he let it out to fly around, which slightly improved its speed.


    But it was still slow. At this rate, it might take a while to fly to the northern half of the mountain.


    However, it didn''t matter. Grandpa Clemens would still need some time to get to the school, and Noah also had to wait for the bodyguard to take him out before he could find an opportunity to slip to the northern half of the mountain. Otherwise, he wouldn''t even be able to leave the vi.


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door. The servant reported, "Mr. Noah Clemens, the science teacher is here."


    "Please bring him to the study. I''ll be there shortly," Noah instructed.


    "Alright."


    The servant left.


    Noah sent a voice message to Coco, "Coco, take a rest if you''re tired. There''s no need to rush. Make sure to stay safe, okay?"


    "Got it," came Coco''s response.


    Coco hadn''t flown this far in a long time, but it knew it had a heavy responsibility and kept flying forward.


    Now that Noah asked it to rest, it finally breathed a sigh of relief andnded on arge tree to rest.


    The versatile miniaturemunicator could shoot in 360 degrees without blind spots, directly connecting to Noah''s phone, and had navigation andmunication functions.


    Noah calcted the distance, it would take Coco a while to fly to the northern half of the mountain, so he took his phone along with him to his science lesson.


    "Noah, you can''t bring your phone to ss." the science teacher smiled.


    "Teacher, I''m waiting for an important call," Noah insisted. "It won''t affect the ss. You can rest assured."


    "Alright, then let''s begin."


    The science teacher started Noah''s ss.


    Meanwhile, Grandpa Clemens had already arrived at the school. They intended to attend the open ss quietly, but were noticed by the school leaders, and the principal and board members immediately came to greet them. To avoid affecting the open ss, Grandpa Clemens had to leave the ssroom early.


    When the open ss ended, Nathan and Mia came out of the ssroom with their ssmates and as they saw Grandpa Clemens, they ran over happily. "Grandpa Clemens, why are you here?"


    "Nathan! Mia!" Grandpa Clemens beamed when he saw them. "Grandpa Clemens is here to pick you up from school. After school, shall we go to the amusement park for dinner?" "Okay," Nathan and Mia replied in unison.


    "Then I''ll have someone escort Noah to join us." Grandpa Clemens gestured.


    Ss immediately called the family''s bodyguard.


    "Isn''t it too early now?" Nathan felt it was an hour early, which might affect Noah''s n, so he quickly suggested, "Why not pick up Noahter?"


    "It''s okay, today you can finish school early. After the open ss, it''s free entertainment time," the principal said warmly.

 Chapter 825 Plan for Search Mommy 3

    "Alright. Let''s leave early then." Grandpa Clemens patted Nathan''s head. "Your daddy is on a business trip. Noah must be bored at home alone. Let''s head to the amusement park early to meet him." "Okay." Nathan couldn''t refuse anymore and had to say, "Let me go get my backpack first."


    "Nathan, bring my backpack over here too." Mia was still unaware of the n.


    "Your backpack is so heavy. Carry it yourself." Nathan made an excuse to pull Mia along. "Come on. Let''s go together."


    "Hmph. Nathan is so annoying." Mia frowned in dissatisfaction.


    "Ask the teacher to help you carry them," the principal immediately suggested.


    "No need. Let them do it themselves," Grandpa Clemens said sternly, "Handling their own belongings is the educational principle of the Clemens family. Principal Stone, I hope you treat the children equally without any special treatment." "Of course." the principal nodded repeatedly.


    "You go on with your tasks. Don''t need to bid us farewell." Grandpa Clemens nced at the children and parents around. "Other parents and children are gathering around."


    Principal Stone and the board members looked at each other.


    "The head teacher stays, I have some questions. The rest can leave," Grandpa Clemens ordered seriously.


    "Yes, sir." Principal Stone and the board members had to bow, then quickly left.


    Grandpa Clemens had someone push him aside to not hinder other students and parents, then began to inquire about Nathan''s and Mia''s performance in school. Meanwhile, Nathan pulled Mia aside and told her about Noah''s n.


    Mia was shocked. "Isn''t it too dangerous for Noah to act alone? There''s a terrifying eagle on the north side of the hill. What if it attacks Noah likest time?"


    "I''m worried too." Nathan frowned with concern. "But Noah has everything nned out. We need to cooperate with him, or else this n will fail."


    "But!" Mia protested.


    "Don''t worry, I heard that eagle was seriously injuredst time. It shouldn''t pose any danger to Noah." Nathan reassured. "Now we need to cooperate well with him to not let his risk-taking go to waste." "Alright." Mia nodded repeatedly. "Since the n is moving up, quickly call Noah. I''ll grab the backpack and keep Grandpa Clemens upied."


    "Okay." Nathan hurried to call Noah.


    Meanwhile, at the Clemens family residence, Noah, was a bit distracted in his lessons today, asionally ncing at Coco on his phone. That bird was resting in a bird''s nest, almost falling asleep.


    Noah furrowed his brows, and felt speechless. Indeed, one could not rely on the bird!!!


    At that moment, Noah''s phone watch rang. It was a call from Nathan.


    "Noah, what are you doing?" The science teacher frowned at him.


    "My brother is calling," Noah said, raising his phone watch. "He doesn''t usually call me randomly. There must be something urgent. I''ll take this call first." "Alright." the science teacher had to pause the ss.


    Noah went to the restroom to answer, "Hello, Nathan!"


    "Noah, Grandpa Clemens has arranged for us to leave school early. Someone should be on their way to take you to the amusement park now. Your n is moving up," Nathan whispered, fearing others might overhear. "Got it. Let''s stick to the original n." Noah remained calm.


    "Be careful. If you encounter that eagle, shout for help, don''t force yourself," Nathan cautioned.


    "Don''t worry. It''s badly injured, and it can''t harm me," Noah said calmly, "You don''t need to worry about me, just focus on your undercover work."


    "Okay."


    After hanging up, Noah left the restroom. Just then, the bodyguard Oliver came to knock on the door. "Mr. Noah Clemens, Grandpa Clemens has asked me to take you to the amusement park to meet with them."

 Chapter 826 Plan for Search Mommy 4

    "Okay." Noah nodded and turned to the science teacher. "Sorry, teacher. Let''s end the ss here today. You can leave the courseware, and I will review it by myself."


    "Alright." The science teacher smiled bitterly. "Actually, these sses are too easy for you. You don''t need me to teach now. You understand the courseware just by looking at it. It seems I need to increase the difficulty." "Let''s adjust the schedule when Dades back." Noah signed the teacher''s schedule. "Thank you for your hard work. The tuition fee will be paid on time."


    "Thank you." The science teacher nodded with a smile.


    "Oliver. Please escort the teacher," Noah ordered naturally.


    "I need to send you to the amusement park to meet up with Grandpa Clemens. I will have someone else escort the teacher," Oliver said.


    "Because the ss ended early, the driver arranged for the teacher is not avable now. You can escort the teacher first, andter, Ethan can take me there as well." Noah spoke politely, addressing both the maid and the bodyguard with respect. However, his clear eyes contained a sense of authority that was not to be challenged.


    "Yes, sir." Oliver nodded quickly. "This way, please, teacher!"


    "Goodbye, Noah." The science teacher waved goodbye to Noah.


    "Goodbye." Noah watched them leave, feeling relieved.


    Last time Oliver escorted him home, he made an excuse for a stomach ache and ran away. If Oliver were to escort him again today, Oliver would be highly vignt, and Noah wouldn''t be able to escape. So, Noah found a way to get rid of Oliver.


    Noah returned to his room, changed into casual clothes, grabbed the small backpack he had prepared earlier, took his phone and some tools, put on sunsses, and prepared to leave.


    "Mr. Noah Clemens, the car is ready," Ethan said from outside.


    "Let''s go." Noah walked out of the room.


    "Mr. Noah Clemens, you are well-equipped today." Ethan smiled.


    "The amusement park has opened a rock climbing project and real-life CS. This outfit is more convenient." Noah spoke calmly andposedly, revealing no clues.


    "I see," Ethan said, trying to please Noah, "You''re so smart. I didn''t expect you to be interested in sports too."


    "Oliver is more reserved." Noah nced at him. Ethan''s face turned red, and he quickly shut up.


    These three children inherited the perfect intelligence and emotional intelligence of the Clemens family, speaking politely but with an authoritative air that was not to be challenged. When getting into the car, Noah noticed two more bodyguards, frowning slightly. "Is it necessary to have so many people follow for just a trip to the amusement park?" "Mr. Noah Clemens, this is Grandpa Clemens'' order, " Ethan exined quickly, "It''s mainly to ensure your safety."


    "It is safe. The more high-profile, the more attention we attract." Noah insisted. "In the past, Oliver used to pick me up alone without any incidents. Do youck confidence in this task, Ethan?" "Of course not." Ethan hurriedly sent the two bodyguards away. "Don''t worry, I can protect you alone."


    "Alright, thank you." Noah went straight to the back seat of the car.


    Ethan thought to himself, ''this child is only six years old, but hismanding and authoritative demeanor is already intimidating and chilling. Don''t know how he will be when he grows up.'' The car started and slowly drove away.


    Noah looked down at his phone. Coco, the annoying bird, was still asleep.


    He was speechless. Now, he had not yet found out about the current situation at Half Mountain North, whether those people were still there, and what of the fierce old eagle''s whereabouts. He turned on the music on his phone. The sudden sound of the music startled Coco awake. It pped its wings a few times, and continued flying towards Half Mountain North.

 Chapter 827 A Tiny Figure

    Noah breathed a sigh of relief as Coco, the silly bird, finally took off again.


    Now, it was his turn to act.


    "Ethan. Have some water!" Noah opened a bottle of water and handed it to Ethan.


    "Thank you, Mr. Noah Clemens." Ethan took a few sips, set it aside, and continued driving.


    "Ethan, how long have you been driving?" Noah stared at Ethan''s back.


    "Seven years," Ethan smiled and replied, "I got my driver''s license at eighteen and have been driving since then. Although not for long, I have driven many miles, and I''m skilled in driving. Rest assured, Mr. Noah Clemens." "So, braking in an emergency should be instinctive for you, right?" Noah asked again.


    "Of course, we have all undergone strict training. Even if we got shot, we would first park the car safely to ensure the owner''s safety."


    As Ethan spoke, he began to feel dizzy and lightheaded.


    "Perfect." A faint smile appeared on Noah''s lips.


    "Could it be..." Ethan nced at the bottle of water beside him, his eyes widening in astonishment. "Young master, you..."


    "Don''t worry, I won''t harm you. My Coco has flown away. I need to go find Coco." Noah said as he picked up his small backpack. "Pull over, then take a nap in the car."


    Ethan shook his dizzy head and took out his phone to call hispanion, but his hand went limp, and he slumped back in his seat.


    The car jerked forward, and at a critical moment, Ethan stepped on the brake.


    Noah climbed into the passenger seat, shifted the gear to neutral, turned off the engine, and then got out of the car with his small backpack.


    This happened to be the closest ce to Half-Mountain North. Since he had scouted the routest time, it was easier to find this time.


    Following the phone''s navigation, Noah hurried towards Half-Mountain North.


    Halfway there, Coco had already flown to Half-Mountain North. The camera on his phone captured an empty backyard with no cars in front, the windows and doors were tightly locked, and there was no one around. Noah stopped, frowning at his phone. What was going on? Even if the owner wasn''t home, there were usually female bodyguards stationed there, with two cars ready at all times.


    Why was everything missing today?


    Did those women all leave?


    Noah felt puzzled, but since he was already out, he wanted to figure out the situation, so he continued running toward Half-Mountain North.


    Meanwhile, in another vi, Sadie was sitting at her desk dealing with documents.


    Annika hurriedly came to report, "Ms. James, as you expected, someone has broken into Hillside Vi."


    "The number from the Clemens family?" Sadie didn''t even lift an eyelid.


    "It''s a child," Annika said, "about six or seven years old."


    Sadie paused for a moment, then turned on theputer to check.


    There were already many cameras installed outside the vi. Still, on the night before she left, she had someone install additional micro monitors within a three-kilometer radius around the vi.


    As soon as someone approached Hillside Vi, they would be detected.


    Sure enough, on the camera, a stylishly dressed little boy with a small backpack was running quickly towards the north side of Half-Mountain. He wore a ck watch on his wrist, emitting a blue light, seemingly with a navigation function guiding his way.


    At the same time, he held a phone in his hand, ncing at it from time to time, probably observing something.


    Sadie took a closer look and saw the current situation of Half-Mountain North on his phone.


    It seemed that the phone also had monitoring capabilities.


    Such a young child was actually using such high-tech products.


    However, that was not important. What was important was that Sadie, looking at the tiny figure, didn''t feel repulsed but rather an indescribable sense of familiarity.


    "Who is this child?" Sadie stared at the tiny figure.


    "Arya is investigating," Annika said, "This child looks about six or seven years old, appearing alone on the mountain, without any adults apanying him, and he can use such high-tech products. Could it be..."

 Chapter 828 The Clemens Familys Young Master

    Annika remembered when someone from the Clemens family hade to warn them, saying that their pet hawk had scared their young master and young princess. "He is the Clemens family''s young master!" Annika suddenly realized. "That''s Mr. Clemens'' son!"


    Sadie squinted coldly at the small figure, wondering what the child was up to.


    She put on her headphones so she could hear Noah''s voice.


    Noah ran out of breath, stopped to catch his breath, took a sip of water from his backpack, and continued towards Hillside Vi.


    As he walked, he gave orders to Little Coco on his phone. "Little Coco, don''t stay in the tree. Fly around the vi once. I''ll see if there''s anyone else around." Little Coco reluctantly pped its wings and flew slowly.


    "You''re sozy. You really can''t be kept in a cage in the future. The more you''re raised, thezier you get." Noah was very dissatisfied with its attitude.


    Sadie immediately switched the camera and pulled up the surrounding cameras of the vi, only to see azy parrot flying around the vi. "What''s this?"


    Annika leaned in to take a look. "It''s a parrot!"


    "I found it." At this moment, Arya hurried over to report to Sadie. "Micah has three children, and they are triplets. The eldest and the second are boys named Noah Clemens and Nathan Clemens, and the youngest is a daughter named Mia Clemens! They also have a small pet, which is a parrot!"


    With that, Arya handed over the tablet with photos of the three children registered at school, the parrot perched on Mia''s shoulder, looking very clever and cute.


    "These three children are so adorable." Annika felt fond of the three children.


    Sadie, upon seeing the photos, couldn''t help but feel a strange and indescribable sensation wash over her.


    It was tooplex to put into words.


    "Now we can be sure that this is Micah''s son." Annika looked at the photos, then at theputer. "I just don''t know if this child is the eldest or the second, these two boys look almost identical."


    Sadie stared at theputer, watching as Noah''s foot was about to step on a cobblestone covered in green moss. She urgently ordered, "Quickly shut down the traps! Hurry up!" Annika immediately operated theputer.


    Noah stepped on something, feeling a bit ufortable. He looked down, then continued running forward.


    "Shut down all the traps," Sadie decisively ordered.


    "Right away." Annika closed them one by one. Noah ran along, keeping Annika''s fingers busy.


    Finally, she shut down all the traps.


    Looking up at theputer, Noah arrived safely outside their vi.


    Noah raised his hand, and Little Coco pped its wings, flying onto his hand and rubbing its furry little head against his face.


    "I know you''ve worked hard. Take a rest." Noah fed Little Coco water and food, ced it on his shoulder, and then began to observe the vi.


    Just now, he had checked through the miniature camera on Little Coco. Indeed, there was no one around.


    It seemed that the family had already left, probably moved or went on a temporary business trip!


    Noah looked around but did not find any cameras. Of course, he knew that in such high-end residences, even if there were cameras, they would be installed very discreetly, not easily noticeable. However, that was not important.


    Since he was here, he wanted the owner of this house to know that he hade!


    Noah took out a device from his small backpack and operated it. Suddenly, all the hidden cameras around the vi emitted red light, exposing them all!


    Meanwhile, on Sadie''s end, there was a sudden piercing noise in all the headphones, almost bursting their eardrums.

 Chapter 829 A Mother-Son Conversation

    Annika and Arya hurriedly removed their headphones, rubbing their ears. Their minds were in a whirl because of the sound, and they were unable to hear clearly for a while. Sadie covered her ears, frowned at theputer, and thought, ''Noah is quite capable!''


    Noah smirked. Indeed, the area was full of cameras, and someone was secretly monitoring him.


    Noah took a few steps forward and waved at the camera at the vi''s entrance.


    "He found us!" Annika widened her eyes in astonishment. "He''s really something!"


    "How old is he? He has such strong counter-surveince abilities." Arya was shocked. "What does he want to do?"


    "Shut up," Sadie coldlymanded.


    The two immediately fell silent and put their headphones back on.


    "Sorry to disturb you," Noah said calmly to the camera, "I''m not a thief or a bad person. I''m here to find you, just have a few things to ask."


    With that, he took out the ck-gold ring from his small backpack and asked, "I found this ring on your pet eagle''s foot. How did you get it?"


    In front of theputer, Sadie squinted her eyes, carefully staring at the ring.


    Ever since she woke up from her serious injury, she had been wearing that ring on her finger. For some reason, every time she saw the ring, she felt aplex sense of disgust, yet she thought that the thing was rted to lost memories and couldn''t be discarded.


    So, she put the ring on the eagle''s foot.


    But how did the ring end up in this child''s hand?


    "How does he have our eagle''s ring?" Annika looked at Noah in confusion.


    "It seems like he''s saying something again." Arya turned up the volume.


    Noah faced the monitor and recited a number. "This is my phone number. I know you''re watching me and should have heard my voice. Please get in touch with me!"


    "Did you write down the number?" Sadie asked.


    "No." Annika and Arya didn''t take his words seriously.


    "Rubbish," Sadie scolded.


    "Sorry." Annika and Arya quickly lowered their heads, not daring to speak.


    "Let me repeat." In front of the camera, Noah gestured with his small hand and stated his number again. "Please call me, thank you!"


    This time, Sadie noted the number and called him with a hidden number.


    Soon, Noah''s phone rang. Suppressing his excited feelings, he answered, "Hello!"


    Sadie gestured, and Annika asked over the phone, "What''s your name, boy?"


    "I''m Noah Clemens."


    Noah didn''t intend to hide his identity because they dared not harm him due to his identity.


    He knew that the path he had just taken was full of traps. But they closed them in time, which save his life!


    He was indeed Micah''s son. No wonder he was so capable!


    Annika and Arya both looked at Sadie.


    Using lip reading, Sadie asked, and Annika conveyed. "Why is that ring on your hand?"


    "I encountered that eagle on the back mountainst time. It was injured, so I took off the ring," Noah calmly replied, "but I''m not stealing. This ring originally belonged to my mommy. I''m just returning it to its rightful owner!" Upon hearing this, Annika and Arya were shocked.


    Sadie was stunned, staring nkly at the handsome face on the screen.


    He said the ring belonged to his mommy!


    "To be honest, I''m here to find my mommy," Noah looked at the camera, speaking into the phone, "she disappeared two years ago suddenly. My dad and I have been looking for her. You have her ring, so you should know her whereabouts. If you can tell me, I will be forever grateful!"


    Noah clearly and systematically exined the situation.


    Annika and Arya were both extremely shocked by Sadie''splex reaction, and neither dared to speak.

 Chapter 830 A Mystery

    "Hello," Noah called out a few times, "Are you still listening?"


    Annika dared not speak and just watched Sadie cautiously.


    Sadie said something in lipnguage, and Annika quickly said, "You should leave now. It''s very dangerous here."


    Then, following Sadie''s instructions, Annika hung up the phone.


    "What''s going on?" Annika couldn''t help but ask, "Noah said the ring belonged to his mom."


    "Could it be..." Arya looked at the photo, then at Sadie, and thought, ''those three kids look like Sadie.''


    "Impossible." Sadie had such doubts in her mind too, but she dismissed them, frowning. "Maybe Noah''s mom was killed by me. Or perhaps, I found the ring."


    "Yes!" Annika nodded repeatedly. "A small object doesn''t mean much."


    "And children''s words can''t be taken as truth either." Arya hurriedly agreed.


    Sadie stared at theputer screen in silence. No one knew what she was thinking.


    Noah, holding his phone, frowned. He didn''t understand why the person suddenly hung up on him.


    They didn''t seem like bad people. At least they hadn''t harmed him.


    However, the mystery of the ring remained unsolved.


    He looked at the closed door, wanting to go in, but it would be impolite, and the family was monitoring him from the other side. Even if he went in, he could do nothing.


    If they felt offended and did something to him, that would be dangerous.


    With that in mind, Noah retraced his steps, taking Little Coco with him.


    At that moment, his phone rang again. He thought it was the same caller as before, feeling excited, but upon seeing the caller ID, he realized it was Grandpa Clemens, and his expression turned crestfallen. "Hello!"


    "Noah, are you almost here?"


    "Yes. I''ming," Noah replied calmly.


    "That''s good. Ss called Ethan earlier, but no one answered. I thought something happened to you. It scared me," Grandpa Clemens said.


    "Nothing wrong. Just a stomach ache. I came down to use the restroom. I''ll leave soon and should be there in about half an hour," Noah exined. "Alright. Let Ethan drive slowly. No rush."


    "Okay."


    After hanging up, Noah looked up at the camera and said, "Whenever you''re ready to answer my questions, remember to contact me." Then, he left with Little Coco.


    Sadie watched Noah leave, finallying back to her senses, asking, "Did you find out what I asked about earlier?"


    "For some reason, all the videos and photos rted to Micah''s wedding have suddenly disappeared without a trace. I can''t find them. As for Serena, we only found out she was a student majoring in music and that your father had sponsored her university tuition. Her mother used to be a maid in your house. These past events can be traced, but we can''t find anything about what happened afterward. Since that night she appeared at the Night Club, she seemed to have vanished. We can''t find her anywhere."


    Annika reported, "But we''ve already found that Jonny. We''ve kept him locked in the basement, waiting for you to interrogate him."


    "I''ll go see him." Sadie closed theputer, got up, and walked out.


    Noah returned disappointed. Although he had contacted the mysterious person, they hadn''t provided any useful clues. It seemed this method wouldn''t yield any results. He needed to think of another n.


    "Mr. Noah Clemens!" Ethan hurried over. "You scared me, I thought you..."


    "I said I was just looking for Little Coco." Noah pointed to Little Coco on his shoulder. "This didn''t rm Grandpa Clemens, did it?"


    "I hadn''t had the chance yet," Ethan said warily.


    "That''s great." Noah got into the car directly. "Let''s go!"


    Ethan got in the car, cautiously asking, "Mr. Noah Clemens, were you really just looking for Little Coco?"

 Chapter 831 Met A Match

    "Of course," Noah said, "I didn''t want to disturb Grandpa Clemens, and I was toozy to exin to you, so I gave you a bottle of soda so you would fall asleep quickly for an hour, and when you woke up, everything would be fine." "I''m fine." Ethan looked at Noah. "But I still feel uneasy."


    "You don''t need to think too much." Noah spread his arms. "I''m fine."


    "Alright." Ethan didn''t say much more. ''Mr. Noah Clemens is a child prodigy, so it is normal for him to have behaviors different from others. As long as he''s okay.''


    "Ss called you, you should call him back quickly," Noah reminded him, "Just say my stomach wasn''t feeling well just now, which dyed me for a while. Now, let''s go meet up with them." "Okay." Ethan immediatelyplied.


    Noah gently stroked Little Coco''s wings, recalling what had just happened and analyzing it quietly in his mind. Although the person just now didn''t say much, at least he tacitly acknowledged that they knew about the ring. ''Why was the ring worn on the eagle''s foot? How did they get the ring?''


    These mysteries still need to be slowly unraveled.


    Meanwhile, on the ne.


    Rn called to report, "Micah, Ms. Amelia Lingston has been taken back by Mr. Lingston. Now Mr. Lingston is preparing to take her to E country to apologize to the James family."


    "Alright," Micah said indifferently, "During this time, you are responsible for preventing the James family from finding out about Sadie''s situation. Also, keep an eye on Serena." "Understood. You can rest assured."


    As he was about to hang up, Micah suddenly thought of something and said, "Wait."


    "Any other instructions?" Rn asked.


    "Ask someone to check if Jonny is captured."


    "Yes, I''ll check right away."


    After hanging up, Andrew asked anxiously, "Micah, do you suspect that the James family has taken Jonny?"


    "It''s very likely." Micah frowned. "Sadie is now much smarter than I imagined. If she can''t find Serena and Lucian, she won''t be able to find out about my marriage back then. She will definitely look to Jonny for answers." "Jonny did a good job of concealing it," Andrew said, "He never mentioned to Ms. James that he knew her."


    "It doesn''t have to be him admitting it himself," Micah analyzed, "The first time Jonny saw her, his unusual behavior raised rms, andter when Serena appeared, his inadvertent words all indicate that he knows a lot of secrets." "Alright." Andrew looked worried. "Isn''t it toote for us to think about this now?"


    Micah didn''t say anything, just gently rotated the wedding ring on his finger. Soon, Rn called, "Micah, Jonny has been captured!"


    "As expected." Andrew''s look changed drastically. "What do we do now?" "Hope he can hold on."


    Micah sighed. He had really overlooked such an important issue.


    "Ms. James is too formidable!" Andrew sincerely eximed, "I''m afraid this can''t be kept a secret much longer."


    "Three days, just give me three days, wait for me to find Dr. Henry ande back to exin to her in person." Micah frowned. "I hope Jonny can hold on for three days!"


    "He should be able to. After all, he''s a man. A few women won''t easily coerce him," Andrew reassured.


    "Not necessarily," Rn suddenly said, "The James family''s interrogation methods are quite formidable!"


    "If you don''t speak, no one will think you''re mute," Andrew warned.


    "Wait." Micah suddenly thought of an important question. "She has returned to E country. How will she interrogate Jonny?"


    "Maybe let her subordinates handle the interrogation!" Andrew suggested.


    "You go check immediately if Sadie hasnded in E country!" Micah hurriedlymanded Rn.


    "Got it!"

 Chapter 832 Protecting the Children

    "This time, we''ve truly met our match," Andrew sincerely remarked.


    Micah, always meticulous and strategic, had never encountered a rival in the business world before. But this time, he had clearly made a mistake. He hadn''t directly shed with Tristan yet.


    However, facing Sadie, nurtured by Tristan, even before the war began, Micah found himself repeatedly retreating.


    If he were to engage in a formal battle with Tristan in the future, it would undoubtedly be a dangerous situation they dared not imagine.


    Micah suddenly felt a sense of crisis like never before.


    "Mainly because Ms. James is your weakness," Andrew pointed out, hitting the nail on the head. "When facing anyone else, you can be rational and decisive, but not with Ms. James."


    Micah fell silent; he was well aware of this. It was precisely because of this that Grandpa Clemens had insisted on sending Sadie away.


    Grandpa Clemens firmly believed that the Clemens family would be in danger once she was manipted by the James Group to go against them!


    Unfortunately, despite Grandpa Clemens'' round-the-clock vignce, he not only failed to prevent it but inadvertently facilitated the situation.


    If he hadn''t sent her away back then, perhaps things wouldn''t have turned out this way. Even if the James family members knew Sadie''s identity and came looking for her, as a member of the Clemens family, she wouldn''t have been able to help the James family go against the Clemens family for no reason.


    And now, everything had gone wrong. The Clemens family''s arrogance had led to tragedy.


    The amnesiac Sadie hadpletely transformed into a different person.


    Even if she were to regain her memories in the future, her feelings towards the Clemens family would likely be filled with hatred!


    Relying solely on the past affection and the bond with the children, Micah had no confidence in offsetting that hatred.


    "That incident back then wasn''t your fault," Andrew continued to console, "You''ve always been protecting Ms. James; it''s the twist of fate."


    "No, it''s my fault." Micah self-deprecatingly smiled bitterly. "I wasn''t persistent enough. I was indecisive, and I had too many concerns."


    "Given the circumstances at that time, you had no choice," Andrew hurriedly interjected, "You were trying to save her."


    "If I had risked everything, stood by her side through thick and thin, such a tragedy wouldn''t have urred at all." Micah regretted deeply. "I was too self-righteous, thinking I could control everything."


    "Ultimately, it''s the person who attacked Ms. James from behind that''s to me." Andrew expressed deep hatred. "If it weren''t for her interference, things wouldn''t have turned out this way."


    "Exactly. I must find the mastermind behind the plot to kill Sadie and Brenda in H country, and hold her ountable." Micah furrowed his brow. "Although I suspect it''s mostly Nick and Amelia. I''m currentlycking evidence."


    "That incident back then was also peculiar," Andrew said indignantly, "If the James Group hadn''t deliberately erased Amelia''s entry records into H country, we would have uncovered it long ago. It seems Tristan intentionally concealed the truth to bring Ms. James back to deal with you."


    "No external factors can serve as an excuse." Micah sighed. "Even if Tristan had deliberately concealed it, he only got the opportunity to do so because our family made the initial mistake."


    "Don''t worry, Rn has been investigating, and we might have results soon." Andrew reassured.


    "I can''t wait any longer." Micah narrowed his eyes slightly. "I must quickly lure out the culprit and get Sadie an exnation."


    Micah instructed, "If I remember correctly, the 19th is Grandpa Clemens'' 98th birthday. Spread the news that I''m nning a birthday party for Grandpa Clemens." "Yes." Andrew swiftly ryed themand.


    When the nended in Avalis, Micah received a call from Rn.


    "Mr. Clemens. As you suspected, Ms. James'' private jet took off andnded on time, but she never arrived in E country!"


    Upon hearing this, Micah''s expression turned extremely serious. "Mr. Clemens, what do we do now?" Rn asked on the other end of the phone.


    After a moment of silence, Micah ordered, "From now on, your only task is to protect the three children!"


    "Got it!"

 Chapter 833 The Childs Thoughts

    In the amusement park.


    Although Noah was half an hourte, he still met up with Grandpa Clemens and the others.


    Nathan and Mia greeted him from afar, "Noah, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine," Noah replied calmly.


    "I heard from Ss that you had a stomachache, and we were worried about you."


    Nathan quickly came up with an excuse. "You probably ate too much ice cream!"


    Mia chimed in, "There were a lot of ice creams on the minibar in your room. Don''t eat that much next time."


    "Got it." Noah rubbed his stomach. "My stomach is indeed a bit ufortable, but mainly because Little Coco flew out of the car, and I went out to find it, so I was dyed for a while."


    "So you went to catch Little Coco." Grandpa Clemens breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.


    He knew that Noah was different from Nathan and Mia, with his intelligence and emotional quotient alreadyparable to that of an adult.


    Last time, he sneaked away under the pretext of going to the bathroom, and this time, he said the same thing. Grandpa Clemens was a bit suspicious.


    But now that Noah exined that he went to find Little Coco, the exnation seemed more credible.


    Little Coco was pampered by the three children and had be a bit spoiled. It often flew around the house, and if the car window was not closed properly, it was quite normal for it to fly out identally. "Yes, yes." Ethan nodded repeatedly. "Mr. Noah did go to find Little Coco, and it gave me a startle."


    "Alright." Grandpa Clemens nodded. "Noah, are you hungry? Go eat first."


    "I want to wash up in the bathroom first." Noah raised his dusty little hand. "And wash my hands."


    "I''ll go with you," Nathan said hurriedly.


    "Alright, go ahead." Grandpa Clemens nodded.


    "Give me Little Coco." Mia took Little Coco from Noah.


    Noah handed Little Coco to Mia and then went to the bathroom with Nathan.


    There was no one in the bathroom. Nathan pulled Noah aside and asked in a low voice, "Noah, have you seen Mommy?"


    "No." Noah shook his head. "But I''ve already talked to the owner of that house. I can confirm that Mommy''s ring was indeed on their hands before."


    "Then they should know Mommy''s whereabouts. What did they say?" Nathan asked anxiously.


    "They didn''t say anything." Noah frowned. "Adults haveplicated thoughts. Maybe they have many concerns, but it''s okay. I left them my phone number. If theye to terms, they will contact me." "Alright." Nathan sighed. "I hope they will tell us about Mommy''s whereabouts. I can give them all my pocket money."


    "You fool. They can afford to live in the Hillside Vi, which means they are not short of money." Noah was honestly worried about Nathan''s intelligence.


    "What should we do then?" Nathan looked helpless.


    "y it by ear." Noah remained calm. "First, find out who lives there."


    "I heard Grandpa Clemens say that they are called the James family," Nathan said immediately, "It is said that the James family is the enemy of our Clemens family. Last time in the car, Grandpa Clemens reminded us to stay away from the James family as they are dangerous!"


    "Enemy," Noah carefully pondered over this word, "So, does that mean the James family is about as powerful as our Clemens family?"


    "That seems to be the case." Nathan nodded. "Mia even thought that Dad was the most powerful person in the world, but it turns out there are others as powerful as him. Grandpa Clemens said there are many powerful people outside." "Alright. Inquire more about the James family when you get a chance." Noah reminded him. "If you ask him, Grandpa Clemens won''t think much of it. But if I were to ask, he would definitely be suspicious." "Got it!"

 Chapter 834 The Childrens Thoughts 2

    The two came out of the restroom, and Ss was already waiting at the door. "Two young masters, let me take you to the restaurant." "Okay. Thank you, Ss."


    Noah and Nathan followed Ss to the restaurant.


    Grandpa Clemens had the ce decorated beautifully and prepared cotton candy and balloons for Mia.


    Mia was very happy. She was holding a toy and spinning around in the middle of the restaurant, her beautiful dress swaying in the wind. Noah and Nathan saw this scene and both stopped in their tracks.


    The eyes of the two brothers became particrly gentle, and smiles brightened their faces.


    They both hoped that Mia could continue to be carefree and they would protect her well.


    "Noah, Nathan,e over here!" Grandpa Clemens waved to Noah and Nathan.


    The two walked over together, and Ss wanted to lift them onto the high chairs, but the two children easily sat down with a little boost.


    "You''ve grown up," Ss said with a smile, "When you came here two years ago, you still needed someone to lift you up to sit."


    "We''re six years old now, Ss," Nathan tilted his little face and said with a smile, "We''re already in elementary school."


    "Time flies," Noah said, looking around at the familiar surroundings, feeling a bit sentimental, "Last time we were here was two years ago!"


    "Yes,st time we were..." Grandpa Clemens was about to speak, but Noah added, "I remember the first time we came here was with Mommy and Brenda."


    Grandpa Clemens was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond.


    "Mommy had to save up for a long time to bring us here." Noah recalled with a touch of sadness. "She was reluctant to spend money on herself but gave us the best kindergarten education and the best life."


    "Yes," Nathan''s eyes welled up instantly, choked up, "I miss Mommy and Brenda."


    "I miss them too." Mia''s tears swirled in her eyes.


    Grandpa Clemens furrowed his brow tightly, his expression turning gloomy.


    For the past two years, every time the children mentioned Mommy and Brenda, he was at a loss for words.


    He had always believed that children over three years old couldn''t remember things, and time could fade everything.


    But Noah''s memory seemed extraordinary, he never forgot Mommy and Brenda, always reminding Nathan and Mia about them.


    "Mommy, Mommy! Brenda, Brenda!" Little Coco pped its wings and called out.


    For a moment, the atmosphere became somber and heavy.


    Grandpa Clemens lowered his eyes silently.


    Ss quickly intervened. "Young masters and little princess, the restaurant has prepared delicious desserts today. After eating, you can go y rock climbing and CS. Those are new projects in the amusement park, perfect for children at your age."


    "I quite like ying these," Nathan said immediately, "Noah, do you want to y?"


    "Sure, I''ll y with you," Noah raised his hand and said, "I''m hungry, can we order food now?"


    "Of course, I''ll arrange it right away," Ss said immediately, ordering the food to be served.


    "I want to y with sand." Mia remained the most innocent. "You two go rock climbing; I''ll y with sand on the side."


    "Okay." Noah handed her a fruit-vored cotton candy. "There are many little girls at the amusement park, you can y with them." "Okay." Mia nodded repeatedly.


    "Mia, let Little Coco stay with you," Nathan said as he eating fruit, "So it doesn''t bother us."


    "Okay."


    The three children chatted while eating, and the atmosphere became light-hearted again.


    Grandpa Clemens''s expression improved slightly, but he still felt a bit guilty.


    In fact, for the past two years, he had been thinking that his initial decision might have been wrong.


    Perhaps if he hadn''t been so stubborn back then, Micah and the triplets would be happier now, and their rtionship with him would be better!

 Chapter 835 Grandpa Clemens Gets Injured

    "Grandpa Clemens, have some chicken wings." Mia handed Grandpa Clemens a piece of chicken wing.


    "Thank you!" Grandpa Clemens gently patted Mia''s head.


    "Grandpa Clemens, the weather has been getting hot recently. You don''t have to apany us specially. If you feel tired, rest at home. Let Ethan and Oliver take us home instead." Nathan offered Grandpa Clemens a piece of fruit sd. "Yes, with so many people taking care of us at home, you don''t have to do everything yourself. It''s too tiring," Noah said meaningfully.


    "Seeing you all makes me happy. Being able to spend more time with you brings joy to my heart." Grandpa Clemens patted Noah''s head.


    "Alright." Noah smiled faintly and continued eating.


    "Eat up. After we finish, I''ll take you all to the amusement park."


    Grandpa Clemens hardly ate anything himself; he kept watching the children eat.


    Soon, after the children finished their dinner, the group apanied them to the amusement park.


    Mia, with her lively personality, quickly started ying with some unfamiliar kids, digging in the sand together.


    Noah and Nathan began preparing to rock climb.


    Nathan, who usually couldn''t beat Noah, was finally able topete with him in his strong suit today. He seemed a bit excited, changing shoes and telling Grandpa Clemens that he wasn''t afraid of rock climbing at all and could reach the top within ten seconds.


    Grandpa Clemensughed heartily, patting his head and reminding him to be safe.


    Noah, on the other hand, was solemnly gearing up, lost in thought.


    Soon, the two children were geared up and ready to climb.


    Nathan climbed up like a little monkey, quickly reaching halfway.


    Feeling that winning like this was meaningless, he stopped and waited for Noah, even provocatively saying, "Noah, take your time. I''ll wait for you!"


    Noah nced up at him, continuing to climb slowly.


    Noah, who had exceptional intelligence and emotional intelligence since childhood, found even this simple rock climbing a bit challenging due to his lower physical strengthpared to Nathan.


    The reason he activelypeted in rock climbing with Nathan today was not just for exercise.


    More importantly, all the doors and windows of Hillside Vi were locked. If he wanted to break in, he should be able to climb to the top floor and then enter through the attic window. "Noah, take it slow. No rush."


    Grandpa Clemens looked up, watching Noah struggle to climb, feeling somewhat worried.


    Noah had never been good at sports since childhood, let alone adventurous activities.


    Having climbed only six or seven meters now, Noah''s legs were already trembling. Despite his perseverance in climbing up, he slipped a few times, almost falling.


    "Go over and keep watch, make sure nothing happens to Noah," Ss ordered sternly.


    "Yes." Two bodyguards stood below, carefully watching Noah.


    "I''m not that fragile."


    Noah was annoyed, looking up at Nathan, gritting his teeth, and continuing to climb.


    Grandpa Clemens watched with his palms sweating, and worried that Noah might fall, he involuntarily moved forward in his wheelchair.


    At that moment, Noah stepped on a blue stone, slipped, and fell, screaming.


    "Noah!"


    Grandpa Clemens was startled and instinctively lunged forward, reaching out to catch Noah, but he ended up falling from the wheelchair, tumbling down the stairs. "Grandpa Clemens!" Ss rushed over.


    "Grandpa Clemens!" Nathan shouted in shock.


    Noah opened his eyes, finding himself suspended safely in mid-air. He looked down to see Grandpa Clemens lying unconscious on the ground.


    He froze for a moment, feeling as if something inside him had cracked.

 Chapter 836 They Were Once Together

    "Grandpa Clemens, Grandpa Clemens!" Ss supported Grandpa Clemens and shouted in panic, "Quick! Call an ambnce!"


    The bodyguard hurriedly called the hospital.


    At the same time, the staff let Nathan and Noah down.


    Nathan, seeing Grandpa Clemens faint, looked paled in fear. "Grandpa Clemens, wake up. Don''t scare me!"


    "Grandpa Clemens." Mia heard the voice and hurried over, tears streaming down her face at the sight of Grandpa Clemens. "What''s happening? Grandpa Clemens!" Noah stood aside, staring in shock at Grandpa Clemens, unable to say a word.


    Recalling the scene just now, he felt extremely guilty.


    When he fell, Grandpa Clemens instinctively reached out to catch him.


    But they both forgot he was wearing a safety harness, and Grandpa Clemens, being old, couldn''t handle the strain. Grandpa Clemens fell because he was trying to save him.


    Soon, Dahlia arrived with hospital staff, and they lifted Grandpa Clemens into the ambnce.


    Ss followed closely, hands trembling with anxiety.


    Micah was not at home, and if something really happened to Grandpa Clemens, he didn''t know how to exin it.


    Dahlia had someone escort the three children to the hospital together while instructing Ethan to keep the news under wraps; let no one know about Grandpa Clemens'' fall. If this matter got out, the consequences would be severe.


    Meanwhile...


    After half a day of torture, Jonny finally couldn''t bear it and said, "Actually, I don''t know much. I only know that Sadie was once with Mr. Clemens. I really don''t know anything else." "What did you say!" Sadie was shocked.


    Annika and Arya were stunned. They knew that Ms. James was the woman Jonny mentioned.


    The James family and the Clemens family were enemies, eternal enemies.


    Sadie had returned to Newark to deal with Micah.


    But the person in front of her told her that she had been with Micah before.


    "No." Sadie shook her head in disbelief. "It''s impossible."


    "I really don''t know anything else." Jonny, under torture, copsed and struggled to speak, "I just make money; I''m not familiar with important figures like you. What I know is limited; even if you kill me, it''s useless." With that, Jonny fainted.


    "Ms. James, should we wake him up and continue the interrogation?" Annika asked.


    "No need." Sadie lowered her head, with serious expression. She remembered the intense andplex feelings she had the first time she saw Micah.


    Every time she saw him, she had the urge to kill him but couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    And when she saw him with other women, she would be angry and annoyed, with a bitter feeling in her heart.


    These feelings didn''t arise for no reason.


    What Jonny said may be true.


    "So, what should we do now?" Annika asked cautiously, "Maybe we should investigate those three children."


    "Could they be your... " Arya''s words trailed off as she looked at Sadie''s cold gaze, feeling a bit scared.


    "In fact, it''s simple to confirm," Annika said softly, "Find the children, take some blood and do a DNA test. Then we''ll know." Sadie remained silent, just lowering her head and squinting her eyes coldly.


    No one knew what she was thinking.


    After a while, she finally spoke, "Find the information on the three children. I want to know everything about them."


    "Yes." Annika immediately went to handle it.


    "And," Sadie raised her head andmanded, "You go check Micah''s whereabouts."


    "Yes."

 Chapter 837 The First Quarrel

    Grandpa Clemen was old, and couldn''t withstand a fall, which could lead to serious consequences.


    Two years ago, Grandpa Clemens ended up in the hospital for over two months after slipping in the bathroom. Since then, he couldn''t walk without a wheelchair.


    And today, he fell from his wheelchair again. He hasn''te out of the intensive care unit for over six hours after being sent to the hospital instantly. Ss was anxious. After much contemtion, He decided to call Micah and inform him of this


    news.


    At that moment, Micah had just arrived at the remote mountain where Dr. Henry was located, but after stating his purpose, he was turned away by Dr. Henry.


    Dr. Henry and his doctors firmly believed that the Clemens family had driven Sadie and Brenda to their deaths just for wanting to keep the children.


    No matter how Micah tried to exin, they refused to believe him.


    Micah wanted to win them over with sincerity and decided to wait there.


    However, Ss suddenly called to inform him about Grandpa Clemens'' injury.


    Micah was concerned and immediately had Andrew prepare a private jet to return to Newark.


    As they left, the apprentice opened the gate, intending to call Micah back in, but watching the departing car, he could only sigh deeply.


    "I''ve always said that Micah is a bad person," Pa said indignantly, "When he married Sadie, it was just to gain the trust of those three children.


    "Halfway through the wedding, the Clemens family drove Sadie and Brenda away, andter news came of Sadie and Brenda''s tragic deaths in Country H."


    "But he just said that Sadie isn''t dead. She''s alive." The apprentice hesitated. "I feel his eyes are sincere, not like he''s lying."


    "These people are good at disguising themselves. He pretended to be sincere back then to deceive Sadie and those three children." Pa recalled with anger. "If he''s a good person, why did he drive Sadie away?"


    "I don''t understand either." The apprentice was puzzled. "But if he really did drive Sadie to her death, why is heing to us now?"


    "Maybe someone in their family is sick and wants Dr. Henry''s help," Pa spected.


    "I don''t know. But now that they know about this ce, we''re in danger if he has ill intentions. We should move out early."


    "They''re really annoying, causing us to move again."


    "By the way, you can ask Serena. Maybe she knows the truth."


    "We lost contact with Serena a few days ago; maybe something happened. I couldn''t reach her on the phone just now. It might be rted to the Clemens family."


    "Then let''s move quickly. It''s too dangerous!"


    In the hospital.


    Grandpa Clemens was still in the intensive care unit, and the three children were anxiously waiting in the lounge.


    Mia cried until her eyes were swollen.


    Nathan was also worried and kept asking Ethan about Grandpa Clemens.


    Only Noah remained calm, sitting quietly in the corner without saying a word.


    "Young master, young princess, it''s veryte now. Let me take you back to rest first." Dahlia approached and soothed them.


    "No. Grandpa Clemens hasn''t woken up. I''m not going back." Mia shook her head tearfully.


    "I have to wait for Grandpa Clemens to be in good condition," Noah choked up, "Doctor Rey, will Grandpa Clemens be alright?"


    "He..." Dahlia wanted to say he would be fine, but he couldn''t deceive them. Although Grandpa Clemens had only fallen from his wheelchair, it was really dangerous to fall at his age, especially with a head-first fall. "Grandpa Clemens will be fine," Noah suddenly said calmly, "He still has a lot to do, he will definitely wake up."


    "It''s all your fault." Nathan''s long-suppressed anger finally erupted. "It was just a misstep, why did you scream! You scared Grandpa Clemens, causing him to fall."

 Chapter 838 Babies Quarrel

    "Nathan, why would you say that to Noah!"


    Mia was shocked. This was the first time Nathan had gotten angry at Noah.


    "I know, because of Mommy''s situation, you''ve been resenting Grandpa Clemens, targeting him everywhere, making things difficult for him. Now that he''s injured, you''re happy!" Nathan clenched his fists, roaring with excitement.


    "Yes, I scared Grandpa Clemens. I caused him to fall." Noah raised his head, calmly looking at Nathan. "If he dies, I owe him a life!"


    Upon hearing this, Nathan was stunned, his eyes widened in astonishment, and he was unable to say a word.


    "Noah," Dahlia was frightened, hurriedly trying to console, "Don''t say that; this was an ident; it''s not your fault."


    "But," Noah suddenly interrupted Dahlia, looking calmly and firmly at Nathan, "I should resent him for what he did to Mommy, right?"


    "I, I..." Nathan was terrified, unsure how to respond.


    "Never mind, you don''t understand anything."


    Noah smiled bitterly. He could understand why Nathan would have such thoughts and emotions. After all, Grandpa Clemens had been really good to them, and when Mommy was forced to leave, only he had witnessed it. Nathan and Mia knew nothing.


    Afterwards, Grandpa Clemens and Dad had a consistent story, saying they sent Mommy away for treatment, and she identally passed away because her illness couldn''t be cured.


    They believed it.


    Only Noah knew the truth wasn''t like that.


    "Noah, what do you mean by saying that?" Nathan felt something was off and anxiously asked, "Are you hiding something from me?"


    "Nothing." Noah was very indifferent. "You just continue being a naive kid!"


    With that, he got up and walked out.


    "Noah!" Nathan followed, questioning excitedly, "I don''t understand. Why do you always keep things from me and Mia? Mia is a girl; she needs her brothers'' protection. I get that. But I''m a man. I want to share the burden with you. You don''t tell me anything but say I don''t understand anything."


    As he spoke, Nathan started crying in grievance.


    Noah was slightly surprised, turning to look at Nathan. He suddenly felt that the seemingly naive Nathan had also grown up.


    "I know. I''m not as smart as you, not as capable as you." Nathan wiped away his tears and choked up. But I''m also a member of this family. Finding Mommy is also my responsibility. She''s our mother, not just yours." "Shut up!" Noah covered his mouth with a small hand, frowned, and sternly said, "This is a secret; don''t let anyone know."


    Nathan''s clear, big eyes were filled with tears, nodding in confusion.


    "No more talking," Noah warned sternly, then let go of his hand.


    "I''m sorry, I was too hasty just now," Nathan apologized, lowering his head, "But Grandpa Clemens has been good to us. I still hope he gets better. Please don''t be mad at him in the future, okay?" "Got it," Noah nodded, then looked at Mia standing at the door, tears streaming down her face, immediately scolding Nathan, "Look, you''ve made Mia cry." "And Little Coco!"


    Little Coco curled up in Mia''s arms, trembling, its small green body like a little ball.


    "Mia, Little Coco, I''m sorry." Nathan walked over, reaching out his arms to hug Mia. "I scared you!"


    Mia burst into tears.


    Noah quickly came over to hug them both. "Don''t cry, don''t be afraid. I''m here to protect you, nothing will happen."


    The three siblings hugged each other, and the two brothersforting their sister. Tears welled up in Nathan''s eyes, but he tried hard not to cry.


    You could see determination and bravery in Noah''s eyes, his small shoulders protecting his younger siblings like a big tree.


    At the corner of the corridor, Sadie quietly watched this scene, her heart inexplicably hurting. She lowered her head, tears falling.

 Chapter 839 Little Coco Shouted

    Sadie looked at the tears dripping onto her hand, stunned. This is probably an instinctive reaction. She suddenly realized that these three children might really be... "Doctor Rey, Doctor Rey!" At this moment, a medical staff hurried over and shouted, "Quick! Go to the emergency room."


    Dahlia hurried to the emergency room, reminding her subordinates, "Take care of the three children."


    "Is Grandpa Clemens going to die?" Mia trembled in fear, her face pale.


    "No. he''ll be fine."


    Although Noah appeared calm on the surface, his trembling hands betrayed him. He was afraid that Grandpa Clemens was really going to die, perhaps because of him. "You two go in first. I''ll go check."


    Noah pushed Nathan and Mia into the lounge, then quickly headed towards the emergency room.


    As he passed the corner of the corridor, he faintly felt someone watching him and subconsciously turned to look.


    Sadie reacted quickly and immediately hid behind the wall.


    Noah didn''t see anything and thought he was delusional, so he didn''t pay any attention to it.


    "Mr. Noah Clemens!" Two medical staff hurried after him.


    "Nathan, I want to go see too," Mia said tearfully.


    "Alright, I''ll apany you."


    Nathan led Mia by the hand toward the emergency room.


    As the two children got closer, Sadie could clearly see their faces, and a strong impact surged within her, like waves crashing.


    Her heart pounded fiercely like a wild beast, almost bursting out of her chest.


    At that moment, she was almost certain-they were her children!


    "Mama, Mama!"


    Suddenly, Little Coco in Mia''s arms pped its wings excitedly and shouted.


    Mia shuddered in fear, stopped in her tracks, and looked around.


    Nathan froze and instinctively turned to look back.


    Before they could react, Little Coco suddenly flew away.


    "Little Coco!" Mia hurriedly chased after.


    Sadie reacted swiftly, disappearing quickly and hiding upstairs.


    "Mama, Mama!"


    Little Coco darted around the staircase like a headless fly, flying around looking for her.


    Sadie stayed hidden, not daring toe out, but seeing Little Coco''s shadow. She was moved. that little pet, as intelligent as a child, actually recognized her! "Mama."


    Animals were sensitive, and soon, Little Coco spotted Sadie and flew over in a hurry.


    "Gotcha!" Suddenly, a hand caught Little Coco from behind. "Ms. Mia Clemens, here you go!"


    Ethan held Little Coco carefully and handed it back to Mia.


    Mia held Little Coco tightly, lightly tapped its backside, and scolded in annoyance, "Little Coco, you''re so naughty. It''s an emergency, and you''re causing trouble."


    "Exactly." Nathan frowned in anger. "You''ve been spoiled too muchtely. It''s okay to fly around at home, but it''s not allowed causing chaos in the hospital. If you don''t behave, we''ll lock you up when we get back." "Mama, Mama!" Little Coco kept calling upstairs.


    "Stop." Nathan thought Little Coco was calling for Mama because it had gone with Noah to Hillside Vi on a mission to find Mama. He was afraid the n would be exposed and quickly reprimanded, "If you keep shouting, I''ll gag your mouth!"


    Feeling wronged, Little Coco closed its mouth, dared not speak again, just turned its furry little head, and kept looking upstairs.


    It looked so unwilling!


    "Hurry up. Let''s go see how Grandpa Clemens is doing."


    Mia walked quickly towards the emergency room, holding Little Coco.


    Nathan nced in the direction Little Coco was looking but didn''t see anything, so he didn''t think much of it and followed Mia out.

 Chapter 840 Not an Ordinary Person

    After they had all left, Sadie came out, watching the small figures of the two children, aplex light shing in her eyes.


    Annika, who had been hiding in the stairwell upstairs, also came out with Arya, both watching her cautiously, not daring to speak. It was a long time before Sadie came back to her senses and turned to leave.


    Getting into the car, Annika asked softly, "Are we going back to The Sapphire Depths vi?"


    "We''re going to Hillside Vi," Sadie said with a heavy heart.


    "Then, won''t Micah soon know that we didn''t return to E country?" Annika asked softly.


    "Micah is smart," Sadie said coldly, "He should have already known!"


    "Yes," Annika said, not daring to say more.


    "Release Jonny," Sadie instructed, "Tell him that Serena will contact him soon, and when she does, have here find me."


    "Yes." Annika immediately passed on the message.


    "Ms. James, are you saying that Micah already knows we''ve captured Jonny?" Arya asked tentatively, "And that he will soon release Serena?"


    "We are all smart people," Sadie said with a cold smile, "He should know that he can''t hide it from me anymore. Instead of continuing to cover up, it''s better to be honest!" "Do we still need to investigate further?" Arya asked.


    "No need." Sadie squinted, lost in thought. "I''ll wait for him toe and confess to me himself."


    "Understood!"


    Micahnded at Newark Airport.


    Rn came to pick him up and reported, "Jonny was released an hour ago."


    "As expected," Micah ordered, "Release Serena!"


    "Got it." Rn immediately passed on the order.


    "After Serena goes out, she will definitely go find Jonny, and she will probably contact Ms. James soon," Andrew cautiously reminded, "Perhaps the events of the past will no longer be kept secret."


    "It''s long past the point of being kept secret." Micah frowned. "Now, she''s probably waiting for me toe clean to her."


    "Well..."


    "It''s not the right time yet." Micah sighed heavily. "Grandpa Clemens suddenly had an ident, and all ns have to be dyed."


    Andrew didn''t dare to speak. If Grandpa Clemens hadn''t had this incident, they would have brought back Dr. Henry, used Grandpa Clemens''s birthday party to lure Nick and Amelia, exposed their crimes, and then exined everything to Sadie clearly. If so, there might still be a glimmer of hope!


    But Grandpa Clemens''s sudden ident had disrupted all their ns.


    "Should we go directly to the hospital now?" Rn asked cautiously.


    "Yes," Micah replied, "Block the news, make sure no one knows about Grandpa Clemens''s ident."


    "Understood. Ss has already arranged it, and currently, no information has leaked. I will continue to keep an eye on it."


    While Rn was speaking, his phone rang. It was Nelson calling. He handed the phone to Micah. "It''s Mr. Lingston!"


    Micah gestured, and Rn answered the call, reassured him a few words, then hung up and reported to Micah.


    "Mr. Lingston took Amelia to E country to apologize to the James family, but Tristan shut them out. No matter how Mr. Lingston pleaded, Tristan didn''t give them a chance. Now, the Lingston Group is on the verge of copse. If we don''t act now, it will really go bankrupt. Mr. Lingston can''t reach Grandpa Clemens, and he can''t reach you by phone, so he called me."


    "It seems that the James family will not let the Lingston family off the hook." Andrew sighed. "Tristan is indeed ruthless and decisive!"


    "Does Ms. James know about Miss Amelia''s plot against her back then?" Rn spected.


    "She probably doesn''t know yet," Micah analyzed calmly, "If she did, it would probably be even worse!"


    "Amelia only hired someone to attack her, and she has already ended up in such a situation. If she knew that Amelia plotted against her in H country back then and even forced Brenda to death, it''s hard to say what would happen." Andrew felt a chill. The current Sadie was definitely not an ordinary person.

 Chapter 841 A Stroke of Luck in Misfortune

    "The Lingston family is doomed sooner orter," Rn said bluntly, "But now that Nelson hase to you for help, how will you respond?"


    "I won''t bother with him." Micah frowned. "He made mistakes and should take responsibility for himself. The Lingston family should solve their own problems." He was already facing many difficulties, struggling to keep himself afloat, with little room to spare for others.


    "Understood. If he calls again, I''ll find a way to decline." Rn nodded.


    Soon, the car arrived at the hospital.


    Dahlia was waiting at the entrance and hurried towards Micah''s car. "Micah."


    "How is it?" Micah quickened his pace towards the hospital.


    "Grandpa Clemens has passed the critical period," Dahlia said solemnly, "but the situation is still very precarious. We need to observe for another 24 hours."


    Micah rxed slightly; the absence of a life-threatening situation was indeed a stroke of luck in misfortune.


    "What exactly happened? How did Grandpa Clemens fall?" Micah furrowed his brow, questioning.


    "This is the surveince video from the amusement park. You''ll understand once you see it." Dahlia handed the tablet to Micah.


    As Micah watched, his frown deepened. It was clear that Grandpa Clemens had made a mistake. Despite Noah being secured with a safety harness, he still rushed to catch him, resulting in his falling. "Mr. Clemens, you''re finally back."


    Ss hurried over, his bloodshot eyes showing signs of distress.


    "Grandpa Clemens is..." Micah was both anxious and frustrated. "He''s getting old, well over a hundred years old now. Can he take good care of himself?"


    "Grandpa Clemens cares too much about the children," Ss choked up as he spoke, "Two years ago, he fell and spent two months in the hospital. He never fully recovered, and now, after this fall, although there''s no immediate danger to his life..."


    "It''s okay." Micah patted Ss on the shoulder,forting him. "Grandpa Clemens is a strong man. He won''t easily falter."


    "I hope so," Ss said with red eyes, "Grandpa Clemens is still in aa. I''ll stay here with him. You should take the three children back andfort them, especially young Master Noah. I''m worried about the emotional burden on him." "They''re still at the hospital?" Micah furrowed his brow.


    "They were brought to the hospital right after the incident," Dahlia exined quickly, "I tried to console them several times and suggested they go back to rest, but they refused to leave, especially Nathan and Mia. They fell asleep in the waiting room around 1 a.m., but Noah..."


    "Young Master Noah is still by Grandpa Clemens'' bedside," Ss added, "I tried to persuade him to rest, but he remained silent. I''m very concerned about him. Noah may appear calm and indifferent, but he values emotions the most." "I see." Micah quickened his pace and arrived outside Grandpa Clemens'' room.


    Sure enough, Noah was wearing a protective suit, sitting quietly by Grandpa Clemens'' bed, resembling a small statue, silent and unmoving.


    Micah felt a tap on his shoulder and assumed it was Ss. Without turning around, Noah, in a low voice, said, "I don''t want to sleep. I want to stay here with Grandpa Clemens." "Grandpa Clemens is already asleep. You should go back to rest." Micah''s firm and serious voice came from behind.


    Noah shuddered and turned around, looking surprised. "Dad! You''re back!"


    "I heard about Grandpa Clemens'' ident and rushed back overnight," Micah said, squatting down and gently supporting Noah''s shoulder. "Come on, let''s go home." "But..."


    "Stop," Micah interrupted him, "After I take you all back, I''lle back to stay with Grandpa Clemens. You need to be obedient!"


    This statement worked like a charm, and Noah immediately nodded. "Okay!"

 Chapter 842 Pretend to Be Strong

    Micah led Noah out of the hospital room while Andrew and Dahlia took Nathan and Mia to the car.


    Noah hadn''t slept all night and was feeling a bit dizzy, walking unsteadily.


    Micah bent down to pick him up, but he hesitated and stepped back, refusing, "I''m a big kid now; I don''t need to be carried by Daddy."


    "No matter how old you are, you are still Daddy''s baby." Micah decisively lifted him up and walked out quickly. "You''re only six. You don''t need to be so mature. Understand?" "I understand."


    Noah''s voice choked up a bit. After today''s incident, both Nathan and Mia cried, but he had been pretending to be strong. Now, in front of his dad, he couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    In fact, he also pretended well in front of his dad, but his dad always understood his inner feelings, providing him with the best protection and understanding.


    "Rest your head on my shoulder for a while." Micah gently patted his back. "With me here, you have nothing to fear. Even if something happens, I will deal that for you!"


    Noah hugged Micah''s neck, obediently resting his head on his shoulder. Tears slowly streamed down, but he didn''t want anyone to see, quickly wiping them away with his small hand. "This is not your fault," Micah said softly, "Don''t me yourself."


    "Okay," Noah softly replied.


    "Have a good sleep." Micah gently patted his back, soothing him to sleep.


    With Micah around, Noah felt safe. Felt exhausted, he gradually fell asleep.


    Micah carried Noah into the extended Rolls-Royce. When Nathan and Mia were ced in the car, they suddenly woke up crying. Micah quickly picked them up, gently patting their backs to lull them back to sleep. The three children rested their heads on Micah''s legs and gradually drifted off to sleep.


    Micah looked at them, feeling a sudden sense of tranquility.


    With them by his side, even if doomsday arrived, he had the courage to face it!


    The car slowly headed towards Frostpeak Mountain. Andrew whispered, "Micah, Ms. Lingston called me on video. She seems to be looking for you."


    Micah''s phone had run out of battery and shut down, so E called Andrew instead.


    E had never been involved in family matters, but now she was looking for him. It seemed like the Lingston family was truly desperate.


    No matter what, he owed E a favor. While he could ignore others'' requests, he couldn''t ignore E''s plea.


    Thinking of this, Micah instructed, "Reply to her, saying we''ll meet at Cloud Hotel restaurant tomorrow night at six."


    "Yes," Andrew replied.


    Micah dropped the three children off at home,forted them to sleep, left Dahlia to take care of them, and hurried to the hospital with Andrew. On the way, Andrew suddenly eximed, "The lights are on at Hillside Vi!"


    Micah opened the car window to look. Indeed, Hillside Vi was brightly lit.


    Sadie had returned!


    "Rn is calling." Andrew quickly answered and put it on speakerphone.


    "Micah, just as you suspected, Jonny has been released, and Serena went to find him. They should have met up by now," Rn reported.


    "Good," Micah responded calmly, "You don''t need to worry about this anymore. Guard Grandpa Clemens at the hospital."


    "Yes."


    After hanging up, Micah instructed, "Inform n and the others to protect the three children at all costs. Don''t let any strangers get close to them." "Got it." Andrew knew exactly what Micah meant. He feared that the James family mighte to take the children.


    Micah looked out the window, his gazeplex.


    He knew Sadie would soon learn the truth, but he didn''t know how she would react. He just hoped this wouldn''t affect the children; they were innocent.

 Chapter 843 Once Upon a Time and Now

    In the Hillside Vi.


    Sadie was wearing afortable white long dress, her stunning face in. She waszily leaning on the sofa, holding a tablet in her hand, and looking at the information of three children. She had been reading for several hours, flipping through it over and over again. Every photo, every video, and every text introduction all been carefully examined, not missing a single word. Time passed quickly, from deep night to dawn.


    Sadie stayed up all night, seemingly calm, but her eyes were as deep andplex as the sea.


    "Ms. James, Serena is here." Annika weed Serena in person.


    Sadie finally looked away from the tablet, sat up straight, and ordered, "Please let her in!"


    "Yes."


    Serena walked in timidly, looking very nervous, even a little frightened.


    But when she saw Sadie, she was first stunned. Then the unease turned into shock. "Sadie, you are the boss they talked about!"


    "Don''t be afraid, no one will harm you." Sadie looked at Serena, her gaze unconsciously softening, "Are you okay? Have they troubled you?"


    "Mr. Clemens and the others didn''t trouble me; they just locked me and Lucian in a vi and let me outst night," Serena looked at Sadie uneasily and tentatively asked, "Are you really the Sadie I know?" "Why? Don''t I look like her?" Sadie raised her lips.


    "You look exactly the same, but your temperament, behavior... and even your gaze arepletely different!" Serena looked at her timidly, carefully said.


    "How was I like before?" Sadie asked curiously.


    "In the past, you loved to cry andugh, talked a lot, and your eyes were full of vitality." Serena talked about Sadie in the past, and couldn''t help but smile. "We first met at a party, I was bullied and injured. My boss forced me to perform on stage, and you helped me."


    "What happenedter?" Sadie was very interested in the past.


    "Later, you changed into my clothes, put on a mask, and performed on stage." Serena recounted that past event, still full of gratitude. "I got a job opportunity because of that, my life took a turn, but because my hand was not healed, I couldn''t y the piano, so I had to work at the Night Club. Later, I met you on the subway. You were unemployed at the time, and life was very difficult for you. You asked me to introduce you to a job. I introduced you to ying the piano, but then, you couldn''t y the piano either, so you went to work at the Night Club with me."


    At this point, Serena asked cautiously, "You don''t remember any of these things, do you?"


    ''I never thought I worked at Night Club, no wonder it felt so familiar there.'' Sadie thought to herself. "What else do you know?"


    "I..." Serena was a bit guarded. "Sadie, why did you change yourst name? Where is Brenda?"


    She was suspicious, wondering if the woman in front of her, aloof and superior, was the Sadie she knew.


    "My mother''sst name is James, and I now use herst name." Sadie smiled slightly. "It''s okay. You can tell me whenever you believe me, I''ll have someone take you back now."


    "Sorry." Serena felt ashamed. "I''ve been frightened by the Clemens family''s people, so I''m very cautious about everything now. I sincerely hope you are Sadie. At least it proves Sadie is still alive and not killed by someone." When she said thest sentence, Serena''s voice choked up.


    "Killed by someone!" Sadie suddenly frowned. "What do you mean? Someone tried to harm me back then?!"


    Serena nced at her and quickly lowered her head, afraid to continue.


    The Sadie she knew would never have such a terrifying expression and gaze.

 Chapter 844 The Belief to Survive

    Before Serena arrived, Jonny repeatedly reminded her to be careful with her words, and whether it was the Clemens or the James family, they couldn''t afford to offend either! The more she talked, the more mistakes she made. No matter which side she offended, it was a dead end.


    To stay alive, it was best for her to speak less and figure out the situation first.


    If she was real Sadie, then they naturally will help her.


    However, in the struggle of such huge business groups, they could do anything to target their goals. The James Group might even find someone to impersonate Sadie to deal with the Clemens family. And they, as small potatoes, would only end up as tools; once used up, they would be discarded.


    So, for now, she should avoid being killed.


    "I must have been very weak and ipetent in the past!" Sadie dangerously narrowed her eyes. "So I would be bullied and plotted against."


    "You are not weak and ipetent. You are just kind..." Serena''s words were not finished when Arya came in suddenly to report, "Ms. James, Amelia from the Lingston Group is here to see you." Serena was stunned, Amelia! The same woman who bullied her and Sadie in the past!


    Sadie raised an eyebrow. "How did she contact you?"


    "Probably through Mr. Arthur," Arya respectfully reported, "Nelson took Amelia to E country to apologize to Mr. James, but Mr. James refused to see them. They came back to inquire about your phone number everywhere. Just now, my phone was connected, and Amelia was pleading on the phone, saying she wanted to see you and please give her a chance. Nelson also humbly begged me to inform you."


    "Ignore them." Sadie didn''t care about the people from the Lingston family. She turned to Serena. "I''ll have someone take you back. If you have any needs, you can tell them anytime, and they will arrange for you. If anyone harms you, call me anytime."


    "In fact, I haven''t been living in Newark." Serena deliberately probed. "For the past two years, I''ve been working at Uncle Charlie''s factory. You know Uncle Charlie, right?"


    "Is it my dad''s right-hand man, Jonathan?" Sadie blurted out.


    "Yes, it''s him." Serena nodded repeatedly. "Those three factories were your dad''s former properties. Later, when he had trouble, the factories were taken away by someone. You and Uncle Charlie managed to reim them together. You are still the major shareholder. Do you know where the factories are?"


    "In Biston." Sadie still remembered these things. "There are three factories in Biston, two clothing factories and one jewelry factory. I named the factories, they are called Apparel Creations Ltd., Trendy Threads Manufacturing Inc. and Sparkling Gems Jewelry Co.!"


    "Yes!" Serena was excited. "Do you know when Brenda''s birthday is?"


    "March 5th, born in 1957."


    Talking about Brenda, Sadie''s expression became gloomy. When she woke up, she saw Brenda lying quietly in the coffin. Although she had forgotten many things, she still vividly remembered that Brenda was murdered. She needed to be strong, to avenge Brenda!


    "She liked to eat meat, even though she had gout, she couldn''t resist. She liked to smile, sleep, and cook delicious food for me. She was happy to see me enjoy the food she made." Sadie''s memories of Brenda were particrly deep, although these were memories from a long time ago, she had never forgotten.


    "She was nearly two hundred pounds, but after she passed away, she shrank so much. Shey in the coffin, motionless, still holding a piece of my clothes. I still remember, she whispered in my ear, ''Sadie, you must survive!"" Talking about this, Sadie''s eyes turned red, tears swirling in her eyes, but she didn''t allow them to fall.


    Those feelings of hatred began to surge in her heart again. She couldn''t forget that. The hatred was the belief that sustained her existence.

 Chapter 845 The Truth Revealed

    "She was murdered." Sadie''s tone turned cold. "I came back this time to find the real culprit and avenge her."


    "It must be him, that beast!" Serena angrily cursed, "He drove away the bride on his wedding day, found someone to rece you, and killed Brenda. He will go to hell." "What did you say!" Sadie looked at her in astonishment. "Who are you talking about?"


    "It''s Micah!" Serena blurted out.


    Upon hearing this, Sadie was stunned, her face full of disbelief.


    Annika and Arya looked at each other, observing Sadie''s expression with anxiety.


    "Driving away the bride on the wedding day." Sadie repeated these words. "The bride you''re talking about is me!"


    Seeing Sadie''s reaction, Serena was somewhat afraid and replied softly, "Don''t you remember those things?"


    "Sadie was poisoned two years ago, then suffered a blow to the head. She lost her memory after recovery." Arya exined softly.


    "Yes!" Serena became more excited upon hearing this. "Initially, you were poisoned by Micah''s aunt, endured illness and pain, and on the wedding day, the illness recurred, and you bled a lot." Annika eximed in shock, "You mean, the person who poisoned Sadie was Micah''s aunt, Nick!"


    Although they hadn''t met, Nick, the queen of the business world, was well-known to them.


    "Yes," Serena affirmed, "When Micah was talking to his men, I overheard it. Initially, he had a falling out with Nick over this matter. I thought he truly loved Sadie, but on the wedding day..." Serena didn''t dare to continue her words.


    At this moment, Sadie''s face darkened, and the room was filled with a chilling atmosphere.


    "No wonder the gun we seizedst time came from the ck market in Country F." Annika suddenly realized. "So, the ck assassin who tried to kill you that time was one of Nick''s men!" "This is outrageous," Arya angrily eximed, "The Clemens family had gone too far!"


    "Take her back first," Sadie instructed in a low voice.


    "Yes!" Annika immediately arranged someone to escort Serena back.


    Serena felt somewhat uneasy and softly said to Sadie, "Sadie, the Clemens family is powerful and not easy to deal with. Please don''t act impulsively. Discuss it with your family first before acting!" Serena had no understanding of the James family, unaware that they were the only family in the world that could rival the Clemens family.


    "Powerful, huh?" Sadie sneered. "I want to see how powerful he can be."


    Seeing the look in Sadie''s eyes, Serena was somewhat frightened and dared not say more, she just followed Annika out silently.


    The room fell silent again, but the air seemed to drop to freezing point.


    The bodyguards dared not speak, and Arya stood cautiously on the side, not daring to utter a word.


    After a while, Sadie suddenly ordered, "Bring me Nick''s information now. Quick!"


    "Yes." Arya went to handle it right away.


    At this moment, Annika hurried back. "I''ve arranged for Nancy to take Serena back. She will stay at Jonny''s ce for now, and I''ve also arranged for Nancy and a few others to secretly protect her." "Good," Sadie nodded and instructed, "I want you to find someone."


    "Who do you mean?"


    "Jonathan Chase, my father''s former subordinate," Sadie instructed, "Go to Happiness Street and inquire if Brenda and I used to live there."


    "Yes, I''ll deal with it right away." Annika immediately went to handle it.


    Sadie already had a rough idea in her mind. Now, she needed to make the final confirmation beforeunching a full-scale revenge.


    Of course, there was one more thing she needed to verify in person.


    She picked up her phone and dialed Male''s number.

 Chapter 846 The Storm is Coming

    Micah had just arrived at the hospital when his phone rang, causing him to pause slightly. The only person who would call from that number was Sadie. He answered the phone in the car, "Hello."


    "Where are you?" Sadie asked directly.


    "At home. What''s up?" Micah countered.


    "I want to see you," Sadie said, "Tonight at 10 o''clock, at the Night Club."


    "Okay." Micah nced at his watch. "See you tonight."


    After hanging up the phone, Micah kept pondering Sadie''s words, guessing her purpose for wanting to meet him tonight. She must have already met Serena and probably knows about what happened back then. Is she trying to assess his identity? Probably.


    "Micah, you have a date with Ms. Lingston tonight," Andrew reminded softly, "Dinner at Cloud Hotel restaurant at 6 o''clock." "There''s enough time." Micah didn''t n to waste time with E, but he owed her a favor and should rify things to her in person.


    "Understood." Andrew didn''t say more.


    As they got out of the car and walked towards the hospital, a gust of wind blew, stirring up dust.


    Micah squinted, looking up at the sky. It seemed like a storm was approaching.


    "It''s the rainy season recently, so weather changes are normal." Andrew, sensing Micah''s unease, reassured him. "You haven''t slept for several days. Once the hospital matters are settled, you should get some rest." "Okay." Micah wasn''t feeling too well today. He had been sleepless for four days, only managing to sleep for two to three hours in the preceding days. Even with a strong constitution, it was difficult to endure. However, he needed first to sort out Grandpa Clemens'' affairs.


    Throughout the day, Micah was busy at the hospital. Grandpa Clemens'' condition was very unstable. Although he had passed the critical periodst night, he had several rpses today.


    The expert team organized by the hospital dared not leave, staying by the ward all the time.


    As evening approached, Grandpa Clemens'' condition finally stabilized, and the doctors could finally rx.


    Ss, who had been awake for a day and a night, copsed tiredly in a chair.


    "Ss, you should go rest. Rn will stay here. You can''t afford to copse at this time," Micah reassured him.


    "I''m getting old and can''t endure this," Ss said. He was nearly eighty. Despite being in good health, he couldn''t handle such stress.


    "Dr. Charles has arranged a room for you. Get a good sleep ande back when you''re rested."


    Micah gestured, and Rn immediately took him to the rest area.


    After settling Ss, Rn hurried back and stationed himself outside the ward.


    At this critical juncture, everyone was on high alert and didn''t dare to rx.


    "Hang in there a bit longer. When Micah finishes his work tonight, I''ll switch with you." Andrew patted his shoulder.


    "It''s only been two days. I can handle it," Rn said dismissively.


    "Good to hear." Andrew lightly punched his chest.


    "Let''s go." Micah checked his watch and hurried out.


    Andrew quickly followed.


    At that moment, Dahlia called, saying that three children wanted to visit Grandpa Clemens at the hospital.


    Micah immediately declined, "Tell them that Grandpa Clemens is stable, but shouldn''t be disturbed right now. In a few days, I''ll personally bring them to the hospital. For now, they should stay at home." "Understood." Dahlia conveyed Micah''s message to the three children.


    Micah left the hospital to meet E. As he got into the car, Rn called, "Micah, I just received news that Nick''s private jet hasnded in Newark."


    "She moves fast."


    Micah narrowed his eyes coldly. Yesterday, he had instructed Andrew to announce a 98th birthday party for Grandpa Clemens, hoping to lure Nick back.


    But he hadn''t expected Grandpa Clemens to have an ident suddenly.


    Now, Nick was returning earlier than anticipated.


    Nevertheless, given the circumstances, he would have to reassess the situation.

 Chapter 847 An Understanding Girl

    Micah hurried to Cloud Hotel, arriving twenty minuteste.


    E had been waiting here for a long time. She was dressed in a long white dress, fresh and elegant, pure and lovely, staring out the window at the street scene.


    "Mr. Clemens!" The hotel manager hurried out to greet him warmly, "It''s been a long time since you''ve been here!"


    Indeed, it had been a while.


    Micah used to like bringing Sadie here, but every time was to book a room and made love to her.


    E heard the voice and quickly stood up, smiling at him, gesturing in signnguage, "Micah, you''re here!"


    "Sorry for beingte." Micah sat down and wiped his hands with a wet towel.


    "It''s okay; I came early." E smiled and gestured in signnguage, but Micah didn''t even look at her.


    She handed him the menu. When he reached out to take it, he finally looked at her and said, "You can arrange whatever you want. I''m not hungry."


    E nodded and ordered some food on her own, then pointed to the decanter on the table, gesturing, "I brought two bottles of good wine from home. They''ve been decanted. Would you like to try them?" The waiter next to them poured half a ss of wine for Micah.


    Micah took a sip and nodded in admiration. "It tastes good!"


    "It''s my dad''s collection, and he said you would definitely like it," E smiled and gestured in signnguage.


    Micah made a gesture, and everyone around them backed off.


    "Did Mr. Lingston send you to find me?" Micah asked directly.


    "Yes," E nodded honestly and said in signnguage, "Our family is in chaos right now. He and Amelia have tried everything but can''t solve the problem, so he asked me toe find you for help."


    Micah didn''t say anything, slowly savoring the wine.


    He couldn''t get involved in this matter, but he was thinking about how to refuse E without hurting her orpromising his principles.


    "I know you''re in a difficult position with this matter," E continued to gesture, "The Clemens family and the James family have been developing together. Now, the James Group''s expansion into the domestic market poses a great threat to the Clemens Group. If you step in for our family now, it would be very disadvantageous for the Clemens Group."


    Seeing E say this, Micah was very surprised. He knew she was understanding, but he didn''t expect her to be so clear-headed. Despite the major issue at home, she could still calmly and objectively analyze the situation.


    "So, I didn''te today to ask for your help," E''s lips curled up in a helpless smile, saying in a muted voice, "I''m just doing this out of necessity, just going through the motions for them. So, I''m sorry to trouble you to have a meal with me." "Thank you."


    Micah said softly, a heartfelt thank you.


    Although he had no romantic feelings for E, he truly appreciated everything she had done for him and the Clemens family, and her considerate actions at this moment also touched him.


    "Don''t say that. You have no obligation to help the Lingston family." E looked at him sincerely. "In fact, my dad is not good at business at all. The Lingston family has developed to its current status entirely because of the Clemens family''s grace."


    Micah had wanted to say these words for a long time.


    Grandpa Clemens looked cold and ruthless, but because Nelson had saved Herbert''s life when he was young, Grandpa Clemens had taken care of the Lingston family for over twenty years.


    Every time something happened to the Lingston family, Grandpa Clemens would bring it up, even forcing Micah to marry Amelia back then, insisting on how good the Lingston family was. Micah really wanted to retort that all the good things about the Lingston family now were given by the Clemens family.


    When he broke off the engagement with Amelia back then, Micah had topensate their family with over sixty million dors.


    Although he didn''t care about the money, there was always a lingering sense of resentment in his heart.


    However, Nelson had always been humble and polite in front of the Clemens family, so Micah couldn''t say anything.


    Now, only E, this clever girl, had spoken these words, and suddenly, the resentment in Micah''s heart dissipated.

 Chapter 848 A Good Girl

    "The Lingston family hase to this point today because of their own mistakes. We should bear the consequences ourselves and not make things difficult for you anymore." As E finished, she raised her ss, and toasted Micah.


    Micah clinked sses with her.


    Then, E finished the half ss of red wine in her cup in one go. Micah had only intended to take a sip, but seeing that she had finished hers, he followed suit and drank it all. Setting down the ss, E gestured again, "Today is thest time I trouble you. I won''t do it again in the future."


    "I really can''t intervene in the matters of the Lingston family." Micah looked apologetically at her. "But if you ever need help, I''ll be there for you."


    "I don''t have any problems," E smiled bitterly and gestured, "Even if the Lingston family really goes bankrupt, even if the Lingston Group ceases to exist, I can still support myself and my father with my hands and live a peaceful life in the future. That''s fine." "You''re a good girl."


    Micah rarely praised others, but he had to admit that E was indeed outstanding. Despite being born with a disability and enduring bullying since childhood, she persevered in her studies, obtained dual doctoral degrees, and even started a pharmaceuticalpany with her own abilities.


    Although it wasn''trge-scale, her self-sufficiency was already remarkable.


    Especially her character, which is truly kind and gentle.


    "Thank you," E looked deeply at him and gestured, "It''s the first time I''ve heard youpliment someone."


    Micah smirked slightly, averted his gaze, and continued drinking.


    The affection in E''s eyes was as warm as the sun, and Micah could only avoid it by drinking.


    Soon, the waiter came to serve the meal.


    Micah had no appetite. He had stayed up several nights and was now very tired, so he could only drink to perk himself up, as he still had things to doter and had to meet Sadie. "Why aren''t you eating?" E asked in signnguage.


    Micah lowered his eyes, not looking at her, and naturally didn''t see her signnguage.


    E poured him another half ss of red wine, poured herself one as well, and then raised her ss to him.


    The two clinked sses and once again finished the wine in one go.


    "Since you have no appetite, I''ll apany you in drinking," E gestured, "I''m leaving for Country F tomorrow. I don''t know when we''ll meet again."


    "Why are you going back to Country F?" Micah was surprised.


    "I don''t want to be entangled with my father and Amelia." E looked sad. "I don''t want to trouble you either. To avoid them, I have to leave."


    "Thank you!"


    Apart from this sentence, Micah didn''t know what else to say to express his gratitude and guilt.


    "I''m going to see Grandpa Clemens tomorrow and try to persuade him to leave with me. That way, you won''t have to listen to his nagging every day." E smiled and gestured.


    "Grandpa Clemens may need some time before he can return home," Micah said tactfully, "He can''t leave recently."


    "Why?" E looked very surprised. "I''ve been trying to call Grandpa Clemens these days, but I can''t get through, and there''s no response when I contact Ss. Has something happened to Grandpa Clemens?"


    "He''s sick." Micah didn''t reveal everything. "He''s old and gued by illness. I advised him to rest well, so I cut off his contact with the outside world."


    Grandpa Clemens'' situation was a big deal, and no one should know, including E.


    In the face of a major event, Micah always remained vignt.


    "I understand," E gestured, "No wonder you look so haggard. You must not have slept well these days. Drink more tonight and get a good rest when you go back."


    "Okay." Micah continued drinking with her.


    Andrew watched from the side, his brows slightly furrowed.


    Micah had a good tolerance for alcohol; he usually drank water at home and had never been drunk. But tonight, he seemed a bit intoxicated, his eyes were somewhat unfocused. Could it be that this wine had an unusually strong aftereffect?

 Chapter 849 Sister Rivalry

    "I''ve been looking for you everywhere, and here you are." A sudden cold and arrogant voice interrupted Andrew''s thoughts. Andrew turned to look and saw that it was Amelia.


    She was elegantly dressed, with delicate makeup, and walked in confidently.


    Upon seeing Amelia, E immediately frowned, stood up, and gestured in signnguage, "Amelia, why are you here?"


    "This is a public ce; I should be able toe, right?" Amelia''s attitude towards E was extremely bad. Every word she spoke carried a domineering tone.


    In contrast, E appeared very fragile, frowning, afraid to speak, and afraid of beingughed at by others.


    "What are you doing here?" Micah frowned, his disgust evident in his eyes.


    "Micah, I''ve sent you many messages during this time, but you never replied, and I couldn''t reach you by phone." Facing Micah, Amelia immediately changed her tone, appearing aggrieved and fragile. "I just wanted to see you. Is that so difficult?"


    Micah was truly fed up with her hypocritical demeanor. He coldly turned his face away, not wanting to engage with her at all.


    "Amelia, stop causing a scene." E tried to pull Amelia away.


    Amelia angrily shook off her hand, disdainfully shouting, "What''s it to you? You can make ns with Micah, why can''t I? Who do you think you are, a princess? Micah only came out to see you out of pity."


    "With so many people watching, don''t you feel embarrassed?" E anxiously gestured in signnguage, trying to persuade her to leave, "Let''s go together, stop bothering Micah." "Get lost!" Amelia impatiently pushed E.


    E staggered back, bumped into a table, then fell to the ground.


    The wine decanter fell from the table, hitting her head directly. Blood gushed out instantly.


    Micah was stunned for a moment, then hurried to help E up.


    Seeing this scene, Amelia felt a twinge of jealousy, so she sarcastically remarked, "You''re so weak. I just gave you a little push. It shouldn''t have affected you this much!" "Shut up!" Micah angrily scolded, "You''re really cruel. She''s your sister, and you''ve hurt her multiple times, even push her in front of me. Are you asking for trouble?" "Micah." Amelia looked at Micah in astonishment, full of disbelief. "You''re actually defending her like this. Have you really fallen for her? She''s a mute, not even worthy of you." "Stop!" Micah''s disgust towards Amelia was palpable. "Before I lose my temper andy hands on you, get out of here immediately!"


    "Micah!"


    "Ms. Amelia Lingston, please," Andrew stepped forward to advise, "Stop causing trouble. Preserve your dignity."


    Tears welled up in Amelia''s eyes, and she felt wronged, so she left in anger.


    Micah helped E sit on the sofa; seeing the deep wound on her head caused by the wine decanter, he immediately said, "I''ll take you to the hospital."


    E quickly shook her head, gesturing, "All the media are focusing on the Lingston family. If I go to the hospital, I''ll be discovered soon, and who knows how the media will spin it."


    "Go to the hospital at mypany. No one will know." Micah prepared to help her leave but found that her foot was also cut by ss shards, so he directly picked her up.


    "I really can''t go to hospital. It''s nothing serious. I just need to tend to the wound," E gestured in his arms. "You''re busy; don''t let me dy your time."


    Hearing this, Micah nced at his watch, it was already 8:30. If he went to the hospital now, the time spent on the way there and at the hospital would indeed dy his meeting with Sadie. Thinking this, he instructed the hotel manager following beside him, "Get me a room, and prepare a first aid kit immediately."


    "Okay."

 Chapter 850 She is Harmless

    Seeing E was injured, the manager was very anxious. He immediately asked someone to bring the first aid kit and said, "We have a doctor in the hotel who can handle minor injuries. I''ll have here over right away. For now, let me take you to your room." "Hurry." Micah carried E towards the elevator.


    "Yes." The manager hurried to press the elevator button, taking Micah and the bodyguard to the room.


    Four bodyguards followed behind. Just as they entered the elevator, they heard a loud noise from downstairs, immediately alerting them.


    "Go check it out," Micah ordered.


    "Yes." Two bodyguards exited the elevator and went downstairs to investigate.


    Micah carried E out of the elevator, only to realize that the manager had brought him to the room he used to stay in frequently. He paused, frowned, and said, "Get another room."


    "All the other rooms are upied. This is the room you used to stay in, and we dare not change it," the manager said anxiously, "It might take a while to prepare another room. Ms. Lingston has lost a lot of blood. Let''s treat the wound first!" Micah looked at E, trembling in his arms, and had no choice but to take her inside.


    Meanwhile, Andrew forcibly brought Amelia downstairs and forced her into the car to leave.


    Amelia was furious. "You''ve all been deceived by that mute. She appears harmless on the surface, but she''s actually very cunning."


    "Enough, Ms. Amelia," Andrew said.


    Andrew didn''t want to talk to her anymore. He just wanted to go upstairs quickly. Recently, things had beenplicated because of Grandpa Clemens, and Micah had sent most of the bodyguards to the hospital, leaving a few at home to watch the three children. He was short on manpower.


    "Just wait and see. When you''re deceived by that wretched woman, you''ll know I''m the good one," Amelia said resentfully.


    "Really?" Andrew found it ridiculous. "Someone who can even harm her own sister can''t possibly be a good person."


    "What do you mean by saying harm?" Amelia asked in shock.


    "Enough, this is a matter of the Lingston family. It has nothing to do with me," Andrew said, opening the car door and gesturing for her to get in, "If you don''t leave now, I''ll have to call Nelson." Annoyed, Amelia red at him and reluctantly got into the car.


    However, as soon as her car drove out, it was overturned by an oing truck.


    Andrew widened his eyes in shock, hesitated for a moment, then immediately called the police.


    Upstairs, in the presidential suite.


    The hotel medical staff quickly arrived to treat E''s wound.


    She received three stitches, and blood stained half of her face.


    Seeing this scene, Micah felt extremely guilty. He usually reacted quickly, but today he might have had too much to drink, so his reactions were a bit slow, and he didn''t protect E well. Even though she wasn''t his girlfriend, as long as she was by his side, he should fulfill his responsibilities as a man.


    "All done." The medical staff quickly treated E''s wound, packed up, and left.


    "Mr. Clemens, I''ll be waiting outside. If you need anything, just let me know." The manager also left.


    "Rest for a while. I''ll have someone take you to the hospitalter."


    Micah handed E a wet towel.


    E took it and wiped her face, gesturing, "I''ll go to the bathroom for a moment."


    Then she went to the bathroom.


    Micah sat on the sofa and opened a bottle of water, probably feeling thirsty from drinking too much. He drank the whole bottle in one go and then leaned back on the sofa, waiting for E. When he was carrying E, her blood had dirtied his clothes. He took off his jacket and threw it aside.


    Then, he continued drinking water.


    Feeling the alcohol kicking in, he felt a bit hot and unbuttoned his shirt.

 Chapter 851 You’re Great

    E stayed in the bathroom for more than half an hour and still hadn''te out. "E, are you okay!"


    Micah knocked on the bathroom door, but there was no response inside. Feeling that something was wrong, he immediately pushed the door open and walked in. However, when he saw the scene in front of him, he was stunned.


    Ey naked in the bathtub, her wless body looking particrly charming in the dim light. The clear water rippled gently beside her, as if teasing her skin. Micah immediately turned around, frowned, and said, "Sorry. I thought you..." He quickly walked out, but after taking a step, he felt something was wrong and turned back.


    It turned out that E had fainted, which was why she was lying motionless in the bathtub.


    Micah immediately lifted E out of the bathtub, wrapped her body in a towel, put her on the bed, and gently patted her face. "E! E!"


    E gradually regained consciousness, looking at him with a dazed expression. Her beautiful and pure face was pale as paper, and her eyes shimmered with crystal tears. She looked pitiful and innocent.


    "I''ll take you to the hospital." Micah took out his phone to make a call.


    But E suddenly hugged him, crying uncontrobly in his arms, her delicate body trembling as if all her grievances and sorrows were pouring out at that moment.


    Micah''s phone fell on the bed. He stood there with his hands stiff, not hugging her or pushing her away.


    E was pitiful, evoking sympathy. All she wanted now was a shoulder to cry on for a while.


    He didn''t want to push her away cruelly.


    At this moment, a bodyguard''s angry shout came from outside.


    "Who goes there? Back off."


    Then, the door was pushed open, and a group of reporters surged in like a tide, wildly taking photos and videos of Micah and E.


    E curled up in Micah''s arms, trembling in fear.


    In the chaos, her towel slipped off.


    Micah immediately lifted the nket to cover her body, turned his head, and angrily shouted, "Do you want to die!"


    Those people were scared by him and kept retreating. A few timid ones slipped away first, while a few bold reporters continued to take photos.


    At this moment, two bodyguards hurried over, trying to drive away these reporters, but more and more reporters kept pouring in from outside, continuously taking photos and videos. The scene was in chaos. Micah protected E while calling Andrew.


    Soon, Andrew rushed in with people and forcibly drove away those reporters.


    "Find out which media they are from, and find them all for me." Micah was burning with anger.


    "Yes." Andrew left with the bodyguards, but when he reached the door, he froze, his eyes widened in astonishment, "Ms. James!"


    "Close the door."


    Micah didn''t hear Andrew''s words. When he turned back to give themand, he saw Sadie at the door, stunned.


    Sadie squinted her eyes, staring coldly at him.


    The gaze was extremelyplex, filled with resentment, hatred, mockery, as well as disdain and contempt.


    "Ms. James, this is a misunderstanding!"


    Andrew tried to exin, while Annika angrily shouted, "They were all stripped naked, and it''s still a misunderstanding!"


    "Seeing is believing. Do you think we''re fools!" Arya''s face turned livid with anger.


    "You..."


    Sadie didn''t say a word. She just picked up her phone and dialed Male''s number.


    Sure enough, the phone on the coffee table vibrated.


    Sadie stared at the phone, her eyes bing even colder. A mocking curve appeared on her lips. She nced at E, who was curled up pitifully in the nket, then red at Micah with resentment. "You''re great!" Really. She was deceived once again!


    ying a role in front of her with two identities. Acting as if deeply in love but secretly entangled with another woman. Great.

 Chapter 852 She Knows Everything

    Micah wanted to exin, but he didn''t know where to start.


    Sadie gave him a cold look and left angrily.


    Annika and Arya immediately followed her.


    Andrew watched Micah cautiously, unsure of what to say.


    "Call the hospital to take care of E," Micah ordered calmly.


    "Yes." Andrew immediately made the call.


    Micah put on his coat, grabbed his phone, and hurriedly followed.


    E wanted to say something to stop him, but she couldn''t speak, so she could only watch him leave. "Ms. Lingston, you rest first. I''ll have the hotel doctore over soon," Andrew said, closing the door. "Could it be that Micah is the man in the mask?" Arya couldn''t help but ask.


    "Yes." Annika looked at Sadie fearfully.


    At this moment, Sadie appeared calm on the surface, but her lowered eyes flickered with a chilling light.


    "Ms. James, don''t be angry. Micah is not worth your sadness," Arya advised cautiously.


    "Stop talking," Annika whispered.


    Arya quickly shut her mouth, afraid to make a sound.


    As the elevator opened, Sadie was about to leave when a familiar figure rushed over like the wind, blocking her way.


    Micah rushed down from the twelfth-floor staircase, slightly out of breath. "Can we talk?"


    He didn''t know why she was here, what message she had received, or how much she remembered.


    He only knew that he couldn''t let her misunderstand any longer.


    "What do you want to talk about?" Sadie raised her eyebrows at him. "About how you abandoned me at the wedding, or about how the Clemens family in H country killed Brenda! Or maybe about the custody of the three children!" Upon hearing these words, Micah was stunned. She knew it. She knew everything.


    "From your expression, it seems you''re admitting to all of them," Sadie''s hands clenched into fists, her eyes filled with a chilling murderous intent. "The Clemens family is really something. When I had no power back then, you bullied me and humiliated me."


    "It''s not like that, let me exin!"


    "Enough!" Sadie interrupted Micah, gritting her teeth in anger. "Micah, wait and see. I will make the Clemens family pay double for the harm they caused me. I will make you pay!"


    With that, Sadie angrily pushed him away and left proudly.


    Micah stood still, watching her retreating figure, his emotions swirling,plex and indescribable.


    From the moment he knew Sadie had returned, he knew that this day woulde sooner orter.


    He didn''t expect it toe so soon!


    Too soon for him to be prepared..


    "Micah, are you okay?" Andrew''s cautious voice came from behind.


    Micah snapped out of his daze and walked out nkly. "She knows it. She knows everything."


    "You mean, she knows about your rtionship!" Andrew asked nervously, "Or does she remember everything from the past?"


    "It''s probably not remembering." Micah squinted, carefully recalling Sadie''s reaction just now. "If she remembered, it would probably be more intense. I guess she heard it from Serena." "Well, that''s good. There''s still room for salvage." Andrew breathed a sigh of relief. "I think you should find time to exin things to her properly."


    "Okay." Micah was in a bad state of mind. "Is everything upstairs arranged?"


    "Yes," Andrew replied, "Dahlia has sent someone over. I''ve left two people here to guard; Ms. E Lingston will be fine."


    "What about the reporters?" Micah frowned.


    "They''ve all run off, but I''ll check the hotel surveince footage, identify them one by one, and hold them ountable," Andrew said.

 Chapter 853 Extremely Cunning

    "Alright." Micah walked out of the hotel and saw police surrounding the barricades on the street outside, along with traces of a car ident. He frowned and asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Amelia was hit by a truck as soon as she got into the car. I immediately called the police," Andrew reported, "She has been taken to the hospital, but there shouldn''t be a life-threatening situation. She didn''t have time to fasten her seatbelt, and she was thrown out,nding in the flower bed, narrowly escaping. Her driver wasn''t as lucky and died on the spot."


    "How coincidental!"


    Micah furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss.


    Tonight seemed peculiar in many ways.


    It felt like many things were strangely coincidental as if they had been nned in advance.


    While Micah was still pondering, he suddenly felt a strong dizziness in his head. "Micah!" Andrew quickly helped Micah into the car. "You''re too tired. Go back and rest first."


    In the car, Micah held his forehead and whispered, "Control the media, make sure they don''t report inurately."


    "I understand. You can rest assured!"


    Andrew sent Micah home and had the servants help him change clothes to ensure he could rest peacefully. Then he hurried off to deal with the media matters.


    Andrew also felt that tonight''s events were very unusual as if they were all part of a nned chain reaction.


    Every step seemed meticulously arranged by someone.


    However, which part of the process went wrong and who created such a problem, Andrew didn''t dare to conclude easily.


    Because, upon reviewing the whole incident, there didn''t seem to be any obvious loopholes.


    Since the Lingston family''s ident, they have been under constant media scrutiny, various forms of tracking, and secret photography. Now that they caught E meeting a man in the hotel, such explosive news, they naturally wanted to know. It wasn''t surprising that they barged in directly.


    After all, the Lingston Group was on the verge of copse; these media outlets didn''t care about them at all; they just wanted to seize a big news story at thest minute to further harm the Lingston Group.


    Moreover, when the incident urred, Andrew wasn''t present on the scene. Only two unfamiliar bodyguards were stationed at the door.


    Those media personnel didn''t recognize the man inside as Micah, that''s why they dared to be so brazen.


    Upon careful consideration, there didn''t seem to be any obvious issues.


    If there had to be something suspicious, it would probably fall on Amelia. Throughout the entire incident, she was the most suspicious; after all, she had a criminal record and a motive.


    She had offended the James Group herself, and now Nelson was likely putting all the pressure on her, forcing her to solve the problem, dragging the Clemens family into it, and getting Micah to help the Lingston family. Amelia resorted to this conspiracy,


    It wasn''t an impossible scenario.


    But thinking back, Amelia didn''t gain anything from this incident. She almost lost her life, and even if she managed to survive, her injuries were severe.


    Given her personality, it was unlikely that she would be so ruthless to herself. If it was really her n, she should have been the female lead in the room with Micah, not the one who would benefit E.


    With this in mind, Amelia''s suspicion was ruled out.


    But besides her, who else?


    Andrew couldn''t help but remember what Amelia said before leaving.


    "You''ve all been fooled by the mute. She''s a hypocritical person, harmless on the surface but very scheming inside."


    If there was a beneficiary in this incident, it should be E.


    If the whole incident were publicized, E could be the Mrs. Clemens.


    Thinking this, Andrew felt a chill down his spine.


    But upon further thought, E didn''t seem like a scheming person. Besides, she shouldn''t have the ability to n so meticulously.


    Even if she were cunning and could consider such schemes, her capabilities would prevent her from pulling them off.

 Chapter 854 Mommys New Identity

    Setting aside everything else, mobilizing those media outlets to barge in at a critical moment was a problem in itself. What on earth is going on!


    Andrew couldn''t figure it out after thinking for a long time. At the moment, all he could do was follow Micah''s instructions to suppress the media, and the rest would have to wait until Micah woke up. However, Andrew didn''t expect Micah to sleep until noon the next day.


    He was probably really exhausted,pounded by the fact that he had drunk a lot of alcoholst night, he couldn''t be awakened no matter how hard they tried.


    Many decisions awaited him. Andrew knocked on the door several times, but there was no response from inside.


    Today was the weekend, and the three children had finished their lessons at home and were preparing to go downstairs for lunch. Seeing Andrew pacing outside Micah''s room, Noah stepped forward and asked, "Andrew, what''s wrong?" "I have urgent matters to report to your dad." Andrew was very anxious. "Mr. Noah, can you go in and check?"


    "Okay." Noah knocked on the door, but there was still no response. He said directly, "Dad, I''ming in."


    With that, Noah pushed the door and walked in, followed by Nathan and Mia.


    "Dad''s sleeping soundly."


    Mia walked to the bedside and found Micah hugging a pillow, sleeping deeply with a slight frown and a faint snore. "Dad," Nathan lowered his voice and called softly, "wake up, Andrew needs to see you."


    Micah still didn''t respond.


    Noah approached and checked his breathing, then turned to Nathan and Mia. "Dad''s fine. Let''s go out first." "Okay." The three children walked out of the room together.


    "How is he?" Andrew hurriedly asked.


    "Dad is still asleep, probably too tired." Noah remained calm. "Andrew, you seem very anxious. Is there something wrong? You might as well tell me."


    Andrew hesitated for a moment and said, "These are all adult matters, Mr. Noah, you''re still young."


    "I often help Dad review documents and handlepany matters. I should be able to help him." Noah looked at the pile of documents in Andrew''s hand. "You might as well bring them to the study and let me take a look." "Alright, that works." Andrew followed Noah to the study and handed him the documents. "Mr. Noah, you take a look first. I have other matters to attend to. I''lle find youter. Just take a look at these documents, but be careful not to mess them up."


    "I understand. You go ahead and busy yourself."


    Noah sat in Micah''s leather chair and began to review the documents, which were all in English. As he read, his brow furrowed.


    "Noah, what''s wrong?" Nathan tiptoed over, trying to see the words on the documents, but only understood half of them. "What does it say?"


    "Thepany''s in trouble." Noah''s brow furrowed deeply, his expression serious. "The stock market is in turmoil, and the shareholders are all looking for Dad. Moreover, there are many negative rumors outside, and those negative public opinions have a great impact on Dad."


    "What should we do?" Mia was scared, her face turning pale.


    "Don''t be afraid, Dad will handle it."


    Noah flipped through the documents one by one, finally fixing his gaze on one document. The document had a person''s name written on it, Sadie, and the person in the photo was actually their mommy!


    Noah blinked hard and picked up the document to examine it carefully. The person in the photo was indeed mommy, but the name and identity in the document were written as Mr. Clemens Sadie, Deputy General Manager of The James Group.


    Below was a detailed introduction, including the percentage of shares held in The James Group, the position in the international businessmunity, and the various brilliant achievements made in the business world, including the Evercrest City sports project and The Sapphire Depths coastal base.


    As he looked at the documents below, the shareholders of thepany strongly questioned it, and this time the group suffered various pressures, all due to Sadie.


    "Noah, what''s wrong with you? Why do you look so bad!" Nathan looked at Noah with unease.

 Chapter 855 Its Mommy

    "There are some things I need to confirm first," Noah said without immediately telling Nathan. "You two go have lunch; I''ll keep looking at these documents." "Alright," Nathan replied, feeling a bit dejected. "Not that I understand them anyway, I can''t help."


    "I''ll ask Reba to bring your lunch up. You can eat while you work," Mia offered, pouring a ss of water for Noah. "Drink some water first, don''t tire yourself out." "Thank you, Mia." Noah nodded and urged them, "Go on, don''t starve yourselves."


    "Okay." As Mia turned to leave, Little Coco suddenly noticed the photo on the document and excitedly pped its wings, shouting, "Mommy, mommy!"


    Noah immediately closed the document and frowned, "Little Coco, stop it."


    "Naughty Little Coco, so annoying," Nathan scolded angrily. "It did the same thing at the hospitalst time, kept calling for mommy and flew into the stairwell, making us chase after it."


    "Little Coco, Noah needs to work now, don''t disturb him," Mia gently reminded, stroking Little Coco''s feathers. "Hospitals are quiet ces. Next time we go, don''t make any noise."


    "Mommy, mommy!" Little Coco called out a few more times. Nathan and Mia red at it, and it tucked its head under its wings, silencing itself.


    "You said Little Coco called for mommy at the hospital too?" Noah immediately sensed something amiss. Recently, he had been training Little Coco, repeatedly showing it photos and videos of mommy, so that if she ever appeared, Little Coco would recognize her.


    After all, animals'' instincts and sharpness far surpass humans''.


    "Yeah, it was the night beforest. You were in the emergency room with Grandpa Clemens, and Mia wanted to go too, so I apanied her. While we were walking around the corner, Little Coco suddenly started calling," Nathan recounted the detailed events of that night excitedly.


    Mia added, "Luckily, Brother Ethan caught it; otherwise, we would have had to search the hospital for it."


    Upon hearing this, Noah immediately reached out his hand, "Little Coco,e here!"


    Mia let go, and Little Coco quickly pped its wings andnded on Noah''s hand.


    Noah gently stroked its feathers and seriously instructed Nathan, "Nathan, go close the door."


    Seeing Noah''s sudden serious expression, Nathan felt a bit uneasy but quickly ran to close the door.


    "Noah, what''s wrong?" Mia asked nervously.


    Noah opened the document again and pointed to the photo, asking Little Coco, "Little Coco, was this the mommy you saw at the hospital the other day?"


    "Mommy, mommy!" Little Coco saw Sadie''s photo and immediately started calling out, affectionately rubbing its fluffy head against the picture.


    Nathan and Mia looked at each other in confusion, not understanding what Noah was implying.


    Noah quickly took out his phone and essed the surveince footage from that night.


    The miniature camera he had installed on Little Coco worked like a dash cam, recording events for 72 hours before automatically clearing.


    Since it hadn''t been 72 hours yet, the footage should still be avable.


    "Noah, what are you doing?" Nathan and Mia leaned in from either side to see.


    "Don''t make noise," Noah reminded them, frowning.


    Soon, the footage from that night appeared on the phone screen. Noah calcted the time and moved the progress bar ordingly, "It was around 12:35 AM." Soon, the footage showed Nathan and Mia carrying Little Coco towards the emergency room.


    From Little Coco''s perspective, they could indeed see a familiar figure.


    Noah immediately paused the video and zoomed in.


    "It''s mommy!"

 Chapter 856 Reconciliation

    "It''s Mommy!"


    The three children shouted in unison. They hadn''t seen her for two years and they had grown up as time went by. Besides, Sadie''s attire had changed a bit. Yet, they still recognized Sadie at a nce.


    Over the past two years, they often looked at photos of Sadie together and watched videos they had taken together before. Sadie''s appearance was deeply engraved in their minds. They would never forget her!


    "Mommy''s back. She''s really back!" Noah was very excited.


    "Mommy went to the hospital to see us." Nathan was so excited he almost jumped up. "Little Coco really saw Mommy at the hospital!" "Why did Mommy hide?" Mia''s bright, big eyes shimmered with tears. She choked up and asked, "Why didn''t she show up to see us?" "She can''t."


    Noah knew that it was normal for Sadie not toe out now, considering she was forced to leave at the wedding.


    However, Sadie went to the hospital to see them in secret. She must miss them a lot.


    "Noah, let''s go tell Daddy about this and ask him to bring Mommy back." Mia pulled Noah''s clothes and said excitedly, "And Brenda!"


    "Mia!" Noah frowned and solemnly said, "We can''t let Daddy know about this."


    "Why?" Mia looked at him, puzzled.


    "Noah, are you hiding something from us?" Nathan anxiously asked, "Just tell us directly."


    Noah thought for a moment and said, "There must be a reason for her not to meet us. Although we don''t know the exact reason, she must have her bitter reasons. And since she went to the hospital to see us in secret, she can''t want Daddy to know it. If we tell Daddy, she might get angry."


    "That makes sense." Nathan thought carefully and nodded. "What should we do now?"


    "We''ll contact Mommy ourselves." Noah had an idea. "Let''s not tell Daddy about this for now. In fact, nobody should know. This is our secret, understand?"


    "Understood." Nathan and Mia nodded repeatedly.


    "Alright, you go have lunch first. I''lle downter."


    Noah exited the phone monitoring system, then fed Little Coco some food, stroked its head, and praised, "Little Coco, you''ve done a great job this time. I''ll reward you well."


    "Reward! Reward!" Little Coco pped its wings and chirped, looking very excited.


    "Okay. Be good. When the time is right, I''ll need you to go to my mommy again."


    Noah fed it some water and was about to leave when the study door opened; he eximed in surprise, "Daddy, you''re awake?"


    "Yes." Micah, dressed in casual clothes, hurried in, followed by Andrew, Rn, and others.


    "You go downstairs for lunch." Micah gently patted Noah''s head.


    "Okay." Noah left with Little Coco, and as he closed the door, he saw Micah put on a serious look with a frown. He knew something big must havee up. "Mr. Noah, please allow me." Andrew stepped forward to close the door.


    Noah withdrew his gaze and left.


    "I told you to keep the media under control. Why is it being covered everywhere?"


    Micah''s angry voice resounded in the room.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Clemens. I worked on it immediately at the time. I didn''t expect..."


    Noah didn''t hear the rest of the words, but he knew Micah was facing a crisis.


    Combining the information he had just seen, Noah was worried that the crisis might be rted to Mommy.


    He didn''t understand the rtionships between adults, but he really hoped that his parents could reconcile and stop quarreling.

 Chapter 857 The Clemens Groups Crisis

    In the study, Micah was furious, grabbing the ashtray on the table and smashing it out in anger.


    The ashtray hit the wall, instantly turning into pieces and sttering around.


    Andrew''s forehead and neck were scratched. Blood trickled down his face.


    But he kept his head down, not daring to speak.


    The news of Micah and E''s rendezvous at a hotelst night had now spread across major media outlets worldwide. #Mr. Micah Clemens from VIC Group had a private meeting with his "mistress" at the hotel#


    #The rich guy took his wife to the hotel for passion after getting married#


    #Why does the seven-year rich couple still feel romantic and warm? Let''s check how the wife keeps love rolling#


    Various sensational headlines had been circting in major media outlets.


    Ey half-naked on the bed, her face pale and her body trembling with fear, while Micah protectively held her in his arms. The passionate scene between the two had attracted numerousizens, dominating various social media rankings. Someizens even dug up photos and videos of Micah and E''s "wedding" from the past, calling them the most romantic couple in the world!


    They evenpiled the couple''s love story, which was like a romantic novel.


    Back then, E was pregnant with triplets before getting married, raising the children alone in the countryside.


    Four yearster, she met Micah by chance in Newark and fell in love with him again. A beautiful love story happened between them.


    Then, they quietly held a wedding, with their three children as flower kids presenting them with wedding rings.


    Two yearster, now as a married couple, they discreetly booked a hotel room for some excitement, unbeknownst to others.


    This news, along with various photos and videos of the couple, had spread across major media outlets.


    Now,izens were all convinced that this was the truth.


    Especially some femaleizens started to dream of marrying into a wealthy family, hoping to meet a perfect man like Micah and live a happy life just like E did!


    However, only the insiders knew how detrimental this seeming entertainment news about a wealthy family could be for the Clemens Group.


    It was already known across the business circle that the Lingston Group had offended the James Group, and the James Group was suppressing the Lingston Group.


    Now, the Lingston Group was on the brink of bankruptcy and unable to recover. At this time, E, the daughter of the Lingston Group, was rumored to be involved with Micah, and even connected to the wedding event two years ago, leading people to believe they were truly a secretly married couple.


    If Micah didn''t do anything to save the Lingston Group at this moment, he would be condemned by everyone!


    Ignoring the enemy''s malicious suppression of his wife''s family business would show ack of responsibility or fear of the James Group.


    These moral constraints were enough to ruin the hard-earned reputation of the Clemens family in the business world.


    Micah would be deemed indifferent, selfish, weak, and ipetent.


    However, if Micah stepped in, it would indicate the Clemens family was officially at war with the James Group.


    From a business perspective, the Clemens family was not adequately prepared. Micah''s grandpa was seriously ill. Nick was fighting for power with him. Micah was facing internal and external troubles. It was not the right time yet. From a personal perspective, Micah would never turn against Sadie because of E. Sadie was the only woman he had ever loved. What he had for E was merely sympathy.


    How could he not know who was more important because of a misunderstanding?


    "Micah, calm down. I''ll handle it right away. I''ll bring the heat down, whatever it takes," Rn said.


    "It''s toote!" Micah frowned. "I don''t care how the outside world sees this but how Sadie sees it! Last night, this matter caused a misunderstanding, but I still can exin it. Now that it''s known to all. It''s no longer a matter of whether she forgives me or not; it''s about dignity and the James Group''s face."

 Chapter 858 The Childrens Plan

    "Yes." Rn lowered his head, not daring to speak again.


    "Never mind. You wouldn''t understand anyway," Micah snapped, "You go handle the public opinion first." "Yes."


    Rn immediately went out to work. The situation had deteriorated to a very bad point, but if it was not dealt with promptly, the consequences could be even more severe. So, they had to act quickly and minimize the losses. "I''m sorry." Andrew felt very ashamed. "I know the consequences are very serious. I''m not trying to shift me; I just want to say that someone is behind this. I really can''t control it."


    "Have you found out who it is?" Micah naturally knew that Andrew was not ipetent or not trying hard enough. There were many things he couldn''t handle.


    "It should be rted to Nick." Andrew frowned. "Various clues all point to her being the one driving things forward."


    "She''s gone mad." Micah''s face turned livid with anger. "For the sake of seizing wealth and power, she''d risk the future of the entire Clemens Group."


    "Also," Andrew paused and then continued, "Nelson has been contacting me these days, saying he wants to talk to you. I feel..."


    Andrew didn''t finish his sentence; he just looked at Micah fearfully.


    "You suspect that the Lingston family orchestratedst night''s incident!" Micah carefully recalled everything that happenedst night. Indeed, there were many suspicious things. Besides, he usually had a good tolerance for alcohol. He wouldn''t have been so drunk and slept for over ten hours after just a few drinks.


    "I''m just guessing, not certain. After all, there''s no evidence," Andrew said softly, "Moreover, Ms. Lingston doesn''t seem like a scheming person."


    "How''s the situation at the hospital?" Micah changed the subject.


    "Mr. Clemens is rtively stable," Andrew said, "But people arranged by Nick have been lingering nearby, trying to sneak in. Nick has contacted Ss several times, wanting to know Mr. Clemens''s whereabouts."


    "Prepare the car. We''re going to the hospital," Micahmanded, "Tell everyone we''ll have a meeting at four in the afternoon." "Yes."


    Micah changed his clothes and hurried downstairs.


    His three children were eating in the dining room. When they saw himing down, they obediently greeted, "Daddy,e and eat!"


    "I have things to attend to." Micah walked over and hugged the three children. "Don''t be naughty. Finish your meal, and study well. I can''t spend this weekend with you, but once I''m done, I''ll take you out to the beach." "Daddy, when can we visit Great-grandpa at the hospital?" Nathan asked sensibly.


    "In a few days." Micah nced at his watch. "When Great-grandpa is feeling better, Daddy will take you to see him."


    "Can we go to the mall this afternoon?" Noah asked casually, "We''ve been studying at home these days, not going out for once. It''s so boring."


    "The mall isn''t fun."


    Micah didn''t want them to go out now; it was a critical moment. And it would be troublesome if something happened to them.


    "There''s a huge children''s yground on the basement first floor of Ruby za with many facilities," Noah said seriously, "What''s more, there''s a huge Lego City there."


    "Yeah, and bumper cars and a block castle," Nathan quickly added.


    "You two..."


    Mia was about to object when Nathan suddenly nudged her.


    "Why did you nudge me?" Mia looked at him, not getting the hint.


    "Alright," Micah felt he couldn''t keep the children at home all the time. "I''ll have n take you there, but you must behave well. No running around, understand?" "Got it. Don''t worry." Noah nodded with a smile.


    "We can go out to y!" Nathan cheered happily.


    "I''m off!" Micah patted the heads of the three children and hurriedly left.


    At that moment, Little Coco suddenly pped its wings and called out, "Mommy, Mommy!"


    Micah nced back and saw Nathan stuffing a piece of vegetable into Little Coco''s mouth, not allowing it to speak.


    Unmindful of that, Micah quickly got into the car.

 Chapter 859 Mias Ploy

    The three kids quickly finished lunch and then went upstairs to change clothes.


    Only the three of them were in the room. Nathan pulled Noah aside and asked in a low voice, "Noah, you deliberately said you want to go out to y, right? Are you nning to take us to meet Mommy?" "Yes." Noah nodded.


    "That''s great," Mia eximed excitedly, "I thought you really wanted to go out to y just now. Dad is working so hard and so busy. I was wondering why you caused trouble for him. Now I know you want to take us to find Mommy." "It''s not easy," Noah said softly with a frown, "Dad''s bodyguards are much smarter than our great-grandpa, and they know us better. Later on the way, we need to put on a show together and see if we can get away. If it''s really not possible, you guys cover for me, and I''ll go first."


    "Are you going to find Mommy alone again?" Nathan frowned in annoyance. "I disagree. You do this every time."


    "Yeah, we want to see Mommy too." Mia pouted.


    "Now is the time to work together. No internal conflicts," Noah urged, "n and the others are very alert. I may not even be able to slip away alone, let alone with you two. I''m just suggesting. If we can''t slip away, we''ll just go to Ruby za as usual. Maybe Mommy wille to see us quietly likest time."


    "Well, we''ll listen to you." Nathan reluctantly agreed for the sake of the big picture.


    "If there''s a chance, you have to take us to see Mommy together. You can''t see her alone secretly, got it?" Mia frowned, looking at Noah seriously.


    "I got it." Noah nodded repeatedly. "Alright, you guys go back to your rooms and change clothes; I''ll change, too."


    Twenty minutester, n escorted the three kids out with eight bodyguards.


    They got into an extended Rolls-Royce, followed by an off-road vehicle.


    n apanied the three kids in the Rolls-Royce, on high alert, afraid that anything untoward might happen. After all, Andrew had just been scolded and injured today.


    If he made any mistake too, n might be made by Micah to chase after women as punishment.


    That was even scarier than getting beaten up!


    "n, it''s too stuffy in the car. Can you roll down the window for some fresh air?" Noah deliberately found an excuse.


    "Then you have to watch Little Coco; don''t let it fly out," n reminded and then rolled down the window a bit.


    Noah exchanged a nce with Nathan, and Nathan immediately slid down from his seat, pulling n. "n, I heard you''re good at Thai boxing. Let''s fight." "Mr. Nathan, let''s fight when we get back," n quickly said, "It''s not convenient to do that in the car."


    "It''s okay. Just show me."


    "Little Coco!"


    Nathan''s words were interrupted by Mia''s scream and before anyone could react, Little Coco flew out of the window.


    "Little Coco, my Little Coco!" Mia was so anxious that she stomped her feet and screamed. "Stop the car. I want to get Little Coco back."


    Noah sighed inwardly, thinking, ''Nathan and Mia are really good actors, and of course, Little Coco, too!''


    "Stop the car," n immediatelymanded the driver.


    The car stopped. Mia wanted to get off, but n stopped her. "Ms. Mia, don''t run around. I''ll send someone to chase after it."


    "No. Without us, Little Coco will be scared," Nathan anxiously said, "Let us go down. What if Little Coco gets eaten by wild animals?"


    "Mr. Nathan, listen to me. It''s not safe here," n hurriedly said. "I''ll have someone find Little Coco and bring it back."


    "No, I want to find my Little Coco! Little Coco!"


    Mia started crying and couldn''t stop.

 Chapter 860 Mia Goes to Meet Her Mommy

    "Let me out! Let me out!" Nathan started to get grumpy too.


    n''s head was about to explode from their bickering when the car door opened from outside, and Ethan anxiously asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Ethan, our Little Coco is missing," Mia cried to Ethan, "I want to go find Little Coco, but n won''t let us. I''m going to tell my great-grandpa and daddy that n is bullying us." n hurriedly exined, "I''m not. I''m just worried about your safety."


    "n, what are you doing? How could you make the kids cry?" Ethan scolded angrily, "If Mr. Clemens knows about this, you''ll be done!"


    "I..." n was at a loss. "Fine, I''ll go look for it myself. You two wait in the car."


    "No! We want to find it ourselves."


    Mia got out of the car crying, and as n tried to stop her, Nathan also got out of the car. The two of them ran straight into the woods. "Don''t run away, Mr. Nathan! Ms. Mia!"


    n and Ethan quickly chased after them with others.


    As they were distracted, Noah slipped away from the other side and, following a familiar route, quickly ran towards Hillside Vi. Meanwhile, Little Coco had already flown towards Hillside Vi under the guidance of the all-powerful micro tracker.


    Noah hoped to see Sadie today so that he could tell her that the three of them missed her a lot and never forgot her and that they and their daddy had been waiting for her toe home. At the Hillside Vi.


    The silver Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked at the entrance. Sadie was sitting on the sofa in the living room, answering the phone, " I''ll handle this. Don''t worry. I won''t be soft-hearted." "You don''t need toe over. I''ve got this..


    "Okay, I understand."


    After hanging up the phone, Sadie looked at the newspaper beside her. Not only major online media but even print media were covering Micah and E''s romantic love story.


    The couple met years ago. The woman raised her three children alone as a tough mom. Four yearster, they met again and got married.


    Why did she find the story so familiar?


    It seemed that she had dreamed about a wedding.


    But the bride became E.


    What on earth was going on?


    "Shame on them! How could they do that shameful thing and get it covered by the media!?" Arya gritted her teeth in anger.


    "No. "Annika was more rational. "Spreading this news does no good for the Clemens family. The Lingston Group has been suppressed by us so badly. The Lingston family has been begging them for help but the Clemens family never responded. Now that the news is released, they can''t just sit back and watch."


    "Are you saying that the Lingston family deliberately used this news to force the Clemens family to help?" Arya took a tumble. "Could it be that what happenedst night was also nned by the Lingston family?"


    "It''s possible," Annika blurted out and then quickly corrected herself, "Anyway, whether it was the Lingston family''s n or not, that phndering scoundrel doesn''t deserve forgiveness!" "Exactly!" Arya indignantly said, "If he himself was clean, he wouldn''t have been tempted. Since he was set up, it shows he isn''t loyal enough."


    "Enough!"


    Sadie interrupted Arya''s words, ring coldly at them.


    The two immediately shut up, lowering their heads, not daring to speak anymore.


    "Is everyone ready?" Sadie nced at her watch.


    "They''re all set. Jonathan, Serena, and several rtives from the Roth family are waiting for you at the hotel."


    Annika replied softly.


    "Hurry up." Sadie got up and walked out.


    As they got into the car, Arya was about to start the car when she suddenly saw a small parrot in the rearview mirror. She eximed, "Ms. James! Look!"

 Chapter 861 Noah Gets Abducted

    Sadie looked up and saw a small parrot flying towards them from behind the car, pping its wings and looking around with curiosity. Looking silly and fragile, it waspletely iparable to the fierce eagle she raised.


    However, for some reason, Sadie felt a strange sense of fondness towards this little parrot.


    "Howe there''s a parrot here?" Arya said in confusion, "There are only two households on Frostpeak Mountain. Could it be..."


    "I saw this parrot at the hospitalst time." Annika immediately recognized it. "It''s the pet of the three kids from the Clemens family."


    Sadie''s look changed drastically. She immediately opened the car door and got out. "Go check. See if the kids are here!"


    "Yes," Annika said, leading the bodyguards to search around.


    "Mama!" The little parrot spotted Sadie and immediately became excited, pping its wings and chirping non-stop, "Mama! Mama! Mama!"


    Then, it flew over in excitement,nded on Sadie''s shoulder, and affectionately rubbed her cheek with its fluffy little head, murmuring as it rubbed, "Mama! Miss you!" It acted like a child who found his long-lost mother!


    Sadie''s heart got softened. She reached out and gently stroked Little Coco''s feathers, feeling the long-lost affection in her heart.


    "This little parrot is so intelligent," Arya couldn''t help but praise.


    Meanwhile, Noah was desperately running towards them. As he ran, the monitoring system on his phone transmitted Little Coco''s voice saying, "Mama, Mama."


    He immediately stopped out of breath and opened the monitoring system to check. Indeed, through Little Coco''s perspective, he saw the mother he had been yearning for! "Mama!" Noah was extremely excited. His mother was really at Hillside Vi.


    The voice came from the monitor on Little Coco''s head; Sadie heard it and couldn''t help but tremble all over, her heart pounding violently.


    "What''s that sound!" Arya leaned over to listen, "There''s actually a miniature monitor on this parrot! Who installed it?"


    "Noah! Noah!" Little Coco pped its wings excitedly and screamed.


    Sadie was extremely excited. The child''s voice awakened the maternal love hidden deep in her heart. It was an instinct that ran in her blood, emanating from the depths of her soul. "It''s that kid who broke inst time." Annika suddenly understood. "He''s talking to us. He''s running towards us."


    Saying that, Annika handed the tablet to Sadie.


    Noah had just entered the monitoring range, excitedly running towards them.


    "The kid is so clever." Arya was overjoyed. "He actually found out that Ms. James lives here and came over."


    "Ms. James, do you want to see him?" Annika asked softly.


    Sadie hesitated a bit. In fact, she hadn''t nned to see the children so soon before the truth of the matter waspletely clear, but she didn''t expect the children toe on their own. "Mama, I''m Noah. Mama, don''t hide from me. Let me see you."


    Noah''s sobbing voice came through the monitor with a wistful air.


    He was afraid that his mother was going to leave again and that when he ran over, all he could see was the cold mansion. Sadie was touched. She was about to speak.


    Suddenly, there was a burst of terrified screams from the screen.


    At the same time, the screen on the tablet showed a tall ck guy suddenly rushing from behind and swiftly abducting Noah. Noah let out a terrified scream. Then the man covered his mouth and stuffed him into the car.


    There were three ck modified cars with them, in which there were mostly ck men as well as two women.

 Chapter 862 Rescue Noah

    "Noah!" Sadie hurriedly ran towards the direction of the back mountain.


    "Ms. James!" Annika immediately followed.


    Arya quickly went to the garage to get a powerful military off-road vehicle and ordered her subordinates, "Change the car, and keep up." "Yes."


    Sadie and her team drove to the back mountain, only to see three ck modified cars speeding down the mountain.


    "Quick! Catch them up!" Sadie ordered anxiously.


    "Yes." The three cars chased after the three ck modified cars at full speed.


    Sadie clenched her fists tightly and squinted her eyes, which glimmered with a chilling murderous intent.


    Whoever those people were, since they dared to harm her child, she would not let them go.


    "Release Coco and let it track the abductors," Sadiemanded.


    "Yes." Annika immediately instructed the servant in the vi to release Coco.


    A loud eagle cry suddenly sounded.


    Little Coco was startled and flew out of the car in a sh.


    "Little parrot!"


    Sadie shouted, but it flew away without looking back.


    Sadie watched it fly toward the Clemens family and then averted her eyes. "It should find its way back home. Let''s go save Noah first. Quickly!" "Yes."


    Meanwhile, Nathan and Mia were startled by Coco''s cry and quickly hid behind n.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''m here."


    n quickly protected the two children into the car and turned his head to the sky. The eagle from Hillside Vi was rushing down the mountain, soaring in the sky.


    "The women from Hillside Vi have released this beast again, trying to scare Mr. Nathan and Ms. Mia, right?" Ethan said indignantly, "They are despicable!"


    "Stop talking. Let''s go."


    n had a hunch that something serious had happened. He felt uneasy and just wanted to leave quickly.


    However, when he got into the car, he realized that Noah was missing. He hurriedly searched everywhere. "Where''s Mr. Noah?"


    "He was in the car just now." The other bodyguards searched frantically.


    "Quick! Retrieve the surveince footage from the dashcam," n urged.


    "Yes." The bodyguard immediately went to retrieve the footage.


    n searched around but couldn''t find Noah. He found a row of small footprints on the other side; recalling what had happened before, he immediately figured out what had happened. He got into the car and asked Nathan and Mia, "Nathan, Mia, do you know where Noah went?"


    "I don''t know," Mia, who never lied, said with shifting eyes.


    "I don''t know either," Nathan quickly denied.


    "You have to tell me, or there will be big problems," n urged, "You saw it too. That eagle just flew out. If Noah encounters it, he''ll be in danger."


    "Really?" Mia panicked as soon as she heard it, her face pale. "Go find Noah quickly."


    "You have to tell me. Where did Noah go?" n asked anxiously.


    "He went to Hillside Vi to find Mommy."


    "Mia!" Nathan wanted to stop her, but it was toote.


    Mia, worried about Noah, blurted out, then immediately covered her mouth, realizing she said the wrong thing.


    n frowned. It seemed that the children already knew Sadie''s identity.


    "I''ll go find him now." n regained hisposure and instructed Ethan, "You take Nathan and Mia back. I''ll go to Hillside Vi to find Noah."


    "No," Nathan suddenly looked at his watch and eximed, "Noah isn''t at Hillside Vi. He''s been heading down the mountain, and fast."


    "Let me take a look." n immediately checked Nathan''s watch. "Noah has a linked locator installed on your watch. Indeed, he''s heading down the mountain. At this speed, he should be in the car." n immediately ordered, "Ethan, you take them back. I''ll go find Noah."

 Chapter 863 Sadie Saves Noah

    "No, we have to go find Noah," Nathan said emotionally, "Take us together!"


    "No way!"


    Before n could finish his sentence, a small green thing suddenly flew towards them from a distance.


    "It''s Little Coco!" Mia eximed excitedly.


    Nathan immediately rolled down the car window and reached out his hand, and Little Coco flew over andnded on his hand, pping its wings excitedly and screaming, "Noah! Noah! Save Noah! Bad guys! Bad guys!" "What does it mean?" n asked urgently.


    "Bad guys have taken Noah," Mia immediately understood, urging anxiously, "Quick! Go save Noah."


    "Could it be Ms. James?" n frowned and murmured.


    "Bad guys! Bad guys! ck! ck!" Little Coco repeated these words.


    "Those bad guys are ck people," Mia interpreted for it.


    "ck people!" n eximed in shock, "Could it be..."


    "Oh no," Ethan said anxiously, "Get in the car quickly!"


    Everyone got into the car, ready for action.


    n held Nathan and sat in the driver''s seat of the Maybach and headed down the mountain with Nathan''s watch for navigation,


    "Mr. Nathan, buckle up. I''m going to speed up."


    n was the fastest driver among all the bodyguards, and now, to save someone, he was driving even faster.


    "Don''t worry. I''m a man!"


    Before Nathan could finish his sentence, the car had already been started.


    He quickly fastened his seatbelt and gripped the handle tightly with a frown, looking serious.


    It was so thrilling.


    The scenes from the movies were actually real!


    He clenched his fists secretly, saying to himself inwardly, ''Today, I will also be a little hero and rescue Noah!''


    Mia sat in another car, holding Little Coco. Her face was pale with fear, and her tears shimmered.


    "Ms. Mia, don''t be afraid. We will definitely save Mr. Noah."


    Whileforting her, Ethan called Ss, but his phone was off, so he could only call Andrew.


    The line was busy all the time, and he was going nuts. Then he called Rn, but the call just didn''t go through. What to do now?


    "I''ll call Dad and ask him to save Noah."


    Mia immediately dialed Micah''s number, but the line was busy. She tried several times, but she still couldn''t get through, so she sent him a voice message. "Daddy, Noah has been taken by bad guys. Come quickly to save him!"


    As n''s car reached the foot of the mountain, he saw three super cool off-road vehicles not far ahead, chasing three ck modified cars at high speed. The eagle was flying and hovering above the ck modified car, asionally emitting warning eagle cries to scare the drivers of the three modified cars.


    "Whose customized off-road vehicles are those?" A bodyguard eximed.


    "Judging from their driving skills, it could be those women."


    n hadpeted with Arya many times and knew her skills. She liked to chase in a straight line and then ram the rear of the opponent''s car. Her approach was very aggressive, making him explode with anger every time.


    But this time, n silently cheered for her in his heart!


    Now, the front off-road vehicle charged forward like a wild buffalo, mming into the rear of the ck modified car in front.


    With a loud bang, the car was jolted but continued to wobble forward.


    However, it blocked the path of the off-road vehicle, preventing it from catching up to the car in front.


    The driver of the off-road vehicle was clearly enraged. It elerated and ran over.


    Heavily hit, the ck modified car got out of control and ran out of the road, flipping several times, and stopped by the side of the road.


    The off-road vehicle continued to charge forward. The second ck modified car attempted to block it, but it simply swerved around from the side, chasing after the car in front.

 Chapter 864 Whoever Hurts My Son Must Die!

    "Cool driving skills," the bodyguard eximed excitedly, "n, I think that driver''s skills are even better than yours."


    "Shut up," n roared, speeding up to chase the cars ahead.


    At that moment, the off-road vehicle drifted, quickly rushing over and blocking the road, forcing the two ck modified cars to stop.


    n parked his car not far away, preparing to watch how things would go first before acting.


    The door opened, and Sadie came out holding a gun, dressed in ck, exuding a cold and domineering aura. Her eyes were sharp as knives!


    Behind her, seven female bodyguards lined up, pointing their guns at the ck modified cars.


    Arya sat in the car, gripping the steering wheel tightly. If the abductors dared to y tricks, she would send them to hell!


    The off-road vehicle stood tall and fierce, like a wild beast proudly overlooking the three ck modified cars in front of it.


    At this moment, Sadie, like her car, stood arrogantly pointing at the people in front of her. "Get out of the car!" Inside the car, Selina stared in shock at Sadie, her eyes wide open.


    "It''s her!" The ck driver widened his eyes, incredulously looking at Sadie. "She''s not dead!"


    "Watch the child," Selina instructed the female bodyguards in the back seat, then opened the door and got out.


    The other ck bodyguards also got out of the car. There were ten people in total, including nine ck men and Selina.


    They outnumbered Arya and her team, so they showed no fear.


    Sadie squinted her eyes, coldly staring at the woman in front of her. Somehow, she found the woman a bit familiar as if she had seen the woman somewhere before. And several of the ck men just made her inexplicably angry and hateful. "It''s really her," a tall ck man said in a foreignnguage, "She was poisoned by us and didn''t die!"


    "Now she''s with the James Group," Selina said in the samenguage in a low voice, "She lost her memory but came to save her son!"


    "So it was you who poisoned me," Sadie understood their words. She coldly narrowed her eyes and slowly approached them. "Good. Today we settle all the scores together!"


    "You can understand what we said!" Selina was shocked.


    Inside the car, as Noah saw Sadie, he hastily removed the hand covering his mouth and excitedly shouted, "Mommy!"


    Sadie turned to look at Noah, who was being held by the bodyguards in the car. She felt like her heart had been struck heavily, and in an instant, her eyes turned sharp, with a murderous intent burning like mes. "How dare youy fingers on my son! You''re dead!"


    With Sadie''smand, Coco, swiftly flew over tounch a fierce attack on the opponents.


    Selina hurriedly aimed her gun at Coco and fired.


    However, in the previous moment, Sadie also shot.


    A silver bullet shot out like a cold light, hitting Selina''s wrist.


    Blood sttered instantly.


    Selina screamed in pain and staggered back a few steps, angrily shouting, "Attack!"


    The ck guys immediately pulled the trigger. Coco pped its wings, knocking down several guns.


    Meanwhile, Annika led her team to charge forward and fight with the ck guys.


    Not far away, the Clemens family''s bodyguards watched with excitement. "n, should we go help?"


    "Don''t move yet. Protecting Mr. Nathan and Ms. Mia is the priority." n frowned. "Keep an eye on Nathan and Mia. I''ll go save Noah."


    With that, he got out of the car and rushed over.


    "I want to go too," Nathan prepared to get out of the car but was firmly held back by a bodyguard nearby. "Mr. Nathan, please don''t act rashly. This is serious. It is not a joke."


    "I want to save Noah."


    From Nathan''s position, he couldn''t see Sadie clearly. He only knew that another group of people was rescuing Noah, but he didn''t know who they were.


    "n has already gone there, so be a good boy and stay in the car. Don''t mess around!"


    The bodyguard watched him carefully, not daring to make a mistake.


    n hurriedly ran over, trying to find the right opportunity to rescue Noah.

 Chapter 865 She Wont Live Much Longer

    They were fighting fiercely here.


    Sadie, like a hawk, fiercely went at Selina.


    Although Selina was injured, she showed no weakness and immediately engaged in a fight with Sadie.


    However, she underestimated Sadie.


    After exchanging a few blows, Sadie kicked Selina directly, sending thetter flying several feet away. Selina fell to the ground, clutching her stomach in pain.


    A ck man ran to Sadie, and Coco immediately rushed over, biting at his face.


    The ck man let out a piercing scream.


    Taking advantage of this moment, Selina got up from the ground and aimed a gun at Sadie.


    "Mommy, watch out!" Noah eximed excitedly.


    Sadie rushed over like lightning and firmly grabbed Selina''s neck, pressing thetter against the car hood.


    Sadie exerted such great force that the gun in Selina''s left hand fell to the ground, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.


    "Close your eyes!" Sadiemanded Noah.


    Noah immediately closed his eyes, too afraid to look.


    At this moment, Noah was deeply shocked. He never expected that after two years, the once gentle and clumsy mommy had be so formidable.


    "Tell me, who was behind the attack in Country H back then?" With her hand around Selina''s neck, Sadie sternly questioned, "Tell me honestly and I might spare your life!" Selina''s eyes rolled up. With her mouth wide open, she was unable to utter a word.


    Meanwhile, Annika and others had already captured the people behind them. Several ck men had fainted, and two of the more formidable ones were knocked out and dragged into the car, ready for interrogation. "No speaking, huh?" Sadie pushed Selina to the ground. "Coco, she''s yours!"


    The eagle immediately sprang over, fiercely tearing at Selina.


    Selinay on the ground, struggling in agony and letting out painful screams.


    At this moment, the female bodyguard in the car was already terrified.


    n was about to save Noah when Sadie walked over. He had no choice but to hide behind the car.


    Sadie kicked the female bodyguard out of the car, picked up Noah, and whispered in his ear, "Cover your ears!"


    Noah immediately covered his ears with both hands and tightly shut his eyes, too scared to open them.


    Holding Noah in her arms, Sadie looked back at Selina on the ground and coldly warned, "If you don''t speak up anymore, Coco will devour you."


    "I''ll tell you! I''ll tell you!" Selina cried out excitedly, "My boss was behind it and asked Amelia to carry it out."


    "Very well." Sadie narrowed her eyes coldly. "If I knew it was so easy to get the answer, I wouldn''t have spent so much time investigating!"


    "Please spare me!" Selina knelt on the ground, begging incessantly, "Please let me go. I was just following orders from my boss. It wasn''t me who injected you back then. It wasn''t me who hunted you down in Country H. Please spare me! Please!"


    "Fine. I''ll spare your life."


    Sadie whistled.


    Reluctantly, Coco released Selina, pping its wings and arriving behind Sadie. It hovered above her like a guardian angel.


    Coco''s fierce gaze fixed on the enemies. If anyone dared to harm Sadie, it would tear them to pieces.


    "Go back and tell Nick," Sadie stared at Selina and warned fiercely, "I''ll go for her soon. Let her eat well, drink well, and sleep well these days. She won''t live much longer!"


    "OK!" Selina nodded repeatedly and ran away in a sorry figure.


    Annika and the others cleaned up the scene.


    Arya opened the car door and meant to drive Sadie away.


    Sadie was about to get into the car when suddenly a voice called out from behind, "Mommy."


    Nathan had just broken free from the bodyguard and ran over, intending to save Noah. Yet, he was stunned to catch sight of Sadie. He stood there in shock for a while before finally shouting out in excitement.

 Chapter 866 Wont Let Her Get Away

    Sadie stopped, turned around, and looked at the child not far away who looked exactly like Noah, except that his expression was more lively with more depth in his eyes. She knew this was her second child.


    A wave of emotions surged in her heart, and the feeling sealed deep inside resurfaced.


    "Mama!" Nathan ran over crying, so excited that he stumbled and fell to the ground.


    Sadie quickly put Noah into the car and then rushed over to help Nathan up.


    "Mama, you''re back! You''re really back!" Nathan held Sadie''s hands, crying out in excitement, "I thought I''d never see you again."


    "Silly!" Sadie gently wiped the tears from his cheek. Looking at his adorable face, she couldn''t help but smile, though tears welled up in her eyes. "You''re Nathan!"


    "Yes, I''m Nathan. Mama, don''t you remember me?" Nathan looked at Sadie in astonishment.


    "I remember you. It''s just that you''ve grown up, and your appearance has changed." Sadie pinched his little face and carried him into the car. "Be good. Let''s leave here first!" "Mia is still in the car."


    Nathan pointed to the extended Rolls-Royce not far behind.


    "Alright, I''ll go get her right away."


    Sadie put Nathan into the car.


    "Noah!"


    "Nathan!"


    The two brothers met and felt especially excited.


    "The two of you be good and sit here. I''ll go get Mia."


    Sadie closed the car door and meant to get Mia.


    "Ms. James," Annika suddenly eximed, "There are arge number of modified vehicles rushing over here. They seem like Nick''s people."


    "Let me see." Arya jumped onto the roof of the car, looked through the binocrs, and couldn''t help but be surprised. "Dozens of cars and heavy weapons too. Ms. James, we need to leave first." "Okay." Sadie gestured, and Annika immediately led the bodyguards into the car.


    "Wait!" At this moment, n rushed over, anxiously saying, "Give the two kids back to me."


    "Noah and Nathan are not yours! They are Ms. James''s children," Arya sternly scolded, "You better get out of here, or you will be sorry."


    "You..."


    "It''s not the time to argue about this," Annika urgently said, "Nick is bringing a lot of people over. You had better leave quickly. You will suffer losses if you stay." Upon hearing this, n had no choice but to leave first.


    "How''s it going? Where''s Mr. Noah?" Ethan hurried over.


    "He has been taken away by the James family''s people," n said with a grim face, "I told you to watch over Nathan! How did you let him run over there?"


    "I was watching over Ms. Mia." Ethan''s face turned sour with anger. "This is bad. Not only did we fail to rescue Noah, but we also lost Nathan."


    "No time for nonsense. Let''s go," n urged, "Nick ising with arge group of people, and there might be a fierce battle. Micah is not here. We need to get out of here first." "Okay."


    They got into the car and hurriedly drove up the mountain.


    At the same time, the off-road vehicles directly ran to the wilderness; their vehicles could climb mountains and cross streams. Even if there was no path, they could make it through anyway. Yet, the Clemens family''s car couldn''t.


    n hurriedly turned back. Just at that moment, a dozen ck modified cars came from the mountain, attacking from both sides and surrounding the Clemens family''s car.


    "This is bad. Call Micah quickly," n urgently urged.


    "I''m calling." Ethan''s hands trembled with anxiety. "Are theying for us or the James family''s people?"


    "Of course, they''reing for us." n looked rather stern and felt torn with anxiety. "Nick has gone all out this time. She must have learned about Mr. Clemens''s critical condition, wanting to take the three children as hostages and force Micah to hand over the right of inheritance!"

 Chapter 867 Shes Back for Revenge

    "Ms. James just happened to break in this time, and I bet Nick never expected to provoke her. Fortunately, they barged in. Otherwise, with just a few of us, we really couldn''t have protected these three kids. But..." n watched the off-road vehicles gradually moving away, his brows furrowing even more. "They''ve already taken Mr. Noah and Mr. Nathan away. They probably won''te back."


    "n, what''s happening? Where are Noah and Nathan?" Mia opened the car window and stuck her head out, asking anxiously.


    "Mia, get back in quickly," n hurriedly whispered, afraid of being discovered.


    Not far away, the window of the off-road vehicle was rolled down. Sadie saw Mia in there, ordering, "Go back!"


    "Ms. James, Nick is personally leading the team with so many people. I''m afraid we can''t rival them. We should retreat first," Annika advised anxiously, "Mr. Noah and Mr. Nathan have been rescued. We can try again next time..." "I told you to go back!" Sadie roared.


    "Yes." Annika immediately shut her mouth, not daring to speak again.


    Arya nced at the rearview mirror and immediately turned back.


    The other two off-road vehicles followed, and Sadiemanded, "Make the call to gather all here as soon as possible!"


    "Yes," Annika replied and immediately started to make the call.


    At this moment, n''s car was forced to a stop by Nick''s ck convoy, which consisted of more than thirty ck modified cars surrounding it.


    n had followed Micah for many years, and this was his first encounter with such a situation, but he was well-trained. So, he wasn''t panicked. He instructed the six bodyguards, "Protect Mia with all your might. Ethan, go with me!" "Just me?" Ethan''s face turned pale with fear, his voice trembling.


    He had been by Mr. Clemens'' side for many years. Nothing serious had ever happened. So now, he waspletely terrified.


    "You''re with Mr. Clemens. Nick might hesitate toy a hand on you." n remained calm, sending an emergency signal as he got out of the car, believing that Andrew and Rn would soon receive it.


    "Okay." Ethan got out of the car, frightened.


    n also got out, not holding any weapons in his hands.


    The top of the convertible before them was slowly put down.


    Wearing a ck suit, Nick, cold and arrogant, sat in the passenger seat. She raised her brow and said, "We''re all family. I don''t want to resort to violence. Hand over the three kids, and you can leave peacefully." "You haven''t received the news yet, Nick!" n politely but firmly said, "Your subordinate Selina has already been subdued by the James family''s people, and the kids have been taken by them." "What did you say?" Nick narrowed her eyes coldly, obviously unaware of Selina being suppressed by Sadie just now. "Ms. Nick! Ms. Nick!" At this moment, a miserable cry came from not far away. Nick turned around, following the sound.


    Selina, badly mangled, staggered over and cried out, "Ms. Nick, save me! She''s back. She''s back for revenge!" "Who is she?" Nick furrowed her brows.


    "She, she..." Selina trembled all over, her eyes full of fear. "It''s Sadie, the one we tried to kill. She''s back."


    "You mean Sadie!" Nick had already learned from Amelia that she hade back as Sadie.


    Nick had previously sent people to pry into information, but the information was intercepted by Micah intercepted.


    So, she couldn''t be sure of whether that thing was true, but now it was almost certain.


    At this moment, the sound of a car starting interrupted Nick''s thoughts. She turned around only to see three off-road vehicles slowly approaching.


    On the roof, there stood a fierce eagle, its sharp eyes full of killing intent. Its wings, beak and ws were all covered with blood and flesh.


    Looking at the eagle, Selina slumped to the ground in fear and conveyed Sadie''s message with trepidation, "She said she''de to settle the score with you soon. She asked you to eat well, drink well, and sleep well these days. She won''t let you live much longer!"

 Chapter 868 Two Queens Confront Officially

    "So," Nick squinted her eyes, asking coldly, "she already knows who was behind the H Country''s attack on her?" "Yes," Selina replied fearfully.


    "Good." Nick turned to stare at her with sinister eyes.


    "Ms. Nick, spare me!"


    Before Selina could finish her sentence, Nick shot her in the head.


    Everyone was shocked.


    n widened his eyes in disbelief, looking at Selina. This was Nick''s closest assistant, but Nick just acted so ruthlessly. "This is the consequence of anyone who betrays me," Nick roared angrily.


    "No, we will never betray you," Nick''s followers behind immediately dered.


    At this moment, an off-road vehicle arrived and parked next to the Rolls-Royce, apparently to protect the child inside.


    Nick wiped her hands with a towel and stepped out of the car, exuding an air of arrogance with a sly smirk on her face.


    Simultaneously, the off-road vehicle stopped. Sadie, along with Annika and others, got out of the car.


    As the two old enemies met, the atmosphere became sternly tense.


    Sadie narrowed her eyes coldly and stared at Nick menacingly.


    Memories surged, and those moments of humiliation shed before her eyes like movie scenes, which were vivid and unforgettable.


    "Ms. James, I''ve heard a lot about you!" Nick looked up with a smile. "Just a few days ago, I visited Tristan."


    "The James family won''t associate with people like you," Sadie interrupted Nick directly, raising her eyebrows coldly, "Moreover, there is still hatred between us!"


    "Selina was lying," Nick pointed at Selina and exined, "Two years ago, when you had trouble, I was in Country F the whole time and never left. It had nothing to do with me. You can ask Micah. He has been investigating this."


    "Nick, there''s no need to exin." Sadie mocked with a cold smile. "I have no evidence at the moment, so I won''t do anything to you. But if I find out the truth, I will make those who harmed me pay!"


    "Of course!" Nick, with strong mentalposure, not only remained calm but also said indignantly, "Anyone who dares to plot against the James Group will be doomed!"


    "Enough." Sadie was tired of talking nonsense with her. "Now, get out of here with your people!"


    Sadie''s attitude was extremely arrogant because she knew Nick wouldn''t dare to make an enemy with the James family.


    Nick was currently in a struggle with Micah, which had exhausted all her energy. If she offended the James Group at this time, her pressure would be even greater!


    Although Nick and Sadie would fall out sooner orter, Nick would only act rashly once she secured the right of inheritance of the Clemens Group.


    She had to swallow her pride, no matter what.


    "Ms. James, you''re way out of line."


    However, Nick was cunning and not that easy to deal with. She raised an eyebrow with a smile and said coldly, "You''ve injured so many of my bodyguards, and I haven''t said a word. Now that I''m dealing with our own people from the Clemens family, you are poking your nose into this. Isn''t this inappropriate?"


    "As for the Clemens family''s people, I don''t care what you want to do with them, but the three children are mine. No one can harm them."


    Sadie made a gesture.


    Annika and Arya walked to the Rolls-Royce, preparing to open the car door.


    "What are you doing?" The Clemens family''s bodyguards immediately pulled out their guns and confronted them.


    "Let them take Mia," n hurriedly said.


    Nick dared not oppose the James family now, but that didn''t mean she wouldn''t act against the Clemens family''s people. Moreover, as Nick had so many subordinates here, Sadie couldn''t confront her either.


    For them, they didn''t care whether they got to live, as long as the three kids'' safety could be secured.

 Chapter 869 Have a Vicious Heart

    Nick was very unwilling to give up, but dared not openly confront Sadie. She could only sneer and say, "Ms. James, does Mr. Tristan know about the children?" "It''s none of your business!"


    Sadiepletely ignored her. If it weren''t for Nathan and the others today, and her manpower was not enough, she would have taken down this bad woman on the spot!


    "Mr. Tristan probably doesn''t know that Nathan and them are from the Clemens family, right?" Nick''s lips curled into a meaningful smirk. "What would he do if he knew about this?" Upon hearing this, Annika and Arya''s faces changed drastically as they looked at Sadie withplex expressions.


    Sadie still remained calm but actually felt a constriction at her heart.


    Tristan was ruthless and only considered the pros and cons of his actions. To secure the position of the heir to the James Group, he didn''t hesitate to take action even against his own brother! This matter was already an unspeakable secret in the business world.


    The main reason Tristan treated Sadie well was because Sadie''s mother, Eleanor, once brought him back to the James family when he was stranded outside. Everyone in the James family looked down on him and insulted him, but only Aunt Eleanor did her best to protect him, take care of him, and teach him!


    Unfortunately, when Tristan was ten years old, Eleanor had an ident...


    He didn''t have time to repay her, so he could only shift all his gratitude to Sadie.


    However, this didn''t mean he could tolerate Sadie''s misbehavior, especially when it involved Nathan and the other two children of the Clemens family.


    The conflict between the James family and the Clemens family had be inevitable.


    With the three kids around, the unclear rtionship between the two families would directly affect the next generation, leading to endless troubles in the future. To prevent future troubles, perhaps...


    These thoughts shed through Sadie''s mind, causing her to feel some panic, but she quickly calmed down and stared coldly at Nick.


    "I will exin this matter to Tristan. It''s none of your business. You should think about how topete with Micah for the position of heir!" Sadie gestured as she spoke. Annika carried the trembling Mia out of the Rolls-Royce, preparing to get into the off-road vehicle.


    Mia covered her face in fear and curled up in Annika''s arms, crying softly.


    "Mia, don''t be afraid." Noah and Nathan got out of the car tofort her.


    Annika and Arya quickly helped Nathan and the others into the car together.


    Nick watched helplessly as Sadie took Nathan and the others away. She had lost herst bargaining chip, leaving her gritting her teeth in anger.


    As Sadie turned to get into the car, a gunshot suddenly rang out behind her.


    Sadie trembled all over, turned back, and widened her eyes in astonishment.


    Nick had actually killed a bodyguard from the Clemens family.


    The young guard, not yet twenty years old, fell into a pool of blood.


    Mia witnessed this scene with her own eyes, screaming in terror and trembling uncontrobly.


    Nathan was also shocked. His legs went limp as he copsed to the ground, tears streaming down his face.


    Noah stared in disbelief at the fallen guard, his eyes wide open,


    In an instant, they all froze.


    These were the friends they had been with day and night. Now, that young guard just died right in front of them. Nathan and the others were on the verge of copse. "You!" Rodolfo was shocked. "You actually..."


    "I dare not hurt anyone from the James family, but I still have no problems killing theckeys of the Clemens family." Nick''s expression was fierce, filled with killing intent. "You''ve gone too far." Ethan trembled with rage. "I will tell Mr. Clemens."


    Another gunshot rang out.


    Nick shot Ethan in the right leg.


    Ethan screamed in pain as he fell to the ground, his face turning pale, but he gritted his teeth and refused to make a sound.


    "Next, it''s your turn!" Nick aimed the gun at Rodolfo.


    "No!" Nathan suddenly got up from the ground and anxiously rushed over.

 Chapter 870 The Game of the Strong

    "Nathan!"


    Before Sadie could collect herself, Nathan stood in front of Rodolfo and stretched his arms, shouting angrily, "Don''t kill them. Don''t touch anyone from the Clemens family!" Nick looked at Nathan. Faced with his bright eyes, she couldn''t help but feel a bit shocked!


    She suddenly recalled Micah also had protected her like this more than twenty years ago.


    "My dad ising soon. If you dare to kill anyone from the Clemens family, he won''t let you off."


    Noah bravely rushed over, standing side by side with Nathan and staring at Nick without showing any weakness.


    "And Great-grandpa won''t forgive you if he knows you''ve done such terrible things."


    "Bad people! Bad people!"Mia was so scared, crying uncontrobly with her face ghastly pale.


    Little Coco pped its wings, shouting as Mia did, "Bad people! Bad people!"


    "Nathan and Noah, you guys go away quickly. It''s dangerous here!"


    Rodolfo was so moved that his voice choked up. He protected Nathan and Noah behind him, afraid that they would be implicated.


    "At such a young age, you''re quite courageous." Nick looked at the two children and smirked coldly. "But a bit foolish. You can''t see the situation clearly!"


    "Who did you call foolish!" Sadie walked over slowly, staring coldly at Nick.


    "I advise you to stay out of this." Nick raised an eyebrow coldly. "It''s already respectful for you not to hurt these three kids. If you dare to stop me from killing theseckeys of the Clemens family now, I won''t be polite anymore." "Hypocrite!" Sadie felt extremely disgusted by her hypocritical appearance. "You''re actually forcing me to meddle by shooting in front of them!"


    Indeed, because only in this way could Nick have a reason to confront Sadie. Even if Tristan pursued the matterter, she could say that Sadie interfered with the Clemens family first. By then, she could add some false information and borate on Sadie''s ambiguous rtionship with the Clemens family to exonerate herself.


    "Indeed, changing yourst name has made you more cunning." Nick smiled. "Since you understand everything, why don''t you leave now?"


    "Ms. James," Annika whispered, "this bad woman is trying to lure you into her trap. Don''t fall for it. Let''s take the kids away first."


    Arya, who always acted as an adviser, was silent this time. She just couldn''t bear to see Rodolfo in a dangerous situation.


    "Mommy, save Rodolfo!" Nathan tugged at Sadie''s clothes and choked up, "He practices with me every day; he''s my good friend. I don''t want him to die." Sadie, of course, knew what was the right thing to do for now, but when she saw the pleading eyes of Nathan and the young lives, she softened in the end. "You guys get in the car first." Sadie signaled with her eyes.


    Arya and the two female bodyguards immediately took Noah and Nathan into the car.


    "Mommy!" Nathan looked at Sadie with tears in his eyes full of pleading.


    Noah knew Sadie was in a dilemma. Although he wanted to help, he held back from speaking.


    "Trust me." Sadie gently patted Nathan''s little head. "Be good and get in the car first."


    Only then did Nathan and Noah get into the car together.


    "Noah, Nathan, I''m so scared!"


    Mia saw her two brothers and immediately threw herself into their arms.


    "Don''t be afraid. Mommy is here. we''ll be fine."


    Noah hugged Mia andforted her patiently.


    Arya closed the car door to prevent Nathan and the others from being frightened.


    Seeing that Nathan and the others had safely got into the car, Sadie slowly picked up the gun in her hand and coldly pointed it at Nick. "I''ll meddle in this matter today."


    "Interesting!" Excitement shed in Nick''s eyes. "You know, at first, I thought you were weak and it was no fun to fight with you, but now I find it more exciting! This is the game between us strong ones!"

 Chapter 871 Thank You

    "I know you have a lot of people, but with my people and the Clemens family''s bodyguards altogether, we can also hold you off for a while. I don''t know about Micah, but my men are on their way. I want to see how long you canst!" Sadie waved her hand, and Annika immediately led the people to stand neatly behind her with guns pointed at Nick.


    On the other side, the bodyguards of the Clemens family also stood behind Sadie, forming a united front with her.


    These were Micah''s excellent bodyguards, who had witnessed what Micah and Sadie had gotten through two years ago and knew they were family.


    Moreover, Nick was so cruel that she harmed her own people while Sadie, an outsider, was protecting them.


    No one needed to give orders; they would naturally stand behind Sadie in solidarity!


    "Very well." Nick nodded with a cold smile. "You are all siding with outsiders; it seems I am still too kind!"


    "Who is really siding with outsiders?" Rodolfo shouted angrily, "For your own desires, not only did you kidnap your rtives, but now you are killing your own people. You are so malicious. You''ll be doomed sooner orter!" Nick frowned and raised her gun to shoot Rodolfo.


    Sadie immediately kicked her gun away.


    Nick was caught off guard, but she reacted quickly by making a perfect turn, grabbing the flying gun and pointing it back at Sadie in a sh.


    At the same time, Sadie also aimed her gun at her.


    The two faced each other with strong auras.


    This series of actions took only a few seconds, so fast that those around couldn''t even see clearly.


    "You''re quite skilled," Nick said with a smirk, "Tristan has trained you well!"


    "Cut the crap." Sadie raised an eyebrow. "You poisoned me back then, instructed Amelia to plot against me in Country H, tortured me with viruses, and even killed Brenda. Today, you tried to kidnap Nathan. It''s time to settle all the scores!" With that, Sadie pulled the trigger directly.


    "Do you think you can beat me?"


    Nick waved her hand, and behind her, hundreds of people all aimed their guns at Sadie.


    "Before you can shoot, you and your men will be shot dead!"


    "Then I''ll die with you." Sadie showed no weakness.


    "Don''t worry. We will be human shields for Ms. James!"


    Rodolfo held the gun and stood in front of Sadie.


    The other bodyguards of the Clemens family also moved to the front, showing a strong stance to go down with Nick. "Very well." Nick gritted her teeth in anger. "You want to die! I''ll grant your wish!" With that, she waved her hand, and the bodyguards behind her prepared to shoot. Just then, the sound of cars approached, and someone shouted, "Micah has arrived!"


    Nick trembled slightly and looked up. Indeed, several luxury cars rushed over, with Micah''s ck Rolls-Royce Phantom leading the way.


    Behind him were dozens of police cars.


    The scene was so grand, like a battle of the end times!


    Micah was now a legitimate businessman; everything he did was legal. He never killed anyone himself; if someone offended him, he would seek assistance from the police. Therefore, Nick dared not act rashly.


    "Now, you''re not the one with the numbers." Sadie sneered. "Be sensible and leave quickly, or you''ll be caught!"


    "You''re impressive!"


    Nick gritted her teeth in anger, waved her hand, and hurriedly fled with her subordinates.


    The police immediately began a full pursuit.


    Micah rushed over with his men. Seeing the scene before him, he frowned deeply. He first ordered his men to handle the scene and then walked slowly towards Sadie. He had a lot to say, but he only said, "Thank you!"

 Chapter 872 Its Not Easy

    Sadie gave him a cold nce, said nothing, and got into the car. When the car door opened, Micah saw Nathan and the others inside the car, and they saw him too. They shouted, "Daddy!" "You guys go stay with Mommy for a few days, and I''lle pick you upter."


    Micah remained calm and rational; he wouldn''tpete with Sadie for the children in this situation.


    He knew very well that Sadie loved children just as deeply as he did, and regardless of the grievances between them, she wouldn''t harm the children.


    Moreover, arguing in front of the children was not wise; it would only cause them great harm and trauma.


    "Daddy, be careful," Noah reminded.


    "Yes, stay safe," Nathan added.


    "Daddy, I''m scared!" Mia looked at him tearfully.


    "Don''t be afraid. Mommy is here." Micah gave her a gentle smile.


    As the car door closed, Sadie didn''t give him a second to speak and ordered, "Let''s go!"


    "Yes." Arya drove away.


    Inside the car, Mia finally had the chance to observe Sadie. As she looked at the mother she had longed for, tears streamed down her face as she asked tremulously, "Mommy, are you my mommy?"


    Mia was always more timid than her two brothers; she didn''t possess Noah''s academic intelligence and emotional intelligence beyond her age, nor Nathan''s heroic demeanor. She was more like a child of her age, simple and innocent. Sadie didn''t speak but gently hugged Mia.


    "Mommy!"


    Mia pursed her lips and burst into tears, too upset to say a word.


    "Mommy! Mommy!"


    Little Coco called out a couple of times beside her and then covered her little head with her wings, seemingly crying in distress.


    "Mia, don''t cry. Mommy is back, and we''ll be reunited as a family soon," Nathanforted Mia.


    Noah remained silent; he knew Sadie had indeed returned, but a family reunion wouldn''t be easy.


    As Sadie and Micah exchanged nces just now, they didn''t seem friendly.


    Moreover, from the conversation between Nick and Sadie earlier, he vaguely understood that there seemed to be some grudge between the James family and the Clemens family, making reconciliation and a family reunion difficult. "Be good. Stop crying." Sadie gently patted Mia''s back soothingly. "Mommy''s back; I won''t let anyone bully you again."


    Her eyes shone with an unwavering determination. In the past, she was weak and powerless, allowing others to bully her, but now, in the present and the future, that would no longer happen!


    She would never let anyone trample over her again.


    Anyone attempting to harm her family would pay with blood.


    Arya and Annika exchanged nces. They both hadplex expressions.


    "Micah, everything has been taken care of," Rn hurriedly reported. "The police are still chasing Ms. Nick Clemens. Let''s leave first. The police will handle the aftermath here." "Make sure Otis Patterson can be well settled," Micah said with a serious expression.


    "Understood. I''ll take care of it."


    Andrew was deeply saddened; Otis was the bodyguard killed by Nick. He was only neen years old, an orphan who had been with them for six years. He was always fine, but this time... "It was all my fault. He died because of me," Rodolfo regretted.


    "Not your fault," Andrew patted his shoulder. "You''re still young, and what you''ve done is alreadymendable."


    "Ethan was injured too. How is he doing now?" Rodolfo asked with red eyes.


    "He was taken to the hospital immediately," Andrew replied.


    "Mr. Clemens, let''s go," Rn urged, "It''s not safe to stay here for too long."


    "Okay." Micah got into the car and nced back at the road leading up the mountain. The three off-road vehicles had been on the mountain road three hours ago, and by now, they should have reached home.

 Chapter 873 Micahs Strategy

    "This is the dashboard camera in Rodolfo''s car, recording the whole incident." Andrew had already uploaded the video to the tablet. Micah took the tablet and got into the car. While listening to Rodolfo recount the whole incident, he watched the video simultaneously. After watching it, Micah, along with Andrew and Rn beside him, was greatly shocked.


    "I never expected Ms. James to be so powerful now," Andrew sincerely eximed, "She''s like apletely different person from two years ago."


    "Yeah." Rn was somewhat excited. "Watching this video just got me all wound up. If only I could be at the scene. Otherwise, I would have joined forces with Ms. James to fight against Nick with all my might." The reason he no longer wanted to address Nick with respect was that he felt Nick no longer deserved it.


    The malicious acts like kidnapping Micah''s children and harming his colleagues simply did not deserve any respect.


    "Ms. James could have left first, but she didn''t hold grudges and took the risk to save us!" Rodolfo said excitedly, "I feel really ashamed. If given the chance, I will definitely repay her properly!"


    "I''ve always said that, although Ms. James has changed her identity, she is still as kind and upright as before," Rn affirmed, "It''s just that what she did for us this time might really bring trouble upon herself." "Yes. If Tristan finds out about this, the consequences would be unimaginable."


    Andrew looked worriedly at Micah.


    Micah remained silent, deep in thought.


    The three of them dared not speak anymore, afraid of disturbing him.


    Suddenly, it started raining outside. The raindrops fell onto this lush greennd. The surrounding trees swayed slightly because of the heavy rain, just like their uneasiness.


    Micah turned to look out of the window, saying nothing.


    Suddenly, Rn''s phone rang. He answered the call, his expression bing serious. Then he reported to Micah, "Nick has fled. The police say they need to investigate first, rify the clues, and report to the higher-ups before applying for an arrest warrant."


    "By the time they figure it out, it will be toote," Andrew frowned and said sternly. "If Nick really gets the Clemens Group''s inheritance during this time and destroys all evidence, they won''t be able to do anything."


    "That''s why Nick dares to be so arrogant," Micah finally said, his voice very calm, "But we can''t me them. After all, the stakes are too high, and it''s understandable for them to be cautious."


    "So, what do we do now?" Rn asked cautiously.


    "With troubles within and dangers without, it''s risky everywhere," Micah sighed. "Let''s tackle them one by one!"


    "The news from the media has been suppressed. Now, all news about you and Ms. Lingston online has been cleared, but now there are spections online that you have another girlfriend and are trying to abandon Ms. Lingston. In short, this incident has greatly affected your reputation and that of VIC Group," Rn said softly.


    "An hour ago, Nelson called again, saying he wanted to see you." Andrew frowned. I think the Lingston family hastched onto you."


    "Now, whether you do anything or not, it''s not good either way." Rn couldn''t help but sigh. "I always thought Nelson was reasonable, but now it seems that he is quite scheming."


    "Send someone to check on how Amelia is doing," Micah suddenly ordered.


    Rn was taken aback for a moment and then nodded. "Yes."


    "Inform the group to mobilize funds to help the Lingston Group," Micahmanded Andrew again.


    Andrew thought he misheard. "Well..."


    "Just do as you''re told," Micahmanded.


    "Yes." Andrew immediately went to inform the board of directors, who were shocked when they received the news.


    Soon, Ryan personally called Micah to confirm, and Micah simply replied, "That''s right. It''s my decision."

 Chapter 874 Micahs Strategy 2

    "Why is that?" Ryan asked excitedly, "Did the Lingston family get the goods on you?"


    "I am thergest shareholder of thepany, and I have the final say in this matter. Just do as I say," Micah said lightly and hung up the phone.


    He could imagine Ryan must be angry on the other end of the phone right now.


    "There is news from the hospital," Rn reported softly, "Amelia has a broken rib, a fractured right leg and minor abrasions. Nothing serious. She is resting in the hospital now." "Let her know what happened today," Micahmanded.


    "Yes."


    Rn and Andrew finally understood Micah''s intentions.


    "Now, go to the Lingston''s house," Micah ordered.


    "Understood." Andrew nodded. "Should we inform them first?"


    "No need. Just go."


    "Okay."


    The Lingston family''s vi was very close to Grandpa Clemens''s vi. Nelson bought it in the same neighborhood as Grandpa Clemens to get closer to thetter.


    The air here was fresh, and the environment was quiet.


    It was very suitable for retirement.


    After the Lingston Group got into trouble, they sold many of their overseas assets to cover thepany''s losses, but this vi remained untouched. After all, it was their closest property to the Clemens family.


    Micah arrived at the Lingston''s vi, and everyone from the Lingston family was surprised. Nelson hurried down the stairs to greet him, "Micah, wee, why didn''t you let me know your arrival? I would havee to pick you up." "We are friends. Don''t stand on ceremony." Micah slightly raised his lips. "I hope we didn''t disturb you."


    "Of course not. Pleasee in," Nelson warmly weed Micah, Andrew, and the others in, instructing the servants, "Get us some coffee quickly."


    The servant immediately went to prepare some top-quality coffee.


    "Sorry. I forgot that you didn''t drink coffee." Nelson realized that and quickly changed his request. "Go bring my collection of wine. Hurry."


    "I heard from E that you have a lot of good wine in your collection?"


    Micah''s tone was quite friendly today.


    "I don''t really drink much. The wine is mainly for entertaining guests." Nelson smiled. "E has gone to pick flowers in the backyard and I''ve already sent someone to notify her. She''ll be back soon."


    "I came today to see you." Micah didn''t want to beat around the bush. "You want to see me, right? Now that I''m here, if you have something to say, just say it."


    Nelson didn''t expect Micah to be so direct. He was a bit embarrassed, and then he said, "Let''s talk in the study."


    "Okay."


    The two of them walked to the study, where the servant had already prepared some fine wine. After pouring a ss for Micah, the servant quietly stood aside. Micah swirled the wine in his ss and nced at his watch. "I have twenty minutes left!"


    "Yes, Micah, you are so busy. It''s already very nice of you to take the time to meet with us." Nelson suddenly became flustered. "Let''s get straight to the point." "Sure." Micah took a sip of wine, waiting for him to speak.


    "Actually, it''s nothing big. I just wanted to ask about you and my daughter E..." Nelson said with a meaningful look, "Do you have any ns?"


    "ns?" Micah looked puzzled. "E didn''t tell you that we are just good friends, and the news in the media is not true."


    "She told me that night you two drank a lot." Nelson''s words were full of meaning, "Even if nothing happened, the news has already spread, which has a big impact on her reputation, and besides, her feelings for you are real. I hope..." Micah interrupted him, "Even if we did sleep together, it was consensual. Nothing has happened yet, and you want me to take responsibility for her."

 Chapter 875 Micahs Strategy 3

    Upon hearing these words, Nelson looked grave. "I thought you came today with sincerity to resolve this issue."


    "What issue do I need to resolve?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "I don''t owe the Lingston family anything!"


    "Micah, it''s immoral of you to say such things." Nelson waspletely furious. "Initially, the Clemens family asked you to get engaged to Amelia, but you backed out at thest minute for Sadie, causing my family to lose face. Amelia has also been traumatized. Later, to cover up the lie, your family had E pretend to be Sadie, acting as your wife. For these two years, she served your grandpa like a maid and took care of Nathan and others. I think you should at least appreciate her effort! If you don''t like her, tell her directly. Why mess with her and make her cooperate with your act in front of your grandpa? Isn''t it all to reassure your grandpa so you can pursue Sadie freely? You yed my two daughters like fools, sacrificing their reputation and lifelong happiness. Also, why did the James family set against our Lingston family? It''s all because of Sadie''s jealousy towards Amelia. In the final analysis, it''s all your fault. And now you dare say you don''t owe us the Lingston family anything?"


    "Yes, from your perspective, it seems like I owe the Lingston family a lot."


    Micah nodded with a cold smile. "But I have a question. Was the engagement with Amelia my idea? From start to finish, it was all arranged by you and my grandpa, right? I never agreed. Yet, even though you knew I didn''t want to, you still insisted on making your daughter marry me just to piggyback on the Clemens family!" "You..."


    "Let me finish," Micah raised his hand, continuing, "I admit I am partially wrong. Whether willingly or under pressure, I ultimately agreed. Butter, I broke off the engagement andpensated you with eighty million dors, which is not a small sum. As for E, I do owe her, and I have said before that when the opportunity arises, I will repay her with a favor. That''s why I have had the Clemens Group mobilize funds to help your Lingston Group through tough times." "Really?" Nelson got excited all of a sudden. "When..."


    Before he could finish, his phone rang. He hurriedly answered, hearing about the Lingston Group''s stock rebound. Excited, he quickly hung up and thanked Micah, "Micah, thank you!"


    "This is thest time. Consider it my repaying E''s favor." Micah got up to leave.


    "Micah, please wait." Nelson hurriedly stopped him. "I know you have many misunderstandings about me now. I just want to say that E loves you for real. She is the most suitable choice for you. I hope you can consider it." "Love cannot be forced," Micah said lightly, "If E is so good, she will meet a man who truly suits her."


    After speaking, he strode away. The door opened, and Micah couldn''t help but freeze.


    E stood at the door and stared at him with tears in her eyes.


    Obviously, she had just heard the conversation.


    "Sorry!" Micah said softly, bypassed her, and left straight away.


    "Easy. You''re hurting me." A furious voice came from outside. "Do you want to die!"


    As soon as Nelson heard this, he rushed out. "Why did youe back?"


    "Someone wants to kill me. It''s dangerous for me in the hospital..." Amelia''s words stopped abruptly as she saw Micah. "Micah, you''re here!"


    Micah gave her a cold nce, said nothing, and left directly.


    "Daddy, why did Micahe to our house?" Amelia asked excitedly, "Did hepromise under media pressure and decide to marry that dumb girl?"

 Chapter 876 Sisters Conflict

    "Shut up. Don''t talk about E like that," Nelson angrily shouted.


    "Why are you yelling at me like this? You never treated me like this before," Amelia was shocked, "Is Micah really going to marry that dumb girl?"


    "I''ll settle the score with youter."


    Nelson red at her fiercely and hurriedly went to catch up with Micah.


    "Micah, I''ll see you out. Thank you so much for thepany''s business. It will probably take a lot of manpower, resources, and money to resolve this time. Thank you so much."


    Upon hearing these words, Amelia became even more anxious. Being in business herself, she naturally understood the pressure the incident that night would bring to the Clemens Group once it was exposed.


    But she felt that the omnipotent man Micah could easily solve it in other ways, yet he chose to personallye to help the Lingston Group resolve the issue.


    It seems he was really going to marry E.


    At this moment, E walked out of the study with a bouquet. Initially, she was despondent, but she quickly adjusted her mood upon seeing Amelia and pretended to walk past her calmly.


    "Stop right there!" Amelia arrogantly reprimanded.


    E halted to look coldly at her.


    "You''re really something." Amelia wheeled her wheelchair up to E, gritting her teeth as she questioned, "You deliberately got Micah drunk, stripped yourself naked and seduced him. Then you had the media take photos to force Micah to marry you."


    E red at her angrily and turned to leave.


    "I haven''t let you go yet. I dare you to walk away!" Amelia immediately wheeled her wheelchair to block E''s path, shouting angrily, "You are really shameless, just like your mother. You''d do anything to keep a man." Upon hearing these words, E put on a gloomy look. Her eyes showed a hint of murderous intent.


    "Indeed, you''ve shown your true colors." Seeing her like this, Amelia became even angrier. "That night, you clearly led me to Cloud Hotel. You were obviously trying to use me to distract Andrew and the others, so you could make a move on Micah.


    Also, was it you who staged my ident? You are just as cunning as your mother."


    Before Amelia could finish her words, E suddenly kicked her wheelchair with force.


    The wheelchair lost control and slid forward at high speed.


    It crashed into the wall, causing Amelia to fall off the wheelchair. Her stered foot was banged against the wall. Her injured ribs and other parts were all hit. Amelia screamed in pain.


    Outside, the servants and bodyguards heard the noise and rushed in.


    Prior to this, with a panicked look, E rushed over to help Amelia, her eyes filled with tears as if showing concern for her sister.


    However, when Amelia looked up at her, E revealed a sinister smirk, mouthing, "In this house now, I''m the boss. If you want to stay, you''ll have to be good here.!" "You, you wicked woman!"


    Amelia was furious, reaching out to hit E.


    "Stop it!" At this moment, Nelson returned and happened to see this scene. He quickly rushed over, shielding E behind him and angrily scolding Amelia, "How dare youy a hand on your sister? Do you think I''m dead?" "Daddy, why are you protecting her?" Amelia looked incredulously at Nelson, saying excitedly, "Do you know she''s the one who made me be like this? She arranged for the truck to hit me, and she pushed my wheelchair just now." "Amelia, why are you falsely using me like this?" E, with tears in her eyes, gestured in signnguage in a panic, "I couldn''t have arranged for a truck to hit you, nor did I push you."


    "You hypocritical woman!"


    Amelia went nuts furiously. She lunged at E to hit her.

 Chapter 877 Expulsion from Home

    Nelson pushed Amelia away, gritting his teeth and cursing, "Only you could do such malicious things. E is so kind and gentle; she wouldn''t even harm an ant. She cannot harm you!" "You don''t believe me!" Amelia was about to go crazy. "She''s just faking. She pretends to be harmless, but inside, she''s more malicious than anyone."


    "That''s enough!" Nelson didn''t want to hear anymore, "Last time you drove drunk and almost hit her, I wanted to hold you ountable, but she asked me to let go, saying you were young and that it was your impulsive act. She told me not to pursue it. She''s so kind and generous to you, but now you''re here to nder her!"


    E cried softly on the side, looking very aggrieved and pitiful.


    "Daddy, what are you saying? I''ve never hit her!" Amelia was shocked. "I was drunk that night. I almost hit her, but I didn''t touch her at all. My car passed by her, and she fell to the ground herself out of fear. I didn''t even touch her at all."


    "I knew you wouldn''t admit it." Nelson was furious. "I have spoiled you. You''ve done so many bad things before, manipting the group and scheming for shares. I didn''t hold you ountable. Even when you drove drunk and almost hit E, I didn''t punish you. But now, you''re trying to nder her. It''s so outrageous. If it weren''t for her, this family would have been ruined long ago. She sacrificed herself, set aside her dignity, and worked hard to maintain rtions with the Clemens family. That''s why Micah is helping us. You''re both my daughters, but you keep causing trouble while E has been helping me solve problems. If I can''t distinguish right from wrong anymore, I don''t deserve to be E''s father!" Amelia went crazy, got up from the ground, and shouted in anger, "You don''t believe me! This is all her conspiracy; she''s harming me now, and she''ll harm you in the future."


    "Shut up!" Nelson pped her.


    Amelia fell to the ground again, blood streaming from the corner of her mouth. She waspletely stunned, never expecting that Nelson, who used to love her, would treat her like this today.


    E looked terrified, hurriedly gesturing, "Daddy, how could you hit Amelia? We can talk to her if she''s done anything wrong. You can''t use violence!"


    Nelson realized he had gone too far and felt somewhat regretful. At this moment, E went to help Amelia up, but Amelia, gritting her teeth, fiercely pped E.


    E fell to the ground, a palm print instantly appearing on her face. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Amelia in disbelief, gesturing emotionally, "Why? I''m always seeing you as my sister. Why did you treat me like this!" "You''ve gone too far!" Nelson, filled with hatred, raised his hand as if to hit Amelia again.


    "Go ahead. Hit me to death!" Amelia raised her face defiantly, ring at him fiercely. "Even if I die, I won''t let you off."


    "You''re hopeless." Nelson withdrew his hand, pulled E up, pointed at Amelia, and warned fiercely, "If you want to stay in this house, you have to respect E. If you dare to bully her again, I''ll kick you out."


    "I''ll leave if I have to. I''ve long wanted to leave this family!" This time, Amelia was truly determined. She didn''t cry or scream like before but struggled to get up from the ground andmanded her bodyguard, "Let''s go!" The bodyguard hesitated for a moment but eventually came over to help her onto a wheelchair and then wheeled her out.

 Chapter 878 Nowhere to Go

    "Amelia, if you dare to leave now, don''t even think abouting back," Nelson roared at Amelia. "You have countless enemies outside. Going out is like seeking your own death. I''m telling you, apologize to E now, and I''ll give you another chance."


    "Ms. Amelia Lingston, let''s forget it," the bodyguard also advised in a low voice. "Mr. Lingston is right. You have so many enemies outside. It''s very dangerous to leave the Lingston family. Apologize to E and stay at home; at least you can protect yourself."


    "Shut up!" Amelia red fiercely at them and turned to Nelson. "You will regret this."


    Nelson felt some regret and wanted to keep Amelia. Suddenly, E fell weakly to the ground.


    "E!" Nelson hurried to help her, and the sound of a car starting came from behind.


    "What are you all standing there for?" Nelson scolded urgently, "Go and bring Amelia back."


    "Yes." Several servants went out to chase. "Ms. Amelia Lingston, Mr. Lingston asks you to stay."


    Amelia looked at the gate. Nelson didn''t chase after her. She closed her eyes in despair and gritted her teeth. "Let''s go."


    The bodyguard had no choice but to drive away.


    Nelson helped E onto the sofa, then hurriedly went out, but Amelia''s car had already driven far away. He clenched his teeth in anger and said, "Forget it. You wille back when you suffer outside."


    It was raining outside, just like Amelia''s desperate heart.


    She never imagined that Nelson, who had always doted on her, would not only stop trusting her but alsoy hands on her. Even more unexpected was that she, who had always thought herself clever, had been manipted by E, that scheming woman. E dared to be so audacious even before marrying into the Clemens family; if she actually married Micah, her actions would be even more outrageous.


    Amelia and E had been rivals since they were little. If E gained the upper hand in the future, she definitely wouldn''t let Amelia off easy.


    Thinking of this, Amelia immediately made a call to confirm. "Uncle Weaver, how is the situation at thepany now? Has anyone helped us? The Clemens family has already intervened; they have invested eighty million dors. Okay, I understand."


    Hanging up the phone, Amelia''s face became even more panicked. She was well aware that the Clemens family was currently in a difficult situation, with the James Group targeting them from the outside and internal struggles for power and profit led by Nick. Micah didn''t have much capital left.


    In such a situation, for him to put up eighty million dors to help the Lingston Group showed that he was truly under pressure and preparing to marry E. Even if it were temporary, it would be enough for that despicable E to be arrogant for a while.


    ''By then, if E wants to kill me, it would be as easy as flipping her hand. Even before it''s started, she''s already caused Nelson to kick me out of the house. Without the protection of the Lingston family, all those I''ve offended in the past will likelye seeking revenge. Especially Sadie. I heard she lost her memory, which is why she hasn''t acted yet. But if she remembers what happened two years ago, she will definitely kill me.'' Thinking about this, Amelia couldn''t help but shiver with cold. ''No, I can''t just wait for death.''


    The only person she could turn to now was Nick. After all, she had done things for him before. Now that she was in trouble, Nick should protect her.


    However, today, she received news that Nick had actually sent someone to kidnap Micah and Nathan, and even killed members of the Clemens family. If she couldy hands on her own rtives, what chance did she, the aplice, have? She feared that before she could even find Nick, she would kill her.


    That was why she fled home seeking refuge today. Yet, without turning to Nick, she had no one else to turn to.


    After much thought, Amelia tried to call Micah again.


    Right at that moment, several ck modified cars came crashing from behind. Amelia looked up and shouted in shock, "It''s Nick''s men, run!"

 Chapter 879 Facing Reality

    Amelia now had nothing left except for the two bodyguards, but they were mediocre in ability and couldn''t possibly defeat Nick''s men.


    Watching as their car was pushed towards the edge of the overpass by the ck modified cars, Amelia despairingly shouted, "Nick, you bastard. How vicious can you be!"


    At this critical moment, an SUV suddenly sped up from the front, knocking aside one of the ck modified cars. That car spun on the spot, nearly falling off the bridge, but luckily escaped disaster and fled in a panic. Amelia clutched the handrail with both hands, gasping for breath with tension, her face pale with fright, her heart nearly bursting out of her chest.


    The two bodyguards were also shaken, quite frightened.


    Then, someone approached and knocked on the car window.


    Amelia took a look and hastily opened the door. "Rn, it''s you!"


    "Ms. Amelia Lingston, Micah sent me to rescue you," Rn said calmly. "Let me tell you, Micah already knows it was Nick who orchestrated your attempt to assassinate Sadie in H country two years ago. Now, we need you to testify and provide evidence. If you''re willing,e with me. If not, pretend I didn''t say anything."


    Amelia understood. She knew what it meant to be a witness. She had to help Micah expose Nick. Thus, the crimes shemitted years ago would not escape legal consequences.


    In other words, she would spend thetter half of her life in prison. She didn''t want to go to jail! However, if she didn''t be a witness and cooperate with Micah, she would soon be dead.


    "Promise him, Ms. Amelia Lingston," the bodyguard urged anxiously. "As long as you''re alive, you can start anew. If you die now, there will be no chance left."


    "Country H doesn''t have the death penalty. At most, you''ll spend a few years in prison for your past crimes and thene out. By then, we''ll figure out a way to reduce your sentence. It''s better than being killed now," the other bodyguard added.


    "You''re right." Amelia couldn''t think too much at this moment. Right now, she could only focus on staying alive. "Okay, I agree."


    "That''s the spirit." Rn gestured. He immediately took Amelia and her two bodyguards into their car.


    Once in the car, Amelia suddenly thought of an important question and asked, "Micah never intended to marry E, right? He came to my house today just to let me see him."


    "He also wanted to make things clear with E, to bring closure," Rn added.


    "I see." Amelia suddenly realized. "Micah did it on purpose. He deliberately leaked information on me, deliberately went to the Lingston family, deliberately let me see him, and made me think he was going to marry E. He knew I would act against E, and he knew Nelson would kick me out to protect E. This way, Nick''s people would have a chance to attack me, and then you could step in to save me, and I would willingly be a witness."


    "You''re very clever." Rn nced at her through the rearview mirror.


    "It''s Micah who is clever." Ameliaughed self-deprecatingly. "He did nothing, yet he did everything."


    "Micah just helped you see the truth." Rn said calmly, "It''s good for you."


    "Yes, indeed. It''s a good thing." Amelia smiled bitterly. "Without this act, I would have always thought Nelson loved me the most. I even thought that no matter what I did, I would still be the most respected Ms. Amelia Lingston in the family. Now I realize how naive I was. Nelson used to care for me because I could help him in business. Now, he''s protecting E because E can help the Lingston family. In the face of interests, there is no familial love."

 Chapter 880 The Final Condition

    Rn remained silent, sighing inwardly. People always said Mr. Lingston was a gentleman, but in reality, he was a man of deep thought. Even his daughter had be a tool in his hands.


    "That eighty million dors is just an excuse." Amelia finally understood. "Caught between the James family and the Clemens family, with Nick in the middle, the Lingston family is ultimately doomed." "So, surrendering to Micah now is your best oue," Rn advised.


    "Yes." Aplex light shed in Amelia''s eyes as she looked up at Rn. "There''s something I need to tell Micah face to face."


    "Alright." Rn dialed Micah''s number, and soon the call connected.


    "Hello!" said Micah on the other end of the phone.


    "Micah, Mr. Amelia Lingston has something to tell you." Rn put the call on speaker and handed the phone to Amelia.


    "Micah." Amelia spoke solemnly into the phone. "I can provide you with all the evidence that Nick instructed me to murder Sadie, and I''m willing to testify in court, but I have one condition, and I need you to promise me." "Go ahead," Micah replied calmly.


    "I need you to promise me," Amelia said each word by word. "That if one day Sadie seeks revenge on me, you must protect me."


    Upon hearing this, Rn was slightly taken aback and thought to himself that although Amelia had a violent temperament, she was indeed clever.


    She was very aware of many things, especially her own situation. She understood that her biggest threat was not Nick but Sadie.


    Hence, she demanded a promise from Micah.


    Micah remained silent on the other end of the phone.


    In fact, he could have long ago used this means to force Amelia to hand over the evidence and testify against Nick, but he hadn''t because he knew Amelia would certainly use this promise as a condition for exchange. Once he agreed, it would create an irreconcble conflict with Sadie.


    Thus, he was reluctant to do so. However, given the current circumstances with internal and external troubles within the Clemens family and numerous enemies, he had no choice but to take this step.


    "I have only this one request." Amelia became calm. "If you can''t ensure my safety, then I won''t testify. I will be killed by Sadie sooner orter, and I certainly won''t go to jail. I''ve heard that Sadie''s methods are no weaker than Nick''s at all. If shees for revenge, I probably die painfully. In that case, I might as well seize the opportunity to escape abroad. Maybe there''s still a chance."


    "Alright, I promise you," Micah finally said. "But I can only protect you for a year. After Nick''s matter is settled, I will ensure your safety for one year. By then, I will give you some money, and you can go as far as you can. If Sadie catches you again, I won''t be able to protect you."


    "Deal!" Amelia was very excited. She knew that no one could protect her for a lifetime, so Micah''s words were actually trustworthy.


    When Nick''s matter concluded, there would likely be some turmoil between the James family and the Clemens family, who are too busy to care about her. At that time, under Micah''s protection, she would leave Newark and start a new life in a ce where no one knew her.


    Micah hung up the phone.


    Rn hurriedly took E to a remote vi overnight, settling Amelia and her two bodyguards. He instructed, "There are servants here to take care of you, and there are bodyguards around to protect you. As long as you don''t wander around, you''ll be safe. When the time is right, I wille to get you."


    "Got it." Amelia looked around the house which was decent. "I''m still injured now, so call Dahlia to take care of me."

 Chapter 881 Baby Admitted to Hospital

    "Dahlia is taking care of Grandpa Clemens. Tomorrow, doctors and nurses wille to take care of you. But before that, you have to hand over the evidence." Rn was very serious, not open to negotiation. Amelia knew she had no choice at the moment, frowned, and said, "Give me theptop."


    Rn gave a signal and Rodolfo immediately took out aptop.


    Amelia operated for a while, pulled up a file, and sent it directly to Micah''s email. "You can verify with him."


    Rn immediately made a call, and Andrew answered on the other end. "Received. It''s valid."


    "Good." Rn hung up the phone and said to Amelia, "Rest assured and take care of yourself. Goodbye." Then he turned and left.


    Watching them leave, Amelia breathed a sigh of relief, and sat down on the sofa, and a bitter smile of helplessness appeared on her lips. "I never expected to be in this situation."


    "It''s alright. As long as we cooperate with Mr. Clemens, we will soon regain our freedom." The two bodyguards were quite optimistic.


    "If I had known that Sadie was from the James family, I would never have listened to Nick''s instructions to go to Country H to kill her." Amelia regretted. "That poisonous woman, she used me to do evil things, yet she pretended as if she did nothing."


    "Since Mr. Clemens has promised to protect you, nothing will happen," the bodyguard said.


    "Although that''s the case, I still feel uneasy." Amelia frowned. "You don''t know how powerful Sadie is now. Last time at the Noble Summit banquet hall, her presence... not to mention, she has the James family backing her."


    She shuddered at the thought. But then she shook her head,forting herself, "No, there''s no need to be afraid. No matter how powerful she is, she can''t beat Micah. I know Micah very well. He is very principled, and he will keep his promises."


    Thinking this way, she felt much lighter in her heart.


    In the Hillside Vi, after several well-known pediatricians examined Nathan and the others, they solemnly said to Sadie, "Mr. Noah Clemens is fine, just a slight fever. Mr. Nathan Clemens and Mr. Mia Clemens have high fevers that won''t go down. They need to be taken to hospital immediately."


    "Arrange a car quickly," Sadie urged.


    "Yes."


    Arya arranged for an extended Rolls-Royce to take Nathan and the others to the hospital.


    In the car, several pediatric experts suggested, "The best pediatric hospital in Newark is Peace Hospital. I suggest you go there."


    "Okay, let''s go to Peace Hospital," Sadie ordered without hesitation.


    "Yes."


    Soon, the group''s car arrived at Peace Hospital. The hospital staff didn''t recognize them, and it was already 1:30 a.m., so the on-duty doctors were very busy. Sadie and the group got out of the car and hurried into the hospital, but no one was there to receive them.


    The pediatric experts quickly contacted Dahlia.


    Just as Sadie was about to get angry, Dahlia rushed over with people, shouting excitedly from a distance, "Ms. James!"


    Sadie subconsciously turned around and saw Dahlia, feeling a slight shock.


    The person''s face was very familiar to her, she could be sure she knew her from before, but for a moment, she couldn''t remember who she was. "I''m Dahlia." Dahlia was very excited. "Don''t you remember me?"


    "Doctor Rey, this is your hospital." Annika recognized Dahlia, who had helped a lot during Sadie''s previous illness at the Noble Summit estate. However, Sadie was not conscious at the time and did not see Dahlia.


    "Yes." Dahlia nodded. "I received a call from the hospital and guessed it was you guys. I rushed over immediately. What''s going on? Who is sick?"


    "It''s our young master and young princess." Annika pointed to Nathan and the others in the ward.


    Dahlia turned to look and couldn''t help but be stunned. Wasn''t this their young master and young princess from the Clemens family? They had be part of the James family. They have recognized each other?''

 Chapter 882 Her Decision

    Dahlia was a smart person. She knew that since the Clemens family hadn''t informed her of Nathan and the others'' disappearance, it meant that they had been handed over to Sadie under peaceful circumstances. In that case, she decided not to interfere. She immediately arranged for the children''s medical examination and treatment.


    Sadie stayed by their side all the time. Although she hadn''t fully regained her memory, maternal love had be instinctual.


    As soon as Nathan returned, they all fell ill, and she felt deeply guilty.


    At the same time, she reflected on why she didn''t recognize Nathan earlier, causing them to suffer from longing and secretly running to see her, putting them in danger.


    "Ms. James, don''t me yourself. They will be fine," Annika said softly, understanding Sadie''s thoughts andforting her.


    "Their temperatures have stabilized," Dahlia took off her mask and said to Sadie, "Observe them for another night. If they don''t have a fever tomorrow morning, they''ll be fine."


    "That''s good." Sadie finally breathed a sigh of relief, seeing children sleeping soundly, a faint smile appearing on her lips.


    "After tossing and turning untilte at night, they must be tired." Dahlia looked at the children and felt a sense of closeness. "I''ll stay here. You go rest."


    "I''ll stay with them tonight." Sadie sat on the sofa. "The rest of you, go out and don''t disturb them."


    "Alright. If you need anything, just ring the bell anytime." Dahlia gestured, and the medical staff silently withdrew.


    "I''ll have Arya bring you a change of clothes," Annika whispered.


    Sadie nodded, and Annika left. In the room, there were only the mother, her three children, and Little Coco.


    Little Coco wasn''t sick but had been quietly apanying children. When Mia felt nauseous, it anxiously fluttered its wings. When Nathan babbled incoherently, it gently rubbed his cheek with its furry little head, seeminglyforting him. When Noah dozed off but couldn''t sleep, it lightly tapped his shoulder with its wings.


    Now, with the children all asleep, Little Coco flew to Sadie''s shoulder, gently rubbing her cheek with its furry head, softly calling out, "Mommy!"


    "What''s your name?" Sadie gently stroked its wings.


    "Little Coco! Little Coco!" Little Coco squeaked softly.


    Sadie paused, then smiled. "Well, no wonder. When I named Coco initially, this name shed through my mind."


    It turned out that all memories had left traces, unable to be erased no matter what happened.


    The so-called amnesia was just a temporary sealing of memories, not true forgetting.


    "Mommy! Mommy!" Little Coco pped its wings, softly calling out, "Brenda! Brenda!"


    Hearing this name, Sadie couldn''t help but feel a pang in her heart, her eyes moistening.


    She suddenly felt immensely guilty and worried. When children woke up, would they also ask her, "Where is Brenda?"


    ''How should I answer then? I have lost Brenda. Brenda would nevere back.'' Thinking of this, Sadie felt like her heart was being torn apart.


    "Don''t cry, Mommy." Little Coco rubbed Sadie''s chin with its small head as ifforting her.


    Although it was just a small pet, it was very spiritual and could sense human joys and sorrows.


    Sadie took a deep breath, adjusted her mood, gently patted Little Coco. Looking at the children, she made a decision in her heart.


    No matter what the cost, she would keep her children by her side forever, never leaving them again.

 Chapter 883 Frenemies

    After Dahlia left the ward, she quietly called Andrew and informed him about the situation at the hospital. Upon hearing that Nathan and the others were ill, Andrew hurried to the study to report. Micah, busy withpany matters, paused upon hearing the news. "How could this happen? Are they injured?"


    "No." Andrew shook his head. "Dahlia said the children are not injured, just running high fevers, likely due to a strong fright."


    "Prepare the car and go to the hospital," Micah said, immediately grabbing his coat and rushing out. "Rodolfo, prepare the car."


    "Yes," said Rodolfo.


    At the hospital, Sadie held Little Coco in her arms, leaning against the sofa, quietly watching over the children. They were sound asleep, but their furrowed brows revealed their difort. Dahlia entered to check their temperatures and reported, "The fevers are under control. Everything should be fine. I''ve arranged the room next door for you to rest."


    "No need, I''ll stay here with them." Sadie nced at her watch-it was already 4 a.m. "Give the next room to my bodyguard."


    "Alright." Dahlia handed Sadie a nket and quietly left.


    Sadie draped a corner of the nket over the just-fallen-asleep Little Coco, then propped her chin in her hand, continuing to watch Nathan and the others on the hospital bed. Watching them sleep peacefully made her feel content and peaceful inside.


    She wished time could freeze, allowing her more time with them. Suddenly, a figure slipped in through the door crack. Alert, Sadie grabbed the gun on the table, stood up, and silently moved behind the door.


    As the door slowly opened, a tall figure entered. Sadie aimed her gun, but in a swift move, the figure disarmed her, holding her at gunpoint.


    In a split second, everything changed. When they saw each other''s faces, both were stunned.


    "Who are you?"


    Outside, eight female bodyguards from the James family and eight male bodyguards from the Clemens family pointed guns at each other, creating a standoff. The nurse in the middle raised her hands, trembling and crying, "Please spare us." Micah released Sadie, returned her gun, and dered to the outside, "Misunderstanding, they are allies."


    The Clemens family''s bodyguards lowered their weapons, but the female bodyguards hesitated.


    "Lower your guns," Sadiemanded sternly.


    Finally, the female bodyguardsplied and stepped aside. The corridor was split, with male bodyguards on one side and female bodyguards on the other, ring at each other with animosity, ready to sh at any moment. The nurse, trembling, hurriedly left the scene. Micah closed the door.


    "Why are you here?" Sadie red at him coldly.


    "To check on the children." Micah approached the bed, felt their foreheads, and noticed the fever had subsided. He breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you done? You can leave now," Sadie said coldly.


    Ignoring her, Micah took off his coat and prepared to sit on the sofa, nearly sitting on Little Coco.


    Sadie rushed over, slipped, and fell into his arms. Micah instinctively held her, his hands identally touching her chest.


    He froze, staring at her in disbelief. Something pressed against his heart, and as he looked down, he furrowed his brow and released his hands.

 Chapter 884 Dispute

    "Sit over there, away from me," Sadie said, her gun pressed against Micah''s chest, her eyes as sharp as the gun itself.


    Micah frowned and sat on the single sofa nearby.


    Sadie holstered her gun and tucked Little Coco in with a nket.


    "I heard you were quite impressive today." Micah deliberately started a conversation.


    Sadie ignored him, sitting on the sofa and gently patting Little Coco to sleep.


    Micah softly reminded, "Although Selina is Nick''s personal assistant, she is not very skilled. You managed to overpower her today; it was just luck. If it had been someone else, you could have been in danger. So, next time you encounter such situations, you should be more cautious."


    "It''s none of your business," Sadie bluntly interrupted him.


    "Of course, it is my business. You are the children''s mother." Micah leaned in. "If something happens to you, they will be heartbroken."


    "Speaking of which, I need to discuss something with you." Sadie nced at the children on the bed, lowering her voice. "From today, Nathan and the others wille back to live with me. You''re not to disturb them anymore." "No way," Micah immediately refused. "Nathan and the others have changed their surname to mine, and their household registration is under my name. Legally, they should live with me. Emotionally, they are ustomed to the Clemens family''s life."


    "If Nathan and the others can change their surname from Roth to Clemens, they can also change it back from Clemens to Roth." Sadie said arrogantly, "Being able to adapt to the Clemens family''s life means they can adapt to the James family''s life."


    Micah''s brows furrowed tightly. "Sadie, don''t act recklessly out of anger. I have full authority over the Clemens family, but you don''t have over the James Group."


    "You have full authority." Sadie mocked. "Then, everything two years ago was all your duty. In that case, I don''t need to seek revenge from anyone else, just you."


    "The events from two years ago are quiteplex. Given the chance, I will exin it to you slowly," Micah patiently said. "But for now, you need to handle the children''s situation rationally."


    "I am being rational." Sadie looked at him coldly. "That''s why I can''t let a stepmother influence my children."


    "Who''s stepmother?" Micah was at a loss for words. "The things in the news are all fake, and you believe them."


    "I saw it with my own eyes, you two in bed." Sadie was furious. "Do you think I''m blind?"


    "Think about it. You just happened to show up at that time." Micah frowned. "With your current intelligence, you should understand."


    "Even if someone set you up, Mr. Clemens, you had to fall into the trap willingly," Sadie sneered coldly. "No one forced you to go to the hotel, dragged you into the room, undressed you, and climbed into your arms."


    Micah was speechless. That process was indeed hard to exin, and the more he said, the worse it might get.


    "You can''t exin, do you?" Sadie, seeing he didn''t exin, grew angrier. "Not only that, you also pretended to be two different people to deceive me. You acted very convincingly, ying the role of Male with great expertise." "Alright, go ahead and scold me." Micah decided not to exin further. "As long as it makes you happy, you can scold me however you want. If that''s not enough, you can even hit me."


    "Beating you would be letting you off too easily." Sadie coldly smiled. "Rest assured, I won''t let a single one of them off who bullies me or hurts me."


    "For that incident back then, I will give you an exnation," Micah said, bing serious. "I am currently gathering evidence, and when the time is right, I will submit the evidence to the authorities and personally ensure they handle it." "Save your efforts." Sadie dismissed him. "I have my own ways."

 Chapter 885 Woke Up

    Micah was at his wit''s end; whatever he said now, Sadie wasn''t listening. He knew she had lost trust in him, and words alone couldn''t mend that. Truthfully, he never liked exining himself through words, but he was too anxious now. Thinking of this, Micah decided not to disturb her further and instead quietly kept watch over Nathan and the others, asionally tucking in their nkets and checking their foreheads.


    Nathan didn''t sleep soundly, tossing and turning, almost falling off the bed.


    Micah immediately blocked the edge of the bed with his leg, waiting for him to settle down before gently turning him over so as not to wake him up. Behind him, Mia suddenly sobbed softly.


    Sadie thought she had woken up and hurried over, but Micah made a quiet gesture, signaling her to be quiet, then stuffed a small pillow into Mia''s arms.


    Mia immediately stopped crying, holding the pillow and continuing to sleep.


    Noah suddenly shivered as if he was dreaming.


    Micah gently patted his shoulder, and he quickly calmed down.


    Seeing all this, Sadie couldn''t help but fall silent. Setting aside other grievances, Micah was actually a good father.


    After finally settling the children, Micah was about to sit down when his phone suddenly vibrated. He immediately went outside to answer the call. "Ss, what''s up?"


    After Ss said something at the other end of the phone, he immediately said, "I''ming over right away,"


    Hanging up the phone, Micah gestured to Andrew, then returned to the ward and said to Sadie, "They are sleeping soundly now and won''t wake up until dawn. You can rest assured." Sadie remained cold and ignored him.


    "I''m leaving." Micah frowned, turned, and left.


    Only when she heard the sound of the door closing did Sadie turn her head, looking at the closed door, listening to the footsteps outside, knowing that he had left with his people. She looked at the children on the sickbed, lost in thought. After a while, her expression became firm again, and she made a phone call. "Ask Mr. Thomas toe over." "Okay."


    Micah left the hospital.


    Dahlia escorted them downstairs and detailed the children''s condition, adding at the end, "Don''t worry. Judging from the current situation, they will definitely have their fever gone by dawn." "Sadie doesn''t have a reliable pediatrician on her side. You should be asked to take care of them. Keep an eye on them, and let me know if anything happens," Micah instructed. "Understood." Dahlia nodded.


    Micah got in the car, didn''t go home, but instructed Rodolfo, "Go to the hospital."


    "Okay." The car headed towards the hospital.


    Andrew asked anxiously, "Micah, what happened to Grandpa Clemens?"


    "He woke up." Micah''s gloomy face, which had been dark for days, finally showed some improvement.


    "Grandpa Clemens woke up! That''s great." Andrew was overjoyed.


    "You need to be alert these days, don''t give Nick any chance," Micah instructed.


    "Yes, you can rest assured." Rn nodded repeatedly. "Now that the young master and princess are with Ms. James, we have more manpower avable here. I''ve already called all the bodyguards from home to the hospital." "Good." Micah sighed. "So, it''s a good thing for Sadie to temporarily take the children away."


    "I''m afraid she might take them directly back to the E country, and then we won''t be able to find them," Rn blurted out.


    Andrew red at him fiercely. "It''s impossible. Ms. James is not that kind of person."


    "She''s capable of doing it." Micah frowned. "But she won''t do that. I think Tristan probably can''t tolerate them."


    "Isn''t it very dangerous for them over there?" Andrew asked anxiously.


    "Not at the moment." Micah nced at the time. "But it''s better to bring them back soon."

 Chapter 886 Not Much Time Left

    Micah hurried to the hospital with people. Oliver was waiting at the door. When he saw the caring, he rushed to greet them, "Mr. Clemens!" "How is he?" Micah asked.


    "He woke up an hour ago, but the doctor was afraid it was only temporary. So after observing for a while and confirming that Grandpa Clemens had really awakened, Ss was informed to notify you," Oliver said. Micah quickened his pace and arrived at the special ward.


    Jerry and several experts were waiting at the door. When they saw Micahing, they quickly greeted him, "Mr. Clemens, let''s talk somewhere else."


    Micah nced at the ward and followed them to the side corridor. "What''s the situation?"


    "Mr. Clemens." Jerry said cautiously, "The news I have next might not be very optimistic. Please prepare yourself mentally."


    "Go on." Micah frowned.


    "Grandpa Clemens was able to wake up early this time mainly due to his strong willpower. However, his body functions have aged significantly, and with two falls in the past two years, the impact has been substantial. This time, it''s likely..." Jerry hesitated, afraid to continue.


    "Likely what?" Micah demanded, displeased, "Spit it out all at once."


    "Likely not much time left to live." Jerry finally got to the point, then looked at Micah fearfully, afraid of his reaction.


    But Micah remained surprisingly calm. In fact, he had already prepared himself mentally. Grandpa Clemens was 98 years old, which was considered a long life even in an ordinary family. If not for the fall two years ago, he should still be quite robust.


    However, that one fall had weakened him significantly, and this recent fall further exacerbated his condition.


    It was a miracle that he had awakened at all.


    "How much time does he have?" Micah inquired further.


    "Well..." Jerry looked at the experts.


    Fred cautiously replied, "Up to half a year or even less..."


    Fred paused, then said tactfully, "It really depends on the situation. If he stays in good spirits and living conditions, it might be more than six months. But absolutely no more shocks or injuries; otherwise, there will truly be no hope." Though the words were gentle, the message was clear.


    Grandpa Clemens likely had only a few months left, depending on his mood.


    In any case, Grandpa Clemens couldn''t afford any more shocks.


    "Alright, I understand," Micah said solemnly, "Thank you all for your hard work." With that, he turned and went to change into the istion gown.


    Jerry and the experts were stunned, first looking at each other, and then feeling somewhat uneasy.


    Fred whispered, "What''s wrong with Mr. Clemens? If it were years ago, upon hearing this news, he would have surely been furious. Today, he''s surprisingly calm."


    "He probably had already mentally prepared himself," another expert doctor said, "After all, Grandpa Clemens is 98 years old. Being in his current state is already quite remarkable." "No, Mr. Clemens wasn''t this easygoing before."


    "Maybe he has matured since he is the father of three kids." The dean sighed. "Well, let''s not talk about this now. It''ll be over when he hears uster."


    Micah changed into his clothes and entered the ward.


    Grandpa Clemens squinted at the door as if waiting for something. When he saw Micah approaching, his hand moved slightly, and there was a glimmer in his eyes.


    Micah immediately walked up, held Grandpa Clemens'' hand, and softly called out, "Grandpa."


    Since childhood, he enjoyed bantering with Grandpa Clemens, often challenging him to assert his own authority, to be free, to be in charge, and not be controlled all his life. But now, Grandpa Clemens no longer had the strength to control him, to scold him as before, to shout at him, or to hit him with his cane.


    He suddenly felt lost and sad.

 Chapter 887 Planning for My Lifetime

    Grandpa Clemens''s cracked lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say something but couldn''t make a sound.


    "It''s 4:30 in the morning now. Children are all asleep," Micah understood Grandpa Clemens''s thoughts. "When you feel better, I''ll bring them to see you." Grandpa Clemens blinked and rxed a lot.


    "They ask every day when Grandpa Clemens will go back." Micah deliberately provoked him. "Noah mes himself, saying Grandpa Clemens fell because of him." Grandpa Clemens''s emotions suddenly became agitated.


    "Mr. Clemens," Ss urged.


    "I know, I told him it wasn''t his fault." Micah quickly reassured, "But as you know, Noah is the smartest and most sensible child. On the surface, he seems fine, but he has been hoping for your return, so please cooperate with the treatment ande home soon."


    "Okay." Grandpa Clemens noddedboriously.


    "Rest well. I''ll be here with you." Micah tucked Grandpa Clemens in, gently patting his shoulder, soothing him to sleep like he would do to the children.


    Grandpa Clemens''s tense mood gradually calmed down, and he slowly fell asleep.


    The doctor checked on Grandpa Clemens again and then left.


    Ss brought a chair for Micah. "Mr. Clemens, why don''t you sit for a while? It''s tiring to bend over like this."


    Micah sat on the chair, holding Grandpa Clemens''s hand, quietly gazing at him.


    In the past, Micah always felt that Grandpa Clemens was domineering and controlling, causing irreparable mistakes. Especially in Sadie''s case, he truly resented him. He resented him for two whole years. It was just because he was Grandpa Clemens, his close rtive, that he couldn''t hate him, only resent him. However, all this resentment dissolved and he felt at peace at this moment. He only hoped that Grandpa Clemens would get better, scold him for a few more years, and cane him a few more times. That way, he would feel more at ease.


    "Mr. Clemens," Ss softly advised, "Why don''t you take a nap on the sofa? Grandpa Clemens is asleep now, and it may be hours before he wakes up."


    "You go rest. I want to stay with Grandpa Clemens."


    Micah''s gaze never left Grandpa Clemens, and memories of Grandpa Clemens from the past began to surface in his mind, from a majestic andmanding presence gradually aging. Perhaps one day, he would turn to ashes and disappear forever from this world.


    Ss handed Micah a coat, feeling emotional. "Jerry also told me, I..."


    Before Ss could finish his sentence, he choked up and couldn''t continue.


    "I''ve been with Grandpa Clemens for seventy years. In this lifetime, we''ve been inseparable," Ss choked. "It can be said that his wife and children haven''t spent as much time with him as I have. I really hope I can spend more time with him." "Of course." Micah smiled. "The doctor said as long as Grandpa Clemens eats well, drinks well, sleeps well, and stays in a good mood every day, he can live longer." Ss was stunned. "Really?"


    "Of course." Micah said casually, "So I can''t afford to be angry with him in the future. I have to pamper him, indulge him, and hold him every day." Ss burst intoughter. "That''s tough for you."


    "I have no choice. He''s Grandpa Clemens, after all." Micah''s lips curved into a warm smile. "He nned for my whole life. I owe him too much." "Mr. Clemens, you''ve grown up." Ss sighed deeply.


    "I''m already a dad. I should grow up." Micah smiled bitterly.


    "Are the children really at home?" Ss couldn''t help but ask.


    "Ethan has already told you, right?" Micah knew that Sadie''s situation could no longer be hidden.

 Chapter 888 Tristan Arrived

    "It''s a big deal. He dare not conceal," Ss nced at the sleeping Grandpa Clemens and said softly, "I never thought that the thing Grandpa Clemens feared most would actually happen."


    "In fact, many things are beyond prevention." Micah sighed.


    "Yes!" Ss sighed deeply. "If we had known earlier, we shouldn''t have sent Ms. James away."


    "There are not so many ''if onlys'' in life." Micah''s mindset had now be calm. In the past, when he talked about this matter, he would have been emotionally stirred, but now, he appeared very calm.


    "I know the whole story now." Ss frowned at Micah. "I am shocked, but also deeply moved. Life is truly unpredictable. Who would have thought that the once simple and pure Sadie would be what she is today?" "It''s like two different people." Micah thought of Sadie, softening his gaze. "But her kind nature remains unchanged."


    "Yes." Ss nodded repeatedly. "If it weren''t for her help today, Ethan and those bodyguards would have lost their lives. The Clemens family owe her for this."


    "The Clemens family owe her more than just that!" Micah chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Brenda''s life and the humiliation and torment she suffered back then."


    "Yes!" Ss couldn''t help but sigh. "I think if Grandpa Clemens knew everything, he would deeply regret it. But for now, we must first solve the problem." Thest sentence Ss said was profound.


    "Don''t worry. I will bring Nathan and the others to see Grandpa Clemens as soon as possible." Micah knew what he was thinking. "For now, keep this matter from him to avoid causing him stress." "Got it." Ss nodded.


    "I will handle the other matters. You just need to take care of Grandpa Clemens," Micah reassured, "You''re not that young anymore. So don''t worry too much."


    "Okay." Ss felt a bit embarrassed.


    "Go rest. I want to be alone with Grandpa Clemens."


    "All right."


    Ss left.


    Micah leaned back in the chair, quietly watching Grandpa Clemens.


    In the blink of an eye, it was morning.


    Micah couldn''t resist his fatigue. He fell asleep in the chair until his phone vibrated in his pocket, waking him up. He groggily took out his phone and answered the call. "Hello!"


    "Mr. Clemens, something has happened to thepany!" Chloe''s voice came through the phone, sounding very anxious.


    "What happened?" Micah furrowed his brow.


    "Thepany''s system has been hacked. There are software issues with the new product set tounch, and a lot of negative information about the Clemens Group has surfaced online. Overnight, a heap of problems emerged, and all directed at you. Hurry over; there''s arge group of reporters downstairs at thepany. Shareholders are anxious, everyone in thepany is in a state of panic, and Mr. Wood is on his way."


    "Got that. I''lle right away," Micah instructed, "Close thepany gates and don''t allow any media reporters into thepany headquarters. I''ll handle all the issues when I arrive." "Understood."


    After hanging up the phone, Micah squinted, deep in thought.


    He personally set up the VIC Group''s system, making it nearly impossible for hackers to breach it. He also meticulously reviewed the new product set tounch, so it was unlikely to have sudden software issues. All media outlets had benefited from the Clemens Group, so no one dared to tarnish their reputation.


    Unless there was a big shot behind the scenes orchestrating this. Besides, the first two incidents were not something an ordinary person could aplish.


    Micah got a call from Rn and immediately answered it. "Tristan is here!"


    "How did you know? I was just about to report." Rn was very surprised. "I just received the news that Tristan hasnded in Newark and is preparing to personally attend the unveiling ceremony of the Sapphire Depths in the sea area tomorrow!"


    "What date is it tomorrow?" Micah was so busy he forgot the date.


    "The 12th," Rn said, "They''ve moved it up a day!"

 Chapter 889 Extraordinary Action

    Micah''s expression changed instantly. He had anticipated that Tristan would show up one day, but he didn''t expect it to be this soon. As soon as he appeared, he caught Micah off guard. What a great way to meet! "Micah, are you still listening?" Rn asked, interrupting Micah''s thoughts.


    "Is there anything else?" Micah frowned and asked.


    "Mr. Lingston called me early this morning, saying he and Ms. Lingston can face the media to exin some thing to restore your and the Clemens family''s reputation. He asked me to ask for your opinion." "I''ll go to thepany first," Micah said, looking at his watch, "I''ll spare an hour to meet with them today."


    "Got it. I''ll convey the message," Rn said, "Also, Ms. Nick Clemens is being pursued by the police, so she probably won''t make any rash moves for now. You can focus on other matters."


    "Okay." Micah hung up the phone and got up to leave. Suddenly, a low, hoarse voice rang in his ear. "Micah!"


    Slightly startled, Micah turned his head and saw that Grandpa Clemens had woken up at some point. Due to his weak condition, his voice was very low and unclear. Micah quickly leaned in to listen. "What did you say?" "I said..." Grandpa Clemens spoke intermittently, "Take it slow. Don''t rush. I''m still here!"


    This simple sentence was like Grandpa Clemens'' advice to him in his childhood. Young Micah was always impatient and rushed into everything. Grandpa Clemens would scold him, "Stay calm. With your impatient nature, you won''t achieve much. Take things slowly and don''t rush. I''m here. If something big happens, I''ll help you!"


    In the past, Micah always dismissed this advice, thinking Grandpa Clemens was just showing off his authority and capability! And now, the aging and dying Grandpa Clemens said it again. Micah felt a mix of emotions, his nose tingling and his eyes reddening. But he didn''t want Grandpa Clemens to see that. He quickly fixed his emotions and pretended arrogantly. "Got it! Even lying in bed, you still want to show off your authority."


    "Micah!" Grandpa Clemens scolded softly, but due to his illness, he couldn''t muster the same vigor as before.


    "I''m leaving." Micah squeezed his hand. "Rest well. Nathan and the others are waiting for you toe back home."


    Upon hearing this, Grandpa Clemens immediately nodded, looking forward to returning home and seeing the children. Micah hurried out of the ward to change clothes next door. "Micah, the car is ready." Andrew hurried over. " Are we heading to thepany first?"


    "Yes." Micah buttoned his suit as he walked briskly towards the elevator. "Tell them to hold a press conference at the office at 5 p.m. today."


    "Today?" Andrew was somewhat surprised. "The matter isn''t resolved yet."


    "That''s why it needs to be resolved before five." Micah stared at his watch, giving a definitivemand, "Have Rn inform Nelson and E toe to my office at three."


    "Got it." Andrew immediately went to make arrangements.


    Micah never left room for himself when handling tasks.


    It was 8 a.m. now, and he only gave himself 10 hours to solve all the problems and present a satisfactory answer to the public. If he could withstand Tristan''s first move, he could continue to fight with him. Just as Micah got into the car, his phone rang. It was Amelia calling. He frowned as he answered, "Hello!"


    "Micah! Help me!" Amelia shouted excitedly, "The James family''s people are trying to capture me."


    Before she could finish her sentence, the call was cut off. Micah''s face changed drastically. Tristan was indeed formidable. Not only did he catch Micah off guard, but he also found Amelia.

 Chapter 890 Strategic Planning

    "I''ll call Rn right away." Andrew hurriedly dialed the number.


    "No need." Micah waved his hand. "I''ve been fully prepared for this."


    Andrew was puzzled.


    Soon, Rn called. "The person has been rescued. Now..."


    "Take her to Half Mountain Vi and temporarily lock her in the small building on the farm," Micah instructed.


    "Yes." Rn immediately went to arrange it.


    "So you were prepared in advance." Andrew suddenly realized.


    "It was originally meant for Sadie, but I didn''t expect to use it so soon." Micah looked serious. "Tristan is really something. I underestimated him!"


    "I don''t quite understand," Andrew asked cautiously, "Amelia is Ms. James''s enemy. If she falls into the hands of the James family, wouldn''t that be a good thing? Wouldn''t it be better to let them deal with it themselves?"


    "You''re so simple-minded," Micah said displeased, "Think about it. What would happen if the James family caught Amelia?"


    "Of course, they would make her pay with her life," Andrew replied.


    "Then tell me, Tristan could have dealt with Amelia in Country H; why did he let her go and even help her conceal the truth afterward?" Micah continued to ask.


    "Well..." Andrew thought momentarily and said, "I''ve actually considered this question a long time ago. I think Mr. Tristan James wanted Ms. James to return after learning to seek revenge personally, so he spared Amelia''s life." "That''s just one reason." Micah frowned. "The more important reason is that Tristan wanted to use Sadie''s hatred towards the Clemens family to have here after me so that he could take advantage of the situation to bring down mypany, even merge the Clemens Group!"


    "I see!" Andrew suddenly realized. "So if Amelia falls into Mr. Tristan James''s hands, it''s not just Nick behind the scenes, but also you and Grandpa Clemens!"


    "You finally get it." Micah lookedplex. "For the sake of her own life, Amelia will say whatever Tristan asks her to say. Perhaps the list of masterminds behind the scenes may not necessarily include me. After all, Sadie has discernment. But if Grandpa Clemens is included, Sadie will definitely believe it!"


    "Yes!" Andrew felt a chill. "If Amelia changes her story and says that Grandpa Clemens and Nick conspired to send her to Country H to kill Ms. James. With Ms. James''s temperament, she will definitely seek revenge on Grandpa Clemens, and you can''t just stand by."


    "Although Grandpa Clemens was at fault, it was unintentional," Micah said solemnly, "Besides, he doesn''t have much time left. I can''t let anyone harm him." "Then you should have Ms. James confront Amelia sooner," Andrew said, "And after yesterday''s battle, Ms. James should know the truth from Nick." "Confront her?" Micah said, "She may shoot Amelia, and when we catch Nick, if she changes her story again, there will be no evidence."


    "I see." Andrew nodded repeatedly. "All testimonies and evidence must be presented together to present aplete fact. Nothing can be missing!" "Oh, no!"


    Micah suddenly remembered something more important and immediately called Sadie.


    No one answered the phone, so he immediately called Dahlia.


    Soon, the call was answered. "Hello!"


    Dahlia''s voice was very soft. She still not dared to call him by name.


    "No need to be afraid. You just need to answer my questions." Micah was very calm. "Are you with Sadie?" "Yes."


    "Is Tristan there?"


    "No."


    "Are you on your way back to Hillside Vi?"


    "Yes." When Dahlia spoke, Mia''s voice could be heard in the background. "It''s Daddy!"


    Dahlia suddenly felt embarrassed, looking at Sadie in astonishment.


    "No need to be evasive. It''s just a phone call." Sadie was very open-minded.

 Chapter 891 The Man as Cold as Ice

    Dahlia breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "Micah just wanted to know how children are doing."


    Sadie nodded slightly without speaking.


    "Give the phone to Sadie," Micahmanded.


    "Okay." Dahlia handed the phone to Sadie. "Ms. James, Micah wants to talk with you."


    Sadie took the phone and asked coldly, "What do you want?"


    "Tristan has arrived in Newark. You know it, right?" Micah stated bluntly.


    Sadie was visibly shocked and clearly unaware of this development.


    "Please take children to Half Mountain Vi. I''ll be there soon," Micah instructed. As he spoke, Andrew had already told Rodolfo to change direction and head back to Frost Peak Mountain. Sadie hesitated. She had just reunited with her children. But now, she was being asked to send them back so soon, which she found hard to ept.


    Moreover, she hadn''t received any confirmation about Tristan''s arrival, questioning the validity of Micah''s words.


    "I need to confirm first." Sadie covered the phone and immediately instructed Annika, "Go check..."


    Before she could finish her words, the car suddenly braked sharply.


    Nathan and the others screamed in fright, almost falling off the sofa, but Annika managed to hold them in time.


    "Arya, what are you doing!"


    Before Sadie could finish speaking, she was stunned. In front of them, a silver Bugatti blocked their way like a lone, cold silver fox, appearing out of nowhere! "Ms. James," Arya, pale with fear, trembled as she said, "It''s Mr. Tristan James''s car!"


    "What''s going on?" Micah asked anxiously over the phone, "Sadie, just take the children back to my house."


    "It''s toote." Sadie frowned and then hung up the phone.


    "It''s really Mr. Tristan James!"


    Dahlia paled in fear. Legend had it that Tristan was often ruthless and violent. What if heid hands on the children?


    "Mommy, what''s happening?" Noah regained hisposure and looked anxiously at Sadie.


    "Someone has stopped our car!" Nathan frowned. "It''s the bad guy from that day! I''ll tell Daddy toe and deal with him."


    "No!" Sadie hurriedly said, "Nathan, be good. Don''t speak out of turn. We must be polite."


    "Wait in the car, and I''ll go down and check."


    She turned to instruct Annika, "Watch over the children!"


    "Okay." Annika''s voice trembled. She knew that when Tristan got angry, it was terrifying.


    Dahlia quickly shielded Nathan and the others behind her and sent a distress signal to Micah.


    "Drive faster." Micah urged urgently, holding his phone.


    "We''re already speeding up."


    "Faster!"


    "Yes!"


    Sadie approached the Bugatti, looking somewhat timid. "Tristan!"


    The car window was slowly rolled down, revealing a pair of eyes as cold as frost, gazing deeply at her. "Sadie, you''ve been naughty." This seemingly light sentence felt like icy coldness piercing through Sadie, leaving her trembling in fear.


    "Tristan, I didn''t mean to hide it from you. I just wanted..."


    "Go home first. Don''t scare the children!"


    The gentle voice sounded tender, but it carried a chilling coldness.


    A slender hand lifted slightly, and the car window was rolled up slowly. Tthe car went straight towards Hillside Vi.


    Sadieposed herself, turned, and got into the car.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Noah looked at Sadie''s pale face and quickly asked, "Who was that person just now? Is he really that scary?"


    "I''m fine." Sadie tried to control herself as much as possible but couldn''t hide her inner unease.


    "Ms. James, how about stopping at the next intersection?" Dahlia said cautiously, "Let me take the children back to Half Mountain Vi."


    "It''s toote." Sadie frowned at Dahlia, giving a solemn warning, "Under no circumstances should you let him know that you are part of the Clemens family."

 Chapter 892 Be Good, Call Him Uncle Tristan

    Dahlia shivered and dared not speak again.


    "Mommy, I''m scared!" Mia was frightened and pounced into Sadie''s arms, tears welling up in her eyes. She asked, "Is him a bad person? Will he bully us?" "He..." Sadie was stunned, and she really couldn''t answer that question.


    For some people, Tristan was a bad person, but for others, he was good.


    Whether good or bad, it all depended on his mood!


    But no matter what, he was her rtive and benefactor.


    She believed that the bond between them, and he wouldn''t harm her children.


    Thinking this way, Sadie gained some confidence, hugged the children, and said, "Don''t be afraid. He is our rtive, not a bad person."


    "Scared! Scared!"


    Little Coco pped its wings, feeling pitiful.


    Sadie stroked its feathers, and it gradually calmed down.


    Mia tugged at Sadie''s clothes, nestled in her arms, seeming to feel safe only here.


    "But I see everyone looks very scared of that person." Nathan looked at Annika and the other two female bodyguards. "These prettydies are all trembling."


    Annika and the two female bodyguards were amused by his words but couldn''tugh.


    "It seems that Daddy still has some charisma." Noah frowned, specting seriously. "I used to think he was too cold, and the bodyguards were all afraid of him. Now, thinking about it, he is already kindpared to the one just now." "Yes. He is kind." Sadie thought of Micah, probably speeding on his way here now.


    Thinking of this, she reached out to Dahlia. "Give me your phone."


    Dahlia hesitated for a moment and handed her phone to her.


    Sadie found Micah''s number, sent him a text message, and then returned the phone to Dahlia.


    At this moment, a hawk''s cry came from outside.


    Nathan and Mia shivered, hiding in Sadie''s arms in fear.


    Noah, on the other hand, was not so afraid; after all, he had a connection with Coco, and Coco had even protected him yesterday.


    "Don''t be afraid. Coco is like Little Coco. Both are Mommy''s pets," Sadieforted Nathan and Mia, "It won''t harm you."


    "It''s so fierce." Mia pouted, looking like she was about to cry.


    "Mommy is so cool, keeping Coco as a pet." Nathan felt quite majestic, even admiring Sadie.


    Sadie smiled and turned to look out the window.


    Coco returned home yesterday to recuperate, and it flew out today, probably knowing the real owner wasing and flew out to greet. Sadie regretted a bit. If she had known Tristan woulde, she shouldn''t have brought the children home today.


    She wondered if they would be scared.


    Soon, the car arrived at Hillside Vi.


    Sixteen white-d bodyguards stood in two rows in an orderly manner, all of them Tristan''s men.


    After the car stopped, the bodyguards got out first and opened the door.


    Sadie carried the children down one by one, then led them into the house.


    Dahlia wanted to follow but was stopped by Annika.


    In the spacious living room, Tristan in white sat on the couch, slightly bowing his head, elegantly mixing drinks.


    The sunlight shone through the door but stopped an inch in front of him, as if afraid.


    It was the end of summer, but an inexplicable chill emanated from him, lowering the temperature of the entire room. "Mommy, I''m scared!" Mia tightly held Sadie''s hand, nervously hiding behind her.


    Although Nathan also stopped in fear, he didn''t say anything; he just looked fearfully at Tristan, his heart pounding. Noah clenched his small hands into fists and furrowed his brow, bravely staring at the man.


    Little Coco stood on Noah''s shoulder, trembling.


    Sadie took a deep breath, smiled, and gently said, "Noah, Nathan and Mia, be good. Call him Uncle Tristan!"

 Chapter 893 Why the Surname Clemens

    Upon hearing this, Nathan and the others were all stunned, lifting their little heads in unison, staring nkly at Sadie.


    "Uncle Tristan!" Mia, with her beautiful big eyes wide open and fluttering curly eyshes, incredulously asked, "He is our uncle?" "Yes. My brother!"


    Nathan''s previous tension and fear dissipated instantly, reced by curiosity.


    "Is he a real brother?" Noah asked a very rational question, always feeling that Sadie was afraid of Tristan.


    Tristan on the couch had a cold chill in her eyes, slowly lifting his head.


    As Nathan and the others saw his appearance clearly, they were all shocked.


    Tristan, seeing Nathan and the others'' expressions, also showed a slight surprise, then he smiled. "That''s the children of the James family!"


    "He really is our uncle!" Nathan was no longer afraid. He let go of Sadie''s hand, excitedly ran forward, carefully examined him, and said, "He looks exactly like us!"


    "Nathan." Sadie wanted to stop Nathan, but he had already climbed onto the couch.


    Strangely, Tristan, who usually didn''t like children, did not stop Nathan from approaching.


    "It does seem so," Mia nodded vigorously, excitedly saying, "It''s like a grown-up Noah and Nathan!"


    "Yeah. They do look alike."


    Noah was also stunned. He had once photoshopped his appearance as an adult, which was almost identical to Tristan. Except for that cold demeanor, they lookedpletely alike. Mia was no longer afraid. She bounced over, leaned on the coffee table, and closely examined Tristan.


    "If our whole family gets lost, we can all be found. When others see us, they will know we are the children of the uncle''s family!"


    Tristan looked at Mia. Her childish voice full of innocence, and her clear and bright eyes shimmered with colorful hues.


    He then looked at Nathan beside her. Nathan''s expressions were rich, his eyes lively. His previous fear had been reced by cautiously approaching, showing a kind of childlike innocence. Only Noah was different. Although he was also excited, surprised, and curious, there was still a hint of caution and restraint.


    Moreover, Noah was scrutinizing, determining if he was a friend or foe!


    "Interesting!" Tristan smiled, his eyes no longer as cold as before but with a bit of warmth. Not only did he not mind Nathan and Mia approaching, but he also asked, "What are your names?" "I''m Nathan," Nathan immediately raised his hand and excitedly replied, "Nathan Clemens!"


    "I''m Mia. Mia Clemens!"


    "Why is your surname Clemens?"


    A cold, menacing voice suddenly interrupted Mia.


    Like a st of cold air, it shattered the beautiful atmosphere just now.


    Mia was stunned for a moment. Then, she pouted, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Tristan lightly nced at her.


    She was frightened, quickly held back her tears, dared not cry, just shivering.


    "Mia!" Noah immediately stepped forward to protect his sister, frowning, angrily questioning, "Why are you scaring Mia?"


    "It''s good for a brother to protect his sister." Tristan looked at Noah with a hint of admiration. "What''s your name?"


    "I''m Noah Clemens," Noah met his gaze and calmly said, "I''m surnamed Clemens!"


    "Courageous!" The smile on Tristan''s lips deepened, but his eyes remained cold. "Your gaze is like someone from the Clemens family!"


    "I am indeed from the Clemens family." Noah showed no fear.


    "Noah!" Sadie quickly reprimanded, fearing Noah would provoke Tristan.


    "Very well."


    However, Tristan was not angry, just quietly observing Noah, seemingly contemting something.


    "Tristan, Noah is still young. Go easy on them," Sadie said softly.

 Chapter 894 Let Me Protect You In The Future

    Tristan faintly smiled and raised an eyebrow.


    Suddenly, a dark shadow flew in from outside like a sharp arrow, passing over Noah''s head. Nathan and Mia immediately jumped off the couch and hid in Sadie''s arms.


    Little Coco screamed in fear, pping its wings and hiding in Noah''s arms.


    Noah''s face was pale, and he was very scared but appeared very calm on the surface. Coco flew in front of Noah, fluttering its wings, its sharp eyes staring fiercely at him.


    Its wings wererge, and with each flutter, it stirred up a gust of wind, tousling Noah''s hair. "Noah!" Sadie wanted to step forward to protect Noah but was stopped by Tristan''s men. Noah gathered his courage and stared back at Coco. "Go away!"


    Coco let out a chilling cry, circled around his head a few times, then flew away.


    Tristan looked at Noah with a few more appreciation. "Noah, you''re not afraid?"


    "No!" Noah nced at him, gently stroking Little Coco, who was trembling in his arms. "Just like my Little Coco, they both are mommy''s pets!"


    "Very good." Tristan slightly smiled, and the coldness in his eyes gradually faded.


    "I''ll take them back to the room first."


    Sadie immediately had the servant take Nathan and the others upstairs.


    Dahlia carried the medical kit, following behind with her head down.


    Tristan nced at her and silently tasted the wine.


    They hurried upstairs.


    Closing the door, Dahlia sighed deeply, feeling that this ce was dangerous and he must be cautious.


    "Ms. James!"


    Downstairs came the voices of Annika, Arya, and others.


    Then, their screams came, but soon, it quieted down.


    "What''s that sound?" Nathan ran to open the door.


    "Nathan!" Sadie immediately grabbed him. "It''s okay."


    "Mommy, Uncle Tristan is so scary!" Mia curled up on the sofa, holding a doll, pouting, wanting to cry. "I''m so scared of him. I want to go home."


    "I want to go home, too," Nathan said with a pout, "I miss Daddy."


    Sadie looked at Mia and Nathan, feeling uneasy. She wanted to spend more time with them, but they were scared right at the beginning.


    "Mommy, this is for you." Noah took something out of his pocket and handed it to Sadie solemnly. "I''m returning it to its rightful owner!"


    Sadie took the ck gold ring. When she woke up and saw this little thing, she always had a bad feeling, but she couldn''t bear to throw it away. In the end, she put it on Coco''s foot. Unexpectedly, Noah coincidentally discovered it and then found her with this.


    Coco had a hard time.


    "Thank you, Noah." Sadie took the ring and put it on the index finger of her right hand. "Mommy will cherish it because you helped me find it."


    "Mommy!" Noah hugged Sadie and said softly, "Let me protect you in the future."


    "Silly boy." Sadie was amused. "You''re only six years old, and you want to protect me! Besides, I''m very strong now; no one can bully me."


    "Uncle Tristan looks fierce." Mia pouted, wrinkling her brow. "Will he bully you?"


    "No," Sadie answered decisively, "Without Uncle Tristan, there would be no me today. Two years ago, I had an ident, and it was Uncle Tristan who saved me, so I survived." "I see." Nathan suddenly realized. "No wonder you suddenly disappeared. We cried for a long time."


    "Mommy. Where''s Brenda?" Noah endured for a long time and finally couldn''t help but ask.

 Chapter 895 Brenda Was Gone

    Upon hearing that, Sadie was stunned. She had expected that they would eventually ask this question, and she had mentally prepared herself for it, but hearing it firsthand still made her feel uneasy. She didn''t know how to face it and how to respond.


    "Yeah. Mommy, where''s Brenda?" Mia tugged at Sadie''s sleeve and asked softly, "I wanted to ask when I saw you yesterday, but then I got sick and didn''t have a chance."


    "I miss Brenda," Nathan couldn''t help but say when mentioned Brenda, "I miss her pizzas, roasted chicken, and pumpkin pie."


    "Yes, I miss them too." Mia''s mouth watered at the thought. "It''s been so long since I had Brenda''s cooking. I''ve even lost weight."


    "I watered the cherry trees Brenda nted in the yard every day, and now, they''re taller than me." Noah was a bit excited.


    "I take a credit for it, too. I often fertilized the cherry trees." Nathan quickly raised his hand to express.


    "Mommy, when will Brendae back?" Mia tilted her head and said naively, "I don''t drink milk anymore, and I can bathe myself. I''m easy to be taken care of. Brenda doesn''t have to work as hard as before."


    Upon hearing these, Sadie couldn''t help but tear up. She had forgotten many things, but hearing them describe those beautiful memories, she felt warm. Sadly, those happiness could never return because Brenda was gone. "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Mia held Sadie''s face with her tender hands and asked softly. "You''re crying!"


    "Mommy, is Brenda sick?" Nathan gently pulled Sadie''s sleeve andforted her, "It''s okay. Doctor Rey is very skilled and will definitely cure her."


    Dahlia also felt a bit sad when she heard this. In fact, she had known for a long time that something had happened to Brenda.


    She just didn''t dare to tell Nathan and the others.


    "Mommy, what happened exactly?" Noah frowned at Sadie, feeling uneasy. "Brenda..."


    Sadie took a deep breath, summoned the courage, and said, "Brenda is gone."


    Nathan and the others were stunned for a moment. They didn''t know what it meant for Brenda to be gone.


    "What do you mean by ''gone''?" Noah''s look changed.


    "Brenda..." Sadie said softly, "She passed away two years ago."


    Nathan and the others were all shocked, and it took them a while toe back to their senses.


    Mia burst into tears, her fair face instantly turning red.


    "How could this happen!" Nathan clenched his fists, tears rolling down uncontrobly. He asked emotionally, "How did Brenda die? Was it an illness or an ident?"


    "An ident." Sadie sighed sadly. "It was my fault. I didn''t protect Brenda well."


    "Mommy, did someone kill Brenda?" Noah remembered when those bad guys were chasing them yesterday, he vaguely heard Mommy questioning them, asking who sent people to assassinate her in Country H. Could Brenda''s death be rted to that incident?


    "You''re still young, and it''s hard to exin some things to you." Sadie hugged them. "Brenda will bless you to grow up healthy in heaven, so you must be good and take care of yourselves." Nathan and the others were still immersed in the grief of Brenda''s passing, crying heartbreakingly.


    Sadie intended to stay with them a little longer, but at that moment, a knock came from outside, and a bodyguard reported, "Ms. James, Mr. Tristan James wants to see you in the study." "I''ll be right there," Sadie responded, then turned to Dahlia and the two female bodyguards, "Watch over them. I''ll be back soon."

 Chapter 896 Leaving The Smith Family

    Sadie left.


    Dahlia was about to call Micah when her phone rang. She immediately stepped aside to answer. "Hello!"


    "You are at the James family now. Has Tristan arrived?" Micah guessed.


    "Yes."


    "He didn''t make things difficult for the children, did he?"


    "No."


    "Good. Act ording to the situation."


    "Understood."


    Hanging up the phone, Dahlia breathed a sigh of relief. She thought that the text message Sadie had sent to Micah earlier must have worked.


    To avoid conflicts, Sadie promised to protect the children so Micah would note looking for trouble.


    Sadie was sensible. Even if she hated the Clemens family, she would consider the overall situation for children.


    She didn''t want the James family and the Clemens family to conflict in front of the children, as it would only hurt the children''s feelings.


    Thinking of this, Dahlia felt much more at ease and immediately put down her phone to take care of the children.


    Sadie entered the study, where Tristan was already waiting. Annika and Arya had been punished and injured, still kneeling on the ground with their heads bowed, afraid to speak. "It''s my decision. None of their business," Sadie exined with a frown.


    "To know and not report is negligence."


    Tristan was ying with an ivory chessboard, wearing silver-rimmed sses, looking refined and elegant, but the chill on him remained undiminished.


    "Are you referring to my private matter?" Sadie bravely confronted the issue. "They are my children. Many years ago, I had them before I returned to the James family!" "So what?" Tristan replied as he yed chess with himself.


    "I want to bring them back and raise them myself."


    Although anxious, Sadie still put forward this idea and was very insistent. "If you can''t ept it, I can leave the Smith family."


    This idea had been decided upon the night before.


    So, Sadie had someone find awyer and calcte how difficult it would be to regain custody of the children, and what price she would have to pay to leave the Smith family.


    "Leave the Smith family?" Tristan paused, his eyes suddenly bing sharp. "You actually have this idea?"


    Sadie hurriedly exined, "If you can ept them, of course, I don''t want to leave, but..."


    "So, between the children and the Smith family, you choose the former." Tristan looked deeply at her. "Yes," Sadie answered without hesitation.


    "Ms. James!"


    Annika became anxious, wanting to persuade Sadie not to confront Tristan, as she would be in trouble.


    "You haven''t thought about the consequences clearly!" Tristan lightly reminded her, "Leaving the Smith family means you will lose all protection and return to your previous life. Think about how you used to live. Without a strong background, everyone could bully you. Think about how Brenda died. The vendetta is unresolved, and you want to leave!"


    Upon hearing that, Sadie was flustered. Yes, if she left the James family at this time, not only would she be unable to avenge Brenda, but she would also have nothing. Nick woulde at her like a wild dog, tearing her to pieces. And she couldn''t fight the Lingston family.


    Even though she was smart and skilled now, without the backing of the Smith family, she would be isted and helpless, unable topete with anyone. Moreover, she had to protect her children, ensuring they would not be harmed like Brenda.


    "I''ve been training you for two years, and all you''ve learned is impulsiveness and stubbornness!" Tristan coldly frowned. "You''ve disappointed me too much." "Mr. Tristan James, Ms. James doesn''t really want to leave. She''s just worried about her children," Arya couldn''t help but plead, "Please give her another chance." "Yes, Mr. Tristan James, Ms. James is your only family. You can''t give up on her," Annika also tearfully begged.

 Chapter 897 They Could Stay

    Tristan frowned slightly, a cold light shing in his amber eyes.


    "Shut up!" Sadie immediately scolded, signaling to the two of them.


    The two lowered their heads, not daring to speak again.


    "Tristan, don''t be angry!" Sadie didn''t want to provoke Tristan, so she thought of a gentle strategy! "Let''s talk about themter. I''ll send them back to the Clemens family first."


    "They are very cute," Tristan suddenly interrupted her, "I never said I wouldn''t ept them."


    Sadie was stunned. After a while, she asked excitedly, "You mean, you''re willing to ept them!"


    "They look like me." Tristan continued picking up ivory chess pieces. "The James family is sparse in poption and quiet. It will be much livelier if they''re here." "Tristan, do you really think so?" Sadie was extremely excited.


    "Yes." Tristan smiled. "Take good care of them!"


    "Thank you, Tristan!" Sadie was cheerful. She had been worried that Tristan wouldn''t ept them, so she was pleasantly surprised that he epted them so quickly.


    Perhaps because he wanted to keep her by conceding in this way; or perhaps because they looked like him, he felt a sense of familiarity. Whatever the reason, as long as they could stay in the James family, it was good. Sadie wanted to tell the children the good news, but as she walked to the door, she heard Mia asking Dahlia, "Doctor Rey, when can we go home? I miss Daddy."


    "I want to go home, too." Nathan was in low spirits. "I want Mommy toe home with us."


    "Yes. Bring Mommy home." Mia nodded repeatedly. "Doctor Rey, call Daddy toe pick us up!"


    "I want to as well, but..." Dahlia dared not speak, looking up at the door.


    Sadie pushed the door open and gentlyforted them, "Sweethearts, you''re sick now. You need to rest well. Let''s talk about going home when you''re feeling better, okay?"


    "Mommy, I''m feeling well now." Mia immediately sat up, pretending to be energetic, and even jumped on the bed a few times. "Look! I''m feeling much better now."


    "I feel better, too; I can even do some boxing." Nathan immediately got up and demonstrated boxing to Sadie.


    Sadie looked at them gently, wanting to smile, but she couldn''t. She felt a sense of loss that her children, who were once so familiar but now seemed so distant.


    They had only been here for a day, but they kept insisting on going back to the Clemens family.


    "Alright. Knock it off." Noah finally spoke up, frowning slightly and looking serious. "You keep saying you want to see Mommy every day, and now that you''ve seen her, you want to go back. Can''t you be more thoughtful!" Noah understood Sadie''s feelings the most. He knew that Sadie must be very sad and disappointed to see them wanting to go back, but she couldn''t show it. Being scolded, Nathan and Mia were stunned for a moment, then pouted,y back down, and dared not jump around and talk nonsense anymore.


    "It''s okay. They''re not used to it here. It''s normal," Sadie hurriedlyforted them, "After all, they just arrived; they must be a bit ufortable."


    After some thought, she added, "How about this? I will take you out to eat. You''ve only had some soup sincest night, so you must be hungry. What do you want to eat? I will have someone arrange it immediately." "I want to eat spicy Mexican food."


    "I want barbecue."


    "Okay, I''ll arrange it right away." Sadie nodded with a smile. "Noah, what about you?"


    "I don''t want to eat anything." Noah''s mood was downcast. "Anything will do as long as they are happy."


    "I will ask someone to book the restaurant first and have the food ordered, and you can add whatever you wantter." Sadie ruffled his hair and immediately had someone arrange it.

 Chapter 898 Two Pets

    Actually, Sadie knew that they were scared by Tristan, so they wanted to go back.


    To avoid Tristan, she specifically took them out for a meal to rx.


    Before going out, Sadie asked Dahlia, "Are they okay to go out now?"


    "Yes. The fever has subsided. I can''t sleep anyway. It''s good to go out for some fresh air."


    Dahlia also wanted to leave here early, as she always felt that it was dangerous here.


    "That''s good." Sadie arranged for an extended Rolls-Royce and two off-road vehicles to lead the way.


    However, inside the extended Rolls-Royce, they were staring at each other, looking very terrified.


    Coco stood on the back of the seat, staring at the Little Coco opposite distantly.


    Little Coco stood in fear on the sand, looking up at this huge creature, its small eyes full of fear. Its tiny body trembling, and its shiny green feathers falling off. Mia pouted, tears in her eyes as she looked at Coco, her fair hands pulling on Sadie''s clothes, choking out, "Mommy, I feel like crying!"


    "Don''t be afraid. It has already recognized that you are its little owner, and it won''t harm you."


    Sadie learned from yesterday''s lesson and was afraid of encountering Nick''s people on the road again, so she made such a big fuss.


    As for Coco, she wanted it to get closer to the children so that if any unexpected situation happened in the future, it could protect them!


    Just like now, Noah had already be familiar with it. At least, he dared to sit next to it now.


    "Move over." Noah sat next to Coco and even pushed it with his arm.


    Coco, with a cold face, moved to the side, pped its wings, and a feather fell on Noah''s head.


    Noah didn''t notice and continued operating on the iPad.


    Coco stood behind him, stretching its neck long, its cold and proud eyes staring straight at his iPad without blinking.


    "I''ve noticed Coco can go without blinking for a long time." Nathan was a little excited, a little curious, and a little scared as he wanted to get closer to observing.


    "Don''t be afraid. Come and touch it. Nothing will happen." Sadie stroked Coco''s wings, let Nathane over, and exined, "An eagle''s vision is very strong; it can see things far away and can go a long time without blinking. Also, eagles are the longest-lived birds in the world!"


    At this moment, Coco suddenly made a sound.


    The children were stunned for a moment, then burst intoughter.


    "So, eagles can also make sound like little birds." Mia doubled up withughter. "It''s so cute!"


    "It doesn''t seem so scary now." Nathan alsoughed heartily.


    Coco called a few more times.


    Noah frowned and continued focusing on the Ipad, but he felt Coco''s gaze behind him.


    "Mommy, how long can it live?"


    Nathan finally gathered the courage to walk over, tried to touch Coco''s wing, and quickly withdrew his hand.


    "This type ofrge eagle can live up to forty to fifty years," Sadie smiled and said, "There are eagles that have lived up to seventy years, but they start aging around forty."


    "What about Little Coco?" Mia asked curiously, "How long can it live?"


    "Seven years," Sadie blurted out.


    Mia widened her eyes in shock and suddenly panicked. "Little Coco is almost six years old, so does that mean..."


    "Little Coco has grown up with us, so it should live longer than the average parrot. Don''t worry," Noah immediately reassured Mia.

 Chapter 899 Passed over

    "Right." Sadie gave Noah a grateful look.


    "d to hear that." Mia held Little Coco, gently stroking its feathers. "Little Coco, I will protect you well in the future and never let you get hurt again."


    "Mia! Mia!" Little Coco nuzzled Mia''s hand with its little head.


    "Alright, you guys take a nap now, or you won''t have the energy to yter," Sadie coaxed them, "I booked a restaurant by the seaside. There''s a small amusement park there, and you can y sand." "Wow, that''s awesome. Thanks, Mommy!" Mia cheered happily.


    "An amusement park by the seaside," Nathan thought carefully and analyzed, "It''s the restaurant that Daddy often takes us to! I think it''s called Velvet Spoon Bistro!" "Yes. It''s Velvet Spoon Bistro."


    Sadie liked that restaurant, which was all made of ss and had a 360-degree unbeatable sea view, and the inside was filled with flowers and greenery.


    Thest time she had dinner there with Joe, they even ran into Micah.


    Just as she was thinking, Sadie''s phone rang. It was a call from Joe.


    Sadie answered the phone. "Joe, what''s s up?"


    "Sadie, did the Sapphire Depths press conference get moved up to the 12th?" Joe asked.


    "Yes," Sadie responded.


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" Joe sounded a bit disappointed. "I just received the news, and I''m arranging a private jet toe over immediately."


    "Why should I?" Sadie quickly said, "You focus on your own tasks. This press conference has nothing to do with you at all; it''s not even the same project."


    "I promised to be a guest for you before," Joe said, "Alright, I''m boarding now. See you tomorrow!"


    "See you!"


    Sadie hung up the phone and checked the messages. Only then did she know that early this morning, Tristan had made a big move, causing a lot of trouble for the Clemens Group.


    It seemed Micah wouldl be busy these days, which was good. He wouldn''t have time topete with her for the children.


    Sadie put down her phone and continued to coax them, "Noah, Nathan and Mia, we still have an hour before we reach the restaurant, so take a nap." "Okay, Mommy."


    Nathan and Mia were very well-behaved, immediately going back to their small beds to sleep.


    Noah was still working on the Ipad. Without looking up, he said, "Mommy, I''m helping Daddy with the new product issues."


    "You''re so young. Let Daddy handle these issues himself." Sadie didn''t want her son to be so tired.


    "It''s okay. Daddy has encountered a lot of troubles recently. I want to help him." Noah moved his hands quickly, his eyes fixed on the screen. Seeing his determination, Sadie didn''t try to persuade him anymore. She just brought him a ss of juice and quietly apanied him. Nathan, Mia, and the pets were by their side.


    Sadie felt reassured and warm; she really wished time could slow down so she could watch them grow up slowly.


    These days, she remembered some things about the past, all happy moments of their family of six living together.


    Her memories were slowly regaining.


    "Ms. James!" Suddenly, Annika pointed outside the window and shouted.


    Sadie turned to see a Clemens family off-road vehicle passing by them.


    The car had probably just been in a fierce collision; the rear window was shattered. Through the window, Sadie saw a familiar face Amelia!


    Amelia also noticed the car next to them and turned to look.


    However, the Rolls-Royce of the James family had its windows rolled up, so the people inside couldn''t be seen from the outside. Amelia couldn''t see the people in the car clearly and asked, "Is this Micah''s car?" "No." The attendant in the front passenger seat turned around. "It''s the James family''s car."


    As Amelia heard that, her face changed drastically.

 Chapter 900 Ocean Restaurant

    In the Rolls-Royce, Sadie furrowed her brows tightly, her gaze turning sharp.


    "That is the Clemens family''s car." Annika blurted out, then nced at Noah and immediately fell silent.


    Noah''s brows furrowed briefly, then rxed as he continued working on the Ipad as if he hadn''t heard anything.


    Annika leaned in close to Sadie and whispered, "The Clemens family sent Amelia to a remote location for protectionst night. Today, you asked someone to capture her, but the Clemens family intervened again. Surprisingly, they''ve now sent her to Half Mountain Vi for safekeeping."


    Sadie said nothing, but her eyes turned as cold as ice.


    After the confrontation with Nick yesterday, the truth about the pursuit of her in Country H surfaced. Nick was the boss behind the scheme, and Amelia was sent to Country H on a mission. Clearly, Amelia was the assassin and her enemy!


    Micah could ignore seeking revenge for her, but harboring a killer, protecting her, and even sheltering her at home was too much!


    Thinking about this, Sadie was boiling with anger.


    "Don''t be angry; focus on the children first," Arya whispered. "We can discuss thister tonight."


    Sadie turned to look at the children, feeling infinitely sad. If it weren''t for the children, she would have acted against the Clemens family instead of repeatedly showing mercy. Did Micah really thought that was all she was capable of?


    Unfortunately, her tolerance and softness only encouraged his audacity.


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Noah asked softly.


    "Nothing." Sadie immediately turned her face away,posing herself. "I''m fine."


    "Sometimes, what the eyes see may not be true," Noah cryptically reminded her, "Perhaps there''s a misunderstanding?"


    "Mr. Noah Clemens, you don''t know..."


    "Shut up!" Sadie cut off Arya, turned to Noah with a smile, and said, "Noah, you''re right. I will investigate thoroughly."


    "Okay." Noah nodded and continued working on the Ipad.


    Despite the anger, Sadie managed to calm down because of the children. She repeatedly reminded herself not to lose her temper in front of them. She couldn''t. Soon, the car arrived at the Velvet Spoon Bistro.


    Sadie led the children inside.


    Annika, Arya, and eight female bodyguards followed closely, with Dahlia and two female nurses trailing behind. Harold personally came out to greet them, "Ms. James, everything has been arranged as you told. Are you satisfied?" "It''s not about my satisfaction but theirs," Sadie said, looking at Nathan, Noah, and Mia.


    "We will definitely ensure they are happy!" Harold pped his hands.


    The restaurant''s lights switched to a blue ocean glow, with scenes of the underwater world reflected on all sides of the ss. The sound of waves and piano music made one feel as if they were in the depths of the sea.


    "So beautiful!" Mia eximed excitedly, running to the middle of the restaurant, watching the dolphins swimming on the ceiling and dancing with excitement. "It''s so gorgeous. I''ve been here so many times and never known it could be like this!"


    "There''s a big shark over there!" Nathan suddenly shouted.


    Mia screamed in fright and immediately dove into Sadie''s arms.


    "Silly girl," Nathan teased her intentionally, then stepped on therge octopus on the floor, excitedly shouting, "It''s just like real. So amazing!"


    Sadie walked over with Mia in her arms, letting her reach out to touch the big shark, which was actually just a 3D projection.


    "I touched it! I touched it!" Mia pped happily.


    Sadie turned to Noah. "Noah, why don''t youe and touch it?"


    "Let them y." Noah responded lightly, then walked to his seat and sat down.

 Chapter 901 The Son with High Emotional Intelligence

    "Mr. Noah Clemens developed this projection software," Dahlia said softly, "It was patented under his name long ago."


    Everyone was surprised, not expecting a six-year-old child to possess such talent.


    "Really?" Harold was extremely shocked. "Many of my friends have purchased this software, and it turns out a child developed it!"


    "It was developedst year," Noah said calmly, "It was onlyunched in the market this Christmas, and all the profits generated by this software are recorded under my name by Dad!"


    "I also bought a set. Seems like I''m supporting Mr. Noah Clemens''s business." Harold chuckled.


    "Noah, you''re amazing!" Mia gave him a thumbs up.


    "You''re so talented." Nathan admired, feeling a bit ashamed. "I seem to be good at nothing."


    "You have your strengths. I can''t beat you in rock climbing." Noah patted him on the shoulder, then turned to Mia. "Mia, if you like this, I can set one up for you at home, with over a hundred scenes to choose from. Just match it with the room decor."


    "Thank you, Noah." Mia nodded joyfully.


    "Noah, you''ve grown up." Sadie felt extremely proud.


    "I''ve always said, I can protect Mommy in the future!" Noah said firmly.


    "Alright, I believe in you!" Sadie nodded happily.


    At this moment, the sound of a car outside came, and an escort hurriedly came to report, "Ms. James, it''s Mr. Clemens!"


    "Why is he here?" Sadie frowned.


    "Harold, didn''t you inform anyone that we had rented the ce today?" Annika questioned.


    "Mr. Clemens usually informs us in advance when hees, but he didn''t tell us today. Maybe he decided toe at thest minute. I didn''t have time to notify anyone," Harold said anxiously, "And I dare not drive him away." "You..."


    "Enough," Sadie frowned and told Harold, "Turn off the visuals. Let''s order first."


    "Okay. Okay." Harold quickly gave instructions and then hurried out to greet Micah.


    Micah got out of the car. When he saw the James family''s car, he couldn''t help but freeze.


    He intended to leave, but the female bodyguard at the door had gone in to report.


    "Micah, what''s wrong?" Nelson noticed his uneasy expression and asked with concern.


    "How about we go somewhere else!" E gestured in signnguage. She had met Sadie at the Noble Summit estate, so she recognized the James family''s car.


    "No need!" Micah walked straight to the restaurant. At this moment, fleeing would only make him appear guilty.


    "Mr. Clemens, wee!" Harold respectfully greeted him. "Two distinguished guests suddenly came today. It''s..."


    "Dad!" Mia, who was ying in the middle of the restaurant, saw Micah and ran over excitedly, "Did Mommy invite you?"


    Micah held Mia''s hand and looked up, meeting Sadie''s cold gaze, then her gaze passed over him andnded on E behind him.


    E was a bit timid, nervously shifting closer to Micah, which made them appear more intimate.


    "Dad!" Nathan, who was ying with building blocks, also saw Micah and was about to run over, but seeing E behind him, he hesitated, looked back at Sadie, and then at Noah. "Nathan, Mia,e over here!" said Noah.


    Nathan immediately walked over and sat next to Noah, looking timidly at Micah.


    Mia also let go of Micah''s hand, walked over to sit next to Sadie, lowered her head, and sneakily nced at Micah.


    "Dad, go about your business first," Noah nced at Sadie and said to Micah, "I suppose it''s about rifying matters concerning thepany''s reputation, needing Mr. Nelson Lingston and Ms. E Lingston ''s help. That''s why you invited them here."


    "Right." Micah praised Noah''s high emotional intelligence inwardly and was grateful for his help.

 Chapter 902 Get out of Here

    "Then you go busy first, and we''ll have a meal with Mommy." Noah nced at Sadie again.


    Sadie didn''t argue with him. In front of the children, she always behaved gracefully and calmly. But she would deal with himter!


    "Okay, I wille find you in a while."


    Micah cast a grateful look at Noah and then walked to his seat.


    E followed behind Micah, like a delicate woman relying on him.


    Annika and Arya were annoyed to see them together.


    Rodolfo took a nce at Arya and quickly lowered his head.


    Andrew also nced at Annika, then lowered his eyes. He appeared calm but slightly furrowed his brow.


    "Mommy, it seems like there are seafood and French food. Is there Mexican food and barbecue that Nathan and Mia want?" Noah intentionally broke the awkward atmosphere. "Yes, I had Harold arrange it."


    Sadie gestured, and Annika immediately instructed Harold to serve the meal.


    "Noah, what do you want to eat?" Sadie asked.


    "I want pizza." Noah acted cute with Sadie. "You used to make tasty pizza. I wonder how the pizza here tastes."


    "Then I''ll personally make it for you," Sadie said immediately, "But I haven''t made pizza in a long time. If it''s not good, don''t mind, okay?"


    "Of course not." Noah was very happy. "As long as it''s pizza Mommy cooks, I love it!"


    "I want to eat Mommy''s pizza too." Nathan was a bit excited. "I haven''t eaten it in a long time. I still remember the taste from when I was a child." "Me too! Me too!" Mia licked her lips, even leaning over. "Mommy, look. My mouth is watering."


    Sadie kissed Mia on the cheek, pinched Nathan''s little face, and ruffled Noah''s head.


    Micah''s attention had always been on Sadie and children. He hadn''t seen such a happy and warm scene in a long, long time.


    "Be good. Stay here. I will go to the kitchen to make pizza."


    Sadie rolled up her sleeves and walked to the kitchen, telling Harold, "Prepare pizza crust and sausages. I''m going to make pizza." "Ms. James, we don''t have pizza crust, but we have flour. Can we make it fresh?" Harold asked cautiously.


    "Alright, do it quickly," Sadie urged.


    "Yes." Harold immediately had the chef prepare it.


    Nelson called out Micah three times before he finally shifted his attention from Sadie and looked at him.


    "How about we go somewhere else?" Nelson felt that it was impossible to discuss anything this way.


    "No need. Actually, it''s nothing important. I invited you here today mainly to talk about the press conference." Micah nced at his watch. "There''s still some time. You can order first." Then, he got up and left.


    Nelson watched him walk towards the kitchen and couldn''t help but frown.


    Sadie was in the kitchen learning to knead dough with the chef. Her face and nose were covered in flour, which removed her usual arrogance and added a touch of cuteness. Micah leaned against the door, gently watching her.


    "Mr. Clemens," Harold greeted respectfully.


    Sadie turned to see him, immediately furrowing her brows. "What are you doing here?"


    "I want to talk to you." Micah walked up to her. "About the children."


    Before he could finish his words, Sadie suddenly grabbed a kitchen knife, held it to his neck, raised an eyebrow, and sternly shouted, "Micah, because the children are here, I''ve restrained myself from acting against you. You better take E and Nelson away immediately; otherwise, I might not be able to control my hands!"

 Chapter 903 A Ruthless Woman

    "You won''t!"


    Micah remained calm, looking confident as if he was sure Sadie wouldn''t harm him.


    "You sure?" Sadie pushed the kitchen knife forward.


    "Be careful!" A chef shouted anxiously, "This knife is very sharp. I sharpen it every day." Unfortunately, it was toote.


    Blood slowly oozed out, trickling down.


    Micah was stunned, his brows furrowed. "You really mean it!"


    Everyone in the kitchen was dumbfounded.


    Harold widened his eyes in shock, nervously persuading, "Ms. James, let''s talk things out calmly."


    "Get out!" Sadie shouted angrily.


    "Yes!" Harold hurriedly led the chefs out.


    Still afraid, he told the two security guards at the door, "There''s a fight inside. Ms. James has a knife at Mr. Clemens'' neck!"


    Annika and Arya exchanged a nce, showing no reaction.


    "Andrew." Rodolfo became anxious.


    "Calm down." Andrew gestured to him, indicating there was no need to be nervous.


    "Why don''t you go in and check?" Harold looked at them in astonishment.


    "Go about your business," Andrew said calmly.


    "Micah, listen carefully," Sadie held the knife, domineeringly warning, "First, I must gain custody of the children. Second, Nick and Amelia poisoned me and kiled Brenda. I must have my revenge; no one can save them. Third, don''t fool around with E in front of me. I don''t care whoever you''re with and how many women you date. It''s none of my concern. Don''t think you can provoke me like this. It will only annoy me!"


    With that, she put down the knife and angrily ordered, "Get lost!"


    Micah suddenly pressed Sadie onto the cutting board, pinned her hands, lifted her head, and also warned, "First, they are my children, too, and you are my wife. No one is allowed to break up our family. Second, I''ve been investigating the events from two years ago and gathering evidence. I will bring it out and give you justice when there is a right time. Third, I''m discussing business with them today. There''s no personal affair, let alone trying to provoke you."


    He grabbed her hands with one hand, pressed them on her head, and held her cheeks with the other hand, making her look at him. "You got that?"


    "Get lost!" Sadie, burning with anger, struggled hard. Although she had be much stronger, she couldn''t overpower Micah.


    Her struggle was just a form of flirtation and a temptation for him.


    Soon, Micah''s body was responding, and Sadie felt it too, angrily shouting, "You pervert! What are you doing? Let me go!"


    "Don''t move!" Micah threatened, his brows furrowed. "Or I''ll have sex with you right here and now."


    "You!" Sadie was furious, but she knew he might actually do it. At this moment, strong desire surged in his eyes.


    "I''ve indulged you too muchtely, so you dare to do anything and even make a move on your husband!"


    Micah wiped his neck, his hands covered in blood, and pped her hard on the buttocks. "Wait until I finish my business. See how I deal with you!" "It''s not settled who deals with whom."


    Suddenly, Sadie pressed her knee against his crotch.


    Micah was caught off guard, his face turning pale instantly.


    At the door, Andrew and Rodolfo exchanged a nce and rushed in hastily.


    "Micah!"


    Micah turned his back to them and gestured for them to get out.


    As he heard the door close, he leaned on the kitchen counter, bent over in pain, gritting his teeth in anger. "Sadie, you''re so ruthless!"

 Chapter 904 Coffee

    "I can be even more ruthless." Sadie gave him a cold stare. "Get lost!"


    "You!" Micah''s face turned livid with anger, but he restrained himself, speaking rationally, "Let childrene back with me. They are not safe by your side." "They''re safe. That''s their home, too."


    Sadie cleaned up the cutting board and continued making pizza dough.


    "Can''t you stop being so aggressive?" Micah was somewhat annoyed. "You know very well that Tristan can''t stand them."


    "Tristan likes them," Sadie interrupted Micah, "Don''t worry. They''ll be better off with me than in the Clemens family!" "Tristan epts them?" Micah frowned. "That''s impossible!"


    "Why is it impossible?" Sadie raised an eyebrow at him. "They are family, and they are all blood of the James family."


    "That''s not right."


    Just as Micah was about to continue, a knock on the door suddenly sounded from outside, followed by Nelson''s gentle voice. "Micah, it''s almost time."


    "I''ll talk to youter," Micah said, tidied up his clothes, and hurriedly left.


    Sadie ignored him and continued to make pizza dough. However, she wasn''t very good at it and couldn''t get it right after a while, so she shouted outside, "Let the chefs in!" "Yes," Harold responded and quickly signaled to the other chefs.


    The chefs were all pale with fear, afraid to go in, fearing that Sadie might kill them identally.


    "Don''t worry. Ms. James won''t easily kill anyone," Annika added, "Hurry up and go in; if you upset Ms. James, I''ll kill you first!"


    "Yes." The chefs were so scared that their legs went weak as they walked in.


    Harold nced at Annika, quickly looked away, and went to attend to Micah.


    "Micah, I''ve ordered some food. It''s almost three o''clock now. Let''s finish eating and go to thepany early. This press conference is very important and requires early preparation."


    Nelson was very considerate, like an elder, showing concern for thepany''s situation.


    Micah nced at his watch. "Well, you don''t need toe to thepany with me and attend today''s press conference."


    "Why?" Nelson was very surprised. He thought Micah had invited him and E over to exin how they should cooperate at the press conference.


    "It''s too deliberate." Micah took a sip of his drink. "There will be rumors, saying that I''m threatening the Lingston family."


    "That won''t happen!"


    "I''ll handle thepany''s affairs." Micah put down his ss, hinting, "If you really want to, you can hold a press conference in the group himself." "Understood." Nelson nodded quickly and took out his phone to make a call. "I''ll arrange it right away."


    "I''ll go and spend time with children first." Micah got up and went to find the children.


    Nelson was on the phone with thepany''s people. E had been away for a long time, but no one paid attention.


    At this moment, E came out of the restroom and met Harold, who was walking towards the kitchen with a cup of coffee.


    E immediately walked up quickly and greeted him in signnguage, "Hello!"


    "Ms. Lingston, hello," Harold responded quickly, "Sorry, I don''t understand signnguage very well and just know a few simple gestures."


    E smiled awkwardly and pointed to Micah''s seat, then to the kitchen, and then to her stomach.


    Harold immediately understood. "You mean, let us serve the food faster? You''re hungry, right?"


    E nodded repeatedly.


    "Alright, I''ll go and urge the chef." Harold smiled. "It''s already past two o''clock. You haven''t had lunch yet; you must be hungry."


    E gestured "thank you" and prepared to leave, but she identally bumped into Harold.

 Chapter 905 Uncle Tristan

    Harold almost spilled the coffee in his hand. E quickly reached out to support the cup. Some coffee spilled on her hand. She immediately recoiled in pain and carefully blew on her hand. "I''m Sorry, Ms. Lingston. Are you alright?" Harold asked anxiously, "I''ll have someone bring the first aid kit."


    E shook her head quickly, gesturing that it was unnecessary, and extended her hand to show him that she was fine.


    "Good thing that you''re fine." Harold breathed a sigh of relief. "I''ll go in first. This coffee is for Ms. James, and I need to take it inside quickly."


    E nodded and left with a smile.


    Harold walked into the kitchen with the coffee and said cautiously, "Ms. James, here''s your coffee. Have some coffee to soothe your throat. Don''t overwork yourself." "Leave it there," Sadie replied and continued to busy herself making pizza dough.


    "I''ll leave it here for you to haveter." Harold ced the coffee aside and went to urge the other chefs to hurry up with Micah''s dishes.


    Outside, after ying games with Nathan and Mia for a while, Micah sat down and asked Noah in a low voice, "Noah, have you seen that person?"


    "Are you talking about Uncle Tristan?" Noah, who was looking at documents without lifting his eyelids, replied, "Yes, we''ve seen him."


    "What do you call him?" Micah was very shocked. It was rumored that Tristan liked to kill for power, not even sparing his own siblings. He was a devil disguised as an angel. Such a person couldn''t possibly have any familial feelings.


    Moreover, they were children from the Clemens family.


    "Mommy asked us to call him Uncle Tristan." Noah looked up at Micah.


    "Did he bully you?" Micah frowned and asked.


    "Not really." Noah carefully recalled the process of meeting Tristan. "Tristan looks cold and mysterious, not exactly friendly, but he hasn''t bullied us either."


    "Has he said anything strange?" Micah was still worried.


    "I don''t think so." Noah shook his head. "But Mia is very scared of him. She was scared to tears today and kept moring to go home in tears. Nathan didn''t want to stay there either."


    "I will take you home now." Micah felt sorry as soon as he heard this and got up to see Sadie.


    "Daddy!" Noah stopped him, feeling embarrassed. "Mommy just reunited with us. If we go back like this, she will be sad."


    "Silly boy," Micah nced behind him and said softly, "Only when you go home will your mom go home."


    Noah was stunned for a moment. Then he immediately came around and said, "Mommy is different now. She has personality and opinions. She''s not the silly mommy she used to be. If we all go home and she wants to see us, she might directly barge into Half Mountain Vi and take us away rather than swallow her pride ande home."


    "That makes sense." Micah felt a headache when he thought of Sadie''s current temper. He couldn''t confront her head-on now, or he would definitely lose. He had to y smart.


    "I have a good n," Noah thought for a moment and said with a sigh, "I''ll stay here with Mommy. You take Nathan and Mia home. They are both afraid of Uncle Tristan, and they still have a high fever. It would be really bad if they got scared again and fell ill."


    "Aren''t you afraid?" Micah looked at Noah with concern.


    "I''m not afraid." Noah shook his head. "Mommy will protect me. What is there to be afraid of? Besides, he looks exactly like us. When I see him, it''s like seeing my future self."


    Micah was suddenly stunned. "You mean, Tristan looks very much like you guys!"


    "No alike, but exactly the same." Noah was a bit excited when talking about this topic. "I once made a picture of what I would look like when I grew up on theputer. We have almost no differences, except for the eyes."

 Chapter 906 The Damn Weirdo Tristan

    Pausing for a moment, Noah added, "Nathan and Mia were shocked when they saw him, and he was also surprised to see us. Perhaps because of this, the killing intent in his eyes disappeared." Upon hearing these words, Micah had mixed feelings. A long time ago, Sadie concealed the truth about the children from him, and he had mistakenly thought they were the children of another man. It was just because Nathan didn''t look like him.


    Micah had always believed that the Clemens family genes were strong, but now he realized that the James family genes were even stronger. His children actually looked like that damn weirdo, Tristan! He felt like thousands of ants nibbling at his heart. It was really bad but he had to put up with it.


    "Daddy, what''s wrong with you?" Noah looked at Micah''s pale face and realized he might have said something wrong, so he quickly reassured Micha, "Mommy and Uncle Tristan look alike. Actually, we look more like Mommy." Micah remained silent, picked up a ss of water on the table and took a gulp. Then, he almost spat it out. "What is this?"


    "It is Mia''s milkshake." Noah turned to look at Nathan and Mia, but they were both gone.


    A female bodyguard said, "Mr. Nathan Clemens and Mr. Mia Clemens have gone to the kitchen."


    "Okay," Micah said.


    Sadie was making pizza dough when Nathan and Mia suddenly came in, each holding a small cake and wanting to share it with Sadie.


    "Nathan, Mia, what''s the matter?" Sadie smiled brightly as she saw Nathan and Mia. "Mommy has made the pizza dough. Look!"


    "Mommy, you''re amazing!" Nathan raised his thumb and eximed, "Mommy, the pasta you cooked would stick to the pan when you made it, but now you can make pizza dough. That''s a big improvement!"


    "Mommy is great!" Mia leaned over to kiss Sadie and fed her a small cake. "Mommy, try this mango mousse. It''s delicious."


    "Thank you, Mia." Sadie took a bite and continued making pizza dough. With the praise from Nathan and Mia, she felt more motivated. "Mommy will soon make the pizza. You''ll definitely be satisfied!" "Thank you, Mommy!"


    "Mommy, let me help you." After finishing the cake, Nathan helped Sadie make the pizza dough.


    "I''m so thirsty, and I want to drink water." After eating the cake, Mia felt very thirsty and saw a cup of coffee nearby, so she asked, "Mommy, can I drink this cup of coffee?"


    "Check if it''s hot. If it''s not hot, you can drink it," Sadie reminded, "But don''t drink too much."


    "Okay," Mia replied and tiptoed to reach for the cup of coffee.


    Arya helped her bring it down and fed it to her.


    Mia was really thirsty and drank more than half of the cup.


    "Okay, kids shouldn''t drink too much coffee." Sadie nced back at her. "Go outside and drink juice."


    "I still want to drink water, so I''ll go out first." Mia ran out.


    Arya followed closely behind to protect her.


    "Nathan, you go out too. Eat something first, and don''t starve yourself," Sadie said to Nathan, "Mommy will bring out the pizza soon."


    "Okay." Nathan also went out.


    At this moment, Micah found them and asked, "Nathan, Mia, do you want to continue staying with Mommy, or do you want to go home with Daddy?" Nathan and Mia looked at each other and then back at the kitchen, hesitant to answer.


    "Just say what you''re thinking. It''s okay." Micah squatted down and hugged them.


    "I want to go home, but I don''t want to leave Mommy," Nathan said, looking puzzled. "Me too." Mia pouted, feeling a bit awkward. "Daddy, can I take Mommy home with us?"

 Chapter 907 Mommys Homecoming Plan

    stay to keep Mommypany. What do you think?"


    "Daddy also wants Mommy toe home, but she probably won''t agree now," Micah pinched Mia''s little face and said gently, "Daddy just discussed this with Noah. He suggested that you and Nathan go home with Daddy first, and he will Nathan looked hesitant. "But if we do that, we won''t see Mommy, and Noah won''t see Daddy either."


    "Daddy, why don''t you go and please Mommy? Let here home with us." As Mia thought of separating from Sadie immediately, her eyes turned red.


    "I''m trying to humor her. Mommy wille home sooner orter, but it will take some time." Micah gently held Mia.


    "Nathan, Mia," At this moment, Noah walked over and said softly, "You go home with Daddy first; Mommy wille to see you when she misses you. Then you figure out a way to keep Mommy at home."


    "I see." Nathan suddenly realized. "You stay with Mommy over there, and at the same time, you can work with us from both sides. We''ll work together to make Mommy stay home."


    "Yes, that''s it." Noah nodded repeatedly. "Starting today, the Search for Mommy n is renamed Mommy''s Homing n! The Three Treasures Reconnaissance Team must keep it up!"


    Saying that, Noah reached out his hand. Nathan and Mia immediately reached out their hands and stacked them on top of his.


    Little Coco also flew over, ced its little paw on their hands, and excitedly pped its wings.


    This task once again ignited their fighting spirit.


    "Daddy, I''ll go back with you." Nathan suddenly felt a heavy responsibility and became excited.


    "I''ll go back with you too," Mia hurriedly said, "But Daddy, you have to cooperate with us and help coax Mommy home together!"


    "Alright. I''ll!" Micah ovepped his big hand with their small hands. "Mommy''s Homing n, count me in!"


    Nathanughed excitedly. "Daddy is now also a member of our Three Treasures Reconnaissance Team!"


    "Daddy is so cute!" Mia hugged Micah''s neck and kissed him on the cheek.


    "Alright, let''s go eat." Micah put the two children in their seats and then turned around to prepare to position Noah.


    Noah, however, coldly said, "I''ve grown up. No need for Daddy to help me."


    "Okay." Micah patted his head. "You guys eat well. Daddy has to go back to the office first."


    "Not eating with Mr. Nelson and Ms. E?" Noah raised his eyebrows.


    "I can''t make it." Micah nced at his watch and said to Nathan and the others, "Mommy doesn''t listen to me now. Later, you guys talk to Mommy abouting home. I''ll have Uncle Andrew stay to take you back." "We understand. Don''t worry." Noah nodded.


    "Yes, leave it to us." Nathan patted his chest.


    "Daddy, just go to work." Mia was also considerate of Micah.


    "Good kids!" Micah walked over to greet Nelson and E before leaving in a hurry.


    Nelson''s face darkened and his brows furrowed tightly.


    E, on the other hand, took it lightly andforted Nelson, saying that Micah was busy with so many things at work and that they should understand him.


    Nelson sighed and said nothing, drinking with a heavy heart.


    Just as Micah left, Sadie came out of the kitchen with pizza in hand, happily shouting, "Noah, Nathan, Mia, pizza''s here!"


    "Mommy is amazing!"


    Noah and the others pped happily, their clear and bright eyes fixed on the pizza. They almost drooled.


    "Try it. It''s ham-vored pizza." Sadie handed each of them a piece of pizza. "There''s more in the kitchen."


    They ate the pizza heartily, eximing, "It''s so delicious. Mommy is amazing!"

 Chapter 908 The Sense of Accomplishment

    "I''m happy to hear that." Sadie was very happy. She spent so much effort on the pizza and the kids were finally satisfied.


    "This is the best pizza I''ve ever had. Thank you, Mommy." Mia hugged Sadie tightly and kissed her.


    "I wanna kiss too. I wanna kiss too." Nathan also leaned in to kiss Sadie.


    "Mommy, you have some too." Noah fed Sadie a slice of pizza.


    Sadie sat on the sofa with Nathan and the others, enjoying the meal happily. Harold brought out the remaining pizza, and Sadie invited Annika and Arya to try it. Everyone praised the food, surprised by how talented Sadie was in cooking on her first try.


    Sadie was also very happy. This gave her a sense of aplishment even greater than closing a billion-dor deal!


    At the nearby table, Nelson and E sat quietly and had no appetite at all. Nelson set down his utensils and said to E, "I don''t feel like eating. Let''s go." E nodded but made a gesture.


    Nelson frowned. "Where are you going? Don''t make trouble out of nothing."


    Before he could finish, E had already walked in Sadie''s direction. Annika tried to stop her, but Sadie gestured for her to let Ee over.


    E walked to the table, smiled, and gestured to Sadie, "Hello, Ms. James!"


    Then she greeted Nathan and the others with signnguage, "Hello, kids!"


    "Hello, E!" Mia politely replied.


    Nathan nced at Noah and also greeted, "Hello, E!"


    "E, what''s the matter?" Noah asked politely.


    "I just came to say hi. I didn''t have the chance earlier." E smiled and gestured humbly, even a bit ingratiatingly.


    "Don''t stand on ceremony," Sadie said coldly, "Now you can leave."


    Although E seemed to have no ill intentions, Sadie inexplicably felt annoyed and disgusted by her presence. She tried to control her emotions and be friendly to E but also hoped E wouldn''t show up.


    E nodded, turned to Mia and gestured, "Mia, you have a bad stomach. Drink less soda."


    "Got it. Thank you, E," Mia thanked softly.


    E smiled at her and then left with Nelson.


    Sadie finished dinner with the three kids and was preparing to leave, but she found Andrew waiting outside with a few people. Just as she was about to inquire, Noah said, "Mommy, I want to discuss something with you." "What is it?" Noticing that Nathan and Mia looked uneasy, Sadie probably guessed what was going on.


    "Nathan and Mia want to go back to Half Mountain Vi," Noah tentatively said, "Is that okay?"


    Sadie looked at Nathan and Mia, seeing the expectation in their eyes. She felt a pang of sadness. If it were anyone else, she wouldn''t agree; but hearing it directly from Noah, she couldn''t bear to refuse. "Mommy, I don''t want to part with you. Come home with us!" Mia held Sadie''s hand, tears in her eyes.


    "So is Mommy. "Sadie hugged Mia. "But that''s not Mommy''s home. I can''t go there. If you want to go back, I won''t object."


    "Mommy, I''m not going back. I''ll stay here with you," Noah immediately said, "Just let them go back."


    "Aren''t you afraid of Uncle Tristan?" Sadie was surprised.


    "I''m not afraid." Noah tilted his head, pretending to look brave. "What''s there to fear about a guy who looks exactly like me?"


    Sadie patted his head gently and said, "Noah, it''s okay if you want to go back. Mommy coulde pick you up to y outside." "No, I want to be with Mommy." Noah was resolute. "Unless Mommy doesn''t want me, I''ll always stay with Mommy." Sadie was deeply moved and hugged him tightly.

 Chapter 909 Separation

    "Then, we..."


    "You guys should go back." Noah didn''t want Nathan and Mia to stay out of obligation, as he also felt that the entric Uncle Tristan was somewhat dangerous. So he hoped they could return to Half Mountain Vi. It would be safer. "But I don''t want to part with Mommy." Mia''s eyes welled up with tears as she pouted.


    "Silly girl, we live so close. If you miss Mommy, you cane see me anytime." Sadie kissed her little face.


    "Mommy, if you miss us, you can alsoe and see us at Half Mountain Vi." Nathan didn''t forget their mission to coax Sadie back home.


    "Alright." Sadie nodded with a smile.


    "You promise." Mia immediately reached out her hand to make a pact with Sadie.


    After Sadie assured them, she said, "Save Mommy''s phone number in your smartwatches. Call me whenever you need."


    "Okay." The three kids promptly saved the number.


    "Little Coco will go back with you too. If anything happens, you can send Little Coco to inform us." Noah handed Little Coco to Mia. "Got it," replied Mia.


    Sadie escorted Nathan and Mia to Andrew''s car.


    Dahlia and the medical staff also followed along back to the Clemens family''s house.


    Andrew respectfully said, "Rest assured, Ms. James. I will protect Nathan and Mia well. Micah said if you wanted to see them, you coulde home anytime." The term "home" was quite subtly used.


    Sadie felt a twinge of emotion. She thought she might have stayed at Half Mountain Vi before, where she must have had a good time.


    "Well, you can leave now." Though feeling somewhat sentimental, Sadie maintained a facade of indifference.


    Andrew and the others bid her farewell with a bow before leaving.


    Nathan and Mia, holding Little Coco, leaned out of the car window, reluctant to leave, and said to Sadie, "Goodbye, Mommy! Goodbye, Noah!"


    Sadie held Noah''s hand and waved to them.


    Watching the Clemens family''s car drive away, Sadie felt a bit upset. But looking at Noah beside her, she felt better. However, she also felt a bit guilty. "Noah, will you feel lonely without Nathan, Mia, and Little Coco around?" "I won''t." Noah shook his head, acting like a little adult. "I never liked crowds. Even before, I spent most of my time alone in my room, reading or on theputer."


    "If you feel bored, just tell me," Sadie squatted down, gently saying, "Mommy will take you to Nathan and Mia, and we can go hang out together."


    "Okay." Noah nodded. "Mommy, let''s go home."


    "Okay." Sadie led Noah into the car.


    The silver Rolls-Royce slowly headed towards Frost Peak Mountain.


    As the evening approached, the sunset was as beautiful as a painting. Through the car window, Sadie could still see the Clemens family''s car ahead.


    She had mixed feelings thinking about the children. She wanted to keep them by her side, but they seemed to have already adapted to life with the Clemens family. If she forcibly took them back, would they resent her?


    Sadie shifted her gaze to Noah sleeping beside her and smiled faintly. Perhaps it was best to let things unfold naturally. Maybe they had already made their choice. Andrew escorted Nathan and Mia back home, instructed Dahlia to take good care of them, arranged for ample protection at home, and then hurried off to meet Micah. Dahlia checked Nathan and Mia''s temperatures. Nathan''s fever hadpletely subsided.


    Mia, however, started running a fever again. Her face was pale. She held her stomach andined about difort. Dahlia was about to examine her thoroughly when Mia suddenly threw up.

 Chapter 910 Mia Falls Seriously Ill

    Mia had been frail since childhood, with a delicate digestive system and mesenteric lymph nodes.


    However, this condition was quitemon, and many children experienced it. It was not a severe illness but required dietary attention.


    Every time this illness broke out, Mia suffered from unbearable abdominal pain, and she vomited and developed a fever when it got severe.


    Last night, Mia was already running a fever and had experienced vomiting. Dahlia thought the fever hadn''t gone away and promptly applied medicine to Mia. After a brief respite, Mia started vomiting again, expelling all the food from her stomach and ending up vomiting only water.


    Mia was in great difort with her face pale, weak all over, lying in bed crying incessantly.


    Seeing that the drug didn''t work, Dahlia urgently called Andrew, stating that Mia needed to go to the hospital immediately. Andrew immediately informed Rn to escort them to the hospital.


    Dahlia and Rn hurriedly brought Mia to the hospital for further examination and treatment.


    The results showed that Mia''s blood indicators were off. Possibly due to food poisoning, she had acute gastroenteritis.


    Dahlia promptly started putting Mia on a drip.


    Nathan stayed by her side, deeply concerned to see Mia in such a state.


    Dahlia asked Nathan to go back to avoid getting infected, but he insisted on staying with Mia, stating that as the elder brother was not here, he had to protect his sister.


    At 10 p.m., Micah rushed to the hospital for Mia. She was lying weak on the bed with a cooling patch on her forehead and a needle in her hand for an intravenous drop. Micah hurried over with concern.


    "Daddy!" Nathan, upon seeing Micah, immediately rushed into his arms, choking up, "Please check on Mia. She''s so pitiful."


    "It''s okay. It''s just gastroenteritis. Mia will recover soon," Micah gently reassured Nathan and approached the bed. He touched Mia''s forehead and found it terribly hot. He asked angrily, "Why is the fever still high?" "Mia''s condition is indeed unusual. I''ve called in several pediatric experts for a consultation."


    It was a challenge Dahlia rarely faced before. She had conducted various tests on Mia, finding nothing particrly abnormal. Normally, such treatment would quickly bring the situation under control, but Mia''s fever persisted. "I don''t want to hear that. Show me the oue." Micah, busy all day without even taking a sip of water, had already felt impatient. Now seeing Mia in this state, he was even more furious.


    "I''m sorry, Micah!" Dahlia said anxiously, "I''ll consult with other pediatric experts immediately and propose a new treatment n."


    "Hurry up." Micah restrained his temper. "Yes." Dahlia hurried off.


    Seeing Mia in this condition, Rn and Andrew were also deeply worried.


    At that moment, Ss called, inquiring when Micah would take the children to see Raymond, who had been waiting all day.


    Nathan and the others hadn''t gone to visit Raymond yet, and Raymond had lost his appetite and was feeling down. Ss feared that without motivation, Raymond might not be able to hold on. Hearing this, Micah felt exhausted. He raised his hand to his forehead, took a deep breath, and said softly, "I''m still busy. I''ll have Andrew take Nathan over first."


    "What about Noah and Mia?" Andrew felt uneasy. "Is anything wrong?"


    "Everything''s fine," Micah said immediately, "Noah is asleep and Mia has a slight cold. Nathan is quite spirited. So I''m sending him to see Grandpa first." "Alright, I''ll wait downstairs." Ss didn''t press further.


    "Okay." After hanging up, Micah took Nathan''s little hand and asked softly, "Nathan, Great-grandpa misses you a lot, but with Noah absent and Mia sick, only you can help Daddy fulfill this task!"

 Chapter 911 Intensive Care Unit

    "Daddy, don''t worry. I will get this done well!" Nathan looked determined, treating this as a great task.


    "Good boy!" Micah patted Nathan''s little head and personally helped him put on his coat. "When you see Great-grandpa, just say that Noah got tired from helping Daddy with software matters during the day and fell asleep. Mia has a slight cold. Daddy is worried she might get infected at the hospital, so I won''t let her go with you. Got it?"


    "I got it." Nathan nodded repeatedly. "I''ve remembered it all. Daddy, you can rest assured."


    "It''s a bit cold outside. Wear your coat properly. And wear a mask when you enter the hospital" Micah pinched his little face gently, saying, "Alright, go now."


    "Okay." Nathan hugged Micah. "Daddy, don''t worry. Mia will get better. If you''re tired, take a nap, and don''t overwork yourself."


    Upon hearing this, Micah was deeply moved. He had always thought Nathan was a bit careless, but now he realized that Nathan was also considerate. Nathan left with Andrew.


    Dahlia hurriedly brought in pediatric specialists to prepare a new treatment n for Mia.


    Micah stayed by Mia''s side throughout. The specialists were a bit nervous and afraid of making mistakes.


    Withprehensive treatment, Mia''s temperature finally stabilized.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and Micah finally soothed his brow.


    He was about to go back to take a shower, change clothes, and go to thepany, but as soon as he stepped out of the ward, he heard a shocked scream from behind. "Oh my, Dr. Rey!" Micah immediately turned back and rushed into the room, only to find Mia vomiting and convulsing.


    "Mia!" Micah hurried over to hold Mia, shouting in agitation, "Doctors! Doctors!"


    Dahlia rushed over with pediatric specialists. Seeing Mia''s condition, they were all terrified.


    "Micah, please let go of Mia so we can treat her," Dahlia said anxiously.


    "If anything happens to my daughter, all of you will die!" Micah was extremely angry.


    The pediatric specialists were trembling with fear, and one female doctor even copsed to the ground in fright.


    "OK, please don''t be angry. Let us treat Mia first." Dahlia, in a panic, tried to calm Micah down.


    Micah handed Mia to them and stood by as they gave Mia injections.


    As both Mia''s hands were full of needles, they had to give the injection to her forehead.


    Micah''s eyes were bloodshot and his hands clenched into fists. He trembled with anger.


    Although Mia had been sick before, it had never been so severe. He couldn''t bear it if any mishaps happened to her.


    "Send her to the intensive care unit immediately," a doctor said urgently.


    Upon hearing this, Micah widened his eyes in shock, trembling all over. He clenched his fists and rushed over. "What did you say?"


    "Micah!" Rn held him tightly. "Calm down! Calm down!"


    "Micah, Mia must be taken to the intensive care unit now. It''s for Mia''s sake!" Dahlia cried, "If anything happens to Mia, I will take full responsibility. Please believe us now."


    "Hurry and prepare for it." At this moment, an elderly voice came.


    Ss hurried in with Nathan. Sensing that something was amiss, he coaxed Nathan to tell the truth and then rushed over to Peace Hospital to see what was happening. He didn''t expect it to be so serious. "Mia! Mia!" Nathan was so scared that he kept crying, but he didn''t dare to cry too loudly, afraid of startling Mia. He tried to restrain himself, trembling all over.


    "Go on." Andrew gestured.


    Dahlia and the specialists quickly wheeled Mia out.


    Micah punched the wall, almost going to copse. With a loud bang, the whole room shook as if in an earthquake.

 Chapter 912 Seize Your Weakness

    "How did it suddenly be like this?" Ss frowned as he questioned Andrew, "Did you ask Reba what Mia ate yesterday?"


    Andrew hesitated for a moment and said, "The three kids have been at Hillside Vi since the night before yesterday. They just returnedst night and then didn''t eat anything. Mia started vomiting and had a fever without even drinking water." "So, they must have eaten something wrong over there!" Ss looked at Micah, reminding him calmly, "Go look into this!" When he heard that, Micah''s expression suddenly changed. "Could it be..."


    Tristan was skilled in poisoning and could do so without anyone noticing. This was known to all who knew him.


    Could it really be...


    "Nathan, tell me, what did you eat those days?" Ss bent down, supporting Nathan''s shoulder and asking affectionately.


    "We didn''t eat at Hillside Vi. We just drank some water." Nathan carefully recalled, "We fell ill the night we arrived there. Mommy called a doctor to treat us at home. Because we were all feverish and vomiting, we only drank some water. Later, we went to the hospital and had vegetable soup there. Then we came back home as the fever subsided. When we saw Uncle Tristan at home, we got scared. Mommy said she would take us out for dinner, and Velvet Spoon Bistro prepared a lot of delicious food for us. But we missed Mommy''s homemade pizza, so we kept holding back from eating anything else. Oh, we waited for a long time and got hungry, so Mia and I had a piece of cake, but that piece of cake was exactly the same. I ate it too, and I was fine."


    "Go to Velvet Spoon Bistro immediately," Micah ordered, "Conduct a thorough search."


    "Yes." Rn immediately led the team to investigate.


    "Mr. Clemens." Ss patted Micah''s shoulder, affectionately reminding him. "Don''t lose your temper. Nathan and the others are your treasures. If something happens to them, you might lose control. The enemy might have caught onto your weakness. You must stayposed."


    "Enemy?" Micah''s eyes instantly shed with a cold, fierce light. He gritted his teeth in anger. "If he dares to poison Nathan and the others, I will not spare him!"


    "Calm down. Wait for the investigation result," Ss immediatelyforted him, "It''s just spection for now. Don''t act impulsively."


    "Daddy, Grandpa Ss, what are you talking about?" Nathan couldn''t understand but felt nervous and scared. He had never seen Micah like this before, like a wild beast about to pounce. Nathan was somewhat afraid.


    "Oh right!" It suddenly urred to Micah that Noah was still at the James''s house. What if...


    He didn''t dare think further, so he immediately took out his phone and dialed Sadie''s number, but it didn''t go through.


    He quickly crouched down and said to Nathan, "Nathan, call Noah."


    "Okay." Nathan immediately called Noah using his watch, but it showed the phone was off.


    "Take care of Nathan." Micah left these words and rushed out like a gust of wind.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Ss got anxious. "Follow him."


    "Yes." Andrew immediately followed.


    "Daddy!" Nathan was frightened, grabbing Ss'' pants and crying, "Grandpa Ss, I''m so scared. What''s wrong with Daddy?"


    "It''s okay! It''s okay!" Ss hurriedlyforted him. "Nothing would happen. Micah has gone to pick up Noah. He is worried that Noah might have eaten something wrong there and gotten sick."


    Nathan didn''t get it but thought it would be good if Noah coulde back. Whenever something happened, Noah always had better ideas than him. Without him, he couldn''t protect Mia alone orfort Micah. He was so worried and scared.

 Chapter 913 The Morning at Hillside Villa

    At the Hillside Vi.


    Sadie didn''t sleep wellst night, but she still got up early to make breakfast.


    It was to ensure that Noah could enjoy the pizza she made when he woke up.


    "Good morning, Mr. James!" Just as Sadie brought the pizza to the dining room, she heard a respectful greeting.


    She turned to look. Tristan, dressed in white, returned from his morning exercise outside with his hair and shoulders slightly damp from the morning dew, but it didn''t detract from his elegant and refined demeanor. His cold eyes made people chilling. But when he smiled, they were attractive.


    His thin lips always gave off a sense of coldness and indifference. But every time he smiled, he could be enchanting.


    Sometimes he was like an angel. Sometimes he was like a devil. He was admirable and frightening!


    "Good morning, Tristan!" Sadie greeted him with a smile, "Come and taste the pizza I made!"


    "Indeed, you look different as a mother." Tristan looked at the hot pizza on the table, slightly curling his lips and softening his gaze. "Aunt Eleanor used to make pizza for me too."


    "Really?" Sadie was pleasantly surprised. Tristan was usually reserved and taciturn, so their conversation was mostly about guidance from him. asionally, when they talked about family matters, it was always about her mother, Eleanor. Every time Eleanor was mentioned, Tristan would be gentle and affectionate, and only then would Sadie feel like he was a true cousin.


    "Yes." Tristan walked over slowly, looked at the pizza, and couldn''t help but chuckle. "Your pizza looks so ugly. Aunt Eleanor''s were much more delicate."


    Sadie smiled awkwardly. "I just made pizza yesterday. Even the pizza crust was made by me."


    She put a piece of pizza on a te. "Here. Try it."


    Tristan elegantly sat down, picked up a fork and tasted the pizza. He shook his head and said, "Your pizza is far worse than Aunt Eleanor''s."


    "Is it?" Sadie chuckled helplessly.


    "But it''s still delicious," Tristan finished a slice and said to Sadie, "Keep it up!"


    "Okay." Sadie nodded repeatedly.


    Tristan put down his fork and meant to go upstairs, but as he got up, he found Noah looking at him on the stairs. His gaze was no longer filled with hostility and vignce but with friendliness


    "Good morning, Uncle Tristan!" Noah greeted Tristan proactively.


    "Good morning, Noah!" Tristan smiled slightly and then headed to the backyard.


    "Mr. James seems to be in a good mood today," Arya whispered.


    "Yes." Annika was a bit excited. "Mr. James seems particrly easygoing today."


    "Tristan has always been easygoing," Sadie red at them, warning them fiercely, "Stop gossiping behind his back, or he might cut out your tongues."


    The two quickly fell silent.


    "Noah,e and see what delicious food Mommy made for you." Sadie turned back and smiled at Noah.


    "It''s pizza." Noah walked over quickly. "Mommy, when did you get up to make this?"


    "I woke up at five o''clock." Sadie pulled out a chair, sat Noah down, and handed him the fork. "I will make you breakfast every day from now on. Try it. Is it yummy?"


    "Thank you, Mommy." Noah was touched and immediately started eating the pizza hungrily.


    "Take your time. Don''t get choked." Sadie looked at Noah with a smile. She felt especially happy and content to see Noah enjoy the food she made.


    "Mommy, my phone watch is out of battery. The charger is over there." After taking a sip of soup, Noah said, "Also, my tablet and some research materials are at Half Mountain Vi. I want to go back and get them." "Alright." Sadie checked her watch. "I will go out at twelve. There is enough time. Later, Mommy will take you to get them, and we can bring some pizza for Nathan and Mia on the way."


    "Okay," replied Noah.

 Chapter 914 Head-on Conflict

    Sadie and Noah were having a cozy breakfast at home when suddenly came the sound of a trumpet outside.


    Immediately, a bodyguard rushed in to report, "Ms. James, the members of the Clemens family are outside and they want to see you."


    Sadie frowned and exchanged a nce with Annika and Arya. The two of them went out.


    However, Arya quickly ran back and whispered to Sadie, "Micah is here."


    Only then did Sadie rise, preparing to go out to handle the situation.


    Just as she reached the door, there was a loud bang.


    Micah drove his Maybach straight through the gates and barged in like a fierce beast, full of aggression.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie angrily demanded.


    "I called you and had your subordinate inform you of my arrival." Micah struggled to contain his anger, trying to remain calm. "They kept blocking me, so I had to force my way in!" "What''s wrong with you?" Sadie red at the backyard, furrowing her brows. "Get out!"


    Although she didn''t like Micah, he was still the three kids'' father, and she didn''t want him to sh with Tristan.


    Moreover, Noah was still at home.


    "Let Noahe home with me." Micah clenched his fists tightly, managing to restrain himself.


    He wasn''t afraid of anyone. He just didn''t want to conflict with Sadie. Even if something had happened to the children at the James''s house, he believed it wasn''t Sadie''s fault. So, he wouldn''t question Sadie about anything. He just wanted to take Noah away first.


    "Nathan and Mia have already gone home with you, and Noah is willingly staying with me. I respect their decisions and hope you will respect them, too."


    Sadie also clenched her fists tightly. If it weren''t for Noah being at home, her temper would have erupted long ago.


    Nathan and Mia had already been taken back by him, and now he was here to take Noah from her.


    She couldn''t help but think, ''He really thinks the world is in charge of him and that he can do as he pleased?''


    "Let me take Noah home first, and we can discuss the restter." Micah was eager to see Noah and didn''t want to exin much.


    "No way!" Sadie angrily shouted, "I''ve been patient for the sake of Noah. Don''t push your luck."


    Micah couldn''t be bothered to argue with her and just charged inside.


    Sadie waspletely furious and rushed towards him with her fists raised.


    The two started fighting, but Sadie was no match for Micah. He quickly subdued her in a few seconds.


    Micah pinned her against the wall, urgently exining, "Mia was..."


    Suddenly, a screech of an eagle interrupted Micah.


    Immediately, a fierce eagle swooped in from behind,unching a sharp attack on Micah.


    "Daddy, be careful!"


    Noah had juste out of the house and witnessed the scene, shouting in fear.


    Micah reacted swiftly, pushing Sadie away and dodging the eagle''s attack.


    The eagle continued assaulting him.


    Micah''s eyes sharpened. He was ready to retaliate.


    "Coco, stop!" Noah urgently shouted.


    The eagle promptly stopped and flew away.


    Micah was surprised. He hadn''t expected the eagle to heed Noah''smand.


    "Daddy!" Noah was about to approach Micah.


    "Mr. Micah, it''s impolite to trespass on other people''s residence!" Suddenly, a cold voice softly echoed.


    Micah turned to see a man in white slowly walking over from the backyard.


    In the backlight, the face gradually became clear, resembling an angel emerging from hell, both evil and just.


    A small green snake coiled around his wrist, raising its head and hissing. It stared at Micah intently.


    When Micah saw Tristan''s appearance clearly, he couldn''t help but be slightly stunned. He turned to look at Noah. They were indeed identical.


    Micah''s expression instantly turned grim. If they didn''t know that Tristan was Sadie''s cousin, most people would probably think Tristan was Noah''s father.

 Chapter 915 Mia Got Poisoned

    Noah, upon seeing the small snake on Tristan''s hand, felt a bit scared and instinctively ran to Micah.


    Micah gave Tristan a cold nce and prepared to take Noah away.


    "Stop!" Tristan ordered. Dozens of guns were pointed at Micah outside.


    Micah rushed over without any subordinate or weapon.


    But he showed no fear, coldly saying, "Do you dare to shoot me?"


    "Of course!" Tristan smirked coldly. "If you die, the Clemens Group will be useless and no one dares to investigate me."


    It was cruel but a truth.


    Hearing this, Sadie couldn''t help but break out in a cold sweat. That was the reason she had been urging Micah to leave just now. If Tristan really killed Micah here today, he could easily scapegoat a bodyguard. The Clemens Group would copse instantly after Micah died.


    By then, the entire business circle would be dominated by the James Group, and no one could stand up to him.


    "Do you really think the Clemens Group is powerless?" Micah remained calm. "Newark is my territory. Your men here don''t even add up to fifty people. If I don''t leave in ten minutes, my subordinates will break in. It remains to be discovered who will be the winner!"


    "You are going to die now. Don''t worry about what will happen after your death." Tristan smiled evilly. "Poor Raymond is already ny-eight years old and now is lying in the hospital without a son to care for him."


    "It''s still better than the James Group being wiped out overnight, isn''t it?" Micah retorted mockingly.


    Upon hearing this, Tristan looked grim at once, his amber eyes filled with a cold murderous aura.


    In an instant, he seemed to transform from an angel into a devil.


    Sadie, seeing Tristan''s change in gaze, quickly aimed her gun at Micah. "Micah, you''re asking for death!"


    "No, Mommy! No!" Noah opened his arms in front of Micah with tears in his eyes, shaking his head. "Don''t shoot Daddy!"


    "Noah!" Sadie''s heart softened as she saw Noah.


    "Uncle Tristan, please don''t be angry." Noah knew that the decision was up to Tristan and that there must be a misunderstanding. He immediately tried to exin to Tristan, "Daddy just came to see me because he was worried, not to target you intentionally."


    Tristan looked at Noah. This scene seemed familiar to him.


    Once, the rtives of the James Group fought each other, and as a young boy, he had been caught in such a dilemma.


    "Daddy, we agreed that Nathan and Mia would go back with you and that I would stay with Mommy," Noah asked anxiously, "Why did you suddenly barge in? Is there any misunderstanding? Or is something wrong with Nathan and Mia?" "Mia..." Micah was about to speak when his phone suddenly rang. It was Rn, so he answered the phone first, "Hello!"


    "Velvet Spoon Bistro has been thoroughly investigated. Even yesterday''s trash has been checked, and there''s no finding," Rn reported anxiously, "And the hospital found out that Mia was indeed poisoned. It''s a colorless and tasteless rare poison, which is seemingly extracted from a snake."


    The moment he heard that, Micah''s expression changed instantly. His eyes were fixed on the small green snake on Tristan''s wrist, and his hand holding the phone trembled with rage.


    "Micah, are you at the James family? I''m on the way and I''ve already gone up the mountain. Are you okay? Micah? Micah?" Rn yelled on the other side of the phone.


    "Tristan!" Micah pointed at Tristan, angrily roaring, "I thought even if you were ruthless, you wouldn''t harm a child. I never expected you to be so vicious. You even poisoned my daughter Mia!"

 Chapter916 Ill Do It and Show You

    "What did you say?" Tristan narrowed his eyes coldly. The killing intent of the snake became more pronounced as it felt his pulse quicken on his wrist. "Daddy, what did you say? Mia..." Noah''s eyes widened in astonishment as he looked at Micah.


    "Mia has been poisoned?" Sadie questioned anxiously, "What''s going on?"


    "Mia is in the intensive care unit now." Micah pointed at Tristan with a fierce look. "It''s just been found that the poison is extracted from a snake. It must be yours!"


    "It''s impossible!" Sadie''s mind was messed up. She turned to look at the small green snake on Tristan''s wrist.


    She knew Tristan was skilled in poison-making, especially in extracting snake venom.


    But...


    "So, you think it''s me!" Tristan coldly chuckled, hisughter filled with mockery. "How interesting!"


    "No, it can''t be," Annika hurriedly exined, "Mr. James is a man of integrity. Even if he were to kill someone, he wouldn''t do it secretly, let alone poison them. Besides, he loves Nathan and the other kids so much. It''s impossible!" "Shut up!" Tristan interrupted Annika, raising an eyebrow at Micah. "Micah, since you use me of poisoning Mia, I will do it and show you right now!"


    "Tristan! No!" Before Sadie could finish her sentence, Tristan released the small green snake from his wrist.


    The snake flew towards Noah.


    Noah''s eyes widened in shock, which were filled with fear.


    "Noah!" Sadie rushed over to protect Noah. Micah pushed her aside and grabbed the snake.


    The snake viciously bit Micah on his hand, but was strangled to death by Micah the next moment.


    "Is that all you can do?" Micah threw away the snake and intended to rush toward Tristan to attack, but he suddenly felt dizzy and his vision blurred instantly. "Micah, don''t move!" Sadie anxiously shouted, "The more you move, the faster the poison will spread."


    "Daddy!" Noah hurriedly supported Micah, angrily yelling at Tristan, "You viin, why did you hurt my daddy? Why?"


    As he shouted, tears streamed down his face.


    Tristan looked at Noah. His eyes showed a moment of fluster but quickly turned cold again. "Because he falsely used me!"


    Then, he coldly asked Micah, "See? This is the poison I used."


    "You..." Before Micah could speak, he fell to the ground.


    Sadie rushed over to support Micah and anxiously pled with Tristan, "Tristan, give him the antidote, please!"


    "Are you out of your mind?" Tristan frowned at her. "Did you forget how he treated you before?"


    "Tristan..." Sadie was about to say something, but Tristan had already turned and left without looking back, saying, "Get him out of here immediately!" "Bring me my potion," Sadie ordered Annika in a low voice, "Go quickly."


    "Ms. James, are you crazy? That''s the life-saving potion for you." Annika was shocked.


    "I told you to get it." Sadie angrilymanded Annika, but not too loudly.


    Annika had to go to her room and fetch a bottle of potion. Then, she hurried downstairs to hand it to Sadie.


    Sadie fed the potion to Micah. At that moment, the sound of a car outside came.


    Sadie immediately helped Micah out, with Noah assisting her.


    "Noah. You stay here." Another voice came from inside the house.


    Sadie and Noah exchanged a nce. Then, they handed Micah over to Rn, who had hurried over.


    Seeing Micah injured, everyone immediately pulled out their guns.


    "He won''t die. But if you start shooting here, none of you can survive," Sadie urged anxiously, "Hurry. Take him to the hospital!"

 Chapter 917 Behave Yourself

    On the way to the hospital, Rn called Dahlia and gave first aid treatment to Micah.


    Andrew and Dahlia anxiously waited downstairs. Upon seeing Micah, they hurried over. "Micah!"


    "He''s been poisoned," Rn urged anxiously, "Treat him now."


    "How did this happen?" Andrew was extremely anxious.


    "Micah went to pick up Noah. Tristan was also at home, and then there was a sh!" Rn was very frustrated. "Why didn''t you follow him? How can you let him go there alone!"


    "The situation was urgent. We needed to stay in the hospital." Andrew sighed. "Now is not the time to discuss this. I hope Micah is okay."


    Dahlia immediately began treating Micah, and Ss, upon learning of Micah''s injury, became restless.


    Now, the Clemens family faced internal and external troubles, with enemies everywhere. If something happened to Micah at this time, it would be disastrous.


    A press conference was just held in the afternoon, and there were many things that he had to take care of. He had to be interviewed from time to time, and if he couldn''t attend, it would be likely to arouse suspicion. Therefore, under no circumstances could Micah have an ident.


    Ss brought in some experienced experts from Peace Hospital to help and instructed Andrew to keep the news under wraps, ensuring that no outsider learned of Micah''s injury.


    At the same time, Ss repeatedly reassured them to stay calm and not panic.


    The Clemens family was currently in a critical period, and everyone was crucial to the situation. They must hold on.


    While the hospital was in chaos, Hillside Vi was also far from peaceful.


    Noah bumped into Tristan''s favorite and invaluable coffee machine on the coffee table. The maids usually cleaned it with extreme care, fearing even the slightest scratch. But now, Noah shattered it.


    Annika, Arya, and others were pale with fear, too scared to speak.


    Tristan was tending to his nts in the backyard. His elegant figure was visible through the curtains.


    He knew his favorite coffee machine had been broken, yet he remained unfazed.


    "You big man. Let me go. I need to go to the hospital to check on Daddy and Mia." Noah''s eyes welled up with tears, but his tone was firm and calm. "I''m not your child. Why are you keeping me here?" "Noah, you can''t behave like this," Sadie reprimanded hastily.


    "Mommy, aren''t you worried about Mia?" Noah stubbornly looked at Sadie and said in a sobbing voice, "She''s in the intensive care unit."


    As she heard that, Sadie''s heart trembled and her eyes moistened. How could she not worry? But she knew very well that even if she went to the hospital now, she wouldn''t be able to see Mia. With Micah''s incident, the Clemens family would surely seal off the hospital and never let an enemy like her in.


    It was because of Micah''s impulsive actions that they were in this situation now. Even if she was anxious and worried, she had to stayposed.


    "Mommy!" Noah said.


    "You can''t do anything even if you go now!" A cold voice came.


    "I..." replied Noah.


    "Now the Clemens family is in chaos. If you go, you''ll only cause more trouble. They also have to divert attention to take care of you," Tristan said lightly, "If you behave yourself, I might consider giving you the antidote." Upon hearing this, Noah immediately quieted down. "Antidote?"


    "Noah, thank Uncle Tristan." Sadie was overjoyed.


    "Thank you, Uncle Tristan," Noah thanked and immediately reached out his hand, "Give me the antidote."


    "I''ll give you if you behave." Tristan put down the nts, took the wet towel handed to him, wiped his hands, and walked into the house, saying, "Come to the study."

 Chapter 918 Quid Pro Quo

    Noah looked at Sadie. Sadie nodded, and then Noah followed Tristan to the study.


    The room was all white, clean and dust-free, with a special atmosphere that could make people calm down.


    Tristan sat in front of the desk and handed a tablet to Noah. "I''ve been studying this software for a long time, but I encountered a problem. If you can help me solve it, I''ll give you the antidote." Noah immediately took the tablet, opened it, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "It''s so easy!"


    He was about to operate it but suddenly stopped. "Wait, this software is simr to the new technology system developed by VIC Group. If I solve it for you, it will pose a threat to VIC Group!" "You know about the new technology system developed by VIC Group?" Tristan was very surprised.


    "Of course, I know most of the technology software of VIC Group. I often help my dad with work," Noah blurted out, but quickly realized he had said too much, "You''re keeping me here to use me against VIC Group, aren''t you?"


    "What a surprise!" Tristan smirked. "Initially, I just thought you were somewhat clever, but now I see you''re truly a genius."


    "I won''t betray my dad." Noah frowned, looking determined.


    "Don''t you want to save him?" Tristan raised an eyebrow at him.


    "I..." Noah was suddenly caught in a dilemma, and lowered his head, looking very conflicted.


    "No rush. You can take your time to think about it." Tristan nced at his watch. "I have to go out now. You behave at home!"


    With that, he got up and left.


    Outside, the attendants and bodyguards were all ready, and Sadie was also getting ready to go out. Today was the unveiling ceremony of the Sapphire Depths project, the first step of the James Group entering the domestic market, eagerly anticipated by hundreds of media outlets worldwide.


    "Noah!" Sadie saw Noah''s serious expression. She squatted down, held his shoulder, and whispered, "Don''t worry, I have sent someone to the hospital to check on Mia. Mia is not in danger for now."


    Then, she looked ahead. Tristan had already gone downstairs. She leaned close to Noah and said, "After dark, I will find a chance to visit Mia at the hospital. I won''t let anything happen to her."


    "Okay," Noah immediately hugged Sadie, choking up, "Mommy, I thought you didn''t care about Mia anymore!"


    "Silly boy, you are all my babies. How could I don''t care about you?"


    Sadie held back her sadness. She was very anxious as Mia was seriously ill, so she had already secretly contacted people at the hospital.


    "Mom is going out now. I might be back a littlete. If you''re hungry, ask the servants to cook for you. Go to bed when you''re tired. Don''t go to the backyard, understand?"


    "Yes." Noah nodded repeatedly. He knew the backyard was Tristan''s domain, where not only rare flowers and nts were grown but also some strange little pets.


    "I am leaving." Sadie kissed his forehead and hurriedly left.


    After Sadie left, Noah felt lost and returned to his room. He saw Coco resting on a tree outside the window and suddenly came up with a n. He whistled and the eagle immediately flew over and perched on the windowsill. "Coco, go to the Clemens family and find Little Coco," Noah exined while gesturing, "A little parrot. Do you know it? Then give this to it, and it will give you what I need."


    Saying that, Noah took out a piece of paper and drew a few simple sketches, including his phone, charger, and a small silver box.


    Coco looked at him coldly, not understanding what he said.


    Noah continued to gesture, but the eaglepletely ignored him, turning its head to look outside the window and enjoying the view.

 Chapter 919 The Life-extending Potion

    Noah felt a bit frustrated. He looked back at the tablet on the desk, intending to take it, but his hand reached out and then pulled back.


    It was the James family''sputer.


    Although the James family''s technology was far behind VIC Group, the basic anti-theft system was surely equipped. If he used it, it would alert others.


    Now he could only pin his hopes on the eagle.


    Since the eagle no longer harbored any hostility towards him and was willing to heed his call, he would now train it well. Someday, the eagle would listen to him like Little Coco and be at his service. With these thoughts, Noah felt hopeful again.


    The James Group''s first battle in the domestic market was to secure the Sapphire Depths project.


    Initially, Sadie acquired this sea area at a high price of five billion US dors after preparing for over a month. Today, the project would be officially unveiled andunched in the presence of over seven hundred media outlets. The unveiling ceremony was scheduled for two o''clock in the afternoon at the Sapphire Depths Hotel.


    Sadie set off early to make preparations.


    On the way, Sadie kept staring out of the window until Tristan''s car disappeared from view. She then withdrew her gaze and immediatelymanded, "Go to Peace Hospital."


    "Ms. James, the unveiling ceremony is about to begin. You can attend to other matterster," Annika urged anxiously, "As long as the unveiling ceremony goes smoothly, Mr. James will soon return to the E country. It will be more convenient for you to visit the children then. Don''t act impulsively."


    "I said, go to Peace Hospital."


    Sadie couldn''t wait a moment longer. She restrained herself merely to bide her time for the right moment to act.


    Mia was her daughter and was at death''s door. For Sadie, any big project and power didn''t matter at this moment. She only wanted to save her daughter.


    Annika exchanged a nce with Arya. They felt conflicted but dared not disobey.


    Arya immediately changed direction and swiftly headed towards Peace Hospital.


    Sadie stared at her phone; it was already twelve-fifteen. As long as they hurried up, it wouldn''t be toote.


    Arya drove as fast as she could, but Sadie kept urging, "Faster."


    "It can''t be faster anymore." Arya was extremely anxious. They had to rush to the hospital first to secretly visit Mia, and then make it to the Sapphire Depths Hotel before two o''clock. Time was indeed tight. Soon, the car arrived on the street near Peace Hospital.


    "Annika and Aryae with me. Others wait for me here," said Saddie.


    "Yes," Annika and Arya replied.


    The three entered from the back door of the hospital and quickly changed into doctor''s clothing in the guise of doctors. They sneaked into the pediatric intensive care unit where Mia stayed.


    Sadie had already bribed the hospital staff before. She found out the room where Mia was and even knew the hospital''syout, which saved her a lot of time.


    Sadie gestured and Arya was responsible for distracting the guards and nurses at the door, while Sadie and Annika slipped into the ward.


    Miay on the bed, barely breathing. Her once delicate face was now ghastly pale, her hands full of pinholes with an oxygen tube under her nose. And various tubes and instrument lines were attached to her body. "Mia!" Seeing Mia, Sadie burst into tears. She covered her mouth, trembling and shaking with sobs.


    She thought she was strong enough now, but seeing this scene, she still felt heartache.


    "How could this happen? She was fine yesterday," Annika cried in distress.


    "Mia, I won''t let anything happen to you." Trembling, Sadie picked up Mia, took out a bottle of potion, and fed it to Mia.


    "Ms. James, what are you doing?" Annika eximed, wide-eyed, "This is the potion for extending your life."


    "Shut up!" Sadie anxiously fed Mia, wanting her to drink more.


    But Mia only drank a little before the guards and doctors came back. Sadie gestured, and Annika went out to handle them.

 Chapter 920 The Savior

    Over ten minutes passed and Sadie finally managed to get Mia to drink the potion. She quickly put away the potion bottle and whispered in Mia''s ear, "Mia, don''t be afraid. Mommy will protect you." "Ms. James, Andrew has brought people here. We need to leave, or it will be hard to exin," Annika reminded anxiously.


    Reluctantly, Sadie let go of Mia and climbed out of the window.


    "Stop!" Rodolfo chased in, about to reprimand, but Arya turned around and nced at him. He immediately recognized her and didn''t chase anymore. "What''s going on?" Andrew hurried over.


    "Nothing," Rodolfo exined quickly.


    Seeing that there was nothing unusual in the room, Andrew didn''t ask further but reminded him, "Be careful and make sure nothing goes wrong." "Got it."


    Sadie, Annika and Arya quickly got into the car.


    Annika couldn''t help but say, "Ms. James, those are the life-saving potions for you. You need to drink a bottle every seven days to ensure that the toxins in your body do not re up. You have used two bottles now. What do you take after that?"


    "What? You used another bottle." Arya widened her eyes in shock.


    "I won''t die if I don''t drink the potion, but they will be in danger if they don''t," Sadie insisted stubbornly, "Besides, Tristan won''t leave me alone if I am in danger." "Ms. James..." Annika was so furious.


    "Mr. James said there were no extra potions." Arya became flustered. "You used up two bottles and you will suffer for two weeks, which will feel like a living hell." "Enough," Sadie interrupted her,manding, "Call Rodolfo. I want to know the details."


    "I don''t have his phone number." Arya''s face blushed in an instant.


    "Cut the crap," Sadie coldly scolded, "Do you think I''m a fool? You two have been in contact secretly."


    "I..." Arya wanted to deny it, but looking at Sadie''s sharp eyes, she had to admit, "We just discussed driving, nothing else. We are loyal and dare not betray our respective masters."


    "Of course Ms. James trusts you, otherwise she wouldn''t tolerate you." Annika pinched her. "You just need to ask about Ms. Mia Clemens''s condition. It doesn''t count as betrayal." "Okay." Arya tried to dial Rodolfo''s number.


    After a long time, the call finally was put through.


    Rodolfo spoke in a suppressed voice, "Hello!"


    "Rodolfo, what happened to Ms. Mia Clemens?" Arya asked, her attitude immediately bing arrogant.


    "How dare you question me now! You almost scared me to death just now. If Andrew had seen it, there would been another misunderstanding."


    "Get to the point." Sadie snatched Arya''s phone and pressed, "Quickly. Tell me how Mia got poisoned and what the doctor said."


    "Ms. James!" Rodolfo heard Sadie''s voice and quickly moved aside, speaking softly, "The doctor found that Mia was poisoned by a rare snake venom, ingested through the esophagus, so it should have been poisoned in the food or water. The specific situation is still under investigation."


    "And now..." Sadie asked.


    "Rodolfo, what are you doing?" Suddenly, Andrew shouted angrily, "Come over here!"


    "Yes." Rodolfo hurried over but didn''t hang up the phone. "Andrew, what''s the matter?"


    "You immediately go to Avalis for Dr. Henry. Only he can save Mia. Rn has arranged a special ne. You need to leave for the airport now. Hurry up!" Andrew demanded.


    "Got it," Rodolfo replied.


    There were footsteps on the other end of the phone. Then Rodolfo''s voice came again. "Ms. James, I have to go and bring Dr. Henry here now. I''ve got to go. Don''t worry. We are doing everything we can to treat Mia." "The name sounds so familiar." Sadie suddenly felt like she knew this person before.

 Chapter 921 She Is Everywhere

    "Back then, he detoxified for you, but then something unexpected happened..." Rodolfo''s words stopped halfway, "Ms. Lingston, why are you here?"


    Ms.


    Lingston?


    It was E!


    Just as Sadie was about to ask, Rodolfo hung up the phone.


    Hearing the busy signal, Sadie furrowed her brows tightly and put on aplicated look.


    "Why did E go there at this time?" Arya muttered angrily, "She''s everywhere."


    "Agree," Annika said indignantly, "Ms. James, don''t be angry. Now Mr. Clemens is poisoned, it definitely isn''t him who let her go over."


    "Just now Rodolfo said Mia was poisoned through food," Sadie squinted her eyes and whispered, "Mia has been by my side these past few days. How could she have been poisoned?"


    "Yeah, it''s really strange." Annika also felt something was wrong. "And, Ms. Mia Clemens ate the same thing as Mr. Noah Clemens and Mr. Nathan Clemens. Only she got poisoned!" "Who could have poisoned Ms. Mia Clemens?" Arya was stumped.


    "Could it be that she was poisoned at the Clemens''s ce!" Annika felt puzzled. "Last night, Ms. Mia Clemens was fine when she left."


    "Rodolfo said that Ms. Mia Clemens didn''t eat or drink anything after she left yesterday, but shortly after returning home, she felt unwell!" Arya frowned. "And they even investigated the Velvet Spoon Bistro, but found nothing wrong." "Velvet Spoon Bistro!" Sadie narrowed her eyes. "Thest thing Mia ate was at Velvet Spoon Bistro. If she was really poisoned through food, it must be at Velvet Spoon Bistro. And Velvet Spoon Bistro..."


    E''s image shed through Sadie''s mind. For some reason, even though there was no evidence, she suspected E.


    "Arya," Sadiemanded immediately, "Go to Velvet Spoon Bistro right away and search it thoroughly. And check all the security footage in the restaurant!"


    "Got it!" Arya responded.


    The car stopped at the intersection ahead. Arya got out and drove off with a few people.


    Sadie''s convoy continued going towards The Sapphire Depths.


    Annika reassured, "Ms. James, don''t worry. After the unveiling ceremony, I''ll apany you to the hospital to see Ms. Mia Clemens. Arya should find something soon too."


    "Okay," Sadie responded, looking out of the window with a determined gaze, "I won''t let my loved ones get into trouble again. Absolutely not."


    Seeing her like this, Annika couldn''t help but worry. Yet, she couldn''t say anything further except to hope everything went smoothly.


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Rodolfo stopped Nelson and E, instructing someone to inform Andrew.


    Andrew hurried over, politely saying, "Sorry, Mr. Lingston, Ms. Lingston, Micah don''t want to see anyone right now."


    "We''re here to help Micah," Nelson said anxiously, "Micah has been poisoned, hasn''t he? E is skilled in medicine. Maybe she can help."


    "Who told you that?" Andrew frowned. Micah''s being poisoned was kept confidential by the Clemens family. Nelson and E shouldn''t know about it!


    "I asked them toe." Ss''s voice came.


    "Ss." Andrew quickly stepped back.


    "They are not outsiders," Ss said, "Mr. Raymond Clemens has always trusted E''s medical skills. Now that Mr. Micah Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens are both poisoned. The doctors in the hospital are helpless. We can only try doctors from elsewhere."


    "But..."


    "Andrew, let me try," E gestured urgently in signnguage, "My therapy is very effective for detoxification. It can definitely cure Micah and Mia. Please."


    Andrew was struggling. A lot of things had happened these days, making him start to doubt E.


    Although he hadn''t confirmed it yet, he was wary of her.

 Chapter 922 We Can Do Nothing About It

    Andrew had no intention of letting the Lingston family know about this, but Ss unexpectedly informed them first.


    Of course, Ss didn''t do it on purpose. After all, he had been taking care of Raymond in the hospital and had no idea about the recent events, so, understandably, he waspletely unguarded against E. "Mia is in a very critical situation right now. It will be very dangerous if any mistake is made. So, I dare not make the decision," Andrew frowned and said, "Let''s wait for Micah to wake up before making a decision." "Let me go see Micah first," E gestured anxiously. "Ss said he had been bitten by a poisonous snake, and I could save him."


    "Well..." Andrew still hesitated.


    "Let her go," Ss said decisively, "If anything goes wrong, I will take responsibility."


    Since Ss said so, Andrew naturally dared not say more.


    "Thank you for believing in me," E gestured excitedly.


    "Come on. I''ll take you there," Ss personally took E to treat Micah.


    Nelson followed closely behind, showing great concern all the way as if he really treated Micah as his own family.


    "You go to the airport first," Andrew instructed Rodolfo.


    "Yes." Rodolfo hurriedly left with the others.


    Andrew immediately followed to supervise Nelson and E, ensuring that Micah would not encounter any more idents.


    Miraculously, an hourter, Micah woke up under E''s treatment.


    "Mr. Clemens is awake," Ss eximed with joy, "E, you are amazing. You cured Mr. Clemens so quickly."


    "My treatment only temporarily woke Micah up. It will take some time to remove the toxicitypletely," E gestured, "He needs to be treated daily and take medication as necessary. It will probably take him about a month to fully recover."


    "It''s okay as long as he can be cured. That''s great!" Ss was very excited.


    Andrew was also shocked to see Micah wake up. He didn''t expect E''s medical skills to be so brilliant.


    "Mia!" Micah held his head, looking very weak. "How is Mia?"


    "Micah." Andrew hurriedly helped him sit up. "Mia is still in the intensive care unit but is not in immediate peril."


    "Micah, you were bitten by a poisonous snake just now and fell unconscious. And you woke up quickly after E treated you," Nelson said urgently, "Why not let E go treat Mia?"


    "E?" Micah raised his head, looked at E through blurry eyes and furrowed his brow. "Why are you here?"


    Although the toxicity had notpletely subsided and he was still half-conscious, he still tried to remain thest sanity. In the current situation, outsiders should not be allowed to know.


    "Micah, I''m here to help you," E hurriedly gestured, "Trust me. I can definitely cure Mia."


    "There are doctors here!" Micah pped his head, which ached intensely. "You should go back now."


    "Micah..." Nelson was about to say something more when a nurse hurriedly came to report, "Something''s wrong. Ms. Mia Clemens is convulsing again." Micah shuddered all over and immediately stood up, but his body was weak. He almost fell.


    "Micah!" Andrew hurriedly supported him.


    "He can''t move around right now," E gestured anxiously, "Otherwise, the toxicity will go deeper into his body."


    Nelson quickly brought a wheelchair, lifted Micah onto it with Andrew, and then wheeled him to the intensive care unit.


    "What''s going on? How did this happen?" Ss anxiously questioned, "So many doctors can''t cure a child?"


    "This poison is too vicious. It''s like putting someone in a life-threatening situation," a doctor said with a tearful voice, "There''s really nothing we can do about it."

 Chapter 923 Life and Death Crisis

    "You..." Micah eximed, feeling a sharp pain in his chest.


    "Micah, calm down. I''ve already sent someone to get Dr. Henry here," Andrew hurriedly reassured.


    "Time waits for no one." Dahlia lowered her head in despair, choked up, and said, "Mia..."


    "Micah, let me try." E squatted in front of Micah, gesturing again, "Trust me!"


    "Alright!" Micah, having no other choice now, held onto a glimmer of hope. "If you can cure Mia, I''ll give you anything you want."


    "E will definitely cure Mia. She will," Nelson hurriedly said, "E, your medical kit. Hurry!"


    E immediately carried the medical kit inside.


    Dahlia and a few experienced doctors followed along while the rest of the onlookers stepped back.


    Although he was weak, Micah persisted in waiting for news outside.


    Mia had not yet passed the critical period, so he refused to leave anywhere.


    It was a race against time and life.


    Sadie also arrived at the Sapphire Depths Hotel at thest minute.


    As soon as she got out of the car, Terry came over and whispered, "Mr. James is not pleased. Be careful, Ms. James!"


    "You''ve arrived!" Sadie knew that Tristan never showed up in public, usually manipting behind the scenes.


    "It''s been half an hour," Terry whispered, "Go in quickly. The ceremony is about to begin."


    "Got it." Sadie nodded. "Thank you, Terry!"


    The Sapphire Depths hotel was bustling, with numerous media reporters anxiously waiting at the entrance on the ground floor. Dressed in white with eight female bodyguards, Sadie hurried in, exuding amanding aura.


    All the media reporters raised their cameras, continuously taking pictures of her.


    Without ncing sideways, Sadie walked straight into the hotel. Inside, the staff hurriedly weed them and took them up in the VIP elevator.


    Sadie nced at herself in the mirror in the elevator, adjusted her hair, fixed her pearl earrings, and applied some lipstick. Despite simple makeup and ornaments, she was already stunning enough! At the conference venue, nearly a thousand media reporters were waiting.


    As Sadie entered, there arose a bustle in the room with shes of light constantly capturing her, but Sadie didn''t blink. She kept smiling gracefully as she took her seat.


    "Sadie." A gentle voice sounded, and Joe came in from another entrance, greeting Sadie. "As the host of this press conference, you arrived sote. I was half an hour early." "Have you seen Tristan?" Sadie asked in a low voice.


    "Yes." Joe wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Although he''s much friendlier to me now, I still feel a chill down my spine."


    Old Mr. Louis had reached a cooperation agreement with Tristan. They both wanted to make things work between Joe and Sadie, so now Tristan treated Joe as a member of his team. But Joe was still very afraid of him.


    "Tristan won''t bite. What are you afraid of?" Sadie joked, "Just don''t touch his pets anymore."


    "Forget that." Joe looked embarrassed.


    Sadie gestured, and they sat down on the stage.


    The herald presided over the unveiling ceremony. He read the legal documents regarding the acquisition of the Sapphire Depths area first and then invited Sadie to speak.


    Sadie''s speech was simple yetpelling. It focused on returning nature to humanity, allowing people to gaze at and admire the sea and explore the depths of the sea.


    They would use advanced technology to create an underwater amusement park, essentially building a ss tunnel underwater, allowing people to reach the depths of the sea and observe the real marine world up close. This concept immediately captured the attention of all the media, and everyone mored to ask questions, to which Sadie responded smoothly.

 Chapter 924 The Press Conference Is Ruined

    Backstage, Tristan watched everything going well and smiled with satisfaction.


    Two years of guidance wasn''t in vain. Sadie inherently possessed the excellent genes of the James family. With the right approach, she could learn almost anything in one go. In just two years, she had transformed into a different person!


    Now adept in both talking and fighting, she could handle any situation in any setting with excellence. Tristan believed that in the future, she could also assist him in managing the James Group and be his most capable aide. "Now, please wee Ms. James and Mr. Louis to unveil the curtain together!" said the herald.


    It was the most crucial step.


    Sadie and Joe stood up and walked to the front of the stage, ready to ce their hands on an ocean globe, waiting for the aurora to shine on the screen so that they could initiate the unveiling ceremony.


    Joe had already ced his hand, and Sadie was about to reach out when a loud voice suddenly interrupted, "Please hold on!"


    Sadie paused and turned her head to see a group of prosecutors striding over with documents, who showed an air of righteousness. "Who is in charge of the Sapphire Depths project?" one of them asked. "Me." Sadie retracted her hand and walked over slowly. "What''s the matter?"


    "This is my identification." The lead prosecutor presented his credentials and then an official document. "The Sapphire Depths project has severely impacted the marine ecological environment. It is now officially halted, as per this document!" This abrupt statement instantly provoked amotion at the venue.


    Sadie was dumbfounded. She immediately took the document to examine it carefully. Her face gradually darkened.


    "How could this happen?" Joe was greatly shocked. The James Group had put in a lot of effort to secure the Sapphire Depths marine area. They had spent five billion dors acquiring it. The project''sunch would probably cost them hundreds of billions more. But it was temporarily halted at this critical moment!


    This not only meant that the James Group would lose billions of dors, but it would also affect all their uing business ns.


    After all, encountering such a challenge at the beginning meant that no one would dare to coborate with the James Group!


    "I want to see your superiors." Despite the uneasiness and flurry, Sadie remainedposed on the surface. "This project has been through all the necessary procedures. You never mentioned halting it before, and now you suddenly want to call it off!"


    "I am not clear on the specifics. I am just here to execute," the prosecutor said courteously, "If you have any questions, you canin to the higher authorities. Here is the contact information." With that, the prosecutor and his team turned and left.


    Burning with anger, Sadie was now surrounded by shing cameras and faced with excited reporters'' questions.


    "Ms. James, with the Sapphire Depths project halted, do you have anything to say?"


    "Ms. James, how much loss will this incident bring to the James Group? Can it be 20 billion dors?"


    "Ms. James, could this be the work of a rivalpany?"


    "Ms. James, what are your ns?"


    "End of the press conference today. Thank you, everyone." The herald andpany executives quickly stepped in to maintain order, while Annika and other bodyguards escorted Sadie backstage. Joe and his team followed closely, with reporters interviewing him, "Mr. Louis, will this incident affect your rtionship with the James Group?"


    "No!" Joe replied hastily and caught up with Sadie, "Sadie, don''t worry. I''ll figure something out. I will definitely..."


    In the back hall, Tristan threw a royal fit and kicked over a coffee table.


    The ss table, along with the champagne and tall sses prepared for the celebration, was broken in an instant. The floor was littered with ss shards and champagne. Joe was visibly startled, instinctively taking a step back.


    The other attendants dared not speak.


    "Tristan, I''m sorry. It was due to my negligence." Sadie lowered her head in guilt.


    "Micah!" Tristan''s eyes narrowed coldly as he gritted his teeth. "I really underestimated you!"

 Chapter 925 Mutual Destruction

    Sadie didn''t speak; she understood in her heart that the one who ruined this conference was naturally Micah!


    No wonder he had been so busytely; turned out he was setting up this scheme.


    He was truly cunning; at the crucial moment, he stealthily brought out the official documents, causing the James Group to lose face in front of the media. Soon, this matter will be widely known.


    When ites to skill andbat, the James Group is a family of fighters, unmatched by anyone in the world.


    That was why Micah was bitten by Tristan''s venomous snake and was in aa at the first meeting.


    But in terms of business strategy and technological development, the Clemens family still had the upper hand!


    This is also why the James Group has not entered the domestic market for years and has only startedying out in the past two years.


    Despite being beset by internal and external troubles and making enemies everywhere, Micah was still able to deliver a heavy blow to the James Group at this critical moment, leaving them utterly humiliated! No wonder Tristan, who had always been calm andposed, was now furious.


    "This official decision shouldn''t have anything to do with Micah." Joe in a soft and weak voice, "He''s currently overwhelmed with work, probably too busy to cause trouble for you guys."


    Tristan turned to look at him, prompting him to hastily change his words. "I... I don''t know, I''m just guessing. Sadie, I''m leaving now. Call me if you need anything." With that, Joe hurriedly fled. "Don''t be angry, Tristan. I will find a way to clean up the mess," Sadie softly advised.


    "Why were youte this afternoon?" Tristan questioned.


    "I went to the hospital," Sadie said, not intending to hide it from him.


    Tristan furrowed his brow and stared at her coldly. Though he remained silent, the chilling intensity of his gaze was enough to make anyone shudder.


    Sadie just kept her head down, saying nothing.


    Annika wanted to say something for Sadie, but hesitated.


    After a long while, Tristan finally averted his gaze, coldly saying, "Block the news first." Then, he arrogantly departed.


    "Got it!" Sadie epted his n.


    Once the footsteps faded away, Sadie lifted her head, looked in the direction of the door, and sighed deeply.


    This is really troublesome, Annika said, clutching her chest and feeling a chill. "Mr. James''s gaze just now felt like he wanted to kill someone."


    The James Group has suffered heavy losses this time. I didn''t expect Mr. Clemens to be so formidable, another female bodyguard said, disheartened. "What should we do now?" "Did you hear what Mr. James said?" Sadie frowned and said sternly, "Block the news first!"


    "Yes." The bodyguards immediately went to carry out the order.


    "You should take a rest for a while," Annikaforted, "Worrying won''t help. Let''s think of a solution."


    "This is just the beginning," Sadie said dejectedly, sinking into the sofa. "What if the James family and the Clemens family keep fighting like this?"


    The first time Micah and Tristan shed head-on, Micah ended up in the hospital, and the James Group suffered losses exceeding a hundred billion dors. It was a mutual destruction, a lose-lose situation for both sides!


    Unfortunately, the three kidswere caught in the middle, suffering an undeserved catastrophe.


    Mia did not even do anything!


    Who would poison an innocent six-year-old child?


    Or was it rted to the feud between the two families?


    Just as she was thinking, Arya called. Sadie answered immediately, "How''s it going?"


    "Found nothing," Arya said. "I heard Rn came this morning and checked everything. He even inspected yesterday''s trash. There was nothing suspicious."


    "The Clemens family''s people are very thorough. When Rn left, he ordered Harold to close for a week, with no one allowed in or out, including items and food. So when I came to check, everything was exactly as it wasst night. Nothing would have been missed." Arya added.

 Chapter 926 Ill Remember This Favor

    "How about the surveince footage?" Sadie asked Arya.


    "It''s being retrieved and it will be sent to you shortly," Arya said, "Should Ie back now?"


    "Wait a moment. Let me finish watching the surveince video first." Sadie said.


    "Okay." Arya decided to wait on Sadie''s order.


    After hanging up, Sadie quickly received the surveince footage from the Velvet Spoon Bistro fromst night. She meticulously examined it frame by frame, confirming that nothing appeared amiss. However, she noticed one thing - when Harold was carrying coffee to the kitchen, E bumped into him.


    Sadie remembered that Mia was the only one who had drunk that cup of coffee the previous night.


    She immediately paused the footage, meticulously inspecting it frame by frame, but couldn''t see any unusual actions from E. It was perhaps that the phone screen was too small to see it clearly, or E''s movements were too fast. In any case, Sadie''s intuition told her that E was suspicious.


    Sadie promptly called Arya. "Ask Harold to locate theplete set of tableware used for that coffeest night. Also, have him recall if E added anything to the cup." "Got it." Arya immediately went to execute it as instructed.


    "Ms. James, are you suspecting E?" Annika asked indignantly, "I''ve long felt that E was suspicious. She looked fragile but always seemed to hide a lot in her mind." "There''s no evidence yet, so it''s hard to say." Sadie frowned. "But if I find out it was her poisoned Mia, I''ll make sure she pays!"


    "This wicked woman!" Annika gritted her teeth in anger. "Better not let us catch her, because there''ll be suffering."


    "Alright. Seal off the information todaypletely. It must not leak out. You''ll personally oversee this matter." Sadie nced at her watch. "Now, I''ll go meet Arya at Velvet Spoon Bistro." "Yes," Annika answered.


    While Sadie was conducting a thorough investigation into Mia''s poisoning incidentAt the hospital, under E''s treatment, Mia finally coughed up a mouthful of ck blood and burst into tears. Although her voice was very hoarse, it already signaled a turning point in her life.


    "Oh my! Mia is awake!" Dahlia eximed excitedly with tears in her eyes. "Ms. Lingston, your medical skills are truly miraculous!"


    E breathed a sigh of relief. She wiped the sweat off her forehead, and slumped to the ground.


    "Ms. Lingston!" Several medical staff hurriedly helped E up, instantly admiring her.


    "How is it?" Micah asked anxiously outside.


    "Mia is awake. This is a turning point," Dahlia announced tearfully. "We will now proceed immediately with further treatment. There''s basically no life-threatening danger." "That''s great!" Micah could finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    "That''s good!" Ss was extremely excited. "I should have called E over earlier for treatment."


    "Yes. I''ve always said that E''s medical skills are superb. If there''s any problem, just go to her. We''re all family; don''t be afraid to trouble us!"


    Nelson was ecstatic as if he had sessfully crossed the threshold into the Clemens family.


    "Ms. Lingston, are you feeling okay?"


    At this moment, the medical staff helped E out.


    E looked pale, extremely exhausted, looking like she could copse at any moment.


    "What''s wrong?" Ss asked with concern.


    "Perhaps she was too exhausted," the medical staff said. "After all, she persisted in treating her for three hours straight, and Ms. Lingston was already seriously injured." "Take her to rest," Ss said hastily, "Don''t let her overexert herself."


    "Yeah. The treatment for Micah and Mia still relies on you." Nelson quickly stepped forward to support E. "Take care of yourself. Don''t get burned out. Isn''t that right, Micah?" "Yes." Micah nodded, looking at E gratefully. "Thank you. I''ll remember this favor!"

 Chapter 927 There Be Someone Else

    "Please don''t say that" E quickly gestured in signnguage. "I treated Mia like family. If she''s in trouble, I can''t just stand idly by and do nothing. Besides, I''m a doctor; it''s what I should do." "Yes!" Nelson repeatedly agreed. "A doctor has a heart of a parent."


    He emphasized the phrase "a heart of a parent" heavily, wanting Micah to know that E treats Mia just like her own daughter.


    "Have a rest first. The room is ready," Andrew quickly stepped forward to greet them, "Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Lingston."


    "You''re wee. It''s the least I can do." Nelson smiled at him.


    Andrew had someone take them to the ward, but as he watched their departing figures, Andrew''s brow remained furrowed. Although there seemed to be no loopholes, he always felt that something was amiss.


    But right now, Micah and Mia''s condition were more important than anything else. He couldn''t worry about much else.


    "Micah, you go rest. We''ll take care of things here. There won''t be any more ident," Dahlia assured confidently, "Once Mia spits out the poisoned blood, things will be easier."


    "Make sure to watch closely. No idents should happen." Micah reminded.


    Micah''s heart had been tied in knots all along. Without seeing Mia walk out of the ward safe and sound, calling him daddy sweetly, he couldn''t find any peace of mind.


    "I will. Don''t worry." Dahlia said, then hurried in to check on Mia.


    "Ss, everything is settled here. You should go back to Mr. Raymond Clemens. You''ve been out for so long, Mr. Raymond Clemens must be worried," Andrew said with concern, "And you didn''t even sleepst night; you should go back and rest."


    "Alright. I should go back." Ss nodded. "Mr. Micah Clemens, I''ll take Nathan over. He was scared and didn''t sleepst night. He just fell asleep this morning. It''s not good for him to stay here, and you also need to focus on taking care of things. He''ll be better with me and Mr. Raymond Clemens will feel better seeing him." Ss reassured Micah.


    "Okay." Micah gestured. "I''ll go see him and exin it to him."


    Nathan curled up in bed with a small pillow, sleeping soundly. The saliva drooling on the pillow drew a picture. The sight of him sleeping made Micah smiled faintly.


    Nathan could always make people rx. Micah had initially worried he would cry and fuss, but now he was sleeping so soundly that not even thunder could wake him. "Nathan, you''re such a good boy!" Ss chuckled.


    "You two should go over soon. He''ll have many questions when he wakes up." Micah gently stroked Nathan''s hair. "Nathan is a real chatterbox."


    "Okay!" Ss gestured.


    Oliver picked up Nathan and tucked him in a small nket.


    Nathan turned over, snuggling into Oliver''s arms, sucking with his little mouth.


    Oliver was at a losswhether tough or cry at the scene.


    "Alright. Go." Micah urged.


    Ss quickly took Nathan away,ughing as he walked. "Is he heavy?"


    "He''s about the same as Noah. Actually, he''s several kilograms heavier than him," Oliver answered


    "He eats more than Noah." Ss added.


    As they left, Micah''s smile slowly faded, a cold glint quietly appearing in his eyes. He instructed in a low voice, "Tell Rn to revisit the Velvet Spoon Bistro, retrieve the surveince footage, and scrutinize it frame by frame." "Micah, do you suspect that it''s not Tristan who poisoned, but someone else?" Andrew bent down to whisper.


    "Although Tristan is ruthless, he is still a prideful man. If it were really him, he wouldn''t deny it." Micah carefully recalled Tristan''s reaction. "When I used him of poisoning, he was furious, showing that he was truly wronged. Since it''s not him, then it must be someone else!"

 Chapter 928 She Was Not an Outsider

    "Understood. I''ll arrange it immediately." Andrew promptly informed Rn to reinvestigate.


    Micah''s mood was somber. He looked at his right hand, tightly wrapped in gauze, feeling bewildered.


    Where did it go wrong? So many things had happened recently.


    The once wise and strategic nner failed time and time again.


    It shouldn''t be like this.


    "Micah!" Suddenly, Nelson''s gentle voice came from behind. "E asked me to tell you that the toxins in your body haven''t beenpletely cleared yet. So, you need to be extra careful and avoid walking for now." "Okay. Thank you." Micah turned around to thank him. "How is she doing?" Micah asked


    "She was already heavily injured and not fully recovered. With today''smotion, her wound has be inmed and is being treated." Nelson expressed his deep concern for her. "I''ll go check on her." Micah gestured.


    The attendants quickly came to push the wheelchair, following Nelson towards E''s room.


    Along the way, Nelson sighed deeply. "I received a call from Ss today, informing me about your and Mia''s illness. E was very anxious and immediately grabbed the medical kit toe over. I tried to reason with her, reminding her that the Clemens Group has its own hospital with plenty of doctors, and there wouldn''t be any issue. I also emphasized that your injury is confidential and shouldn''t be shared with outsiders, so we shouldn''t interfere. But she wouldn''t listen; she said she couldn''t just stand by. She mentioned how both you and Mia are unwell, and she couldn''t sit idle at home, so she decided toe to the hospital to take care of you. I couldn''t convince her otherwise, so I came along with her. She truly considers all of you as family."


    These words carried deep meaning, and anyone could sense the underlying message.


    Micah remained silent throughout Nelson''s words.


    Soon, they arrived at the ward. E leaned on the bed, with doctors attending to her wound. The wound on her waist was indeed slightly inmed, which looked distressing. Her face was pale, appearing fragile. "Mr. Clemens!" The doctor saw Micah and quickly greeted him.


    E was a little panic, awkwardly adjusting her clothes, and her face blushed with embarrassment.


    It was indeed easy to evoke the feelings of both pity and affection.


    "Thank you for your hard work." Micah softly thanked E. "Mia''s condition is stable now. You got some rest."


    E smiled and nodded at him, gesturing, "I''ve told them that if anything happens to Mia, they can call me anytime. I''m fine."


    "Thank you." Apart from a few polite words, Micah seemed unsure of what else to say.


    "I''ll go fetch you some fresh clothes," Nelson swiftly diverted. "Dr. Charles, there''s something I need to discuss with you."


    "Okay." Dr. Charles hurriedly followed him out.


    With the two exited the room, only Micah and E remained. E shifted her body, trying to get morefortable, but her pillow fell to the ground.


    She wanted to get off the bed to pick it up, but Micah gestured for her to stay put. He then wheeled over, picked up the pillow, and gently ced it under her.


    At the moment, the two were very intimate.


    E''s weak and tender body almost leaned into his embrace, and Micah seemed to offer no resistance.


    "Micah!" At that moment, Andrew suddenly pushed the door open. Upon seeing the scene, he immediately turned around. "Sorry. I... I''ll take my leave first." "What''s the matter?" Micah called out to him.


    "Nothing." Andrew was very embarrassed. "I''ve done what you instructed, and there''s another important matter."


    "Say it," Micahmanded.


    "Well..." Andrew hesitated, looking at E.


    "E is not an outsider." Micah frowned and spoke sternly.


    Upon hearing this, E couldn''t hide her joy.


    "Yes," Andrew reported promptly, "The James Group''s unveiling ceremony for The Sapphire Depths project is officially happening today at The Sapphire Depths Hotel."

 Chapter 929 Hes a Bit Green to Challenge Me

    "Sadie, that vicious and evil woman!" Micah gritted his teeth angrily. "Mia''s life is hanging by a thread, and she still has the mood to attend the unveiling ceremony!"


    Andrew was taken aback, not expecting Micah to hold such a grudge against Sadie.


    "Maybe she didn''t know Mia was sick!" Nelson walked in and overheard the conversation, trying to exin for Sadie.


    "She couldn''t have not known about it. I told her," Micah said with a fierce expression.


    "Well..." Nelson looked troubled. "Maybe there are someplexities that she can''t talk about."


    "Yes," E interjected with her signs hastily, "The Sapphire Depths project is critical. Rumor has it that the James Group has mobilized billions of dors for it. If anything goes wrong, it could impact the entire group''s operations. It makes sense that Ms. James is prioritizing it. Perhaps she''ll return to see Mia after resolving the matter."


    "That''s right.." Nelson nodded repeatedly. "They are her children. She must care for them."


    Afterward, with a puzzled expression, he added, "But has Ms. James regained her memory yet? Or perhaps her maternal instincts haven''t been awakened?"


    She probably has, E gestured. "That day at the Velvet Spoon Bistro, I saw Ms. James interact affectionately with Nathan and the others. She must love her children, but the James family and the Clemens family are archenemies, so she might be constrained by her circumstances."


    Enough. There''s no need to make excuses for Sadie, Micah''s face darkened. "Today, Tristan tried to poison Noah right in front of her, and she remained indifferent. If I hadn''t intervened, Noah might have been in danger."


    "Tristan is truly despicable; how could he be poisoning such a young child," Nelson said indignantly, "Was it also him who poisoned Mia?"


    "It was him," Micah confirmed.


    "It must have been him!" Nelson said with resentment, "A person like him will pay for what he did sooner orter."


    "That''s right," E gestured in agreement.


    "I won''t let him off." Micah narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth. "He dared to poison Nathan and the others. If I catch him, I''ll make sure he suffers!"


    Upon hearing this, E''s eyes flickered for a moment but quickly returned to normal, gesturing, "Micah, don''t act impulsively. Tristan is not easy to deal with. You need to stay calm."


    "Yes. Give the matter further thought," Nelson advised.


    "What happened after that?" Micah turned to Andrew. "Has The Sapphire Depths project been officiallyunched?"


    "Not yet" Andrew replied immediately, "At a critical moment, the prosecutor arrived with official documents and announced in front of all the media that this project will severely impact the marine ecosystem and must bepletely halted!"


    "Really?" Nelson was pleasantly surprised. "The project has been halted?"


    "Yes." Andrew nodded. "Mr. James and Ms. James are probably scrambling to find solutions right now."


    The documents have been approved, and stopping it in front of all the media leaves no room for reversal, Micah sneered. "Tristan may be ruthless with his poisoning, but his business tactics are no match for mine. He''s a bit green to challenge me!"


    Of course, Nelson agreed, happier than anyone. "I''ve always said you''re a once-in-a-century business genius. No one canpare to you."


    "But don''t let your guard down," E gestured, "Mr. James is full of tricks. We don''t know what he might do next. Micah, you have be extremely cautious."


    "I know." Micah squeezed her hand. ;"Thank you for not only helping me treat Mia but also being so understanding."


    E felt the warmth of his palm and blushed instantly.

 Chapter 930 Wheres the Problem

    "I''ve always said E would make a great wife," Nelson continued to fan the mes. "Not only can she support you in life, but she can also contribute significantly to your business. She will definitely be a valuable partner for you in the future." "I don''t need her help in business. Just take care of the family for me," Micah replied. "You rest well. I''m heading out."


    "Alright. You too. Don''t worry. Mia will be fine," Nelson said.


    Nelson escorted Micah out, and when he was far away, he returned to the ward and said to E with excitement, "I used to worry about what would happen if Tristan defeated Micah, but it seems like Micah is even more formidable." "Of course," E smiled and gestured, "My judgment is never wrong."


    "E, you''re amazing." Nelson was extremely excited. "It looks like we made the right bet this time."


    "Alright. Enough with the talk. Go back and fetch me some extra clothes. This time, I will definitely move into the Clemens family officially." E changed from her usual gentleness and became confident.


    "Of course." Nelson was somewhat excited. "Just now Micah said to let you take good care of the family."


    "Yes. He has started to ept me." E was excited with just the thought of it. "It wasn''t in vain that I put in so much effort. I finally touched him."


    "This is just the first step in a long journey. You still need to be patient," Nelson reminded, "Alright. Let''s not talk about this anymore. I''ll go get your clothes."


    E nodded, watching Nelson leave. She stared at her hands, feeling the warmth left by Micah, and smiled happily.


    Andrew pushed Micah back to the ward and couldn''t help but ask, "Micah, what happened at the James family today that made you so resentful towards Ms. James!"


    Micah remained silent, lowering his eyes with heavy thoughts.


    "Do you really trust Ms. Lingston?" Andrew frowned and asked uneasily, "I always feel like she..."


    "She is my savior now," Micah interrupted Andrew before he could finish.


    Andrew was stunned; he thought Micah had been acting just now to expose the schemes of Nelson and E, the father and daughter. But now that Micah had spoken, it seemed like he was not acting at all. Andrew felt a bit puzzled.


    "Everything must be based on evidence," Micah added, "Not just spection."


    Andrew was initially puzzled, then suddenly realized. "Understood!"


    "Alright. Push me to the bathroom. I want to take a bath, change my clothes, and then go see Mia."


    "Okay." Andrew did just as Micah ordered.


    At the Velvet Spoon Bistro, the sun zed overhead, and all the evidence seemed unable to be concealed.


    When Sadie hurried to the restaurant, it was quiet, with no customers.


    Arya led people to investigate the matter from the very start. Harold and the staff repeated their statements multiple times and were on the verge of mental breakdown.


    Sadie entered the restaurant, and Harold immediately came up with a crying face, "Ms. James, I really didn''t poison your daughter. Really."


    Sadie made a gesture, signaling him to be quiet.


    She then meticulously inspected the restaurant, starting from the entrance, imagining every step Mia had taken, what she had touched, eaten, drunk, and even smelled. She went through it all over again.


    Only in this way could she find any clue.


    Everyone returned to their positions from yesterday, quietly cooperating.


    Sadie recalled the scenes from the surveince video, retracing all the ces Mia had been. She finally concluded that if the problem reallyy at Velvet Spoon Bistro, it was in that cup of coffee. "Have you found the cup of coffee?" Sadie finally spoke.


    Harold hurriedly stepped forward to exin, "There are eleven sets of cups here, and they are all exactly the same. I don''t know which set you used that day so I put them all here."

 Chapter 931 Revenge Must Be Taken

    "Take everything back for analysis," Sadie ordered.


    "Got it." Arya carefully packed up the eleven sets of cups to be taken back for analysis.


    "Ms. James!" Harold cautiously said, "Our tableware is washed and sterilized at high temperatures every day. It''s unlikely that anything will be found."


    "No need to close down here. You can continue business tomorrow." With these words, Sadie left the bistro.


    As soon as the James family''s car left, Rn arrived, also looking for that set of cups.


    Harold exined the situation and how Sadie instructed him to resume business the next day, seeking Rn''s opinion.


    Rn had no choice but to report this situation to Micah.


    At that moment, Micah at the hospital had just finished showering and was sitting in a chair drying his hair. Upon hearing Rn''s words, he said in a low voice, "Do as she wishes." "Yes." Rn answered.


    After hanging up the phone, Andrew immediately remarked, "With such a big incident happening at the James Group, Ms. James personally investigating at Velvet Spoon Bistro obviously shows her concern for Mia."


    "You''ve been partial to her all along," Micah asked in a low voice, "Do you think I can reconcile with her, going back to the past?"


    "Well..." Andrew could not continue, unsure of how to respond to Micah''s question.


    "Today, I confronted Tristan and found him deeply proud and arrogant," Micah said, frowning. "Because I wrongly used him, he was furious and even poisoned Noah. Someone who seeks revenge like this will never allow Sadie to let go of past grievances and return to me. And once Sadie regains her memory and recalls that deep-seated hatred, she will never forgive me."


    At this point, Micah felt even more despondent, recalling how Sadie had protected the three kids and stood up for him.


    He knew that; regardless of emotions, she was inherently kind and loyal.


    However, today''s events made him realize there was an insurmountable gap between them.


    Andrew sighed, unsure of what to say.


    "Today, I caused the James Group to lose billions, and Tristan will not let me off." Micah mentally prepared himself for what wille next. "Just wait and see. This war has only just begun!" "What''s the point of fighting?" Andrew couldn''t help but ask, "For so many years, both families have coexisted peacefully!"


    Micah looked out the window and said in a low voice, "If it weren''t for that incident two years ago, perhaps our two families could have continued to coexist peacefully. Even if Tristan asionally stirred, showing his greed bare, he would turn to other markets abroad if he couldn''t gain any advantage instead of being so stubborn. Just like two years ago, when he tried to win over the rk family and the Lingston family but failed, he gave up as Grandpa Clemens stepped in and suppressed him." Micah recounted.


    "Why is he acting again now?" Micah emphasized the question.


    "I used to think he was exploiting my weakness by using Sadie against me," Micah said, his tone suddenly enlightened. "But today, I realized that wasn''t the case." "Then what was that for?" Andrew asked curiously.


    Micah frowned and said in a serious tone, "Because Tristan believes that we, the Clemens family, has bullied the people of the James family, so he is seeking revenge!" "He''s sacrificing so much just for revenge?" Andrew couldn''t understand.


    "The legendary Mr. James, who was ruthless towards his enemies and stopped at nothing to achieve his goals, has a weakness-his Aunt Eleanor. Once, a merchant inadvertently insulted Eleanor, and then his family was ruined, leaving nothing behind! Sadie was humiliated and tortured in Country H, making her life a living hell. Tristan arrived in time to save her but didn''t kill the culprit, Amelia, to let Sadie personally seek revenge!" Micah recalled the ruthlessness of Tristan.


    "I used to think Tristan had countless schemes and plots. After meeting him, I realized that his obsession with hatred far surpasses any wealth or status. He doesn''t care about using strategies to gain power; everything he does is to make the Clemens family pay for their sins!" Micah said with determination.

 Chapter 932 Discharged and Heading Home

    On the way home, Sadie contacted Dahlia to inquire about Mia.


    Dahlia had just finished her tasks and sounded very tired. She briefly reported the situation, saying that E had treated Mia, and Mia was now out of danger. Although Micah''s toxins had not been eliminated, it wasn''t a big deal. Sadie thanked her and hung up the phone, furrowing.


    "She cured her? Without your medicine, Mia couldn''t have recovered!" Annika said angrily, "Her limited medical skills was so hyped up, are the Clemens family all fools?"


    "Well, now the Clemens family will surely see E as a saint," Arya mocked, "If she''s really the culprit, then Mr. Clemens is harboring a murderer."


    "She must be the culprit, no one else." Annika seethed. "E pretends to be harmless, but she''s more malicious than anyone."


    "If I find the evidence that she did it, she''s done for!" Arya clenched her fists.


    Compared to the two''s angry demeanor, Sadie appeared calmer. She looked down at her phone, seemingly lost in thought.


    "Don''t worry, Ms. James. At least Mia is safe now." Annika reassured.


    "I just feel like I''ve oversimplified some things." Sadie gazed out the window at Half Mountain Vi, looking somewhat dazed.


    After a moment of pause, she remembered something and asked, "By the way, are Jonathan and Serena settled in?"


    "Yes," Annika replied, "I was supposed to see them that day, but Noah''s arrest and subsequent events dyed me. I''ve arranged for them to stay at the hotel for several days now." "Let them go back first," Sadie said somberly, "I probably won''t have time to see them for a while."


    Annika was surprised, "Don''t you want to confirm what happened back then?"


    "I feel like some things are better left unknown," Sadie said with a bitter smile. "Even if I knew the truth, I wouldn''t be able to do anything. If I killed Micah, the kids would hate me."


    Annika sighed, speechless.


    "At any rate, we won''t let Nick and the two sisters from the Lingston family off the hook," Arya added angrily.


    "We need to find out the one who did the poisoning." Sadie frowned. "If E is really in this, it would be too dangerous."


    "Yes. She''s by Mr. Clemens'' side every day, ready to poison Nathan and the others at any moment." Annika said with alert. "That''s why we need to expose her secrets as soon as possible." Sadie said.


    At the hospital, Mia''s condition began to stabilize after several days of treatment.


    Micah''s body also showed some improvement, but he was still in poor condition. He felt tired every day, finding it hard to thinking and working. He often fell asleep after a few hours of work. During these days, the James Group tried various ways to make amends.


    In the end, the official judgement had been passed down, and in any event, the Sapphire Depths marine project is not likely to be developed. However, the silver lining was that a portion of the funds can be returned to The James Group. After much turmoil, the James Group managed to salvage some losses, but now all projects were at a standstill. The blow was immense for the James Group.


    However, Tristan seemed unusually calm. Not only did he not me Sadie for it, but he also didn''t make any unusual moves. Instead, he left Newark three dayster.


    Sadie didn''t know where he was going, but she couldn''t shake off a sense of unease.


    Mia finally woke up in the morning, still requiring long-term therapy and healing. Micah, feeling uneasy about staying in the hospital, decided to take Mia home, bringing E along with them. After all, E now personally handled their daily treatments.

 Chapter 933 Entering the Clemens Family

    E was a guest when she camest time at the Clemens''s house. The people of the Clemens family, although polite to her, always treated her as an outsider.


    And this time, E stayed with the Clemens family, appearing almost like half a hostess.


    She disbanded the medical staff arranged by Dahlia, brought her medical team, and even took charge of Micah and Mia''s meals.


    Reba expressed her dissatisfaction and inquired of Bryan Lingston, E''s assistant. She responded solemnly, "Reba, given Mr. Clemens and Mia''s recent poisoning, their dietary needs are critical. Any mishap in their meals could aggravate their condition. Please adhere strictly to the recipes provided by Ms. Lingston to ensure their well-being."


    "Well..." Reba looked at Micah.


    Micah nodded slightly, seemingly agreed with the Bryan''s words.


    Reba replied unwillingly, "Alright. I understand."


    E gestured, and Bryan handed over two recipes to Reba.


    Reba was about to go to the kitchen, but paused when Bryan told her to stop.


    Bryan nced at the servants and instructed, "Everyone. From today, to protect Mr. Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens, please do not enter their rooms without permission. If there is anything, please inform us first." The servants looked at each other and then turned their gaze to Reba.


    Reba looked at Micah again."Mr. Clemens."


    "Do as they say," Micah responded lightly.


    E smiled and gestured, "Reba. Please don''t mind this. It''s mainly because the toxins in Micah and Mia''s bodies haven''t beenpletely cleared yet. I''m afraid of potential bacterial infection, so I''ve set these rules." "Got it. Ms. Lingston." Reba nodded respectfully.


    "All right. You can go about your tasks now," E gestured.


    Reba and the servants dispersed to resume their duties.


    Reba and the kitchen crew were preparing lunch when an old servant couldn''t help butin, "Is Ms. Lingston nning to marry into the Clemens family? She has no sense of boundaries at all, making such a big move.." "Susan Richardson. Stop it. It would be bad if someone heard it. Ms. Lingston brought eight assistants with her, she''s got eyes and ears everywhere," a young chef whispered.


    "Susan remarked, somewhat annoyed, ''She used to appear gentle and meek, but now she''s assertive. She hasn''t even married into the family and she''s already giving us orders. Ms. Roth was more considerate; she wouldn''t be so demanding."" "Susan!" Reba scolded.


    Susan paused and turned to see Bryan holding a list, looking at her with a smirk. "This is the recipe from Ms. Lingston. Please prepare ording to this." "Okay." Reba took the list.


    Bryan urged, "Hurry up. Ms. Lingston still needs to visit Mr. Raymond Clemens at the hospital this afternoon. The entire Clemens family is counting on her to aid in their recovery!" With that, she left abruptly, her demeanor speaking volumes. "Such an arrogant person," Susan muttered angrily, "When Brenda was here, she was polite to all of us. This Bryan is nothing!"


    "Enough, Susan. Don''t be so emotional," Reba advised.


    "Do you think that Ms. Lingston is really going to marry Micah?" Susan frowned and asked.


    "I don''t really know," Reba replied briefly, busy with her work.


    Susan shook her head helplessly. "It''s going to be tough days for us from now on."


    In the kitchen, the maids were worried but dared not speak out.


    Andrew passed by and heard everything. Furrowing his brows, he quickly headed to the study.


    Micah was sorting through documents, but since being bitten by Tristan''s little green snake, he had been feeling increasingly fatigued. After reading a few documents, exhaustion washed over him. He rubbed his forehead, trying to regain hisposure.


    "Micah!" Andrew knocked on the door and entered. Seeing Micah in this state, he couldn''t help but feel worried about him. "This isn''t sustainable if this keeps going. You should consider seeing another doctor."

 Chapter 934 Crocodile Tears

    "Any news from Rodolfo?" Micah asked in a low voice.


    Not yet, Andrew frowned. "Since ourst visit to Dr. Henry, they''ve relocated again. It''s likely because of what happened two years ago. They''re cautious of us, avoiding contact. Rodolfo is trying to track them down in Avalis, Dr. Henry''s hometown. He shouldn''t have gone too far." "Check with Serena. She should be in touch with Pa," Micah suggested wearily, massaging his forehead.


    "I reached out to Serena through Jonny yesterday, but she''s under protection from Ms. James'' people. We can''t get close to her," Andrew replied uneasily, studying Micah. "Micah, this isn''t working. Maybe we should head to the hospital." "Dahlia is powerless in this situation, and the doctors at Evergreen Heights Medical Center are limited in their abilities," Micah sighed, closing his eyes. "We need to do everything possible to bring Dr. Henry back; he''s the only one who can resolve this issue."


    "Yes." Andrew didn''t want to disturb him any further, "I''ll leave for now."


    Micah gestured, and Andrew turned to leave, but he ran into E at the door who were carrying a bowl of medicine. E was walking towards the study, smiling and nodding at Andrew.


    Andrew nced at the bowl of medicine, feeling inexplicably uneasy. He was about to ask when he heard Micah''s voice from behind. "The medicine is ready."


    E walked into the study with the medicine and casually closed the door.


    Andrew furrowed his brow and turned to leave for his room, but he was startled by a loud noiseing from another room, followed by Mia''s cries. "I don''t want to take the medicine! I want Mommy! I want Mommy!" Mia overturned the medicine, tears streaming down her face as she called for Sadie.


    Bryan''s hand was burned by the scalding medicineand her expression changed in an instant. She shouted uncontrobly, "Stop crying!"


    Mia trembled all over, her little face pale with fear, looking at her in consternation.


    Bryan immediately realized her loss of control, hastily coaxing, "Ms. Mia Clemens. You, you have to take the medicine or you won''t get better. Be a good girl, okay?"


    Tears filled Mia''s big eyes, looking at her pitifully.


    "Ms. Mia Clemens. Don''t, please don''t be angry. I was not intentionally to shout at you. It was mainly because my hand got burned. Look." Bryan showed Mia her burned hand, which was red and blistered from the burn. Mia looked somewhat guilty and was about to apologize.


    At that moment, a figure suddenly strode in, took Bryan by the shoulders, and pped her hard across the face.


    Bryan fell to the ground, looking up to see E. She dared not to be angry but hurriedly apologized, "Ms. Lingston, I..."


    "How dare you yell at Mia! Who do you think you are?" E gestured with anger, "Get out!"


    "Yes." Bryan covered her face, and with tears in her eyes, she ran out of the room.


    E then turned to Mia, immediately putting on a gentle smile and gesturing to her, "Mia, I didn''t give you a scare, did I?"


    Mia hugged her stuffed toy and curled up in bed, trembling with fear.


    "It''s alright, Mia. Aunt E will have the medicine remade soon. You need to behave yourself and take the medicine to get better." E gently caressed Mia, then she turned and gestured coldly to the medical staff, "Go and prepare the medicine now."


    "Yes!" The medical staff immediately went to prepare the medicine.


    Alright, stop crying now. Get some rest. I''lle back to keep youpany after your Dad finishes taking his medicine, E reassured Mia, gesturing towards the door as she prepared to leave. However, she noticed Andrew standing outside and quickly motioned to him, "Andrew, why are you here? Aren''t you supposed to be at thepany?"


    "I''ll go in a bit," Andrew smiled and replied, "I''ll check on Ms. Mia Clemens."


    "She''s sick. It''s not good to disturb her too much," E gestured immediately.

 Chapter 935 Mommy Will Protect You

    "


    "Is Ms. Lingston trying to interfere with my actions now?" Andrew frowned, showing his dominance.


    E hurriedly gestured, "I didn''t mean that."


    "Make way, please." Andrew pushed past E and entered Mia''s room.


    E nced at his back with a somber expression in her eyes, but swiftly returned to her usual gentle demeanor as she entered Micah''s study, wearing a resigned expression. "What''s wrong?" Micah had finished his medicine and was reading documents.


    E shook her head, indicating that nothing was wrong, but with a pitiful look as if greatly wronged.


    Who has upset you? Micah asked again.


    "No one," E gestured, "Andrew said he wanted to see Mia, and I said Mia needed rest, but he wasn''t happy. I might have been too involved and I''m reflecting on myself now." "Andrew is bing more unreasonable," Micah frowned with displeasure. "How dare he be disrespectful to you?"


    "No, he didn''t," E quickly interjected, gesturing urgently. "He''s just worried about Mia because she knocked over the medicine earlier and refused to take it. Micah, please don''t say anything to Andrew. Otherwise, I don''t know how I''ll manage to get along with him in the future."


    "Alright. I understand." Micah patted her head. "I''m sorry for making you feel wronged."


    "It''s okay, as long as you understand me, anything will be fine" E gestured while looking at Micah gently. She reached out to wipe the medicine from his lips, and as he did not offer no resistance, she gently touched his face, then gestured, "You''ve lost weight recently."


    "Thanks to your treatment, I''ve improved a lot already," Micah smiled slightly, holding her hand and said, "Thank you for your hard work."


    "It''s my pleasure," E gestured, leaning into his embrace.


    Micah didn''t refuse her embrace, but his gaze was somewhat cold.


    Andrew entered Mia''s room and dismissed the medical staff. He looked at Mia, curling up in the corner, and felt a bit sorry. "Mia. Are you okay?"


    "I miss mommy." Mia pouted, tears streaming down her face. "Uncle Andrew, can you take me to Mommy?"


    "Aren''t you afraid of Uncle Tristan?" Andrew asked gently, "Didn''t you say you wanted toe back when you were with Mommy?"


    At that time, Daddy wasn''t sick, Nathan was here, and there weren''t so many strangers at home, Mia choked back tears. "But now, Noah and Nathan are gone. Daddy is sick. I''m so scared. I miss Mommy."


    "Be a good girl, Mia. Your Dad will get better soon." Andrew looked at Mia in this state, feeling very sorry. "Nathan will be back soon, too."


    "But I still miss Mommy." Mia sobbed. "When I was still asleep, Mommy gave me medicine and whispered in my ear ''Mia. Don''t be afraid. Mommy will protect you.'' And then I got better."


    "Upon hearing these words, Andrew was taken aback and quickly asked, ""Mia, are you saying that when you were unconscious, your Mom visited you?""


    "Yes," Mia nodded solemnly. "Mommy gave me a potion. After I took it, I could hear her voice right away. I heard Mommy talking to Annika, and she said she would protect me." Mia''s description was not as good as Noah''s, but Andrew understood what she wanted to say.


    In fact, before E intervened with treatment, Sadie had already gone to the hospital and given Mia medicine.


    In other words, Mia''s improvement was not due to E''s treatment but Sadie''s medicine.


    Andrew promptly called Rn. "The day Micah was poisoned at the James family''s ce, you brought him to the hospital. Did you mention that Sadie gave Micah some kind of medicine?" "Yes," Rn confirmed. "When Ms. James handed Micah over to me, she was holding a bottle of medicine. She risked a rift with Mr. James to protect him."

 Chapter 936 Delirious From Illness

    Pausing for a moment, Rn asked, "Why are you asking this suddenly? What''s wrong with Micah?"


    "Nothing." Andrew hung up the phone and looked at Mia. "Mia. Can you get in touch with Noah? You have smartwatches, right?"


    "Yes. But Noah''s smartwatch has been off all the time, probably out of battery." Mia felt a bit frustrated. "I miss Noah, Nathan, and Mommy." "Mommy!" At this moment, Little Coco flew in from outside.


    "Little Coco, you''re back!" Mia was very happy to see Little Coco. "Is Nathan back too?" she asked.


    "Back! Back!" Little Coco shouted while headed outside.


    "I''ll go check it out." Andrew exited the room and heard Nathan''s voice, who ran in and shouted excitedly. "Daddy! Mia!"


    "Mr. Nathan Clemens is back." Andrew said excitedly.


    Reba and the others hurried out to greet him. Everyone was very happy to see Nathan, who could bring some vitality to this lifeless home.


    "Reba, where''s Daddy and Mia?" Nathan asked warmly.


    "They''re upstairs. I''ll take you up to see them." Reba led Nathan upstairs, unable to contain her excitement. "Mr. Nathan Clemens. It''s, it''s so good to have you back. Seeing you makes me happy."


    "I''m happy, too." Nathan looked at Reba. "Reba. What''s wrong? Your eyes are red. Did someone bully you?"


    "I''m fine, I''m just happy to see you all." Reba quickly adjusted her emotions. "Come on. Let''s go find your Daddy first."


    "Okay." Nathan nodded and greeted Andrew, "Andrew!"


    "Good boy!" Andrew chatted with Nathan for a few moments, then went downstairs to greet Ss.


    "Mr. Micah Clemens said Mia was feeling down alone at home. It''s not suitable for recuperating. So Mr. Raymond Clemens asked me to bring Nathan back to apany her." Ss was having coffee downstairs. "Mr. Raymond Clemens is always considerate," Andrew inquired, "How is his health?"


    "It''s improved, but it still requires attention," Ss remarked. "E has remarkable medical skills, so I came to pick her up to help care of Mr. Raymond Clemens."


    "There are so many experts in the hospital. I think we should listen to them..." Andrew advised.


    "Mr. Lingston is here!" Before Andrew could finish his words, Nelson walked in, causing Andrew to hold back his words.


    "Andrew, thank you for your hard work." Nelson now had an air of authority. "Take care of Ss and I''ll go upstairs to check on Micah."


    "Alright." Andrew said with an awkward smile on his face.


    "Now that everything is resolved, you should be happy. Why the long face?" Ss noticed his expression wasn''t right. "Is the James Group pressuring again?"


    "No," Andrew hesitated, wanting to discuss the Lingston family with Ss. However, knowing Ss and Raymond''s trust in the Lingston family, he realized it would likely be futile and could lead to negative consequences. So he said, "Micah hasn''t fully recovered, so Ican''t be relieved yet."


    "With E around, everything will be fine." Ss patted his shoulder. "I''ll leave now. You get yourself busy."


    "Let me see you off." Andrew escorted Ss out. Seeing no one around, he took out his phone and dialed Rodolfo''s number. "Contact Ms. James for me. Tell her that I want to meet her privately." "Andrew. Are you serious? Why ask me to contact Ms. James?"


    "Stop the nonsense! You think I don''t know that you''ve been in private contact with Arya."


    "I...I did not." Rodolfo answered with hesitation.


    "Enough. Contact her quickly." Andrew urged Rodolfo.


    "Okay. I''ll inform Arya. I''m not sure whether Ms. James is willing to see you."


    "If you tell Arya all the details about the Clemens family, Ms. James will naturallye to meet me."

 Chapter 937 Coming Over Directly

    Hanging up the phone, Andrew turned and noticed Nelson''s people were secretly watching him. When he saw Andrew turn around, the bodyguard immediately shifted his gaze, pretending to admire the scenery. Andrew frowned, and thought ''If things continued like this, the Clemens family would soon be in the charge of the Lingston family.''


    Andrew couldn''t fathom Micah''s strategy. He saw no justification for allowing Nelson and E to persist so boldly. Was Micahpletely out of his mind from the illness? The silver Rolls-Royce drove on the way back home.


    Arya had a lengthy phone conversation. After wrapping it up, she briefed Sadie on the current situation of the Clemens family.


    In conclusion, Micah was out of his mind from his illness, E was overbearing, bullying the servants, and Mia was frightened.


    Upon hearing this, Annika was livid. "Mr. Clemens was bitten by a poisonous snake on his hand, not his brain. How could he be so confused and let that E run wild?"


    "I''m furious beyond belief," Arya said, suppressing her anger. "Rodolfo''s understanding is iplete. It''s all hearsay. The reality is likely even more dire."


    "Ms. James, let''s go and retrieve Mr. Nathan Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens," Annika said angrily. "Let Micah suffers all he wants. We shouldn''t concern ourselves with him!"


    "By the way, Rodolfo mentioned that Andrew wants to speak with you," Arya added, looking at Sadie with aplex expression.


    As her bond with Rodolfo deepened, Arya learned more about the events from two years ago. Her perspective shifted, and she began to believe that Sadie and Micah had once been in love, with unresolved misunderstandings lingering. "No way!" Annika eximed irritably. "Andrew is just taking Micah''s side. He probably wants Ms. James to assist them! Does he even realize how much Micah has harmed us? The James Group has lost billions of dors because of him." Arya cautiously nced at Sadie in the rearview mirror, hesitant to speak. Sadie remained silent; her head bowed. Annika and Arya refrained from further conversation, unsure of Sadie''s thoughts.


    Back at home, Sadie entered Noah''s room and presented him with two gifts. "Mommy got you a newputer and phone so you won''t get bored when I''m not around."


    "Thank you. Mommy." Noah took the gifts but they couldn''t cheer him up.


    "Noah. Do you miss Nathan and Mia?" Sadie asked softly.


    "Yes." Noah nodded.


    These days, Noah had finally trained the eagle to understand him and follow hismands toplete simple tasks. However, despite several secret flights over the Clemens family''s home, the eagle hadn''t located Little Coco, and Nathan and Mia were also absent.


    Noah spected that Nathan must have taken Little Coco to the hospital. Although Mommy assured him that Mia had passed the critical period and Micah was okay, not being able to reach them made him anxious.


    "Change your clothes, Mommy will take you back." For the sake of the children, Sadie decided to go to their house.


    "Really?" Noah asked, thinking that he had misheard Sadie


    "Of course." Sadie pinched his cheek and smiled. "I will change my clothes too, and we''ll leave in half an hour."


    "Okay," Noah nodded repeatedly but then said, "But what about you if I go back?"


    "I can see you there anytime." Sadie smiled. "That''s my children''s home, I can go whenever I want."


    "Yeah!" Noah eximed; excitement evident as he nearly jumped up. "Mommy, you should have thought of this earlier!"


    "It''s never toote," Sadie smiled warmly. "No matter what my rtionship with your dad is like, I will never let anyone bully you!"

 Chapter 938 Sadie Returned Home

    Upon hearing this, Noah was stunned and immediately asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Nothing." Sadie rubbed his little head. "Noah. Change your clothes and go find Little Coco. We''ll take it back together."


    "Got it," Noah nodded eagerly, imagining Mommy and Coco returning home with him. He had been away for so long and was curious to see how the house had changed in his absence.


    In the Clemens family, Nelson sought out Micah in the study and broached the topic of marriage formally. "Micah, E has been living with you and looking after you. It''s not right for her to be here without a title. What do you think about getting married?"


    Micah, who was reading documents with his head down, neither opposed nor agreed upon hearing this.


    E observed his expression from the side and exchanged a nce with Nelson.


    Nelson continued, "Even though E wasn''t the bride at the wedding two years ago, her identity was made public. It might not be appropriate to have another wedding now. How about we just get a marriage certificate? Once you''re feeling better, and once Mia and Mr. Raymond Clemens are also well, we can have a wedding to celebrate with E. What do you think?"


    "Okay," Micah finally responded, "You''ve really thought this through."


    "It''s not easy being a parent," Nelson sighed heavily. "Every parent wants the best for their children. I''m getting older and my health isn''t great. I just want to see E settled in my lifetime. She has wholeheartedly done so much for you. Of course, she does it willingly. As a father, I can''t say much, but I hope you can give her the recognition she deserves."


    "Dad. Please don''t say that" E anxiously gestured in signnguage, "Everything I''ve done for Micah, I did it voluntarily. You''re making it sound like I''m asking for a reward."


    "I''m not asking for a reward, E. I''m just discussing with Micah." Nelson became agitated. "Do you know what the outsiders are saying about you? They say the Clemens family doesn''t acknowledge you, yet you''re eagerly helping out with household chores, and said you are the viin here."


    "My illness and treatment have been kept confidential. Outsiders shouldn''t know about this," Micah finally spoke up. "Who are these people?"


    The sudden question from Micah caught Nelson off guard, leaving him speechless.


    "Exactly," E gestured angrily. "I''m doing well in the Clemens family. Everyone respects me, and it''s not as bad as you make it sound. Even if someone has said something to you, just ignore it." "E, why are you like this? I''m doing this for your good," Nelson said exasperatedly and helplessly.


    "Enough." Micah didn''t want to say more. "As you said, we''re all ill. We don''t have the energy to think about other things now. Let''s deal with everything once we''re better."


    Nelson chuckled. "Maybe once you and E get married, both of your illnesses will be cured."


    Micah furrowed his brow and was about to speak when suddenly, a hawk''s cry echoed from outside.


    "What''s that sound?" Both Nelson and E were startled, their looks changing.


    Micah immediately got up and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains to look outside. Indeed, the James family''s off-road vehicle convoy had entered the Clemens estate.


    Micah''s face, which had been somber for a long time, finally regained its former brightness. His eyes, once weary and lifeless, now sparkled with a new light as he eximed excitedly, "She''s finally here!" After enduring and waiting for so long, she''s finally here!


    He knew she wouldn''t stand idly by. Even if she didn''t care about him, she would worry about the kids.

 Chapter 939 Everyone Present is Useless

    "Micah," Oliver hurriedly came to report, "The James family is here!"


    Micah turned, resuming his usual cold and indifferent demeanor. "What are they here for?" "I''m not sure. But I saw Mr. Noah Clemens and his eagle in the car," Oliver said timidly. "Eagle?" Nelson''s face turned pale with fear as he looked at E with aplex expression.


    E hurried over, clutching Micah''s sleeve, and said pitifully, "Micah, I''m scared!"


    "Don''t be scared," Micah said calmly, "She should be here to return Noah and she will leave soon."


    After saying this, he gently pulled E''s hand away and strode outside.


    If he didn''t need to maintain his facade, he would have rushed outside by now. But he had to stayposed, ensuring that Sadie remained unaware of the trap he had set for her.


    The tall iron gate outside the vi remained closed. Without Micah''s orders, the bodyguards dared not open it.


    Some of the bodyguards knew Sadie, but others, sent by Raymond. They hadn''t recognized her, but they were aware of the James family''s formidable reputation. Just seeing the SUV with the golden "L" emblem made them tremble with fear. "Open the gate!"


    Andrew, knowing that Sadie had brought Noah, assumed his message to Rodolfo had seeded. He immediately ordered the gate to be opened.


    "Yes, sir!"


    The dark green iron gate slowly creaked open. The Clemens family''s bodyguards lined up in two neat rows, armed and ready, as if preparing for a confrontation.


    Three SUVs slowly drove in, exuding a majestic and imposing aura like fierce beasts. The eagle, Coco, perched on the lead vehicle, coldly eyed the bodyguards as if to say, "Everyone present is useless!"


    Upstairs, Nelson and E watched the scene from the window, their faces became pale from fear.


    "E, we should leave," Nelson whispered urgently. "I''ve heard Sadie is a demon now. She beat Amelia terriblyst time and has Mr. James backing her. We can''t afford to provoke her."


    "We''ve already provoked her," E replied, her eyes fixed downstairs as she gestured to her father. "We''ve done too much to turn back now. I''m so close to sess; I can''t retreat now!"


    "A temporary retreat would be wise. It''s not like we can''te back," Nelson said anxiously. "She hasn''t regained her memory yet, but if she finds out you impersonated her to marry into the Clemens family, she''ll kill you. And if she learns it was you who poisoned..."


    E shot him a sharp look, and Nelson quickly stopped talking, ncing around nervously. "This is Micah''s study. There shouldn''t be any cameras, right?" "Enough," E snapped, gesturing irritably. "You''re only getting in my way. You should leave."


    "All the roads are blocked. How can I leave?" Nelson retorted irritably. "We have to wait until the James family leaves. Besides, I can''t leave you here alone." "Then shut up," E gestured with frustration.


    Got it, Nelson replied weakly.


    E red at him coldly and turned to leave.


    Downstairs, Micah watched the SUVs slowly drove into the yard and shouted, "Who gave the permission to open the gate?"


    "Micah, it was Andrew," Oliver replied faintly.


    "Andrew, you have some nerve." Micah red coldly at Andrew.


    "Micah, I..." Andrew muttered in hesitation.


    "Get out of my sight," Micah shouted and strode out in anger.


    Andrew frowned and stepped aside.


    E watched the scene unfold, her resolve hardening. It seemed that Micah was already tired of Sadie and didn''t want her back. Sadie must have shamelessly forced herself into this situation.

 Chapter 940 She Came Home

    Thinking this way, E regained her confidence. Seizing the moment when the bodyguards and servants went out to watch themotion, she immediately gave Bryan a look.


    Bryan quickly carried a bowl of medicine upstairs. E went to a secluded corner, added something to the bowl, and then brought it toward Mia''s room.


    "Is it Mommying back? Mommy!" Hearing the sound of an eagle outside, Mia excitedly climbed out of bed, wanting to get out, but was held back by two nurses. "Mia, you can''t get up. You''re still sick." "Let go of me, I want to find Mommy!"


    Mia pushed them anxiously but couldn''t break free.


    "What are you doing? Let her go." Bryan shouted angrily.


    The two nurses immediately released Mia, and Bryan walked forward with the medicine, and said with a smile, "Be a good girl, Mia. Drink this bowl of medicine, and I will take you downstairs to find Mommy." "Really?" Mia asked innocently.


    "Of course," Bryan smiled. "Only if you drink it will your body get better, and Mommy will be happy to see you."


    "Alright. I''ll drink it." Mia nodded obediently.


    "Good girl. I will feed you." Bryan immediately fed Mia the medicine.


    "Mia! Mia!" All of a sudden, Little Coco flew in from outside, pping its wings to stop Mia from drinking the medicine. "Stupid bird. Go away." Bryan waved her hand to shoo it away.


    Little Coco was pushed aside, and the two nurses tried to catch it.


    Mia quickly pushed the bowl away and shouted to stop them, "Don''t touch my Little Coco!"


    "Mia, be good. Ignore them and drink the medicine." Bryan continued to feed Mia.


    "No, I don''t want to drink it..." Mia started coughing, pushing the bowl away and refusing to drink.


    "A Kid should be obedient." Bryan held Mia down with force, trying to make her drink the medicine.


    "What are you doing?" At this moment, Nathan ran in from outside and saw the scene. "Let go of Mia!" "Mr. Nathan Clemens."


    !" The two nurses tried to stop Nathan.


    However, they were no match for Nathan, he cleverly slipped past them and kicked the bowl away.


    "You...!" Bryan was furious and raised her hand with intention to hit Nathan.


    Nathan kicked her to the ground, shouting angrily, "You bad woman. How dare you try to hit me? Is this how you usually treat Mia?"


    "Nathan," Mia saw Nathan and cried, throwing herself into his arms.


    "Mia, don''t be afraid. I''ll take you to find Mommy." Nathan reassured Mia.


    Nathan helped Mia up, wanting to take her out of the room, but Mia''s legs were weak, and she couldn''t stand on her own. So Nathan carried her on his back and walked out.


    "Mr. Nathan Clemens. Stop it., please stop this. If Ms. Mia Clemens fallswere to fall down the stairs, it will be troublesome." The two nurses followed beside them, trying to persuade him. "Get lost!" Nathan shouted angrily, "You are not our family''s nurses. Our family''s nurses are kind and gentle."


    "Mr. Nathan Clemens...." The two nurses still tried to persuade him.


    Bryan gave them a look, and they stopped talking. They just carefully followed beside them, as if afraid they would fall.


    Downstairs, Sadie got out of the car holding Noah. She was dressed in white and looked valiant and heroic.


    The eagle flew over and hovered above their heads like a guardian angel.


    Annika, Arya, and the other six female bodyguards stood neatly behind them. This time, they did not bring any weapons. Rn made a gesture, and the Clemens family''s bodyguards also put down their weapons.


    "It''s Ms. Roth."


    Reba saw Sadie and was moved to tears, "Oh my, it really is..."


    "Ms. Roth is not dead! Ms. Roth came home!"


    Susan and some other older servants saw Sadie and were also excited.


    Micah slowly walked out, his expression a mix of emotions as he looked at Sadie.


    He had waited two long years for this moment, hoping day and night that she woulde home.

 Chapter 941 Mommy, Dont Leave

    Sadie looked up at the imposing and grand house, then at the surrounding garden, the bodyguards, and the older servants. A strong sense of familiarity welled up in her heart. Countless fragmented memories shed through her mind, reminding her that she had once lived here. Each fragment was beautiful, happy, and warm.


    She did not resist this ce, indicating that she had once lived happily here.


    Sadie recalled thest time she came to the Clemens family; Raymond had sent someone to Hillside Vi to warn her, saying that Coco had frightened his great-grandson.


    She was angry with his action. To vent her anger, she brought her eagle to the Clemens family to show them her might, but it ended up scaring her child.


    Because of her reckless action, Noah saw the ck gold ring on Coco''s foot and found her by chance.


    It was fate!


    She had to return to this home sooner orter!


    Even if her rtionship with Micah has passed the point of no return, she had to conquer all the obstacles in front of her for her kids.


    She''ll never forgive anyone who dared to harm her kids.


    "Daddy!" Noah''s clear voice interrupted Sadie''s thoughts.


    "Noah!" Micah immediately bent down and extended his arms to him.


    Noah ran over and threw himself into Micah''s arms. After being away from home for so long, he had missed Micah deeply, especially after the incident with the James family. He had worried about Micah every day. Sadie watched the deep bond between them, and a feeling of conflict dwelled in her heart.


    "Ah!" Suddenly, screams from Nathan and Mia came from inside the house.


    Micah was about to go in to check, but Sadie rushed in first.


    One minute ago, Nathan was carrying Mia down the spiral staircase when he suddenly felt someone pushed him from behind. He fell forward, rolling down the stairs with Mia.


    At the critical moment, someone rushed over and used her body to shield them, preventing them from getting seriously hurt.


    "Mommy." Nathan instinctively called out, but when he turned, he saw that it was not Sadie who had protected them but E. "Nathan! Mia!" Sadie rushed over anxiously and saw Nathan and Mia rolling down the stairs while E selflessly shielded them. This touching scene was in everyone''s clear view.


    Everyone was stunned, including Micah behind them.


    E, supporting her injured waist, struggled to get up and anxiously gestured, "Nathan, Mia, are you injured?"


    "We''re fine." Nathan shook his head. "Thank you, Aunt E."


    Nathan had not been home recently and was unaware of E''s actions. He dismissed the medical staff''s mistreatment of Mia as isted incidents and didn''t give it much thought. "Mommy." Mia saw Sadie and cried, reaching out to her.


    Sadie immediately ran over and picked up Mia. She held her pale face and asked anxiously, "Mia, are you okay?" "Mommy, I''m so scared." Mia clung tightly to Sadie, crying loudly.


    At this moment, all the fear and terror of recent times were released; only in Sadie''s arms did she truly feel safe. "Mia, don''t be afraid." Sadie gently patted Mia''s back, soothing her tenderly. "I''m here. No one will dare to hurt you." Mia nodded but continued to cry.


    "Mommy." Nathan, seeing Mia cry, also started to cry.


    The older servants watching this scene couldn''t help but wipe their tears.


    "Nathan, let Mommy see if you''re hurt anywhere." Sadie immediately pulled Nathan to check on him.


    "I''m fine," Nathan shook his head, crying, "Mommy, you''re finally home. We''ve been waiting for you toe back every day."

 Chapter 942 Protecting Ones Own

    "Yes, Ms. Roth. We''ve all been eagerly awaiting your return," Reba couldn''t help but say, "We''ve been waiting for two years!"


    "Yes!" The other servants chimed in. "This house only feels like a home when you''re here."


    "That''s right," Susan said excitedly, "You are our mistress, always and forever."


    E shot her a sharp nce, Susan shivered in fear and quickly stepped aside.


    "You are too kind, all of you," Sadie said gratefully to Reba and the others, "I''m just here to bring Noah home, and I''ll be leaving shortly."


    "Mommy, don''t go. Mia won''t let you go." Mia clung tightly to Sadie, afraid that she would leave.


    "Mommy, I won''t let you go either." Nathan held onto Sadie''s hand tightly as well. "If you leave here, we''ll go with you too."


    Noah anxiously tugged at Micah''s hand, whispering, "Daddy, say something."


    Micah was about to speak when suddenly, with a "bang," E fell down the stairs.


    "Ms. Lingston!" Several medical staff rushed to help her.


    Bryan cried, "You''ve worked too hard. You took care of everyone, even when you''re injured, and you risk your life to save Mr. Nathan Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens.. Now you''ve injured yourself." Then she turned to Micah and said, "Mr. Clemens,e quickly. Ms. Lingston''s waist wound has reopened, and her foot is sprained."


    Micah frowned, showing no intention of going over.


    "What happened?" Nelson ran down from upstairs, asking anxiously, "How did you fall down the stairs? We still need to go to the hospital to treat Mr. Raymond Clemens. What are we going to do now?" Hearing Raymond''s name, Micah stepped forward and helped E up. "Are you alright? How were you so careless?"


    "I''m fine," E weakly gestured in signnguage, "I saw Nathan and Mia falling down the stairs, and I couldn''t think of anything else but to rush over. As long as they''re okay, I''m fine."


    Arya rolled her eyes dramatically, having a great intention to p her across the face.


    "How did Mr. Nathan Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens fall down the stairs?" Annika kept her eyes on the marks on the stairs.


    Bryan immediately said, "Mr. Nathan Clemens was carrying Ms. Mia Clemens downstairs, and identally..."


    "It''s not like that!" Nathan interrupted angrily and exined, "Someone pushed me from behind!"


    "Who was it?" Sadie asked immediately.


    "Well..." Nathan scratched his little head. "I don''t know. I didn''t see her clearly, but I''m sure someone pushed me."


    "Who would be so bold as to push you in the house?" Noah clenched his little fists in anger.


    "Maybe someone is putting on a show." Arya red at E indignantly.


    E, frightened, hid in Micah''s arms, eximing, "Why are you looking at me like that? I was downstairs at the time, and I rushed to stop Nathan and Mia at the critical moment. How could I have pushed them? Do I have a double?" "Well, you''ve got plenty of doubles," Arya nced at the medical staff.


    "What do you mean? Are you using my daughter?" Nelson asked with anger, "This is the Clemens family, not the James family. Outsiders like you have no right to be arrogant here."


    "You''re an outsider too," Arya retorted bluntly.


    "You...!" Nelson''s face turned livid with anger. "Ms. James, your subordinate is too arrogant!"


    "She''s correct." Sadie defended Arya.


    Hearing Sadie''s word, Nelson was left speechless.


    E tugged at Micah''s sleeve, tears of grievance falling due to Arya''s usation.


    "Are there cameras in the house? We can check the footage," Annika suggested, remaining calmer than Arya.

 Chapter 943 Listen to Me

    "This is my house, of course there are no cameras." Micah finally said. "I haven''t said anything yet, and you two are here making usations. What are you trying to do?" "You..." Arya fumed, turning to look at Sadie.


    "It seems you''re going to defend her," Sadie said, handing Mia to Annika and turning her gaze to Micah. "Your love has shifted from the children to the stepmother, hasn''t it?" "What nonsense are you talking about?" Micah frowned deeply.


    "In that case, I''ll take the children with me." Sadie, not wanting to waste time, made a gesture. Her female bodyguards immediately picked up the three children and prepared to leave.


    "Stop right there, Sadie!" Micah shouted angrily, "This is not the James family. You can''t do whatever you want here. Their surname is Clemens. They are my children!"


    "I gave birth to them, naturally they are my children," Sadie retorted without backing down, "The children keep getting sick or hurt when they are with you. If you can''t protect them, then give them back to me." "How can you tell that?" Micah questioned.


    "Then why did Mia get into trouble as soon as she came back?" Sadie used him.


    "She was poisoned while she was with you." Micah told her the fact.


    "Stop arguing!" Noah shouted angrily to have his parents stop the bickering.


    At that moment, Mia suddenly vomited without stopping, covering Arya in it.


    "Oh my God, Mia!" Arya screamed in panic.


    "Mia!" Sadie and Micah rushed over simultaneously.


    Sadie took Mia in her arms, anxiously checking her over. "Mia, what''s wrong? Don''t scare me."


    "How could this happen?" Micah was panicked; it was almost the same as the first time she got sick.


    "Mommy, I feel awful," Mia cried and then started vomiting again.


    "Mia!" Noah and Nathan were both terrified at the scene.


    "Quick! To the hospital!" Sadie was frantic with worry.


    "Move aside. There''s a doctor here." Nelson hurriedly pushed E forward.


    "Let me take a look at her," E gestured with panic.


    Suddenly, Sadie seized E by the neck and pinned her to the ground like an enraged lioness. She shouted furiously, "If anything happens to my daughter, I''ll destroy your entire family!"


    E instantly felt the suffocating grip of death, her eyes filled with terror.


    "What are you doing? Let her go!" Nelson tried to intervene, but Annika pushed him aside. The other medical staff stood by, too scared to respond.


    "Sadie, calm down!" Micah grabbed Sadie''s hand, urgently pleading, "Let her go. Let her treat Mia! Otherwise, Mia will die."


    Sadie''s hand slowly moved from E''s neck to her cheeks, gripping them tightly. Through gritted teeth, she warned, "Listen, you can have Micah, but if you dare harm my children, I''ll have you go through a thousand cuts. Do you hear me?"


    E, trembling all over, nodded repeatedly in fear.


    "Treat Mia right now." Sadie yanked her up.


    E nearly copsed, and Nelson hurriedly stepped forward to support her.


    Then, Arya carried Mia back to the room, followed by several female bodyguards who watched over E as she treated Mia.


    "It was them. It must have been them!" Nathan clenched his fists, pointing angrily at Bryan.


    "Nathan, what did you see?" Noah immediately asked.


    "They forced Mia to take medicine. I kicked over the medicine bowl, and she wanted to hit me," Nathan pointed at Bryan, angrily saying, "They must have mistreated Mia. That''s why she''s like this!" Everyone turned to look at Bryan.


    "How could that be?" Bryan hurriedly exined, "Ms. Mia Clemens was very ill; she wouldn''t recover without taking her medicine. I was coaxing her to take it. How could I possibly force her? And why would I ever dare to strike you, Mr. Nathan Clemens?"

 Chapter 944 This is the Clemens Family

    Before Bryan could finish her sentence, Annika pped her hard across the face. "How dare you!"


    "I didn''t. I really didn''t," Bryan cried, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth as she knelt on the ground.


    "We''ll find out soon enough." Sadie gestured. "Understood." Annika immediately moved to take Bryan away for interrogation.


    "No, please," Bryan urgently shouted upstairs, "Uncle Nelson, save me!"


    "Not so fast." Nelson hurried over, shielding Bryan. "This is my niece, and she''s E''s assistant. She may be a bit unruly, but she was kind."


    "I don''t care who she is!" Sadie roared angrily, "Even if it were you, if you harmed my child, I''d kill you without second thought!"


    "You..." Nelson''s face turned ashen with anger.


    "Uncle Nelson, save me. I don''t want to die." Bryan sobbed in fear.


    "Micah, please say something," Nelson implored, his gaze fixed on Micah with palpable agitation. "We''vee here to help, and yet we''re being bullied in your own home. Does any of this make sense?" Micah remained indifferent, showing no intention of opposing.


    "Fine." Nelson immediately took out his phone to make a call. "Since you won''t intervene, I''ll have to ask Mr. Raymond Clemens to seek justice for us."


    "Enough!" Micah finally spoke, gesturing to Andrew.


    Andrew immediately had Bryan and the two medical staff who had drugged Mia dragged out.


    "Uncle Nelson!" Bryan continued to cry, unwilling to give up.


    "Enough. Be quiet," Nelson scolded her angrily. He knew Micah was only sparing Bryan and the others out of respect for Raymond. If they kept pushing, they might lose thisst chance altogether. "Are you just going to let her go like that?" Annika couldn''t understand. "Shouldn''t we at least interrogate her?"


    Sadie stared icily at Micah; her gazeden withplexity. What was Micah''s game? If he were truly unwell, his eyes wouldn''t be so clear and sharp. Bryan was clearly suspicious; a cursory inquiry would uncover the orchestrator behind her actions. Yet, he refrained from probing deeper.


    Even in fear of Raymond, he shouldn''t shy away from such a grave matter. If Raymond caught wind of it, he too would demand a thorough investigation.


    Micah had no grounds to release Bryan and the medical team. Was it possible he genuinely loved E and was shielding her intentionally? No, even if Micah cherished E, he wouldn''t risk the safety of children. That wasn''t his style. Then what was his n?


    "This matter ends here. No mentioning it again," Micah warned coldly, then turned to Nelson, issuing an order to leave. "Uncle Nelson, you''ve been busy here all day. You should go home and rest."


    "I''ve been wanting to leave," Nelson said awkwardly, "But I had arranged to take E to see Mr. Raymond Clemens this afternoon."


    Nelson was smart; he knew that with Sadie here, E wouldn''t have a good time, so he wanted to take her away.


    "I''ll inform Ss. E won''t be going today," Micah said calmly, "Grandpa''s condition is stable, so Mia''s safety is the priority right now."


    "You''re right." Nelson nodded. "How about Ee with me after she''s done treating Mia?"


    "Both Mia and I rely on her for treatment now. She can''t leave," Micah said, looking meaningfully at Nelson.


    "But..." Nelson hesitated. Just then, a female member of the medical staff approached and interjected, "Mr. Lingston, Ms. Lingston asked for you to return first. She wishes to remain here and attend to Mia and Mr. Clemens." "Alright then," Nelson said helplessly, then tentatively asked Micah, "Since Bryan and the others are gone, should I arrange for a few more people to help?"

 Chapter 945 Speechless

    "I will have Dahlia bring people over, so you don''t have to trouble yourself about that." Micah gestured, and the attendant came to see Nelson out.


    "Then I shall take my leave. E is here, and she needs your care." Nelson looked at Sadie with concern, then quickly averted his gaze.


    "Don''t worry. This is the Clemens family." Micah nced at Sadie.


    "That''s good. That''s good." Nelson repeated twice, then left anxiously.


    "Micah, you''re incredibly arrogant. Do you believe I''m powerless just because I''m in your home?" Sadie demanded; her anger palpable. "If I truly intended harm, you couldn''t stop me."


    "I understand your capability," Micah replied calmly, "but with Mia''s current condition, shouldn''t we wait until she stabilizes?"


    Sadie thought for a moment and realized that she couldn''t act impulsively at this time.


    "Tell Dahlia toe over," Micah instructed Oliver.


    "Yes." Oliver immediately went to make the call.


    "Let''s go upstairs and wait for them." Micah made a gesture of invitation.


    Sadie followed him upstairs, and they arrived outside Mia''s room.


    E was treating Mia, with several medical staff assisting her.


    Arya and four female bodyguards were watching them sternly.


    E was no longer as calm as before; sweat was pouring down her forehead, and her hands were trembling as she was treating Mia.


    Sadie watched this scene from the doorway, furrowing tightly.


    Micah strode in and reminded her, "Stay calm. You must cure Mia!"


    E looked back at him, feeling slightly reassured, and continued with the treatment.


    "Will this really work?" Annika asked in a low voice.


    Sadie didn''t respond but went to an empty room to make a phone call. Soon, the call was connected.


    "Sadie!" Tristan was on the other side of the phone.


    "Tristan, I need to ask you for a favor." Sadie asked.


    "Say it, Sadie."


    Sadie brought out a request, "I want to borrow Virgil Newman for a few days."


    "Is your old ailment acting up?" Tristan asked with concern.


    "No, I..." Sadie tried to exin the situation.


    "If it''s not for you, then there''s no need to involve Dr. Newman." With that, Tristan hung up the phone.


    Sadie was helpless; Virgil was Tristan''s personal doctor and rarely made appearances. Even Tristan wouldn''t call on him unless it were extremely urgent.


    When Sadie was poisoned, Tristan had sought many doctors to treat her, but they could only provide superficial relief.


    After much effort, he finally contacted Virgil, who concocted a medicine for her to take regrly, which alleviated the poison.


    Seeing Mia in this state, Sadie was very worried, so she called Tristan to ask for Virgil''s help, but Tristan refused her plead for help outright. Could they really only rely on E now?


    "She''s vomiting. She''s vomiting!" Arya''s excited voice came from outside.


    Sadie hurried over as Mia vomited a mouthful of toxic blood, bursting into loud sobs.


    E was exhausted and copsed to the ground, wiping the sweat from her forehead.


    She was truly terrified; if she hadn''t been able to cure Mia this time, Sadie would have killed her on the spot!


    "Mia," Micah stepped forward to hold Mia, gentlyforting her, "Don''t be afraid, Daddy is here."


    "Mommy. I want Mommy." Mia reached out her little hands, calling for Sadie.


    Sadie walked over quickly and held Mia''s hand. "Mommy is here."


    Mommy. Mia threw herself into Sadie''s arms, hugging her neck tightly. "Mommy, don''t leave. Don''t leave me alone."


    "Mommy, please stay," Nathan clung to Sadie''s leg, tears streaming down his face. "They say children without a mother are very pitiful. Without you, we would be too pitiful." Micah fell silent; Nathan made it sounded like they were being mistreated at home.


    "What kind of father are you?" Sadie red at Micah.


    "I..." Micah was speechless.

 Chapter 946 Please Stay

    "Mommy, please stay. Wait until Mia gets better before you leave," Noah pleaded, tugging at Sadie''s sleeve. "What if something happens to Mia when you''re not here?" "I will take you all with me," Sadiemanded with a wave of her hand.


    "Stop it," Micah quickly intervened. "Mia is so sick. Why are you making such a fuss?"


    "Micah..."


    "For the sake of the children, please stay," Micah nearly begged. "We can discuss everything elseter!"


    Hearing this, E grew anxious and gently tugged at Micah''s sleeve, but he didn''t respond at all.


    Sadie hesitated. Although she didn''t want to stay, she couldn''t risk Mia''s safety any further.


    All she wanted now was for Mia to recover quickly. With Virgil unavable and Hubert not yet back, she had to rely on E''s treatment.


    But if E made another harmful move, Mia would be in grave danger.


    Mia couldn''t afford any more trouble.


    Thinking of this, Sadie finally relented. "Alright. I''ll stay for a few days until Mia''s condition stabilizes."


    "That''s the right decision," Micah said, overjoyed. He immediately ordered, "Andrew. Prepare a room quickly, and arrange rooms for the others as well." "Yes, sir." Andrew promptly informed Reba to make the arrangements.


    "Daddy, you look so happy," Nathan said, looking at Micah in surprise. "You''re smiling."


    "Am I?" Micah quickly dropped the grin off his face.


    Sadie rolled her eyes athim and said, "I want to stay with Mia alone."


    "I want to stay with Mia too."


    "Get out!"


    "Oh."


    Micah hadn''t finished speaking before Sadie shouted him out of the room.


    Everyone was stunned. They never expected Micah, who was usually high-and-mighty, to be so afraid of Sadie.


    E''s face turned pale and then flushed, losing all her usualposure. She had put in so much effort to barely stay by Micah''s side as a doctor.


    But Sadie had easily found an excuse to move into the Clemens Vi. Micah treated her like a guest of honor, making it seem like this was her home. It couldn''t go on like this, or E''s hopes of bing "Mrs. Clemens" would be fading.


    But now, not to mention making a move, even surviving here was a challenge. What should she do?


    "Dr. Lingston, please." Annika gestured.


    E had no choice but to leave with her head down, followed by the other medical staff.


    With no outsiders left in the room, the children gathered around Sadie and cheered happily. "Mommy, it''s great! You''re finally home!"


    "I''m only staying temporarily," Sadie gently exined. "Mia is sick, and I''m worried. I need to oversee her care personally. Once Mia gets better, I will..."


    "We''ll see about that," Nathan waved his hand and generously said. "Maybe when Mia gets better, Mommy won''t want to leave."


    "Yes. That''s right." Noah nodded with a smile.


    "I don''t care. I just want Mommy to stay with me," Mia said, throwing herself into Sadie''s arms and holding her tightly. "I''m not afraid when Mommy is here." "Good girl, Mia," Sadie said softly, stroking Mia''s hair. "With Mommy here, no one can hurt you."


    "Mommy, will you sleep in my room?" Mia nestled in Sadie''s arms, unwilling to let her go. "I want to hold you every day."


    "Okay." Sadie kissed her forehead. "I will sleep here."


    "What about me?" Nathan asked, a bit jealous. "I want Mommy too."


    "You''re a man and an older brother," Noah reminded him sternly. "Are you going topete with Mia for this?"


    "No," Nathan quickly exined, "I''m notpeting with Mia. I just... Never mind. I''m satisfied as long as I can see Mommy every day."


    "Good boy. When Mia gets better, I will spend more time with you." Sadie gentlyforted them.

 Chapter 947 Superfluous Crowd

    Micah personally instructed Reba to prepare a room for Sadie and specifically asked her to prepare guest rooms for Annika and Arya. Reba was overjoyed to hear that Sadie would be staying and immediately set about preparing the room.


    Susan and the servants cheerfully went to tidy up, and the attendants also helped with the preparations. After all, Sadie saved them from Nickst time, and they always remembered it.


    In an instant, the atmosphere in the house became lively. The servants and attendants bustled about as if they were preparing for a party.


    However, Oliver timidly ran in and asked Andrew, "Andrew, that eagle keeps circling the roof and trying to get inside. What should we do?"


    They all knew that it was Sadie''s pet, and they couldn''t hit it or chase it away. But they also didn''t dare let it in, lest the older servants would be frightened. "Well..."


    "Let it in." Annika happened to pass by.


    "Is that OK?" Andrew frowned and said. "What if it hurts someone?"


    "Don''t worry. Without Ms. James''smand, Coco won''t easily hurt anyone," Annika said haughtily, "unless someone deserves it!"


    "You..."


    Suddenly, the eagle called out from outside.


    "Ah!" Two of the Lingston family''s nurses were so frightened they nearly tumbled down the stairs.


    E''s face ;also turned pale with fear.


    "It is really scary," an old servant said, trembling. "Do we have to keep it in the house?"


    "Will it attack me?" Another young maid asked, shaking with fear. "Ms. Roth used to keep a small parrot, but now she has an eagle."


    "You see." Andrew pointed at the maids. "It hasn''t evene in yet, and it''s already scaring people like this. What if we let it in? We should send it back." "No," Annika insisted firmly, "Ms. James brought it here specifically. We can''t send it back."


    "But..."


    "Coco!" Andrew was about to speak when Noah suddenly called out to the outside and then whistled.


    The eagle pped its wings and flew in like an arrow, bringing a sharp gust of wind wherever it went. Several maids screamed in fright.


    The Lingston family nurses were even more terrified, scattering as if the eagle were about to attack them.


    Andrew turned warily, ready to defend, but the eagle flew right over his head andnded on Noah''s shoulder.


    The eagle was heavy, and Noah''s shoulders sagged under it. But his look remained cold and proud as hemanded, "Be good. Understand?" The eagle let out a gentle call.


    "Good." Noah patted its wing and then turned to Annika. "Annika, Coco will stay in my room. Please have someone bring its food."


    "Yes, Mr. Noah ;Clemens." Annika nodded with a smile.


    "Reba, Susan and Cynthia Young. Don''t be afraid. Coco is my pet; it won''t hurt you." Noah reassured the maids.


    "Okay." Reba and the others nodded repeatedly.


    Noah took the eagle straight to his room, leaving everyone stunned. They still remembered how not long ago, this eagle had almost injured Noah when it first intruded into the Clemens Vi. Unexpectedly, it had now been tamed so quickly and had be his pet!


    "Mr. Noah Clemens is truly amazing," Cynthia, a maid, said sincerely.


    "Since it''s Mr. Noah Clemens''s pet, we''re not afraid anymore," Reba said, calming herself. "Let''s cut some beef and send it to the eagleter." "Okay."


    The servants continued their busy work.


    Seeing that the maids were no longer afraid, Andrew did not interfere further.


    Annika went to instruct the bodyguards to fetch the luggage.


    Everyone was busy themselves except the members of the Lingston family, who seemed superfluous.

 Chapter 948 Ella Would Never Give Up

    The bodyguards and servants did not care for E. Instead, they were quite friendly with the James family.


    In no time, Reba and Annika had be well acquainted.


    Annika discussed with her whether they should call over the James family''s cooks and servants, fearing that Reba and her team might be overwhelmed and exhausted.


    Reba repeatedly declined, saying that they usually didn''t have much work and often felt bored. Now that Sadie had finally returned, the family was bustling with joy over the reunion. They were happy and willing to be a bit busier. Annika was deeply moved by these words, not expecting the Clemens family''s older servants to be so kind to Sadie.


    Reba also told Annika that they were all family. If there was anything she needed, she should feel free to ask without hesitation.


    Annika nodded with a smile and told them not to overwork themselves. If they couldn''t manage, they should definitely say so, and she would arrange for help.


    Reba smiled and agreed, then went to the kitchen to get busy.


    Susan eximed excitedly, saying that the truedy of the house had returned, and the atmosphere in the room felt different.


    These words were clearly meant for E to hear.


    Now, the entire household did not wee her. She was not only ignored but also resented.


    Of the eight medical staff brought by E, three had been sent away, leaving five who were also not well-received.


    E returned to her room in dismay, and the five medical staff quickly approached her. "Ms. Lingston, should we go back? These people don''t like us, and staying here only makes us more annoying."


    "Yes. Even the servants don''t like us. We''re working ourselves to the bone every day and still not appreciated. Why stay here and suffer?"


    "And Sadie is back now. She is so strong and has such a powerful backing. If you stay, I''m afraid..." Before the medical staff could finish speaking, E interrupted with a p.


    E was extremely angry and that''s a hard p.


    The medical staff''s face turned red and swollen, a clear handprint appearing immediately. But she kept her head down, not daring to make a sound, only biting her lip and silently crying.


    E forcefully lifted her chin, making her look at her, then angrily gestured, "Listen. I pay you so much money to work for me. Even if it''s humiliating, you must endure it!" "Yes!" The medical staff responded weakly.


    "The James Group and the Clemens family are arch-enemies. Micah will not want Sadie. Even if he does, there''s still Mr. Raymond Clemens," E continued, "I know what to do. You idiots don''t need to worry." "Yes. Understood." The medical staff were very afraid of her.


    At this moment, E looked fierce,pletely different from her usual weak self.


    "Keep your mouths shut and don''t talk nonsense," E ordered in signnguage. "Do whatever I tell you to do. If you hear any useful information, report it to me immediately, and you will be heavily rewarded!"


    "Yes." The medical staff nodded repeatedly.


    "Get out," Emanded.


    The medical staff left, leaving E alone in the room. She felt a bit exhausted without the assistance of her capable aide, Bryan. The remaining ones were useless and couldn''t be of much help. Even so, E would never give up. She had put in so much effort to finally live in the Clemens family and hold an important position by Micah''s side. If she gave up now, wouldn''t it be too much of a waste?


    But Sadie was too strong; she couldn''tpete with her.


    What should she do?


    As she was thinking, her phone rang. E looked down and saw it was a video call from Nelson. She immediately answered.


    "E, how are you? Did Sadie bully you?" Nelson asked anxiously.


    "What do you think?" E touched her neck, where there was still a deep scratch. Just now, Sadie had almost strangled her to death.

 Chapter 949 A Two-Faced Woman

    "You''d bettere back quickly." Nelson recalled the scene with lingering fear. "The James family is known for theirbat skills. Tristan is a ruthless killer, and Sadie has the same murderous aura. Sadie looked at you like she wanted to tear you apart. They even keep eagles as pets. Staying there will be torturous." "Stop talking nonsense," E said irritably. "What you need to do now is help me figure out how to get rid of Sadie, not persuade me to leave."


    "Are you kidding? How could I possibly get rid of Sadie? She said today that if I caused any trouble, she''d kill me too," Nelson said helplessly. "E, let''s leave first. We need to save our own lives."


    "Enough." E was ready to hang up the phone. Suddenly, she thought of something and quickly gestured, "How is Mr. Raymond Clemens?"


    "When I left the Clemens family, I went to the hospital to see him. He''s recovering well and wants to be discharged. But Ss won''t let him, insisting he needs more time to recuperate. I didn''t dare tell him about issues today."


    "No. You must tell him," E immediately gestured. "Not only tell him but also let him know that Sadie has returned to seek revenge on the Clemens family. She tried to kidnap children and poisoned Mia, who is now on the brink of death. I risked my life to save Mia and stayed with the Clemens family to protect her."


    "Understood." Nelson quickly grasped her meaning. "I''ll go to the hospital right away."


    "My happiness and the future of the Lingston family all depend on you now," E gestured solemnly. "It''s best if Mr. Raymond Clemenses back to uphold justice. Only then can that bitch Sadie be driven out of the Clemens family." "Got it!" Nelson nodded repeatedly. "I''ll get on it right away. Don''t worry."


    After hanging up the phone, E smiled as if everything was within her grasp.


    Sadie stayed in the room with Mia until she fell asleep.


    Annika walked in quietly and whispered, "I brought some luggage for you and put it in the guest room they arranged. You should go eat something. I''ll watch over Miss Mia Clemens."


    "Alright." Sadie carefully withdrew her arm, stretching her neck and shoulders. She had been lying on Mia''s side holding her, and her arm had gone numb.


    "You''ve worked hard," Annika said and massaged her. "Go eat something. You haven''t had anything all day. Miss Mia Clemens''s condition has stabilized. I''ll keep an eye on her. I don''t believe E would dare make a move in front of me." "Exactly," Arya said, walking in with a bowl of soup. "Ms. James, please drink this to avoid hypoglycemia."


    "Thank you," Sadie said andtook a sip. "Have you contacted Rodolfo? How is the search going?"


    "Yes," Arya whispered, "Rodolfo said that after your incident two years ago, Dr. Henry and his family had a big misunderstanding with Mr. Clemens. They moved away and cut off all contact with the Clemens family. Recently, Mr. Clemens tried to reach out to them, but they turned him away. Now, Rodolfo went to find them, but they moved again. We don''t know where they are now. Rodolfo hasn''t found them yet, but he said Serena might know Dr. Henry''s whereabouts." "Arrange a meeting with Serena," Sadie instructed immediately.


    "Yes." Arya nodded.


    Sadie put on her coat and was about to leave when she opened the door to find Micah about to knock.


    Their eyes met. Sadie looked cold, while Micah''s gaze wasplex. Micah asked, "We need to talk."


    "Fine," Sadie replied coldly, "I was just about to look for you."


    Micah made a gesture of invitation.

 Chapter 950 The Former Sadie is Dead

    Sadie followed Micah into a room. A strong sense of familiarity washed over her as she entered.


    Sadie paused, looking around the room in a daze, and suddenly saw the wedding photo hanging by the bed.


    It was of her and Micah, along with their three kids, Brenda and Little Coco.


    A photo of their family of seven taken by the seaside! They were all smiling brightly, happiness radiating from their faces.


    The sunlight bathed their faces, just like the intense love between them, fervent and sincere.


    Sadie stared at the photo and waspletely stunned. Countless memories surged forth in her mind.


    "Call me husband."


    "I can''t say it!"


    "Practice with me."


    "Husband!"


    "Husband!"


    "Right!"


    "Won''t youe to help me bathe? Serving me well is the best reward to me!"


    "I''ming."


    "We''re married now. Why aren''t you happy?"


    "I''m happy. My wife!"


    "Husband!"


    "Good! Look, I''m already wearing the ring. From now on, we are couples!"


    "Sadie, don''t be afraid. No matter what happens, I will never let go of your hand!"


    Those happy moments shed through her mind as if everything happened yesterday.


    Sadie''s heart was struck violently, and the emotions of the past surged forth. She looked up at Micah, and suddenly, tears streamed down her face.


    "Do you remember now?" Micah held her shoulders, asking excitedly, "We were once deeply in love. Do you remember?"


    Sadie looked at him through her tears, countless memories flooding her mind. All of them are happy and warm. She believed that they had truly been in love once. So much in love that they wished to be one. But...


    A sudden, intense pain in the back of her head brought Sadie back. She closed her eyes, clutching her head tightly, as cruel images shed repeatedly in her mind.


    Wedding dress, blood, Brenda, thunderand storm.


    Fragmented images shed through her mind like lightning, whipping her brain''s nerves. She quickly regained her reason. When her eyes opened again, they were filled with a fierce killing intent! Micah was startled by her gaze, taking a step back and looking at her in shock.


    "Don''t try to awaken my memories. It will only make me hate you more," Sadie warned through gritted teeth. "For the sake of the children, I won''t kill you now. But that doesn''t mean I have forgiven you!"


    "There are deep misunderstandings between us," Micah tried to exin. "Of course, if you don''t want to listen now, we can talkter. But for now..."


    "I will find Serena and ask about Dr. Henry''s whereabouts." Sadie knew what he wanted to say. "Mia is my daughter, and I will never let anything happen to her. Also, if I find out who the poisoner is, no matter who it is, I will kill her!" With that, Sadie turned to leave. At the door, she looked back at the photo and sneered, "Is there any point in keeping these useless things? All those past happy memories, along with the former Sadie, are already dead!" These words deeply shook Micah.


    He thought there was still a chance for everything.


    But the hatred had already taken root deep in Sadie''s heart, integrated into her bones and blood.


    It wasn''t something he could recewith those beautiful memories.


    But he was still not resigned, not wanting to give up just like that.


    Even if the past happy memories couldn''t offset the hatred, what about the children?


    Maybe the children were the remedy for everything.


    They had to be.

 Chapter 951 I Will Avenge Her

    Sadie left Micah''s room, intending to go downstairs for a meal when she happened to bump into E, who was carrying a medical kit upstairs.


    The two met face to face. E''s eyes showed obvious panic, and she immediately stepped aside to make way for Sadie.


    Sadie gave her a deep look and walked straight past her.


    E was nervous and uneasy. She waited until Sadie had gone downstairs before she lifted her head to watch Sadie''s retreating figure.


    In her eyes, there was jealousy, hatred, and something elseplex and indescribable.


    "Ms. Roth,e quickly for dinner," Reba called out warmly from a distance, rubbing her hands excitedly. "I''ve made all your favorite dishes, including bread and roast chicken."


    Sadie looked at the table full of sumptuous food. Indeed, every dish was something she liked.


    Even the pre-dinner coffee was her favorite.


    "You''ve been gone for two years, and we''ve all been looking forward to your return," Reba said, looking at Sadie gently as if a family member had returned. I remember every dish you like, the coffee you prefer, and even your favorite seat by the wall. Come, take your seat!"


    "Thank you, Reba."


    Sadie felt deeply moved. She had always thought that she was foolish, weak and ipetent before. Now, seeing how well these older servants treated her, she realized that she was actually quite good before.


    "Don''t be so polite. We''re all family," Reba said,ying a napkin for Sadie. "Noah and Nathan couldn''t wait and have already eaten. They''re probably asleep now. Mr. Clemens will be down shortly to join you for dinner." "Alright," Sadie responded and prepared to eat.


    "Ms. Roth," Reba suddenly asked cautiously, "What about Brenda? Did shee back with you? Is she well?"


    Sadie''s hand trembled slightly, and the silver spoon she was holding fell onto the te with a crisp sound.


    "What happened?" Reba asked in a panic, seeing Sadie''s expression change, "Did I say something wrong? Please don''t mind me. During the time Brenda was here, we became good friends. I''ve been thinking about her these past two years, so I asked about her."


    "Brenda has passed away," Sadie said softly with her head down.


    Reba was stunned. It took her a long time to recover. She asked emotionally, "Why? She was fine when she left. We made an appointment to visit the countryside together."


    "She was murdered," Sadie interrupted Reba and chokedup. "I will avenge her!"


    "How could this happen?" Reba was shocked, then asked tearfully, "Ms. Roth, how have you been these past two years?"


    Reba could hardly imagine what Sadie had gone through two years ago.


    Brenda was murdered, and Sadie must have faced hardships. She came back with a new identity and became so strong. It must have been because she was tormented so severely back then.


    "It''s alright. It''s all in the past." Sadie smiled at Reba. "I''m doing well now. No one dares to bully me anymore!"


    "Silly child." Reba couldn''t help but shed tears.


    Sadie''s heart touched as she heard this, and she thought of Brenda again. She remembered how Brenda alwaysforted her whenever she was in trouble or feeling down.


    "Silly child, don''t be afraid. I''m here. No matter what happens, I will protect you."


    She thouhgt, ''Why did they harm such a good person like Brenda?''


    Just then, a bodyguard hurriedly reported to Andrew, "Andrew, Amelia has escaped!"


    "How could this happen?" Andrew quickly ordered, "Go after her immediately."


    "We''re chasing her, but she stole a car."


    "Annika!" Sadiemanded sternly.


    "I''m here!" Annika immediately rushed out with two bodyguards, ring at Andrew. "The Clemens family is really useless!"

 Chapter 952 An Undeniable Fact

    "You..." Andrew was furious and immediately led his men to follow. He did not want to be outdone by the James family on his turf and end up beingbeled as ipetent. At this moment, Micah received the news and hurriedly came downstairs.


    "Micah!" Rn quickly reported, "Andrew has already gone after her."


    "Don''t let her get away," Micah ordered with a frown.


    "Don''t worry. We''ve sent many people."


    As Rn spoke, a sharp cry of an eagle echoed from upstairs. In an instant, the eagle swooped down like an arrow, flying over their heads with a whoosh.


    Rn instinctively ducked to avoid the eagle''s wings. A dark shadow shed by, stirring up a gust of wind.


    Downstairs, several maids and female medical staff screamed in fright, with two copsing to the ground. Meanwhile, Sadie continued her meal calmly, not even lifting an eyelid.


    Micah walked over and exined, "About Amelia..."


    "I know," Sadie interrupted and red at him, "The night I went to war with Nick, you immediately escorted Amelia to the suburbs, providing her withprehensive protection. For her safety, you even brought her home. Micah, you are quite considerate!"


    "It''s not what you think," Micah hurriedly exined. "I just wanted to gather evidence to arrest them."


    "Is there still a need to gather evidence?" Sadie found it amusing. "With the Clemens family''s influence, I don''t believe you couldn''t uncover the truth in two years."


    "I already found out, but we need evidence to arrest them," Micah said with a frown. "This isn''t Country E. We can''t deal with it privately."


    "Is that so?" Sadie raised an eyebrow. "Nick poisoned me, kidnapped Noah, and ordered Amelia to kill Brenda. Will the Clemens family uphold justice and bring her to justice?"


    "Yes," Micah answered without hesitation.


    "You say you will, but there''s no action." Sadie questioned, "It''s been two years, and you still haven''t gathered evidence?"


    "That''s because..." Micah initially wanted to say it was because Tristan covered up the evidence, but thinking it might anger Sadie further, he changed his words. "In any case, I will give you an exnation!"


    "If you truly intended to give me an exnation, you wouldn''t have dyed until now, nor would you have protected Amelia!" Sadie looked at him suspiciously. "Are you hiding something by shielding the murderer?" "Of course not," Micah immediately denied,"I just wanted to..."


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens is back!" Before Micah could finish, an urgent report came from outside, apanied by the sound of a car.


    Micah was stunned. He thought, ''Why has Grandpareturned at this time? His health is so poor. He hasn''t fully recovered. Why has he suddenly been discharged ande home? Could it be...'' Micah''s look changed dramatically, and he quickly went out to meet him.


    "Why has Mr. Raymond Clemensreturned at this time?" Reba, upon learning of Raymond''s return, was also flustered and anxiously advised, "Ms. Roth, whatever Raymond sayster, please don''t take it to heart." Then, Reba instructed the maid, "Jessica Miller, quickly wake Noah and Nathan and tell them their Great-Grandpa Raymond is back."


    "Okay!" Jessica hurriedly ran upstairs.


    "Don''t worry. With Mr. Noah Clemens here, Raymond won''t do anything to you," Reba said worriedly, trying tofort her. "Ms. Roth, why don''t youe with me to greet Mr. Raymond Clemens?"


    Sadie put down her utensils, wiped her lips with a napkin, and looked at the maids rushing out to greet Raymond. She asked calmly, "Mr. Raymond Clemens never liked me, did he?"


    "Well..."


    Reba didn''t know how to respond. As an older servant of the house, she knew some of the inside stories. On the wedding day, Micah was forced to leave, leaving only the children behind. And Raymond''s people forcibly sent Sadie and Brenda away. That was an undeniable fact!

 Chapter 953 A Drama Queen

    Originally, it was thought that Raymond wouldn''t return for a while, as he was gravely ill and recuperating in the hospital. This would give Micah and Sadie time tomunicate and reconcile slowly, and under the influence of the three kids, Micah thought that they should be able to restore their rtionship.


    Unexpectedly, Raymond returned so quickly.


    Reba was now in a state of panic, unsure of what to do.


    "Let Jessicae down," Sadie said, putting on her coat. "Don''t wake them."


    "Well..." Reba hesitated for a moment but quickly called for Jessica.


    At that moment, amotion erupted upstairs. Arya shouted angrily, "Get out, or I''ll kill you if you keep talking!"


    "How can you do this? We are here to deliver medicine to Miss Mia Clemens."


    "Get out!"


    Sadie frowned and immediately went upstairs to check.


    It turned out that E had brought two maids to deliver medicine to Mia, but Mia was very resistant, crying and refusing to take it, and said not want to see them.


    Arya had told them to leave first and report to Sadie to decide whether Mia should take the medicine. However, E was insistent on making Mia take the medicine immediately. Then Arya lost her temper.


    Sadie looked at Mia. She was curled up at the edge of the bed, clutching a doll and trembling. She couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of pity and immediatelyforted her, "Mia, be good. Get some rest!"


    "Mommy, I''m scared." Mia''s voice had be hoarse from being sick for so long, and her sunken eyes were filled with tears. "I don''t want to take the medicine. It makes me feel worse."


    "Alright. You don''t have to take it if you don''t want to." Sadie gently reassured her. "Get some rest. I won''t let anyone disturb you again."


    "Okay." Mia nced at E and nodded timidly.


    "Stay here," Sadie instructed the two female bodyguards.


    "Yes." The two female bodyguards prepared to close the door.


    "Wait a moment." One of the female medical staff from the Lingston family immediately blocked the door, arguing persistently, "Ms. Mia Clemens is sick and should take her medicine. If she doesn''t, her illness won''t get better, and Mr. Clemens will me Ms. Lingston. That won''t do."


    "Are you doing this on purpose?" Arya pushed the medical staff away. "I said if there''s an issue, go downstairs to discuss it. Why are you causing a scene here? Are you deliberately provoking us?"


    "You..." The medical staff turned pale with fear.


    E hurriedly shielded the medical staff behind her, gesturing with agitation, "How can you do this? It''s my duty as a doctor. My medical staff is not wrong. If you don''t let Mia take her medicine and she doesn''t get better, Micah will me us..." "Cut the crap," Arya interrupted impatiently, "Who can understand your signnguage? You''re being ridiculous. Get out, and don''t disturb Ms. Mia Clemens."


    "You..."


    The female medical staff wanted to argue with Arya, but Sadie suddenly said coldly, "If you speak again, I''ll cut out your tongue."


    The medical staff immediately fell silent.


    "Get out!" Arya pushed them away.


    The female medical staff stumbled, spilling the medicine all over Sadie.


    Sadie frowned, and her gaze turned sharp.


    "You wretch. You did that on purpose, didn''t you?"


    Arya, burning with anger, pped the medical staff hard.


    The medical staff was knocked into the railing.


    E was furious. Shepushed Arya and gestured in signnguage to argue with her.


    Arya became even more annoyed. She pushed E away. Unexpectedly, E tumbled down the stairs. "I didn''t use much effort," Arya was stunned.


    Sadie frowned. Before she could speak, exaggerated screams came from downstairs. "Ms. Lingston!" "You''ve gone too far. Why are you bullying Ms. Lingston like this?"


    "Exactly. Our Ms. Lingston has no grudge with you. Why are you treating her this way?"


    "Our Ms. Lingston is here to treat Mr. Clemens and Miss Mia Clemens, not to be your servant." "You''re insane!" Arya shouted angrily. "If you love acting so much, why don''t you go act?"


    "Who is causing a ruckus in my house?" A voice, old yet powerful and filled with anger, slowly echoed.

 Chapter 954 A Blood Feud

    Sadie lifted her gaze and saw Ss slowly pushing Raymond, who was sitting in a wheelchair. inside. Micah and Rn followed on either side. Everyone wore a grave expression and looked worried. It seemed they anticipated an unpleasant confrontation between Raymond and Sadie.


    Indeed, Raymond''s eyes first lingered on the injured E for a few seconds. When he looked up and saw Sadie, his grip on the armrests of the wheelchair tightened, and his expression grew agitated. Yet, his gaze wasplex. Ss, upon seeing Sadie, was also somewhat emotional. Although he had known of Sadie''s return, witnessing it in person was still different.


    Standing in front of them, Sadie was physically no different from how she was two years ago, yet the aura she now exuded was strikingly stronger, stirring up a surge of past grievances and enmities in everyone''s minds. Sadie stood on the second-floor corridor, looking down at Raymond and the Clemens family. Memories of Raymond''s disdain and insults towards her shed through her mind.


    "I will not agree to this marriage. Even if the invitations are sent out, it won''t matter. I''ll have the wedding canceled."


    "I said I wouldn''t let Sadie marry into this family!"


    "The children must take the Clemens surname, of course. Name your price for the name change, and I''ll write you a check immediately!"


    "It doesn''t matter if the children have a mother or not. A father is enough."


    "Keeping the children in the Clemens family is beneficial for their future. They can''t even be sure of three meals a day and are often bullied if they live with you. If you truly love them, you should think of their best interests." "The wedding is canceled. You leave but leave the children here. This is not a discussion!"


    These words echoed repeatedly in Sadie''s ears, like knives stabbing into her heart. Narrowing her eyes, she coldly stared at Raymond, her mind still shing with fragments of memories.


    "I dere this marriage null and void!"


    "I tell you, I will not allow Sadie to marry into this family, not even over my dead body!"


    "Leave immediately before I kill you!"


    Sadie finally remembered. At the wedding, Raymond had abruptly halted the ceremony and forced Micah to send her to Country H, which led to her being hunted down and Brenda''s brutal murder.


    All of this was caused by Raymond.


    Gradually, a bone-deep hatred surfaced in Sadie''s eyes.


    "You''ve gone too far." Nelson''s agitated voice rang out. He was more arrogant than before. "My daughter came to the Clemens family to save lives. She brought herself to the brink of death to heal Micah and Mia. Not only are you ungrateful, but you also repeatedly bully and insult her. What do you take us for?"


    "Shut up!" Arya, with her fiery temper, could not tolerate it any longer. "There''s not a single good person in the Lingston family. Your eldest daughter loves to act in front of others, your second daughter is a murderer, and you are a hypocrite." "You..." Nelson was so furious that his face turned ashen, and he was unable to speak.


    "How dare you?" Raymond roared angrily. "Who gave you the courage to be so arrogant in the Clemens family?"


    "I did," Sadie replied coldly, then began to descend the stairs step by step. Arya and two other female bodyguards followed behind her.


    "Grandpa." Micah quickly stepped forward to ease the tension. "The three kids are at home, and Mia is still sick. Let''s discuss this in the study."


    "Alright." Raymond nodded, looking at Sadie with aplex expression. "I also want to talk to you."

 Chapter 955 You Are So Reckless

    "We can talk if you must. But I need to deal with her first." Sadie suddenly grabbed E by the neck. Her eyes were fierce and she looked like an enraged lioness, exuding a chilling aura from head to toe!


    Her strength was immense, and E felt suffocated on the spot!


    Everyone was stunned.


    They never expected that the once gentle and weak Sadie had now be so formidable!


    It was as if she were a different person.


    "What are you doing? Let her go." Nelson attempted to step forward to stop her but was immediately pushed away by Arya.


    "Stop!" Raymond shouted angrily. "This is the Clemens family. We won''t tolerate your arrogance."


    "The Clemens family?" Sadieughed mockingly. "The Clemens family is a ce where right and wrong are indistinguishable!"


    "You..." Raymond was momentarily speechless, for no one had ever dared to confront him like this.


    "I warned you," Sadie approached E, gritting her teeth and shouting angrily, "I don''t care if you try to steal a man. But I won''t tolerate it if you use Mia to act to provoke me deliberately!" With that, she exerted more force, and E was on the verge of copse.


    "No!" Nelson shouted anxiously, "Raymond. Help!"


    "Stop it!" Raymondmanded with a wave of his hand. Immediately, a dozen guns were pointed at Sadie.


    "What are you doing?" Micah immediately stepped forward. "Put the guns down!"


    But these were Raymond''s bodyguards, and they didn''t listen to him at all.


    Arya and the others also immediately raised their guns, aiming at Raymond.


    Arya arrogantly shouted, "If you dare to shoot Ms. James, we''ll die together with Mr. Raymond Clemens."


    "You are so reckless!" Ss trembled with anger. She thoguht the members of the James family were mad. They actually dared toy hands on Raymond.


    "Stop it." Micah stepped forward to stop Sadie. "Cut it out, Sadie. They''re not joking."


    "Are you feeling sorry for her?" Sadie red at Micah with disgust. "Micah, I really despise you. For E, you don''t even care about Mia''s safety!"


    "It''s precisely because of Mia''s safety that I''m asking you to let her go," Micah said anxiously, "Dr. Henry hasn''t been found yet. If something happens to Mia, we still need her. For Mia''s sake, spare her life for now!"


    Hearing this, Sadie was slightly taken aback. That''s right. Hubert hadn''t been found and Virgil hadn''t been persuaded. At least E could temporarily keep Mia alive. If she really killed her, it would cut off Mia''s hope of being saved. Thinking of this, Sadie slowly loosened her grip. E copsed to the ground, clutching her neck and retching continuously.


    "E." Nelson hurriedly stepped forward to support her.


    The medical staff from the Lingston family were terrified, hiding to one side and not daring to approach.


    "If you dare to mess with me again, I''ll kill you immediately," Sadie warned E with a scary look.


    "That is too much." Nelson was extremely agitated. ;"Mr. Raymond Clemens, E came here to save people, but now she''s being abused like this. You must seek justice for us." "Micah!" Raymond red at Sadie but ordered Micah, "Throw this madwoman out."


    "Grandpa."


    "If you don''t act, I''ll have my men do it," Raymond shouted angrily. "This is the Clemens family, not the James family!" After shouting, he clutched his chest and coughed continuously. "Mr. Raymond Clemens, please calm down." Ss hurriedly patted his back.


    Micah, seeing Raymond in this state and remembering the doctor''s words that he didn''t have long to live, couldn''t help but feel a bit soft-hearted. He turned to look at Sadie. But before he could speak, Sadie''s sharp gaze made him unable to utter a word.

 Chapter 956 Put a Gun Against Her Husbands Head

    "Don''t bother. I will leave on my own," Sadie coldly red at Micah and haughtily said, "What is so great about the Clemens family? I don''t care at all!" "Prepare the car," Arya instructed the attendant.


    Nelson and E exchanged a nce; their goal was finally achieved.


    "However, my children must leave with me," Sadie suddenly said. "You Clemens family members can''t tell right from wrong. I can''t let them stay here and take risks!"


    "They belong to the Clemens family; no one is allowed to take them away." Raymond was extremely agitated. "Don''t think that just because you have the James Group backing you, you can do whatever you want. I''m not dead yet, and you can''t be arrogant here!"


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, do you think you can still act like you did two years ago?" Sadie mocked with a smile. "I had no power or influence back then and was humiliated by your Clemens family in every way. But now, no one can take my children from me!" As she said, Sadie pointed a gun at Micah''s head. "If anyone dares to stop me, I''ll kill him right now!"


    The gun was pressed directly against Micah''s forehead, and everyone was stunned.


    "Sadie James!" Micah''s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Sadie. "Are you crazy?"


    Micah could hardly believe it. This was the first time in his life that someone had pointed a gun at him, and it was his beloved woman, Sadie.


    "How dare you?" Raymond''s withered hand trembled as he pointed at Sadie.


    "Do you think I dare not?" Sadie pulled the trigger.


    Reba was so frightened that she fell to the ground. "Ms. Roth, no. Don''t kill him."


    "You are crazy!" Nelson was scared out of his wits.


    E hurriedly got up from the ground and gestured emotionally to Raymond, "Mr. Raymond Clemens, save Micah quickly."


    "Ms. James, calm down." Rn''s forehead was covered in sweat. "Let''s talk this over!"


    "Yes. Yes. Let''s talk this over. Don''t be impulsive," Ss hurriedly advised. "Noah and the other children are at home. If they see their mother kill their father, they will be frightened."


    "Yes. Noah and the other children can''t be without a father," Reba cried and pleaded.


    "It doesn''t matter if they don''t have a father; having a mother is enough," Sadie mimicked Raymond''s tone from before and arrogantly said. "After all, this father is a fool, bewitched by a woman and unable to protect them. He''s useless even if he''s alive."


    Micah''s mouth twitched and he felt speechless.


    The Clemens family was all stunned.


    All along, no one had ever dared to be so arrogant and disrespectful in the Clemens family to defy Raymond and bully Micah so wantonly!


    "How unfortunate!" Raymond clutched his chest in anger and coughed continuously, even coughing up blood.


    The atmosphere at the scene was like andmine about to explode.


    "Mommy!" Suddenly, a childish voice rang out.


    Sadie instinctively looked up.


    Nathan, wearing yellow dinosaur pajamas, stood in the hallway on the second floor and looked at them in shock. "What are you doing?"


    "Nathan." Sadie immediately put away the gun. "I''mying a game with Daddy!"


    No one could persuade Sadie except the three kids could.


    "What happened?"


    At this moment, Noah also came out of the room. He was wearing space-themed pajamas and still looked sleepy. Seeing the situation downstairs, he immediately frowned. "Great-grandpa, weren''t you in the hospital? Why did youe back suddenly?"


    "Noah. Nathan." Raymond''s heart tightened when he saw the kids. "Go back to your room quickly."


    As he spoke, Raymond signaled to Ss with his eyes. Ss quickly led the attendants upstairs, intending to take Noah and Nathanback to their rooms to prevent them from seeing the bloody scene.

 Chapter 957 Her Weakness

    "I don''t want to go back to my room." Noah reacted fiercely to Raymond''s attitude. "What are you trying to do? Are you nning to hide something from me and bully my Mommy again?" "Don''t bully my Mommy!" Nathan ran downstairs with clumsy steps.


    For the first time, Micah felt wronged. Clearly, it was Sadie who was bullying them.


    Raymond frowned deeply, fully aware of how much Sadie''s disappearance two years ago had affected the three kids. Because of this, Noah had refused to speak to him for two years. "Mommy!" Noah ran downstairs, spreading his arms protectively in front of Sadie, and shouted angrily, "No one is going to make my Mommy leave. If she leaves, I''ll go with her." "Me too." Nathan stood in front of Sadie. "I''ll follow Mommy wherever she goes. Mia said the same thing."


    "I didn''t protect Mommy two years ago, but I won''t let it happen again." Noah recalled the events from two years ago and said with tears, "Great-grandpa, two years ago, you lied to me that you were sending Mommy for treatment, but you sent her and Brenda abroad, causing Mommy to be hunted down and Brenda to be killed. I won''t believe you again!"


    "Yes," Nathan echoed angrily, "If it has to be this way, we''ll leave together. Mommy is rich now; we won''t starve."


    Raymond opened his mouth but didn''t know what to say. His feelings wereplex, filled with anger and opposition, yet also regret for what happened two years ago. More than anything, he felt guilty towards the kids. "Noah. Nathan. Don''t talk to Great-grandpa like that." Micah squatted down tofort them. "You''ve misunderstood. Great-grandpa isn''t making Mommy leave, and she won''t leave."


    "Daddy, is this our home?" Noah asked Micah.


    "Of course it is." Micah nodded.


    "If it''s our home, then we have the right to let Mommy stay," Noah said confidently. "Mommy has everything now. She doesn''t like staying here; she''s only here to take care of us. No one is allowed to bully her." "No one dares to bully her." Micah nced at Sadie. "Don''t worry."


    "But just now..."


    "Didn''t you see? It was Sadie bullying me," Micah said and appeared to have been wronged. "If you hadn''te, she would have hit me."


    Noah looked up at Sadie. "Mommy, is that true?"


    "Yes." Sadie nodded. "Because he didn''t protect you."


    "Then he deserves it," Noah concluded decisively.


    Micah was speechless. It seemed he had no say in this household.


    "Enough." Raymond didn''t want the kids to be affected. He stared at Sadie and said, "Take Noah and Nathan upstairs to rest. We adults will discuss this in the study." "Alright," Sadie nced at him coldly and said to Arya. "Take them upstairs."


    "Yes." Arya came over to coax Noah and Nathan upstairs.


    "No." Noah refused to go and choked up. "Two years ago, you tricked me into leaving, and then Mommy disappeared."


    "Silly boy." Sadie squatted down, gentlyforting him. "Mommy is different now. No one can make Mommy leave unless I want to. And if mommy leaves, I''ll take you." "Okay." Noah nodded repeatedly, holding Sadie''s face with his hands. "Mommy, take me wherever you go. I will protect you!"


    "Okay." Sadie was deeply moved. "Be good. Take Nathan upstairs first."


    "Okay." Noah held Nathan''s hand. "Nathan, let''s go upstairs."

 Chapter 958 Foolishness

    The children left, and the hall returned to its former tranquility. This time, the atmosphere was no longer as tense.


    Micah began to take charge. "Rn, please escort Mr. Lingston and Ms. Lingston back to their rooms."


    "Yes." Rn stepped forward. "Mr. Lingston. Ms. Lingston. Please."


    "Micah."


    E wanted to say something, but Micah didn''t even look at her. Nelson pulled her away and said, "Let''s go. Given the current situation, we shouldn''t get involved." With the Lingston family gone, the atmosphere eased a bit.


    "Let''s talk." Raymond took the initiative to speak to Sadie. "I think you must have a lot of grievances. Let''s get things straight?"


    "Grievances?" Sadie red coldly at Raymond. "It''s outright hatred!"


    "I understand." Raymond nodded calmly. "Let''s go to the study."


    "Yes." Ss wheeled Raymond towards the study.


    Micah and Sadie followed, with Rn and Arya close behind.


    The group entered the study, a ce of solemnity and an inexplicable sense of oppression.


    Reba and Susan nervously came in to serve coffee, then hurriedly retreated.


    The door closed, and the light in the study was slightly dim.


    Raymond sat in the main seat. Though he was tired and weak, he still sat upright as if trying to disy his authority in this manner.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens." Ss handed Raymond a cup of coffee.


    Raymond took a sip of the coffee and slowly said, "Do you remember that I talked to you in this room two years ago?"


    "Yes. You said you wouldn''t agree to my marriage with Micah and forced me to change the children''sst names. You also made me leave the Clemens family."


    Since Sadie stepped into the Clemens family, these memories had resurfaced in her mind. It showed how impressed those memories were, so much so that even after losing her memory, returning here brought back fragments of the past. "Today, I will likely bring up the same topics," Raymond said straightforwardly. "The James family and the Clemens family cannot coexist peacefully. You should not be together!" "Grandpa..."


    "You are right." Sadie sneered coldly. "So what?"


    "You are indeed different now." Raymond looked at her deeply. "The air is entirely different from the former you. You now have the demeanor of the James family!"


    "What do you want to say?" Sadie didn''t want to waste time with him.


    "I know you hate me. What happened two years ago was my fault," Raymond said with guilty. "It''s okay if you want revenge. Please do not torment kids. They bear the Clemens name and are destined to be part of the Clemens family. No one can take them away!"


    "Destined?" Sadie mocked with a coldugh. "What do you mean by destined? They are my children, and they also have the genes of the James family. Why are they destined to be part of the Clemens family?"


    "So you still want to take the children away?" Raymond''s face turned serious. "You are acting recklessly for your selfish desires without considering the kids'' feelings."


    "I don''t want to hear that." Sadie had no intention of continuing the conversation with Raymond. "If I wanted to take revenge on the Clemens family, I wouldn''t need to start with the kids. It is because I considered their feelings that I have tolerated and retreated repeatedly. It is the Clemens family that is ipetent and unable to protect them, so I had to step in. Unfortunately, not only are you ipetent, but you also cannot distinguish between good and evil, even harboring evildoers. If the kids stay in such a family, it would be even more dangerous!"


    "What are you talking about?" Raymond was furious. "What do you mean by not distinguishing between good and evil? Who is the evildoer?"


    "The fact that you are still asking me such questions shows how foolish you are." Sadie was extremely angry. "Not only foolish but also self-righteous!" "You..."

 Chapter 959 Irreconcilable

    "Sadie, don''t go too far!" Micah frowned and said in a low voice. "Respect your elders!"


    "Respect is mutual." Sadie red at him coldly, then stood up and left.


    "Stop," Raymond shouted angrily. "Now that Mia is sick, I can allow you to stay for a few days, but once Mia recovers, you must leave immediately!"


    "Do you think I want to stay? I don''t care," Sadie retorted sarcastically. "But I must take the kids with me."


    They will not go with you," Raymond warned domineeringly. "If you dare to take them, I will not let you off!"


    "Really?" Sadie raised an eyebrow and sneered. "Then I''ll have to give it a try."


    "You..."


    "Enough!" Micah said helplessly. "We agreed tomunicate properly, but here we are arguing. What good wille of it?"


    "I can talk to you peacefully." Raymond changed his tone. "The three kids'' birth certificates clearly showed that they belonged to the Clemens family. And the custody agreement states that they are to stay with us. If you forcibly take them away, you will be breaking thew!"


    "I''ll file awsuit then," Sadie said calmly. "Besides, I am fully prepared to challenge the custody agreement. Rest assured, I''ll win!"


    "Does it have to be this way?" Micah asked.


    "Either you let the kids leave with me, or we go to court, or we take up arms and fight it out. You decide!" Sadie left these words and walked away.


    Micah felt utterly helpless. He had no way to deal with Sadie now.


    He couldn''t hit her, scold her or threaten her. And coaxing her was not going to work.


    "What an arrogant woman!" Raymond was so angry that his face turned pale, and his hands trembled.


    "Why did you suddenlye back from the hospital since you have not yet fully recovered?" Micah asked,puzzled.


    "If I didn''te back, this house would been stolen." The anger Raymond had felt from Sadie was now vented on Micah. "Micah, no wonder you kept stopping my subordinates from going to Hillside Vi and wouldn''t let me interfere with the James Group''s affairs. It was all because of her!"


    "I will handle this matter. Do not interfere," Micah reminded sternly. "Don''t make the same grave mistake as two years ago."


    "The one who made the grave mistake was you," Raymond said angrily. "If you had listened to me from the beginning and not been with her, nothing would have happened."


    Micah was speechless. He thought Raymond had regretted what happened two years ago, but it turned out he was still so stubborn.


    "Alright. Alright. Stop arguing," Ss quickly said, trying to ease the tension. ;"I''ll wheel you back to your room to rest."


    "Rest? How can I sleep?" Raymond snapped irritably. "The house has already been turned upside down. Sadie even dares to kill people in my house and defy me. How can such a person stay?" "You''re in poor health at this age, but you''re very healthy when ites to scolding people," Micah muttered discontentedly.


    "What did you say?" Raymond picked up a cushion from the sofa and threw it at him. "You bastard, you still don''t understand the gravity of the situation. Do you want the Clemens family to be destroyed?" "Alright. I''ll handle it." Micah didn''t want to provoke Raymond further. "You go to rest."


    "Right. Let''s rest now." Ss quickly wheeled Raymond back to his room.


    Micah walked out quickly and caught up with Sadie on the spiral staircase. "We need to talk."


    "There''s nothing to talk about between us."


    Sadie refused to talk to him. She went straight back to her room and sent a message to Tristan, informing him about Mia''s situation and asking him to help get Virgil to treat Mia.


    If she could get Virgil''s help, she wouldn''t need to stay in the Clemens family.


    However, Tristan did not reply to her.

 Chapter 960 The Three Childrens Property

    Sadie was extremely anxious when Arya hurriedly reported, "Annika just sent word that Amelia has escaped."


    "What?" Sadie''s face darkened. "You can''t catch Amelia with so many people?"


    "It''s said that someone helped her, most likely Nick''s people." Arya frowned. "Andrew and Annika are still chasing her."


    "Damn it," Sadie fumed and kicked over the table.


    "The Clemens family is truly useless." Arya was also furious. "If Micah had let you capture her earlier, there wouldn''t be so much trouble. He insisted on keeping her at his house. Now she''s escaped, and they can''t catch her back."


    "We''ll discuss thister." Sadie frowned. "Let''s meet Serena first to find out Dr. Henry''s whereabouts and have Rodolfo contact Dr. Henry as soon as possible."


    "I''ve already told Serena." Arya nodded. "Now, you should change your clothes, and I''ll prepare the car."


    "Alright."


    Sadie changed her clothes and was about to leave when Noah walked in, holding a box. "Mommy, I want to talk to you for five minutes."


    "And me." Nathan followed behind, holding Little Coco. "Alright. Come in."


    Seeing the children, Sadie immediately softened.


    Noah and Nathan walked in and sat properly on the sofa.


    Noah opened the box, took out a file folder, and then pulled out several bank cards and some stock certificates, exining each one to Sadie. "Mommy, this card contains the earnings from the software I''ve developed over the years. Daddy gave me all the profits, adding up to thirty million dors. This card holds the allowance Nathan, Mia and I have received over the years, amounting to over a million dors. This card contains various bonuses we''ve earned, including Nathan''s Taekwondo championship prize, sportspetition prizes, Mia''s piano and painting awards, and some of my small invention bonuses, totaling over three hundred thousand dors. These stock certificates were gifts from Great-grandpa on our birthdays. They include some fixed assets in Newark, such as the amusement park, Rainbow Kindergarten and the elementary school we currently attend. This is all our property. We''re giving it all to you with Mia''s permission, Mommy!"


    "What is this for?" Sadie was stunned, looking at Noah and Nathan in shock.


    Noah ced them in Sadie''s hands and said earnestly, "You worked so hard to raise us, earning money tirelessly. Brenda took care of the three of us alone and got sick but didn''t dare go to the hospital. You had so many constraints back then, but now it''s different. You don''t have to fear Daddy or Great-grandpa, nor do you need to worry about Uncle Tristan. You don''t have to rely on anyone or be threatened by anyone. This property is enough for our family of five to live well. Oh, no. It should be six, including Coco. Mommy, you can take us back to the countryside, find Serena, or go somewhere no one knows us and start a new life. In short, we''ll take care of you from now on, so you don''t have to work so hard. You can live however you want!"


    "Yes." Nathan nodded emphatically. "Mommy, you don''t have to be afraid of anyone. We won''t let anyone bully you. This is all our property, and you can have it all."


    Then Nathan leaned over to Noah and whispered, "Noah, is this money enough? If not, I can sell my action figures and toys."


    "It''s enough. Don''t worry," Noah said, looking stable. "The software I''ve developed still earns dividends every year. The ones I developed this year will bring in at least several million annually, which will be settled into my ount by the end of the year, and you can transfer it out, Mommy. In short, you don''t have to walk on eggshells. If you''re afraid of bad people hurting us, we can hire bodyguards. This money is more than enough."

 Chapter 961 We Will Support Mommy

    "Yes. Yes. That''s right." Nathan nodded repeatedly. "I will practice diligently now so that I can protect Mommy when I grow up."


    "I''m knowledgeable now. No matter where we live, it won''t be a problem," Noah said earnestly. "But we have to wait until Mia gets better." "Then we have to endure a few more days." Nathan frowned slightly.


    "So, in these few days, Nathan, you need to protect Mia, and I will protect Mommy," Noah instructed him. "It needs cooperation."


    "Got it!"


    Noah and Nathan discussed seriously, nning their future life meticulously.


    Sadie looked at them with a smile, tears slowly welling up in her eyes.


    For the past two years, she had been forcing herself to be stronger, strong enough to solve any problem she encountered so that she would no longer be afraid of anyone or anything.


    She thought she no longer needed protection. But now, Noah and Nathan have taken out all their savings, saying they wanted to support her and let her live the life she wanted. She suddenly burst into tears. Their seemingly childish words and actions were filled with sincerity.


    Noah and Nathan''s hearts were pure and innocent; they were protecting Sadie in their way!


    "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Nathan saw Sadie crying and quickly reached out his hand to wipe her tears. "Did Daddy bully you? Don''t be afraid. I''ll go and scold himter."


    "Don''t worry, Mommy." Noah held Sadie''s hand, gentlyforting her. "We are not babiesnow. We can protect ourselves and you too."


    Sadie hugged Noah and Nathan tightly and moved to tears. "With you around, I''m not afraid of anything."


    "Yes. Yes. Don''t worry, Mommy." Noah gently patted her back. "The three of us will be your strongest support."


    "Me! Me! Me!" Little Coco pped its wings and chirped excitedly.


    "Got it. Andyou," Nathan joked with a smile.


    Theyughed ;happily and theughter echoed in the room.


    Sadie put away her things,forted Noah and Nathan to rest, and then hurried out with Arya.


    Before leaving, Arya instructed the two female bodyguards to protect Mia well and not let anyone from the Lingston family feed her any medicine. Any issues should wait until they return. "You''re going out sote?" Micah asked, "It''s going to rain outside and there might be thunder."


    Sadie ignored him and left directly.


    Micah chased after her to remind her, "Take more people with you; Nick might be hiding in the nearby mountains."


    "Mind your own business." Sadie red at him and hurried into the car.


    Micah watched her leave with only Arya, feeling uneasy. He immediately instructed Rn, "Take some people and follow them. Make sure nothing happens."


    "Yes."


    "Forget it. I''ll go myself." Micah still felt uneasy. "You stay at home and protect Raymond and the three kids."


    "Okay." Rn nodded. "But you haven''t recovered yet; it''s too dangerous to go out like this."


    "I''m not that fragile." Micah red at him, grabbed his coat, and hurried out with a few people.


    "Actually, Mr. Clemens is right; we should indeed take more people," Arya said while driving, observing the surroundings.


    "Some are dealing with the remnants of the Sapphire Depths. Annika took half the people to chase Amelia, and the remaining people needed to stay and protect the three kids. We don''t have enough subordinates," Sadie said. She looked at her phone and hoped to receive a message from Tristan.


    Unfortunately, there was still none.


    She felt a bit weary. If Tristan was unwilling to help persuade Virgil, then she could only ce hope on Dr. Henry.

 Chapter 962 Take a Bullet for Sadie

    "Judging by the weather, there might really be a thunderstorm. Your potion is still at home. If it really starts thundering, can you handle it?" Arya looked at the strange weather, feeling uneasy. "No worries. I brought noise-canceling earplugs," Sadie replied nonchntly. "Right now, we need to find Dr. Henry''s contact information and save Mia." "But..."


    A gunshot suddenly rang out ahead, followed by a barrage of bullets heading their way.


    "Ms. James, sit tight!" Arya immediately elerated, trying to rush through.


    But it seemed like a trap had been set ahead, deliberately blocking their route. The car hit arge rock, not only failing to break through but also making a sharp turn, crashing into the woods beside them.


    "Damn it. We should''ve taken the off-road vehicle!" Arya cursed through gritted teeth and tried to make an emergency turn to get back on the main road. But the woods beside them had a trench dug by someone, and one of the car''s tires got stuck.


    "Don''t panic. Calm down!" Sadie rolled down the car window andmanded, "Don''t get out of the car. Find a way to get it back on the road and then drive back." "Yes." Arya used all her strength to control the steering wheel, trying to change direction.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was fighting off the attackers outside. Her marksmanship was excellent, and almost every bullet hit its target. She quickly took down several people.


    However, the opponents were numerous. Their car was trapped, and they were surrounded.


    "Call for backup," Sadie ordered calmly.


    "Okay," Arya was about to use the car phone to notify the subordinates at Hillside Vi when a bullet came in and hit her shoulder.


    "Ah!" Arya screamed in pain, copsing onto the steering wheel.


    "Arya." Sadie immediately climbed into the driver''s seat, dragging Arya down to avoid the attack. "How are you?"


    "Ms. James, go quickly!" Arya pushed her with difficulty. "The car can''t get out. There are traps everywhere. They were waiting for us." "Don''t talk." Sadie continued to fight back. "They don''t dare to kill me. They want to capture me alive."


    "But..." As Arya spoke, arge number of redser beams converged on them.


    Sadie was dazzled, unable to open her eyes, and dared not make any rash moves.


    Soon, a group of people surrounded them.


    "Sadie, you finally fell into my hands." A familiar voice came, full of arrogance. "Nick!" Sadie gritted her teeth and shouted.


    Nick had been lying in ambush on Frost Peak Mountain, waiting to capture Sadie.


    She first provoked Amelia, making her run away. Then, she used Amelia to divert arge number of bodyguards from the James family and finally set a trap here, waiting for Sadie toe down the mountain. And she caught her.


    "Let''s see how arrogant you can be now?" Nick sneered mockingly, reaching out to grab Sadie.


    A "whoosh" came from not far away, followed by several off-road vehicles crashing in.


    "Boss, watch out!" Several bodyguards eximed.


    Nick couldn''t dodge in time and fell into the trench, looking very embarrassed.


    Arge number of Clemens family bodyguards got out of the cars and started shooting at them.


    "Pull me up quickly," Nick shouted angrily.


    Several bodyguards pulled her up. They were fighting Micah''s men while protecting Nick as they retreated into the woods.


    Micah and Nick''s forces were in a standoff, and the situation was tense.


    Sadie''s silver Rolls-Royce was caught in the middle, which was extremely dangerous.


    "Capture Sadie alive, and there''s a reward." Nick knew that continuing the fight would be disadvantageous for her. She only wanted to capture Sadie alive and then retreat quickly. "Yes." Several assassins rushed to catch Sadie.


    "Cover me!" Micah ordered, then jumped out of the car to rescue Sadie.

 Chapter 963 She Remembered Everything

    At this moment, an assassin smashed Sadie''s car window with a gun, reaching in to grab her shoulder and viciously pulling her down. Sadie kicked him away and was about to retaliate when Nick aimed her gun at her. "Go to hell!" "Ms. James."


    At the critical moment, a figure leaped forward, shielding Sadie from the bullet.


    A loud gunfire echoed. Blood sttered on Sadie''s face.


    Sadie shuddered with her eyes wide open. She turned to see Arya already copsed beside her.


    Arya had been shot in the chest, and her blood was gushing out. Her frail body convulsed a few times before bing still.


    Sadie was stunned there, staring nkly at Arya. It felt as if a bullet had pierced her heart.


    Lightning split the sky as if tearing open the doors of her memory.


    Scenes of Brenda being shot dead by Amelia began to sh through Sadie''s mind. Then, all the cruel past events yed like movie clips, continuously shing in her mind. Intense hatred surged in her heart, converging into a rushing river and pounding against Sadie''s heart.


    A sharp pain pierced the back of her head. It hurt so much that it felt like her brain was going to split open.


    "Sadie!" Micah dodged the bullets and rushed over. Seeing the scene, he hurriedlyfort Sadie. "She''ll be fine. She definitely will be fine!"


    "Call Dahlia over. Quickly!"


    "Yes!"


    Strong winds rose all around, and a storm was imminent.


    Sadie''s headache grew more intense.


    Dahlia arrived with her team in a hurry and immediately began to administer first aid to Arya.


    "What happened? How is she?" Rn asked anxiously.


    "Go to the hospital," Dahlia said urgently, "The bullet is very close to the heart. It''s extremely dangerous. We must go to the hospital immediately."


    Rn''s look changed dramatically, and he immediately ordered Arya to be carried onto the ambnce.


    "Hurry up. The storm ising soon." Micah tried to help Sadie up.


    A thunder and lightning struck suddenly.


    Sadie''s expression instantly turned ferocious. She looked up, ring at him with deep hatred, and said angrily, "It was you. You broke your promise, backed out at the wedding and forced me away, causing me to be separated from my children. It was your Clemens family that pursued me relentlessly, hunted me down in the Country H and killed Brenda. Now, you still want to kill my subordinate."


    Micah froze. He knew she had remembered everything.


    "Micah, I will kill you." Sadie lunged at Micah like a wild beast.


    Micah closed his eyes without dodging.


    A heavy thunderp struck. Sadie clutched her head, letting out a piercing scream-blood streaming from her nose.


    "Sadie!" Micah covered her ears, anxiously trying to soothe her. "It''s okay. It''s okay. Everything will be fine." At the same time, he shouted at Rn, "Get the car over here now."


    "They''re clearing the roadblocks," Rn reported urgently.


    Dahlia had intended to rush Arya to the hospital, but the road down the mountain was destroyed. The bodyguards were clearing the roadblocks. But they had no tools. It was impossible to clear it quickly relying solely on manualbor. "If we continue to be stuck here, she''ll miss the best time for rescue," Dahlia said anxiously. "Micah, how about we take her to the medical room at home first? There are medical facilities there, and we can start the rescue while I call the hospital staff toe over."


    "Hurry. We must save her life," Micah ordered decisively.


    "Yes." Dahlia immediately took Arya back to the Clemens family.


    At this moment, thunder and lightning filled the sky as if the sky was being split by the lightning.


    Sadie, like a mad beast, screamed in pain andpulled at her hair.


    To prevent her from hurting herself, Micahheld her tightly.


    Sadie struggled desperately. Shewed and bit at him wildly, even sinking her teeth into his neck.

 Chapter 964 Watch Over Sadie

    Blood slowly trickled down and soaked Micah''s clothes. His face, neck, and the backs of his hands were covered in wounds. Yet he did not resist; he merely endured it as he let Sadie rage.


    In the dead of night, the Clemens family was startled by amotion. Dahlia and her medical team urgently rushed Arya to the medical room for emergency treatment. Rn dispatched people to clear the roadblocks and simultaneously had the hospital staff bring medical equipment over in haste.


    After a bout of madness, Sadie fainted. When Micah carried her home, everyone was terrified.


    E ran out of her room. She gestured confusedly as she saw the scene, "Micah, what happened? Why are you bleeding? Are you hurt?"


    "Get out of the way!" Micah didn''t even nce at her, swiftly carrying Sadie back to his room. He carefullyid her on the bed and put noise-canceling headphones on her, fearing that any more thunder would cause her further pain. However, a bodyguard came to report, "Mr. Clemens, Dahlia said the medical equipment here is insufficient. Arya is hemorrhaging and needs to be taken to the hospital for emergency treatment."


    "Is the roadblock cleared?" Micah asked.


    "It''s almost done. An off-road vehicle should be able to get through."


    "Take her to the hospital immediately. You must save her."


    Micah knew very well that Sadie was particrly concerned about those around her. Brenda''s death had been a fatal blow to her. If Arya were to die, their rtionship would be irreparable. "Yes." The attendant immediately went to convey the message.


    Worried that they might not handle it well, Micah hurried over. Before he left, he instructed Reba, "Watch over Sadie. Do not let anyone get into my room."


    "Got it. Mr. Clemens." Reba nodded hastily.


    "Keep the doors and windows closed," Micah instructed, then quickly ran downstairs.


    "Understood."


    Reba returned to Micah''s room, closed the windows, kept the lights on, and anxiously watched over Sadie, who was covered in blood without consciousness, looking terrifying.


    Reba didn''t know if the blood was hers, Micah''s, or someone else''s. She was very scared and didn''t dare to approach her. After hesitating for a moment, Reba still brought a warm towel to wipe the blood off Sadie.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Reba had no choice but to open it. E stood outside with two female medical staff, anxiously gesturing, "Reba, I saw Micah was injured. I brought a medical kit to treat his wounds." "Ms. Lingston, Mr. Clemens is not here. He went out," Reba said with a frown.


    "He went out?" E looked somewhat surprised and continued to gesture, "I just saw he was injured and bleeding a lot. Where did he go?"


    "I don''t know either." Reba was worried about disturbing Sadie on the bed. "You can wait for Mr. Clemens toe back."


    "Is that Ms. James on the bed?" E asked.


    "Well..." Reba hesitated but couldn''t lie.


    "Is she injured? Let me take a look," E gestured urgently. "As a doctor, I can''t ignore Ms. James''s severe injuries."


    "Wait until Mr. Clemens returns," Reba immediately refused. "He said before he left that no one is allowed to enter his room."


    "Not even me?" E frowned in displeasure.


    "Sorry." Reba didn''t want to say more and prepared to close the door. But the Lingston family''s medical staff used their foot to block the door.


    E gestured in displeasure, "Reba, if Sadie dies here, the James family wille after the Clemens family. If the two families start fighting again, you will be the sinner." "Well..." Reba was flustered.


    "Step aside. Let me in." E directly pushed the door open and barged in.


    "No. Ms. Lingston." Reba tried to stop her. At this moment, Raymond''s attendant downstairs asked, "Reba, what''s going on?"

 Chapter 965 Ellas Action Backfired

    "Oh. Well..."


    Reba was about to answer when E barged in with a group of people; one of the medical staff even tried to close the door.


    "What are you doing?" Reba hurriedly followed them in. "Mr. Clemens said no one is allowed to enter his room. You need to leave immediately." "Reba, why are you so anxious? We''re just here to check Ms. James''s injuries." Two female medical staff blocked Brenda.


    Meanwhile, E was by the bed, carefully examining Sadie''s condition.


    E had been suppressed by Sadie several times, and she was somewhat afraid of her. But she still boldly approached and gently pushed Sadie.


    Seeing that Sadie did not react, E smiled viciously. She patted Sadie''s face and said with lipnguage, "You''re in aa. Why are you still wearing headphones?" Then she removed Sadie''s headphones. "What are you doing? Get out now," Reba shouted anxiously. "Ms. Lingston, if you don''t leave, I''ll tell Mr. Clemens."


    "Reba, our Ms. Lingston is just checking Ms. James''s injuries. Don''t be so anxious." The two female medical staff tried their best to block Reba.


    E took out a silver needle and prepared to stab it into Sadie''s head.


    Just then, a loud thunderp resounded, splitting the sky.


    Sadie suddenly woke up, her eyes snapping open just in time to see E holding a needle and was about to stab her.


    E was startled by Sadie''s fierce gaze but quickly tried to stab her with the needle.


    Sadie reacted swiftly, grabbing E''s hand and reversing the situation. She pinned E down on the bed and fiercely stabbed the silver needle into her face. E let out a horrifying scream.


    Reba and the two medical staff were all shocked.


    The two medical staff rushed to pull Sadie away immediately.


    Outside, the thunder roared continuously.


    Sadie clutched E''s neck tightly, refusing to let go. Her bright eyes had turned blood-red, like a mad beast.


    "Let her go. Let her go." The two medical staff couldn''t pull Sadie away and tried to hit her with a vase. Reba hurriedly stopped them. "What are you doing?" "Get out of the way!"


    The room was in chaos.


    At this moment, a furious shout came from outside. "Hold her down!"


    Several bodyguards rushed in and pinned Sadie down, but she continued to struggle fiercely, like a wild horse that couldn''t be tamed.


    "Hurry. All of you. Get in here," Raymondmanded again.


    Several more bodyguards rushed in, forcibly pinning Sadie to the ground and chaining her hands and feet with iron chains.


    "It''s outrageous! This is the James family; we won''t tolerate your arrogance!" Raymond was furious. "You tried to kill someone in front of me this afternoon, and now you''re at it again while I sleep. That is too much!" "Mr. Raymond Clemens, something''s wrong with her." Ss observed Sadie''s condition uneasily. "Sadie seems out of control. Could she be sick or have been triggered by something?"


    Raymond took a closer look and indeed found Sadie to be abnormal.


    He was about to speak when E fell off the bed, crawled to him, and pointed at her face with trembling hands, crying hysterically.


    "Oh my God!" Raymond saw a silver needle deeply embedded in E''s face, with half of it still sticking out. Half of her face was ruined, and there were deep blood marks on her neck from Sadie''s grip. Raymond''s anger red up, and he shouted furiously, "This is outrageous!"


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, you''ve misunderstood."


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, please stand up for our Ms. Lingston." Reba was about to speak but was interrupted by the two medical staff.

 Chapter 966 Sadie Lost Control Completely

    Two medical staff fell to their knees with a thud and cried out, "Ms. Lingston originally came to treat Mr. Micah Clemens'' wounds, but he wasn''t here. Ms. Lingston saw Ms. James lying on the bed covered in blood and wanted to treat her injuries. But then Ms. James bullied her like this. Luckily, you arrived in time, or else Ms. Lingston would have lost her life."


    "Sadie is too vicious. She stuck a whole silver needle into Ms. Lingston''s face, which may result in disfigurement."


    "Ms. Lingston isn''t married yet. It''s a blow to her with half of her face being disfigured."


    "Ms. Lingston has done nothing wrong. She just came to treat Mr. Micah Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens. Why does Sadie keep bullying her and even try to kill her? She is so cruel!"


    "When Ms. Mia Clemens was sick, Ms. Lingston stayed at the hospital to treat her despite her injuries. She even faints outside the ward. When Mr. Nathan Clemens and Ms. Mia Clemens fell down the stairs, Ms. Lingston rushed to save them but injured herself."


    "Ms. Lingston has been wholeheartedly devoted to the Clemens family, yet she keeps getting bullied here. She almost lost her life. It''s unfair, Mr. Raymond Clemens."


    The two of them cried andined, making it seem like E was wronged. Those who didn''t know the truth would think E had suffered greatly.


    Reba looked at them in shock and didn''t know what to say for a moment.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens." Nelson hurried over. Seeing E in such a state, he was even more agitated, tears streaming down his face. "If you don''t stand up for us today, I''m going to kill myself!"


    "It''s outrageous." Raymond''s face turned livid with anger. He pointed at Sadie and shouted, "Drag this crazy woman out of here, and never let her get into the Clemens family again!"


    "Yes, sir." Several bodyguards grabbed the iron chain on Sadie''s hand, trying to drag her out.


    Thunder continued to rumble outside, and Sadie, with a splitting headache, struggled like a mad lioness, resisting fiercely. The bodyguards couldn''t restrain her.


    Raymond waved his hand, and several more bodyguards rushed over. Sadie fought them, and the scene was extremely intense.


    Sensing something was wrong, Ss quickly advised, "Mr. Raymond Clemens, calm down. There''s something fishy about this." Before Ss could finish his words, Sadie suddenly lunged forward, reaching out to strangle Raymond''s neck. "I''ll kill you."


    Raymond''s eyes widened in shock. Ss hurried to stop her but was knocked to the ground by her. Raymond''s wheelchair toppled down the stairs.


    Everyone was stunned and almost stopped their breath. At this critical moment, a figure rushed over and blocked the wheelchair just in time.


    Micah pushed Raymond''s wheelchair back and then tightly held Sadie, preventing her from going berserk again. The bodyguards were about to grab Sadie, but Micah shouted angrily, "Get lost!"


    The bodyguards were intimidated by his presence and stepped back.


    E winked, and the medical staff from the Lingston family crawled over toin, "Mr. Micah Clemens, Sadie just bullied Ms. Lingston."


    "I''ll cut out your tongue if you say that again." Micah red at them, including E. E shivered and sat on the ground in fear.


    "She''s running wild!" Raymond regained hisposure and ordered emotionally, "Take Sadie and..."


    "Enough!" Micahpletely exploded. "This is my house. I''m in charge. Please leave if you have any objections. If you want to stay, then shut up and stop interfering!" "Micah, you..."


    "Haven''t you caused enough trouble already?" Micah shouted angrily, then spat out a mouthful of blood.

 Chapter 967 His Protection

    "Micah."


    "Mr. Micah Clemens!" Everyone was stunned to see Micah spitting blood.


    In fact, Micah had never fully recovered after being bitten by the snake. He had suppressed the symptoms temporarily, but the recent days had been overwhelming with a pile of trivial matters weighing him down. Just when there seemed to be a glimmer of hope, Raymond returned and exacerbated the conflict between him and Sadie. Tonight, another fierce battle erupted. Micah not only suffered some external injuries but was also furious.


    "What''s going on?" Raymond was unaware of Micah''s poisoning. Everyone had kept it from him, fearing it would upset him. He asked, "Call Dahlia over quickly."


    "No need," Micah frowned and shouted angrily. "If you don''t want to drive me to death, then stop meddling in my affairs!"


    "What are you talking about?"


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens." Ss clutched his injured waist, got up from the ground, and anxiously advised, "Let''s go downstairs and let Mr. Micah Clemens handle it himself."


    "Why are you siding with him?" Raymond said angrily. "It''s clear that a crazy woman from the James family is causing trouble. She repeatedly tried to kill people in my house. Look at what she did to E. She almost caused a fatal incident."


    E, weak and helpless, sat on the ground and cried pitifully with her face covered.


    "I will handle this matter myself." Micah, tightly holding the raging Sadie, gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "Get out, all of you!"


    "You..." Raymond was furious, but seeing Micah in this state, he couldn''t bear it and eventually made a concession. "If you can''t handle it tonight, I''ll deal with it tomorrow."


    "Alright. Enough." Ss quickly wheeled Raymond out and said to Nelson, "Mr. Lingston, take E downstairs."


    "Well..." Nelson was reluctant, but since Raymond hadpromised, he had no choice but to help E leave.


    "Who put the chains on her? Unlock her now!"Seeing Sadie''s hands and feet bound by iron chains, Micah was instantly enraged.


    The bodyguards hurried over and cautiously unlocked the chains for Sadie.


    Sadie kicked them away and swung her fists, trying to hit them.


    Micah firmly grabbed her hands and took her into the room.


    She continued to struggle, and he had no choice but to knock her out with a single blow.


    "Mr. Clemens," Reba followed behind, tidying up the messy room and exining, "Ms. James is innocent. It was Ms. Lingston who insisted on barging in. The needle was hers. She said she wanted to examine and treat Ms. James, but actually..."


    "I know." Micah squinted his eyes coldly and gritted his teeth. "I wanted to catch her in the act, but it seems we can''t wait any longer."


    Hearing this, Reba was stunned. Everyone thought Micah had been foolish and deceived by the Lingston family. Now she realized that Micah knew everything.


    "Don''t worry about anything and don''t say anything. Go watch over the three kids," Micah instructed. "Don''t let them know what happened just now, and don''t let them get involved."


    "Yes. I understand." Reba nodded hastily.


    "Reba," Micah reminded her solemnly, "You are the housekeeper of this family and a respected elder. Besides Ss, you are the highest authority. Show some strength and don''t let outsiders be arrogant in front of you." "Understood." Reba straightened her back immediately.


    "You may leave," Micah ordered.


    Reba bowed her head and left, closing the door behind her.


    Micah felt guilty when he looked at Sadie on the bed, who was unconscious.


    He gently stroked her face, wiping away the blood, and said in a low voice, "I will never let anyone hurt you again. Never."

 Chapter 968 Disfigurement(Part 1)

    Nelson supported E back to her room and asked anxiously, "What happened? Why did Sadie bully you again? Didn''t I tell you..." Nelson''s words trailed off as he stunned with his eyes widen in shock. "My God. E, your face..." E instinctively touched her face, feeling something oozing out. She hurried to the mirror. She trembled with fear and copsed to the ground in terror.


    "My God. What happened?" The two medical staff were also frightened. The face where she had been pricked by the needle was rapidly festering, with pus oozing from the wounds.


    "What''s happening?" Nelson asked anxiously. "The needle looks like yours. Is it poisoned?"


    He immediately recognized it as E''s medical needle.


    He quickly understood what had happened. E must have tried to assassinate Sadie with a poisoned needle while Sadie was severely injured and unconscious, but Sadie had turned the needle back on her. "Quick. Get the first aid kit," E gestured frantically.


    The medical staff immediately fetched her kit.


    E nervously took out a bottle of medicine and prepared to apply it. Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Ss''s voice. "E, Mr. Raymond Clemens is here to see you. Is it convenient for you now?"


    E was on the verge of a breakdown. It was crucial to apply the medicine now; if dyed, the festering would only worsen. She thought, ''Why is Raymond here at this moment?''


    E gestured for the medical staff to refuse Raymond politely, but Nelson suddenly said, "Yes. It''s convenient. Just a moment!" With that, Nelson anxiously gestured to E to put things away quickly, then ran to open the door.


    E was furious with the stupid Nelson, but there was no other option. She had to put on a mask and have the medical staff put away the kit.


    Nelson opened the door and respectfully weed Raymond in. "Mr. Raymond Clemens, why are you here sote?"


    "I came to check on E." Raymond had witnessed E being bullied by Sadie twice today and almost killed. He felt deeply guilty and came tofort her.


    E leaned on the sofa, looking so weak that she could barely stand. The medical staff hurried to support her.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens," E gestured.


    "E, how are you? Are your injuries serious?" Raymond asked with concern.


    E didn''t say anything but lowered her head, and tears fell steadily.


    "It is our Clemens family that has wronged you." Raymond thought of Sadie''s vicious demeanor and was filled with rage.


    "I used to feel some guilt towards Sadie. It was my stubbornness two years ago that indirectly harmed her and Brenda. But she is so rampant now and it makes me really angry!"


    "Indeed. She is arrogant," Nelson said indignantly. "She probably knows about E recing her two years ago, so she holds a grudge and targets and bullies E at every turn."


    E cried as she gestured, "Actually, Daddy had long advised me to return, but I thought Mia was seriously ill, and Micah was poisoned. If I left now, they would be in great danger. So I took the risk to stay, but Ms. James just wouldn''t let me go and kept trying to kill me."


    "Micah was poisoned?" Raymond''s look changed dramatically, and he immediately questioned, "Why was he poisoned? I thought he was only slightly injured."


    "Don''t you know yet?" E gestured anxiously. "Ms. James''s brother Tristan poisoned Mia, putting her life at risk. And he released a venomous snake to bite Micah when Micah confronted him, and he almost died on the spot." Ss kept shaking his head at her, signaling her to stop talking, but E seemed not to notice.

 Chapter 969 Disfigurement(Part 2)

    "It turns out that Mia isn''t suffering from a cold; she''s been poisoned, and so has Micah." Raymond was aghast. His voice was trembling with rage as he shouted, "Ss,e here!" Standing behind Raymond, Ss cast a deep nce at E. He furrowed his brow, stepped forward, and bowed his head in guilt. "I''m sorry, Mr. Raymond Clemens. I didn''t mean to keep it from you." Raymond was seething with anger and struck him with his cane. "Exin yourself! Is what E said true?"


    Ss pondered for a moment and then cautiously said, "Mr. Micah Clemens was indeed bitten by Tristan''s poisonous snake. As for Mia, while Tristan is highly suspicious, there''s no concrete evidence yet. Mr. Micah Clemens is still investigating." "You are objective," Nelson interjected. "I heard from Andrew and the others that Mia was poisoned while she was with Sadie. If it wasn''t Tristan, could it have been Sadie?"


    "Dad, what are you talking about?" E immediately gestured in reproach. "Mia is Ms. James''s child. How could Ms. James do such a thing?"


    "You''re so naive. She nearly killed you twice today, and you''re still defending her," Nelson scolded in a low voice.


    "I''m just analyzing it objectively," E gestured.


    "E, you''re too kind," Raymond said with anger. "After Mia fell ill, she returned to the Clemens family. Now, it seems it could very well be her."


    "That''s impossible, Mr. Raymond Clemens. Ms. James loves her children very much." Ss tried to defend Sadie.


    "Shut up!" Raymond roared. "Keeping such a big matter from me are you trying to drive me to my grave along with Micah?"


    Ss lowered his head, not daring to say another word.


    "Tristan is truly formidable," Raymond fumed, growing more agitated. "He taught Sadie and filled her mind with hatred, and sent her back to disrupt our Clemens family. Now, Micah is so bewildered by love that he can''t tell right from wrong. If this continues, our Clemens family will be ruined by Sadie! No. I must drive Sadie away right now, or this family will be destroyed by her, and my three great-grandchildren will be influenced by her as well." With that, Raymond began to wheel himself out.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, calm down. Don''t act impulsively," Ss hurriedly advised. "It''s already decided that Mr. Micah Clemens will handle it tonight. Please don''t interfere." "Stop wasting time and wheel me out." Raymond was in a fit of rage when the door opened, and Micah stood outside.


    Everyone in the room was stunned. Ss quickly asked, "Mr. Micah Clemens, what brings you here?"


    "Knowing that Grandpa wasn''t sleeping well, I came to check on him." Micah closed the door and walked in slowly. "You still care about me." Raymond began to scold, but Ss patted his shoulder, signaling him to hold back. Seeing Micah covered in injuries, Raymond couldn''t help but feel a pang of pity, and he suppressed his anger.


    "Micah, seat yourself." Nelson quickly invited.


    "Are you alright?" Micah looked deeply at E.


    E shook her head, tears silently streaming down her face. Her fragile and pitiful appearance indeed tugged at one''s heartstrings.


    "You''ve been wronged," Micah said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and sighing. "I''ve arranged everything. By noon tomorrow, I''ll send that crazy woman Sadie away!" "Really?" Nelson blurted out, which showed his eagerness, though he quickly realized his rudeness.


    "Is that all you''re going to do?" Raymond questioned angrily. "Look at her! E''s neck was strangled, and a whole needle was stuck in her face. It''s unknown if she''ll be disfigured!"

 Chapter 970 Disfigurement(Part 3)

    "Let me see. Is the injury serious?" Micah reached out to remove E''s mask.


    E hastily stepped back, shaking her head nervously and gesturing, "The needle in my face hasn''t been removed yet. It looks terrible. I don''t want to scare you."


    "It''s okay. No matter what you look like, you are the most beautiful in my heart." Micah''s voice was very gentle. "Take it off, and let me see. If it''s serious, I''ll immediately have Dahliae over to treat you." "No need. It''s really ugly." E shook her head uneasily.


    "E, just take it off and let Micah see." Nelson strode over and directly removed E''s mask.


    Instantly, everyone in the room saw the festering wound on E''s face. They were all stunned, not expecting it to be so severe.


    "How did this happen?" Raymond asked in shock. "Is there poison on the needle?"


    Ss took a closer look and immediately said, "It''s definitely poisoned."


    E frantically lowered her head and used her hands to cover her face.


    "It''s said that the James family is skilled in poison-making, and Tristan is a master of it," Nelson said emotionally. "They poisoned Mia, then they had a venomous snake bite Micah. And now they use a poisonced needle to injure E. It''s truly malicious!"


    Ss frowned at him but said nothing..


    "I didn''t expect Sadie to turn out like this." Raymond trembled with anger. "Micah, did you see that? Sadie can''t be trusted."


    "Mr. Lingston, are you saying this silver needle belongs to Sadie?" Micah examined E''s face. "She never seems to use needles, but E often needs them."


    "These are not Ms. Lingston''s needles," a medical staff hurriedly said.


    "I don''t know where she got the needle from," E cried and gestured. "I originally wanted to check her injuries and treat her wounds, but when there was a sudden thunderp, she suddenly opened her eyes, looking ferocious. She pounced on me, then stabbed me with the needle."


    "She stabbed you with the needle?" Micah squinted slightly. "Reba said that you were the one who stabbed her with the silver needle first."


    "No. I didn''t take the needle," E quickly exined. "I just wanted to check her wound. I wasn''t holding anything."


    "The medical kit was still in my hand at that time," a medical staff member quickly added."Ms. Lingston really wasn''t holding anything."


    "Yes," another medical staff member said, "Reba was standing at the door, far away from the bed. And the room was dim; she couldn''t possibly see what Ms. Lingston was holding."


    "That makes sense." Micah nodded. "Reba has always had poor eyesight."


    Ss looked deeply at Micah with aplicated gaze.


    "This proves that the needle indeed belongs to Sadie," Raymond said indignantly. "This matter can''t be let go. What if E is really disfigured?"


    "Then what do you suggest we do?" Micah asked in return.


    "Well..." Raymond was momentarily speechless. If they dealt with it privately, the James family would definitelye after them. If they handed her over to the police, it would be hard to exin to the three children.


    "Forget it," E gestured while crying. "After all, she is the mother of the three children and the daughter of the James family. Our Lingston family can''t afford to offend them, and I don''t want to make things difficult for Mr. Raymond Clemens and you."


    "But she bullied you like this." Nelson cried. "It''s my fault as a father. I''m useless. I can''t protect you."


    Raymond was about to speak when Micah suddenly said, "It''s our Clemens family that owes you. I will make it up to you. To avoid further conflict, I will send her away tomorrow."


    After a pause, Micah took out his phone to make a call. "Now I''ll have someonee over to take you to the hospital."

 Chapter 971 Disfigurement(Part 4)

    "No need." E immediately stopped him and gestured anxiously. "I have some methods for detoxification. I want to try them myself first." "Alright." Micah nodded. "If you need anything from me, just let me know."


    "Okay." E screamed inside, ''I need you all to leave quickly so I can apply the medicine!''


    "It''ste. I won''t disturb you any longer." Micah patted her shoulder. "Rest early."


    Then, he turned to Raymond and said, "Grandpa, you should head back to your room, too. Don''t disturb her." With that, he turned and left. Raymond watched Micah''s back, feeling that something was off about him. He was too agreeable tonight.


    But Raymond quickly dismissed the thought and turned to E. "He''s right. Our Clemens family willpensate you for this matter." "Thank you, Mr. Raymond Clemens." E thanked him tearfully.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens. You know, E has no other intentions. Her only wish is to marry Micah." Nelson immediately took the opportunity to bring it up. "During this time, Micah and E''s rtionship has been progressing well. If it weren''t for Sadie suddenly showing up, their marriage would have been settled."


    "You mentioned this to me at the hospital." Raymond frowned. "Micah may seem cold and unfeeling, but he values rtionships deeply. No matter what, Sadie is the mother of the children. Some things can''t bepletely severed with children involved. Moreover, they had feelings before and were always entangled with each other. But now that I''m back, I''ll keep an eye on him and make sure this marriage deal soon. Don''t worry!"


    "Okay. That''s great." Nelson nodded repeatedly. "I''ll see you out."


    "No need. You stay with E."


    Ss wheeled Raymond out.


    In the room, E hurriedly had the medical staff lock the door and quickly instructed them to remove the needle and apply the medicine.


    She was in so much pain that she trembled all over. Hertears streamed down her face and her nails tore at her clothes, but she could only endure it.


    Nelson watched from the side. He felt heartbroken andforted her, "E, you''ve suffered this time. But I see that Micah''s attitude is still in your favor. And Raymond has already agreed to make this marriage deal, so it should be soon." E didn''t bother with him. She stared in horror at her reflection in the mirror.


    Half of her face was rotting away rapidly and she was terrified.


    "Oh no, Ms. Lingston," the medical staff screamed in a panic after applying the medicine and seeing no change. "It might have been too long, or the needle might have gone too deep. The antidote isn''t working." "What? How could this be?" Nelson panicked. "If you are disfigured, Micah really won''t love you. You already can''t speak, and if your face is ruined too, then..."


    Before he could finish, he was silenced by E''s sharp gaze. He hurriedly changed his words. "E, don''t look at me like that. I just care about you."


    "You only care about the family''s interests, not me at all," E gestured angrily.


    "No, it''s not like that."


    "Enough." E didn''t want to continue talking to him and changed the subject. "Contact Bryan immediately and have her go to my pharmacy to get some medicines."


    She wrote down a few medicines and handed the note to Nelson. "Quick!"


    "Alright. Alright. I''ll go right away." Nelson immediately went to handle it.


    "What do we do now? The wound is too deep. If we don''t treat it in time, it will get worse," the medical staff reminded anxiously.


    "Keep applying the antidote. Suppress it first." E applied the potion to her face, the intense pain making her feel like she was dying. She thought of Sadie stabbing the needle into her face and gritted her teeth in hatred. "Sadie, I will never let you get away with this. I will kill you. I''ll kill you!"

 Chapter 972 Why Bother?

    "She will be sent away tomorrow. Please hold back and don''t act impulsively," one medical staff cautiously advised. "We are no match for her now. She is too formidable!" "Yes. Don''t make any rash moves now, or it will truly be a loss."


    The two nurses were already terrified of Sadie and dared not provoke her further.


    "Let her go?" E gestured emotionally, "If we let her go this time, where will I find her to exact my revenge in the future? I must make her taste my pain before she leaves!" "But..."


    "Shut up!" E pped the nurse hard. "Bring me the medical kit!"


    "Yes," the nurse replied, clutching her face and fetching the kit.


    E took out a small blue bottle, squinting her eyes as she gestured coldly, "Tomorrow morning..."


    The two nurses turned pale with fright and hurriedly said, "No, Ms. Lingston. If we get caught, we''re doomed."


    "Yes. Ms. James is ruthless. She will surely kill us."


    "You''re afraid of her but not of me?" E gestured coldly. "If you are clever, you won''t get caught. Mr. Raymond Clemens and Micah are on my side now. Sooner orter, I will be in charge of this house. What is Sadiepared to that?" Hearing these words, the two medical staff hesitated.


    "Don''t worry. Once it''s done, I will arrange for you to leave quickly and give you arge sum of money," E gestured and took out two checks. "These are your deposits."


    Seeing the amount, the two nurses'' eyes widen open. Who could refuse such arge deposit?


    "Don''t worry," E gestured coldly. "Even in business, there are risks. You could get into a car ident just by stepping outside. If you can''t take any risks, you won''t make any money."


    "You''re right. Okay, I''ll do it!"


    "I''ll do it too."


    Meanwhile, in Raymond''s room.


    "Micah is acting strange and is so agreeable tonight," Raymond said with a frown. "Is he nning something? Trying to cate me first and then secretly scheming?"


    Ss was arranging the bed for him silently.


    "Ss, why aren''t you speaking?" Raymond asked with displease.


    "I don''t dare to speak," Ss replied.


    "Would you still be afraid?" Raymond''s face darkened. "You sound odd. What are you up to?"


    "I don''t understand," Ss finally couldn''t hold back and asked, "Why do you trust outsiders more than your grandson Micah?"


    "What do you mean?" Raymond was stunned. This was the first time Ss had contradicted him.


    "I think Mr. Micah Clemens has his reasons for everything he does. Sometimes, you really..." Ss nced at him timidly, not daring to continue.


    "What do you want to say? Say it!" Raymond red at him.


    "You really meddle too much," Ss finally couldn''t hold back and said.


    "How dare you!" Raymond retorted. "I''m doing this for his good."


    "You mean well, but he doesn''t want it that way," Ss said urgently. "Two years ago, you meant well too, but what was the result? He almost copsed, and the children resented you. The things you wanted to prevent only worsened." At this point, Ss paused. Raymond''s face had turned ashen, and Ss feared that continuing would agitate him further.


    So he softened his tone and gently advised, "Mr. Raymond Clemens, I think you should trust Mr. Micah Clemens'' judgment and abilities. Over the years, he has never made a wrong step. On the contrary, every time you forcibly intervened, it turned into a major mistake. Not only did it backfire, but it also made Micah resent you. Why bother?"

 Chapter 973 She was Bullied

    "You''ve really grown bolder, daring to lecture me now?" Raymond shouted furiously, hitting Ss''s leg with his cane.


    Ss lowered his head and remained silent, letting him hit.


    But after two strikes, Raymond couldn''t continue, panting weakly. "You''re forbidden to speak tonight." "Yes."


    Micah carefully wiped the blood and dirt off Sadie, then took a shower himself andy down next to her.


    He propped his head up with his elbow, lying on his side and quietly watching her.


    She was rarely this quiet, not making a fuss and lying next to him obediently.


    He remembered they had made love on this very bed two years ago. He was always infatuated with her, unable to get enough, and she would cling to him with equal passion.


    Two yearster, they were once again on this bed, but in a different way.


    He reached out, gently brushed her hair away from her forehead, and tenderly caressed her beautiful cheek with the back of his hand. Then he leaned in, kissed her forehead, and held her tightly in his arms.


    He really wished she could stay like this forever.


    But just as this thought shed through his mind, there was a rapid knock on the door from outside. "Micah, there''s an urgent matter to report."


    Micah had to get up, put on his robe, and walk over to open the door. "What is it?"


    "Amelia has been captured," Andrew said in a low voice. "News from Dahlia says Arya is out of danger and temporarily not in life-threatening condition."


    "What about Ms. James?" Annika, along with a few female bodyguards, returned in a hurry. On the way, they learned about Arya being shot. She was anxious and immediately sent two bodyguards to the hospital to check on Arya''s condition. At the same time, she brought the remaining two back to find Sadie.


    "Keep your voices down," Micah reminded with a frown. "She had just fallen asleep."


    "I need to confirm," Annika said, a bit uneasy. "Please let me in to take a look."


    Micah stepped aside.


    Annika walked in quietly. Through the dim light, she saw Sadie sleeping soundly with no obvious injuries and finally felt relieved. She turned and walked out. "Sorry to disturb you." Annika saluted Micah and then went to Mia''s room.


    "Keep a close watch on Amelia. Don''t let her escape again," Micah instructed Andrew. "Take good care of Arya at the hospital. Make sure nothing happens to her." "Understood," Andrew nodded and said in a low voice. "Rodolfo has already found Dr. Henry, but Dr. Henry said he needs to contact Ms. James beforeing to Newark."


    "I''ll talk to her after dawn." Micah looked at his watch; it was already 3 a.m. "You can leave now."


    "Yes." Andrew hurried away to oversee Amelia''s supervision.


    Meanwhile, Annika went to Mia''s room and asked the two female bodyguards who stayed behind, "Is Ms. Mia Clemens alright?"


    "She''s fine," the bodyguard said in a low voice, "but Ms. James was bullied today."


    "What?" Annika was shocked. "What happened?"


    The bodyguard immediately recounted the incident between Sadie and E to Annika.


    "There was amotion outside earlier, but because this room is well-soundproofed, we couldn''t hear clearly. Ms. James repeatedly reminded us to protect Ms. Mia fully and not to leave the room under any circumstances, so we didn''t go out. But afterward, we learned from Susan that Ms. James and Arya were attacked outside and then caught in the rain, which triggered her old illness. Mr. Clemens carried Ms. James back. But E forcibly pushed Reba aside and ran into the room to provoke Ms. James out of jealousy while Mr. Clemens was away. Ms. James fought back in anger and nearly strangled E, so Raymond sent a few bodyguards to restrain her and used chains to lock her hands and feet."

 Chapter 974 Mommy Slept Here Last Night

    "How dare them?" Annika fumed with anger. "The Clemens family has gone too far!"


    "It was Mr. Clemens who came backter and stabilized the situation," said the two female bodyguards, "Mr. Clemens still sides with Ms. James, but Raymond from the Clemens family wants to get rid of Ms. James as soon as possible. He hates Ms. James."


    "Exactly. I don''t know which eye of Raymond''s is blind, believing E from the Lingston family and always targeting our Ms. James."


    "Now we''re weak and trapped in the Clemens family. Ms. James is unconscious, and Arya is in trouble. This can''t go on." Annika''s face was ashen. "I''ll report to Mr. James immediately!" "Yes, no one will dare to bully Ms. James once Mr. Jameses!"


    Annika immediately sent a message to Tristan, reporting everything that had happened today.


    But there was no response from Tristan. Annika could only continue to wait for a reply.


    It rained heavily all night. The sky cleared up the next morning.


    Sadie woke up feeling heavy-headed, with a tingling pain at the back of her neck.


    She sat up, shook her head, and carefully recalled what had happenedst night.


    She and Arya went out to meet Serena, but they were attacked by Nick. Arya was shot, and her old ailment red up.


    "Arya!" Sadie opened her eyes wide in shock and immediately got out of bed, only to find herself wrapped in just a bathrobe with nothing underneath. "She''s fine," a familiar voice said.


    Sadie turned around and saw Micahing out of the bathroom, wrapped in just a towel, with water still dripping from his hair and body.


    "Are you crazy? Why are you showering in my room?" Sadie frowned and scolded.


    Micah pointed to the wedding photo on the wall.


    Sadie looked up, then around the room, and was stunned. "This is your room?"


    "It''s ours," Micah said as he walked towards her, drying his hair. "Go take a shower and wash your hair. We''ll go downstairs for breakfast togetherter." "What''s going on?" Sadie felt something was off. "What happenedst night?"


    Whenever her old ailment red up, she couldn''t remember much of what happened.


    "Go shower first," Micah said, patting her hair. "You smell like blood."


    Sadie sniffed and agreed, heading to the bathroom immediately.


    As she showered, she tried to recall the events ofst night and noticed marks on her wrists and ankles as if they had been bound by metal handcuffs. She closed her eyes and tried to recall, then shes of images appeared in her mind.


    E attacked her with a silver needle. But she turned the tables and pinned her down, stabbing the needle into her face, and then,


    Raymond arrived with his men.


    When she opened her eyes again, a cold, icy light flickered in Sadie''s eyes. She thought, ''Well, with my people not around, anyone dared to bully me?'' Coming out of the bathroom, Sadie was burning with anger.


    "Change your clothes," Micah said, opening the wardrobe, which was filled with women''s clothes that looked somewhat familiar.


    "I don''t wear other people''s clothes." Sadie walked straight out.


    "These are all yours," Micah said gently. "Did you forget it?"


    Sadie stopped in her tracks and looked back, indeed feeling a sense of familiarity.


    "Hurry up and put them on. The kids wille knocking soon, and it''s not appropriate for you to be like this," Micah said, pointing to her bathrobe. Sadie red at him, grabbed an outfit, and went to the bathroom to change.


    "Daddy!" Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Nathan''s anxious voice called out, "Mommy is missing. We can''t find Mommy."


    Micah walked over and opened the door, pointing to the room. "She''s changing clothes."


    "Huh?" Nathan was stunned. "Mommy slept herest night?"

 Chapter 975 Deliberate Arrangement

    "Yeah." Micah nodded.


    "Wow, that''s great," Nathan said excitedly. "So, you''ve made up?"


    "It''ll take some time." Micah nced at Sadie. "She''s still mad at me, so I need to behave well."


    "Good luck," Nathan said, making a fist and a cheering gesture. "I won''t bother you guys. I''ll go downstairs and wait for you." "Go ahead." Micah patted his little head and closed the door.


    "What nonsense were you telling Nathan?" Sadie came out after changing her clothes.


    Micah turned to look at her. She was wearing a long white dress, her hair down, and no makeup, appearing more gentle and kind.


    "Wearing this dress makes me look weak." Sadieughed at herself. "That''s why you all bully me."


    "No one is bullying you." Micah frowned at her. "Some things are just fate."


    "Fate is just an excuse losers make for themselves." Sadie didn''t want to continue talking to him.


    "Where are you going?" Micah immediately grabbed her.


    "I''m leaving, of course. Do you expect me to stay here and be harmed by you?" Sadie red at him coldly. "Once I find Dr. Henry, I''ll take the three kids and then settle the score with the Clemens family!" With that, Sadie shook off his hand and walked away.


    "Wait a minute." Micah hurriedly stopped her. "I have something to tell you."


    "There''s nothing to talk about between us." Sadie opened the door to leave but suddenly froze.


    Noah was standing outside, with one hand raised about to knock. He had clearly heard their argument, and his hand was frozen in mid-air, his face turning gloomy.


    "Noah," Sadie squatted down and said softly, "Mommy is leaving. Once I find the doctor, I''lle get you."


    "Okay." Noah nodded. Although he couldn''t hide the disappointment in his eyes, he forced a smile and said, "I''ll take good care of Nathan and Mia. Don''t worry, Mommy." Sadie hugged Noah, feeling very reluctant.


    No matter what happened between her and Micah, she always felt she owed the children. Thinking back, she shouldn''t have let Micah acknowledge the kids. If lived with Brenda, although poor, they were stable and happy. Ever since they returned to the Clemens family, all the grudges surfaced.


    Fate was never in her control.


    "Have breakfast before you go." Micah saw that Sadie was determined to leave and knew that saying more wouldn''t make her stay, so he changed his words. "Nathan is still waiting for us downstairs, and so is Mia." "Mommy." A weak, hoarse voice came.


    Sadie turned to see Annika pushing Mia out of the room. Mia was sitting in a wheelchair, covered with a thin nket, holding a white alpaca plush toy, with Little Coco gently perched on her shoulder.


    Mia had been sick for so long and had lost a lot of weight. Her once rosy cheeks were now pale as paper, and her once bright eyes were now deeply sunken.


    She looked heart-wrenching.


    "Mia, why are you out here?" Sadie immediately went over to hold Mia. "Why aren''t you lying in your room?"


    "I haven''t been out of the room for a long time. The weather is nice today, so I wanted to get some fresh air." Mia''s voice was hoarse. "Mommy, let''s have breakfast in the garden." "Ms. Roth, breakfast is ready," Reba came upstairs and said. "It''s all the food you and the kids love."


    "Thank you, Reba. I..."


    "Grandpa went for a walk, and E and her father are dining indoors." Micah knew what she was thinking. "It''s just the six of us this morning."


    "Alright." Sadie nced at Micah. She had a feeling he was nning something.

 Chapter 976 The Farewell Breakfast(Part 1)

    "Mia, I''ll carry you down." Sadie lifted Mia from the wheelchair, and Mia clung to her neck, nestling in her arms with dependence. Micah held Noah''s hand as they walked downstairs, and Nathan greeted them with a beaming smile, "Daddy, Mommy, good morning! Noah, Mia, good morning!" "Good morning, Nathan!"


    The whole family gathered at the garden''s outdoor dining area, enjoying their meal under the warm sunlight. Surrounded by the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, the atmosphere was instantly cozy. Reba brought thest few dishes and then stood aside, smiling at them as if she were looking at her own children, her eyes full of affection.


    "I''m going to start."


    "Okay."


    Sadie looked at the children tenderly.


    Nathan ate heartily.


    Although Noah seemed preupied, he tried to appear cheerful.


    Mia had a much better appetite today. While eating breakfast, she said to Little Coco, "Little Coco, you need to eat properly and not scatter your nuts everywhere, okay?" "Food. Food."


    Little Coco was busy eating nuts, scattering them all over the table. But after Mia''s reminder, it started picking up the nuts one by one and putting them back on the te. Sadie gave Mia a slice of pizza and then watched the three children eat.


    She didn''t have much of an appetite, so she kept drinking coffee.


    "Ms. Roth, I made some oatmeal for you. If you don''t have an appetite, you can have some oatmeal first."


    At this moment, Reba came over with a steaming bowl of oatmeal.


    "Thank you, Susan," Sadie said gratefully.


    "What happened to your hand?" Susan noticed that Reba''s hand was scalded.


    "When I was bringing the oatmeal from the kitchen, one of the Lingston family''s medical staff bumped into me. The oatmeal spilled on my hand, so I got burned," Reba said softly, "Luckily, it only spilled a little, or you wouldn''t have oatmeal to eat."


    "How outrageous! They did it on purpose, didn''t they?" Susan muttered angrily.


    "No, they were just getting something from the kitchen and identally bumped into me," Reba quickly said. "Alright, let''s not talk about it anymore. Don''t disturb Mr. Clemens and Ms. Roth while they''re eating."


    Susan didn''t dare to say more but looked angry.


    Although their conversation was quiet, Micah and Sadie still heard it.


    Micah stared at the oatmeal, narrowing his eyes slightly.


    Sadie leaned closer to Micah and warned in a low voice, "When I''m not around, please protect the children properly and fulfill your duties as a father!"


    "If you''re worried, you can stay and protect them yourself," Micah said while sipping his tea.


    "You..." Sadie was so angry that her face turned pale.


    "Mommy, why aren''t you eating?" At this moment, Nathan gave Sadie a slice of pizza. "Reba made this. Try it."


    "Thank you, Nathan." Sadie took a bite of the pizza, and it tasted just like she remembered.


    When Brenda used to live here, she often taught Reba how to make pizza. After dozens of attempts, Reba finally mastered the essence of it. This pizza tasted almost exactly like Brenda''s.


    "Micah, good morning!" At this moment, a friendly voice called out.


    Sadie looked up to see E wheeling Raymond towards them, with Ss and Nelson following. It was Nelson who had greeted them.


    E wore a mask and looked timid. When she saw Sadie, she trembled with fear. Sadie remembered what happenedst night, and her gaze became sharp again. "Ms. James, did E attack youst night?" Annika asked quietly from behind.


    "You''re all leaving soon, so don''t cause any trouble," Micah warned in a low voice.


    Sadie red at him furiously, her heart burning with anger. She thought, ''Is Micah actually protecting E?''

 Chapter 977 The Farewell Breakfast(Part 2)

    "Morning!" Micah responded, then got up and walked over, wheeling Raymond to the dining table. He said to the kids, "Why didn''t you greet him?" "Good morning, Great-Grandpa," the three children greeted one after another.


    "Good," Raymond replied. He looked a bit worn today, clearly not having slept wellst night. But seeing the children brought a loving smile to his face. However, when he saw Mia, his brow immediately furrowed. "Mia, why are you so thin?"


    "Great Grandpa, I''ve been sick," Mia said weakly, then started coughing.


    "Mia, are you okay?" Sadie gently patted Mia''s back. "It''s windy; let me take you upstairs to rest." Sadie didn''t want to see Raymond and was ready to take Mia upstairs and leave. "Let Reba take her," Micah suddenly said. "Noah, Nathan, you are done eating, right? Go upstairs and keep Miapany."


    "I''m not full yet..." Nathan''s words were cut off by Micah''s look.


    He quickly understood that Micah wanted them to go upstairs, so he grabbed two slices of pizza and followed Reba and Mia upstairs.


    "Mommy." Noah looked at Sadie, worried that she might be bullied.


    "Go on," Sadie gently touched Noah''s head and said softly. "Don''t worry. I''lle get you soon."


    "They..." Raymond was about to speak but swallowed his words when he saw Noah''s sharp gaze.


    "Okay." Noah hugged Sadie and then looked at Micah. "Daddy, do you remember that you promised me you would protect Mommy well two years ago?"


    "I remember." Micah looked deeply at Noah. "Daddy won''t go back on my word. Trust me, okay?"


    Noah was a bit stunned. He rarely saw Micah like this. Though it seemed like a casual remark, his gaze was determined.


    "Okay." Noah decided to trust Micah. "I believe you."


    "Good, you guys go upstairs."


    Micah gave a look at Rn, and Rn took the implication in his eyes and took Noah away, bringing people along to protect the children. Micah turned his gaze from Noah and called out to Nelson and E, "Why are you standing there? Sit down and have breakfast together." "No need." Nelson nced at Sadie and then quickly looked away. "E and I will go back to our room."


    Saying this, Nelson held E''s hand, ready to leave.


    "Sit down," Raymondmanded arrogantly. "This is the Clemens family. You are our esteemed guests; there''s nothing to avoid." "Well..." Nelson looked troubled.


    "Grandpa is right," Micah said politely. "Come on."


    Seeing that Micah was on their side, Nelson immediately became happy. He exchanged a look with E and then sat at the table. "Why are you sitting so far away?" Raymond called out. "Come sit over here."


    Nelson and E moved closer, with Nelson sitting next to Raymond and E next to Micah.


    Sadie lowered her head to drink coffee, saying nothing.


    But her hand holding the cup was tense.


    "Reba, change the tableware and add some more food," Micah instructed. "Yes." Reba immediately arranged it.


    Susan was very angry but had toply.


    Annika saw Micah''s attitude, was furious, and whispered, "Ms. James, let''s go!"


    Sadie put down her cup and looked up at Micah. "I''lle back for the kids in seven days. If anything happens to them while I''m gone, I won''t let you off!" Saying this, she got up to leave.


    "How arrogant!" Raymond said angrily. "Do you think you can just take the kids whenever you want? They belonged to the Clemens family; no one can take them away." "Wait and see," Sadie retorted unceremoniously.

 Chapter 978 Sadie Got Angry

    "You..."


    "Why are you so angry early in the morning?" Micah pulled Sadie to sit down. "Finish this meal, and I''ll escort you out."


    "Let me go." Sadie tried to shake off his hand, but when she met his deep gaze, she paused. It seemed he was hinting at something. "Fine. It''s just a meal." Sadie sneered. "Do you think I''m afraid you''ll harm me?"


    Nelson coughed twice, not daring to say a word.


    E looked even more fragile, sitting there with her head down, tears falling as if she had suffered a great grievance.


    "Since you''re leaving, I think we should have a proper talk." Raymond suppressed his temper, trying to maintain a humble attitude.


    "What do you want to say?" Sadie looked at him coldly.


    "Well." Raymond sighed. "I''ve always felt guilty about what happened two years ago, especially for indirectly causing trouble for Brenda. It makes me feel very sad."


    Hearing these words, Sadie was a bit surprised. This was the first time Raymond admitted his mistake. Could he be genuinely remorseful?


    "In the past two years, there''s been a significant rift between me and the kids, especially Noah, who has resented me because of you. Micah has also be distant and cold towards me. I have reflected on myself. I''ve even thought that if I could choose again, I might not have insisted on sending you away. But life doesn''t have ''what ifs.'' Now that I''ve made a huge mistake, even if I''m a sinner, I can''t turn back. I don''t know how you feel about this new identity, but you''ll understand that life often doesn''t allow you to do as you please. Especially when you''re in a high position, you can''t just think about yourself. You have to consider the fate of the entire family, the future of your descendants." "What exactly do you want to say?" Sadie didn''t want to hear these grand principles.


    "What I want to say is, I hope you''ll consider the children more." Raymond finally got to the point,


    "Is it really good to take them to the James family? Although yourst name is James, and you''re now the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group, everything you have depends on Tristan. If one day you go against his wishes, and he gets angry, you''ll lose everything. You might not care about yourself, but what about the children? Where should they go? Do you want them to wander with you again?" Sadie had to admit that these words touched her.


    She had considered these issues, which waswhy she had reservations.


    If it weren''t for the children repeatedly getting into trouble in the Clemens family, she wouldn''t have wanted to take them away. After all, she didn''t feel a sense of belonging in the James family either.


    Raymond took a sip of coffee and continued, "If you have any resentment, you can take it out on me. I will do my best to make amends for my actions. For any wrongs that I cannot amend, I promise to make restitution. If you want me to bow my head and apologize, I''ll do it. But I hope you''ll consider the children''s future more and not act on impulse. Noah is meant to be the heir of the Clemens family, and Nathan and Mia are also part of our Clemens family legacy. This is their home. In the James family, they are just living under someone else''s roof. It''spletely different."


    "Raymond, you truly are a negotiation expert. Every word hits the mark," Sadie mocked with a smile. "I''ve considered everything you said, but the children haven''t inherited anything from the Clemens family. Instead, they''ve been constantly sick and injured."


    "Do you want me to spell it out?" When it came to this, Raymond''s anger red up. "How did Mia end up like this? Isn''t it because of Tristan''s poison? And Micah was also bitten by his venomous snake." "Who told you Mia was poisoned by Tristan?" Sadie shouted angrily.

 Chapter 979 Raymonds Will

    "Who said it doesn''t matter?" Raymond defended E. "Mia was poisoned while in your care is a fact, right?"


    Sadie didn''t speak, just stared at E.


    If she had evidence, she would have exposed E''s true nature immediately.


    "Since Mia was poisoned while in your care, the meaning ispletely different," Raymond said righteously. "Think about it from another angle. If the child went back to the James family with you, it would be even more dangerous." "Have you said enough?" It was Micah who spoke.


    Sadie looked at Micah in shock; Micah rarely countered Raymond so sharply in front of others.


    "Micah, what did you say?" Raymond was very angry.


    "Mia''s poisoning has another cause, and I''ve been investigating," Micah said with a frown. "Currently, I suspect she was poisoned at Velvet Spoon Bistro, most likely from drinking a cup of coffee."


    He raised the cup in his hand and continued, "I''ve already had Rn investigate it, and I believe we''ll have results soon."


    "You mean, it wasn''t someone from the James family who poisoned her, but someone from Velvet Spoon Bistro?" Raymond was very surprised.


    Sadie looked deeply at E. E hid her emotions well, keeping her head down and showing no sign of panic.


    "That''s right." Micah turned to look at Sadie. "Unfortunately, that set of cups was taken by your people. Otherwise, I would have found out long ago."


    "There''s nothing wrong with that set of cups. I''ve already tested them," Sadie responded calmly.


    "What do you mean?" Raymond was confused. "Micah is investigating. Why did you take that set of cups?"


    "Probably to cover things up," Nelson muttered under his breath.


    Sadie turned her gaze to Nelson. Nelson, who used to act like a gentleman, was actually all pretense, just as hypocritical as E.


    "Enough." Micah changed the subject. "Some things can''t be settled just by arguing. Since we''re all here, let''s quietly finish this breakfast and then go our separate ways."


    "Yes," Nelson echoed repeatedly, handing Raymond a bowl of oatmeal, "Mr. Raymond Clemens, have some breakfast first."


    Then he handed E a ss of milk. "E, have some breakfast."


    Raymond was still worried that Sadie would take the children away and had no appetite for breakfast. He thought for a moment and said gravely, "There are no outsiders here, so I''ll tell you, I''ve already made my will. After I die, all my assets will go to the three children. No one else could get them, including Micah, Nick, and n!"


    Everyone was stunned by this statement.


    Sadie was extremely shocked. All of Raymond''s assets amounted to a fortune that would shake the business world, and he was leaving it all to the three children.


    This meant that the children''s wealth would surpass both Micah''s and Sadie''s!


    "I''ve noted in the will that if anything happens to the three children, all the assets will automatically go to the GJ Foundation. No one else will get a penny, including their parents and rtives. Before they reach adulthood, the assets will be managed by Micah, and when they turn twenty, the assets will automatically transfer to them with the joint approval of Micah and Ss!"


    After saying this, Raymond added, "Sadie, you are their mother. I hope you can truly consider the children''s well-being!"


    This time, Sadie waspletely silent. What shocked her was not the enormous inheritance but Raymond''s care for the children.


    The notes in the will were actually to protect the children''s safety. Raymond was using this method to tell Nick to stop fighting, as there was no share for her, not even for Micah.


    And it was also a way to tell them not to think of using any despicable means to obtain the children''s assets, because if anything happened to the children, they wouldn''t get a penny.

 Chapter 980 On-the-Spot Inspection

    "Of course, all the terms are contingent on Micah being the children''s guardian," Raymond said meaningfully. "You''re smart; you should know what that means." Raymond didn''t spell it out, but Sadie understood. If she took the children away, they would lose their inheritance and the protection of the Clemens family. Nelson frowned deeply, looking down without saying a word.


    But his face was already extremely grim. After all this, he really got nothing.


    Micah had no inheritance rights. Although his VIC Group was worth a lot, it waspletely different in significance.


    "Are you done?" Micah handed Sadie a slice of pizza. "You didn''t eat much this morning. Try this."


    Sadie absentmindedly took a bite of the pizza, but it was a bit cold, making her choke a little. She decided to drink some oatmeal.


    E stared at her, her eyes lighting up immediately.


    "Drink this instead." Micah suddenly took away Sadie''s oatmeal and handed her a cup of hot milk. "I was just thinking of having some oatmeal." Sadie red at him and took a sip of the milk.


    Micah was about to drink the oatmeal.


    E suddenly stood up and identally knocked over the juice in front of her.


    "E, how could you be so rude?" Nelson frowned and scolded.


    E handed Micah a cup of coffee, frantically gesturing, "The oatmeal is cold. Don''t drink it. Drink this instead."


    "It''s okay. Cold oatmeal tastes better." Micah took out a spoon and was about to eat the oatmeal with it.


    E hurriedly pushed his hand away, causing the oatmeal to spill all over the table.


    "What are you doing?" Micah looked at her in confusion.


    "There are bugs in the oatmeal," E gestured frantically.


    "Are there bugs, or is it poisoned?" Sadie squinted her eyes, ring coldly at E.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." E looked down, not daring to meet her gaze.


    "You''ve repeatedly provoked Ms. James. You attacked her yesterday, and now you''re trying to poison her. Do you really think the James family has no one to stand up for them?" Annika grabbed E, ready to drag her away.


    E screamed in terror.


    "Stop!" Raymond shouted angrily.


    "Annika, let her go," Sadie said slowly, sipping her coffee. "This is the Clemens family; the Clemens family should handle this."


    She turned to Micah. "Right, Mr. Micah Clemens?"


    "I believe E isn''t that kind of person." Micah then nced at E and ordered, "Dahlia!"


    "Yes." Dahlia immediately brought over a group of doctors, quickly setting up equipment to test the oatmeal on the spot.


    Everything was well-practiced. It seemed like they had prepared for this.


    "Micah, what are you doing?" Nelson panicked. "E is such a kind and gentle person. How could she poison anyone?"


    "Yes, I believe in E, which is why I want to test it and clear her name." Micah elegantly wiped his hands with a napkin, looking casual yet exuding his usualmanding presence. Seeing him like this, Sadie suddenly understood Micah''s intentions.


    This breakfast was truly eventful. There was probably more drama toe.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens." Nelson hurriedly sought Raymond''s help.


    "Micah, what are you doing?" Raymond scolded angrily. "You want to test E because of a bowl of oatmeal? How could she poison anyone?"


    "It''s better to find out now than for the James family to seek revenge on herter, right?" Micah said unhurriedly. "Don''t you agree, Mr. Lingston?" "Well..." Nelson looked at E.

 Chapter 981 The Oatmeal was Poisoned

    E hurriedly signaled to Nelson.


    Nelson immediately understood and became very nervous. He quickly pulled Raymond and said, "Mr. Raymond Clemens, E would never poison anyone. Suspecting her like this is an insult. Please, seek justice for her." "Release E first," Raymond demanded, mming the table.


    Annika didn''t listen to him. It was only after Sadie signaled that she let E go.


    E almost stumbled and fell to the ground.


    Nelson quickly helped her up andmented, "How unfortunate is our Lingston family! E came to help treat and save people, yet she kept getting bullied. She was beaten up yesterday, and now she''s being humiliated." E looked like she was about to faint.


    Raymond, feeling sympathetic, angrily scolded Micah, "Stop messing around with Sadie. How could you suspect E?"


    "If the oatmeal tests negative for poison, I''ll apologize to her," Micah said, continuing to sip his tea.


    "You"


    "The main reason is that E was also present when Mia was poisoned at Velvet Spoon Bistro," Micah calmly exined. "Sadie has long suspected her of poisoning Mia, which is why she''s been targeting her." "How could E possibly poison Mia?" Raymond still didn''t believe it. "When Mia was sick, it was E who tirelessly stayed by her side to treat her."


    "Exactly, I agree." Micah nodded. "That''s why I didn''t suspect E. Now, we''re just checking the oatmeal in front of everyone. If it''s clean, it proves E is innocent, and Sadie won''t bother her anymore." "But-"


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens," At this moment, Ss spoke up, "We''re just testing the oatmeal, not the person. Once it''s clear, there will be no issue. You have to understand that being targeted by the James family for revenge is a terrifying thing. If the test shows no problem, Ms. James won''t target Ms. Lingston anymore. Everyone will be happy."


    "Ss understands the situation." Sadie raised her cup and toasted Ss.


    "Ss, how could you..."


    "He''s right," Raymond interrupted Nelson. "I''ll sit here today, and no one will dare touch E. If they want to test the oatmeal, let them test. If it turns out clean, you must apologize to E!" Raymond sternly pointed at Sadie. "What if it tests positive?" Sadie raised an eyebrow and questioned.


    "Then..."


    "Micah, the results are in." Soon, Dahlia came over with the test report, looking at E with aplicated expression.


    E turned pale with fear and lowered her head guiltily.


    Micah nced at the report and handed it to Raymond without saying a word.


    Raymond took it and was shocked.


    Nelson, who saw it too, almost fell to the ground in fright.


    "What on earth is going on?" Raymond demanded, holding the report and questioning E.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, I really don''t know," E cried, gesturing with her hands. "I only saw bugs in the oatmeal, so I didn''t want Micah to eat it."


    "Yes," Nelson quickly added. "Even if the oatmeal is poisoned, it doesn''t mean our E did it. Even a judge needs evidence to convict."


    "If I had poisoned it, why would I expose myself? Am I stupid?" E cried, gesturing.


    "That''s true." Raymond hesitated. "If she really poisoned oatmeal, why would she spill the it? If she hadn''t, no one would suspect her."


    "It''s simple. The person she wanted to harm was me, not Micah," Sadie said with a cold smile. "When I was about to eat the oatmeal, she had no reaction. But when Micah was about to eat it, she immediately got nervous."

 Chapter 982 Reverse Slander

    "Yes, I do hate you. I never wronged you, yet you always targeted me, bullied me, and even tried to kill me several times. You even stuck a needle in my face," E gestured excitedly. "So when I saw bugs in the oatmeal, I didn''t want to tell you. I thought I''d let you eat the bugs. But when I saw Micah about to eat it, I stopped him immediately."


    "Stop acting!" Sadie red at her coldly. "Do you think you can get away with such ame excuse? Let''s check your medicine box, and everything will be clear. By the way, maybe this poison is the same as the one Mia was poisoned with." "The specific characteristics of the poison are being tested, and we will have a result soon," Dahlia reported. "As for the medicine box..."


    "If we''re going to check, let''s check thoroughly," Micah ordered.


    "Yes." Dahlia immediately went to get E''s medicine box with her team.


    "Micah," E cried and gestured, "I''ve always thought of you. Why are you doing this to me?"


    "Micah, why don''t you believe E?" Nelson questioned emotionally. "If she really wanted to harm someone, she wouldn''t have stopped you from eating that oatmeal just now."


    "Calm down," Micah said calmly. "I''m also doing this to give E justice. Don''t worry. If it turns out she was wronged, I will definitely apologize to her formally."


    "You..." Nelson was anxious and turned to Raymond for help. "Mr. Raymond Clemens, please say something."


    Raymond looked deeply at Micah for a long time before finally speaking, "Since it''s been found that the oatmeal is poisoned, it should be thoroughly investigated. Don''t worry. As long as I''m here, no one can wrong you!" "Well..."


    Nelson felt a bit desperate. He knew that if they checked the medicine box, it would definitely be exposed.


    However, E remained calm and gestured emotionally, "Someone is resorting to all means, even fabricating reasons to use me falsely. If someone wants to frame me, can I escape?"


    "Frame you?" Sadieughed in anger. "You mean, even if there is poison in your medicine box, it was my people who put it there?"


    "You finally admitted it," Nelson immediately responded.


    "And then I put bugs in the oatmeal and pretended to drink it?" Sadie rubbed her head, looking troubled. "But how could I predict that Micah would snatch it from me? And how could I predict that you would stop Micah from eating it?" "Well..." Nelson was speechless.


    "Love makes people blind," E shed tears of despair and gestured. "I never thought that Micah would go so far as to collude with you to protect you." After gesturing this, she lowered her head and cried, emotionally copsing. Sadie couldn''t help butugh. "Are you saying he and I are acting together to harm you?"


    "That''s indeed a possibility." Micah actually nodded. "For you, I would do anything."


    "You..." Sadie was speechless and thought, ''What is Micah up to?''


    "Isn''t that what Grandpa thinks?" Micah turned to look at Raymond.


    Raymond''s brows furrowed deeply, his expressionplex. Indeed, when Micah said it, he was startled because the thought had indeed crossed his mind.


    Micah''s feelings for Sadie were clearer to him than anyone else.


    For her, he would indeed do anything.


    If they were now teaming up to put on a show to drive E away, gain his trust, and stay in the Clemens family. It was possible.


    But with Micah saying it out loud, Raymond didn''t believe it anymore.


    "E, you are indeed very smart," Micah took a sip of coffee and said calmly.


    "You knew things were about to be exposed and guessed that I had set a trap for you, so you gave up on me and put all your hopes on my Grandpa. To gain Grandpa''s trust, you even falsely used me. Your story is well-crafted and reasonable. Your psychology studies have not gone to waste!"

 Chapter 983 Nowhere to Hide

    "You..." E looked at Micah in shock.


    "What on earth are you doing?" Raymond frowned deeply.


    "Alright. I''ll be honest with you." Micah gestured. Andrew quickly operated his phone and then projected a video onto the white screen beside them.


    Soon, the video started ying.


    It was footage retrieved from surveince cameras showing what had happened in the Clemens Resisdence over the past few days.


    "What is this?"


    Everyone stared at the screen.


    In the first video:


    It''s a conversation between E and Nelson in Micah''s study on the day Sadie first arrived.


    "There''s no turning back for what I''ve done. I''ve done so much, and I''m so close to sess. There''s no way I''m backing out now!"


    "It would be good for you toy low for a while. It''s not like you won''te back. Sadie hasn''t regained her memory yet. If she finds out you impersonated her to marry into the Clemens family, she''ll strangle you. And if she finds out you poisoned her..."


    "This is Micah''s study. There shouldn''t be any cameras, right?"


    In the second video:


    E left the study and used signnguage to instruct Bryan to do something in a secluded corner.


    Then Bryan carried medicine to Mia''s room, secretly adding a packet of powder to the bowl along the way.


    In the third video:


    Bryan and two medical staff forcing Mia to drink the medicine, even force-feeding her.


    Fortunately, Nathan and Little Coco stopped them in time, so Mia only drank a little, but it still took effect quickly afterward.


    By this point, Raymond was already extremely agitated. His withered hand trembled as he pointed at E, shouting angrily, "You actually..."


    E''s face had turned pale with fear and panic. She never expected that everything she did had been secretly recorded. But how could there be surveince cameras in the Clemens family?


    "Don''t rush. Keep watching," Micah reminded.


    In the fourth video:


    Nathan carrying Mia downstairs to find Sadie.


    E signaled to the Lingston family''s medical staff, who then ran to push Nathan from behind.


    Nathan and Mia fell down the stairs, and E "selflessly" rushed over to protect them.


    In reality, it was all a facade, a deliberate act to lower their guard.


    In the fifth video:


    Micah carried Sadie, who had a rpse, back home. E, unwilling to ept it, took a medical kit upstairs while Micah was away, under the pretense of treating Micah''s wounds, but actually intending to stab Sadie with a needle. Unexpectedly, Sadie ended up stabbing the needle into E''s face instead.


    In other words, the needle covered in poison on her face was her own doing.


    In the sixth video:


    Nelson discovered E''s disfigured face in the room. Their conversation and the act of asking the medical staff for the medical kit clearly indicated that the silver needle was hers and the poison was her own doing. In the seventh video:


    After Raymond and Micah left, E instructed Nelson to have Bryan prepare the poison and ordered the two medical staff to poison Sadie.


    In the eighth video:


    Two medical staff poisoned the soup.


    After watching these eight videos, the truth waspletely revealed.


    E copsed to the ground, her face full of despair.


    If she had any intention of struggling or arguing before, she had no room for rebuttal now.


    Her despicable wasid bare, as if she had been stripped naked and exposed under the scorching sun, with nowhere to hide.


    "You..." Raymond was trembling with rage, his withered hand pointing at E, wanting to curse her but unable to utter a word. He clutched his heart, nearly copsing.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens," Nelson knelt on the ground with a thud, crying and begging. "E was blinded by jealousy temporarily. She never intended to harm Micah. She just wanted to stay by his side. Please forgive her."

 Chapter 984 Conclusive Evidence

    "You want to stay by my side, so you need to hurt my child?" Micah asked mockingly. "Do you really think you can deceive me with such despicable means?" "No, it''s not like that." E shook her head frantically.


    "Enough." Micah didn''t want to hear her excuses. "Maybe I''ve been too lenienttely, and you two think you can manipte me at will!"


    "No, Micah," Nelson hurriedly exined. "E hates Sadie, but that''s because Sadie bullied her first. She never intended to harm you or the children; she''s always been trying to save you and Mia. Bryan drugged someone was Bryan''s own doing. It had nothing to do with E. If you look closely, E was just gesturing for her to feed Mia the medicine, not to drug her."


    "You''re still trying to argue." Sadie mmed the table, wishing she could deal with Nelson and E right then and there.


    Micah pulled her to sit down and calmly said, "That''s right. The video does show that E didn''t explicitly instruct Bryan to drug anyone. In the videos taken at home, you can only see her clearly ordering someone to drug Sadie. But you can''t deny that she poisoned Mia at Velvet Spoon Bistro, can you?"


    "It was not E''s doing either," Nelson continued to argue. "Micah, don''t be fooled and wrongfully use an innocent person."


    "I''m wrongfully using her? I''ll make you convinced," Micah turned and ordered. "Dahlia!"


    "Yes." Dahlia handed theb report to Ss. "The test just confirmed that the poison in the oatmealis identical to the one Mia was poisoned with before."


    "Well," Nelson was even more flustered but still argued. "This doesn''t prove that E did it. Maybe it was some damned servant."


    "Bring her in," Micah ordered.


    Soon, Rn dragged her over and threw her in front of Nelson.


    "Bryan?" Nelson''s eyes widened in shock. "How could you be here?"


    He had just called herst night, instructing her to prepare the medicine. How could she be here?


    "Uncle Nelson, save me."


    Bryan wasn''t seriously injured, but her spirit was nearly broken, clearly from intense interrogation.


    "She was detained by me after being kicked out," Micah said calmly. "Under Rn''s interrogation, she confessed everything, including how E instructed her to poison Mia and how you told her to prepare the medicine this morning. Do you need her to repeat it?"


    Nelson looked at E in panic.


    E was nowpletely flustered and had lost all her previous confidence.


    "These are the witnesses and the physical evidence."


    Micah signaled to Rn.


    Rn took out a box containing a pile of broken cups.


    "These are cups of Velvet Spoon Bistro." Annika looked closely and her eyes lit up.


    "There were originally twelve sets of cups. The eleven sets you took were fine," Rn exined. "The problematic set was taken and destroyed by E that day, thrown in a roadside trash can about three miles from Velvet Spoon Bistro. I found itter." "I see." Annika suddenly understood.


    "I sent the cups directly to the policeb. They found traces of poison and E''s fingerprints," Rn continued.


    "Now, do you have anything else to say?" Micah stared coldly at E.


    "I never intended to harm Mia. I promise," E frantically gestured. "That cup of tea was originally for Sadie." E pointed at Sadie, anxiously exining, "I never thought Mia would drink it. I really never intended to harm Mia."

 Chapter 985 From Heaven to Hell

    "If you had never thought of harming Mia, why did youter have someone poison her medicine and force her to drink it?" Sadie questioned.


    "That wasn''t poison. It was just a drug that would cause temporary difort," E exined anxiously. "If it were poison, I wouldn''t have been able to stabilize Mia''s condition so quickly." As she spoke, E crawled towards Micah, crying and gesturing, "Micah, I saved your life. Please forgive me this once. And if it weren''t for me, Mia would have been in serious trouble long ago." "That''s because they drank Ms. James'' potion." Annika was furious.


    "After Mr. Clemens was bitten by the snake, Ms. James immediately gave him her life-saving potion, so he was never in any real danger. With some rest, the snake venom was gradually be expelled. Afterward, Ms. James secretly entered the hospital and gave Mia the potion. Mia reacted quickly after drinking it. To avoid being discovered, we immediately rushed to the Sapphire Depths hotel, and you conveniently arrived to treat Mia. It''s ridiculous that everyone believed you cured her. If you are really skilled, why can''t you even fix your face? If I''m not mistaken, your needle must be poisoned, right?"


    As she spoke, Annika tore off E''s mask. Sure enough, half of E''s face was horribly disfigured, a sight too shocking to behold.


    "Oh my God, E." Nelson was both angry and anxious upon seeing E''s face. Yesterday, it was just a small patch of rot, but today, it had spread across her entire face.


    "She brought this misfortune upon herself," Micah said coldly, looking at E. "Hurting others will ultimately hurt yourself. This is your fate."


    "Fate?" Sadie''s fists clenched tightly. "It''s one thing for her to harm me. I can''t let her go for she had hurt my daughter so badly."


    "I never intended to harm Mia; it''s all because of you!" E red at Sadie with resentment, gesturing passionately. "We''re both women. Why do I have to be your substitute? I''ve done so much for the Clemens family, humbling myself to the ground to please them, but Micah has never even looked at me. You keep opposing him, yet he still loves you so much. The James family and the Clemens family have always been enemies; you shouldn''t havee back. No, you die two years ago. If you had, maybe I would be Micah''s wife by now, and the three kids would call me Mommy. We would be a happy family."


    "Screw that." Micah interrupted her, unable to bear it any longer. "Even if she hadn''te back, I would never marry you. When she had her ident two years ago, I had already decided never to marry. If I ever get married, the bride will only be Sadie."


    Hearing these words, Sadie''s heart couldn''t help but tremble. Micah must be sincere for saying such things in front of so many people.


    She was deeply moved.


    "If you love her so much, why did you make me impersonate her two years ago?" E questioned emotionally. "I was just an unloved, lonely woman, living humbly in this world. You suddenly made me Mrs. Clemens, and I was admired by everyone. Wherever I went, people ttered me. And I''ve admired you since I first saw you at fifteen, dreaming countless times of marrying you. I thought my dream had finallye true. But it was all an illusion! If you never liked me, why give me hope and then personally push me from heaven into hell? Why?"

 Chapter 986 Please Let Her Go

    E cried out these words, her emotionspletely copsing as she covered her face and wept in despair.


    Seeing her like this, Micah''s originally fierce and domineering gaze gradually dimmed.


    As E said, the whole matter had nothing to do with her. The Clemens family involved her, gave her great hope, and then left her out of it.


    Wouldn''t anyone else find it hard to ept?


    In fact, Micah once entertained this sinful thought when Raymond strongly opposed his rtionship with Sadie a long time ago.


    If Raymond insisted on him marrying the daughter of the Lingston family, aside from the hot-tempered Amelia, perhaps he could consider the gentle E.


    But that thought was quickly dismissed by him because he realized that it would ruin someone''s life, and it would be unfair to Sadie, too.


    So he didn''t act on this idea.


    Micah never expected Raymond to secretly use this tactic behind his back, with Nelson''s encouragement, of course.


    E''s silent crying was extremely unsettling, filled with despair and anger towards life.


    Perhaps from her perspective, she was indeed innocent. As she said, she had been living humbly in this world, resigned to her fate. At that moment, someone suddenly gave her immense hope, and she would do everything to grasp it, of


    course.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, please. Let E go," Nelson knelt down with a thud, crying and begging. "Fortunately, no serious harm has been done. Mia is almost healed, and Micah and Sadie are not poisoned. E''s face is already ruined. This is her fate. If you are willing to let us go, we will leave far away and never appear before you again. It''s all my fault; I didn''t know how to educate my daughter. Please give her a chance."


    "If she had only harmed me, I might have let her go," Sadie said coldly. "But she poisoned my daughter. I will never let that go!"


    "She didn''t mean to harm Mia."


    "Just because she didn''t mean to, she doesn''t have to take responsibility?" Sadie shouted angrily. "Even if the first poisoning was aimed at me, did she not consider the consequences when she drugged Miater? Mia was healthy and lively. But now she can''t even stand up. This toxin could very well cause lifelong aftereffects. You say she''s healed, but can you give me back a healthy and lively Mia?"


    Nelson was rendered speechless by her outburst, not daring to say a word.


    "No matter who she poisoned, it''s unforgivable," Micah said mercilessly. "I didn''t take action against you but let thew punish you. That''s my final mercy. I''ve submitted all the evidence to the police. The police should be here soon. Prepare to spend the rest of your life in prison."


    E cried and shook her head, suddenly grabbing a fruit knife from the table tomit suicide.


    Rn immediately stepped forward, snatched the knife, and pushed her to the ground. "If you die here, wouldn''t it be hard for the Clemens family to exin?"


    "How can you die so easily? Not a chance," Annika said through gritted teeth. "I wish I could kill you cruelly."


    E''s hand was cut by the knife, bleeding profusely. She sat on the ground, crying in despair.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, please. Please let her go," Nelson once again pleaded with Raymond. "For the sake of me saving Herbert once, spare E this time. She''s still young. She can''t go to prison."


    "Just because you saved my father once, the Clemens family has protected the Lingston family for a lifetime. Isn''t that enough?" Micah was furious. "E turned out this way all because of you."

 Chapter 987 Go to Hell and Keep Me Company

    "From start to finish, it was you who wanted to force your daughter into the Clemens family, constantly persuading my Grandpa to push me to marry your daughter. You may look like a gentleman on the surface, but you''re nothing more than a hypocrite driven by self-interest," Micah finally voiced the thoughts he had kept hidden for so long. "You knew from the beginning what E was doing. You didn''t advise her or stop her. Instead, you helped cover it up. You''re an aplice." "I didn''t know anything about this," Nelson blurted out. "These things have nothing to do with me."


    "So you''re saying that E did all of this on her own?" Sadie questioned.


    "It has nothing to do with me," Nelson answered without hesitation.


    Hearing that, Eughed mockingly. She hadn''t expected that Nelson would still be shirking responsibility at this point.


    Clearly, he was afraid Micah would use him of being an aplice and make him a prisoner.


    So, he would rather throw E under the bus to clear his own name.


    "But E was just momentarily confused," Nelson couldn''t help but plead, kneeling before Micah. "Micah, I beg you. Let her go this time, please."


    "Mr. Lingston, don''t do this. Please stand up." Ss stepped forward to help him up.


    "I am also at fault in this matter," Raymond finally spoke. "It was my idea to have E take Sadie''s ce two years ago. I need to take some of the me. But E, you shouldn''t have harmed the child. If you had grudges, you should havee to me, and I would have helped you. Why did you poison the child?"


    "I didn''t," E cried, gesturing frantically.


    "Stop exining," Raymond interrupted her gestures, saying painfully. "If you had done anything else wrong, I could have forgiven you. But harming the children is unforgivable, whether it''s you or anyone else! Micah handing you over to the police is indeed his final act of mercy. Reform yourself well. I hope that when youe out, you can start anew."


    E lost herst hope and fell intoplete despair.


    At this moment, the sound of police sirens came from outside, and an attendant came to report, "Mr. Micah Clemens, the police are here."


    Micah gave a signal. Rn had Bryan and the medical staff taken out, preparing to arrest E.


    E angrily shook off his hand, gesturing violently, "I won''t go to jail. I can''t go to jail."


    She red at Sadie with hatred. "This is all your fault. You ruined mt life. Even if I die, I''ll take you with me!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, E suddenly took out a bottle of poison and lunged at Sadie.


    "Ms. James, watch out!" Annika screamed and rushed over to save Sadie.


    At the critical moment, Micah shielded Sadie and kicked E away.


    But the poison in E''s hand sshed onto Micah''s face.


    "Damn you, E!" Rn immediately pinned E down. "We were going to let you go, and you still attacked."


    Micah''s kick was heavy, and E fell to the ground, spitting blood on the spot.


    "I''ll kill you." Annika, in a fit of rage, tried to attack, but Rn stopped her. "Calm down. The police are already here. Killing her now will only harm yourself." "Lower your head." Sadie hurriedly used clean water to wash the poison off Micah''s face.


    "It''s fine. It didn''t get on me," Micah said nonchntly.


    E looked at Micah, her eyes filled with malice. "You really do love her, huh? Too bad you''ll never be together in this lifetime. Soon, you''ll be in hell with me." With that, E drank the remaining poison in her hand.

 Chapter 988 Youre Amazing

    Everyone was stunned. No one expected E to be so obsessive and crazy.


    "E." Nelson wanted to step forward to stop her, but he was frightened by E''s terrifying gaze. He stood there, dumbfounded, staring at E in shock.


    "I never want to be your daughter again," E gestured, let out a horrifyingugh, and then started vomiting blood.


    "Quick. Take her to the hospital," Raymond shouted emotionally.


    "Leave it to us." At this moment, the police rushed in. They saw what had just happened and immediately took all the suspects away, including the poisoned E.


    "Why are you putting handcuffs on me? I didn''t do anything!" Nelson shouted emotionally. "Mr. Raymond Clemens, help me. Mr. Raymond Clemens."


    This time, Raymond said nothing. He gripped the wheelchair armrests with red eyes, filled with regret and sorrow.


    "That was terrifying. I''m almost scared to death," Reba said, patting her chest, her face pale.


    "Thank goodness, that wicked woman finally got taken away," Susan said excitedly, clutching her chest. "I knew from the start she wasn''t kind."


    The other servants were also terrified. Thinking about how they had lived with someone so deeply hidden and skilled in poisoning for so long, they felt a chill down their spines.


    "Everyone temporarily moves out of here; we need to conduct a thorough inspection," Andrew came downstairs tomand. "We need to check thoroughly to see if there are any other ces poisoned in the house."


    "We have checked the study, the main bedrooms, and the kitchen. We''ll start checking the other areas now. Please have Reba assist us."


    "Okay. I''ll gather all the servants right away."


    "Thank you." Dahlia immediately led her team to start the operation.


    "Are you okay?" Sadie looked at Micah with concern. "Do you need to get checked?"


    "I''m fine," Micah said, taking off his coat. "It just spilled on me; nothing will happen. If something were wrong, I''d have symptoms by now."


    "Are you really okay?" Sadie asked, still worried.


    "Are you concerned about me?" Micah said, reaching out to hug her.


    "Stop it." Sadie frowned, pushing him away, then turned to Raymond. "After this incident, I hope you reflect on yourself. First, it was Amelia, then E. Both were people you favored, and each was more vicious than thest. Yet you insisted on marrying them with Micah. Were you really doing it for his good? If you hadn''t been so stubborn, many tragedies could have been avoided."


    After saying this, Sadie left in anger. Annika and the other female bodyguards immediately followed her.


    "Ms. James," Andrew called out. He then anxiously reminded Micah, "Micah, go after her."


    "The house is in chaos; it''s good for her to leave for a few days." Micah sighed. "I''ll go find her once I''ve sorted everything out."


    "Alright." Andrew reluctantly watched Annika''s departing figure.


    Annika also nced back at him.


    Since the two had chased after Amelia together and experienced life and death, their feelings had subtly changed. "Grandpa, go back to your room and rest," Micah said nothing more, just gave a reminder and was about to leave.


    "Micah, you''re amazing," Raymond suddenly said.


    Micah stopped in his tracks and looked back at him. "What do you want to say?"


    Raymond gave a bitter smile and sighed, saying, "Actually, you could have exposed E long ago and dealt with her yourself. The reason you did so many things and had such a big n was to make me witness her crimes with my own eyes. You wanted me to see her malicious side being revealed step by step, to make me reflect on myself, and at the same time, make me feel guilty towards Sadie and try to ept her, right?"

 Chapter 989 The Cause and Course of Events

    "You guessed half right." Micah turned around and looked deeply at Raymond. "I''ve done all this to reveal E''s true nature to you. Only by seeing her ugly crimes with your own eyes can you realize your own problems. As for feeling guilty towards Sadie and taking her back, I have no such intention. In fact, whether you ept her or not is no longer important. She is not the same Sadie as before and doesn''t need anyone''s eptance. On the contrary, it''s your grandson who is begging her to ept me."


    Hearing these words, Raymond was speechless.


    "Mr. Micah Clemens, when did you realize there was something wrong with E?" Ss asked, puzzled.


    "After Mia was poisoned and her life was in danger, I suspected Tristan and immediately went to confront him. Tristan was furious, used me of wronging him, and even demonstrated how the real poisoning was done. Tristan is proud. If he had done it, he would never deny it. So, I was sure it wasn''t him. I immediately sent someone to investigate and soon found E to be a suspect. But I had no concrete evidence at that time, and she had also cured Mia, so I could only remain suspicious of her. In fact, I could have had Rn interrogate her or use hypnosis to force her to confess the truth. But considering how much my Grandpa trusted the Lingston family, I knew well that he would intervened. So, I took this opportunity to let him see the true colors of the Lingston family. Thus, I had hidden cameras installed in the house and brought E back home. Sure enough, as soon as she entered the house, she becamecent and overstepped her authority. Nelson also behaved aggressively. I was already very disgusted with them at that point, but to make my Grandpa give up on them, I endured it. Later, Rn found the poisoned cup, and they gradually revealed their true nature." "I see." Ss suddenly understood. "No wonder you seemed strangest night. You deliberately told E that Ms. James was leaving this morning and provoked her to poison Ms. James so you could catch her in the act."


    "Exactly." Micah nodded. "I nned to wait a few more days until I found Dr. Henry before dealing with her. But she plotted against Sadie, and I couldn''t tolerate it anymore, so I acted ahead of schedule." "You are truly farsighted." Ss genuinely admired him.


    "Doing all this and putting on such a show is really exhausting," Raymond said sourly.


    "This is my least favorite method, but to let you see the truth, I had no choice." Micah looked deeply at Raymond.


    "If you knew there was something wrong with E, why didn''t you tell me directly?" Raymond asked angrily. "You were risking Mia''s life."


    "Indeed." Micah felt a bit ashamed. "Although my n was perfect, there were still mistakes, and Mia almost died."


    After a pause, he continued, "But even if I told you, would you believe it? If you hadn''t seen E''s crimes with your own eyes, you would probably still be forcing me to marry her."


    "You." Raymond was furious but had no retort.


    "Do you really not know how many benefits the Lingston family has received from us over the years? Nelson, relying on your trust, secretly instigated you to marry off both of her daughters to me, and you listened to him every time. You don''t trust your grandson''s words, but you believe outsiderspletely. Besides using this method, I don''t know how else I could persuade you without provoking you."


    Micah spoke with great helplessness.


    Raymond was speechless.


    Indeed, when Micah reasoned with him or contradicted him, he never listened, but he had an unusual trust in Nelson. Perhaps it was his stubbornness that caused so many problems.

 Chapter 990 He Regret it

    "There''s something else you might not know," Micah said in a low voice. "The person who attacked Sadie two years ago in Country H and killed Brenda was Amelia. And the one who orchestrated it all was your daughter, Nick." "What did you say?" Raymond''s eyes widened in shock. "This can''t be true. Why would they do such a thing?"


    "The evidence is conclusive. I''ve already provided it to the police." Micah frowned as he looked at him. "As for why, you''ll have to ask Nick yourself. She not only assassinated Sadie in Country H but also sent people to kidnap Noah. It was Sadie who saved him. To force Sadie to fight, Nick even shot and injured Ethan and killed my people."


    "No, this can''t be true," Raymond said in disbelief. "Your aunt may be ambitious and ruthless, but she wouldn''t harm her family."


    "The dashcam recorded the entire process." Micah handed him a tablet. "If you don''t believe me, you can see for yourself. You can also ask the three kids; they saw it with their own eyes."


    Raymond opened the video yer on the tablet and saw the footage, which left him utterly stunned.


    His face turned ashen, and he clutched his chest in pain, nearly falling out of his wheelchair.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens." Ss hurriedly gave Raymond some medication.


    "I know now might not be the best time to tell you this." Micah looked at Raymond''s pained expression, feeling a bit of remorse, but he steeled himself and said. "But I have to tell you the truth. Otherwise, you''ll never understand that you''ve been heading in the wrong direction. Instead of keeping a close watch on me, you should focus your energy on my aunt and discipline her properly. Maybe then, many disasters could be avoided."


    "That''s enough, Mr. Micah Clemens. Stop talking," Ss quickly intervened. "Mr. Raymond Clemens''s heart can''t take this."


    "Think it over." Micah gave Raymond a deep look before turning to leave.


    Ss had Reba bring a ss of water and helped Raymond drink it. Once he was a bit more stable, Ss quickly tried tofort him, "Mr. Raymond Clemens, don''t take what he said to heart."


    "You knew all along?" Raymond looked up at Ss. "You knew about the terrible things Nick did and the true nature of the Lingston family?"


    "I only found out recently," Ss said, frowning. "Ms. Nick Clemens has always been unruly, but I never thought she would go this far. As for the Lingston family, they hid their true nature very well. I only discovered the cracksst night." "I''ve been so foolish." Raymond lowered his head in shame, filled with endless regret.


    Just as Sadie had said, first it was Amelia, now it''s E. The people he chose for Micah were each more insidious and crueler than thest, yet he stubbornly forced Micah topromise.


    No matter how Micah resisted or how others tried to persuade him, he wouldn''t listen. His stubbornness led to one tragedy after another.


    Moreover, he had focused all his attention on Micah, monitoring him in every way while forgetting that his daughter, Nick, was the real viin.


    Nick was like a ticking time bomb, constantly posing a threat to the Clemens family.


    Everything he did seemed to bind Micah''s hands, leaving him constrained and vulnerable to external attacks.


    "It''s time to let go, Mr. Raymond Clemens." Ss finally voiced what he had been holding back for so long. Those few words carried a world of meaning.


    "I was wrong." Raymond lowered his head in sorrow.


    Only now did he realize how many mistakes his stubbornness had caused.


    If he had been more open-minded back then, perhaps his son and daughter-inw wouldn''t have died young;


    If he had trusted Micah and let him handle his own rtionships, many tragedies could have been avoided.

 Chapter 991 Death by Poison

    He used the excuse of doing it for Micah''s good but ended up making one mistake after another.


    He caused irreparable harm to Sadie, created insurmountable obstacles for Micah, and even left a shadow in the hearts of his three great-grandchildren.


    In the past, he couldn''t understand why they med him. He thought everything he did was for their good, preparing for the future.


    Now, after he thought about it again, he realized he was really self-righteous.


    It started to rain outside as if to show his deep regret.


    Micah returned to his room, took off all his clothes, and took a thorough shower. He even had Dahlia destroy the clothes on the spot.


    They were so meticulous and cautious to prevent any residual poison on the clothes from causing unnecessary harm.


    Just after finishing his shower, Andrew hurriedly came to report, "The police called. E died from poisoning on the way, and her death was extremely horrifying."


    "Her own mistakes led to an unfortunate end," Micah frowned and said sternly. "She wanted to use such a vicious poison to harm Sadie but ended up drinking it herself."


    "Yes, that poison was really strong," Andrew said with lingering fear. "Luckily, Ms. James wasn''t spilled. But are you really okay? That potion was spilled on your face at the time."


    "I''m fine. I''m sure I didn''t ingest any drop," Micah said confidently, spreading his arms. "Look, I''m perfectly fine now, aren''t I? If there were a problem, I would have shown symptoms by now."


    "That''s true." Andrew looked Micah up and down and, indeed, found nothing wrong. It seemed he was overthinking it.


    "What else did the police say?" Micah asked. "What about the other aplices?"


    "Nelson is being investigated by the police for conspiracy, the Lingston Group has been officially sealed, and the funds we previously injected have been returned," Andrew continued. "Everything is going as you predicted." "Good." Micah sat on the sofa.


    "Rodolfo called and said he has found Dr. Henry." Andrew poured him a ss of wine. "He also just contacted Ms. James. Dr. Henry agreed toe to Newark immediately upon learning that Ms. James is still alive. Rodolfo has prepared a private jet, and they will be back tonight."


    "That''s great." Micah finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Mia''s illness can be cured. And she can also receive treatment topletely remove the toxins."


    "Everything is resolved. It''s wonderful!" Andrew eximed. "Now we just have to deal with Nick and Amelia, those two viins."


    "Keep a close watch on Amelia. Don''t let her escape again," Micah instructed.


    "Don''t worry. We''ve increased the security this time. She won''t be able to escape," Andrew assured.


    "As for Nick, we need to carefully consider the next steps." Micah was lost in thought. "Alright, you can go now."


    "Yes, sir." Andrew went off to attend to his tasks.


    Micah took a sip of wine, got up to change clothes, and prepared to check on the children. However, he felt some difort in his eyes, as if something had gotten into them.


    He rubbed his eyes and checked in the mirror but found nothing wrong, just some redness at the corners. He thoughtit was probably due to fatigue, and a bit of rest should fix it. Not thinking much of it, he changed his clothes and went out to find the children.


    Micah pushed the door open and was stunned.


    Noah and Nathan were ying a puzzle game with Mia. Little Coco was standing on Mia''s head, and the James family''s eagle was perched on a stand next to Noah, watching them y. Seeing someone enter, the eagle immediately spread its wings and flew over, its gaze sharp and imposing.


    Micah was about to take action.


    "Coco," Noah called out slowly, "Come back."


    The eagle red at Micah, then flew back to stand behind Noah, continuing to watch them y the puzzle. "Did your Mommy leave it here?" Micah asked.


    "Mommy said that Coco can protect us while she''s not here."

 Chapter 992 Move to Raymonds Villa

    Nathan lifted his head and looked at Micah. "Daddy, where''s Mommy?"


    "Mommy''s left." Micah ruffled his hair.


    Upon hearing that Sadie had left, the three children instantly became sad. Mia''s mouth quivered, and she was almost about to cry.


    Noah also lowered his head in disappointment.


    "When will Mommye back?" Nathan asked urgently.


    "Mommy will be back soon," Micah said gently. "Once Daddy takes care of some things, Mommy wille home."


    "Really?" Mia looked at Micah expectantly.


    "Of course, it''s true. When has Daddy ever lied to you?" Micah pinched her cheek. "Alright, Daddy has to go out for a bit. There''s going to be a big inspection at home today, so stay in your rooms and don''t run around, okay?" "Got it." The three children nodded obediently.


    Micah hugged each of the three children before leaving. Noah followed him to the door and suddenly asked, "Daddy, have they caught the person who poisoned Mommy?" Micah was taken aback. He hadn''t told Noah anything, yet he knew.


    "It was Ms. Lingston, right?" Noah asked again.


    "Yes," Micah squatted down and said softly. "Daddy has already taken care of it. Mommy wasn''t angry when she left, so don''t worry."


    "That''s good." Noah breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Go back inside." Micah ruffled his head.


    "Okay." Noah nodded. "I''ll protect Nathan and Mia."


    "You''re also a child, just like Nathan and Mia, and you need protection too," Micah said gently. "Take care of yourself first!"


    "Got it, Daddy." Noah was very touched.


    Micah hurriedly left, preparing to go to thepany.


    Recently, the Clemens Group had been in a fierce battle with the James Group, suffering significant losses and being implicated by the Lingston Group, losing a lot of money.


    Today, over two billion dors had been refunded, and some matters had been resolved. He needed to reorganize thepany.


    Just as he was about to get in the car, Dahlia hurriedly reported, "Micah, the flowerbeds in the garden restaurant have all withered. It might be because the toxin spilled onto the ground." "I''m worried there might still be residual toxins at home. I suggest relocating Mr. Raymond Clemens and the children for the sake of safety."


    "Move them to my Grandpa''s vi immediately." Micah decided at once. "Have you informed Ss?"


    "Yes, Ss agrees and is instructing the people there to prepare," Dahlia said.


    "Rn," Micah called out.


    "I''m here." Rn hurried over.


    "Escort them over, bring more people, and make sure nothing goes wrong," Micah instructed.


    "Okay, I''ll arrange it right away." Rn immediately went to handle it.


    "You stay and conduct a thorough inspection and cleanup," Micah instructed Dahlia. "Yes. You rest assured."


    After settling everything, Micah hurriedly left.


    In the car, Andrew reported, "We just received news that negative reports about Ms. Clemens have been posted online, with evidence, causing a huge uproar."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Ryan''s call came through. "Mr. Clemens, thepany is being surrounded by major media outlets, and officials from the Bureau of Commercial Investigation is here to investigate. They request your cooperation."


    "What''s going on?" Micah frowned deeply.


    "It seems to be rted to Ms. Clemens'' issues, implicating our group," Ryan said anxiously. "I''ll go represent you to cooperate with the investigation first. You need to think of a solution quickly."


    "No need. I''m heading to thepany now. Wait for me to get there."


    "Okay, I''ll ask them to wait a moment."


    After hanging up, Micah immediately went online to check the public opinion. Sure enough, all the crimes Nick hadmitted over the years had been exposed online.


    Her crimes included murder, arms smuggling, andmercial fraud.


    Various crimes she hadmitted were listed, apanied by videos and photos, along with detailed evidence posted online, including several cases involving royal family murders.

 Chapter 993 Officially Taking Action

    These matters were well-documented and had already taken over the front pages of major media outlets, with all the headlines featuring the name of the Clemens Group.


    The media was confusing the public, collectively referring to Nick''s group as the Clemens Group.


    So now, the general public wasquestioning not just Nick but the entire Clemens family and the Clemens Group, including the VIC Group under Micah''s name.


    Seeing this information spread at an increasing rate, Micah frowned deeply. One problem hadn''t been solved yet, and another trouble had alreadye.


    Previously, he had misunderstood Tristan because of Mia''s poisoning, which led to Tristan''s furious reaction. At that time, he knew that the war between the James family and the Clemens family had just begun. Sure enough, Tristan had now officially made his move.


    Micah thought, ''Who said the James family is inferior to the Clemens family? Now, it seems that Tristan is not simple-minded either. He quietly found evidence of Nick''s crimes and spread it online, intending to use this matter to ruin the reputation of the Clemens Group.''


    It was known to all that Nick was also a member of the Clemens family.


    Her actions, in some ways, could represent the Clemens Group.


    This was also why Micah had always been cautious in his actions before.


    "Tristan is really something," Andrew said, frowning. "Nick had clearly left the Clemens Group long ago and has her own group, but public opinion insists on associating her with the Clemens Group."


    "She still holds shares in the Clemens Group, though very few, but she is still considered a shareholder of the Clemens Group," Micah said calmly. "Even if they associate her with the Clemens Group, I can''t sue those media outlets. Of course, this is Tristan''s cleverness."


    "What should we do now?" Andrew asked, frowning. "If Nick can''t solve this problem, the entire Clemens Group will be implicated by her."


    "She can''t solve it, and even if she could, she wouldn''t," Micah said with a mocking sneer. "Her goal is to drag me into this and make me solve the problem for her. After all, we are all part of the Clemens family. If she gains sess or honor, we will benefit from it; simrly, if she suffers failure or loss, we will also be affected."


    "How despicable!" Andrew gritted his teeth in anger. "Thinking about it this way, could the information have been released by her?"


    "No," Micah said confidently. "Her group is already in shambles, and the Davis Group is also in decline. She can''t manipte so many media outlets at once. This must be Tristan''s doing."


    "That''s true." Andrew nodded. "Precisely because her own business is failing, she is making a desperate attempt to seize your inheritance."


    "If she knows that my Grandpa has already made a will, it will be troublesome." Micah suddenly thought of this issue and immediately called Ss.


    Before he could dial the number, the phone rang. He answered immediately, "Ss."


    "I know about the news. We''re keeping it from Mr. Raymond Clemens for now, afraid it will upset him," Ss said in a low voice. "After all, he just had a shock today. If he finds out about Nick''s situation, he might not be able to handle it." "Keep it from him for now," Micah instructed solemnly. "In addition to that, the matter of the will must not be leaked, or Nick will really go crazy."


    "I understand," Ss responded. "Besides you and me, only Sadie, E, and Nelson know. Nelson has been arrested, right? He shouldn''t be able to leak it."


    "I''ll send someone to the police station. You take care of Mr. Raymond Clemens."


    "Don''t worry."


    After hanging up, Micah immediately asked Andrew to contact the police to keep an eye on Nelson and prevent him from leaking the secret.


    After everything was arranged, Micah turned to look at Hillside Vi in the distance.


    He assumed that, at this moment, Sadie should have already returned home and also learned about this news.


    He wondered what she thought about it and whether she supported Tristan in using this method to harm Nick, or whether she had ever expressed any opposition to involving the Clemens Group. However, on second thought, Micah thought it was understandable no matter what she thought or did. After all, the Clemens family owed her.


    Micah just didn''t know when this struggle would finally end.

 Chapter 994 Family

    In the Hillside Vi, Sadie changed into her own clothes and sat in the white leather chair in the study, talking on the phone.


    She already knew all about the news regarding Nick. She understood how serious the situation was and that if public opinion continued to ferment, it could deal a fatal blow to the Clemens Group. So, she immediately called Tristan. The call was quickly connected.


    "Hello."


    "You''re back home?" Tristan''s voice was as cold as frost.


    Sadie nced at Annika. It seemed that Tristan knew she had been staying with the Clemens family these past few days.


    He probably also knew everything she had gone through at the Clemens Vi.


    It was likely because of this that Tristan took action to punish the Clemens family and stand up for her.


    "Yes, I''m back home." Sadie felt the need to exin. "Mia was poisoned and is very sick. I was really worried about her, so..."


    "If


    f you worried about her, you could have brought her back for treatment," Tristan interrupted her coldly. "There are so many hospitals in the world; it''s not like only the Clemens family has private doctors." "Yes." Sadie felt more admiration and reverence for Tristan than anything else. She was obedient and wouldn''t argue or act spoiled like many siblings, nor would she talk back to him.


    Moreover, he had already told her not to go, and she had gone anyway. Exining too much now was pointless.


    "Even if you need to take care of the child, you shouldn''t have let yourself be bullied." Tristan was furious at the thought of Sadie being humiliated by Raymond.


    "You were alone and had no one to rely on in the past, so being bullied was understandable. But now you bear the James name. You are my little sister. How could you let anyone humiliate you like that?" His words were filled with intense anger.


    Sadie felt deeply moved. She now understood what it felt like to have family protection.


    In the past, she had no one to rely on and could only endure and avoid being bullied.


    But now, she had someone providing protection from behind.


    At that time, Raymond had believed E and humiliated Sadie, having bodyguards hold her down and put handcuffs and shackles on her.


    She had refrained from retaliating against Raymond for the sake of the children.


    But Tristan wouldn''t.


    Everything the Clemens family was suffering now was a lesson for the Clemens family and Raymond! They had to pay for what they had done.


    "Sadie, don''t forget the unpleasant things of the past. Don''t forget how the Clemens family hurt you; Don''t forget how Amelia humiliated you on the streets of Country H; Don''t forget how Brenda died; Don''t forget how your blood stained the wedding dress. Think carefully about why you came back. You came back to avenge yourself and Brenda. Don''t be deceived by Micah''s sweet words. We, the James family, are not that spineless!"


    After angrily saying these words, Tristan hung up the phone.


    Listening to the beeps from the phone, Sadie''s heart was turbulent andplicated.


    Of course, she hadn''t forgotten those hatreds. She was also seeking revenge on Nick and Amelia, but she couldn''t bring herself to act against Raymond and Micah.


    After all, they were the beloved rtives of her children.


    Even the current situation was something she didn''t want to see.


    "Ms. James, I''m sorry," Annika apologized softly. "When I heard from Jessica and the others that you were being bullied by the Clemens family, I was really angry. And with your old illness recurring and not enough medicine, I was afraid something would happen to you, so I called Mr. James. I didn''t expect things to escte so much. Nor did I expect Mr. James to go to such lengths to stand up for you. I''m really sorry."


    Annika felt very uneasy. If Andrew knew she had tattled and caused today''s consequences, he would probably me her too.


    During the time she and Andrew were tracking Amelia, Andrew had told her a lot about Micah and Sadie, which had shaken her a bit.


    Annika just hadn''t expected to see Sadie be bullied upon her return. That was why she made a call to Tristan impulsively.

 Chapter 995 The Essential Difference

    "It''s not your fault," Sadie gradually calmed down and analyzed rationally. "You''re just doing your job. There''s nothing wrong with that. Tristan is also right in doing this. Nick''s crimes are heinous, and she deserves to be punished properly. She''s hiding in the shadows now, and we can''t find her. This is the only way to force her out."


    "But it gets Mr. Clemens implicated." Annika frowned. "Now all the public opinion is pointing at the Clemens Group. Those people who aren''t in the upper business circles don''t know that Nick has long been separated from the Clemens family. The general public still considers her part of the Clemens family, and everything she does will be linked to the Clemens Group. Nick is probably happy now. She definitely hopes for this kind of public opinion effect. Because she knows that Mr. Clemens will definitely find a way to solve the problem; otherwise, she will drag down the entire Clemens family. So, the one who suffers the most from this whole thing is Mr. Clemens." Hearing these words, Sadie fell silent. She knew this reasoning, which was why she called Tristan. She originally wanted to persuade Tristan to stop, but before she could speak, Tristan scolded her. And she had no words to counter.


    After all, Tristan was standing up for her, and besides, it was Raymond who was at fault first.


    She didn''t mind, but that didn''t mean Tristan wouldn''t.


    "The rift between you and Mr. Clemens will deepen." Annika looked at Sadie with concern and asked softly. "You must be feeling very sad, right?"


    "What did Andrew say to you?" Sadie red at her.


    "Nothing." Annika hurriedly lowered her head.


    "You two went to catch Amelia together, spent a day and a night, and experienced life and death together. It''s quite normal to go from being adversaries to having a subtle, intimate rtionship." Sadie knew everything andughed at herself. "Before avenging my great hatred, my two important subordinates have already fallen for people from the Clemens family."


    "Ms. James, I haven''t," Annika quickly stated. "If there''s any conflict between the Clemens family and you, I will stand by your side without hesitation and will never waver because of personal feelings."


    "I know." Sadie looked at her gently. "I''ve never doubted your loyalty as you are Tristan''s people."


    "That''s good. You scared me." Annika patted her chest.


    "I''m really curious about what did Andrew say to you," Sadie asked curiously.


    "Andrew said you and Mr. Clemens were very much in love before, but Raymond wouldn''t ept you," Annika said softly. "Mainly because you are from the James family, and your mother indirectly caused the death of Mr. Clemens'' parents, so Raymond firmly opposed the marriage."


    "I know. I remember that." Sadie nodded. "Raymond seemed to find out this secret on the wedding day; it was Nick who told him."


    "To be honest, I don''t resent Raymond that much because I never considered him family. In my eyes, he''s just an outsider, and I don''t care about the opinions of outsiders. But Micah is different. He told me we were once very much in love. We had three children, and we walked into the church together and put wedding rings on each other. We should be the closest people to each other, but why did he betray me? Why did he abandon me? I can''t understand. If it were me, I would be unwavering with the person I love, no matter how much Tristan opposed. I would never choose to be a coward, and I would never find a substitute to rece my lover. That''s the difference between him and me!"


    "Andrew told me that at the time, you were suffering from the effects of poison, and Mr. Micah Clemens temporarilypromised with Mr. Raymond Clemens to get the antidote."


    "They''re all excuses." Sadie didn''t want to listen anymore. "Alright, pack up. We''re going to the hospital to see Arya."


    "Yes."

 Chapter 996 Dereliction of Duty

    When they went out, the weather was gloomy, looking like it was going to rain.


    Annika had prepared noise-canceling headphones so she could immediately have Sadie put them on if there was thunder.


    As the car drove halfway up the mountain, they encountered the Clemens family''s vehicle.


    A grand procession of over a dozen cars, quite a spectacle.


    "Are they moving?" Annika carefully observed the convoy.


    "Maybe they''re worried E has hidden poison elsewhere, or they''ve discovered something. So they''re moving the whole family out until it''s all cleaned up," Sadie concluded. As Sadie spoke, an eagle''s cry came from outside.


    Annika immediately instructed the driver to slow down and then opened the window.


    The eagle, Coco, flew in with Little Coco on its back.


    Little Coco clung tightly to the eagle''s feathers with its small ws, afraid of falling. Its little green head looked around nervously and curiously.


    "Little Coco, what brings you here?" Annika couldn''t help but tease it when she saw Little Coco. "Look at you. You''re still trembling."


    "Who would''ve thought you two would be friends," Sadie said, extending her hand. Little Coco flew onto her hand, nuzzling her cheek with its little head. Sadie gently petted its little head and turned to look at the eagle, Coco.


    Coco had a note in its beak.Sadie took and opened it. It read: [Mommy, we''re waiting for you toe home!]


    The note was signed by Noah, Nathan and Mia.


    Sadie was deeply moved by the neat, carefully written words and the children''s message.


    "Mommy. Mommy" came the children''s voices from outside the window.


    Annika immediately instructed the driver to drive over. The two Rolls-Royce Phantoms drove side by side.


    The three children waved at Sadie from the window. Nathan excitedly stuck his head out, only to be pulled back by Andrew. "Don''t do that!" Then, Andrew gestured to Annika, asking if they should stop to talk.


    Annika immediately asked Sadie what she wanted to do.


    Sadie shook her head and leaned over to tell the children, "Noah, Nathan, Mia, sit properly. Mommy wille to see you in a few days. Be good." "Okay, Mommy." The children obediently sat back down.


    Sadie made a gesture, and the eagle, with Little Coco, flew out the window and back to the children.


    Sadie held the note tightly, waving continuously at the children.


    As the car drove away, Sadie saw the children leaning on the back seat, watching her. Her eyes turned red.


    "It''s okay. You''ll see them soon," Annika gentlyforted her. "I heard Rodolfo has already picked up Dr. Henry, and they''ll arrive in Newark tonight." "Check which flight he''s on," Sadie instructed.


    "Yes."


    A light drizzle began to fall from the sky. Without thunder and lightning, they felt a bit unustomed.


    By the time Sadie arrived at the hospital, it was already night.


    The group hurried to Arya''s room and was about to enter when they suddenly heard an urgent voice inside. "Why did youe back early?"


    "I heard you got shot and was worried, so I came back early." It was Rodolfo''s voice.


    "Where is Dr. Henry?" Arya was anxious. "Did you bring him back?"


    "They''re on a special flight tonight. I''ll go to the airport in a bit."


    "You." Arya was furious. "Are you crazy? If Micah finds out you left your post, he''ll severely punish you."


    "I don''t care. I was afraid I wouldn''t see you again if I didn''te back."


    "Shut up." Arya scolded. "You''re driving me crazy. Dr. Henry is crucial to Ms. James and Ms. Mia''s lives. What if something happens? Go pick him up immediately and make sure nothing goes wrong." "I know, I was just worried about you. Now that I know you''re okay, I''ll head to the airport right away."

 Chapter 997 One Step Ahead

    Rodolfo climbed out the window, and only then did Sadie push the door open and enter.


    Arya was still tilting her head, looking towards the window, her eyes full of reluctance.


    "He''s already gone, and you''re still looking?" Sadie''s voice came through.


    Arya was startled and hurriedly exined, "Ms. James, I..."


    "I already heard it," Sadie interrupted her, sitting on the chair by the bed. "Rodolfo is deeply in love with you; he''s a good man."


    "No, he''s too immature," Arya said shyly, lowering her head. "I just scolded him. How could he leave his post on such an important matter."


    "That deserves a scolding." Sadie smiled. "But you risked your life to protect me, so it bnces out."


    "How can you say that?" Arya blushed and said coyly. "The credit is mine; how can it offset his mistake?" "You''re right." Sadie nodded seriously. "Then let Micah punish him properly."


    "No." Arya became anxious immediately.


    Annika couldn''t help butugh. "After all that arguing, you''re still worried, aren''t you?"


    "You''re so annoying." Arya threw a pillow at her.


    "You''re still so fierce, even injured. Be careful, or your boyfriend might leave you," Annika teased.


    "He is not my boyfriend. Stop talking nonsense." Arya''s face turned red to her ears.


    "You are also at fault." Annika smirked. "He rushed back early just for you. Ms. James said your merits offset his faults, and you still won''t ept it. You are so ungrateful." "Ms. James, please do something about her," Arya said shyly like a little girl.


    "Alright, I won''t tease you anymore." Sadieughed, looking at her blushing face. "You''re all still young; it''s normal to date. Rodolfo is a good man; you should cherish him." "But..."


    "The fact that he ran back is only known to the three of us. If we don''t say anything, it won''t be a problem." Sadie stood up. "Alright, you rest well. We need to go to the airport. If something really happens, your Rodolfo will be in trouble." "Yes." Arya nodded repeatedly. "Dr. Henry is very important; nothing must happen to him."


    "I''ll leave someone to protect you. Take care of yourself." Sadie patted her arm. She then turned and arranged for a bodyguard to stay before leaving.


    "Ms. James, you''re so nice to us," Annika said sincerely.


    "Are you saying Tristan isn''t nice to you?" Sadie retorted.


    "No, that''s not what I meant," Annika quickly exined.


    Seeing her blushed face, Sadie couldn''t help butugh but then pretended to be stern and walked quickly ahead.


    Annika followed behind, watching Sadie''s back, and smiled faintly.


    Compared to Tristan''s strictness and coldness, Sadie seemed much more approachable.


    Even though she had deep hatred towards the Clemens family, Sadie never stopped them from interacting with the Clemens family''s members. That''s who she was, kind and soft-hearted deep down.


    Sadie hurried to the airport with her team. On the highway, they suddenly saw the Clemens family''s convoy speeding past.


    "What''s going on?" Annika frowned as she looked at the convoy outside. "Such a big formation, and driving so fast. Did something happen?" "Hopefully not." Sadie''s face darkened. "Drive faster."


    "Yes."


    Arya was seriously injured, and the other female bodyguards'' driving skills were limited, so they arrived at the airport ten minuteste. The group hurried to the arrival area and found the Clemens family''s bodyguards searching everywhere.


    Annika immediately recognized a familiar face and rushed forward to ask, "What''s going on? Weren''t you here to pick up Dr. Henry?"


    "Dr. Henry was kidnapped just before we got here," the person said anxiously. "We''re searching everywhere."


    "How could this happen? Who took him?" Annika asked urgently.


    "We don''t know yet."

 Chapter 998 The Dominant Brother

    The bodyguard hurried off immediately after their conversation to continue searching.


    "Didn''t think it was true," Annika muttered through gritted teeth. "Rodolfo''s so emotional. They were all headed to Newark tonight anyway, so why did he have to fly back early? Now Dr. Henry''s been kidnapped. What are we gonna do?" "No point in worrying now," Sadie said, frowning. "Check the details."


    "Got it." Annika was about to investigate when her phone rang. She answered and was shocked. "What? Really? Treat them well. Don''t neglect them. We''ll be right back."


    After hanging up, Annika looked around cautiously and then whispered something in Sadie''s ear.


    Sadie was stunned. "No way?"


    "It''s true," Annika said quietly. "It''s from the boss."


    "Let''s go back. Right now."


    "Yeah."


    Sadie rushed home and found an elderly man with white hair sitting by the table, drinking coffee. A young man and woman stood beside him, both looking stunned when they saw Sadie.


    "Sadie." Pa rushed over, grabbing Sadie''s hand excitedly. "I can''t believe it. It''s really you. You''re not dead. You''re alive. This is amazing!"


    "Pa!" Sadie recognized her immediately, feeling a surge of mixed emotions. "You''ve grown up!"


    Pa hugged Sadie tightly, crying. "We all thought you were dead. We were heartbroken for so long."


    "They said you were still alive, but I didn''t believe it. Turns out it''s true." Percy Wheeler was also thrilled to see Sadie. "The Clemens family used every trick to kidnap us, and then we got hijacked at the airport. We were scared to death." "It''s great that you''re okay." Hubert said, smiling at Sadie. "Good things happen to good people, it seems!"


    "I never thought I''d see you all again." Sadie said, reminiscing about the time she and Brenda had gone to Avalis Mountain for medical help two years ago. Her feelings were indescribable. "Life is so unpredictable!"


    "Indeed." Hubert sighed. "I heard some things about you just now. It''s really touching. Brenda once said my chickens weren''t fat enough and that she''d teach me how to raise them the next time she came to the mountain. I never expected..." When it came to Brenda, Sadie couldn''t help but tear up.


    Hubert asked with concern, "How have you been these past two years?"


    "Tristan found a doctor who created a potion for me. I drink a bottle every week, and that''s how I''ve managed until now." Sadie exined her treatment, "That''s not important. What''s important is my daughter. She''s been poisoned, and her condition is very bad."


    "Bring the child to me quickly," Hubert said urgently.


    "The child isn''t home. I''ll go get her right now." Sadie was interrupted by her ringing phone. She stepped aside to answer it. "Tristan!"


    "I''ve brought the doctor to you. Do you want to pick up the child yourself, or should I help you?" Tristan''s voice was always calm yet arrogant.


    His meaning was clear. He didn''t want Sadie to be mistreated by the Clemens family, so he directly brought Hubert to the James family.


    He was now informing Sadie, meaning if she could swiftly bring Mia, she should do it immediately. If not, Tristan, as her brother, would help her.


    "I''ll go myself," Sadie replied quickly. "I''ll bring the child back tonight."


    "Don''t disappoint me."


    "I understand. Thank you, Tristan!"


    After hanging up, Sadie''s heart was still racing. She knew Tristan''s temper well. If she didn''t bring the child back tonight, he might send his men with guns to storm Raymond''s Vi and demand the child.

 Chapter 999 The Big Forces Swallow the Small Forces

    It was another war by that time.


    Sadie didn''t give a damn about Raymond''s fate, but she did care about the kids'' feelings.


    So, she''d rather be the viin herself.


    Sadie set down her phone, turned to Hubert, and spoke, "Dr. Henry, this is my ce. Make yourself at home. I''m off to get the kids now."


    "Alright," Hubert nodded and advised, "Try to handle this peacefully."


    Sadie was a bit taken aback. She hadn''t said anything, but Hubert seemed to know about the feud between the James and Clemens. That simple advice carried a lot of weight.


    Sadie thanked him, bid goodbye to Pa, then headed to her room to call Micah. "Did you take Mia to Raymond''s ce?"


    "Did the James take Dr. Henry?" Micah didn''t answer but asked back. Upon receiving Sadie''s call, he understood the situation.


    "Yeah," Sadie admitted straight up.


    "Tristan did it, right?" Micah''s tone turned dark. "What''s he trying to pull?"


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Sadie shot back. "Your Clemens has pushed too far. He''s just trying to protect me."


    "He''s being reckless," Micah fumed. "The Clemens Group is already in chaos because of him. Isn''t that enough? Taking Dr. Henry will dy Mia''s treatment. Do not let adults'' troubles drag onto the children, okay?" "It won''t dy anything," Sadie said coldly. "You get the kid back and bring her to me. I''ll have Dr. Henry start the treatment right away."


    "Sadie..."


    "Are you going, or should I? Your call." Sadie had learned that move from Tristan pretty well.


    Micah was speechless. He knew full well that Sadie might actually bring dozens of female bodyguards, drive an SUV, and storm into Raymond''s vi with guns to take Mia away.


    If that happened, a fierce battle would be unavoidable.


    So, he had to be the bad guy.


    "Fine," Micah sighed, genuinely afraid of Sadie. "I''ll discuss with Raymond Clemens first. Wait for my news."


    "It''s not a discussion; it must be done," Sadie left no room for negotiation. "I need to see Mia by 7 PM tonight. Otherwise, I''ll storm into Raymond''s ce myself. Don''t say I didn''t respect the elders then!" With that, Sadie hung up.


    Micah gritted his teeth in frustration as he listened to the busy tone. He nced at the photo of him and Sadie from two years ago on his desk and muttered helplessly, "You were so gentle and lovely two years ago." Back then, Sadie couldn''t resist; she was at his mercy.


    But now, she''s different. He''s afraid of her.


    "Micah, we just found out-"


    "The James took Dr. Henry," Micah cut him off. "Isn''t it a bitte for you to report this?"


    "Sorry," Rn mumbled, lowering his head.


    "Enough," Micah snapped, tossing his pen aside. "Prepare the car. We''re going to Raymond''s ce."


    "Now?" Rn was puzzled. Thepany was swamped, with a pile of things waiting for Micah''s attention. Why the sudden trip to Raymond''s? "Now."


    "Yes, sir."


    As Micah walked out of the office, Chloe hurried over. "Mr. Clemens, there are a few documents that need your signature."


    "Leave them. I''ll sign them tomorrow."


    Micah rushed towards the elevator. He couldn''t worry about anything else now. It was almost five o''clock. If he couldn''t get Mia to Hillside Vi by seven, Sadie would definitely storm into Raymond''s ce to take Mia away. That would be a disaster.


    "But these documents are urgent, Mr. Clemens."

 Chapter 1000 Never Return Once Wen

    Chloe called out a few times, but Micah ignored her and quickly walked into the elevator.


    Chloe stood there, looking downcast.


    "Where''s Mr. Clemens?" Just then, Ryan showed up with folks from the Bureau of Commercial Investigation.


    "He just left," Chloe quickly exined. "There''s an urgent matter at home he needs to handle. Mr. Clemens will definitelye tomorrow."


    Ryan sighed and turned to the others, saying, "I''ll cooperate with the investigation first. Once Mr. Clemens is done, he''lle right away." "Alright."


    Micah hurried to Raymond''s vi.


    Music resounded in the courtyard. Raymond was teaching Noah and Nathan how to write while Mia was asleep on a nearby chair.


    Ss gently draped a nketover her and was about to instruct the medical staff to take her back to her room when Nathan suddenly shouted, "Daddy!"


    Noah looked up, and his writing went crooked.


    "Daddy, it''s really you." Nathan dropped his brush and ran over to hug Micah.


    "Good boy." Micah picked up Nathan and walked over with a smile. "Let Daddy see how your writing is. Not bad!"


    "Nathan has been practicing with me for a few years now and has made great progress." Raymond looked up at him. "A lot of things are waiting for you to handle. You didn''te here just for dinner, did you?" "I have something to discuss with you."


    Micah put Nathan down and ruffled Noah''s hair.


    "Let''s go to the study." Raymond put down the brush and wiped his hands with a cloth.


    "Okay," Micah nodded and said to the kids. "Keep practicing. Daddy will check itter."


    "Got it, Daddy," Nathan responded obediently.


    "Daddy, what''s going on?" Noah looked at Micah, feeling uneasy.


    "Nothing." Micah patted his little face and pushed Raymond towards the study.


    Ss instructed someone to watch the kids and then followed them in.


    "What''s wrong?" Raymond asked. "Did you bring back the doctor treating Mia?"


    "That''s what I wanted to talk about," Micah said. "You know, Dr. Henry was a close friend of Sadie''s father. He only treats the Roths, so he went straight to Hillside Vi after getting off the jet."


    "What nonsense is this?" Raymond fumed. "A doctor''spassion should extend to all children, regardless of whose they are. Besides, didn''t you ask Rodolfo to bring him here? Even if you had to force him, he should have been brought here. How could you let him go to Hillside Vi on his own? Did the James snatch him away?"


    "You''re wronging Sadie. She didn''t know about this," Micah quickly exined. "Indeed, the James did send someone to pick up Dr. Henry, but he went with them willingly."


    "What are they trying to do?" Raymond was anxious. "I know the Clemens owed her, but treating the child''s illness is crucial. We can''t be capricious at this point."


    "Nothing else. She just wants to take the child to Hillside Vi for treatment," Micah observed Raymond''s expression and cautiously said. "I''m here to pick up Mia."


    "You!" Raymond was furious. "Instead of persuading her, you came to pick up Mia? Mia is still sick. She just moved here from home this morning, and now you want to move her to Hillside Vi? You may not mind the trouble, but I feel for the child!"


    "I know you care about Mia, so do I. Sadie cares deeply as a mother. That''s why she wants to ensure proper treatment for the child now." Micah softened his tone. "The kids have a good rtionship with you, but what they need more is their Daddy and Mommy."


    "If you send her over there, will Mia be able toe back?" Raymond was particrly sensitive about this. "I''m afraid once she goes, she won''te back, right?"

 Chapter 1001 Fooling Raymond

    "Absolutely not. Sadie respects the kids'' feelings," Micah asserted confidently. "The kids don''t want to leave their dad. Plus, you''ve already made a will and shown enough sincerity. Sadie should get how important this is."


    "Even if she understands, Tristan might not let it go," Raymond said seriously. "After everything, my view of Sadie has changed a lot. I admit, my stubbornness broke you two apart and hurt her. I''m ready to take responsibility. If she asks, I''ll do my best to make it up to her. But when ites to the kids, I can''tpromise. They''re Clemens, the future of our family. We can''t let them be taken away."


    Raymond got more agitated, his hands shaking with emotion.


    "I know," Micah soothed. "They''re my kids, and I care even more than you do. No matter how much I love Sadie, I won''t back down when ites to the kids. I''m an adult; I can''t let someone take my kids and give them anotherst name. Don''t worry. I''ll be staying there with Mia. We think the kids will recover faster if they see both Mom and Dad every day."


    "You are staying there too?" Ss quickly agreed. "If that''s the case, then there shouldn''t be any problem."


    "Are you really staying there?" Raymond was skeptical.


    "Of course," Micah shrugged. "Where else would I stay? Half Mountain Vi is still being renovated, so I have no ce to live."


    "Don''t lie to me." Raymond was still doubtful. "Sadie''s temper isn''t easy to appease now. She left in a huff; will she really let you stay at her ce?"


    "I''m mainly thinking about the kids," Micah continued. "Mia''s condition is really unstable, and we''re all worried. Plus, Dr. Henry is hard to get. We finally managed to bring him back, hoping he can cure Mia ASAP. Sadie has put aside her prejudices to work with me on this."


    "Ms. James may have a fiery temper, but she truly loves the kids," Ss added. "After all, they are her own."


    "I believe that." Raymond thought for a long time and finally nodded. "Alright, since you put it that way, I won''t stop you. Once Mia''s illness is cured, you must bring all three kids back to me, safe and sound." "You have my word."


    Micah sessfully took the three kids. When they learned they were going to Sadie''s ce, they were all very happy.


    A bright smile appeared on Noah''s previously solemn face.


    Nathan jumped off the couch, pping and cheering with excitement.


    Mia pped her hands and said joyfully, "Great. We get to see Mommy!"


    "Say goodbye to grandpa. We''re leaving now!"


    "Goodbye, grandpa!"


    "Be good, kids. Once you''re better, you muste back, okay?" Raymond held Noah and Nathan''s hands, reluctant to let go, and repeatedly reminded them. "Call me every day so I know how you''re doing. If anything happens, you must tell me."


    "Got it, grandpa. Don''t worry."


    The kids couldn''t wait to run outside, cheering as they got into the car.


    Raymond sat in his wheelchair, watching the small figures of the kids as his eyes involuntarily reddened.


    "Don''t be sad. Once the kids are better, I''ll bring them back to you," Micah reassured him before getting into the car and urging softly. "Let''s go. Now!"


    He was afraid Raymond would change his mind and not let the kids leave.


    "Yes, sir," Rodolfo replied, immediately starting the car and driving away.

 Chapter 1002 Go with the Flow

    Raymond watched the car speed away, growing more uneasy by the second. "Why do I feel like I''ve been tricked? Why does everything feel off? I need to get the kids back." "Raymond, please don''t make a fuss," Ss said quickly. "Micah was right; he cares more about the kids than you do. There''s no way he''d let the James family take them away. You can rx."


    "But he''s driving so fast, it feels like a conspiracy," Raymond said anxiously. "Micah has gotten cunning. He used to confront me directly, but now he''s learned to deceive me. Look at what he said today; he would never have said those things before."


    "This is a good thing; it means he''s matured," Ss assured him. "Micah is so aplished in the business world. You should trust him." "But-"


    "Please, don''t stir up any more trouble," Ss urged. "Think about it. Why would the James take Dr. Henry? Isn''t it because Ms. James was humiliated at our ce before? Back then, you humiliated Ms. James for E''s sake, which was a huge insult to her. Now, Ms. James doesn''t want toe to the Clemens, but she still wants the kids, so she came up with this n. As long as you don''t interfere, Micah will eventually win Ms. James over. Maybe she''lle back to the Clemens, and the whole family will be reunited and happy."


    "You''re dreaming," Raymond said irritably. "Even if they both agree, do you think Tristan will let it go? The feud between the James and the Clemens isn''t that easy to resolve." "That''s true."


    "I''m still uneasy. Send someone to follow them," Raymond ordered. "Don''t disturb them. Just keep an eye on Micah. See if he leaves or stays after dropping the kids off at Hillside Vi."


    "Okay, I''ll arrange it right away."


    The ck Rolls-Royce Phantom headed towards Hillside Vi.


    The kids were happily imagining a life together as a family of seven. Micah looked at them tenderly, feeling a surge of emotion.


    He had initially wanted to appease Raymond with some made-up reasons, but now he thought it might actually be nice to stay there.


    Not only could he watch over the kids, but he could also get closer to Sadie.


    Thinking of this, Micah smiled faintly.


    "Micah, there''s a car following us," Rn reported. "It looks like it''s Raymond''s people."


    "Should we lose them?" Rodolfo asked.


    "No need," Micah said calmly. "Just pretend we don''t know. Keep driving."


    "Yes, sir." Rodolfo continued driving.


    "Drive faster." Micah checked his watch. Time was running short.


    "Okay." Rodolfo sped up.


    Micah was about to chat with the kids when his phone rang. He gestured to the kids and then answered the call, "Hello."


    "Where are you now?" Sadie was anxiously waiting at home, but she pretended to be aloof on the phone.


    "Why are you in such a hurry? It''s not time yet," Micah teased.


    "It''s five minutes to seven. My people have their guns ready. If you don''t bring them here, I''ll go to Mr. Raymond''s ce and take them myself."


    As she spoke, Sadie fired a shot at a nearby tree branch.


    The branch fell with a loud "bang," startling a flock of birds.


    Micah was speechless. Sadie really had a fiery temper now.


    "Four minutes left!" Sadie had lost her patience and ordered. "Get the car ready. We''re leaving!" "Yes!"


    "We''re almost there," Micah said hurriedly. "We''re already halfway up the hill."


    "Don''t lie to me." Sadie hung up and then ordered, "Check the surveince. See if they''ve arrived." "Yes!"

 Chapter 1003 Shameless

    Due to Mia''s illness, Rodolfo didn''t dare to speed up, so they ended up being three minuteste.


    Annika stood at the gate with a group of female bodyguards, all armed and looking fierce.


    "These women are really tough," Rn remarked.


    "Don''t mess with them. They''ve got fiery tempers," Rodolfo whispered.


    Just as he finished speaking, an eagle''s cry came from outside. Coco flew out of the car window andnded on Sadie''s hand.


    "Mommy!" Nathan poked his little head out of the car window, waving excitedly at Sadie.


    "Nathan!" Sadie immediately walked over.


    The car stopped, and Rn helped Noah and Nathan out.


    Nathan immediately threw himself into Sadie''s arms, hugging her neck tightly and choking up, "Mommy, I thought it would be a long time before I could see you again, but I didn''t expect it to be so soon."


    "Are you happy to see me?" Sadie asked, stroking his cheeks.


    "Yeah." Nathan nodded repeatedly.


    "That''s good." Sadie kissed his chubby cheek.


    "Mommy." Noah ran over, also wanting Sadie to kiss him, but his aloof personality wouldn''t allow it, so he could only watch from a distance.


    "Noah." Sadie hugged him and kissed his forehead. "I told you we''d see each other soon, didn''t I?"


    "Yeah," Noah nodded, his face turning red. He then hugged Sadie''s neck and choked up, "Mommy, I hope we never have to be apart again."


    "We won''t. Mommy will never leave you again," Sadie patted Noah''s back, "Good boy!"


    "Mommy." Mia''s hoarse voice called out, her thin arms reaching for Sadie.


    Sadie quickly walked over and hugged Mia. Mia had lost a lot of weight due to her illness and still couldn''t walk. She eithery in bed or sat in a wheelchair every day, speaking weakly.


    Sadie looked at her with great heartache.


    "Mia, I brought Dr. Henry back. He''ll definitely cure you," Sadie gently stroked Mia''s hair. "When you get better, I''ll take you to the amusement park."


    "Thank you, Mommy." Mia snuggled into Sadie''s arms.


    "Good girl. I''ll carry you inside." Sadie picked up Mia and walked into the house without ncing at Micah, directly addressing the children. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, I''m taking you to see Dr. Henry. He''s a good friend of your grandpa and a very skilled doctor. You must be polite, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    Micah watched Sadie''s back, feeling a wave of sadness but knowing there was nothing he could do. He used to be so high and mighty in front of her, and now the roles were reversed. This was his karma.


    "Micah, no one is paying attention to us. Should we go in?" Rn asked quietly.


    "Of course." Micah red at him and walked in.


    Annika and her team didn''t stop them, but no one weed them either.


    Micah shamelessly sat on the sofa and poured himself a cup of coffee. Rn and Rodolfo stood behind him, feeling very ufortable.


    "Rodolfo!" A familiar voice called out.


    Rodolfo turned around and immediately walked over. "Weren''t you in the hospital? Why did you get back?"


    "Ms. James said Dr. Henry could help me recover faster, so she had someone bring me back for treatment," Arya said with a smile.


    "Ms. James is really good to you," Rodolfo remarked.


    "Of course. That''s why I''m so loyal to her," Arya said, full of admiration for Sadie. She nced at Micah and asked in a low voice, "You brought the kids back, right? Why is no one attending to you?" "Forget it." Rodolfo didn''t dare say more.

 Chapter 1004 Hidden Relationship

    "This is the consequence you should bear," Arya sneered. "How did you family treat Ms. James when she was with you?"


    "We respected her a lot," Rodolfo quickly replied. "Everyone treated her like thedy of the house."


    "Really?" Arya raised an eyebrow. "Then who believed E''s false usations, had the bodyguards hold down Ms. James, and even chained her with handcuffs and leg irons?" "Well." Rodolfo was at a loss for words. He wasn''t home at the time, but he had heard that Raymond did those things. No wonder the James were now giving them the cold shoulder. "You''re all in it together. Get lost."


    Arya angrily wheeled her chair into Rodolfo, pushing him aside, and went straight back to her room.


    "Arya," Rodolfo called out twice, trying to exin. "I wasn''t home at the time. I just got back today."


    But Aryapletely ignored him.


    Feeling wronged, Rodolfo returned to Micah''s side, quite upset.


    "Feeling defeated?" Micah raised an eyebrow and nced at him.


    "I feel so wronged," Rodolfo said with a face full of grievance. "I didn''t do anything, yet I''m getting scolded."


    "You better go and appease her," Rn reminded him.


    "Appease her for what?" Micah warned in a low voice. "Tristan''s people are everywhere. If he finds out about you two, Arya won''t survive."


    "I can''t believe I forgot something so important," Rodolfo was shocked. "Then, what should I do?"


    "She''s much smarter than you," Micah red at him. "You idiot!"


    Rodolfo was stunned for a moment before he realized that Arya knew he respected Sadie and that the mistreatment to Sadie had nothing to do with him. However, she still treated him harshly to show others. In fact, she didn''t me him at all.


    "To avoid unnecessary trouble, you should leave," Micah ordered.


    "Yes," Rodolfo said, leaving immediately. He didn''t want to bring disaster to Arya.


    From the third-floor room, Arya watched Rodolfo drive away through the floor-to-ceiling window, feeling a bit reluctant.


    "Don''t worry. Even if Rodolfo is foolish, Mr. Clemens will remind him," Annika said softly. "You should focus on recovering and not overthink."


    "I understand." Arya sighed. "Tristan is always decisive and ruthless. I''m really scared."


    "Don''t contact Rodolfo anymore," Annika reminded with a frown. "If it were anyone else, it would be easier to handle. But he''s from the Clemens. If Tristan finds out, both of you are doomed!" She was reminding Arya and herself.


    However,pared to Arya and Rodolfo, Annika and Andrew were much moreposed.


    After all, Rodolfo and Arya were still young.


    "I know." Arya''s voice choked up. "But I can''t bear to be without him."


    "I understand how you feel." Annika said. She also couldn''t bear to be without Andrew.


    "Do you think there''s a chance Ms. James and Mr. Clemens could reconcile?" Arya asked tentatively. "If the James and the Clemens could bury the hatchet, and Ms. James and Mr. Clemens could reconcile, wouldn''t we have to give up on love?" "The chances are slim." Annika sighed softly. "But it''s possible. I can see that Ms. James still has feelings for Mr. Clemens, and Mr. Clemens hasn''t given up either. Maybe they really will reconcile."


    "That would be great." Arya''s hope was rekindled.


    Annika also held onto a sliver of hope. She truly wished the two families could reconcile.


    "Annika!" A female bodyguard called from outside. "Ms. James asked you toe over."


    "I''ming." Annika patted Arya''s shoulder and quickly left.


    When she reached the first floor and saw that no one was attending to Micah, Annika didn''t want to get involved but still instructed a servant, "Serve Mr. Clemens some coffee, or else the kids will be unhappy." "Yes." the servant replied.

 Chapter 1005 Brazen-faced

    "Thanks." Micah said gratefully.


    Annika ignored him and headed straight to find Sadie.


    "Wasn''t the legendary Micah supposed to be super aloof?" a female bodyguard whispered. "He doesn''t seem like it."


    "His aloofness is totally crushed by Ms. James," Annika said proudly, raising an eyebrow. "No matter how powerful he is outside, he has to behave in front of her."


    "That''s awesome. Let him get a taste of his own medicine. That''s what happens when the Clemens mess with Ms. James!"


    "Exactly!"


    Annika arrived at the medical room. Hubert had already finished examining Mia, prescribed medication, and instructed Pa to prepare the medicine daily. He then said to Sadie, "Let me check you out." "I''m not in a hurry." Sadie said, thinking about Arya. "I have a subordinate who got shot protecting me earlier. Can you take a look at her?"


    "Of course," Hubert said. "Gunshot wounds are simple. As long as no internal organs are damaged, I can prescribe some medicine, and she''ll be fine after taking it."


    "Thank you so much," Sadie said. She immediately ordered, "Take Dr. Henry to check on Arya."


    "Yes. Dr. Henry, this way, please."


    Hubert left with Percy, while Pa stayed to take care of Mia.


    Sadie instructed Annika, "The servants and bodyguards here don''t know anything about medicine. You need to bring in some reliable medical staff to help out, or Pa and Percy won''t be able to handle it." "Yes, I''ll arrange it right away." Annika nodded and was about to leave when Sadie asked, "Has Micah left?"


    "Not yet," Annika whispered, ncing at the sleeping Mia. "He''s been sitting in the living room for over an hour."


    "I''ll go check." Sadie went to the living room and saw Micah still sitting there drinking coffee. She coldly questioned, "Why are you still here?"


    "Did Dr. Henry finish examining Mia? What did he say?" Micah stood up to greet her.


    "It''s done," Sadie said tly. "He''s prescribed some medicine. Mia just needs to take it on time every day."


    "How long will it take for Mia to get better?" Micah asked urgently.


    "It''s just the beginning. Dr. Henry won''t give a definite time," Sadie said seriously. "It might take some time on the medication to see the effect."


    "That''s true." Micah nodded. "I trust Dr. Henry''s skills."


    "Yeah." Sadie was also trying to reassure herself.


    "I see you''re short on medical staff here. Want me to send some people over?" Micah asked, trying to get closer.


    "No need." Sadie didn''t want to keep talking to him and turned to go upstairs. "You can leave now."


    "If I leave now, Mia will cry when she wakes up and doesn''t see me." Micah immediately blocked her. "And Nathan will be disappointed. Maybe Noah will act calm, but he''s just pretending to be strong." "So what?" Sadie looked at him coldly.


    "I think," Micah said tentatively, observing her expression, "during the time Mia is being treated, I should stay here. Of course, I won''t cause you any trouble. I can even pay for my meals."


    "Get out!" Sadie shouted angrily.


    "Is this how you treat guests?" Micah was determined to be shameless this time. "The kids will be sad if they see you treating me like this."


    "Micah, do you have any shame?" Sadie was furious. "When I was at your house, how did the Clemens treat me? I''m only letting it go for the sake of the kids, and you''re still pestering me. If you don''t leave, I''ll have someone throw you out." "I''m doing this for the kids. Don''t you want Mia to get better soon?" Micah continued. "Seeing me will make her happy, which will help her recovery. If you don''t believe me, you can ask Dr. Henry."

 Chapter 1006 Micah was Shameless

    "Are you leaving or not?" Sadie snapped, her patience gone. "Bodyguards!"


    "Yes!" Two female bodyguards stepped forward.


    "Get him out of here," Sadie ordered.


    "Yes." The bodyguards moved to expel Micah, but his intense stare stopped them. They nced back at Sadie.


    "What are you waiting for?" Sadie fumed. "Do it!"


    The bodyguards hesitated, knowing Micah''s identity and his rtionship with Sadie. They didn''t want to disrespect him, but they also couldn''t ignore Sadie''s orders. "Useless." Sadie drew a gun and pointed it at Micah. "Get out!"


    "Calm down. You''re scaring the kids."


    Right then, Mia''s terrified cry came from the other room.


    Pa was pushing Mia out of the medical room, and they both saw what was happening.


    Pa froze, and Mia burst into tears.


    "Mia!" Sadie quickly holstered the gun and rushed over tofort her. "Mia, don''t be scared. I''m just ying with Daddy." "Mommy, don''t kill Daddy." Mia was trembling and crying uncontrobly. "Daddy loves us. Please don''t kill him."


    "It''s not what you think." Sadie said, panicking. "I''m really just ying with him." She shot a re at Micah. "Is that right?"


    "Yes." Micah immediately walked over to soothe Mia. "Mia, don''t be scared. Mommy and Daddy are just ying a game." "Daddy." Mia reached out her arms to Micah.


    Micah picked her up and gently patted her back,forting her softly, "Daddy''s here. Don''t be afraid."


    "Daddy, don''t go." Mia clung tightly to Micah''s neck, trembling and crying. "I''m scared!"


    "Okay, I won''t go. I''ll stay with you," Micah reassured her. "Let''s go back to your room to rest."


    He turned to Sadie and said, "Show us the way."


    Sadie red at him but reluctantly led him upstairs.


    Rn watched the scene unfold, amazed at how persistence could pay off.


    "What''s wrong with Mia?"


    Noah and Nathan, who had just settled in, ran out of their room. Seeing Mia sobbing, they rushed over tofort her. "Mia, don''t be scared. We''re here." "Well, your mommy wants me to leave, and Mia doesn''t want me to go, so she''s crying," Micah said, feigning hurt. "You..."


    Sadie was so angry she was grinding her teeth, wanting to curse. Micah had no shameless!


    "Mommy!" Nathan tugged at her hand, pleading. "Don''t make Daddy leave, okay? Please."


    "How about letting Daddy stay for a few days until Mia gets better?" Even Noah, usually calm and sensible, spoke up.


    "No, Noah." Sadie was about to exin when Mia began wailing again.


    Sadie quickly changed her tune. "Okay, he can stay. Mia, don''t cry. You''re sick right now; crying will make it worse."


    "Mommy." Mia burrowed into Sadie''s arms, smearing tears and snot on her clothes. "You won''t make Daddy leave? And you won''t hit Daddy, right?" Sadie red at Micah and squeezed out a word through gritted teeth, "Yes."


    "Thank you." Micah promptly stood up and shouted towards the door, "Rn, fetch my luggage!"


    "Yes." Rn acknowledged themand and couldn''t help but admire Micah.


    "Awesome!" Nathan cheered excitedly. "We can finally live together peacefully, without E and grandpa, and no more fighting!"


    "Yes!" Noah also smiled happily.

 Chapter 1007 Seeking Forgiveness

    Sadie calmed the kids, pulled Micah into her room and snapped, "Micah, what''s wrong with you? You know Tristan''s people are everywhere. Even if I can tolerate you for the sake of the kids, once he finds out you''re here, the consequences will be unimaginable!"


    "Tristan doesn''t have time to deal with me right now, so don''t worry," Micah said confidently.


    "What do you mean? What did you do?" Sadie eyed him suspiciously.


    "Don''t you know? His illegitimate child showed up." Micah raised an eyebrow, looking smug. "I think he''s gonna be pretty busy for a while."


    "An illegitimate kid?" Sadie was stunned. "You must be mistaken. Tristan has never had a girlfriend. Where would an illegitimate kide from?"


    "Unless he''s gay, how could a normal guy never have a girlfriend?" Micah replied casually. "He''s just good at keeping secrets, which is why you didn''t know."


    "Then how do you know?" Sadie asked, puzzled.


    "We''re rivals, so we need to know each other well." Micah smiled. "He''s caused me so much trouble. I can make him sweat a little too."


    Sadie was speechless. "What do you mean? Did you find someone to pretend to be his illegitimate kid?"


    "Of course not. I just gave him a little help." Micah shrugged. "Alright, you don''t need to worry about this. Even if he finds out I''m here, just me it on me and let hime after me." Then he started looking around Sadie''s room. "This room is nice. I''ll sleep here."


    With that, hey down on the bed.


    "Get up." Sadie reached out to pull him up, but he flipped over and pinned her down.


    "What are you doing? Let me go."


    Sadie struggled angrily but couldn''t push him away.


    "Don''t move." Micah held her hands, looking at her tenderly. "I just want to hold you."


    His gaze was as deep and filled with infinite affection.


    For a moment, Sadie almost got lost in his gaze, but she quickly snapped out of it and kneed him hard.


    "Ah!" Micah arched in pain, "Damn, you''re hurting me!"


    Sadie had hit him there several times before. Last time, she almost injured him at the Velvet Spoon Bistro. Yet he was always defenseless against her.


    "This is my house." Sadie pushed him away angrily. "I''m not the same Sadie who let people push her around!"


    "If you injure me, we won''t be able to make love anymore." Micah''s face was pale with pain, but he was still joking.


    "There are plenty of men in this world. Do I have to choose you?" Sadie said arrogantly. "All I have to do is wave my hand, and a bunch of great guys will line up to marry me."


    "Let''s see who dares?" Micah suddenly became serious. "Tomorrow, I''ll announce to everyone that you''re the mother of my children!"


    "I don''t believe all men in the world are useless." Sadie rolled her eyes at him. "Do you really think everyone is afraid of you?"


    "Why don''t you try?" Micah arched an eyebrow.


    "I don''t have time to argue with you," Sadie said coldly. "While the kids are asleep, you''d better get out."


    "Are you serious? You just promised the kids you''d let me stay. You''re deceiving them." Micah refused to leave. "They''ll cry if they wake up and don''t see me."


    "Then I''llfort them," Sadie interrupted him. "They need to learn to grow up."


    "How can you be so heartless?" Micah was speechless. "What''s wrong with letting me stay for a few days?"


    "Are you leaving or not?" Sadie said impatiently. "If you don''t leave, I''ll throw you out."

 Chapter 1008 Seeking Forgiveness 2

    Micah was about to speak when there was a sudden knock on the door.


    Sadie pointed at Micah''s pants, signaling him to pull himself together, then went to open the door. "What''s up?" "There''s a car parked nearby, secretly watching us," Annika whispered. "I checked it out. It''s probably Raymond''s men." "That''s outrageous," Sadie fumed. "What does he want this time?"


    Micah quickly exined, "I told him I''d stay here with the kids, so he felt okay letting me bring them over. He''s probably having someone watch me to see if I''m lying. They are not targeting you." "You need to leave and take his men with you," Sadie snapped. "Or else I won''t be polite."


    Micah didn''t rush to argue. He just made a gesture.


    Annika quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.


    "Didn''t Tristan ever teach you to stay calm?" Micah suddenly got serious. "How can you achieve great things if you are so impulsive?"


    "Are you lecturing me?" Sadie frowned and red at him. "I get angry just seeing you!"


    "That means you care about me," Micah smirked.


    "You..."


    "Don''t get mad just yet." Micah made a stop gesture. "Let''s think this through. If I leave now, the kids will be upset when they wake up. As their mom, breaking your promise will leave a bad impression on them. Plus, Mia is really sick right now. You know how heart-wrenching her crying is; it seriously affects her health. Can you really bear it? Look at how thin she''s gotten. If this keeps up, it''ll be very dangerous."


    Hearing this, Sadie fell silent. Of course, she couldn''t bear it. Seeing Mia like this broke her heart. If she could, she''d rather suffer in Mia''s ce.


    She also knew that if she drove Micah away now, the kids would be heartbroken when they woke up. Noah and Nathan might be easier to console, but Mia''s crying really affected her condition.


    However, she didn''t want to get entangled with Micah any longer. And if Tristan found out, it would be a huge problem.


    "Besides, Raymond''s people are still watching outside. If I leave now and he finds out I was lying, he''ll definitely send someone to take the kids away."


    "Let him try!" Sadie fumed.


    "Alright," Micah quickly tried to calm her down, patiently coaxing. "I know you''re very capable, and not afraid of him. But think about it. Who gets hurt with all this back and forth? The kids, right? Do you remember Billy, Ronan''s son? He saw his father and stepmother plotting against his mother. That incident had a huge impact on him. Then he, a three-year-old kid, stabbed someone with a knife. Do you remember?"


    Sadie vaguely recalled those events, vivid images shing in her mind.


    At the wedding, she saw Billy rush onto the stage with a knife and stab Arianna. That incident indeed shocked her greatly. She thought at the time that she would never let her children be like that.


    "Our two families are fighting, and the kids suffer in between. Every time we argue and fight, it causes themsignificant psychological trauma. Last time, Noah and Nathan saw you pointing a gun at me. Today, Mia saw it again. This will definitely


    scar them. For the sake of the kids, let''s create a warm environment for them for just a month, even if it''s just an act, to give them time to adjust. We can discuss everything else once Mia''s condition improves, okay?"

 Chapter 1009 He Finally Stayed

    Sadie was a bit shaken but still frowned and said, "If Tristan finds out, you''ll be in big trouble."


    "What can he do to me? Kill me?" Micah scoffed. "He''s swamped right now and has no time for me. Even if he finds out I''m here, he''ll just scold you and make you kick me out."


    Sadie thought about it and agreed. The James family and the Clemens family were at odds at the moment. If something happened to either family head, the police would investigate the other side. It wouldn''t be easy for either side to get away. Besides, people at their level wouldn''t stoop to private assassinations; they preferred to conquer each other in business.


    So, business wars were just business wars; they wouldn''t really kill each other.


    "Alright, it''s settled then." Seeing that Sadie was convinced, Micah headed to the bathroom. "I''ll take a shower first. Have Rn bring my luggage overter."


    "Hey!" Sadie grabbed his cor and pulled him back. "This is my room. Get to the guest room!"


    "Your room is so big. It''s lonely to sleep alone. Let me stay and keep youpany." Micah persisted shamelessly. "It''s the rainy season now. What if there''s thunder and lightning? You might get scared."


    Before he could finish, Sadie kicked him out and mmed the door shut.


    Micah gritted his teeth in anger.


    "Micah, the luggage is here." Rn''s voice came from behind, and Micah immediately adopted a cold demeanor. "Put it in the guest room."


    "Yes." Rn noticed his displeased expression but didn''t dare to ask.


    "Over here." Annika knew that since Sadie hadn''t continued to kick Micah out, she had tacitly agreed to let him stay. She led him to the guest room upstairs from Sadie''s, "Mr. Clemens, you and your men can stay here." "Why not on the second floor?" Micah asked, clearly annoyed.


    "The second floor is for Mr. James, Ms. James, and the three kids. There are also the study and some functional rooms. Arya and I, along with the guest rooms, are all on the third floor. Ms. James''s room is right below yours," Annika exined. "Alright, I''ll make do."


    Micah walked to the floor-to-ceiling window to check outside. Living upstairs from Sdie was fine; it made it easier to find opportunities to get close to her.


    "The others can stay next door," Annika said politely to Rn. "Ms. James instructed us not to bring too many people."


    "I''ll stay with two other attendants." Rn cooperated.


    "Okay." Annika nodded. "If you need anything, you cane directly to me."


    "Alright, thank you."


    Annika turned and left. After hanging up Micah''s clothes, Rn followed suit.


    Micah opened the ss door and stepped ontp the balcony to look down. The lights in the room below were still on, and the curtains were slightly fluttering, indicating that the sliding door wasn''t closed. Sadie''s habits hadn''t changed. She disliked air conditioning and preferred wind, so she always slept with the windows open.


    If he sneaked down, she probably wouldn''t even know.


    Stop!


    Micah immediately controlled himself from thinking further. He had just managed to convince her to let him stay; he couldn''t provoke her again, or he''d risk getting kicked out.


    With that in mind, Micah closed the window and headed to the bathroom.


    Downstairs, Sadie sat on the sofa drinking iced wine, her eyes fixed on the balcony, thinking, ''It''s been half an hour, and Micah hasn''t made a move. He probably knows he can''t provoke me now. Good, he knows when to back off.


    "Ms. James, that car has left," Annika reported softly.


    "Okay," Sadie responded indifferently. "Raymond should be reassured now."

 Chapter 1010 Sadie was Heartless

    "Raymond is really pushing his luckt. After what happened with E, I thought he''d back off, but he''s still got people watching us. It''s so annoying," Annika said, fuming.


    "He''s not one to change easily," Sadie replied with a cold smile. "I understand the thing with the kids; he''s doing it for their sake. But if he messes with Nick again, I won''t be so nice."


    "We''re still looking everywhere for Nick. Who knows where she''s hiding; she''s really gone underground," Annika said. "But since Amelia''s been captured and is at Half Mountain Vi, should we use the Clemens family''s chaos to get her back?" "No need," Sadie said firmly. "Amelia''s a minor yer in this. Dealing with her is no big deal. Let''s focus on Nick first."


    There was another reason. Mia was still in treatment, and Sadie didn''t want to start another fight with Micah right now. She nned to settle everything once Mia was better.


    "Got it. I''ll get more people to keep searching for Nick," Annika said respectfully. "The hospital staff is set up. I''ll handle the handover."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded and stood up to leave. "I''ll go check on Arya."


    "It''s sote. You should rest," Annika said. "Dr. Henry already checked Arya and gave her meds. She should be fine soon."


    "I need to see her myself," Sadie said, feeling guilty about Arya getting shot while saving her. "Brenda died for me. I don''t want anyone else to suffer because of me." Annika was touched. Many upper-ss folks didn''t care about their staff, but Sadie treated them like family.


    Sadie got to Arya''s room and was about to go in when she heard Arya talking sweetly on the phone. It was clearly with Rodolfo.


    Sadie pulled her hand back. "Never mind. I won''t disturb her."


    "Arya''s easily swayed by love," Annika teased.


    "That''s good," Sadie smiled slightly. "You all shouldn''t live just for me; you should live for yourselves."


    Sadie went back to her room, took a shower, dried her hair, andy down to rest.


    Upstairs was super quiet; no noise at all. Micah didn''t make a move, which surprised Sadie.


    Perhaps too tired, Sadie hugged her pillow and driftedl into a deep sleep.


    Upstairs, Micah couldn''t sleep. He finally had a chance to be close to her but couldn''t approach. What was she doing now? Was she also unable to sleep like him? Thinking of this, Micah got up and went to the balcony, sneaking a look downstairs.


    She had already turned off the lights, and only a faint glow, probably from a nightlight, escaped through the curtains.


    That heartless Sadie could actually sleep.


    Micah cursed silently and returned to his room to rest.


    In the vi, Raymond hadn''t slept. He was waiting for news from Hillside Vi.


    Oliver had already called to report, but he still wasn''t reassured and insisted they exin in person.


    Oliver hurried back and reported, "Micah has moved into Hillside Vi. Rn and another attendant have also moved in, and there''s a car parked in the yard. Everyone else has left." "Are you sure they''re really staying and not just putting on a show?" Raymond asked, still uneasy.


    "Yes," Oliver confirmed. "Rn even brought over Micah''s luggage, two big suitcases."


    "There''s no mistake then," Ss said, sounding overjoyed.


    "It''s strange," Raymond said, still worried. "Even if Sadie let Micah stay for the kids'' sake, she should consider Tristan, right? Tristan is very strong-willed. Would he allow her to do that?"

 Chapter 1011 Selfish Motives

    "That''s true," Ss said, scratching his head. "It''s puzzling."


    "I''m not sure, but since Micah nned ahead, he should have it under control," Oliver replied.


    "What do you mean ''nned ahead"?" Raymond asked.


    "Well," Oliver said cautiously, "Micah''s luggage was already in the car. To avoid beingughed at by the James, Rn drove the car around the block beforeing back. I think Micah knew all along he''d be able to stay." Ss burst outughing. "That''s ssic Micah."


    "Micah''s got a lot of tricks up his sleeve," Raymond said, annoyed. "But you''re right. If he nned ahead, he must''ve considered everything."


    "Exactly. Don''t overthink it," Ss reassured him. "It''ste. Get some rest."


    Raymond sighed deeply. He was still worried, but after the incident with E, he started convincing himself to let go. Even though Micah was his grandson, he had to handle it objectively. "Alright, you can go now," Ss signaled with his eyes.


    Oliver bowed and left.


    Ss helped Raymond to bed andforted him, "They all have their own ideas. Micah''s more capable than you think. Stop overthinking."


    "How''s the investigation I asked you to do?" Raymond suddenly asked.


    Ss was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Micah and the James are both looking for Nick. They''ve sent a lot of people to search everywhere, but they haven''t found him yet."


    "We can''t let the James find Nick first," Raymond said, frowning. "If they did, she''s doomed. If Micah finds her first, there''s still hope."


    "I don''t think the James will let this go," Ss said, worried. "Nick caused Brenda''s death, kidnapped Noah, and almost killed Sadie. With that kind of hatred, they won''t let it go." Raymond fell silent, his brow furrowed with worry.


    "I know it''s tough for you. Nick is your daughter, and you don''t want to see her reach a dead end," Ss said earnestly. "But she hasmitted too many heinous acts and is nearly deranged. No matter how much you protect her, she may not avoid this fate."


    "I know," Raymond sighed deeply. "Every adult must be responsible for their actions. I just hope there can be a more lenient way, like handing her over to the police to face legal consequences. At least she can keep her life."


    "I understand," Ss nodded. "I hope Micah can find Nick first."


    "No, I need to talk to Micah," Raymond said, struggling to get up.


    "No, no, no," Ss quicklyforted him. "Even if you don''t say it, Micah understands. Do you really think Nick escaped so easily those times by chance? Micah doesn''t want to harm Nick either. From what I know, the evidence against Nick is insufficient. With a goodwyer, she might only get a few years."


    "I hope so, but I''m afraid the James won''t let relent," Raymond said, still worried. "I hope Sadie can be reasonable. After all, it was Amelia who attacked her and Brenda. Let Amelia pay for her crimes."


    "Sadie should understand. Remember, when Micah wanted to send E to the police for legal punishment, she didn''t oppose it?" Ss reassured. "I believe she won''t advocate for Nick''s death either." "Let''s hope so."

 Chapter 1012 Micah Cooked

    The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, hitting Sadie''s face and waking her up.


    Her eyshes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the sunlight streaming in.


    The sun was shining brightly today, the weather was clear, and birds were chirping outside.


    Sadiey still for a few seconds with her eyes closed, then turned over and got out of bed.


    Over the past two years, she had developed a good habit of waking up as soon as the first ray of sunlight hit her face each morning. She used to train first, then have breakfast, start studying, andplete some work.


    But now, the first thing she wanted to do was spend time with the kids.


    "Mommy. Mommy." Little Coco flew in from outside the window, pping its wings andnding on Sadie''s shoulder.


    "Morning, Little Coco." Sadie was buttoning her shirt in front of the full-length mirror. "Are the kids up?"


    "They''re up. They''re up." Little Coco shook its little green head.


    "Great, let''s go have breakfast."


    Sadie tied up her long hair back and walked out of the room with Little Coco.


    "Good morning, Ms. James." The maids greeted her respectfully.


    "Morning," Sadie walked towards the kids'' room while instructing. "Get the breakfast ready."


    "Well..." The maids looked troubled, hesitating to speak.


    "Mommy!" At this moment, Nathan''s voice came from downstairs.


    Sadie turned to see Nathan wearing an apron with little pig patterns, carrying a te of pizza from the kitchen, smiling brightly at her. "Come have breakfast." "Nathan, how did you..."


    Before Sadie could finish her sentence, Noah also came out of the kitchen with a te of desserts, some flour on his nose, and looked very cute. "Mommy, breakfast is ready!"


    "You two made breakfast?" Sadie looked at them in shock.


    "Yeah, we learned to make breakfast from Reba and Daddy," Noah said with a grin.


    Before Sadie could process it, Micah emerged from the kitchen as well.


    Micah, wearing a simple white shirt with some flour on his face, looked handsome, adding a touch of warmth.


    "Morning," Micah greeted Sadie. "Come down for breakfast."


    "You," Sadie was surprised. Did he actually cook? Was she seeing things?


    "Mommy!" At this moment, Mia''s voice also came.


    Sadie turned to see Annika wheeling Mia out of the room, with Pa following behind and putting a coat on Mia. "Mia." Sadie quickly went over. "Are you feeling better?"


    "Yes." Mia nodded and smiled. "Mommy, it''s so nice to wake up and see the whole family together in the morning." Hearing this, Sadie felt a bit touched. Yes, being together as a family felt really happy, but...


    Sadie quicklyposed her thoughts and said with a smile, "Mia, why don''t you go downstairs with Pa and the others first? I will go get Dr. Henry." "Okay."


    Sadie had great respect for Hubert. To her, he was not only a respected elder but also the savior of their family.


    Sadie went to greet Hubert and helped him downstairs for breakfast.


    Hubert was getting old, and his health had deteriorated after the car ident two years ago. Now, he could stille here because he remembered Edmond''s kindness from the past. As Micah said, besides the Roths, no one else could invite him.


    "Dr. Henry." Noah and Nathan stood up and greeted Hubert as soon as they saw him.


    Mia couldn''t get up, but she bowed her head respectfully.


    "Hello, kids," Hubert, very fond of the three children, remarked, "You have taught these kids very well."


    "Thank you for thepliment." Micah pulled out a chair and helped Hubert sit down.


    "Dr. Henry wasplimenting me." Sadie shot him a re.

 Chapter 1013 Micah was a Good Daddy

    "It''s the same," Micah said, looking pleased.


    Sadie was speechless. This guy was shameless.


    She couldn''t scold him in front of the kids. Even though she was annoyed, she had to let it go.


    "Good morning, Ms. Roth." Reba was still setting the table.


    "Reba? Why are you here?" Sadie asked, surprised.


    "I invited her," Micah said. "I checked the kitchen this morning, and it was full of stuff the kids wouldn''t like, so I asked Reba to bring some ingredients and a few helpers."


    "Yeah, I made all the dishes you and the kids love," Reba said with a big smile. "You all start eating, and I''ll bring the pizza over."


    "Alright, thanks." Sadie smiled and nodded at her, then turned a cold gaze to Annika. "What''s going on?"


    "I wanted to tell you, but Micah said you were really tiredst night and needed more sleep," Annika exined, blushing.


    The word "tired" was uttered knowingly.


    Micah had used the same tone with Annika.


    "You!" Sadie was furious, tempted to hit Micah, but with the kids and Hubert present, she restrained herself.


    She sternly warned Annika, "Reba is one of us, so it''s fine, but report everything to me first in the future. This is my house, not yours."


    "Yes, I was wrong." Annika bowed her head, looking guilty.


    "Actually, Mommy, it''s me who let Reba in, " Noah exined. "I woke up early and heard Reba''s voice, so I went downstairs. Annika wanted to ask you first, but I thought it wasn''t right to keep Reba waiting outside." With Noah''s exnation, Sadie understood that Annika hadn''t neglected her duty.


    "Okay, you did the right thing, Noah." Sadie patted Noah''s little head. "Reba''s cooking is definitely more to your taste. As long as you like it, that''s what matters."


    "Thank you, Mommy." Noah sighed in relief, concerned that Sadie would be upset.


    "Alright, let''s have breakfast," Sadie called everyone over and personally served Hubert a bowl of soup. "Dr. Henry, try this soup. Reba learned it from Brenda."


    "I was wondering why it tasted so familiar." Hubert reminisced about the days when Brenda was with him on the mountain. "Back then, Brenda cooked for us every day, giving us hope in those leisurely days."


    "Yes, I remember the first time you tasted Brenda''s cooking; you couldn''t stop praising it." Sadieughed. Hubert chuckled. "We usually ate light food, but Brenda''s cooking showed us what real delicacy was." "Brenda was an excellent cook," Sadie said, feeling a bit sad at the memory of Brenda. "It''s a pity." "Mommy, this soup was made by Daddy," Nathan said softly.


    "What?" Sadie looked at Micah in surprise. "Really?"


    "Yes." Noah nodded repeatedly. "When you left, the three of us cried every day and couldn''t eat. Then Daddy learned to make soup from Reba. He said it was Mommy''s favorite, so we ate it obediently." "Yeah, Daddy''s soup was terrible at first, but it improved over time," Nathan added. "Now it tastes just like Brenda''s."


    "That''s right," Mia said with a big smile. "Whenever I''m sick and don''t want to eat, Daddy makes soup for me, and I can drink a whole bowl."


    "Daddy is a great daddy. We all love Daddy!" Nathan excitedly raised his hand.


    "I love Daddy too, and I love Mommy!"


    "Yes, we love both Daddy and Mommy!"

 Chapter 1014 Huberts Hint

    Hearing this, Sadie felt a bit moved. She used to wonder how, after all the effort she put into giving birth and raising the kids until they were four, they became more attached to Micah in just two years.


    Even though she had returned, their hearts still belonged to Micah.


    Now she got it. Micah had really taken care of the kids with all his heart, changing and sacrificing a lot for them, earning their trust through every little thing.


    "Alright, let''s eat," Micah said, serving Sadie a bowl of soup. He turned to the kids, "Mommy risked her life to give birth to you and raised you all by herself. That''s what''s truly great. I just made a bowl of soup; that''s nothing." Sadie gave Micah a long look. The Micah she remembered wouldn''t have said something like that.


    It seemed he had really changed a lot over the past two years.


    "Mommy, this is for you," Mia said, handing her a piece of meat. "It''s really tasty and smells so good."


    "Thank you, Mia." A smile spread across Sadie''s face.


    Micah felt very gratified seeing Sadie''s reaction. He believed the kids could melt the hatred in her heart.


    Perhaps in a few more days, she could finally let go of the past.


    "Mr. Clemens, I should thank you," Hubert suddenly said to Micah. "Two years ago, I was in a car ident, and you arranged for my hospital treatment and took care of Pa and Percy."


    "You''re wee," Micah replied. "You were in that car ident because of the Clemens, so I should take responsibility."


    "Anyway, I should still thank you." Hubert toasted him.


    Micah quickly returned the toast.


    "Two years ago, I was in a car ident and was in aa, so I wasn''t clear about many things. But now it seems, Mr. Clemens, that you are a responsible and reliable person," Hubert said meaningfully. "Hope I''m not wrong!" "Thank you." Micah was surprised; he hadn''t expected to gain Hubert''s approval so quickly.


    "Dr. Henry, try this." Sadie handed Hubert a piece of meat to change the subject. "After we''re done today, you can take a walk around the mountain. Except for the backyard, you can freely explore other ces."


    "I took a look from the window yesterday. It seems there are some exotic nts in the backyard," Hubert said. "And some special little pets."


    "Those are Tristan''s."


    Speaking of this, Sadie emphasized, "Noah, Nathan, Mia, you must not go to the backyard, understand?"


    "Understood." The three kids answered in unison. From the first time they met Tristan, they knew it was off-limits and avoided ying in the backyard.


    "It seems that the legendary Tristan is a very special person," Hubert said with a slight smile, looking meaningfully at Micah. "Getting along with this special future rtive won''t be easy."


    Micah was slightly taken aback; it was the first time someone had mentioned this topic.


    However, Hubert''s words did remind him. In terms of rtionships, Tristan was indeed his rtive.


    From the perspective of the three kids, the two families had inseparable ties. If he could get along well with Tristan, maybe it could really change the situation.


    After all, the feud between the James and the Clemens was an issue of the older generation. Neither he nor Tristan had experienced it or been directly harmed by it. Those grudges had already faded between them. It was Sadie''s ident two years ago that things started to escte again.


    If Nick and Amelia were brought to justice, providing Sadie with closure and easing her resentment, things might improve.

 Chapter 1015 A Wise Decision

    After breakfast, Micah yed with the kids for half an hour before heading to the office.


    Lately, Sadie has been working from home in the evenings and spending her days with the kids.


    Since that incident where Noah was almost kidnapped, the three kids have stopped going to school. Now, Noah and Nathan are taking online sses at home. As for Mia, she slept most of the time outside of her treatments.


    When she was awake, Sadie would chat, y games, or watch cartoons with her.


    Every morning, Hubert treated Mia and then examined Sadie.


    The toxins had been in Sadie''s body for too long, making the detox process pretty ufortable.


    Every afternoon, she needed to take detox baths. These were simr to her previous treatment n, but Hubert''s methods were more precise.


    That afternoon, Sadie tried her first treatment. It was still very painful, but after two years of rigorous training, her tolerance has improved a lot.


    While they were both undergoing treatment, the house was filled with the smell of medicine.


    Noah and Nathan were very understanding. After finishing their online sses, they went to y on the mountain with Coco and Little Coco, apanied by Annika and the bodyguards. The two kids had a st.


    In the evening, Micah came home, checked the kids'' schoolwork, yed ser with his two sons, and then practiced piano with Mia.


    Two years ago, when the three kids first joined the Clemens family, Micah set a rule to spend ny minutes every evening with them.


    Spending time with his two sons was easy; no matter what they did, Micah was always at ease. However, spending time with Mia was a challenge. Every night, she would give him music lessons, forcing him to learn piano and singing. Micah had been tone-deaf since childhood and had a cold, reserved personality. Learning to sing was pure torture for him, but he forced himself to do it to make Mia happy.


    After two years, Micah no longer resisted Mia''s music lessons. He even started asking Mia, who was recovering, to assess his piano skills.


    Mia, who had been listless, immediately perked up. pping her hands, she cheered, "Okay, that''s great! I haven''t heard Daddy y the piano in a long time."


    "But if I don''t y well, you can''t scold me," Micah said as he took off his coat and sitting down at the piano.


    "No way. If Daddy doesn''t practice well, Teacher Mia has to criticize him," Mia said with a serious face. "You have to do your best, understand?"


    "Understood, Teacher Mia." Micah handed her the baton.


    Mia waved the baton in the air a few times,ughing happily. "Alright, let''s start!"


    "Yes." Micah began ying the piano piece Mia had taught him, but he missed a beat.


    "Oh no, that''s not good. You missed a beat." Mia tapped his hand with the baton. "Start over!"


    "Yes, Teacher Mia." Micah started ying again, this timepleting the piece perfectly.


    "Not bad." Mia nodded in satisfaction. "But you''ve been practicing for two years and can only y such simple pieces. Didn''t I teach you another piecest time? y that one."


    "I can''t remember that one, Teacher Mia."


    "Get the sheet music. It''s on the bookshelf."


    "Okay, Teacher Mia."


    Mia loved ying the role of a teacher, especially when it came to teaching Micah. It was her favorite activity.


    Outside the door, Sadie saw Mia, who had been sick for so long, finally showing a rxed and happy smile. She felt very relieved.


    Now that she was undergoing treatment and feeling exhausted every day, she didn''t have much energy to spend time with the kids. ''Maybe having Micah move in was a wise decision. At least the kids were genuinely happy. Under his care, Mia should recover more quickly,'' she thought.

 Chapter 1016 The Gentle and Considerate Micah

    The next few days were simple but satisfying.


    Every morning, the family had breakfast together. Sadie and Mia focused on their treatments while Nathan and Noah attended online sses and trained the pets.


    Micah would rush home in the evening to have dinner with the kids and then y with them.


    Half a month flew by.


    Mia''s condition improved a lot. Her once gaunt face became rosy, and her appetite improved. Arya''s gunshot wound also healed quite a bit, allowing her to move around now.


    Sadie, however, had lost a lot of weight and her strength had diminished.


    Micah asked Hubert why Sadie seemed worse after treatment.


    Hubert exined that the residual toxins had built up for too long. A thorough treatment was needed to clear them out. So, Sadie''s treatment would be more painful and take longer. This current state was just a transitional phase, and she would recover over time.


    Although Micah was worried, he didn''t say much, only reminding Sadie to rest more.


    Sadie didn''t appreciate it and remained cold towards him.


    She was clear in her mind. She acknowledged his feelings and efforts for the kids, but that didn''t mean she would forgive or ept him. These were two separate things.


    Micah knew this too.


    She was someone who clearly distinguished between gratitude and resentment. She wouldn''t forgive him for the past harm he caused her just because he was devoted to the kids. Earning her forgiveness would take a long time. That night, after putting the kids to bed, Micah was about to go to his room to rest when he saw Annika helping Sadie upstairs.


    Sadie was very weak.


    Seeing this, Arya was about to help her.


    Micah quickly stepped forward, picked Sadie up, and carried her upstairs.


    "What are you doing? Put me down!" Sadie angrily pushed him.


    "If you want everyone to see this, go ahead and make a fuss," Micah warned in a low voice.


    "You" Sadie was angry but didn''t resist further.


    It was just a few steps to the room. Making a scene on the stairs would attract everyone''s attention, which would be awkward. Annika and Arya exchanged a nce and silently stepped back.


    Micah carried Sadie to the room and ced her on the bed. Seeing her covered in sweat, he moved to unbutton her shirt. "What are you doing?" Sadie immediately grabbed his hand.


    "You need to open your cor, or you''ll feel too stuffy."


    Micah unbuttoned the top three buttons of her shirt, revealing part of her chest, but he made no inappropriate moves and went straight to the bathroom. "Get out and let Annikae in."


    Sadie was already exhausted and didn''t want to argue with Micah.


    "I know you better than she does." Micah prepared the bathwater and came over to carry Sadie. "Do you want me to help you bathe?"


    "Don''t touch me." Sadie resisted, pushing him away. "Get out."


    "I''m just taking care of you. I won''t do anything inappropriate," Micah coaxed her patiently. "Be good, or the kids will worry about you."


    Sadie didn''t refuse anymore. Mia was almost recovered now and was worried about Sadie. She should try to get better soon so they wouldn''t worry.


    Micah carried Sadie to the bathroom and then left, closing the door behind him.


    Seeing him behave properly, Sadie felt relieved. She took off her clothes and stood under the shower, taking a quick hot shower, then wrapped herself in a towel and went out. Micah hadn''t left; he had poured a ss of warm water and ced it by the bedside.


    Seeing here out, he immediately helped her to the bed and handed her the warm water.


    Sadie, feeling thirsty, drank the water in a few gulps and then crawled into bed, wanting to sleep.


    "Wait a moment."

 Chapter 1017 Bite Him

    "Hold on a sec." Micah grabbed a towel and dried her shoulders, neck, and arms. "Get rid of the bath towel. It''s soaked, and you''ll get sick if you sleep like this." Sadie pulled up the nket, tossed the bath towel aside, turned over, and hugged the pillow, ready to sleep.


    Seeing how worn out she looked, Micah felt a deep ache in his heart. He really wanted to hold her, but he knew he couldn''t just yet.


    Her emotional walls were still up, and she wasn''t ready to let him in.


    He respected that.


    Micah closed the floor-to-ceiling windows and was about to leave, but seeing the fierce wind outside, he worried there might be a storm tonight.


    The toxins in Sadie''s body weren''tpletely cleared, and she might still react badly to thunder and lightning.


    Thinking of this, Micah decided to stay with her.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Worried Sadie would wake up, Micah quickly went to open it. "What''s up?"


    "There might be thunder and rain tonight. I need to stay with Ms. James." Annika was holding a nket and noise-canceling headphones.


    "I''ll handle it." Micah took the items from her. "You go look after the kids."


    "But-" Before Annika could finish, Micah closed the door.


    Feeling uneasy, Annika left two female bodyguards at the door, instructing them to notify her immediately if there was anymotion in the room. Then, Annika went to handle other matters.


    Micah closed the doors and windows, sat on the sofa with the nket, propped his chin with one hand, and quietly watched Sadie.


    He thought about all the moments they had shared over the years, each one vivid in his mind.


    For the past two years, he had been filled with regret, hating himself for not protecting her two years ago and causing her to suffer such a terrible ordeal. But now it was different. He was determined to protect her, no matter what.


    Sadie slept fitfully, clutching the pillow tightly and curling up like a wounded kitten.


    She turned over, and the nket slipped off.


    Micah walked over, covered her with the nket, and gently stroked her hair.


    Suddenly, a loud p of thunder sounded.


    Sadie shivered and woke up in fright.


    Micah tried to put the noise-canceling headphones on her quickly, but it was toote. Sadie knocked them off and clutched her head, writhing in pain on the bed. "Sadie!" Micah urgently held her, covering her ears. "It''s okay. It''s okay. Don''t be afraid."


    Sadie bit her lower lip hard, not daring to make a sound. She didn''t want to wake the kids.


    Maybe because of the treatment, her condition was milder than before.


    Or maybe it was because her room had soundproof ss, and the doors and windows were closed, so the thunder wasn''t very loud.


    So her episode this time wasn''t as severe as before.


    But she was still in great pain, rolling on the bed and biting her lip until it bled, staining the nket.


    Micah felt heartbroken and quickly tried to pry her teeth apart, but she immediately bit down hard on his hand.


    Soon, blood flowed, staining the white nket.


    "Damn. Your mind is pretty clear, biting me so hard."


    Micah''s brows furrowed in pain, but at least she wasn''t hurting herself anymore, which gave him somefort.


    "Ms. James, are you okay? Ms. James?" Arya was anxiously knocking on the door. "Mr. Clemens, are you in there? Is Ms. James okay? We''reing in." Just as Micah was about to respond, Arya burst in, followed by four female bodyguards.


    Then, Arya and the four female bodyguards saw Micah sitting on the bed, holding Sadie tightly.


    Sadie was biting his hand hard, and she wasn''t wearing anything.

 Chapter 1018 A Key Figure

    "Sorry."


    Arya quickly led them out and shut the door.


    After a while, Sadie finally calmed down, copsed on the bed, and fell into a deep sleep.


    Micah looked at his hand. A chunk of flesh was barely hanging on, and blood had soaked half the nket. Looking at the sleeping Sadie, he felt she was really heartless.


    But at least she didn''t hurt herself.


    Micah endured the pain, walked to the door, and said quietly, "Bring the first aid kit."


    "Your hand..." Arya gasped when she saw Micah''s bloody hand.


    "The first aid kit, now." Arya urgently ordered her subordinates.


    "Yes!"


    "Your injury is too severe for just some medicine." Hubert''s voice came through.


    "Dr. Henry, sorry to bother you," Micah apologized. "It''s just a minor injury. I''ll be fine. You should go back to rest."


    "It needs immediate attention," Hubert said with a frown. "The thunder has stopped now. She will be fine. Come with me to the medical room."


    "She bit her lips. Treat her first." Micah was still thinking about Sadie.


    "Don''t worry." Hubert''s gaze was appreciative. "Let Pa handle it. Youe with me."


    "But..." Micah was still uneasy.


    "Leave it to me." Pa came in with the first aid kit, and Arya followed to help.


    Micah had no choice but to go downstairs with Hubert.


    Hubert stitched up Micah''s wound.


    Throughout the process, Micah only frowned slightly and didn''t make a sound.


    "Doesn''t it hurt?" Hubert nced at him.


    "I''m fine," Micah asked in a low voice. "Dr. Henry, can you tell me when Sadie will fully recover?"


    "It would take about three months with uninterrupted treatment," Hubert squinted as he applied medicine. "Her treatment cannot be interrupted. If it is, there will be no chance of recovery." "Then you must take good care of yourself," Micah blurted out.


    Hubertughed heartily. "Micah, you''re straightforward."


    "Yeah." Micah smiled sheepishly, then sighed. "If you hadn''t had that car ident two years ago, everything would be different."


    "Are you saying I''m the key to the whole situation?" Hubert was curious.


    "Yes." Micah smiled bitterly. "If you hadn''t had that car ident, our wedding wouldn''t have been canceled, she wouldn''t have been sent to Country H, and she wouldn''t have endured all those hardships. Brenda wouldn''t have died either." Hearing this, Hubert''s expression became serious. "Pa told me some things about that. On the wedding day, Sadie''s condition rpsed severely. Later, your family canceled the wedding, kept the child, and sent her and Brenda far away." At this, Hubert sighed deeply. "At that time, everyone thought your family was heartless, but I always felt something was off. If you just wanted the child, you could have done it long ago. Why go through the trouble of holding a wedding and making it public?


    "But I couldn''t understand why Sadie and Brenda were sent away. Later, when the news showed the wedding with a different bride, it confirmed your family''s heartlessness. So when I woke up, I quickly left with Pa and Percy.


    "I thought your family was dangerous and didn''t want any further involvement. When you came to find me, I ignored you until that young man found me again, showed me a video, and told me Sadie was still alive. That''s when I wavered. "However, this period of interaction has given me a new understanding of you. I don''t think you''re a heartless person."

 Chapter 1019 The Adorable Side

    "Did someone used the antidote to force you to send her away?" Hubert guessed.


    "Exining things always feels like making excuses," Micah said with a bitter smile. "That''s why I hate exining. I figure those who get me will just get me. Maybe that''s why it often leads to more misunderstandings." "Yeah." Micah nodded. "But that''s not the point. In the end, it was my fault. I didn''t handle things right, which led to this mess."


    "I see," Hubert said, "Logically, if she left like that, she would''ve died. But if there was an antidote, why did she have such severe aftereffects?"


    "There was an ident with thest bottle of antidote," Micah exined. "That day, Brenda was brutally attacked during a thunderstorm and almost died. Tristan saved her and took her home." "Got it." Hubert sighed deeply. "Fate is cruel."


    "I owe her too much. Now I just hope she recovers soon." As Micah spoke, a bug flew by, blurring his vision. He waved it away without much thought.


    "What''s wrong with your eyes?" Hubert noticed something. "Oh, I don''t have my sses. I can''t see clearly right now. I''ll check on you tomorrow."


    "It''s nothing. Just a bug," Micah said indifferently. "My eyes are fine."


    "No, something''s still off." Hubert was saying when Pa walked in. "Dr. Henry, Ms. Roth''s wound has been treated. We gave her a bottle of potion as you instructed. She should sleep well tonight." "Good." Dr. Henry nodded. "I should rest too. I''m old and can''t stay upte."


    Micah helped him up.


    "You should get some rest too," Hubert waved him off. "Next time she bites you, just put something in her mouth. You don''t have to let her bite you, silly boy."


    "Got it." Micah watched Hubert walk away, thinking that he was not only a skilled doctor but also incredibly wise.


    He could see through things even if no one said much.


    Maybe he could be the key to reconciling the James family and the Clemens family.


    "Mr. Clemens, are you okay?" Reba came down downstairs, looking concerned. "How''s your injury? Let me see."


    "It''s just a small wound. I''m fine." Micah hid his hand behind his back.


    "Come on, no kidding. I went upstairs to tidy up, and there was so much blood on the bed." Reba said, her voice choking up.


    "Trust me, it''s just a small wound." Micah didn''t want her to cry. "Alright, you should go rest. The kids are waiting for your breakfast tomorrow."


    "Okay, since Dr. Henry checked on you, it shouldn''t be serious. But you need to take care of yourself and avoid getting hurt. Otherwise, Raymond will worry. He asks me about you every day." Reba realized she had said too much. "Oh, it''ste. I''m going to bed now."


    She covered her mouth and hurried off.


    Micah shook his head and smiled. He used to be cold and indifferent, thinking everything was boring. But now, he found the people and things around him to have a lovely side, like Hubert and Reba. And even Raymond, who couldn''t let go of him even in old age.


    Just as he was thinking, his phone rang. It was a call from Raymond. He was speechless; Reba really had a quick mouth.


    He quickly went back to his room to answer the call. "Hello."

 Chapter 1020 Micahs Vision

    "How''s your hand? Is it bad?" Raymond asked bluntly.


    "You''re quite blunt," Micah sneered. "I was wondering why Reba, who''s usually so innocent, suddenly decided toe over and make breakfast for the kids. Turns out you sent her."


    That day, Micah told Sadie that he had asked Reba toe over. In reality, Reba had brought along a few servants, expressing concern that the kids weren''t eating well and wanting to take care of them. Then, Noah just decided to keep Reba there.


    Micah had even lectured Noah, saying he should have asked Sadie first since it was her home. But Noah insisted it was his home too, and he preferred Reba''s cooking, so Micah didn''t object.


    Hister exnation was purely to avoid upsetting Sadie, taking all the responsibility on himself.


    If Sadie got angry, she would direct it at him. She wouldn''t suspect Reba, nor me Noah or Annika.


    "I was just worried about the kids," Raymond said coldly. "As for you, you bastard, I don''t care at all."


    "Then you should get some rest." Micah prepared to hang up.


    "What are you doing? You haven''t answered my question yet," Raymond snapped.


    "I''m arguing with you on the phone; how serious could it be?" Micah shot back. "But you, staying up sote, what if you get sick again? Don''t you want to see your grandkids?" "You''re still a smooth talker. Seems like you''re not seriously hurt," Raymond grumbled. "Fine. I won''t bother you anymore."


    Just as Micah was about to say "Goodnight," he suddenly heard a "thud" from the other end of the line. He immediately asked, "What was that?"


    The phone seemed to go silent as if someone had covered the receiver.


    After a few seconds, Raymond said, "It''s nothing. I dropped my cup. I''ll hang up now."


    Then, Raymond hung up the phone.


    Holding his phone, Micah felt something was off. He called Ss, "Is Raymond okay?"


    "He''s fine. He''s just old, his hands trembled, and he dropped something," Ssughed. "I''m right here with him. Don''t worry, Mr. Micah Clemens."


    "Okay." Micah felt relieved, hung up the phone, and opened hisputer to start working.


    Actually, he had been tiredtely. He was busy at thepany during the day, spent time with the kids in the evening, and continued working when he got back to his room.


    He just always pretended to be rxed on the outside.


    After Nick''s scandal broke online, it had a negative impact on the Clemens Group. The Clemens Group''s stock had plummeted in just half a month.


    Micah spent a fortune to suppress the news, but the incident had already spread. Now, he had to give the public and the authorities an exnation to protect VIC Group and stabilize the Clemens Group. Therefore, he made an important decision that would be implemented tomorrow.


    He didn''t want any issues to arise at this critical juncture.


    After some consideration, Micah still felt uneasy. To make double sure, he called Andrew.


    "Take a few smart people and secretly infiltrate Raymond'' ce to check things out. If there''s anything suspicious, notify me immediately."


    "Yes." Andrewplied immediately.


    After hanging up, Micah called Rn and instructed, "Go check if there''s any trouble regarding Amelia. Also, take a few people to patrol the area. If you find anyone suspicious, capture them immediately." "Yes." With everything arranged, Micah felt at ease and continued working.


    He hoped to resolve these issues quickly. At least before Tristan could react, he needed to regain his strength and then find time to have a good talk with Tristan.

 Chapter 1021 Not Coming Back to Live

    Micah had been up all night and finally shut hisptop at five in the morning. He rubbed his temples, nning to catch a couple of hours of sleep. Just then, Rn knocked on the door. "Micah, I need to talk to you."


    "Come in," Micah said.


    Rn walked in, closed the door, and checked for cameras before whispering, "I''ve checked everything. No issues. Amelia is securely locked up. As for Raymond..." "Spit it out," Micah frowned.


    "He hasn''t found any problems yet, but he said Raymond''s ce is locked down tight with increased security. Seems fishy," Rn whispered.


    Micah''s expression turned serious. After a few seconds, he said, "Have him stay there and report any issues to me immediately."


    "Got it." Rn quickly left to ry the message.


    Micah had nned to rest, but now he couldn''t sleep. He had a hunch about what might be going on with Raymond.


    After only a brief period of peace, trouble was brewing again.


    Micah sighed deeply, then got up, took a shower, changed intofortable clothes, and headed downstairs.


    "Good morning, Mr. Clemens." Reba had just woken up and was heading to the kitchen when she saw Micahing downstairs. "Did you stay up all night or just wake up?" "What do you think?" Micah joked. "I look so refreshed; I just woke up, of course."


    "That''s good." Reba smiled. "Why don''t you get some more sleep?"


    "Too much work at thepany. Starting today, I''ll be staying at the office to keep up with it," Micah said as he walked to the kitchen. "So I thought I''d make breakfast for everyone before I leave." "What? You''re noting back to stay?" Reba asked, surprised. "Where will you be staying?"


    "My office has a bedroom," Micah said as he started making a call. "Hey, Chloe. Let everyone know that starting today, all senior staff and the executive team will be working overtime. Key personnel will stay at thepany, and I''ll be leading by example."


    After hanging up, Micah rolled up his sleeves started making breakfast.


    "Poor Micah, working so hard," Reba said sympathetically.


    "Alright,e help me," Micah urged. "Otherwise, they won''t have breakfast when they wake up."


    "I''ming."


    When Sadie woke up, she tasted blood in her mouth.


    She groggily got up and went to the bathroom, discovering that she had bitten her lip. Although the wound had been treated, it was clear that the bite was severe.


    Moreover, her teeth felt sore and numb, as if she had bitten something hard. It probably wasn''t her own lip.


    "Ms. James, may Ie in?"


    There was a knock on the door.


    "Come in," Sadie responded.


    Annika and Pa walked in together, with Pa carrying a medical kit.


    "Ms. James, please freshen up first, and then we''ll assist you with your medication," Annika said, motioning for Pa to sit down.


    "Okay." Sadie finished her morning routine and came out of the bathroom. "Did it thunder against night?"


    "Yes." Annika nodded and smiled. "But your episode was much better than before. You fell asleep quickly and didn''t have a nosebleed, which means Dr. Henry''s treatment is working." "That''s good." Sadie sighed in relief.


    "Ms. James,e sit down so I can apply the medicine," Pa said, opening the medical kit. "Dr. Henry is treating Mr. Clemens now, and I need to attend to him next." "What happened to him?" Sadie asked, puzzled.


    "You don''t remember?" Annika asked awkwardly. "Yesterday, you almost bit a chunk of flesh out of his hand."


    "Yes, it was quite scary." Pa nodded repeatedly. "Dr. Henry had to stitch him upst night. He''ll definitely have a scar."

 Chapter 1022 Cant Be Soft-hearted

    "He''s a guy, so having a scar isn''t a big deal, but it does hurt," Annika said, thinking about the wound and feeling a bit guilty. "He got bitten and didn''t make a sound, yet he was still worried about your injury." "Yeah, I feel like I misunderstood him before. He''s actually a good man," Pa said seriously. "Dr. Henry also praised him."


    Sadie didn''t speak, her mind reyingst night''s events.


    She vaguely remembered biting herself first, and to stop her, he had put his hand over.


    "Alright," Pa finished applying the medicine and reminded her. "Mr. James, you should go downstairs. Mr. Clemens made a lot of pizza for breakfast."


    "Okay, put the first aid kit away ande down for breakfast." Sadie patted Pa''s hand.


    "Okay."


    Pa left.


    Sadie started changing clothes.


    Annika, standing nearby, said, "He got up early to make breakfast, which took two hours. He put a lot of effort into it. He''s really good to you and the kids." "What''s your point?" Sadie asked coldly.


    Annika quickly lowered her head, not daring to speak.


    "Ever since you started dating Andrew, you''ve been defending him," Sadie said angrily. "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking."


    "Ms. James, I..."


    "His recent behavior has been good, but it doesn''t erase his past mistakes. Compared to that, what he''s doing now is nothing." Sadie was speaking to Annika, but also to herself. She kept reminding herself not to be soft-hearted, never. Her great revenge had not been achieved. If she softened now, it would be a disservice to the suffering she had endured and to the deceased Brenda.


    "Alright, you''re right." Annika didn''t dare say more.


    "I don''t mind you being with Andrew," Sadie said, noticing Annika''s dejected look. "If you two have long-term ns and it doesn''t harm the James family''s interests, I''ll plead with Tristan for you. But don''t try to persuade me to forgive Micah; that''s a separate matter."


    "I understand. I''m sorry," Annika apologized repeatedly.


    Sadie patted her shoulder, changed her shoes, and quickly went downstairs.


    She was in good spirits today and nned to visit the Sapphire Depths. After the project was halted, some funds were returned, but she still wanted to see if it could be developed.


    "Mommy,e have breakfast."


    The three kids were already seated in the dining room, drooling over the pizza in front of them.


    "I''ming." Sadie quickly went downstairs, looking at the kids with a bright smile. "Good morning, Noah, Nathan, and Mia!"


    "Good morning, Mommy!" the kids greeted in unison.


    "So lively," Hubert said as Percy helped him over. "Dr. Henry," Sadie quickly went to greet him.


    "Good morning, Dr. Henry," the kids greeted warmly.


    "Good morning." Hubert was delighted to see the three children. "This atmosphere is wonderful. Eating together every day improves everyone''s appetite."


    "Dr. Henry, you''re absolutely right. I feel the same way." Reba walked over with a tray of pizza and a bowl of soup, smiling. "My happiest moment every day is watching you enjoy the food I make. But today''s pizza was all made by Mr. Clemens."


    "His hand is still injured; he shouldn''t get it wet," Hubert quickly reminded. "I just asked Percy to call him to change the dressing, and he said he would do it after breakfast."


    "I tried to persuade him too, but he wouldn''t listen," Reba said with a worried look. "But I didn''t let him get it wet."


    "That''s good."

 Chapter 1023 Farewell

    The family was having a lively meal, with Micah looking after the three kids and chatting with Hubert now and then. Hubert brought upst night''s incident again, "Come to the pharmacy after dinner, and I''ll check your eyes."


    "My eyes are fine." Micah was stirring the soup in Mia''s bowl, the steam creating a thin mist in front of his eyes.


    Sadie nced at Micah. Other than a bit of redness, he seemed fine. Maybe he just didn''t sleep well.


    "I can''t see anything wrong with you right now." Hubert squinted and examined Micah closely.


    "It''s nothing. Just a bug flew past my eyes yesterday." Micah turned to feed Mia the soup. At that moment, his phone rang. Sadie took the bowl and said, "Let me handle it." Micah handed her the bowl and walked to the side to answer the call, "Yes?"


    "Just as you expected." On the other end, Andrew was reporting something important.


    Micah''s brow furrowed, but he quickly regained hisposure and whispered, "Got it. Keep an eye on it."


    "Will do."


    After hanging up, Micah returned to the table and took the bowl from Sadie. "I''ll do it."


    He quietly fed Mia the rest of the soup, wiped her mouth, and gently said, "Mia, Daddy has to work these days and can''t be with you. You need to cooperate with the treatment, okay?" "Okay." Mia nodded obediently.


    "Daddy, don''t worry. We''ll take care of Mia," Nathan said, patting his chest. "You don''t have to stay with us tonight. We''ll y chess by ourselves."


    "Daddy can''te home for the next few days." Micah patted his head. "There are a lot of things to take care of at thepany, so I have to stay there."


    Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.


    Sadie was a bit taken aback. She thought she had no feelings for him anymore, but hearing that he was leaving made her feel a sense of loss.


    Maybe it was because family life had been so greattely that his sudden departure felt jarring.


    But Sadie quicklyposed herself and, pretending to be indifferent, said calmly, "I''ll take good care of the kids. Don''t worry about it."


    "Are you a little reluctant to see me go?" Micah asked with a mischievous smile.


    "You''re crazy," Sadie red at him, irritated. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you leave."


    "You''re not being honest," Micah said teasingly.


    "You..."


    "Alright, I have to go." Micah hugged the three kids. "I''lle back to be with you once my work is done."


    "Daddy, how long will you be busy?" Mia looked at Micah with teary eyes, not wanting him to leave.


    "It won''t be long." Micah patted her little face.


    "Daddy, take care of yourself." Nathan was also reluctant but tried to be strong, "When you''re done, take us to the amusement park."


    "I''ll keep my word." Micah bumped fists with him and then looked at Noah. "Noah, why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "I''m just surprised. I didn''t expect the situation to be this serious." Noah looked at Micah with aplex expression. "The power of public opinion is indeed strong."


    Hearing these words, Sadie felt a bit conflicted. Nathan and Mia didn''t understand what Micah was facing, but Noah was different.


    He was an IT genius who kept up with financial news and followed the business world every day.


    He knew that the exposure of Nick''s scandals online had a significant impact on VIC Group and even the Clemens Group. He had always believed that Micah could handle it perfectly. But now, hearing that Micah had to stay at thepany to deal with these issues, he realized that the situation was far more serious than he had thought.

 Chapter 1024 She Discovered Doubts

    The business war between the James and the Clemens seemed not to affect the kids on the surface, but now it looks like they were indeed affected. Sadie''s biggest worry was slowlying true.


    "I can handle it. Don''t worry," Micah said, patting Noah''s head. "You''re still a kid. Don''t stress about these things."


    "Are you really okay?" Noah asked, a bit concerned.


    "Silly, I''m invincible." Micah regained his usual confidence, patting his chest. "How could such a small problem trouble me?"


    "That''s good." Seeing Micah''s confident look, Noah felt somewhat relieved. "Take care of yourself."


    "I got it." Micah pinched his cheek and turned to Sadie, extending his hand. "Come on. Give me a hug too."


    "Get lost." Sadie red at him coldly but noticed his heavily bandaged hand. She must have really bitten him hardst night.


    A sense of guilt rose in her heart, but she reced it with indifference.


    Micah didn''t mind. He affectionately ruffled her hair and turned to say goodbye to the kids. "I''m leaving now. Be good." "Bye, Daddy!"


    The kids waved goodbye to Micah.


    "Come over after you''re done. I''ll give you a proper check-up," Hubert reminded.


    "Okay. Thanks, Dr. Henry." Micah nodded with a smile.


    Micah''s attendants came down with the luggage.


    Outside, Rodolfo had the car ready and was looking Arya from a distance through the car window.


    Arya met his gaze but didn''t dare to approach or greet him.


    "Mommy, I want to go see Daddy off." As soon as Nathan finished speaking, he ran outside.


    Noah followed him.


    "Mommy, I want to go too." Mia was anxious.


    "Alright, I''ll go with you." Sadie carried Mia out to see Micah off.


    Micah waved goodbye to the kids and then got into the car.


    As the car drove away, Mia started crying.


    Hearing Mia cry, Nathan''s tears quickly welled up, but he stubbornly pursed his lips, staying silent.


    Noah''s eyes were red, and he remained silent.


    "It''s okay. Daddy is just going to work. He''ll be back," Sadie quicklyforted them. "If you miss him, you can always call him."


    "I want to see Daddy every day." Mia cried. "I want our family to always be together."


    "Me too." Nathan wiped his tears. "Just like these past few days. It''s been so happy."


    Noah said nothing, but it was even more worrying.


    Sadie looked at the kids, feeling aplex mix of emotions.


    She really hoped the kids could be happy every day, but she didn''t dare to make any promises. She could only try to distract them to ease their emotions.


    It took a long time to calm them down.


    Then they each went to their own activities.


    Mia went for her treatment, and Noah and Nathan went to their online sses.


    Sadie had a pile of work to deal with and nned to go back to the study to handle it.


    At this moment, Annika brought some documents for her to sign.


    Arya also came in to report on work.


    Seeing Arya''s happy face, Annika teased, "You''re definitely in love. Just one look from a distance can make you happy all day." "You only know how to make fun of me," Arya retorted with a blush. "Are you feeling down because Andrew isn''t here?" "Nonsense, I''m not," Annika immediately denied it. "Do you think I''m like you, always paying attention to my lover?" "You''re just being evasive," Arya teased. "Andrew hasn''t shown up for more than two weeks. You must miss him." "What''s there to miss?"


    "He hasn''t shown up for more than two weeks?" Sadie suddenly paused and looked up at Annika. "Where did he go?"

 Chapter 1025 I Am Your Master

    "I don''t know either. Ever since he and Mr. Clemens brought the three kids over, we haven''t been in touch," Annika said, trying to sound indifferent. "I sent him a message once, and he said he was busy. So, I didn''t bother him again."


    "Did you fight?" Arya asked, concerned.


    "No." Annika felt a bit resentful, but her pride wouldn''t let her show it. She pretended to be aloof and said, "It''s fine if he doesn''t contact me. I don''t care." "Don''t be like that."


    "Shut up," Sadie''s stern voice cut Arya off. "Go check Andrew''s whereabouts now."


    Seeing Sadie''s serious demeanor, Annika and Arya straightened up instantly.


    "Yes." Annika immediately went to handle it.


    "Ms. James, do you suspect something''s up with Mr. Clemens?" Arya asked uneasily.


    "Keep an eye on Rodolfo, see where he and Micah are going, and report all their movements to me immediately," Sadie ordered.


    "Yes." Arya didn''t dare ask more and went to handle it right away.


    When it came to serious matters, Annika and Arya always followed Sadie''s orders to the letter, never letting personal feelings get in the way.


    Sadie had absolute confidence in this.


    In contrast, she didn''t trust Micah.


    She hadn''t realized it before and had really thought Micah had gone back to handlepany matters. It was only when Annika and Arya mentioned that Andrew had been missing for a long time that she sensed something was wrong. Andrew was Micah''s right-hand man; Micah took him everywhere.


    Even to avoid suspicion, he wouldn''t just disappear.


    Moreover, he hadn''t contacted Annika at all.


    Something was definitely up.


    Sadie had seen from the beginning that Andrew and Rodolfo were deliberately getting close to Annika and Arya, guessing it was on Micah''s orders.


    If he could use his subordinates to gather information, why couldn''t she use the same method on him?


    Besides the business rivalry between the two groups, there was another major issue they couldn''t resolve.


    Nick!


    Two years ago, Nick had ordered Amelia to assassinate her in Country H, resulting in Brenda''s death. Sadie was determined to avenge that.


    But after all this time, despite using all her resources, Sadie still couldn''t catch Nick. In the meantime, Nick had even tried to assassinate her again, but she managed to escape.


    Was Nick really that formidable, or was someone secretly helping him?


    Sadie had always suspected this.


    Back then, Micah had taken Amelia in to protect her andter hid her in Half Mountain Vi, which made Sadie furious.


    She didn''t lose her temper over that mainly because Mia had suddenly been poisoned, and treating Mia was more urgent.


    Secondly, Sadie found that Micah''s people were strictly monitoring Amelia and had collected a lot of evidence of Nick instructing her tomit crimes. So, she decided to wait and see if Micah intended to use Amelia to capture Nick. After all, Amelia was just a small fry; the real culprit was Nick!


    But now, Sadie had a new suspicion. Micah, or rather Raymond, was harboring Nick!


    And Andrew''s busyness these days was actually all about handling this matter.


    If that were true, it wouldpletely shatter thest bit of trust Sadie had!


    "Ms. James," Annika hurriedly reported. "I just found out that Andrew has been looking for Nick''s whereabouts recently. Now I can''t track his movements; his phone is off, and he''spletely out of contact." "Keep looking," Sadie warned solemnly. "This is a serious matter. I don''t care about your feelings for him; you must always remember, I am your master!"


    "Understood, Ms. James. Rest assured!"

 Chapter 1026 Harboring a Criminal

    "Ms. James," Arya hurriedly reported. "Rodolfo did indeed take Mr. Clemens back to VIC Group. It''s said that they''re about to hold a board meeting over there. Mr. Clemens also issued an order notifying all senior management to work overtime. If necessary, they can stay at thepany until the issue is resolved."


    "Sounds like there''s no problem." Annika cautiously looked at Sadie.


    "Then keep an eye on him; see if he''s really staying at thepany," Sadie instructed. "If necessary, get some clues from Rodolfo. Do you understand?"


    Thest word were spoken with deep meaning.


    "Understood." Arya nodded repeatedly.


    "Go on." Sadie waved her hand.


    Annika and Arya left. Sadie leaned back in her white leather chair, looking at the documents in her hand, but her mind couldn''t focus. Her mind was in turmoil.


    During this time, Micah had been behaving very differently. The once cold and ruthless man, who used to think only of himself, now understood how to empathize with and take care of others. He even knew how to lower his pride and amodate others.


    These changes moved her somewhat.


    Moreover, his desperate protection of herst night touched her.


    Even if they couldn''t be together, she hoped the two families could reconcile. Even if it meant going back to the way things were, where they didn''t interfere with each other, as long as they were no longer enemies, it would be fine. At least the children wouldn''t be caught in the middle.


    However, if Micah was indeed hiding Nick, she could not tolerate it!


    For the sake of the children, she could let go of her resentment towards the Clemens family for driving her away and separating her from her children. She could also overlook the harm they caused her. But she could never forgive Nick and Amelia for the humiliation they brought her in Country H, nor could she forgive them for causing Brenda''s death!


    These two matters could not be let go.


    This was her final bottom line.


    She hoped Micah wouldn''t cross it, or she would never forgive him.


    Perhaps sensing something was amiss, Micah sneezed twice in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. He covered his face with a handkerchief and frowned. "Sadie must be cursing me behind my back."


    "You guessed right," Rodolfo said cautiously. "Arya is tracking my whereabouts. Ms. James is probably suspicious."


    "She''s so smart now. It''s normal for her to be suspicious," Micah said nonchntly. "Besides, she has two ''undercover agents.""


    "I''m not an undercover agent; I''m on your side," Rodolfo quickly rified.


    "No need. Your girlfriend is more important," Micah said meaningfully. "If she asks you anything, just answer truthfully."


    "I wouldn''t dare," Rodolfo quickly exined. "I haven''t leaked a single thing about you to her. I swear."


    "I told you to answer truthfully. Don''t you understand?" Micah frowned in displeasure. "Be smart." "Huh?" Rodolfo was confused.


    "Micah is indeed handling matters at thepany. If Annika asks, just tell her thepany''s situation. As for other things, you don''t know. Got it?" Rn exined again. "Got it." Rodolfo nodded in a daze.


    A servant opened the car door from the outside. Micah got out, strode into the elevator, and went straight to the 68th floor.


    As soon as he entered the elevator, Andrew''s call came through. "Micah, it''s confirmed. Nick is indeed at Raymond''s ce."


    Upon hearing this, Micah''s face instantly darkened, and he gritted his teeth in anger. "He''s out of his mind!"


    "Calm down, Micah," Andrew advised. "I''m still keeping an eye on things here. Ss is quietly arranging a private jet, probably to send Nick away from Newark secretly. What should I do now?" "They won''t dare to act now; they''ll wait until nightfall." Micah frowned. "Keep watching and wait for my instructions."


    "Yes."

 Chapter 1027 Forcing Them into a Corner

    Micah had been searching for Nick''s whereabouts while collecting evidence of her crimes, intending to bring her to justice.


    In fact, he was mainly considering Raymond''s feelings. After all, Nick was his biological daughter. If she were really shot dead by people from the James family, Raymond would be devastated. From then on, the feud between the James family and the Clemens family would deepen. Given Raymond''s temper, he wouldn''t let the James family have an easy time as long as he was alive! Continuing the fight would only result in mutual destruction.


    So, Micah found a more moderate approach: capture Nick and hand her over to the police!


    This way, he could give Sadie an exnation and prevent the feud between the two families from deepening further.


    Even if thew ultimately sentenced Nick to death, it would be her just deserts. Raymond couldn''t me anyone.


    But Micah never expected that Raymond would be foolish enough to harbor a criminal!


    If Sadie had found out about this, it would have could have caused a significant misunderstanding.


    Micah was deeply worried and eager to solve the problem as soon as possible.


    However, the question of how to solve this issue remained.


    He couldn''t provoke Raymond, nor let Nick escape, and couldn''t let the news spread and escte.


    "Micah, how about we ambush at the airport? Take down Nick when Mr. Raymond Clemens isn''t around and hand her over to the police?" Rn suggested.


    "Since he is taking such a big risk, he will probably personally escort Nick to the airport," Micah said in a low voice. "He won''t leave until he sees her board the ne." "Should I check their private jet then?" Rn asked.


    "Don''t alert them." Micah frowned.


    "Yes." Rn dared not say more.


    "You may leave now." Micah wanted some time alone.


    "Yes." Rn bowed and left.


    Micah locked himself in his office for seven hours. It wasn''t until 4 p.m. that he called Rn in, handed him a USB drive, and instructed, "Give this to the police now." "Yes." Rn solemnly took the item and rushed to the police station.


    Then, Micah called Chloe. "Have thepany''s legal teame to my office immediately."


    "Yes." Chloe immediately ryed the message. She vaguely sensed something big was happening but didn''t dare to ask.


    Ten minutester, the Clemens Group''s domestic legal team arrived in a hurry.


    Micah directly announced, "I''ll remove Nick from the Clemens Group''s board of directors and reim all her shares in my name. Additionally, I''ll freeze all of n''s shares and suspend all his positions in the Clemens Group, including honorary ones. You need to figure out how to do this legally, get it done by 5 PM today, and then notify thepany to release an official statement. Is that clear?"


    Thewyers looked at each other, very flustered.


    Nick''s scandals were all over the inte, severely tarnishing the Clemens Group''s reputation. Micah''s actions were understandable, but Nick and n''s shares were gifts from Raymond. Without Raymond''s approval, they couldn''t do this. "I''ll exin to Raymond. If anything happens, I''ll take responsibility. Just do as I say," Micahmanded sternly. "His health is poor, and I am in charge of all matters of the Clemens Group!"


    "Yes!" Thewyers didn''t dare to argue and immediately went to work.


    Everyone knew that Raymond''s favorite was his grandson, Micah. Many years ago, he had already handed over the inheritance rights to Micah, which was indisputable.


    Moreover, Micah had been managing the Clemens Group for years. Raymond had never opposed any of his decisions.


    Therefore, despite his actions being against protocol, everyoneplied.


    At 5 PM, the Clemens Group officially released a statement, and simultaneously, the police issued a warrant for Nick''s arrest.

 Chapter 1028 Reunion with Old Friends

    It caused a huge sensation as the news was released.


    In the past half-month, the Clemens Group''s stock market plummeted due to Nick''s incident, which had extremely adverse effects, but Micah had not taken any effective measures. Today, as soon as these two pieces of news came out, the Clemens Group''s stock instantly stabilized.


    At the same time, those who doubted the Clemens Group and suspected Micah also began to redefine their views.


    The Clemens Group publicly severed ties with Nick,pletely kicking her out of the board, and the police officially arrested her, which means her criminal behavior has nothing to do with the Clemens Group or Micah.


    Of course, some people have conspiracy theories, privately specting that Micah sold out Nick to protect himself.


    However, this move temporarily stabilized the Clemens Group''s situation overall.


    At the same time, it alsoposed Sadie.


    Sadie had already had Annika dispatch people from Country E, ready to go to war with the Clemens Group at any time. However, just as she finished deploying, Annika hurriedly came to report, "Ms. James, you should check the news." "What news?" Sadie opened herputer and saw that the top few news stories were all about the Clemens Group.


    Just the headlines were shocking enough. When she clicked in to read, she was stunned.


    "Looks like we misunderstood Mr. Clemens." Annika breathed a sigh of relief. "He didn''t harbor Nick; instead, he submitted evidence of Nick''s crimes to the police and had the Clemens Group remove her."


    "Why did he suddenly do this?" Sadie frowned in thought.


    "Why else?" Annika didn''t think too much. "Mr. Clemens dealt with n as well, clearly not nning to leave any way out for Nick!"


    Seeing Sadie''s concern, Annika added, "Actually, even if it wasn''t for you, he should get rid of someone as evil as Nick for the sake of the Clemens Group. I checked today, and the Clemens Group has lost billions in just half a month. If this continues, it might shake their foundation."


    "That''s true." Sadie nodded slightly. "The main reason Tristan used this n against the Clemens Group was to make them abandon Nick, and to let him taste the feeling of being betrayed and having nowhere to turn!" "Mr. James is truly impressive." Speaking of Tristan, Annika was genuinely admiring.


    "Let''s leave it at that for now and see how things develop," Sadie instructed. "Keep an eye on Andrew, and report his any movements to me immediately."


    "Yes." Annika nodded.


    The study became quiet again. Sadie turned to look at the rain outside, feeling a bitplicated. Micah''s actions had surprised her.


    She always felt it was ast-minute decision.


    What prompted his decision? She couldn''t fathom the reason.


    As she was thinking, a bodyguard knocked on the door to report, "Ms. James, there''s a girl named Serena outside asking to see you, saying she''s your friend." "Serena?" Sadie was taken aback for a moment, then quickly said. "Let her in."


    "Yes."


    Sadie put on her coat and went out to greet them.


    The bodyguard was leading Serena and Jonathan inside.


    Seeing the situation, Jonathan couldn''t help feeling nervous. He pulled Serena aside and whispered, "Are you sure this is Ms. Roth''s house? Why are there so many bodyguards? It''s so luxurious. Are you sure we''re not mistaken?" "Mr. Chase, this is definitely Sadie''s house. I''ve been here before," Serena exined.


    "But-"


    "Serena, Mr. Chase!" Sadie quickly came down the stairs.


    "Sadie."


    "Sadie!"


    Seeing Sadie, both Serena and Jonathan were very excited, especially Jonathan, who instantly had tears in his eyes. "Serena said you were still alive. I couldn''t believe it, but it turned out to be true."


    "I''m alive and well." Sadie smiled at them, feeling very emotional. "I''ve always wanted to see you, but something always came up at thest minute. I''m really sorry!"

 Chapter 1029 No One Could Bully Me

    "Your subordinates exined everything to us and even sent us back to Biston," Serena quickly said. "We were worried about you, so we took advantage of the weekend toe and see you." "Let''s talk in the study." Sadie invited Serena and Jonathan to the study and instructed the servants to prepare some fine desserts.


    Jonathan was visibly emotional upon seeing Sadie, his eyes welling up as he said, "The wedding back then had an unexpected turn of events, andter we heard the news that you and Brenda had met with a mishap. I was really..." At this point, Jonathan''s voice choked up. "I just hate that I didn''t have the ability back then. Otherwise, I would have definitely sought an exnation from the Clemens family!"


    "Mr. Chase, it''s all in the past. Let''s not bring it up," Serena gently reminded.


    "Alright, alright. I won''t bring it up." Jonathanposed himself.


    On the way here, Serena repeatedly reminded him not to bring up the past anymore. Sadie has a new life now, and she has her own considerations, which shouldn''t affect her decisions. "How have you been all these years?" Sadie changed the subject.


    "Pretty good." Jonathan immediately started talking about the factory. "Those factories were all invested by you. Business is great now. We''ve expanded by four more factories."


    "Really?" Sadie was very happy to hear this good news. "It''s good that business is doing well. At least it didn''t let my dad down."


    "I''ve managed your share of the money." Jonathan took out a bank card and a ledger. "This is the ie and expenses for the past two years, and your dividends, which amount to over ten million. Initially, the scale was small, so the earnings weren''t much, but it will increase in the future."


    "Keep managing it for me." Sadie pushed the money back. "I''ll ask for it when I need it in the future."


    "Alright," Jonathan said, putting the items away. I''ll continue managing your future dividends."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded with a smile. "Seeing that you all are doing well, I feel relieved."


    "I was just about to say that," Jonathan said with deep emotion. "Seeing that you''re doing so well now, I feel relieved. These past two years, I''ve always felt guilty, thinking I couldn''t protect you back then." After a pause, he changed the subject again. "I heard you went back to your mother''s family. Is their influence strong?"


    "Yes." Sadie nodded.


    "How strong? Can they protect you from being bullied by the Clemens family?" Jonathan asked uneasily.


    Sadie smiled slightly. "The James family and the Clemens family have always been on equal footing, and they might even surpass the Clemens family."


    "Really? That''s amazing." Jonathan was a bit excited. "That''s great. Then the Clemens family can''t bully you anymore."


    "Don''t worry," Sadie said confidently. "No one in this world can bully me now!"


    "That''s good." Jonathan nodded repeatedly. "As long as no one bullies you, I''m at ease. I''m really afraid..."


    He didn''t dare to finish his sentence and changed the subject again. "What about the kids? Have you seen them?"


    "The kids are with me," Sadie said, and just then Nathan''s cheerful voice came from outside. "Noah, hurry up. Coco and Little Coco are waiting for us!" "I''ming."


    "The kids are all here?" Serena was very happy to hear this. "That''s great, Sadie. I''m really happy for you."


    "The Clemens family agreed? Will theye after you?" Jonathan asked, still uneasy.


    "Micah personally brought them over," Sadie said with a smile. "Don''t worry. I''m not the same Sadie I used to be!"


    "That''s wonderful." Serena was very excited. "Seeing your change, I''m genuinely happy for you. We must remember the lessons of the past and never let anyone bully us again."

 Chapter 1030 Stay by Her Side

    Serena''s words stirred emotions in Sadie. She recalled many things, but some details were still missing.


    Serena used to be her only friend and probably knew more about the inside story and details, which is why she was so resistant to the Clemens family.


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door, and Annika came to report something.


    Jonathan promptly added, "Sadie, I won''t disturb you any longer. Are you sure you want to leave this money with me?"


    "Yes," Sadie said with a smile. "Feel free to use it anytime for the factory''s expansion and investment. Consider it my investment."


    "Alright. I''ll note it down in the ounts," Jonathan said thoughtfully.


    "Okay." Sadie nodded. "I''ll have someone see you out."


    "Sadie," Serena suddenly mustered the courage to say. "I want to stay here."


    "Huh?" Sadie was stunned.


    "Two years ago, I couldn''t protect you, and I''ve always felt guilty. If I had left with you and Brenda back then, maybe Brenda wouldn''t have had an ident. Even if I couldn''t do anything, at least I could have called the police." Serena spoke with great guilt.


    "I know you have power and influence now. Maybe I can''t help much, but at least I can help take care of the kids. Having someone you trust around is always better than a stranger."


    Hearing these words, Sadie was deeply moved. She had not misjudged Serena as a friend.


    "She''s mentioned this to me several times," Jonathan said softly. "She''s doing very well at the factory now, but she still worries about you."


    "It''s dangerous for you to be around me." Sadie hesitated.


    "It''s okay. I''m not afraid," Serena said, patting her chest. "My mom has already passed away, and I''m alone. I''m happy as long as I can do something for you."


    "Huh? Your mom passed away? What happened?" Sadie asked urgently.


    "She passed away from illnessst year," Serena spoke about it without much sadness.


    "She had been bedridden for many years and had suffered a lot. Later, she woke up and spent some time with me, which was already very fortunate. She passed away peacefully and told me not to forget your kindness. She said I must repay you if I ever had the chance. After all, you were the one who found the doctor to treat her, and every time I was in trouble, you protected me!"


    Sadie hugged Serena and patted her back, saying, "Alright. If you want to stay, then stay. From now on, my home is your home!"


    "Thank you, Sadie!" Serena said, her voice choked with emotion.


    "Now I can rest easy," Jonathan said with great feeling. "You both take care."


    "Don''t worry."


    After seeing Jonathan off, Sadie took Serena to meet Hubert and Pa. Serena and Pa, good friends, met and hugged each other excitedly.


    Serena and Pa had met because of Sadie and then became good friends. After Sadie''s incident, Serena and Pa kept in touch.


    Rodolfo was able to find Hubert smoothly thanks to a lead provided by Serena.


    However, Serena had given the information to Arya, thinking it was someone from Sadie''s side looking for Hubert.


    Whatever. Everything worked out for the best.


    Sadie introduced Serena to her personal bodyguards and the housemaids, instructing them that Serena was her friend and they should take good care of her. Everyone respectfully called Serena "Ms. Adams," making Serena blush and feel a bit ufortable.


    Just then, Mia woke up from her nap, and Pa took Serena to see Mia.


    After settling everything, Sadie began her treatment for the day.


    At this moment, Annika hurriedly came to report, "Ms. James, I just found out that Nick has gone to Raymond''s ce."

 Chapter 1031 They Were Not Worth It

    "What did you say?" Hearing this, Sadie became agitated, the pain from the needle intensifying as dark red blood slowly flowing out.


    "You must not get agitated during treatment," Hubert hastily scolded from the cubicle. "Whatever it is, let''s talk about itter. You all need to leave now!" "Yes, I''m sorry." Annika hurriedly retreated.


    "Sadie, you must stay calm. Whatever it is, wait until the treatment is over," Pa quicklyforted. "You got so agitated just now that the needle went in deeper. It must hurt a lot." "It''s... it''s okay." Sadie was in so much pain that she could barely speak, but she gritted her teeth and managed, "Pa, tell Annika to gather the team."


    "Sadie?"


    "Do it!"


    Pa wanted to persuade Sadie, but seeing her urgency, she feared further agitation and went to ry the message.


    Annika was already waiting outside the door for instructions. Hearing Pa''s message, she immediately responded, "Yes, Ms. James. Don''t worry. I''ll handle it right away." "Everyone. Prepare the car, get weapons ready, and wait for Ms. James to finish her treatment before we set off."


    "Yes."


    The suddenmotion at home made everyone very nervous.


    Reba, in a panic, rushed to her room to make a phone call.


    Annika quickly followed and snatched her phone, saying respectfully, "Reba, Ms. James respects you a lot. But if you do anything against Ms. James, don''t me me for being rude!" "No, no," Reba hurriedly exined. "I never thought of betraying Ms. Roth. I just, I just..."


    Reba stammered, unable to exin clearly. She could only sigh and say, " They are family after all. I don''t want them to have conflicts over misunderstandings."


    "I hope it''s a misunderstanding too." Annika frowned. "Reba, I''m sorry."


    She turned to the bodyguards and instructed, "Keep an eye on them. Don''t let them contact anyone outside."


    "Yes." The bodyguards immediately watched over the Clemens family''s servants, not allowing them to make calls.


    In the pharmacy, Percy watched themotion outside, feeling a bit nervous. His hands trembled as he carried water.


    "Just focus on your work. Don''t be afraid," Hubert advised calmly.


    "Is Ms. Roth going to fight Mr. Raymond Clemens?" Percy didn''t understand. "Everything was fine this morning. Why are they fighting now?"


    "Don''t meddle in other people''s business. We are just doctors!" Hubert silently sipped his coffee, not intending to interfere with any of Sadie''s decisions. "Yes." Percy dared not say more.


    Sadie soaked in the medicated bathtub, trembling with pain. Thinking about what the Clemens family had done, her heart ached even more.


    For the sake of the children, she had forgiven the Clemens family time and again. But not only did they feel no guilt or remorse for their actions, they became increasingly excessive, pushing her to her final limit!


    "Calm down and focus on your treatment," Hubert seemed to sense something and said in a deep voice. "You need a healthy body to do whatever you n to do. If hatred affects your health, not only will you fail to recover, but the toxins might also backflow. Weigh what''s more important."


    Hearing these words, Sadie closed her eyes, trying hard to temporarily set aside thoughts of revenge. She needed to calm down and focus on her treatment.


    Just from that brief moment of agitation, she already felt a piercing pain spreading through her body repeatedly.


    In her mind, she kept telling herself, ''Sadie, calm down. Calm down. Don''t get angry over that bad man Micah. Don''t be heartbroken over the heartless, selfish Clemens family. They''re not worth it.''

 Chapter 1032 Never Admitting Mistakes

    The James family was fully prepared and ready to act.


    At the vi, Nick saw the news in the basement and was furious. "That bastard Micah, how dare he do this to me?"


    "Ms. Clemens, please calm down," Ss advised in a deep voice. "Mr. Micah Clemens was forced into this. If he didn''t do it, VIC Group and the entire Clemens Group would be in trouble."


    "Then he should have suppressed the public opinion first and then dealt with the James Group." Nick fumed. "Only ipetent people push the me onto their family."


    "Wasn''t it you who pushed the me onto him first?" An elderly yet authoritative voice came through.


    Nick shuddered slightly, turned her head, and looked at the aged Raymond, feeling a bit flustered inside.


    Ethan limped as he wheeled Raymond into the basement, shooting Nick a resentful nce before quickly lowering his head.


    "Dad, I never intended to fight with Micah; he provoked me first," Nick exined softly. "If he hadn''t gone after n first, I wouldn''t have touched him."


    "Stop making excuses. Do you really think I''m a fool?" Raymond said coldly, "Micah may not get along with you, but he has a good rtionship with n. Even if he did make a move on n, it would have been just a beating. But you escted it to another level. Weren''t you just using this as an excuse to seize power?"


    "I..." Nick wanted to argue, but seeing Raymond''s sharp gaze, she gave up.


    She knew that Raymond was the person who understood her the most in this world. Her thoughts and intentions couldn''t escape his eyes, and arguing more would only make her seem insincere.


    However, even though she had made many mistakes, Raymond would still save her.


    That''s blood ties!


    "You failed in business and squandered the family fortune. Instead of thinking about how to manage it, you always wanted to seize your nephew Micah''s inheritance. Is this what an aunt should do?" Raymond scolded.


    "If you hadn''t been biased and left ny percent of the fortune to him, I wouldn''t have ended up like this," Nick retorted. "I failed in business because of ack of funds, not because of my ability."


    "You''re still making excuses for yourself." Raymond''s face turned livid with anger, and he struck her leg with his cane.


    "I gave Micah less funding than you, yet he used his ability to establish VIC Group. Now he manages the Clemens Group in an orderly manner. He achieved results first and passed the test, which is why I chose him as the heir!"


    "You would say that of course," Nick muttered defiantly. "I don''t believe that without your help, a young man with no experience could achieve this."


    "You... you are truly incorrigible!" Raymond was almost beside himself with fury. He realized that reasoning with Nick now was like preaching to the wrong audience. She wouldn''t reflect or understand. No wonder her life turned out this way. "Those are all in the past. Let''s focus on the present." Nick changed the subject anxiously. "Dad, you saw it. Micah is colluding with the James family to capture me. They want to kill me. You can''t just stand by and do nothing!" "I''ve arranged a refuge for you in Verdania. You should go there first andy low. Once no one is paying attention to this matter, I''ll have someone send you elsewhere."


    "Verdania?" Nick got angry at the mention of it. "I don''t want to go to Verdania, Dad. I can''t stand that hellhole."


    "It''s precisely because I know you can''t stand it that no one will find you there," Raymond said decisively. "With the James family''s influence, they could find you no matter where you hide. Besides, the police are also after you now." "Isn''t all of this Micah''s doing?" Nick grew even angrier. "He dared to have thepany remove me and took back my shares. He even suspended n. And he must have handed my criminal evidence to the police. He just wants to drive me to death!"

 Chapter 1033 The Last Chance for Survive

    "You wouldn''t be in this mess if you hadn''t done those stupid things! Who could have driven you to this point?" Raymond threw a stack of newspapers at Nick''s face, shouting angrily, "Look at what you''ve done. Do you even deserve the Clemens name? You''ve disgraced our family!"


    "Who drove me to this point? Wasn''t it you?" Nick, now sixty years old, felt humiliated and resentful of being scolded by Raymond in front of so many people.


    "You''re hopeless!" Raymond was so angry he nearly had a heart attack. "If I had known it woulde to this, I wouldn''t have saved you. I should have let you die."


    "Did you save me? I came to you because I had nowhere else to go," Nick retorted. "Are you nning to hand me over to Micah or directly to Sadie to have them kill me?" "You!"


    "Enough, Raymond." Ss, not wanting Raymond to get too agitated, quickly tried to ease the tension.


    "We''ve prepared a private jet. We''re nning to take you to Verdania under the pretense of returning to Country F. Mr. Raymond Clemens is old and not in good health. He''s going through all this trouble for you. You should appreciate his efforts."


    Hearing this, Nick fell silent. At this point, Raymond was the only one who could save her. If even he didn''t want to save her, there would be no way out.


    "Thank you, Dad." Nick finally softened her tone. "I''ll do as you say."


    "Get ready to leave." Raymond gestured.


    "Yes." Ss immediately made arrangements. "Ms. Clemens, you''ll have to endure some difort."


    Ss had Nick disguised and hidden in an oversized suitcase, which was then loaded into the trunk. The convoy slowly set off.


    In the car, Ss looked at the rain outside, his face heavy with worry-he, who was usually calm, now visibly uneasy.


    "Don''t worry," Raymond reassured him. "No one dares to check my car."


    "Raymond," Ss couldn''t help but ask. "If Micah finds out, he might really cut ties with you. Are you sure you won''t regret this?"


    "I know what I''m doing is wrong." Raymond sighed. "I''ve made many mistakes in my life because of my stubbornness and strong will, but I can only make one more mistake. You don''t have children, so you don''t know the pain of watching them die. When Herbert and Sarah had their ident, I felt like dying myself. Now, I only have Nick left. No matter how bad she is, I want to save her life. But I''ve made arrangements; she won''t be able to do any more evil things." Raymond didn''t say more. He had told Nick that he would send her to Verdania and then find a way to bring her back, but that was a lie. He nned to keep her in Verdania for the rest of her life.


    That way, she wouldn''t be able to do any more harm. Living a primitive life there and experiencing real hardship might make her understand the value of life. Ss didn''t know what to say but sighed.


    Raymond watched the rain pour down harder, feeling uneasy. He just hoped to get to the airport quickly to avoid any idents. So he instructed the driver, "Drive faster!" "Yes, sir."


    They thought everything would go smoothly, but unexpectedly, Micah''s car blocked them as they reached the entrance of the vi''s greenway.


    "Sir, what should we do?" Ss panicked, sensing that Micah might know something.


    "Don''t panic. Just say we''re going back to Country F."


    With his wealth of experience, Raymond remained calm, especially considering Micah was someone he had raised himself. He couldn''t believe Micah would do anything to him.

 Chapter 1034 Confrontation Between Raymond and Micah

    Micah got out of the car and made a gesture. Rn and Andrew each led a group of people to surround Raymond''s convoy.


    Ss was shocked at the sight. "He came prepared."


    "Little punk!" Raymond''s face turned livid with anger. "Looks like he''s been watching me for a while."


    "I can''t believe I didn''t notice it." Ss was both angry and anxious. "Rn, Andrew, you''ve really improved."


    Rn and Andrew were both trained by him and now their reconnaissance skills had surpassed his. Not only did they track their movements clearly, but they also arranged arge group to ambush here. Yet Ss hadn''t noticed a thing.


    Micah tapped on the car window. Ss had no choice but to open the car door and get out with a forced smile. "Mr. Micah, what brings you here?"


    "Something big would have happened if I didn''te." Micah looked deeply at Raymond. "Grandpa, where are you headed?"


    "Back to Country F." Raymond was still sitting in the car, not intending to get out. His expression was cold, and his tone was arrogant. "What? Do I need to report to you where I''m going?"


    "I wouldn''t dare." Micah smiled. "I just thought that I''ve been so busy with work that I haven''t had a chance to spend time with you. You''re not in good health, and I don''t feel at ease with you going back alone. How about I go with you?" "What nonsense are you talking about?" Raymond frowned." What about the kids if youe back to Country F with me?"


    "The kids are doing fine with Sadie; I don''t need to worry about them." Micah got into the car. "Thepany''s affairs are stable for now, so I want to spend more time with you."


    "Hey, Mr. Micah-" Ss tried to stop Micah but couldn''t.


    Micah squeezed into the car, sat next to Raymond, and put his arm around Raymond''s shoulder. "Aren''t I a good grandson?"


    "Cut the crap," Raymond said angrily. "What did you promise me before? You said you''d stay with the kids for their treatment, and that''s why I agreed to let you take them. What are you doing now? Are you just handing the kids over to the James family?"


    Micah sneered. "You clearly had people follow and monitor me, and only withdrew them after confirming I was staying with the James family. Now you''re deliberately trying to pin something on me."


    "I don''t want to waste time with you." Raymond changed the subject. "Get out of the car. Stop dying my trip to the airport."


    "I won''t." Micah took out his passport and lightly patted it on his hand. "I even brought my documents, ready to go back to Country F with you."


    "I said you don''t need toe." Raymond frowned deeply. "Just take good care of the three kids. You don''t need to worry about anything else."


    "I won''t feel relieved." Micah sighed, looking troubled. "You probably don''t know. Nick''s crimes have been exposed online, severely impacting the Clemens Group. The stock is almost at rock bottom. Out of necessity, I had to submit her criminal evidence to the police and have the group remove her and n today. The police are now hunting for her, and I''m afraid she''lle to you, putting you in danger."


    Hearing this, Nick, who was in the trunk, was furious enough to want to jump out and strangle Micah!


    "Shut up!" Raymond shouted angrily. "Nick is your aunt. How can you treat her like this?"


    "Then what should I do?" Micah spread his hands. "Two years ago, she ordered Amelia to chase Sadie in Country H, resulting in Brenda''s death. Two yearster, she tried to kidnap Noah, leading to the death of one of my men and injuring Ethan. She also attacked Sadie at Hillside Vi, severely injuring Sadie''s assistant. Just these crimes alone are enough for her to go to hell. Add to that her covert actions, which have endangered the entire Clemens Group; you tell me, what should I do?"

 Chapter 1035 Persuasion with Kind Words

    Micah asked twice in a row,pletely stumping Raymond, who was at a loss for words for a moment.


    In fact, Raymond had always been keeping an eye on the Clemens Group''s movements. How could he not know how much the Clemens Group was affected by Nick''s scandal?


    When Micah made this decision today, although the entirepany agreed, someone secretly reported the news to him.


    Raymond did not object; he simply said that since thepany had been handed over to Micah, he should make the decisions.


    From another perspective, Raymond supported Micah''s actions because it was the only way to save the Clemens Group.


    There was no other choice! So, Raymond did not me Micah; instead, he felt that Micah had grown up.


    Two weeks of indecision and hesitation was due to family ties; he finally made this decision out of responsibility and duty as the head of the group.


    "Everyone should pay for what they have done," Micah nced at the trunk and said meaningfully.


    "Even a minor child must be punished for doing something wrong, let alone a fifty-year-old adult? Nick has done so many bad things and caused so many deaths, and you have always shielded and indulged her, letting her act recklessly. This is what truly harmed her!"


    "What do you want?" Raymond knew that Micah had already found out, so he stopped pretending and said directly. "Let''s be straight."


    "Hand her over to me." Micah didn''t beat around the bush either. "I''ll hand her over to the police to face legal punishment. That''s the best oue!"


    He didn''t say the rest. If they didn''t hand her over to the police and the James family found out, Nick would meet a terrible end.


    "What if I don''t hand her over?" Raymond red at him coldly.


    "Then I''m sorry." Micah didn''t want to waste time. "I''ll have to take her by force!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Rn and his team moved to pry open the trunk.


    "Stop!" Ss immediately intervened. "Stand down!"


    "Ss, why are you being so muddle-headed?" Rn advised in a low voice. "If we hand her over to the police now, there''s still time. If the James family finds out, it will be another bloody battle!"


    "But it has to be with Raymond''s permission," Ss angrily whispered. "No one is allowed to act rashly without his permission." "But..."


    "Tell me. Are you doing this for Sadie or the Clemens family?" Raymond questioned Micah.


    "Both." Micah didn''t hide it. "Although those scandals were exposed online by Tristan, if Nick hadn''t done anything wrong, no one would have had anything on her. Now, this matter has brought extremely adverse effects to the Clemens Group. Besides handing her over to the police to face legal punishment, we have no other way. No matter how much you shield her, it won''t change the facts. The police won''t let her go, and the James Group won''t let her go either. In the end, she will most likely be caught by Tristan''s people and die miserably in a foreign country. Do you really want that?"


    Hearing these words, Raymond wavered. In fact, secretly sending Nick away was also a gamble.


    This matter was far-reaching, and the police would definitely use all their resources to capture her. The James Group wouldn''t let her go either. Even if they sent her to Verdania, how long could she hide?


    "To put it bluntly," Micah continued, seeing Raymond waver, "think about your health. You''re so old; how much longer can you live? As long as you''re alive, you might be able to protect her, but what if you die one day? Who can protect her then? Even if I let her go, the police won''t, and neither will the James Group. Moreover, she has so many enemies out there!"

 Chapter 1036 She Was Stubborn

    Hearing these words, Raymond was indeed shaken, but he was still uneasy. "But even if you hand her over to the police, can you guarantee her life? Even if the judge spare her life, what about James? They might interfere or directly assassinate her in prison, can she survive that? It''s better to take a gamble. At least while I''m alive, I can protect her life!" "Forget it," Micah frowned and said. "The legal system today is different. No one can interfere, let alone assassinate her in prison."


    Raymond thought about it and agreed. He had lived abroad for so many years, always thinking that money could control everything, but now it seemed that it seemed different here.


    "Alright. Hand her over to me first." Micah nced at his watch, not wanting to dy any longer. He pushed the door open and was about to get out when an attendant hurriedly reported, "Mr. Micah, the James family''s car ising!" "What?" Raymond was shocked and angrily questioned Micah. "You told her?"


    "If I had tipped them off, I wouldn''t have said so much to you." Micah frowned. "Hurry up and hand her over to me. There''s still time to take her to the police station."


    Raymond was conflicted and torn.


    At this moment, Ss anxiously advised, "Sir, please trust Mr. Micah this time. He won''t harm you."


    Raymond sighed helplessly, closed his eyes, and made a gesture. "Fine!"


    Ss immediately went to open the trunk, ready to take Nick out, but a gun was pointed at his head.


    Nick kept the gun pointed at Ss and slowly got out of the car.


    "Ms. Clemens, Mr. Micah is here to help you," Ss frowned and advised kindly.


    "Help me?" Nick sneered sarcastically. "Father trusts him, but I don''t!"


    "Nick, you''re really stubborn." As Micah spoke, all the attendants pointed their guns at Nick.


    "See? This is supposed to help me," Nick gritted her teeth and shouted angrily. "Micah, you traitor. You dare to point a gun at me for Sadie?"


    "When you kidnapped Noah, did you think about being my aunt?" Micah stared coldly at her. "When you injured Ethan and shot my men, did you think about being my aunt? When you ordered Amelia to shoot Sadie and Brenda in Country H, did you think about being my aunt?"


    "Sadie''s mother, Eleanor, killed your father, Herbert," Nick retorted righteously. "I was avenging him. I was fulfilling my duty for you, and you me me?"


    "How noble you are." Micah found itughable. "Weren''t you afraid that the James family would discover her identity, know that you poisoned her, and seek revenge, so you wanted to kill her to silence her?"


    Hearing this, Nick''s eyes flickered. Indeed, when she poisoned Sadie, she didn''t see her clearly and didn''t know she was Eleanor''s daughter.


    She injected Sadie with poison initially to control her, making her a puppet to help reim her inheritance. Later, she found out Sadie was Eleanor''s daughter and feared the truth would be exposed and Tristan would find out, so she went to Country H to kill her.


    She didn''t expect Amelia to be so inefficient, leading to Sadie being rescued by the James family anding back for revenge.


    "Out of our blood rtionship, I spared your life. If you remain stubborn, you are truly seeking death." Micah didn''t want to talk anymore. "Put the gun down now!"


    "It should be you putting down the guns," Nick took Ss hostage and shouted angrily. "Get out of my way, or I''ll kill him!"

 Chapter 1037 Hostage Situation

    "Nick, you''re nuts," Raymond yelled. "Put the gun down!"


    "I knew it." Nick''s eyes were filled with pain. "When ites down to the crunch, you always take Micah''s side."


    "He''s right. I shouldn''t have helped you." Raymond''s voice shook with anger. "Put the gun down now and go to the police with Micah."


    "I''m not going!" Nick roared. "I''d rather die than go to jail. How could someone like me end up in jail? Didn''t you say you''d save me? Didn''t you promise to get me out of here? How can a few words from him make you change your mind? I''m your daughter! How can you be so heartless?"


    As Nick shouted, tears streamed down her face. She believed Raymond was herst hope, but now he was abandoning her.


    She couldn''t understand why Raymond was so heartless. She had the samest name, Clemens, and was closer to him than Micah. Why did he treat her like this?


    "Don''t you get it?" Raymond clung to the car door, his voice desperate. "The James family is after you. You can''t escape. Your only chance is to go with Micah and turn yourself in to the police. It''s the only way to save yourself!" Raymond''s words were almost a shout. He was so anxious he nearly fell out of the car. Rn quickly moved to support him.


    "How did Sadie know where I was? Wasn''t it Micah who told her?" Nick didn''t trust Micah at all. "He says he''s taking me to the police, but he''ll hand me over to Sadie in no time. They''re just putting on a show." "You"


    "No more time." Micah didn''t want to waste words. He pointed the gun at Nick. "I''ll count to three. If you don''t let go of Ss, don''t me me for being ruthless!"


    "Come on. We''ll die together." Nick pressed the trigger against Ss''s head. "All of you were trained by Ss. Do you want to watch him die? You''ll be cursed."


    This worked. Rn, Andrew, and almost all the followers were visibly shaken.


    Ss had taken them all in from the orphanage and trained them. Now, with his life on the line, they couldn''t bear it.


    "Nick, stop this madness. Let go of Ss!" Raymond was frantic. Paralyzed in the legs, he could only cling to the car door in panic.


    "Everyone back off!" Nick shouted angrily.


    "Let him go now, or I''ll shoot." Micah put his hand on the trigger. With hisbat experience, he knew it was a matter of who was more ruthless and decisive. Any hesitation would put him at a disadvantage. "Fine." Nick shot Ss in the leg. Ss screamed, nearly copsing.


    "Ss!" The followers cried out.


    Micah saw his chance and aimed at Nick.


    At that moment, Raymond used the car door to knock into Micah.


    Micah''s shot missed.


    With Ss as a hostage, no one dared to act impulsively.


    Nick shoved Ss into Raymond''s car and yelled at the driver, "Drive now!"


    Seeing Nick had taken Ss and Raymond hostage, the driver had no choice but to drive forward.


    "Stop them!" Micahmanded urgently.


    But with Raymond and Ss in the car, no one dared to stop it.


    Nick''s car broke through the encirclement and sped towards the airport.


    "Chase them!" Micah readied himself to lead the chase. Just then, Sadie arrived with her team.

 Chapter 1038 Caught Nick First

    The James family''s convoy surrounded Micah''s, with only Rn and two of his men having gone ahead in pursuit. "Micah, hand over Nick!" Sadie got out of the car, pointing a gun at Micah.


    Fresh from treatment, her face flushed, head pounding, and temper ring, her eyes practically shooting mes.


    "Shouldn''t you be getting treatment right now? Why are you out here?" Micah noticed Sadie''s unusualplexion and couldn''t help but feel a bit worried.


    "Don''t give me that fake concern," Sadie stepped forward, grabbing his cor and snarling through gritted teeth. "Micah, you hypocrite. You act all righteous while secretly harboring Nick and trying to sneak her out of Newark. You''re despicable!"


    "It''s not like that, Ms. James. You''ve misunderstood."


    "Shut up!"


    Andrew was about to exin when Annika''s angry shout interrupted him; she pointed a gun at him. "I was wrong to trust you. I thought you could tell right from wrong, but I didn''t expect you to protect that evil woman, Nick." "I didn''t." Andrew was truly at a loss for words.


    "I just think she should be handed over to the police to face legal punishment," Micah said sternly, frowning. "This isn''t Country E; we can''t disregard thew."


    "In the end, you''re just defending Nick." Sadie was furious. "I thought you were genuinely remorseful and willing to make amends. I even considered coexisting peacefully with the Clemens family for the sake of the children, but I was too naive!"


    "Sadie, you''ve misunderstood. Listen to me."


    "Enough!" Sadie interrupted him, pulling the trigger. "Hand over Nick right now, or I''ll kill you!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Annika and the other female bodyguards all pointed their guns at Micah''s people. Annika directly aimed at Andrew. Arya hesitated for a moment, then pointed her gun at Rodolfo.


    "Arya, are you really going to do this to me?" Rodolfo panicked. "You''ve got it all wrong. Nick just kidnapped Raymondand is heading to the airport."


    "Rodolfo!" Andrew quickly reprimanded Rodolfo.


    "Mr. Micah Clemens, I have no intention of betraying you, but if I don''t say it, they''ll really shoot. And Nick and Mr. Raymond Clemens will be in trouble; Rn only took two men."


    "Really?" Arya immediately asked.


    "Of course," Rodolfo said anxiously. "Ms. James, you''ve wronged Micah. It''s not Micah who''s harboring Nick; it''s Raymond. We were lying in wait here to capture her, but Nick went crazy and kidnapped him." "Shut up!" Micah interrupted Rodolfo.


    Rodolfo immediately lowered his head, not daring to say more.


    "Foolish!" Sadie red at Micah. "I''ll deal with youter."


    With that, she got into the car with her people and quickly went after Nick.


    Andrew stepped forward and pped Rodolfo. "You idiot. After all we''ve done for you, how could you betray Micah?"


    "I really didn''t mean to betray Micah; I just..."


    "Enough. Get in the car and chase them," Micah urged.


    "Yes."


    The group got into their cars and headed towards the airport. At the front was a silver convoy, followed by a ck convoy, racing through the night as ifpeting to catch Nick first. In the car, Rodolfo gritted his teeth, driving anxiously.


    Andrew urged from the side, "Drive faster. We must catch Nick before they do."


    "Why?" Rodolfo asked cautiously. "Nick killed Brenda, kidnapped Noah, and killed our colleagues. Why not let Ms. James catch her? I don''t get it."

 Chapter 1039 I Am Unwilling to Accept That

    "It''s not about saving Nick; it''s about saving Raymond," Andrew muttered angrily. "Nick has lost it. She''s taken Ss and Raymond hostage. Who knows what she''ll do next? Ms. James has always had it out for Raymond. She might risk his safety


    to catch Nick. Don''t you get it?"


    "I get it. I was being stupid," Rodolfo said, panicking. "Raymond is old; he can''t handle this. If they start fighting, it''ll be bad."


    "Then why aren''t you driving faster?" Andrew snapped.


    "The pedal''s already to the floor," Rodolfo shot back.


    Micah frowned, staring ahead with a serious look.


    The rain was pouring down harder. Tonight was shaping up to be anything but ordinary.


    Nick was acting crazy, just wanting to escape. She thought if she got on the private jet, she''d be safe.


    But she noticed a silver light behind them. The driver said nervously, "Someone''s following us."


    "Drive faster!" Nick urged.


    "Let it go. You can''t get away," Raymond said quietly.


    "If you hadn''t listened to Micah, we''d be at the airport by now," Nick yelled. "Micah was just stalling so Sadie could catch me. He did it on purpose!"


    "Why don''t you ever look at yourself?" Raymond asked, pained. "If you hadn''t messed up, who could hurt you? Even if your business fails, you could live well off the Clemens Group dividends. Why did you have to make so many problems?"


    "I refuse to ept it. I''ve always been better than Herbert. I studied better, did business better. But you never gave me a chance. After Herbert died, you gave the opportunity to Micah instead of me." Nick''s anger and resentment grew. "I just wanted to prove I could do better, that I was more suited to run the Clemens Group. But I kept losing, racking up more debt. I owe so much to major financial groups in Auroria, I can''t even count it. If I don''t take back thepany, I''ll die a horrible death, and even n will be dragged down! I have no way back. I must take back the Clemens Group."


    "No wonder," Raymond said, almost furious. "You dared to touch those people''s money? That''s a bottomless pit. They trap people like you, who have status but no ability. Once they pull you in, you''re done."


    "Is it worth making more mistakes to fix one?" Ss said weakly.


    "At least Micah wouldn''t dare do anything to me," Nick admitted. "But those financial groups, they would really kill me."


    "You''re already a fugitive. Isn''t it the same?" Raymond was agitated, coughing uncontrobly.


    "Who knew Sadie was from the James family?" Nick was furious, almost losing her mind. "If she weren''t, nothing would have happened. By now, I''d control the Clemens Group, my debts would be paid, and the Clemens Group wouldn''t have so many problems."


    Yeah, she thought Micah couldn''t do anything to her. At worst, their rtionship would break down, but he wouldn''t kill her.


    So she acted recklessly.


    But she never expected the James Group to get involved.


    That was the real reason everything went south.


    "You..." Raymond was too angry to speak.


    Ss shook his head and sighed. Nick was beyond redemption; there was no point in saying anything more.

 Chapter 1040 Foolish Kindness

    "They''re catching up!" the driver yelled.


    Nick nced in the rearview mirror. Sure enough, the James family''s convoy was closing in.


    She panicked and shouted, "Drive faster!"


    "I''m flooring it," the driver said, his voice tight with anxiety. He pressed the gas pedal to the floor, but the James family''s convoy still gained on them.


    A silver Rolls-Royce Phantom shot past like a lightning bolt, then sharply turned to blocked their path.


    The driver mmed on the brakes, bringing the car to a screeching halt just a few inches away.


    Raymond was thrown against the car by the sudden stop. Ss tried to help him, but his injured leg prevented him from doing so.


    Opposite them, the car door opened, and several female bodyguards got out, guns pointed at them.


    Sadie walked over slowly, backlit like a goddess of vengeance.


    Nick panicked and shouted at the driver, "Drive! Ram them! Now!"


    "But..." The driver hesitated.


    "I said drive!" Nick pointed a gun at the driver.


    The driver had no choice but to grip the steering wheel, ready to drive.


    At that moment, the female bodyguards fired several shots.


    All four tires of their Maybach were blown out.


    There was no escape.


    Nick went mad with rage, dragging Ss out of the car and holding a gun to his head. "Move, or I''ll kill him," Nick threatened Sadie.


    "He''s from the Clemens family. Whether you kill him or not, it has nothing to do with me." Sadie looked at her coldly. "You can''t escape today. Just ept your fate!"


    "Really? Last time when I wanted to kill Rodolfo and Ethan, didn''t you step in to save them?" Nick sneered. "You, as a member of the James family,ck the decisiveness and ruthlessness typical of your family. All you have is the foolish kindness of the Roth family!"


    "You''re right."


    For the first time, Sadie agreed with Nick. She had been too kind before, which led to her being bullied repeatedly.


    A fire burned in her heart. Sadie raised her gun and aimed at Nick. "So today, I''ve decided to change and be decisive and ruthless!"


    "Really?" Nick appeared calm, but inside she was starting to panic. "I don''t believe it!"


    As she spoke, she pushed Ss to the ground and shot him in the leg once more.


    Ss screamed in pain and fell to the ground.


    "You bastard, stop!" Raymond shouted angrily, falling out of the car in his agitation.


    "Raymond!" The driver immediately rushed over to support Raymond.


    "Get out of my way!" Nick ignored Raymond and continued to use Ss''s life to threaten Sadie. "I really will kill him. I really will shoot."


    "Shoot then!" Sadie sneered. "Seeing you Clemens family members kill each other, I couldn''t be happier."


    "You..." Nick couldn''t tell if she was serious or not.


    "You''d better kill these two old men." Sadie, holding her gun, stepped closer to Nick. "If they hadn''t wanted the children and driven me away, the incident in Country H wouldn''t have happened! They caused me to be separated from my children and lose my loved ones. I''ve wanted to take action for a long time. Thank you for helping me!"


    "I don''t believe you." Nick waspletely flustered but still clung to a glimmer of hope. "If you kill them, Micah won''t forgive you."


    "You''re ridiculous." Sadie found it amusing. "You''re the one killing them. What does it have to do with me? Besides, do I still need his forgiveness now? There are plenty of men in the world, and he''s just a thing of the past to me!" While they were talking, Micah''s convoy had already arrived. Nick, seeing hope, immediately abandoned Ss as a useless hostage and directly took Raymond.

 Chapter 1041 Its Natural to Look Out for Oneself

    Raymond''s eyes went wide, disbelief stered all over his face. He never thought Nick would actually take him hostage!


    "You heartless beast!" Ss, already shot and barely hanging on, spat out angrily when he saw what Nick did.


    "Everyone looks out for themselves!" Nick shot back, full of confidence. "I''m just taking you hostage. Your life and death are in Micah and Sadie''s hands. If they let me go, we all walk away. If not, we all go down together!" "You''re insane!" Raymond fumed. "I regret saving you. Should''ve let you die!"


    "You brought this on yourself," Sadie said coldly, a mocking smile ying on her lips. "You saved Nick with your own hands. When she hurt others, you didn''t care. Now that it''s you, you finally get it!" Raymond was left speechless by Sadie''s words.


    "Nick, you lunatic!" Micah showed up with his men. "Let go of Grandpa!"


    "You''re really nuts, taking Raymond hostage." Rn, Andrew, and the attendants were all stunned.


    Andrew quickly ordered the attendants to surround Nick from behind.


    Sadie''s people blocked the front, and Micah''s people blocked the back. Nick was trapped with no way out.


    "If anyonees closer, I''ll kill him." Nick remained defiant, believing that as long as she held Raymond hostage, no one could touch her!


    Ignoring her, Sadie ordered, "Take her down!"


    "Yes." Annika and the others drew their guns and moved in on Nick.


    Nick panicked, pressing the gun to Raymond''s head and shouting, "Don''te any closer!"


    Annika and the others hesitated, looking to Sadie.


    "Raymond is your father. What does that have to do with me?" Sadie sneered. "You''re using your own father to threaten me? Isn''t that ridiculous?"


    "You..." Nick panicked and turned to Micah. "Micah, did you hear that? If Sadie makes a move, I''ll kill Raymond. He treated you so well, raised you, taught you everything, and handed over the Clemens Group to you. Are you really that ungrateful?"


    Nick''s words dripped with irony. Didn''t Raymond also raise her? The truth of who was truly ungrateful was clear to everyone.


    But now, it was about who was more shameless.


    Nick had Micah figured out. She knew he wouldn''t let anything happen to Raymond.


    "Sadie, tell your men to lower their guns." Sure enough, Micah caved.


    "Why should I?" Sadie was furious. "Your Clemens family harbored a criminal and tried to help her escape Newark. Now she''s threatening you, and you want me to let her go? Micah, you''re ridiculous!"


    "It was the Clemens family''s fault," Micah pleaded. "I''m begging you. Please stand down. Once Grandpa is safe, I''ll give you an exnation."


    "An exnation? What exnation?" Sadie cut him off angrily. "Two years ago, she sent people to Country H to hunt me down and killed Brenda. You said you''d give me an exnation. A month ago, she kidnapped Noah, and you said you''d give me an exnation! Later, she attacked me on Frost Peak Mountain, injuring my people, and you still promised me an exnation! Did you ever give me one? Not only did you not give me one, but you also helped that fool Raymond try to get her out of here! This is the Clemens family''s exnation!"

 Chapter 1042 Sadie Got Shot

    Micah was left speechless. The Clemens family really did owe Sadie big time. After the whole E mess, Micah thought Raymond had finallye around and that all the drama was over. But nope, here they were again.


    Anyone would be pissed in this situation.


    "I''m taking Nick with me today," Sadie said, pointing at Nick, her teeth clenched.


    "I swore on Brenda''s grave that I''d use Nick and Amelia''s blood to honor her. Anyone who tries to stop me, I''ll kill him! Including you!"


    Micah looked at Sadie, his heart in turmoil. He knew he owed her a lot and felt guilty, but he couldn''t just abandon Raymond.


    "Sorry!" Micah said, grabbing Sadie''s wrist, snatching her gun, and pointing it at her head in one swift motion. It happened so fast, no one had time to react.


    "Drop your guns!" Micah ordered the James family''s female bodyguards.


    "You..." Annika finally snapped, shouting angrily. "How could you do this to Ms. James?"


    Arya, who had been guarding the car, rushed out upon seeing what was happening and pointed her gun at Micah. "Let go of Ms. James!"


    "Arya, calm down," Rodolfo tried to intervene, but Arya shot at him.


    The bullet grazed Rodolfo''s shoulder, and he froze. "You shot me?"


    "Micah, you monster! Ms. James had three kids for you, and the Clemens family has hurt her over and over. She chose to forgive you, and now you''re pointing a gun at her?"


    Arya was furious. To her, love was important, but not as important as Sadie. Micah''s actions shattered her illusions about love.


    "None of the Clemens family members are good people; you''re all hypocrites," Annika said, her hand trembling as she held the gun. "Let go of Ms. James, or I''ll tell Mr. James immediately!" "Micah, isn''t this a bit much?" Even Andrew thought it was over the top. The Clemens family owed Sadie too much, and her wanting to capture Nick was understandable. Everyone could see Micah''s urgency to save Raymond, but...


    "Drop your guns and stay back," Micah ordered the James family''s entourage. "Do you hear me?"


    The female bodyguards were panicking, looking at Annika and Arya.


    Annika and Arya were anxious but didn''t know what to do.


    "Don''t drop them," Sadie suddenly said. "Even if he kills me, you must capture Nick for me!"


    "You..." Micah whispered in her ear, desperate. "Why are you so stubborn? Let me save Raymond first. Once I save Raymond, I will definitely..."


    "Do you dare to shoot?" Sadie red at him. "Go ahead. Shoot me."


    "I..." Micah hesitated; he hadn''t even pulled the trigger.


    "He doesn''t dare, but I do." Nick suddenly shot Sadie in the shoulder.


    With a "bang," blood sttered.


    Sadie shuddered, blood sshing onto her face and into her eyes. It felt like acid, burning and corroding her heart.


    Everyone was stunned, including Micah.


    "What are you doing?" Micah shouted angrily.


    "Everyone from the James family, drop your guns," Nickmanded arrogantly, "or I''ll kill her!"


    This time, the James family''s bodyguards were truly scared and dropped all their guns.

 Chapter 1043 The Mistake I Made

    "Micah, you''re really something!" Sadie snarled, a twisted grin on her face. "The Clemens family, always full of surprises!" "Sadie, I..." Micah started, but Sadie grabbed the gun from him and fired at Nick.


    Nick, panicking, used Raymond as a shield.


    Micah, stunned, shoved Sadie away.


    Sadie''s shot missed.


    Nick''s bullet grazed Sadie''s arm.


    "Micah!" Sadie screamed, enraged, and fired at him.


    Micah, caught off guard, took a bullet in the arm.


    The Clemens family''s bodyguards immediately aimed their guns at Sadie.


    "Stand down!" Micah yelled.


    Everyone backed off, not daring to move.


    But the James family''s female bodyguards raised their guns, surrounding them.


    In the chaos, Nick took Raymond hostage and tried to escape. Suddenly, a piercing eagle''s cry echoed.


    Coco, the eagle, swooped down at Nick like an arrow.


    Nick quickly fired at the eagle.


    Coco took a bullet in the wing but still attacked Nick fiercely.


    Nick''s gun was knocked away, and he struggled with the eagle.


    Raymond, dragged by Nick, fell to the ground as Nick lost his grip.


    Micah rushed to rescue Raymond.


    Sadie charged over with her gun, shouting, "Coco, get out of the way!"


    The eagle pped its wings and soared into the sky.


    With Nick exposed, Sadie fired two shots at his knees.


    Nick fell to his knees but propped himself up with his arms,ughing arrogantly.


    "What are youughing for?" Sadie narrowed her eyes.


    "Do you hear the sirens?" Nick sneered. "I have an rm on me. As soon as I''m shot, it alerts the police. I don''t want to go to jail, but it''s better than being killed by you. As long as I''m alive, I''ll find a way to escape. Sadie, you''re too young to beat me!"


    "I''ll kill you!" Sadie, furious, aimed to shoot.


    "Stop!" Micah shouted. "Hand her over to the police."


    "I''ll kill anyone who tries to stop me too." Sadie was beyond reason, filled with murderous intent.


    "Sadie, this isn''t Country E. Killing someone here is illegal." Nick taunted. "If you kill me, be ready to spend your life in prison."


    "You''vemitted so many crimes; you deserve to die!" Sadie pulled the trigger. "Go to hell!"


    "Wait!" Raymond suddenly shouted.


    "What?"


    "Can I say a few words to her?" Raymond pleaded with Sadie. "Please!"


    "You have one minute!" Sadie didn''t lower her gun.


    The James family''s subordinates surrounded them with guns aimed at Nick.


    This time, no one could save Nick.


    "You''ve always asked why. Even though you were always better than Herbert, I put more effort into nurturing him and wouldn''t hand over the Clemens Group to you." Raymond looked at Nick with deep sorrow, his eyes red. "Because you''ve always beenpetitive and ambitious. I knew I couldn''t trust you with great power. I feared something terrible would happen, so I suppressed you. I didn''t expect that by doing so, I would only fuel your rebellious nature."


    "Enough with the nonsense. Why are you saying this now?" Nick didn''t want to listen. "If you still consider me your daughter, let them release me and send me away from Newark!"


    "Well," Raymond said with a bitter smile, "I should end the mistakes I''ve made myself!"

 Chapter 1044 Returned to Country E to Get Married

    Thest sentence was so soft, no one else heard it. Only Micah caught it. He looked at Raymond, confused. ''End it? How?''


    Raymond sighed, looking at Nick. "One morest thing. I left a lot of money for n. Even if you do nothing, you''ll be set for life. But you chose to ruin yourself."


    "Cut the crap!" Nick shouted, impatient. "Save me!" She yelled at Raymond, forgetting she had taken him hostage and even used him as a shield.


    "Time''s up!" Sadie said, ready to shoot.


    Just then, police sirens wailed in the distance.


    "Ms. James," Annika whispered. "A lot of cops areing, dozens of cars. I''m afraid..."


    "I don''t care," Sadie snapped, aiming her gun.


    At that very moment, Raymond suddenly grabbed Micah''s gun and pointed it at Nick.


    "Dad?" Nick''s eyes widened in shock. She never thought Raymond would turn on her.


    Gunshots echoed. All the bullets fired.


    Everyone stared at Raymond in disbelief. He had killed his own daughter.


    Nick fell, eyes wide open, never understanding why. Always so arrogant, she never thought she''d die by Raymond''s hand.


    Raymond copsed, tears streaming down his aged face.


    "Grandpa!" Micah knelt to support him.


    Sadie stared at Raymond, then at Nick''s lifeless body. She felt a mix of emotions. It felt like revenge, but it wasn''t satisfying. She couldn''t me him. She even felt a tinge of pity for Raymond. But she couldn''t afford to be kind anymore. "Don''t move!" The police had arrived.


    The rainsted all night.


    Sadie returned home at dawn, covered in blood, startling everyone.


    Hubert quickly removed the bullet and treated her wound. "Get some rest," he advised. Reba asked nervously, "Ms. James, what about Micah and Raymond? Are they okay?" "I''ll have someone take you home," Sadie said politely.


    "Okay, thank you," Reba nodded.


    Annika instructed someone to escort Reba and the Clemens family''s servants away.


    Sadie leaned back in a chair, her mood heavy. The pain in her shoulder reminded her that she and Micah could never go back to the way things were. Never.


    "Ms. James, everything''s taken care of," Arya reported softly. "The police are still negotiating with the Clemens family. We don''t know if Raymond will be charged with murder." "That''s not our concern," Sadie said coldly. "Get Amelia here."


    "Yes," Arya replied, heading out.


    Sadie looked at the gun in her hand, her eyes still filled with murderous intent. Amelia was her only remaining enemy. She wanted to end this quickly and leave. "Ms. James," Annika hurriedly reported. "Amelia''s been taken by the police."


    "What?" Arya was shocked.


    "The Clemens family was prepared. When Micah went to Raymond, they handed Amelia over to the police," Annika exined.


    Sadie frowned but said nothing.


    "Ms. James, Mr. James is on the line," Arya said, handing her the phone.


    Sadie took it. "Tristan!"


    "Come back to Country E and marry Joe," Tristan''s words were straightforward a suggestion and amand.

 Chapter 1045 The Last Meeting

    Sadie was ready for this, showing no surprise. She just asked softly, "What about the kids?"


    "Bring them back," Tristan replied, already expecting her question. "We''ll leave in three days." With that, he hung up.


    Sadie held the phone, staring out the window. After a moment, she told Annika, "Wrap up the Sapphire Depths project ASAP." "Yes," Annika nodded.


    "I''m taking a nap. Don''t disturb me unless it''s urgent." Sadie dragged herself upstairs, took a shower, changed clothes, and sat at her vanity to blow-dry her hair.


    Looking in the mirror, she remembered Micah pointing a gun at her to save Raymond and Nick''sst words before he died. Her feelings were a mess.


    "You''re a James, but youck their decisiveness. You only have the Roth family''s foolish kindness!"


    Sadie agreed. If Edmond had been more decisive, he wouldn''t have died. If she had been more decisive, Brenda wouldn''t have been dragged into this, and she wouldn''t have faced so many setbacks. Perhaps many of life''s hardships are self-inflicted.


    Her phone rang. It was Micah.


    Sadie hung up and blocked his number. She never wanted to see anyone from the Clemens family again.


    Micah listened to the beeping phone, his face grim. He turned to the emergency room where a life-saving operation was underway.


    Raymond had copsed from a heart attack after shooting Nick, so Micah rushed him to the hospital. The police knew Raymond had shot someone but didn''t intervene at that critical moment.


    Raymond had been in there for two hours with no news.


    Dahlia came out once, cautiously saying, "Mr. Clemens, you need to be prepared. Mr. Raymond Clemens was already in poor health, and this incident may have worsened..." She paused, then softly added, "I suggest you bring the kids. Mr. Raymond Clemens would probably want to see them onest time."


    That''s why Micah called Sadie. He knew she didn''t want to see him, hear his voice, or have any interaction with him. She might even wish never to see him again. But he had no choice.


    "Mr. Clemens," Ss''s weak voice came through. Having been shot twice, he was now extremely frail. He sat in a wheelchair, pushed by a bodyguard, looking very solemn.


    "Ss," Micah hurried over. "You should rest."


    "How can I sleep with Mr. Raymond Clemens in this condition?" Ss was deeply pained. "We shouldn''t have saved Nick."


    "There''s no point in saying that now," Micah frowned. Though he thought Raymond had acted foolishly, he couldn''t me him now.


    "Mr. Clemens, please find a way to bring the kids to see Mr. Raymond Clemens onest time," Ss said, choking up. "This is probably hisst wish. This incident has hit him too hard; let''s let him pass away in peace." Thest sentence was very tactful. It meant they couldn''t let Raymond die with unfinished business.


    "I understand," Micah felt distressed. "I''ll get the kids right now."


    "Talk to her nicely," Ss urged. "We owe her. It''s normal for her to have resentment. If she scolds or says something, just bear with it. But don''t start another conflict."


    "I understand," Micah nodded, instructed Rn to keep an eye on Raymond and Ss, and then hurried to Hillside Vi with Andrew and Rodolfo.

 Chapter 1046 You Can Only Choose One

    Sadie had just finished her treatmentst night and went out. Her body was already ufortable, and after a sleepless night, she was now sore all over and had a bit of a fever. Hubert had Pa bring a bowl of medicine and instructed Sadie to drink it.


    She had just finished drinking it and was about to get some good sleep when Annika hurriedly came to report, "Ms. James, Mr. Clemens is here!"


    "What is he doing here?" Sadie was exhausted, and her voice was weak.


    "He said he wants to see you," Annika said softly. "I saw he was still wearing clothes that had soaked in the rainst night. He looked disheveled and anxious. I''m afraid something happened to Raymond." "What does that have to do with me?" Sadie suddenly became furious. "Get him out!"


    "Yes." Annika immediately went out to send him away.


    But then Nathan''s anxious voice came from outside, questioning, "Is dad''s car outside? Why are you keeping him out?" "Well, Nathan. This is..."


    "Let my dad in!" Nathan said angrily. "Hurry up!"


    "Well..." The bodyguards didn''t dare to say much; they just looked upstairs in embarrassment.


    "What are you looking at? Let my dad in." Nathan stomped his feet in frustration, pulling at the two bodyguards. "Now!" Hearing this, Sadie was about to go out to check, but as soon as she opened the door, Noah came out. "Nathan, stop it!"


    "Noah, they locked Dad outside," Nathan immediately told Noah.


    "Is it Mom''s idea?" Noah looked at the two female bodyguards.


    "Yes, Noah," the female bodyguard said softly.


    "Okay, I understand. Thank you!" Noah nodded politely.


    "Noah, what''s going on?" Nathan finally understood. "Mom and Dad fight again?"


    "Maybe." Noah frowned. "Next, ask first and don''t throw a tantrum when things like this happen. Even though they are Mom''s bodyguards, we still need to be polite."


    "I know. I was just anxious," Nathan said with a tearful face. "I saw Dad through the telescope from upstairs. He looked so pitiful."


    "I''ll ask Mom." Noah said, taking Nathan upstairs to find Sadie They found her standing at the door of her room, and the two children immediately went over. "Mom!" "Noah, Nathan, why aren''t you having breakfast?" Sadie asked gently.


    "Mom, why did you..."


    "Mom, did Dad do something wrong again?" Nathan''s words were interrupted by Noah.


    Nathan immediately shut up and stood obediently behind Noah.


    Sadie looked at them, not knowing how to exin. After a few seconds of silence, she said softly, "Noah, Nathan, your dad and I have some differences. We won''t be friends anymore, so he can''te to our house anymore." "Why?" Nathan became anxious. "Are you going to separate? Will you never be together again? Do I have to choose between Dad and Mom like Billy?"


    Although he usually acted carefree and careless, he became vulnerable when it came to this matter.


    Noah''s eyes were also red, but he just lowered his head and said nothing.


    "Nathan," Sadie looked at Nathan with a pained expression, but she could only harden her heart and say. "You will stay with me, and I will take good care of you."


    "But what about Dad?" Nathan shook his head, crying. "Dad is the best dad in the world. I don''t want to lose him."


    Sadie wiped Nathan''s tears but said harshly, "There''s no other way. You can only choose one between dad and mom."


    Nathan looked at Sadie with tearful eyes, only knowing how to cry without being able to speak.


    "I choose Mom," Noah said in a choked voice, taking a deep breath. "But I hope Mom can let us see Dad and talk things out."

 Chapter 1047 Atoning to You

    "Alright," Sadie nodded and told Annika. "Let him in."


    "Yes." Annika quickly went to fetch the person.


    "Sweetie, wait in my study," Sadie said, wiping Nathan''s tears and patting Noah''s head. "I''ll change and be right there."


    "Okay." The kids nodded and started upstairs.


    That''s when they noticed Mia in the hallway.


    Mia was sitting in her wheelchair, quietly watching them. Usually fragile, Mia wasn''t crying or fussing, just sitting there calmly.


    "Mia," Sadie rushed over to hug her. "Did you hear what I just said?"


    "Yes," Mia nodded softly. "I want to see Dad too."


    "Annika''s already gone to get him," Sadie said, feeling a pang in her heart. Of her three kids, she worried most about Mia. After the poisoning, Mia''s health had taken a hit. Though she had improved under Hubert''s care, she still wasn''t as healthy as before. The long treatment had been mentally exhausting for Mia, making her more mncholic. Sadie worried that her issues with Micah would affect the kids, especially Mia.


    "Sweetie, you all go to my study first. I''ll have someone bring breakfast over. I''lle with your dad in a bit," Sadie coaxed the kids.


    "Got it, Mommy." They nodded obediently.


    "Serena," Sadie called. "Please take care of them."


    "I got it, Sadie. Go change. I''ll handle it," Serena said, arranging for the maids to prepare breakfast and deliver it to the study.


    Sadie went to her room and told her attendant, "Tell Annika. Bring him to me first."


    "Yes."


    Sadie had just finished changing when Annika brought Micah in.


    He no longer had his imposing presence. Now, Micah looked haggard, with stubble and bloodshot eyes.


    Sadie felt a brief pang of heartache, but it quickly turned to rationality.


    She would never forget what the Clemens family had done to her! Nor that he had pointed a gun at her, forcing her to let her enemy go! "Raymond is critically ill and wants to see the kids onest time," Micah said, his voice low and hoarse.


    "He''s still alive?" Sadie sat on the sofa, legs crossed, and smiled coldly. "After all he''s done, reaching 98 is quite a feat!"


    "I know you hate him, but is it necessary to say that to a dying man?" Micah frowned.


    "Do you have the right to say that to me?" Sadie snapped. "If the kids weren''t begging me, I wouldn''t even consider seeing you!"


    "I know." Micah nodded helplessly. "Apologizing excessively is just insincere. Now, I''m begging you. Let me take the kids to see Raymond onest time." "No." Sadie refused outright.


    "Raymond has made many mistakes, but he''s paid for them," Micah said, getting anxious. "He killed Nick as a form of repentance, and to make amends to you."


    "Amends?" Sadieughed. "You sound like he did something good. Didn''t he kill Nick himself because he didn''t want her to die at my hands?"


    "The police had already arrived. If you had shot her, you would have been taken away and faced legal consequences," Micah frowned. "No matter how powerful the James Group is, it still has to follow thew." "Even if I had to go to jail, I wanted to kill that bitch with my own hands," Sadie shouted. "Raymond killed her, and I didn''t get any sense of revenge. How is that amends to me?"

 Chapter 1048 Negotiation Between Micah and Sadie

    "Enough. Let''s stop arguing."


    Micah feltpletely helpless. He knew emotions could cloud judgment, especially with so much resentment involved. Micah lowered his stance, almost pleading, "What will it take for you to let me take the kids to see Raymond onest time?" "Sign this." Sadie pulled out a paper and a pen. "And I''ll take the kids to see Raymond."


    Micah took it and frowned deeply. "You want me to give up custody of the kids?"


    "That''s right." Sadie nodded, pain in her eyes. "Micah, I truly hate you, but I hate myself even more. I hate myself for not being decisive enough. I keep telling myself, over and over again, to kill you, to wipe out the Clemens family, to avenge Brenda and myself. But every time I see the kids, I soften. I hate this part of myself, but for the sake of the kids, I can only give up on revenge against you. However, I never want to see you again. Sign this agreement now, and I''ll take the kids to see Raymond onest time. After that, we will never meet again."


    "For the sake of the kids, I will persuade Tristan to stop targeting the Clemens. As long as you don''t provoke the James, the feud between us ends here! This is the best oue for us, and my final concession. I''ll give you three minutes to think it over! The kids are still waiting for us in the study. Once you''ve made up your mind, we''ll go over."


    "Sadie." Micah tried to control his emotions and appear calm. "I appreciate your concession for the kids, but I can''t give you custody!"


    "Why?" Sadie demanded.


    "They are my kids," Micah said, somewhat agitated. "They are Clemens. I can agree to anything else, but not this!"


    "Then let''s keep fighting." Sadie was also furious. "Even if we go to court, I will win. The kids have been poisoned by E and kidnapped by Nick while in your care. With all this evidence, let''s see who the judge awards custody to." "Do you really have to do this?" Micah asked angrily. "A court battle will only hurt the kids."


    "You made me do this," Sadie shouted back.


    "Sadie, calm down and think it through." Micah was exhausted but could only try to persuade her gently. "Do you think taking the kids to the James family will give them a peaceful life? Tristan is still surrounded by enemies. Either he''s protected you too well, or you''re truly unaware. The Clemens Group has already cleared all obstacles, and I''m in charge of it. As long as I''m here, no one will dare touch my kids. But in the James family, you have a title without real power. If someone uses you to get to Tristan, you and the kids will be in great danger."


    Hearing this, Sadie fell silent. Indeed, the James Group appeared calm on the surface, but it had many enemies.


    Moreover, unlike the Clemens Group, which was a family inheritance, the James Group was a joint venture of several families. Although the James family was the major shareholder, the other shareholders were always scheming and secretly creating crises for Tristan. Tristan was strong, but he also faced unknown dangers.


    "Wake up," Micah urged anxiously. "If the kids stay with me, you cane back to see them anytime. The door will always be open for you. Besides, Raymond has left all his assets to the kids. In the future..."


    "Enough!" Sadie interrupted Micah, speaking assertively. "I don''t care about the your money. I''m working hard on my career now, and in the future, I can earn a substantial fortune and leave it to my kids!"

 Chapter 1049 Mias Tearful Plea

    Returning to the James family was going to be tough, but Sadie had already made up her mind. Even if she couldn''t stay with the James family, she could take the kids and start fresh somewhere else. Over the past two years, Tristan had done a great job protecting her. She hadn''t been dragged into any family or business drama. This allowed her to walk away unscathed.


    "You''re so stubborn," Micah said, nearly losing hisposure. Just as he was about tocontinue trying to convince her, his phone rang. He answered it immediately. "Hello?"


    "Mr. Micah Clemens, Mr. Raymond Clemens is in critical condition," Ss said, sounding worried. "You need toe back now."


    "How could this happen?" Micah knew Raymond''s health was bad, but he didn''t expect it to deteriorate so quickly. He panicked. "I''ll be right there."


    "Wait a minute." Dahlia took the phone. "Mr. Micah Clemens, Mr. Raymond Clemens wants to see Ms. James."


    "Ms. James?" Micah was surprised. Shouldn''t Raymond want to see the kids?


    "Mr. Micah Clemens, bring Ms. James and the children over quickly. There''s no time," Ss urged.


    "Yes, Micah. Come back quickly," Dahlia added.


    Micah hung up and turned to Sadie, anxious. "Raymond wants to see you. He''s in critical condition. I''m begging you, please bring the kids ande to the hospital with me. We can discuss everything elseter, okay?" "No." Sadie was firm. "Sign this, and I''ll take the kids to the hospital with you. If you don''t, there''s nothing to discuss."


    "You-"


    "Mom." Nathan''s voice came from outside. "Can wee in?"


    Hearing the kids, Sadie quicklyposed herself, gave Micah a look, and went to open the door. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, why are you here? Didn''t I ask you to wait in the study?"


    When she spoke to the kids, Sadie''s voice softened, and she smiled.


    "We got anxious waiting." Nathan saw Micah and ran over. "Dad!" he shouted.


    "Nathan!" Micah eximed, bending down to pick him up.


    "Dad," Nathan cried, hugging Micah''s neck. "What did you do to make Mom mad again? You should apologize to Mom quickly, or she won''t want you anymore, and we won''t be able to see you."


    Hearing this, Micah''s eyes filled with tears. He hated himself for letting things get this bad, for making the kids suffer.


    Micah, who was so powerful in the business world, wondered why he couldn''t manage his own family.


    "Dad," Noah said, tugging at Micah''s pant leg. "What happened? Tell me, and I''ll help you fix it."


    "I want our family to stay together. I don''t want us to be apart," Mia cried, hugging her stuffed animal in her wheelchair.


    The three kids cried together, leaving Sadie was flustered. She quickly went tofort them.


    "Mom, please forgive Dad one more time. I''m begging you," Nathan tugged at Sadie''s sleeve, crying. "If Dad bullies you again, I''ll help you hit him."


    "Mom, please," Mia pleaded, holding Sadie''s hand.


    "Don''t cry," Micah said, squatting down and holding Mia. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, your Great-grandpa is critically ill. He wants to see you and Mom before he passes away. Will youe to the hospital with me?"

 Chapter 1050 Going to Heaven

    Sadie was fuming, clenching her teeth. ''Great, just ask the kids directly. Of course, they''ll say yes. If I say no, I''ll be the bad guy.''


    "What happened to Great-grandpa?" The kids immediately asked, worried. "Is he sick?"


    "What does ''passed away'' mean?" Only Noah caught the key word.


    "It means he''s leaving us forever," Micah said sadly. "We need to go to the hospital to see him onest time."


    "What?" Nathan was stunned. "Dad, are you saying Great-grandpa is going to die?"


    Mia burst into tears, both sad and scared.


    "Mia," Sadie quickly hugged her. "Don''t be afraid. I''m here."


    Mia cried in Sadie''s arms.


    Sadie shot a re at Micah, thinking he shouldn''t have told the kids and made them so sad.


    But Micah calmly exined, "Everyone dies eventually. Bad people go to hell, and good people go to heaven. There''s no need to be sad. Great-grandpa will go to heaven and watch over you."


    "Great-grandpa is a good person. He''ll go to heaven, right?" Nathan asked, crying.


    "Yes." Micah nodded.


    Nathan threw himself into Micah''s arms and cried.


    Micah held Nathan with one arm and Noah with the other, gentlyforting them. "Alright, we need to go to the hospital now!"


    As he spoke, he picked up the two kids and was about to leave. Sadie immediately stopped him. "What are you doing? Did I agree to that?"


    "We''ll talk about it when we get back. We need to go to the hospital first." Micah frowned.


    "Micah, don''t push your luck," Sadie said angrily.


    "You should ask the kids'' opinion," Micah said, turning to the kids. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, do you want to go to the hospital to see Great-grandpa?" "Yes." The kids nodded.


    Sadie was furious and thought Micah was being maniptive.


    "Mom, we''lle back after seeing him," Noah said to Sadie with red eyes.


    "Mom, please let us go," Nathan cried and pleaded. "Great-grandpa was very good to us. He''s about to pass away. Please let us see him."


    "Yes, Mom," Mia also pleaded. "Please."


    Seeing the three kids pleading like this, Sadie couldn''t bear to refuse. "Alright, just a quick visit."


    "Aren''t you afraid I won''t let theme back?" Micah suddenly said.


    "Would you dare?" Sadie was instantly furious.


    "Come with us. After seeing him, you can take them back home directly," Micah said deliberately.


    Sadie knew his intention, but thinking it over, she really wasn''t at ease. If Micah really kept the kids, she would have to fight to get them back, which would hurt the kids.


    Thinking of this, she said coldly, "Fine, let''s go."


    "Prepare the car!"


    "Yes."


    The family of five got into the car and headed to the hospital. On the way, the kids were still crying sadly.


    Micahforted them, "Great-grandpa is already 98 years old. Living to this age and passing away is actually a blessing. So you don''t need to cry. You should be happy for him. He has done many good deeds in his life and will go to heaven after he dies."


    Hearing this, Sadie rolled her eyes. Good deeds? Raymond''s stubbornness and dominance had harmed countless people. Brenda was one of them. Sadie herself hadn''t been harmed by Raymond because she was lucky and had the protection of the James family. Otherwise, she would have died many times over.


    Micah''s wordsforted the kids, and they stopped crying, feeling much calmer.


    Mia looked up innocently and asked, "Will Great-grandpa see Brenda in heaven?" "Well." Micah was momentarily at a loss for words. "He probably will."

 Chapter 1051 The Childrens Choice (1)

    "It''s better if he doesn''t see her," Sadie snapped, unable to hide her anger.


    "Why, Mom?" Mia asked, her eyes wide with worry.


    "Nothing," Sadie replied, not wanting to say anything negative in front of the kids. She pulled Mia close and gently said, "Take a nap, Mia. It''s a long way to the hospital." "Okay," Mia mumbled, leaning against Sadie. She slowly drifted off, one hand clutching Sadie''s clothes, the other tightly holding Micah''s hand, afraid they might leave. Micah and Sadie exchanged a look. Micah''s eyes were filled with a mix of emotions, but Sadie turned away coldly, refusing to meet his gaze.


    "Dad, I want to sleep too," Nathan said, crawling into Micah''s arms.


    "Alright," Micah said, holding him close and soothing him to sleep. Nathan quickly dozed off, snoring softly.


    "Noah, you should sleep too," Micah suggested.


    "Dad, Mom, I need to talk to you," Noah said, finally gathering the courage to speak now that Nathan and Mia were asleep.


    "What is it, Noah?" Sadie asked, feeling a pang of sympathy. Noah was always more mature and thoughtful than other kids his age. He was smart, but it was exhausting for him to bear.


    "Are you two really going to separate for good?" Noah asked softly. "Is there no chance of you getting back together?"


    Micah was at a loss for words. He wanted to say no, that he didn''t want to separate, but he knew Sadie''s anger wouldn''t fade anytime soon.


    "Yes," Sadie said firmly. "I know this will make you sad, but I don''t want to lie to you. Your dad and I won''t get back together, but we both love you very much."


    "I see," Noah said, nodding. He tried to be strong, but tears still fell.


    "Noah, I''m so sorry," Sadie said, hugging him tightly, her heart breaking.


    "Mom, you don''t have to apologize. Everyone has the right to choose their own life," Noah said, wiping his tears. "But please, let Nathan and Mia choose for themselves. They''re still young and don''t understand everything. They need time to adjust."


    As he spoke, Noah started crying uncontrobly. No matter how mature he seemed, he was still just a six-year-old kid.


    Seeing Noah like this, Micah felt a deep sense of guilt and sadness. He hated himself for not being able to fix things.


    Sadie hesitated, knowing deep down that Noah might choose to stay with her, while Nathan and Mia would likely choose Micah. To them, Micah was more fun and made them feel safe. "Mom, please," Noah begged, holding Sadie''s hand and crying.


    Sadie''s heart ached. It was the first time she''d seen Noah cry like this. She knew he understood Nathan and Mia better than anyone.


    With tears in her eyes, Sadie nodded. "Okay, I promise."


    Noah threw himself into her arms, sobbing. He knew he''d soon be separated from Micah, Nathan, and Mia.


    Sensing Noah''s sadness, Nathan and Mia woke up. Seeing Noah crying, they started crying too, asking, "Noah, what''s wrong?"


    Noah wiped his tears and spoke to them like an adult, "Nathan, Mia, it''s time. Do you want to stay with Mom or Dad? Let''s make the choice now so we don''t have to be sad again."

 Chapter 1052 The Childrens Choice (2)

    When Mia heard the news, she broke down, burying herself in Sadie''s arms, hoping to avoid the harsh reality. Nathan''s tears flowed, but unlike Mia, he just sobbed quietly.


    Micah, unable to pressure the kids, quickly said, "It''s okay. You can chiiseter. For now, you can all stay with Mom, and I''ll figure things out." Sadie, however, was firm. "Choose now. I''m going back to Country E in three days. There''s no time to wait!"


    Micah was stunned. ''She''s really leaving for Country E. No wonder she''s so determined today. Has she truly decided never to see me again?'' Nathan clung to Sadie''s hand, crying, "Mom, don''t do this. I want us to stay together as a family."


    Sadie''s eyes were wet, but she remained resolute. "It''s impossible, Nathan. Your dad and I won''t be together. You have to choose one of us." Nathan couldn''t hold back and started crying loudly.


    "Stop crying," Noah said sternly. "I''ll go first. I choose to stay with Mom!" He was decisive but couldn''t bring himself to look at Micah. Micah looked at Noah with no me, just guilt and pity.


    "Nathan, your turn," Noah ordered like a big brother. "I''ll count to three, and you give your answer."


    "No, don''t," Nathan cried, panicked and scared.


    "One!" Noah started counting.


    "No, don''t make me choose. I can''t choose," Nathan cried anxiously.


    "Two!" Noah ignored his pleas.


    "No."


    "Three!" Noah shouted. "If you don''t choose now, it means you''re staying with Mom."


    "Dad. I choose Dad!" Nathan blurted out, almost without thinking, then looked at Sadie in panic. "Mom, I''m sorry!"


    Sadie, though expecting it, felt a pang of hurt and disappointment. She forced a smile and said gently, "It''s okay, Nathan. You can live with Dad." Nathan, still nervous, looked at Noah.


    "Mom''s right," Noah said calmly. "No matter what you choose, it''s not wrong. We just live in different ces. It doesn''t change our rtionship." Nathan finally felt a bit relieved.


    Mia watched, her tense mood easing. She looked at Sadie timidly, wanting to say something but too scared.


    "Mia, your turn," Noah said. "Do you choose to stay with Dad or Mom? Want me to count?"


    "I choose to stay with Dad," Mia whispered, barely audible, but everyone heard.


    She lowered her head, not daring to look at Sadie, twisting her fingers, and cried. "Mom, I love you, but I don''t want to go to Country E. I want to stay in Newark with Dad."


    "I understand," Sadie said, holding Mia''s face and wiping her tears, though she was crying too. "It''s okay. I''ll leave Hubert here to treat you. When you''re better, I''lle back to see you." "No," Micah said urgently. "You''re also in treatment; you and Mia can''t be separated."


    He remembered Hubert saying Sadie''s treatment wouldst three months and couldn''t be interrupted. If it was, all previous efforts would be wasted.

 Chapter 1053 A Good Example

    "What do we do now?" Mia''s eyes welled up as she looked at Micah.


    "Mia," Micah pulled her into a hug. "Stay with Mom for now. Once you''re better, I''lle get you."


    "Hubert can treat Mia first. I can wait," Sadie said, uneasy about how close Mia was to Micah.


    "Hubert said your treatment can''t be interrupted," Micah replied firmly. "No exceptions."


    Sadie was taken aback, feeling conflicted inside.


    "Hubert said the treatmentsts three months. One month down, two to go," Micah calcted. "I''lle to get Mia in two months." "Mia, are you okay with that?" Sadie asked.


    "I agree," Mia nodded quickly. "Your treatment is important. I''ll stay with you."


    "Good girl," Sadie said, feeling relieved.


    "Then it''s settled," Micah confirmed. "We all keep our promises."


    "Got it," Sadie said, though she was reluctant.


    The car stopped in front of Evergreen Heights Medical Center.


    Andrew''s voice came from outside, "Micah, we''re here."


    Micah and Sadie got out with the kids.


    The family walked into the hospital, looking picture-perfect. Passersby couldn''t help but stare.


    Bodyguards lined up, making way for them. Andrew and Rodolfo followed closely.


    "Why must such a perfect family be separated?" Rodolfo asked softly.


    "It''s a shame," Andrew sighed. "If it weren''t for these issues, they''d be the happiest family."


    They arrived at the special treatment area. Raymond had been moved to a private room half an hour ago.


    Dahlia was waiting anxiously by the elevator. When it opened, she rushed over. "Mr. Micah Clemens, Mr. Raymond Clemens is in critical condition."


    "Great-grandpa," Mia''s voice trembled as she fought back tears.


    "Mia, don''t cry. You''ll scare him," Sadie said softly. "We need to send him off peacefully."


    "Okay," Mia wiped her tears with her small hands.


    Noah and Nathan took deep breaths, trying to stay calm.


    Micah looked at Sadie, grateful. "Thank you."


    "I''m doing it for the kids," Sadie said, not meeting his eyes.


    Micah knew she was right. This moment would stay with the kids forever. Even though Sadie resented Raymond, she was setting aside her feelings for the children''s sake. It was admirable. Micah held the kids and headed to the next room to change into istion gowns.


    But Dahlia stopped him, her voice choked. "No need, Micah. Just go in."


    Raymond was in critical condition.


    Micah frowned and led Noah and Nathan inside.


    "Wait," Sadie handed Mia to him. "I''ll wait outside."


    "Come in with us. He wants to see you," Micah pleaded.


    "Do you think that''s possible?" Sadie asked coldly. She was only doing this for the kids, but she couldn''t face Raymond. "Alright," Micah sighed. He couldn''t force her. He took Mia and led Noah and Nathan into the room.


    "Mr. Raymond Clemens, please hold on. Micah and the kids are almost here," Ss held Raymond''s hand, his voice breaking.

 Chapter 1054 The Final Wish

    "Great-grandpa!" The kids yelled, rushing over.


    They swore they wouldn''t cry, but seeing Raymond like this, the tears just flowed. Remembering Sadie''s words, they quickly wiped their faces and forced smiles.


    "Great-grandpa, we came to see you!"


    "Great-grandpa, I''m Noah."


    "I''m Nathan."


    "I''m Mia!"


    "Great-grandpa, can you see us?"


    The three kids gathered around the bed, talking to Raymond with all their emotions. Raymond slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry, tears shining. His frail hand reached out, trying to say something.


    "Great-grandpa."


    The kids ced their little hands in his. Raymond held on, tears streaming down, and with great effort, he said, "Remember... you... will always... be... Clemens..."


    Though his words were shaky, the kids understood. Nathan and Mia, tears running down their faces, looked at Noah, unsure what to do. Noah, eyes wet, nodded and said, "Great-grandpa, don''t worry. We''ll always be Clemens. That won''t change!"


    Noah knew Raymond''s fear that they''d change theirst name. Even though Noah agreed to follow Sadie, he was set on keeping his name.


    "Good, good, good!" Raymond repeated, gripping their hands tightly, not wanting to let go. His eyes fixed on Micah, trying to say something but struggling.


    "Grandpa, don''t worry. With me here, the kids won''t leave," Micah reassured him, knowing Raymond''s dying wish was for the kids to stay Clemens. He had to tell apassionate lie. "She... she..." Raymond stammered.


    Ss quickly said, "Mr. Raymond Clemens wants to see Sadie!"


    "She''s just outside. I''ll get her," Micah said, unsure if Sadie woulde, but he had to try.


    Sadie was outside, replying to Annika''s message when Micah came out and softly said, "Raymond wants to see you."


    "We have nothing to say to each other."


    Sadie didn''t want to forgive Raymond. Bringing the kids to see him was already a big step. She couldn''t face the man who''d hurt her so much.


    "Please," Micah pleaded softly. "He''s about to go. Hisst wish is to see you. Just give him a chance."


    Micah had never begged like this. He looked worn out, still inst night''s clothes, his arm bandaged from her shot, face stubbled and exhausted, eyes bloodshot. It was heart-wrenching.


    Sadie thought aboutst night, still angry, but seeing Micah''s red eyes, she softened.


    "You''re so annoying!" she said, annoyed, but stepped into the ward.


    Micah followed, opening the door for her.


    Inside, the kids were cheering up Raymond.


    "Great-grandpa, I got two more invention patents. I brought the certificates. Take a look!"


    "Great-grandpa, get well soon. You still have to y ser with me."


    "Great-grandpa, you promised to take me to Country F to see your horses. You can''t break your promise."

 Chapter 1055 Last Words

    Sadie really hated Raymond. If it weren''t for him, who forced Micah and the kids to leave her, she wouldn''t have been separated from her children and wouldn''t have suffered so much humiliation. Brenda wouldn''t have died either. And then he trusted E too easily, which led to Mia getting poisoned. Even in the end, he didn''t repent and harbored Nick, causingst night''s disaster.


    All the tragedies stemmed from Raymond''s stubbornness. His current fate was his own doing. Killing his own daughter, Nick, with his own hands, and then his own life came to an end. This was what they meant when they said the trouble you created will eventually bring misfortune upon yourself!


    However, seeing the kids so sad, Sadie felt conflicted. Even though Raymond had many faults, his love for the kids was unconditional, so their love for him was genuine too.


    "Grandpa, she''s here," Micah said softly.


    Raymond looked at Sadie. In his current state, his vision waspletely blurred, and he couldn''t see anything clearly, only a shadow. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but couldn''t articte it. Micah pulled Sadie to the bedside and leaned in to ask, "Grandpa, what do you want to say?"


    Raymond squinted weakly at Sadie, struggling to open his mouth, and said word by word, "I''m... sorry..."


    As he said this, two lines of tears rolled down his cheeks. They were tears of regret. Sadie''s heart trembled, and aplex feeling spread from her heart. At this moment, all her resentment was gradually drowned by these tears and the words of apology.


    When a person is on their deathbed, the words they say are usually kind. Raymond''sst wish before dying was actually to apologize to her. He probably had never said those words in his life, but now, on his deathbed, he said them to her. All his regret and guilt were encapsted in those sincere words.


    Sadie didn''t speak or look at Raymond; she just lowered her head in silence. She appeared calm and indifferent, but her heart was in turmoil.


    "I''m... sorry..." Raymond said again, then slowly closed his eyes. Perhaps he never expected forgiveness. He just wanted to say these words to Sadie in person, to express his apology face-to-face so that he could leave in peace. Perhaps, sometimes people just want to find peace within themselves.


    "Grandpa!" Micah hurriedly grasped Raymond''s hand. "Grandpa, hold on. I''ll call the doctor!"


    "Doctor, doctor!" Micah shouted towards the outside. The doctor rushed in, but Raymond''s withered hand had already gradually fallen.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Micah Clemens; Mr. Raymond Clemens has passed away. Time of death..."


    "Great-grandpa, Great-grandpa..." The room was filled with cries. Sadie silently stepped out, standing in the corner by the door, quietly watching everything in front of her.


    Micah knelt on one knee by the bedside, tightly holding Raymond''s hand, head lowered, crying in sorrow. The three children were crying around the bed; even the usually strong and rational Noah was trembling with sobs. Nathan and Mia were wailing, heartbroken.


    Ss, leaning on his wheelchair, lowered his head and cried. In an instant, it seemed he had lost all his spiritual support, copsing entirely. Rn, Andrew, Oliver, and Ethan, who were standing guard nearby, also silently shed tears.


    In a room full of sorrow, only Sadie remained calm and unruffled. She looked at Raymond on the bed, and her hatred gradually dissipated. Her hatred departed with Raymond''s passing.


    Nick was dead. Raymond was dead. E was dead, and Amelia was captured. She suddenly felt that her mission seemed to bepleted!

 Chapter 1056 Let Go of the Past, Start Anew

    Sadie didn''t stick around the hospital room for long; she slipped out quietly.


    Before she could leave, Micah grabbed her arm. "Can the kids stay for a few days for Raymond''s memorial? I''ll get Noah and Mia back to you in three days." "Sure," Sadie agreed, but added a warning. "No funny business!"


    "Don''t worry," Micah said, looking worn out. "I keep my promises."


    Sadie nodded and walked away. She hated these kinds of scenes and needed some time alone. While driving, Arya kept ncing at her through the rearview mirror. "Ms. James, you okay?"


    "I''m fine," Sadie replied calmly. "Take me to Tranquil Haven Memorial Park."


    "Huh?" Arya was momentarily stunned but quicklyplied. "Yes, ma''am."


    Tranquil Haven Memorial Park was where Edmond was buried, andter, Sadie had Brenda''s ashes ced there too. She had vowed to avenge Brenda against Nick and Amelia, and Edmond, who had also been driven to his death by Nick. Now that her deep-seated hatred had been avenged, Sadie felt no joy, only confusion and loss.


    In the cool drizzle, Sadie donned a trench coat, grabbed two bouquets of carnations, and approached Edmond and Brenda''s graves. Sheid the flowers down and said, "Dad, Brenda, I''ve avenged you. You can rest in peace now."


    But even as she said it, she remembered how Edmond had hidden his suffering to keep her from seeking revenge, hoping she''d live a peaceful life. Brenda''sst words to her were "Survive."


    They both wanted her to live well, nothing else mattered.


    Sadie sighed. The revenge was done, and it was time to move on. This city held too many memories-both good and bad. She never wanted toe back.


    "Ms. James," Arya said softly. "Jessica texted. Mr. Louis has arrived in Newark. Mr. James probably sent him to pick you up."


    Just then, Sadie''s phone rang. She answered, "Joe?"


    "Sadie, Tristan asked me to pick you up. Can Ie straight to your ce?"


    "Sure, I''m heading back now. See you at Frost Peak Mountain."


    "Alright, see you soon!" Joe''s voice carried a tone of joy.


    Sadie, however, remainedposed. She knew she had the option to refuse this marriage. Tristan never forced her into anything.


    But she was tired of all the grudges and hatred. Maybe being with Joe would help her let go of the past and start fresh. Joe was simple, honest, and came from a good family. His family held a special position in the royal family in Country C, living in peace and respected by all. Marrying him would give her a stable life. This was the best arrangement Tristan had made for her.


    Sadie knew Tristan always had her best interests at heart, so she epted it willingly.


    On the way back, she looked out at the drizzling rain, memories shing through her mind. Moments with Micah seemed clearer in the rain but faded with the passing scenery.


    She kept telling herself to let it go. It was time to end it.


    Meanwhile, Micah was arranging Raymond''s funeral at the hospital when he suddenly felt dizzy, his vision blurring. He instinctively reached out to steady himself against the wall, shook his head, and tried to focus.


    But he still couldn''t see clearly. ''What''s happening?''

 Chapter 1057 Returning to Country E Together

    "Micah, the media is swarming the hospital entrance, desperate for updates on Raymond''s condition. I''ve tried to block them, but word''s out about his passing, and they won''t back off." "Micah, a reporter snuck in and got caught taking photos. Should we tell the hospital to lock down?"


    "Micah, Mia''s got a fever. Let''s send her to Ms. James."


    Micah had a lot on his te. He quickly snapped into action, making rapid decisions.


    "Dahlia, take Mia back to Hillside Vi. She needs her treatment."


    "Got it!"


    "Rn, take Noah, Nathan, and Ss home. They need rest before the funeral."


    "On it."


    "Andrew, announce Raymond''s passing and warn the media to back off or face legal action. Also, tell the hospital to lock down." "Will do!"


    With everything set, Micah turned to business matters. Raymond''s death had caused stock fluctuations. Local board members rushed to the hospital, while those overseas were still on their way. Ryan called three times, and Chloe bombarded him with messages, all of which Micah ignored. He first met with the legal team about Raymond''s will, then with the board members.


    Micah was so busy that he ignored his own health, attributing his exhaustion to pulling all-nighters. Yet even the strongest body has limits.


    At Hillside Vi, Joe''s car had just parked when Sadie arrived.


    Joe got out and greeted her, "Sadie!"


    Sadie saw Joe''s bright smile, like a cozy fire on a cold winter''s day.


    "Didn''t expect to see you so soon. I''m thrilled," Joe said. "Tristan said we''re leaving for Country E the day after tomorrow. I''ve got a private jet ready."


    Sadie nodded. "You must be tired from the trip. Go rest. I''ve got things to handle."


    "Sure," Joe nodded. "There''s a lot to do before we leave. I won''t keep you."


    "Annika, show Mr. Louis to the guest room," Sadie instructed.


    "Yes." Annika led Joe and his men upstairs.


    Sadie found Hubert and exined she needed to return to Country E, asking him toe along to continue treating her and Mia.


    Hubert, though old and reluctant to move, agreed due to the urgency of their treatment and the tension between the James and Clemens Groups.


    After some thought, Hubert nodded. "Alright, treatmentes first."


    "Thank you, Dr. Henry!" Sadie was relieved. She had worried he might refuse.


    "When are we leaving?" Hubert asked. "I need to prepare."


    "The day after tomorrow," Sadie said. "I''ll handle everything. Don''t worry."


    "I need to prepare some meds that aren''t avable abroad. Two days is tight. I''ll have Pa and Percy get it done."


    "Okay, I''ll have Arya help you."

 Chapter 1058 Saw You As a Good Friend

    Sadie asked Arya to help Hubert with the medication and told Annika to wrap up the Sapphire Depths project. Once everything was set, she went to see Joe.


    Joe had showered, changed intofy clothes, and was lounging on the sofa, sipping a drink and checking emails. Sadie knocked and walked in, and Joe''s face lit up. "Sadie, you''re done with work." "Yeah." Sadie ced some pastries and snacks on the coffee table. "Have some snacks; dinner will be ready in an hour."


    "Thanks." Joe was touched by her thoughtfulness and quickly pulled out a fancy jewelry box. "Sadie, see if you like this."


    "A ne?" Sadie smiled. Joe loved buying her expensive nes, and her jewelry cab was already packed with the ones he''d given her.


    "Yeah, open it," Joe said mysteriously.


    Sadie didn''t expect much and slowly opened the box. She was stunned. It was the sapphire ne Eleanor had left her. Seven years ago, after Edmond''s ident, she sold it to make ends meet. She had mentioned it to Micah, and he had called her foolish. She never thought she''d see it again.


    "I tried everything, searched all the major underground markets, and even bribed people in the jewelry trade. Finally, I found it at a small auction in Country C. It''s destiny," Joe exined with a smile. "I heard this was your mom''s keepsake. Now it''s back where it belongs!"


    "How did you know?" Sadie was surprised; she had never told him about it.


    "I saw a photo in Tristan''s office, a picture of him with Eleanor. She was wearing this ne," Joe exined. "I remembered Micah had a ruby ne that looked a lot like this one, so I talked to Tristan. He said the sapphire ne Eleanor left you was sold at a low price, and he had been looking for it."


    "I see." Sadie sighed. "Tristan seems cold and ruthless, but I didn''t expect him to be so sentimental."


    "Huh? Aren''t you supposed to praise me?" Joe felt a bit disappointed. "I was the one who found the ne."


    "Thank you." Sadie smiled at him. "You were very thoughtful!"


    "You''re wee. Seeing you smile makes me happy." Joe smiled. "Sadie, believe me. I will make you happy!" Hearing this, Sadie fell silent. She looked at the ne in her hand, feeling a mix of emotions.


    "What''s wrong? Aren''t you happy?" Joe looked at her anxiously. "Do you not like me?"


    "Joe," Sadie thought for a moment and said seriously. "Do you know about me and Micah?"


    "I know." Joe nodded slightly. "At first, I didn''t know and foolishly talked to him about you. He didn''t tell me either. I just found it strange why he always seemed toe between us and disrupt our rtionship. Now I finally understand. You are the mother of his children! But Tristan said you two have broken up and that you won''t be together. Is that true?"


    "Yes." Sadie nodded and sighed. "Micah and I can''t go back to the way things were."


    Joe sighed. "Actually, Micah loves you very much. When you had your ident two years ago, he was devastated. I''ve never seen him so heartbroken. If it weren''t for the kids and his responsibilities, he might not have made it through."

 Chapter 1059 No Romantic Feelings

    "That''s all in the past," Sadie cut Joe off, her voice firm. "There are just too many issues between us. We can''t be together." "That''s a shame," Joe replied, though he sounded a bit relieved.


    "But Joe..." Sadie continued softly, not wanting to hurt him. "I don''t have romantic feelings for you. I see you as a good friend."


    "I get it," Joe said, unfazed. "That''s fine. As long as you don''t hate me, feelings can grow. My parents got married first and fell in loveter. Look how happy they are now."


    Sadie was momentarily speechless. Craig Louis and Amanda Robinson were known for their loving rtionship, and their harmonious family life clearly nourished Joe''s kind and pure-hearted nature.


    "I told Tristan not to push you into marriage," Joe went on. "I hope you''ll marry me willingly. We can start as friends, and if you fall in love with me, we can think about marriage. Of course, if you''re ready to marry me now, I''d be thrilled. We can develop our feelings after marriage. My parents are even talking about meeting with Tristan."


    A sudden knock on the door interrupted Joe.


    "What''s up?" Sadie asked.


    "Ms. James, Mia is back and has a bit of a fever," the maid reported anxiously.


    Sadie immediately stood up and walked out, with Joe quickly following.


    Dahlia was holding Mia on the sofa, gentlyforting her. "Mia, don''t cry. Sadie will be here soon."


    "Mia!" Sadie called out, running downstairs.


    "Mom." Mia cried, reaching out her arms to her.


    Sadie rushed over and held Mia, feeling her forehead. It was rmingly hot, and her little face was flushed red. Sadie was very distressed and quickly instructed the maid, "Go get Dr. Henry!"


    "Yes." The maid hurried off.


    "Sorry, Ms. James. I didn''t take good care of Mia," Dahlia said apologetically. "She might have cried too long, and her tonsils are a bit inmed. But since she''s under Dr. Henry''s care, I didn''t dare to give her any medication."


    "It''s okay. I understand." Sadie knew that Dahlia would take good care of Mia. Mia had always had issues with her tonsils, and crying for too long often caused inmmation. Dahlia was right not to give her medication without consulting the doctor.


    "Bring her to the pharmacy now," Hubert came out of his study, shouting.


    "Yes." Sadie quickly carried Mia to the pharmacy.


    "Ms. James, I''ll be leaving now," Dahlia said goodbye and left in a hurry.


    Hubert examined Mia and said, "It''s just a fever caused by tonsillitis. It''s a minor issue. I''ll prescribe some medicine, and she''ll be fine. Don''t worry."


    "That''s great." Sadie breathed a sigh of relief.


    "And this is?" Hubert looked at Joe.


    "This is Joe Louis," Sadie quickly introduced. "Joe, this is Henry Hubert, whom I often mention to you." "Hello, Dr. Henry." Joe nodded his head.


    "Hello, Mr. Louis," Hubert greeted politely.


    Joe then greeted Mia, "Hello, Mia. Nice to meet you."


    Mia looked at the handsome, blond, blue-eyed man, frowned, pouted, and burrowed into Sadie''s arms.


    She already understood some things at this age. In her heart, no one couldpare to Micah!

 Chapter 1060 Like a Mountain

    Joe didn''t mind; he just gave Mia a friendly smile.


    Sadie gave Mia some medicine, then carried her back to the room and coaxed her to sleep.


    After everything was done, Sadie came out and found Joe downstairs ying chess with Hubert. They were having a great conversation.


    Sadie smiled wryly and sighed. "This Hubert seems to like everyone."


    Well, at least for the next two months, they could get along.


    Everything was fine with the James family, but the Clemens family was in chaos.


    Raymond leaving all his assets to his three great-grandchildren was shocking. ording to thew, no one could touch these assets until the kids came of age.


    So now, the Clemens Group''s problems fell squarely on Micah''s shoulders.


    The Nick incident,bined with the news of Raymond''s death, had thrown the Clemens Group into turmoil, creating a huge funding gap. Now, they couldn''t ess the money, and it felt like a mountain was pressing down on Micah. On the day Raymond passed away, Micah worked through the night. The next morning, he took a short nap in the car and went straight to the board meeting.


    The Clemens Group''s directors and legal team flew in from around the world for the meeting.


    Micah held a four-hour meeting and finally proposed a solution. He would use his personal assets to fill the gap, apply for a bank loan, and hope the directors would lend a hand.


    Ryan was the first to offer help, followed by two other directors. However, someone asked: Who was the children''s mother?


    There were rumors that the children''s mother was from the James Group. If true, everyone would worry about the Clemens Group''s future, even fearing it might be swallowed by the James Group.


    After all, the James Group was now showing signs of surpassing the Clemens Group!


    Micah coldly replied, "That is my privacy and doesn''t require an exnation. As for thepany''s issues, I''ll handle them. Those willing to help, I''ll remember and repay in the future; those who aren''t, I won''t me you. If anyone wants to leave, I respect that. Meeting adjourned!"


    His words left everyone speechless.


    Although the Clemens Group was in crisis, everyone still believed in Micah''s ability and thepany''s strength. Moreover, the three little heirs were also Micah''s children. So, for now, no one would leave.


    But risking everything to help Micah was a big ask. This funding gap couldn''t be filled with just a few million.


    Throughout the meeting, only Ryan expressed full support. The other two directors'' support was symbolic, as their limited resources wouldn''t make much difference.


    All the pressure still fell on Micah. Ryan didn''t understand why Raymond would make such a will.


    Everyone in business knew that investing the market was essential for growth. By leaving the inheritance to his three great-grandchildren and not allowing anyone to touch it, Raymond made it hard for Micah to ovee the immediate challenges, let alone grow the family business.


    But Micah understood Raymond''s intent. Responsibility brings pressure, which forces one to focus entirely on the business, leaving no energy for wrong rtionships.


    Moreover, with the Clemens Group facing such a significant crisis, the James Group wouldn''t be eyeing them anymore. Tristan would inevitably shift his focus to expanding his business.


    This would temporarily ease the conflict between the James family and the Clemens family.


    Of course, if the James Group wanted to take advantage of the situation to swallow the Clemens Group, the Clemens Group''s foundation was strong enough that the James Group wouldn''t have the capacity to do so. They would have to wait until they were stronger.

 Chapter 1061 Micahs Crisis

    When Sadie had her ident, Micah was a wreck, breaking down multiple times. The only thing that kept him going was his responsibility to the kids.


    Now, with Raymond gone, Micah felt even more pressure. Raymond had taken away Micah''s financial safety, making things even harder for him. Raymond knew that Micah and Sadie could never return to their old ways. The best thing for them was to move on separately and never cross paths again.


    Raymond also knew how stubborn Micah was. Without a goal to push him forward, Micah might not make it. So, Raymond created these challenges on purpose. But he didn''t realize there was another crisis brewing inside Micah. After the meeting, Micah went back to his office to brief Chloe on the legal team''s matters. Suddenly, he felt dizzy and copsed.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Chloe shouted, shocked.


    "Micah, are you okay?" Andrew rushed over to help him.


    "I''m fine," Micah muttered, one hand on the desk and the other covering his forehead, eyes closed. "Just leave me alone!"


    "Okay!" Andrew quickly ordered everyone out.


    Chloe led the legal team out and closed the door.


    "What''s wrong?" Andrew asked, worried, as he helped Micah to the sofa. "Rest for a moment. I''ll get you some water." Andrew brought a ss of water to Micah. Micah reached out to take it but missed. The ss fell, shattered on the floor.


    Micah was stunned. His vision was so blurry he could only see Andrew''s shadow.


    "You must be exhausted," Andrew said, cleaning up. "You haven''t slept for seven days. Forget everything else; you need to rest."


    Micah closed his eyes and opened them after a while. His vision cleared, and he sighed in relief. He must really be too tired.


    "Let''s meet with the legal team tomorrow. How about going back to sleep now?" Andrew suggested, looking at Micah''s pale face. "You can''t keep going like this!"


    "Not home. Too much to deal with there." Micah raised his hand to his forehead. "Take me to Cloud Hotel."


    "Yes!"


    Andrew cleared everyone out, saying Micah needed rest and shouldn''t be disturbed for at least eight hours.


    Chloe asked anxiously, "What''s wrong with Mr. Clemens? Is he sick?"


    "He''s just too tired. Seven days and nights without sleep, countless things waiting for him every day. He needs to rest immediately, or his body won''t hold up," Andrew exined urgently. "I''ll take him to the hotel first. You handle everything else and wait until tomorrow morning."


    "Yes, I understand," Chloe nodded repeatedly.


    Andrew took Micah out the back door and got him into the car, heading straight for the hotel. But reporters followed them all the way. Annoyed, Andrew had Rodolfo and the others handle it.


    Finally, they arrived at Cloud Hotel, only to find reporters waiting there too. They had encountered Micah here before and thought he mighte again.


    Andrew had to change ns. "Micah, Cloud Hotel isn''t safe. How about we go back to Half Mountain Vi?"


    "Okay," Micah, holding his forehead, was almost asleep.


    Andrew didn''t dare disturb him further and had Rodolfo drive straight to Half Mountain Vi.


    After the incident where E drugged him, Half Mountain Vi had been reorganized. It had been ready for days, but because of Raymond''s matters, they hadn''t returned. Now, Ss and the kids were staying at Raymond''s vi, leaving only some attendants and servants here, making it quite peaceful.

 Chapter 1062 Looked Ten Years Older

    The car pulled into the courtyard, and everyone came out to greet them. Rodolfo quickly signaled for everyone to stay quiet and not disturb Micah. Micah was so exhausted he had fallen asleep in the back seat. Andrew looked at him with pity, not wanting to wake him.


    "What happened?" Reba asked softly.


    "He''s just really tired and needs rest," Rodolfo whispered back. "Reba, can you get a room ready and prepare a hot bath for him?" "Sure, I''ll take care of it right away," Reba said, hurrying off to make arrangements and ask the kitchen to prepare some food. Micah was still asleep in the car when a thunderp jolted him awake. He opened his eyes and instinctively asked, "Was that thunder?" "Yeah, it''s gonna rain," Andrew replied gently. "Micah,e inside and rest. Reba''s got a bath ready for you."


    Micah wiped his tired face and ordered, "Take me to Hillside Vi."


    "What?" Andrew was stunned. "Now?"


    "She''s afraid of thunder," Micah said, trying to muster some energy. "She''ll feel better if I''m there."


    "But..."


    "Hurry up!" Micah snapped impatiently.


    "I... I heard Mr. Louis is staying at Hillside Vi," Andrew said hesitantly.


    Micah''s face darkened at the news. "If we go now, we might not even be able to get in," Andrew added weakly. "You''re too tired; you should rest here."


    Micah didn''t respond and got out of the car. Andrew quickly followed him.


    Back in his room, Micah looked at the familiar big bed and the wedding photo on the bedside table, feeling conflicted. He stood at the foot of the bed, quietly staring at the photo, lost in memories.


    "Mr. Clemens, please eat something," Reba said, bringing in a te of spaghetti. "I just made this for you. It was your favorite."


    "Thanks," Micah said, snapping out of his thoughts and sitting at the table to eat. Reba watched his tired face, tears welling up in her eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" Micah asked, noticing her sad expression. "Why are you crying?"


    "I just feel so sorry for you," Reba choked up. "You''re so young and under so much pressure. In just a few days, you look like you''ve aged years." "Do I look old?" Micah asked, touching his face.


    "Alright," Andrew interjected. "Reba, you should go rest and let Micah get some sleep. He hasn''t slept for seven days and nights."


    "What? That''s really bad for your health," Reba said anxiously, beginning to fuss. "Not sleeping will ruin your body."


    "Yes, so he needs to rest now," Andrew said, gently pushing Reba out of the room. He turned back to Micah. "Don''t mind her nagging. She''s just worried." "Maybe I am getting older," Micah sighed. "I''ve been feeling a lot of issues with my bodytely. I never thought I''d see this day."


    "You''re just too tired," Andrew said sympathetically. "Should I call Dahlia to check on you?"


    "No need," Micah shook his head. "You said I''m just tired. What could she possibly find?"


    "True. If there''s really something wrong, we should see Dr. Henry instead," Andrew said, doubting Dahlia''s skills after recent events.


    Hearing Dr. Henry''s name, Micah suddenly remembered asking about his eyes before leaving Hillside Vi. Could there really be a problem?


    Another p of thunder startled Micah. He turned to look out the window, feeling uneasy. He picked up his phone to call Sadie, only to find he couldn''t get through. He had been blocked.

 Chapter 1063 Silly Girl

    Micah put down his phone with a sigh and gazed out the window, lost in thought.


    "Mr. Clemens, don''t worry. I''ll make a call and check," Andrew said, dialing Annika''s number. Annika picked up quickly.


    "What do you want?" Her tone was cold.


    "It''s thundering. How''s Ms. James?" Andrew asked.


    "Dr. Henry gave her some meds earlier. She''s out cold now, not even the thunder will wake her," Annika replied coldly. "Did Mr. Clemens ask you to call?"


    "Yeah," Andrew admitted, feeling awkward. "Ms. James blocked his number, so he can''t reach her."


    "Ms. James is fine. There''s no need for your concern." Annika hung up.


    Andrew turned to Micah, looking ufortable. "Did you hear that?"


    "Seems my worries were for nothing," Micah said with a bitter smile, heading to the bathroom.


    Andrew, still worried, followed him. "Are you okay? Need help with your bath?"


    "Get out!" Micah snapped.


    Seeing Micah still had some fight left in him, Andrew felt a bit relieved and left quickly.


    Micah waspletely exhausted. He undressed and sank into the bathtub, closing his eyes to enjoy a moment of peace.


    But then, he felt an itch under his nose. He reached up and opened his eyes, stunned to see blood. He got up and checked in the mirror. Yep, a nosebleed. It wasn''t much, but it freaked him out.


    He''d pulled all-nighters before. When VIC Group went public, he went days without sleep, only feeling a bit tired. This time, though, he was more exhausted and stressed, but it shouldn''t be this bad, right?


    Micah remembered when Sadie was poisoned. It started with a headache, then nosebleeds. Could he be poisoned too?


    The thought sent a shiver down his spine. But he didn''t feel any pain, just asional blurred vision and now a minor nosebleed.


    ''I shouldn''t be poisoned. I''ve always been careful, having all my food checked. It should be fine.'' Just as he was thinking this, his phone rang outside. Micah wrapped a towel around himself and went to answer it, "Hello!" "Dad." It was Mia.


    "Mia? What''s wrong?" Micah asked urgently. "Are you okay? Did something happen?"


    "I can''t sleep. I miss you," Mia said, her voice choked with sadness. "Dad, are you okay? Are you very tired and stressed?"


    "I''m fine." Hearing Mia''s sweet voice, Micah''s heart softened.


    "Dad, when I get better, will youe and get me?" Mia asked anxiously.


    "Of course, silly girl," Micah said gently. "Right now, you and Mom both need Dr. Henry''s treatment and can''t be apart. Once you''re better, I''ll definitelye get you."


    "That''s great." Mia sighed in relief, then her voice choked up again. "Actually, I don''t want to leave Mom, and Noah doesn''t want to leave you. But the three of us have discussed it. If you and Mom have to be apart, Nathan and I will stay with you, and Noah will stay with Mom because Noah is smarter and can protect Mom, while Nathan and I will be with you. That way, even if you don''t have Mom, you''ll stay strong for us. So, Dad, please don''t me Noah. He loves you too!" "Silly girl." Micah''s eyes reddened, and his voice grew hoarse. "How could I me you? I understand."

 Chapter 1064 That Day Will Come

    "Dad," Mia whispered, coughing a bit and hiding under the covers. "There''s a man at home, and he''s in the same room with Mom."


    Micah froze. "What? In the same room?"


    "Yeah," Mia said, sounding upset. "He always smiles and seems nice, but I don''t like him. He''s not you, dad."


    "Are you sure they''re in the same room?" Micah asked, his voice tense. "Mom''s room?"


    "Yeah, I saw him go in wearing pajamas, and he didn''te out," Mia said softly. "Dad, the book says when a man and a woman stay in the same room, they can have babies. Are they gonna give me more brothers and sisters?" "No way," Micah said, his anxiety spiking. "Absolutely not!"


    Mia was taken aback.


    "Mia, do you want some pizza from Reba?" Micah suddenly asked.


    "Yes," Mia blurted out. "But Mom doesn''t have any here."


    "I''ll bring it to you," Micah said, drying his hair with a towel. "Are you sleepy?"


    "Not at all. I won''t be sleepy if I can see you," Mia said happily. "Dad, when are youing?"


    "In half an hour," Micah checked the time. It was only 8:30 PM. "I''ll be there by 9 o''clock, sharp!"


    "Okay, I''ll wait for you!"


    After hanging up, Micah immediately told Andrew, who was waiting outside, to get the pizza from the kitchen.


    "Shouldn''t you be resting? Why do you need that?" Andrew frowned, worried.


    "Just get it. No questions," Micah snapped.


    "Alright," Andrew sighed, heading to the kitchen. He quickly returned with the pizza in a box and handed it to Micah. "It''ste. Where are you going?"


    Micah ignored him, grabbed his car keys, and rushed out.


    Andrew, still concerned, followed him quietly.


    Micah drove to the Hillside Vi, parked, and snuck in through the back door. The James family''s vi had tight security and infrared sensors, but Micah knew how to get around them. He climbed in through the attic window and slipped into Mia''s room.


    Mia was sitting on the bed, her covers made into a small tent, holding her alpaca, and staring at the door, waiting for Micah.


    Hearing a noise behind her, Mia turned and saw a familiar face. "Dad!" she shouted, excitedly lifting the covers and rushing over.


    "Mia!" Micah picked her up and lifted her high. "Let me see. Is your fever down?"


    "Still a slight fever," Mia said, with a fever patch on her forehead. "Dad, where''s my pizza?"


    "Right here," Micah said, pulling out the steaming pizza. "Try it."


    "Thanks, Dad," Mia said happily, taking the pizza and starting to eat in his arms. "I only had a small sd tonight. I''m so hungry."


    "Take it easy. No rush," Micah said, stroking her hair gently. "But your tonsils are inmed, so you can''t eat too much. Just one piece, okay?" "Okay," Mia nodded obediently.


    Micah found a box of milk in the room, warmed it up, and gave it to her. "Drink some milk. Be careful not to choke."


    "Thanks, Dad," Mia said, hugging his neck. "Dad, it would be so nice if we could all live together forever!"


    "That day wille," Micah said, hopeful. "Give me some time. I''ll bring our family back together!"

 Chapter 1065 Sleeping While Holding

    "Awesome!" Mia beamed. "So, once Mom and I are better, we can be together again?"


    "I''ll do my best," Micah said, gently touching her cheek. "Alright, Mia, time for bed. I''ll go check on Mom."


    "Promise you won''t argue with her," Mia said, gripping his hand anxiously. "Okay?"


    "Don''t worry. I won''t." Micah kissed her forehead and tucked her in. "Rest up. We''ll see each other the day after tomorrow."


    "Okay." Mia nodded, watching him leave reluctantly.


    Micah climbed out the window and closed it behind him. The bodyguards outside heard a noise and turned to look, but Micah had already vanished. They saw nothing, just a shadow they assumed was from the trees, and didn''t think much of it. With the storm raging, some noises were normal.


    Micah climbed onto Sadie''s balcony with his heart racing. If Joe was really in bed with Sadie, he might lose it.


    With his heart pounding, he pried open the sliding door and slipped inside quietly.


    Sure enough, Joe was there, but he was on the couch, covered by a nket. Sadie, hugging a pillow, was sound asleep on the bed. She wore a white silk nightgown, with the nket slipping off to reveal a long, slender leg and a curvy hip. Micah frowned, quickly walked over, and covered her with the nket. Then he red at the sleeping Joe.


    Joe stirred, about to wake up. Micah rushed over and struck the back of Joe''s neck. Joe''s head slumped, and he slid off the couch.


    Micah caught his head,id him down properly, and covered him with the nket. Despite his dislike for Joe, Micah knew he was a decent guy who was just there to watch over Sadie. Sadie''s condition would rpse every stormy night. Jealousy aside, Micah wouldn''t really harm Joe.


    After dealing with Joe, Micah closed the window and drew the curtains. The bodyguards outside saw a shadow, thinking it was Joe, and didn''t pay attention.


    Micah locked the door from the inside, took off his jacket, and climbed into bed. He gently wrapped his arm around Sadie''s shoulder, pulling her into his embrace. Hubert''s medicine was effective; no matter how Micah moved her, Sadie didn''t wake up., She snuggled softly in his arms like a gentle kitten.


    Micah kissed her forehead, gazing at her in the dark, his heart filled withplex emotions. He wished time could stop and she could stay in his arms forever. But there were too many obstacles ahead. He had to ovee them one by one. For now, he just wanted a good night''s sleep. He was truly exhausted. Micah set his watch rm for 5 AM, then held Sadie tightly and fell into a deep sleep.


    Joe was also sleeping soundly on the couch,pletely unaware that Micah was right there, holding his fianc¨¦e, Sadie.


    Outside, Annika listened at the door, worried that the thunder might wake Sadie. But tonight, there was no reaction from her. It seemed Hubert''s medicine was really effective. Annika didn''t pay much attention, turned and left, instructing the bodyguards outside the door, "Keep a close watch. Inform me immediately if there''s any movement."


    "Yes, ma''am!"

 Chapter 1066 Taking Advantage of Me While I Was Unconscious

    Micah was wiped out. Even with Sadie in his arms, all he wanted was to hold her and crash.


    He hadn''t slept well in ages, but that night, he slept like a rock. Outside, lightning shed, thunder boomed, the wind howled, and rain poured, but none of it woke him.


    Sadie didn''t stir either. She was snug in his arms, sleeping soundly. In her dreams, she felt a warm, secure embrace.


    Time crawled by, and soon the rm buzzed. Micah woke up groggy, half-opening his eyes to see Sadie in his arms, his heart swelling with affection.


    He leaned in and kissed her forehead, cheek, and lips, wishing he could stay like this forever.


    But there was noise outside, and he had to go. Micah reluctantly kissed Sadie, getting ready to leave. Then he noticed Joe starting to wake up. The thought of Joe getting close to Sadie made Micah uneasy. So, he yfully kissed Sadie''s neck hard, leaving a deep hickey, and slipped out the window.


    Outside, the bodyguards were changing shifts, and no one noticed him.


    Inside, Joe woke up groggy, feeling a sharp pain in his neck. He twisted his neck and sat up, squinting around the room. Apart from Sadie and himself, everything seemed normal.


    Weird. Why did his neck hurt so much? Joe couldn''t figure it out.


    Just then, Sadie turned over, the nket slipping off, revealing her long legs and half of her sexy butt.


    Joe was stunned, staring at her, swallowing hard, his body starting to react.


    But he quickly looked away, telling himself, "Don''t look!"


    He walked over with his head down, covering Sadie with the nket, but he didn''t dare look at her.


    Then something strange caught his eye. The pillow next to Sadie looked like it had been slept on, and there was a short hair on it.


    What was going on?


    Joe leaned in to take a closer look. Suddenly, Sadie woke up, her bright eyes snapping open, staring coldly at him.


    Joe instinctively looked at her, their eyes meeting, and he jumped back in fright.


    "I didn''t expect this." Sadie sat up, frowning. "You''re so shameless."


    "I''m not. I didn''t do anything," Joe hurriedly exined. "I just saw your nket had slipped off and went to cover you, and then, and then..." "What did you do to mest night?" Sadie demanded.


    "Nothing. I slept on the couch all night. I didn''t do anything." Joe panicked. "I really just covered you with the nket. You have to believe me!"


    "You wouldn''t dare." Sadie rolled her eyes, getting up to go to the bathroom. "Thanks for taking care of mest night. Go get some rest. I''ll shower, freshen up, and we can have breakfastter."


    "Alright." Joe sighed in relief. It seemed she was just trying to scare him and didn''t really suspect him. After all, he hadn''t done anything wrong, but it did freak him out.


    Joe tidied up the nket on the couch, put on his slippers, and was about to leave when suddenly, a scream came from the bathroom. "Ah!"


    "What happened?" Joe rushed in. "What''s wrong?"


    "Joe, you hypocrite!" Sadie pointed at the hickey on her neck, gritting her teeth. "How dare you take advantage of me while I was out!" "I, I, I didn''t, ah!"

 Chapter 1067 Someone Came Last Night

    Joe took a punch from Sadie, and his eye was already swelling up. He covered it and slunk out of the room, feeling so wronged he almost cried. "Whoa," Annika said, stunned to see him like that. "Mr. Louis, what happened to you?"


    "I didn''t do it," Joe pouted, then headed back to his room, feeling all kinds of aggrieved.


    Annika, still confused, knocked on Sadie''s door and walked in. "Ms. James, you''re up early. How wasst night?"


    "Pretty good. First time in two years I slept well during a thunderstorm," Sadie said,ing out of the bathroom and heading to her walk-in closet to pick out clothes. "That''s good," Annika sighed in relief, then asked curiously, "I saw Joe leave just now, looking upset and covering his eye. What happened?"


    "He got beaten up," Sadie said, her anger ring up again. "I thought he was a decent guy, but he tried to take advantage of someone vulnerable."


    "Uh, what exactly happened?" Annika''s curiosity was piqued.


    "Don''t be so nosy," Sadie shot her a look. "Get ready. We''re leaving at eight sharp. I need to wrap up the Sapphire Depths project today."


    "Yes, ma''am," Annika quickly nodded and got to work.


    Sadie changed her clothes and went to Mia''s room. She opened the door to find Mia already awake, with Serena doing her hair and two maids tidying up.


    "Mia!" Sadie smiled as she walked in.


    "Mom," Mia called sweetly.


    "Why are you up so early? Why not sleep a bit more?" Sadie asked, sitting at the dressing table and looking at Mia in the mirror.


    "Mom, I want to see Dad, Noah, and Nathan today. Can I?" Mia asked, looking hopeful.


    Sadie was taken aback. Mia had only been back for a day and already missed them. It seemed she really couldn''t stay here.


    "Great-grandpa passed away. Dad is very sad, and Noah and Nathan are also very upset. I want to be with them. Ss said Great-grandpa''s funeral is tomorrow, so I want to go today," Mia exined. "I asked Dr. Henry, and he said if I don''t have a fever today, it should be fine."


    "Alright, let''s rest at home during the day. If you don''t have a fever by the time I get home in the evening, I''ll take you there, okay?" Sadie offered apromise.


    "Okay," Mia nodded obediently. "Thank you, Mom!"


    "Good girl!" Sadie kissed her forehead. "Once your hair is done,e downstairs with Serena for breakfast."


    Mia sat up straight and cooperated fully. Serena and Sadie exchanged a smile and continued braiding Mia''s hair.


    Sadie was about to leave when a maid suddenly said, "Oh no, why are there two pieces of pizza? They''re not fresh now."


    Another maid quickly added, "Maybe Ms. James was hungry and secretly ate pizza in her room. It''s okay; we''ll just clean it up."


    The maid nodded. Sadie heard it but didn''t pay much attention. She just said to Mia, "Mia, if you''re hungry, eat at the table. Don''t bring food to bed."


    "Got it, Mom," Mia said, feeling a bit guilty.


    The maid threw the pizza in the trash and continued tidying the bed. Sadie suddenly noticed it was a ham pizza!


    She was stunned for a moment. There was no ham pizza in her house, and no one would make it. How did it end up in Mia''s room?


    Could it be...


    Sadie looked at Mia and cautiously said, "Hmm, this looks a bit like ham pizza."


    Mia quickly lowered her head, twisting her hands in her clothes, not daring to speak.


    "Maybe it just looks like it. It''s not edible anyway," Serena said, not paying much attention. "True," Sadie said, but from Mia''s reaction, she knew someone must have been herest night.

 Chapter 1068 Follow Them

    "Close the window. Don''t let the cold air in." Sadie pretended to walk over to close it but was actually checking the situation outside. It had poured rainst night, and there were no footprints or any signs of disturbance. But then again, if it really were Micah, he wouldn''t have left any traces.


    "Let me do it, Ms. James." The maid came over to close the window and clean up the rainwater on the sill.


    "Change the sheets," Sadie instructed and quickly left, returning to her room to check again. She found a short brown hair on her pillow! Joe''s hair was blonde, so it definitely wasn''t his. So, Micah really had been herest night. Sadie''s brow furrowed, and anger welled up inside her.


    At that moment, the maid''s voice came from outside. "Ms. James, breakfast is ready, and Mia is downstairs waiting for you."


    "Got it." Sadieposed herself and strode out.


    "Sadie." Joe had juste out of his room and was startled to see her. "I swear, I didn''t do anything to youst night."


    "I know." Sadie felt a bit guilty. "I wronged you. I''m sorry!"


    "Huh? You finally believe me?" Joe was a bit excited. "I really didn''t go near your bedst night. I just wanted to cover you with a nket this morning, but I didn''t touch you. I swear."


    "Alright, I know." Sadie felt very ashamed. "I misunderstood you and hit you without figuring things out. I apologize!"


    "It''s okay, as long as you don''t think I''m a bad guy." Joe was very happy. "But what''s with the red mark on your neck?"


    "It''s," Sadie hesitated for a moment and blurted out, "a mosquito bite."


    "Huh?" Joe was a bit surprised. "How could a mosquito bite be that big?"


    "Maybe it bit me once, and I scratched it myself." Sadie made up an excuse. "Alright, don''t worry about it. Let''s go have breakfast."


    "Oh, then I''ll catch that mosquito for youter. Can''t let it bite you again," Joe said earnestly.


    "Ever heard of mosquito repellent?"


    "Uh, right!"


    "Alright, you didn''t sleep wellst night. Go take a nap after breakfast."


    "What about you?"


    "I have to go out and take care of some things."


    "I''ll go with you."


    "I''m going to work. You don''t need toe."


    "Okay."


    Sadie left after breakfast, reminding Mia to take her medicine properly and that she would check on her in the evening. Mia nodded obediently, saying she would be good and wanted to get better soon. Sadie hugged her and then hurried out.


    She was going back to Country E tomorrow and wanted to finish thesest tasks before leaving so she wouldn''t have to return to Newark again. The car drove down Frost Peak Mountain. On the way, a ck Rolls-Royce Phantom came up from behind and passed her.


    Arya was very surprised. "Weren''t they at the hospital? Why are they back?"


    "Maybe they came back to get something?" Annika said casually. "I just saw Mr. Clemens was in the car."


    "Follow them," Sadie ordered in a low voice.


    "Yes!" Arya immediately sped up to chase the ck Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    "They''re following us." Rodolfo looked in the rearview mirror, feeling a bit scared. Since the Nick incident, the James family and the Clemens family had grown even more distant. Arya wouldn''t take his calls or even reply to his messages. "Mr. Clemens,st night, did you..." Andrew wanted to ask but didn''t dare.


    "Pull over up ahead." Micah guessed that Sadie had probably noticed something, but it didn''t matter; it had to be faced eventually.

 Chapter 1069 What a Good Father

    The car came to a halt. Micah sat calmly inside while Sadie stormed over, looking pissed. Andrew jumped out to greet her, "Ms. James."


    "Get out of the car," Sadie snapped, kicking the door.


    Micah rolled down the window, his expression gentle. "Why are you so mad this early?"


    "Micah, we had a deal, and you need to stick to the rules," Sadie fumed. "If you sneak into my house again, I''ll make sure you regret it!"


    "Don''t pin this on me," Micah said, looking innocent. "What trouble did I cause?"


    "You..." Sadie started but stopped herself. Too many eyes were on them, and she felt embarrassed to spill the details.


    "Don''t me an innocent man," Micah continued, ying the victim. "I''m busy; how could I sneak into your ce? Plus, your security is tight. I couldn''t get in even if I wanted to." "Cut the act," Sadie shouted. "If I catch you next time, you''re dead!"


    With that, she turned and got into her car.


    Annika and the two attendants werepletely lost, not understanding what just happened.


    Andrew, however, knew exactly what was going on and gave Micah a knowing look.


    The silver Rolls-Royce sped off.


    Rodolfo nced at Arya, who was driving, and sighed, "We haven''t seen each other in ages, and she ignored me and even red at me."


    "Consider yourself lucky she even red at you. Annika didn''t even look at me," Andrew said with a bitter smile, then got back into the car. "Drive," Micah ordered.


    "Yes, sir." Rodolfo started the car, trying to catch up to the silver Rolls-Royce to see Arya again.


    "Mr. Clemens, did you really sneak into Hillside Vist night?" Andrew asked cautiously. "And stayed there overnight?"


    "Of course," Micah replied, giving him a look.


    "Amazing!" Andrew said, genuinely impressed. "How did you do it? You were so exhausted, yet you still managed to stay there overnight without getting caught?" "What? You want to learn?" Micah shot back.


    "No," Andrew quickly shook his head. "I don''t have the guts or the skills."


    "That''s right," Micah said, closing his eyes to rest.


    "No wonder you''re the boss; you''re truly amazing," Andrew sighed.


    "Even when ites to chasing girls, you''re better than us," Rodolfo chimed in. "It''s unbelievable."


    "Shut up and drive," Micah ordered.


    "Yes, sir."


    Sadie was fuming, her face dark with anger.


    Annika cautiously asked, "Ms. James, did Mr. Clemens really sneak into Hillside Vist night?"


    "No way," Arya said in shock, her eyes wide. "The night shift didn''t report anything."


    "If he got caught, would he still be Micah?" Sadie said unhappily. "The people around me need to step up their game."


    "Why would he sneak in during such a heavy rainstormst night?" Annika wondered. "Nothing unusual happened at home."


    "Could it be just to deliver pizza to Mia?" Arya had heard that there was pizza on Mia''s bed that morning. She nced at it and thought it looked like ham pizza, feeling puzzled.


    "He..." Sadie wanted to spill the truth but held back. She didn''t want anyone to know that Micah had sneaked into her room, slept with her all night, and left a kiss mark on her neck. It would be too embarrassing to say it! Annika looked at Sadie, waiting for her to continue.


    "He was just delivering pizza to Mia," Sadie finally said after a long pause. "It''s outrageous. My house is not a mall where he cane and go whenever he wants."


    "Although he''s a bit annoying, it''s also quite touching," Annika said. "With Raymond''s passing, the Clemens Group is in chaos. I heard he hasn''t slept for a week. And yet, he still sneaked in to deliver pizza to Mia. He''s really trying to be a good dad!"

 Chapter 1070 Attending the Funeral

    "Yeah, he''s a good dad," Arya sighed.


    Sadie was speechless, feeling a knot in her chest.


    Micah smirked, pleased to see Sadie at a loss for words.


    "They''re flying back to Country E at 3 PM tomorrow," Andrew said out of nowhere.


    The car went silent. They all knew Sadie probably wouldn''te back once she left.


    "Mr. Clemens, can''t you do something?" Rodolfo asked, anxious. "Can you keep Ms. James here?"


    "I wish I could," Micah said, frustrated. He knew it was impossible, at least for now.


    "What happened with Nick really messed things up. It''s gonna take time to fix," Andrew said, trying to be rational. "Maybe when we go to pick up Mia in two months, there''ll be a chance." "Let''s hope so," Micah agreed. Sending Mia to Country E with Sadie was his way of buying time.


    Two months should be enough to sort out the mess. By then, Sadie might see that the James family had their own struggles and reconsider.


    Rodolfo sighed, keeping his thoughts to himself but feeling uneasy.


    "Drive faster," Micah ordered, checking the time. It was Raymond''s funeral today, and he had a lot to do.


    "Yes, sir."


    Sadie was working on the Sapphire Depths project but found out everyone who could make decisions was at Raymond''s funeral, dying her work. She was annoyed but couldn''t take it out on them.


    Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. It was Tristan. "Tristan!"


    "Go to Raymond''s funeral."


    "What?" Sadie thought she misheard. Tristan hated Raymond and held a grudge even after his death. Now he wanted her to attend the funeral?


    "The memorial stuff are ready for you," Tristan added.


    "Tristan, what are you up to?" Sadie asked, worried.


    "What are you scared of?" Tristan shot back.


    Sadie was stunned, unsure how to respond.


    She worried Tristan would cause trouble at the funeral. She had hated Raymond too, but he was dead, and she wanted to let bygones be bygones. Plus, Raymond was still the kids'' rtive, and they would be there. She didn''t want a scene. "Do as I say!" Tristan snapped and hung up.


    Sadie frowned, feeling uneasy.


    Just then, Annika got a call and reported, "Mr. James has prepared the flowers and gifts. They want us to meet at the foot of the mountain at 5 PM." "Okay," Sadie said. "Got it."


    "Don''t worry. I think Mr. James wants to show the James Group''s grace and decency in front of the businessmunity. He won''t cause trouble," Annika reassured her.


    "Check who''s attending the funeral. Any media?" Sadie instructed.


    "Yes." Annika made a call to find out.


    "Where are we going now?" Arya asked softly.


    "Let''s go back first," Sadie said, deep in thought. "Yes."


    The car headed towards Frost Peak Mountain.


    After investigating, Annika reported back, "Ms. James, the funeral attendees are mainly Clemens Group''s board members and top executives, some of Raymond''s friends, and a few business and political figures. The media are outside and not allowed in."

 Chapter 1071 Starting A New Life

    Sadie didn''t ask any more questions and just looked down, lost in thought.


    When she got home, Mia was at the dining table having lunch. Seeing Sadie, she ran over. "Mommy, why are you back so early?"


    "I couldn''t take care of my business right now, so I came back early," Sadie said, touching Mia''s forehead. "Hmm, looks like your fever''s gone."


    "Yeah, Dr. Henry said I''m all better," Mia replied quickly. "I haven''t had a fever all day."


    "That''s good." Sadie hugged Mia and led her back to the table.


    Hubert smiled at her. "Mia''s doing better now; nothing serious. Just keep an eye on her for the next couple of days."


    "Thank you, Dr. Henry." Sadie ced Mia on a chair. "Mia, be a good girl and eat your food."


    "Mommy, can I go to Daddy''s ce tonight?" Mia asked, looking hopeful.


    "Of course you can," Sadie said, not wanting to lie. "But you''ll have to go a bitter because your daddy will be very busy this evening. Once he''s done, I''ll send someone to take you there, okay?" "Okay." Mia nodded obediently.


    "Good girl. Now, finish your meal, take a nap, do some therapy when you wake up, and then watch some cartoons. By then, it should be time to go."


    Afterforting Mia, Sadie greeted Hubert and then went upstairs to her study.


    She organized all the documents for the "The Sapphire Depths" project to take with her in the evening. Since everyone would be at the funeral, she could get them to sign the documents there, wrapping up the matterpletely. Otherwise, she would have to make another tripter.


    Annika was helping her on the side, and the two of them worked until four in the afternoon.


    Annika''s timer went off, and she reminded Sadie, "Ms. James, it''s time to change clothes and get ready to go out."


    "Okay," Sadie responded, finishing up thest document and getting up to leave. "Organize all the documents and bring them along."


    "Understood." Annika was on it.


    Sadie went to Mia''s room. Mia was still sleeping, and Serena was reading a book beside her, keeping herpany.


    Seeing Sadiee in, Serena quickly got up to greet her, "Sadie, what''s up?"


    "I''m about to head out," Sadie checked the time and told Serena. "Around seven or eight, I''ll send someone to pick you and Mia up."


    "Okay, got it." Serena nodded.


    "The wind will be strong tonight, and it might rain. Make sure Mia is dressed warmly, and you should wear an extra coat." Sadie patted Serena''s shoulder.


    "Got it." Serena smiled. "Don''t worry about it. I''ll take care of everything."


    "Okay," Sadie nodded, ready to leave, but then remembered something and turned back to ask Serena. "Have you really thought it through? Are youing with me to Country E? I won''t being back once I leave." "I''ve thought it through," Serena said firmly. "I have no attachments or goals. Following you makes me feel more secure."


    "What about Jonny? Isn''t he your attachment?" Sadie asked softly.


    Hearing this, Serena''s face changed, and her eyes became evasive. "Why did you suddenly bring him up?"


    "I know you like him." Sadie had noticed long ago. "But he can''t settle down and give you a future. But love isplicated. If you really like him, you can still try."


    "It''s impossible between us," Serena said, lowering her head. "I just want to leave this ce with you and start a new life."


    "Alright then." Sadie didn''t push further seeing her resolve. "Once we get there, we''ll make new ns for you. Whether you want to study or find a boyfriend, I''ll help you arrange it."


    "Thank you, Sadie!" Serena said gratefully. "You''re so nice to me!"

 Chapter 1072 She Escaped

    "Silly girl, we''re family. No need to be so formal!" Sadie patted her hand and turned to leave.


    Serena watched Sadie go, her face a mix of emotions, like she wanted to say something but held back.


    Just as Sadie grabbed the door handle, Serena called out, "Sadie!"


    "Hmm?" Sadie turned around. "What''s up?"


    "The wind''s strong tonight; dress warmly," Serena gently reminded.


    "I know." Sadie smiled and left.


    Serena stared at the closed door, feeling down. Her mood turned somber as she nced at Mia on the bed, her expressionplicated again.


    Sadie went back to her room, put on some makeup, changed into ck clothes, and left with her entourage. Before leaving, she told the staff to keep everyone safe and avoid any idents. They nodded respectfully. In the car, Arya asked casually, "Why don''t we take Mia with us now?"


    "Are you serious? If we take her now, how are we supposed to get things done?" Annika rolled her eyes. "Mr. James''s people are waiting down the mountain. If we take her, how will we manage?"


    "Oh, right." Arya suddenly got it. "But if things get really tense, it wouldn''t be smart to send Mia overter either. Maybe we shouldn''t let her go at all?"


    "That''s not necessary," Annika said matter-of-factly.. "Mr. James probably just wants to show the strength and grace of the James Group and get the person in charge of the Sapphire Depths project to sign the documents." "Exactly." Sadie nodded. "Even if Tristan doesn''t like the Clemens family, he won''t cause trouble at the funeral!"


    "That''s good." Arya sighed in relief and started the car.


    At the foot of the mountain, a group was already waiting. Eight cars, everyone in ck suits, looking serious. Even the cars were changed from silver to ck.


    Sadie looked at the crowd, her brow furrowed. "Tristan is trying to intimidate the Clemens family!"


    "What should we do?" Annika asked quietly.


    "What else? Follow Tristan''s orders."


    Sadie got out and greeted Tristan''s people, then followed the convoy to the Clemens family''s vi.


    On the way, Arya asked, confused, "Annika, what does it mean to intimidate the Clemens family?"


    "Sapphire Depths project failed, and now we''re pulling out of Newark. People might think we''re scared of the Clemens family and are retreating," Annika exined.


    "Got it." Arya suddenly understood. "So Mr. James is doing all this to show that the James family isn''t scared of the Clemens family but that we just don''t want to be involved here anymore." "You finally get it." Annikaughed.


    "You should learn more from Annika, or you''ll suffer sooner orter," Sadie sternly reminded.


    "Yes." Arya bit her lip and stayed quiet.


    Annika smiled and was about to discuss the documents with Sadie when her phone rang. She answered, "Hello!"


    After hearing something, Annika''s face changed dramatically. She urgently reported to Sadie, "Ms. James, we just got news that Amelia escaped from prison!"


    "What?" Sadie was shocked. "Wasn''t she caught? How did she escape?"


    "Since the case hasn''t gone to trial yet, she was being held at the police station. She suddenly fell ill today and was taken to the hospital, where she managed to escape," Annika exined. "Stop the car," Sadie ordered decisively. "Send people to find Amelia!"


    "Yes."


    Arya stopped the car, and Annika left with people from another car to search for Amelia.


    Annika knew how important Amelia was to Sadie. The person who killed Brenda and humiliated her must couldn''t get away with it.

 Chapter 1073 Attending the Funeral

    Sadie nced at the dark, gloomy sky, feeling uneasy. It was like a curse; every time something went down, it was on a rainy day. She wondered what today had in store. "Ms. James, don''t worry," Arya said casually. "Nelson''s caught, E''s dead, Nick''s dead too, and Amelia can''t do much on her own."


    "That''s true." Sadie nodded. The Lingston family had crumbled, leaving only Amelia. What could she possibly do by herself?


    Still uneasy, Sadie called Serena. "Serena, be careful when you go outter. I''ll send someone to pick you up. Don''t go out alone, okay?"


    "Got it. Don''t worry," Serena replied, then asked, "Has something happened?"


    "Nothing." Sadie didn''t want to scare her. "Just stay with Mia for now. I''ll call youter."


    "Okay."


    After hanging up, Sadie looked out the window. The car had entered the vi''s greenway and was nearing Clemens Vi.


    With Amelia alone, she''d probably head to the airport if she escaped. Even though the Lingston Group had copsed, Amelia could still get some money. Maybe she had a passport and ticket ready, nning to leave Newark. But how did she escape on her own? Sadie couldn''t figure it out.


    "Ms. James, we''re here!" Arya reminded.


    Sadie realized the car had stopped. Two female bodyguards opened the door from outside. She put on her sunsses, got out, and walked in with eighteen attendants.


    Reporters swarmed, snapping pictures, almost breaking the protective cordon. The Clemens family''s bodyguards quickly stepped in to control the situation.


    Rn hurried over, frowning. "Ms. James, what brings you here?"


    "To pay my respects to Mr. Raymond Clemens." Sadie gestured, and Tristan''s people handed over flowers and gifts. The bouquet included a heartfelt condolence message signed by Tristan and Sadie.


    The reporters, excited, rushed to take pictures and videos, not wanting to miss this big story.


    Rn whispered instructions to his attendant, then stopped Sadie. "Sorry, Ms. James. I need Mr. Micah Clemens'' permission before letting you in."


    "Are you nning to let the reporters gather more material?" Sadie smiled. "I don''t mind."


    Reporters crowded over, vying to take pictures and ask questions.


    "Ms. James, are you here for Raymond''s funeral?"


    "Ms. James, there are rumors that Raymond''s death is rted to you. Is this true?" "Ms. James, there are rumors that Micah''s children are yours. Is this true?" Sadie remained silent.


    Seeing this, Rn instructed the attendants to disperse the reporters. Some guests inside came out to watch themotion. Seeing Sadie with so many people, they were rmed and quickly went inside to find Micah. The sky started to rain. Sadie stood in the yard, getting wet and losing her patience.


    Just as she was about to lose her temper, Rodolfo hurried out and conveyed to Rn, "Rn, Mr. Micah Clemens invites Ms. James in."


    "Did you make it clear? Ms. James brought a lot of people," Rn reminded in a low voice. "Are all these people allowed inside?"


    "He saw it," Rodolfo replied quietly. "He said the James family are VIPs and must not be neglected."


    Rn had nothing to say and invited Sadie in. "Ms. James, please!"


    Sadie walked in with her attendants. Arya followed closely, giving Rodolfo a cold re. Rodolfo felt frustrated and led the way with his head down.

 Chapter 1074 Tristans Purpose

    The church was somber, decked out in ck and white, with an air of sorrow hanging heavy. Guests slowly made their way forward to pay their respects before taking their seats. The only sounds were the soft funeral music, the officiant''s voice, and the murmurs of guests and family members.


    Sadie walked in with arge entourage, causing a stir. All eyes turned to Micah, waiting for his reaction. He just nced at her indifferently and continued greeting guests.


    In the family section, Noah and Nathan, both in ck suits, were acknowledging the condolences. When Sadie entered, Nathan almost called out "Mommy," but Noah quickly stopped him, shaking his head.


    Micah stayed silent in front of the kids, but Noah understood the gravity of the situation. The Clemens Group was in turmoil, and Micah was barely managing. If it were discovered that Sadie was the kids'' mother, it would only add to the chaos. The Clemens Group''s biggest rival was the James Group, and all their current problems stemmed from them. If the two families were linked, the board would be even more uneasy, and investors would start doubting Micah.


    Sadie gave the kids a reassuring look and then went to pay her respects to Raymond. His ck-and-white photo on the altar still looked imposing, his sharp eyes seemingly staring at her.


    Sadie sighed deeply. "Mr. Raymond Clemens looked so spirited. How did he suddenly pass away? It''s such a pity."


    "He was old. It happens," Micah replied politely. "Thank you, Ms. James."


    "You''re wee." Sadie smiled slightly and took her seat with her entourage. Her presence made the atmosphere tense, and all eyes were on her. People whispered, wondering why she was there.


    Sadie calmly sipped her tea, unfazed by the stares. Her eighteen bodyguards stood behind her, making others too scared to sit at the same table. A few guests who had already sat down got up to leave but were intimidated by the bodyguards'' intimidating stares.


    Micah stepped in. "Please sit over there. It''s already arranged." The guests quickly moved, relieved.


    "You are all Mr. James''s trusted aides. There''s no need to stand," Micah said politely to the bodyguards. "Please take your seats."


    The bodyguards were surprised. Rumor had it Micah was cold as ice. Why was he so amiable now? They looked to Sadie for guidance.


    "Since Mr. Clemens has invited you, there''s no need to be so polite. Besides, if you don''t sit down, you''ll make the other guests nervous," Sadie said, gesturing for them to sit. They took their seats, easing the tension in the room.


    "The person in charge of the Sapphire Depths project is over there," Micah pointed to a table at the back. "If you need to sign documents, just take them over."


    "Thank you," Sadie signaled with her eyes. Arya took the documents over, and the people in charge quickly stood up, eager to sign, not wanting to cause trouble at the funeral.


    "Now everyone knows the James Group isn''t afraid of the Clemens Group, and they know you withdrew from Newark because you didn''t want to continue operations here, not because I forced you out. Is that enough?" Micah said, seeing through Sadie''s intentions from the moment she walked in with her entourage.

 Chapter 1075 Do Not Interfere

    "I wasn''t causing any trouble." Sadie shrugged. "I came here to pay my respects to Mr. Raymond Clemens. Shouldn''t you be thanking me?" "Thank you!" Micah said, his face sincere. "Is that enough?"


    "You''re trying to get rid of me," Sadie smiled, leaning in close. "Amelia ran away. You know that, right?"


    "I know," Micah whispered back. "The police are already looking for her."


    "You knew she was my enemy. Why did you protect her and hand her over to the police? Now that she''s escaped, are you happy?" Sadie fumed. "We''ll talk about thister," Micah said quietly, ready to leave.


    "What are you afraid of?" Sadie suddenly raised her voice, drawing everyone''s attention. They looked at Micah with mixed expressions. Micah was speechless. She just wanted to make a scene.


    If it weren''t for Raymond''s funeral, he would have fought back. But here, he didn''t have the mood or the mind to argue.


    "Let''s talk somewhere else," he said to Sadie.


    Sadie got up and followed him.


    Arya was about to follow, but Sadie gestured for her to stop.


    They went to the lounge, and Andrew closed the door.


    Micah poured her a cup of hot tea and exined, "The police have a team out looking for Amelia. I''ve also sent my people to track her." "Well," Sadie interrupted. "You''d better stay out of it. I''ve already sent people to find her. This time, I won''t let her go."


    "This isn''t Country E," Micah reminded her, frowning. "You have to follow thew here."


    "Thanks for the reminder." Sadie raised an eyebrow and smiled. "But I can catch her first and take her back to Country E to kill her!" "You..." Micah was momentarily at a loss for words.


    "What?" Sadie looked at him intently. "Do you have some kind of deal with her?"


    Micah was silent for a moment before finally speaking, "When she agreed to testify against Nick, she made one condition-that I save her life." "Who would''ve thought Amelia is quite smart." Sadie sneered. "She knew I would definitely kill her, so she made that condition with you." "Yes." Micah frowned. "I never intended to shield her. I controlled her from the start to bring her to justice."


    "You don''t need to make it sound so noble." Sadie wasn''t buying it. "She killed Brenda, so she should pay with her life!"


    "Shemitted the crime in another country, and we can''t punish her for that," Micah said in a low voice. "But the bad things she did here are enough to put her in prison for decades."


    "Decades in prison can''t make up for Brenda''s death!" Sadie got angrier. "Her sins are so deep that even killing her wouldn''t satisfy me!"


    "I understand how you feel," Micah reiterated. "But in here, murder is illegal. No one is above thew, no matter how powerful your family is."


    "So, I''ll take her back to Country E to deal with her. That way, it won''t be illegal." Sadie didn''t want to continue the conversation and solemnly warned him, "I don''t care what you promised her. I''m going to catch her now. You''d better not interfere or don''t me me for being rude!"


    With that, Sadie got up and left.


    Micah watched her go, frowning. He knew he couldn''t and shouldn''t stop her, so he had no choice but to let her go.

 Chapter 1076 Taken Away by a Mysterious Person

    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew knocked and walked in. "Ms. James left."


    "Has Miae back?" Micah asked. Mia had called earlier, saying Sadie would bring her back tonight to mourn Raymond.


    "No," Andrew replied, shaking his head. "Arya said they''d bring Mia around eight, probably to avoid some issues."


    "Alright," Micah nodded. "Tell Oliver and the others not to do anything rash if they find Amelia. Let me know first."


    "Maybe we should just leave it alone," Andrew suggested cautiously. "Ms. James is really sensitive about this. If we mess things up with her over Amelia, it''ll cause even more troubleter." "We still need to keep an eye on it," Micah frowned. "What if she and the police find Amelia at the same time and there''s a conflict?"


    "Good point," Andrew nodded. "With Ms. James''s temper, if Amelia provokes her, she might pull a gun. The police would have a field day with that."


    "Exactly," Micah said seriously. "She''s about to leave Newark. We can''t have anything go wrong now."


    "Understood. I''ll make the call right away."


    "Wait," Micah added, still uneasy. "Oliver isn''t reliable. Have Rn take Rodolfo with him."


    "Got it. I''ll tell them now." Andrew hurried out.


    Just then, Noah and Nathan came in carrying desserts. "Daddy, you haven''t eaten all day. Have something to eat."


    "Thanks," Micah said, touching their little faces, feelingforted. "Did you see Mommy?"


    "Yeah," Nathan said happily. "Mommy hugged us secretly in the back hall before she left. She said Mia woulde over tonight?"


    "Yes," Micah smiled. "Mommy will bring Miater. She''ll join us in mourning Great-grandpa."


    "That''s great," Nathan said excitedly. "Is her cold better?"


    "Yes, otherwise Mommy wouldn''t have let here back." Micah took a sip of tea. He''d been so exhausted these past few days that he had no appetite, but now he felt happy seeing the food his kids brought. "That''s good," Nathan sighed in relief.


    "Daddy, did you and Mommy have another fight?" Noah asked, frowning.


    "No, we were just discussing something," Micah reassured, patting his head. "Don''t worry."


    "Okay," Noah nodded. "You eat and rest. We''re going out."


    With that, Noah pulled Nathan and left.


    Just as Micah was about to eat, his phone rang. It was Sadie. Surprised, he answered, "Hello!"


    "Did you send someone to pick up Mia?" Sadie asked urgently.


    "What?" Micah was stunned. "I didn''t. What''s going on?"


    "Are you sure it wasn''t you?" Sadie panicked. "Then who was it? My bodyguard said it was a car from the Clemens family." Halfway through her sentence, Sadie thought of something and immediately ordered her attendant, "Check on Jonny." "Yes."


    "What happened, Sadie?" Micah asked urgently. "What happened to Mia?"


    "Mia and Serena were picked up by someone. If it wasn''t you, it could be Nick''s people or rted to Amelia." "Where were they picked up? Your ce?"


    "Yes."


    "I''ll send someone to investigate immediately. Let''s keep each other informed. Unblock me."


    "Got it."


    When it came to their children''s safety, they put aside their differences and worked together to find Mia.

 Chapter 1077 She Was Suspect

    Micah hung up the phone and immediately shouted, "Andrew! Andrew!"


    "I''ming," Andrew rushed in. "What''s up, Mr. Clemens?"


    "Mia''s been taken by someone who might be from the Clemens family. We don''t know where she is," Micah said urgently. "See if Nick has anyone in Newark. And check out Jonny too." "Got it." Andrew''s face went pale, and he quickly left to make arrangements.


    Micah went to find Ss, asking him to handle the funeral arrangements. He then told Dahlia to ensure Noah and Nathan''s safety before hurrying out with a group of people.


    Ss didn''t know what was going on, but he knew it was serious. He quickly pulled himself together to entertain the guests.


    Noah and Nathan, having waited a long time without news of Mia, wanted to ask Micah but learned he had gone out on business.


    Nathan frowned, clearly upset. "Why did Dad leave now?"


    Noah quietly observed the scene. He noticed Ss, who had been sick in the backyard, was now greeting guests, and Rn, Andrew, and Rodolfo were nowhere to be seen. Only Dahlia was closely watching over them. He knew something big was up.


    He went to the back and tried calling Mia with his smartwatch but couldn''t get through. He then called Serena but still no luck.


    Noah''s expression grew serious. He thought about calling Sadie but stopped himself. Micah and Sadie were probably handling things, so he decided not to bother them.


    "Noah, what''s wrong?" Nathan asked anxiously. "You don''t look good. Did something happen?"


    "It''s nothing," Noah reassured him. "Maybe Dad and Mom have something to take care of, so Mia will be back a bitter."


    "I''m scared," Nathan said, almost in tears. "I have a bad feeling, like something''s going to happen."


    "It''s okay." Noah patted his small shoulder. "You must be brave! We still need to protect Mia together."


    Nathan took a deep breath, lifted his little head, and tried to be strong.


    "Alright, let''s go to the front hall. Since Dad''s not here, we should help entertain the guests."


    "Okay."


    The two kids obediently helped entertain the guests, which made Ss very pleased. The Clemens family had recently faced various cmities, and the onlyforting thing was probably these three children. Children? Ss suddenly paused and asked Dahlia, "Where''s Mia? Wasn''t she supposed to be here tonight for Mr. Raymond Clemens'' funeral?"


    "Maybe she''ll be a bitte." Dahlia''s eyes flickered. "Mia has always been in poor health; maybe her condition rpsed, and Ms. James is keeping her for treatment."


    "You''re not telling the truth, are you?" Ss immediately saw through her lie. "Then I''ll have to call Mr. Clemens."


    As he spoke, Ss prepared to make a call.


    "Ss," Dahlia hurriedly stopped him, ncing at Noah and Nathan nearby, and whispered. "Mia is missing. Mr. Clemens and Ms. James are looking for her everywhere. I didn''t tell you because I didn''t want you to worry." "What happened?" Ss was shocked.


    "All I know is that Mia and Serena, who was with Ms. James, were taken by someone driving a Clemens car, looking like Clemens family members. I don''t know anything else."


    "How could this happen?" Ss was both angry and anxious. "Didn''t the James family''s bodyguards check their ID before letting outsiders take Mia away?"


    "I suspect there''s something wrong with Serena." Dahlia frowned. "Ms. James trusts her a lot, and the James family''s bodyguards treat her like one of their own. If Serena said Ms. James had already given instructions, they definitely wouldn''t stop her."

 Chapter 1078 The Details of the Matter

    "Mia''s health has always been fragile. If anything else happens, it would be a disaster," Ss said, clearly worried.


    "Ms. James is doing everything she can to find her, and Mr. Clemens has people searching too. Nothing will happen," Dahlia reassured him. "But you might want to consider if Ms. Clemens has any remaining allies." "There shouldn''t be any," Ss frowned. "The people around Ms. Clemens were useless, and she was always self-centered. Besides Selina, she had no trusted friends." "Selina''s been dead for a long time," Dahlia reminded him.


    "I know." Ss thought hard. "I really can''t think of anyone formidable around Ms. Clemens. Unless it''s..."


    He suddenly thought of someone, and his face stiffened. "No, it can''t be."


    "Who are you talking about?"


    "If I can think of it, Mr. Clemens can think of it too."


    "You mean Mr. Davis?"


    In the car, Andrew was shocked by Micah''s analysis. "No way! He usually acts carefree and has no interest in power struggles. How could he kidnap Mia?"


    "I hope it''s not him either," Micah frowned, looking serious. "After all, we were like brothers. Although I fought with Nick, he was never involved. I hope he hasn''t lost his mind."


    "Yeah, Mr. Davis still has a brotherly bond with you," Andrew said with some emotion. "If it weren''t for Nick''s stubbornness, you two could have gotten along well. But your earlier spection makes sense. Nick didn''t have many close allies, and even if he had some remaining allies, they couldn''t do much. Who else could impersonate our convoy? But Mr. Davis doesn''t seem like a scheming person. I just feel he couldn''t do such a thing." "Check if there''s any record of n entering the country first," Micah instructed.


    "Yes," Andrew immediately made a call to investigate and then reported back. "The airport confirmed that there is no record of Mr. Davis entering the country."


    "It seems I was overthinking it. This has nothing to do with n," Micah sighed in relief. "Maybe someone impersonated our Clemens family convoy, and it was the James family''s oversight."


    "Go ask Rn about the situation. Have they found Amelia?"


    "Rn just sent a message saying he''s leading a search at the airport but hasn''t found any clues yet," Andrew said. "Do you think these two incidents are rted?"


    "The Lingston family has already fallen. How could Amelia escape from prison alone? Someone must be helping her from behind," Micah spected. "And isn''t it too much of a coincidence? She just escaped, and then Serena and Mia were taken."


    "Speaking of which, do you think Serena was suspect?" Andrew asked tentatively. "The James family bodyguards are all elite. Without Serena''s approval, how could they easily let someone go?"


    "That''s why I asked you to investigate Jonny," Micah frowned. "Is there any news?"


    "I''ll ask them again." Andrew immediately called his subordinates and quickly got an answer. He hurriedly reported, "It turns out Jonny went missing a long time ago. Before he disappeared, he went to find Serena and then vanished. No one knows what happened."


    "Jonny must have been captured while looking for Serena. That person used Jonny to threaten Serena, making her approach Sadie and act at a critical moment," Micah spected.


    "But why would she kidnap Mia?" Andrew asked, puzzled.


    "Maybe to take her as a hostage," Micah analyzed. "With Mia in hand, none of us would dare to act against her."


    "So, the one who instructed Serena to kidnap Mia must be Amelia," Andrew suddenly realized. "A mysterious person is backing Amelia."


    "Exactly," Micah pieced everything together. "We must find them quickly, focusing on the airport. If I''m right, Amelia will definitely try to take Mia out of Newark. Leaving is her only chance to survive."

 Chapter 1079 Encountering Betrayal

    "Rn''s got the airport locked down with his men. He said Annika''s there too, so it looks like Ms. James had the same idea as you," Andrew said. "Search thoroughly. We need to find Mia," Micah ordered.


    "Got it," Andrew replied.


    Micah nced out the window. The weather was gloomy, like something bad was about to happen. He had a gut feeling something was off. Suddenly, the James family''s convoy sped past like a gust of wind.


    The driver eximed, "That Arya sure knows how to drive."


    "Rodolfo''s not here. You can''t catch up. Drive safely," Andrew reminded.


    "Yes, sir."


    "They''re probably heading to the airport too," Andrew said, looking back at Micah. "Mr. Clemens, don''t worry. With so many of us, Amelia couldn''t escape Newark even if she sprouted wings." "Okay," Micah responded, dialing the police to get details on Amelia''s prison break, hoping for some clues.


    Meanwhile, Sadie stared at the gloomy weather outside, her face heavy with concern. Though her old illness had eased with treatment, rainy days still made her anxious. She had analyzed the situation and reached the same conclusion as Micah.


    Thinking back to the afternoon she left, Serena had seemed hesitant and conflicted, probably struggling with her conscience. But Sadie believed Serena wouldn''t really harm Mia. She only took Mia to save Jonny and was just following someone else''s orders, which was still despicable.


    Mia had been poisoned by E, suffering greatly, and had just started to recover. Now she had been kidnapped again. Her frail body couldn''t endure much more. If anything else happened, Sadie couldn''t bear to imagine it. "You always trusted Serena, and she betrayed you for Jonny. It''s unforgivable," Arya said angrily. "If I catch her, I''ll kill her."


    "If someone captured Rodolfo to threaten you, what would you do?" Sadie asked.


    "I''d use my own skills to save him. If I couldn''t, we''d die together. I would never harm others or betray you for any reason," Arya answered without hesitation.


    "Good for you." Sadie patted her shoulder, feeling touched but also deeply saddened by Serena''s betrayal. She had never anticipated it. She still couldn''t believe it.


    "In the end, it''s all Micah''s fault," Arya said angrily. "If he hadn''t hidden Amelia and then handed her over to the police, none of this would have happened. If you''d just shot her back then, none of this would be happening now."


    Sadie didn''t respond. Arya''s blunt words were harsh but true. She suddenly thought of a question. Even if Amelia had nned ahead and had someone kidnap Jonny to threaten Serena, the Lingston Group had already fallen apart. How could she have the resources to miraculously escape from the police, disguise someone as part of the Clemens family''s convoy, and take Serena and Mia?


    Someone must be helping her. But Nick was dead, E was dead, and Nelson was in prison. Who could be helping her? And to be able to disguise as the Clemens family''s convoy, this person must be quite capable. Who could it be? Sadie was utterly perplexed.


    "It''s strange," Arya suddenly said. "Logically, if Amelia kidnapped Serena and Mia by herself, she should have been found quickly. Annika took so many people; howe there''s no news at all?"

 Chapter 1080 Racing Against Time (1)

    "Maybe they didn''t go to the airport?" Patricia Evans, another female bodyguard, wondered aloud.


    "No way," Arya replied confidently. "Staying in Newark is a death sentence for her. The only way she could survive is by leaving Newark, so she must''ve gone to the airport." "Did she disguise herself?" Patricia asked again.


    "Even if she did, Annika would still find her," Arya said, puzzled. "She specifically sent Coco over. Coco''s great at recognizing people. No matter how Amelia disguises herself, Coco will find her." "That''s odd," Patricia mused. "Newark only has one airport. Could she have taken a train?"


    "That''s nonsense. Newark''s trains don''t go abroad." Arya rolled her eyes. "Even if she went to another city, we''d catch her quickly."


    "Wait." Sadie suddenly had a thought. "It takes just over an hour by express train to get to Sylvanvale, and there''s an international airport there."


    Arya quickly slowed down. "Could it be..."


    "It''s been an hour." Sadie checked her watch. "Turn around ahead and take the highway to Sylvanvale Airport."


    "Got it." Arya immediately changed direction.


    As they got on the highway, they encountered the Clemens family''s convoy. Arya said, "Looks like Mr. Clemens had the same idea as you."


    "Ignore them. Get to Sylvanvale Airport as fast as possible," Sadie urged.


    "On it," Arya sped towards Sylvanvale Airport as fast as she could.


    Meanwhile, Sadie called Annika, "We''re heading to Sylvanvale Airport now. Stay at Newark Airport. If you see Amelia, take her down immediately. Don''t let anyone stop you!"


    "Understood. Don''t worry." Annika knew the importance of this matter. "If Amelia shows up here, I''ll take her down and save Mia!"


    "Good." Sadie hung up the phone, anxiously checking her watch. "Hurry up. If Amelia really takes Mia out of the country, we''re in big trouble."


    Once out of the country, many things would be out of their control. It would be really hard to find Mia then.


    If it were an adult, they would eventually find her with the James family''s influence, but Mia was still young and frail. She couldn''t handle the ordeal.


    Sadie was a bundle of nerves, wishing she could get to Sylvanvale Airport right away.


    In the Clemens family''s convoy, Micah was already in contact with the police in Sylvanvale, trying to get them to intercept international flights. The police needed to coordinate officially, which would take some time. Micah urged them to coordinate immediately while also contacting officials.


    In short, Micah was doing everything he could to stop Amelia from taking Mia.


    At Sylvanvale Airport, Amelia, already in disguise, along with her four subordinates, was going through security with the also-disguised Serena and Mia.


    Mia had been given a sedative by Serena and had been asleep since getting out of the car.


    Serena had been holding her the entire time and hadn''t let her go at the airport.


    But Mia was already six years old and not exactly light. Serena''s arms were sore from holding her for so long and she could barely manage. She wanted to sit and rest with Mia.


    But Amelia wouldn''t allow it. They hadn''t cleared security yet, and anything could go wrong at any moment.


    She signaled to one of her subordinates, a tall man, who then walked over to pick up Mia.


    Serena clung tightly to Mia, refusing to let go, and said emotionally, "I can do it. I can hold her. I don''t need your help."


    With that, Serena gritted her teeth and picked up Mia to go through security.


    Amelia had prepared new documents for both Serena and Mia.


    The security personnel checked the documents but grew suspicious when they saw the sleeping Mia. They asked, "Is everything alright with the child?"

 Chapter 1081 Serena Saved Jonny

    "She caught a cold, took some medicine, and slept soundly." Serena held Mia tightly, her arms trembling from the effort, and her clothes soaked with sweat. "What''s your rtionship to the child?" the security officer asked again.


    "I''m her aunt." As Serena spoke, a passenger with a suitcase nearly bumped into Mia. She quickly shielded Mia''s head with her hand, scraping her hand against the suitcase.


    Seeing how carefully Serena was taking care of the child, the security officer didn''t ask any more questions and let them pass, even reminding her that there were strollers avable ahead. Serena thanked him but didn''t dare to use a stroller. She was afraid Amelia might harm Mia, so she kept holding Mia tightly, not daring to let go.


    The group arrived at the business ss lounge in the waiting area. Serena finally sat down with Mia, feeling slightly relieved.


    Amelia gave instructions to the four people with her. Two of them stayed outside to keep watch, while the other two stood behind her.


    Amelia sat on the sofa, ring coldly at Serena, and warned in a low voice, "Don''t act so timidly, making everyone look at us. If you attract the police''s attention, you''re dead."


    "When will you release Jonny?" Serena frowned and asked. "I''ve already brought Mia out as you requested."


    "I''ll have Jonny released once I get to Country H," Amelia said coldly. "As long as I safely reach Country H, you and Jonny will be fine. If anything goes wrong, he''ll be the first to die, and you''ll be the second." "What do you mean?" Serena was stunned. "What could go wrong?"


    "Don''t be stupid. Do you think Micah and Sadie are stupid?" Amelia snapped. "They''re already looking for me. If they find us here, we''re in trouble!"


    "But I''ve done what you asked," Serena said anxiously. ""Let Jonny go first. He''s injured and has been locked up for a month. He won''t survive if this continues."


    "What''s the rush? I''ll let him go once we get to Country H," Amelia said indifferently.


    "Let him go now," Serena said excitedly. "Or I''ll call for help."


    "You" Amelia nced at the patrolling police officers outside, gritting her teeth in anger.


    "Now that you have the child and me, we''re your most valuable hostages. Jonny is of no use to you. Why are you keeping him?" Serena said urgently. "If you let him go, I''ll do whatever you say." "What if you''re tricking me?" Amelia was very cautious. After all she''d been through, she''d suffered many setbacks. Now, with someone''s help, she had a chance to escape. This was herst opportunity. If anything went wrong again, she would be doomed.


    "You''re overestimating me," Serena said with a bitter smile. "I''m just an ordinary person. What tricks could I y? Besides, I have Mia with me. How could I run?"


    "You''re right." Amelia thought so too. She had never taken Serena seriously. To her, Serena was just a timid follower of Sadie with no skills or abilities. She couldn''t possibly escape her control, especially with Mia as a hostage. So, Amelia made a call and had Jonny released.


    "Let me talk to him. I want to make sure he''s safe," Serena said excitedly, leaning in.


    "You''re so annoying," Amelia handed her the phone, snapping. "Sit over there. You''re all sweaty, and you stink."


    Serena, holding Mia, took the phone and sat to the side to make the call. "Hello, Jonny."


    "Serena." Jonny''s voice was very weak. "Don''t worry about me. Take care of yourself."


    "Jonny." Serena couldn''t help but cry upon hearing his voice. "I''m sorry. It''s all my fault. If it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t have been captured."

 Chapter 1082 Racing Against Time (2)

    "No, it''s not your fault."


    "Jonny, they''ll let you go soon. I have fifty grand in my ount. The password is Mia''s birthday. Use it for your treatment." As Serena spoke, the airport PA system announced the boarding of the flight to Havenbrook City in H Country. Amelia suddenly grabbed the phone and hung up.


    "I wasn''t finished."


    Just as Serena was about to speak, Amelia pped her and angrily shouted, "You bitch, you talk too much. Are you trying to warn someone?"


    "I didn''t," Serena said through her tears. "Jonny is so badly hurt that he can''t even speak. What message could I possibly pass on? I''m just afraid he''ll get dragged into this and suffer more."


    "That''s true." Amelia thought for a moment. "You betrayed Sadie for Jonny, so you wouldn''t risk his life. Besides, he''s so sick now, he doesn''t have the strength to do anything."


    Serena kept her head down, tears streaming down her face.


    "Enough. Take Mia and go. It''s time to board," Amelia ordered. "Hurry up!"


    Serena stood up, holding Mia, and obediently followed behind.


    The two bodyguards kept a close watch on her. She didn''t even dare to lift her head, let alone do anything.


    There was already a long line at the boarding gate, but Amelia and her group had first-ss tickets and could use the priority boarding. They waited for their tickets to be checked in the first-ss area. Serena nced back; no one was following. She was anxious. If this continued, they would really leave the country.


    Meanwhile, Sadie rushed to the airport with her team. As they got out of the car, they hurried towards the security checkpoint. Patricia quickly led a team to investigate Amelia''s whereabouts.


    Arya was on the phone with the management at Sylvanvale Airport, trying to get ess to the surveince cameras to speed up the search.


    But time was running out. Every second counted, and verifying their identities took time.


    Sadie was frantic. She stood in the airport lobby, looking at the peopleing and going, trying to find her Mia.


    She was on the verge of losing it. Based on the timing, if everything had gone smoothly, Amelia would have already boarded with Mia. She had no idea where Amelia was taking Mia, and once they left Newark, it would be hard to find them. In her panic, Sadie stopped every child who looked about Mia''s age, hoping to check if they were Mia.


    But none of them were.


    "What are you doing? Why are you grabbing my child?"


    Those parents angrily pushed Sadie away.


    Someone even called security. "This crazy woman is grabbing kids everywhere, scaring my daughter."


    "I''m looking for my daughter," Sadie exined.


    "This is my daughter."


    "Forget it; maybe her child is missing. Let''s be understanding as parents."


    "She''s crazy."


    The parents left angrily, protecting their children.


    Sadie was lost, not knowing where to look.


    Meanwhile, Patricia found no clues, and the people Arya contacted said they needed to apply to higher authorities and verify their identities. Arya angrily shouted, "This is urgent! Every minute counts. Can you just do it?"


    "Sorry, we have to follow procedures."


    "You"


    "Sadie!" A familiar voice called out.


    Sadie turned around and saw Micah rushing over. He pointed to a special passage and said, "Go through there. I''ve arranged it."


    "Hurry." Sadie immediately gathered her team and went through the VIPne.


    "Did you find out which flight it is?" Sadie asked anxiously as they ran.


    "Flight 742 to Havenbrook City in Country H!"

 Chapter 1083 Feeding Sleeping Pills to Mia

    "Amelia sure knows how to pick a spot," Sadie muttered through clenched teeth. "She thinks that ce is my ce of heartbreak, so she wouldn''t expect me to think she''d take Mia to Havenbrook City." "The ce that seems the most dangerous is often the safest," Micah said, frowning. "That''s probably her logic."


    "How''d you get the flight number?" Sadie asked, curious. "My people couldn''t find it."


    "Jonny called me," Micah replied. "He got hurt by Amelia''s crew and was locked up for over a month. He just got out, and Serena leaked the info when she called him."


    "Just as I thought," Sadie said, both angry and anxious. "Serena''s so foolish. Why didn''t she tell me directly? I could''ve saved Jonny. Why did she let herself be threatened by Amelia?" "Worrying too much can cloud your judgment," Micah said calmly. "They''ve already boarded. We need to stop them fast."


    "Tell the airport to stop that flight," Sadie urged, panicking.


    "They''re still working on it."


    "Working on it? Now?" Sadie was about to lose it. "If anything happens to Mia, I won''t let them off."


    "This isn''t Country E; we don''t have special privileges," Micah reminded her. "Now that we know the destination, we don''t have to worry. I''ve already contacted the police in Country H." Sadie didn''t want to listen and sprinted towards the boarding gate.


    Amelia and her group had already boarded. Amelia breathed a slight sigh of relief. The ne was about to take off, and she could finally leave this ce safely.


    With Mia by her side, she wasn''t afraid of the James family and the Clemens family hunting her down.


    She nned to stay in Havenbrook City for a while and then move on.


    "Will you let us go when we get to Country H?" Serena asked nervously.


    "Shut up," Amelia hissed, then cautiously looked around, afraid of being overheard.


    "There''s no point in keeping us with you," Serena whispered. "With Mia in your hands, Mr. Clemens and Sadie wille after you. You might as well let us go, and they won''t bother chasing you anymore." "Do you think I''m an idiot?" Amelia whispered angrily. "I killed Brenda and humiliated Sadie. She won''t let me go. If I don''t have Mia, I''ll die even faster." "But-"


    "Shut up." Amelia threatened, pointing at her. "If you say another word, I''ll kill you!"


    Serena didn''t dare to speak again, only holding Mia tightly.


    "Miss, is the child asleep?" a flight attendant came over and asked. "Please ce her in her seat and fasten her seatbelt. The ne is about to take off."


    "Okay, thank you," Amelia responded politely, then said to Serena with a half-smile. "Hurry up and do it. She''s sweating."


    Serena didn''t dare to speak, carefully cing Mia in the seat and fastening her seatbelt.


    At this moment, the sleeping pills were wearing off, and Mia began to stir, showing signs of waking up.


    Amelia''s face changed. Taking advantage of the flight attendant walking away, she whispered, "What''s going on? Didn''t I tell you to give her more sleeping pills? Why is she waking up?"


    "She''s been sick and can''t take too many sleeping pills," Serena whispered. "This is already close to an overdose."


    "What if she wakes up and cries?" Amelia said with a dark face. "You need to give her more pills right now."


    "No, she can''t take any more." Serena shook her head in panic.


    People around them started to look over, sensing something was off with this group.


    Amelia red coldly at Serena. To avoid drawing attention, she didn''t say more. Instead, she took out two sleeping pills, crushed them into powder, and poured them into a half-empty drink bottle, preparing to give it to Mia.

 Chapter 1084 Make the Most of Time

    "No, you can''t!" Serena quickly stopped her.


    "Move!" Amelia shook off her hand, but Serena stubbornly shielded Mia.


    Their scuffle caught the attention of other passengers. A nearby passenger, who had been napping, grumbled, "You''re so noisy. Can you keep it down?"


    A flight attendant arrived. "Ladies, what''s going on here?"


    "Nothing," Amelia snapped, ring at Serena to keep quiet.


    Serena lowered her head, unsure if she should tell the flight attendant. Would the air marshal be able to stop Amelia? But those four bodyguards made her nervous. They had a history of violence. If they got angry, they might endanger everyone on the ne.


    "Please fasten your seatbelts; we are about to close the cabin door," the flight attendant reminded.


    "The cabin door isn''t closed yet?" Amelia asked, surprised. "We''ve been on board forever. Why isn''t it closed?"


    "A passenger is on their way," the flight attendant exined. "His luggage has already been checked in."


    "This is ridiculous!" Amelia checked her watch and shouted angrily, "The departure time has passed, and we''re still not taking off? Doesn''t our time matter?"


    "No, Miss. It''s just that the passenger-"


    "Because one person iste, everyone has to wait for him?" Amelia shouted, riling up the other passengers.


    "If he never shows up, are we just going to wait here? It''s a holiday. There are already so many flights. If we keep dying, we might miss our slot, and who knows how long we''ll be dyed? The flight might even get canceled!" "Well..." The flight attendant tried to exin, but the surrounding passengers started to get rowdy.


    "Yeah, our time is valuable too. We shouldn''t let one person''steness ruin our ns."


    "Exactly. If another flight bumps us, who knows when we''ll be able to take off."


    "Hurry up and close the cabin door, or I''ll file aint."


    Several flight attendants tried to exin, but no one was listening. Amelia incited a few more words, and the passengers became even more agitated. The flight attendant hurried to consult the captain. Amelia was very anxious. If this continued, Sadie and Micah would really catch up.


    But Serena was expecting them. When she called Jonny earlier, she deliberately leaked some information. If things had gone well, Jonny should have told Sadie or Micah. Maybe they were on their way now.


    At this moment, Micah and Sadie had already reached the boarding gate, but it was closed, and thest business ss passenger was being driven to the ne.


    The boarding gate was locked, and the airport staff were preparing to leave.


    "Wait a minute!" Micah grabbed the staff and said, "Open the door, please. This flight can''t take off. A child is being kidnapped on the ne."


    "We haven''t received any information," the staff said. "Sir, if that''s the case, please call the police first."


    "There''s no time. Open the door now," Micah urged anxiously.


    "This is the runway. You can''t go in." While the staff were exining, Sadie and her team rushed over and started banging on the door.


    "Hey, what are you doing?" The staff immediately tried to stop them and called airport security.


    While they were tussling, thestte passenger sessfully boarded the ne.


    The cabin door was closed, and the chief flight attendant immediately reassured everyone, "Ladies and gentlemen, thest passenger has boarded, the cabin door is closed, and we are about to take off. Please fasten your seatbelts." Hearing this, and seeing the closed cabin door, Serena felt a chill down her spine.


    Meanwhile, Amelia finally breathed a sigh of relief.

 Chapter 1085 Tracking and Pursuit

    Mia groggily woke up, feeling awful from the sleeping pills and her physical difort.


    "Mia, what''s wrong? Are you okay?" Serena asked, trying tofort her.


    "Serena, where are we?" Mia cried. "I feel terrible. I want Mommy."


    "Hang in there, Mia. Mommy will be here soon," Serena said, feeling guilty for letting Sadie and Mia down.


    "I feel so bad," Mia said, starting to retch.


    Serena quickly grabbed a vomit bag.


    Amelia watched, clearly annoyed.


    A flight attendant approached. "Is she okay?"


    "She..."


    "She''s just a bit airsick. She''ll be fine. You guys should take off," Amelia interrupted, anxious.


    "Is she really okay?" the flight attendant asked, still concerned.


    "I said she''s fine. Why do you talk so much?" Amelia snapped. "Why aren''t you taking off yet?" The flight attendant backed off.


    Serena opened a bottle of water for Mia.


    Mia still felt terrible and cried for Sadie.


    Amelia snatched the bottle, added sleeping pills, shook it, and tried to feed it to Mia.


    Serena tried to stop her, but a bodyguard pressed down on her shoulder, nearly crushing it.


    Amelia pinched Mia''s cheeks, forcing her to drink.


    Mia recognized her and widened her eyes in terror. "It''s you! What are you doing?"


    Before Mia could finish, Amelia forced the medicine down her throat.


    "Don''t hurt her," Serena pleaded, but she was pinned down.


    A passenger noticed and questioned Amelia. "What are you doing? Are you his mother?"


    "Of course I am," Amelia said. "She''s sick and refusing her medicine. I''m just helping."


    "Who forces a child to take medicine like this?" the passenger asked, suspicious.


    "If she disturbs everyone, will you take responsibility?" Amelia retorted. "It''s hard being a parent. If the child cries, everyone mes the parents. But when I give her medicine, you think I''m abusing her!" "Alright, alright," the passenger''spanion intervened. "Don''t meddle in other people''s family affairs."


    The passenger backed off.


    Amelia continued to force Mia to drink the medicine.


    Mia struggled, coughing and unable to speak.


    Meanwhile, Micah and Sadie burst through the boarding gate, rushing to find the ne.


    But ne wasn''t at the gate; it was parked elsewhere, needing a shuttle bus.


    Micah grabbed a staff member, asking where the ne was.


    Sadiemandeered a first-ss shuttle bus.


    Airport security arrived to stop them, and Andrew led a team to block them.


    Micah and Sadie got on the bus, ready to rush over, but the ne took off in the distance.


    A staff member shouted, "The ne you''re looking for has already taken off."


    Sadie stared in shock.


    "Get on a flight to Havenbrook City right away," Micah ordered.


    "Got it," Andrew said, making arrangements.


    "If chartering a ne takes too long, book the earliestmercial flight."


    "Understood."


    "Contact the airport and have the ne return," Sadie urged.


    "The ne hasn''t sent a distress signal. The airport won''t act easily. By the time they get approval, they''ll already be in Country H."

 Chapter 1086 Time Was Tight

    Hearing Micah''s words, Sadie got even more anxious. "We need to get there right now!"


    Meanwhile, airport management had already shown up. Micah was negotiating with them, and Andrew was arranging a private jet. Sadie watched anxiously. Just then, Annika called. "Ms. James, I''ve got the private jet ready. It can take off in an hour from Newark Airport."


    "Great. We''re heading over now."


    Sadie nced at Micah and quietly left with Arya and the others.


    "Aren''t we waiting for Mr. Clemens?" Arya whispered.


    "He''ll just get in my way," Sadie snapped. "I''m not going soft this time!"


    "Amelia deserves to die. We can''t let her go. Don''t worry, I''ll get us to Newark as fast as I can."


    "We need to be there within an hour, no dys!"


    "Got it!"


    Sadie and her team rushed to Newark Airport. Annika had already arranged their documents and had people from country H keeping an eye on Amelia at the airport.


    Sadie instructed, "Just watch her. Don''t let her harm Mia. I''ll handle it when I get there!"


    "Understood. I''ve already given the orders."


    Annika was always thorough. Though stationed at Newark, she was secretlymunicating with Arya for updates from Sylvanvale Airport. She had arranged the private jet at Newark just in case, and now it was paying off.


    Sadie and her team boarded the ne when Micah called. "Where are you? I''ve got a private jet ready, taking off in an hour."


    "I''m already on board," Sadie said coldly. "I''ll bring Mia back safely. You don''t need toe."


    "Sadie..." Before Micah could finish, Sadie hung up.


    Holding his phone, he sighed. She still didn''t trust him and thought he''d hinder her, so she left quietly to get to country H first.


    "I thought they were arranging a jet, but they beat us to it," Andrew said tofort him. "But it''s okay. Everyone''s trying to save Mia."


    "Go see if we can take off earlier," Micah ordered.


    "Yes." Andrew went to make the arrangements.


    Rodolfo asked, confused, "Mr. Clemens, Ms. James deliberately avoided us. Shouldn''t we avoid making her angry?"


    "What do you know?" Micah snapped.


    Rodolfo immediately lowered his head, not daring to speak.


    Andrew finished his call and reported, "The airport moved our takeoff up by half an hour. That''s the best they can do." "Alright," Micah said, heading to the boarding gate, talking to the police in country H on the phone.


    Andrew, Rodolfo, and the others followed closely.


    Seeing Rodolfo''s unease, Andrew whispered, "Mr. Clemens is worried Ms. James will kill Amelia."


    "Why shouldn''t she?" Rodolfo asked, puzzled. "Amelia should''ve been dead long ago. If we dealt with her earlier, we wouldn''t have these problems."


    "You''re so naive," Andrew frowned. "Now''s not the time to kill Amelia. We need to find out who''s helping her."


    "Oh," Rodolfo suddenly understood. "Right. If we kill her, the clues are gone."


    "Dealing with Amelia is easy. The key is the person behind her," Andrew said. "We''re out in the open, ad they''re in the shadows. Who knows what they''ll do next?" "That''s true." Rodolfo nodded. "Then why don''t we just tell Ms. James directly?"


    "There''s no time, and Ms. James won''t listen. Every second counts now."

 Chapter 1087 Kill Her

    "Got it," Rodolfo said, finally understanding. "No wonder Mr. Clemens always chews me out. Guess I still have a lot to learn from you guys." "Better keep quiet," Andrew warned. "Mr. Clemens is really pissed right now."


    "Yeah," Rodolfo muttered, ncing nervously at Micah''s back.


    "Just keep an eye on things. Don''t do anything stupid. Wait for me to get there," Micah said, finishing up with the local cops. He checked his watch and hurried toward the boarding gate. Andrew, Rodolfo, and the others followed close behind.


    Meanwhile, Sadie''s ne had already taken off.


    Despite the rare moment of peace, Sadie couldn''t calm down. Worrying about the dangers Mia might face made her heart ache, and she wished she could take Amelia out right then and there. "Rumor has it Mr. Clemens is swift and ruthless. Why''s he taking so long with Amelia?" Arya whispered to Annika.


    "Maybe it''s because he has kids now, and he''s softened up," Annika guessed. "Or maybe he''s got other concerns."


    "What concerns?" Arya said, raising her hand for emphasis. "I remember Mr. James once said, ''To get things done, you have to be decisive. The more concerns you have, the harder it is to seed."" "Quiet," Annika whispered. "Ms. James is already annoyed."


    "Okay," Arya quickly shut her mouth, not daring to say more.


    Sadie stared out at the clouds, her brows furrowed.


    The closer they got to their destination, the clearer her memories became. She still vividly remembered being forcibly sent away by the Clemens family, and the experiences she had in that country reyed in her mind. Amelia''s actions kept reminding her that hatred must be resolved. If not, it would lead to endless troubles.


    Maybe sensing Sadie''s murderous intent, Amelia, who had just gotten off the ne in Havenbrook City, suddenly felt a chill. She instinctively hugged her arms and looked around but saw nothing unusual.


    "You''ve already safely arrived here. Can you let us go now?" Serena asked anxiously. "Keeping us with you now is useless."


    "You''re indeed useless," Amelia sneered.


    She gave a signal, and a bodyguard immediately snatched the unconscious Mia from Serena''s arms.


    "No!" Serena shouted, panicking. "Give Mia back to me!"


    People around started to look over.


    Amelia red at her coldly. "If you don''t want to die, you''d better behave."


    "What are you going to do?" Serena asked anxiously. "If you hurt Mia, Sadie won''t let you off."


    Amelia pped her hard. "You bitch, dare to threaten me?"


    "Let us go and you can leave faster. Isn''t that better?" Serena said, covering her swollen face. "Keeping Mia with you draws attention and makes things more dangerous."


    "That''s none of your concern," Amelia snapped, walking straight to the parking lot.


    Serena followed anxiously, pleading in a low voice, "Give Mia to me. I''ll hold her. She''s not in good health and can''t take much more."


    "You''re really too noisy," Amelia said in annoyance, ordering the bodyguard. "Kill her!"


    "Yes," the bodyguard grabbed Serena''s hair, ready to drag her away.


    Another bodyguard immediately stopped him. "Wait. There are police."


    Amelia turned to look. The usuallyx security at Havenbrook City airport had a lot of police patrolling today. She felt something was off. Looking around again, she saw no other suspicious figures. If Micah and Sadie''s people were ambushed nearby, they should have taken her down by now.


    Maybe she was just overthinking it.

 Chapter 1088 Never Abandon Her

    They still didn''t mess with Serena, just in case.


    "Get them in the car first," Amelia ordered.


    "Yes, ma''am." The bodyguards shoved Serena into the SUV.


    The car sped away from the airport, heading who knows where.


    Mia, unconscious, started to vomit all over a bodyguard.


    Annoyed, he pushed her away, took off his jacket, and tossed it out the window before cleaning himself up.


    Serena immediately held Mia, gently patting her back. "Mia, it''s okay. I''m here."


    Mia had been given sleeping pills twice and had already thrown up on the ne. Her stomach was empty, and now she was just vomiting water.


    Her face was deathly pale, lips purple, and her whole body was cold, like she''d juste out of a freezer. Her breathing was getting weaker.


    "We need to go to the hospital now." Serena grabbed Amelia, crying. "Please, take Mia to the hospital first."


    "Get off me." Amelia shook her hand off impatiently.


    "If anything happens to Mia, you''ll lose your bargaining chip," Serena pleaded. "She needs to be healthy and alive for you to have any leverage. Please, take her to the hospital; she''s not going to make it." "Are you nuts?" Amelia scoffed. "It''s just some sleeping pills. She''ll be fine after she wakes up and eats something."


    "No, she really..."


    "Enough!" Amelia shouted angrily. "Throw her out of the car."


    The bodyguard immediately grabbed Mia, ready to toss Serena out.


    "No!" Serena clung to the seatback, crying out in desperation. "Please, let me stay. At least I can help take care of Mia. If I die, she''ll be a burden to you."


    "So annoying." Amelia lifted her foot, ready to kick Serena out.


    Just then, Mia woke up and started crying loudly.


    Amelia paused, and the bodyguards all winced from the noise.


    Serena quickly held Mia,forting her, "Mia, don''t be afraid. I''m here. I''ll protect you."


    "Serena, I want Mommy!" Mia cried, gasping for breath.


    "Stop crying!" Amelia shouted.


    Mia cried even louder, and Amelia was at a loss.


    A bodyguard reached out to hit Mia, but Amelia immediately stopped him. "What are you doing? Don''t touch her!"


    The bodyguard withdrew his hand.


    "She''s my hostage. If anything happens to her, we''re all dead," Amelia yelled. "No one touches her!"


    "Yes, ma''am." The bodyguards didn''t dare move.


    "Make her stop crying," Amelia said, shoving a bag of food at Serena. "If you can calm her down, I''ll spare your life. Otherwise, you''re dead."


    "Got it," Serena said, wiping Mia''s tears and whispering in her ear. "Mia, be good. Stop crying, or you''ll get a fever. If you get a fever, you won''t see Sadie. We need to save our strength and wait for Sadie to rescue us, okay?" Mia''s pale little face buried in Serena''s arms, trembling with fear, but she stopped crying and only sobbed quietly.


    "Good girl. Let''s drink some water." Serena found a bottle of water and gave it to Mia.


    Mia took a sip, then leaned weakly in Serena''s arms, her voice hoarse. "Serena, I''m scared."


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll protect you." Serena wiped the cold sweat from Mia''s forehead, tears streaming down her face. "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry."


    Amelia watched this scene, and for some reason, her gaze softened.


    She turned her head to look out the window, reflecting on her life. Besides her mother, Lori Ramirez, it seemed no one had ever been so devoted to her. Never.

 Chapter 1089 The Last Bit of Conscience (1)

    After a lot of hassle, they finally reached their destination: the vi where Sadie and Brenda used to live. It had been empty for two years, unable to be rented or sold. Because of the incident, all the other residents in the surrounding vis had moved away. The whole area felt like a ghost town, eerily silent.


    Amelia picked this ce as a hideout because it was deserted and a spot Sadie would never want to return to, making it hard to find. Amelia figured that even if Sadie searched the entire, she''d never think to look here. Serena walked into the vi holding Mia and was stunned. She saw a tree in the yard, a row of dead potted nts, and a clothes-drying rack, all giving her an odd sense of familiarity. As she moved further in and checked out the living room''syout and furnishings, along with the dust-covered clothes on the sofa, she quickly realized this was where Sadie and Brenda had lived.


    "Mia, look. This is where Sadie and Brenda used to live," Serena said softly, patting Mia''s back, only to find Mia had fallen into a deep sleep, her clothes soaked with sweat and her forehead burning hot.


    "Oh my God, Mia has a fever," Serena hurriedly carried Mia to find Amelia, anxiously saying, "Please, take Mia to the hospital. I''m serious; she was poisoned by E before, causing recurrent high fevers and vomiting. Dr. Henry''s treatment barely stabilized her, but now because of the sleeping pills, it''s rpsed. Once she starts to have a fever, it will be very dangerous."


    Hearing this, Amelia was slightly taken aback, as if contemting something.


    "Please, I beg you," Serena crawled over and grabbed Amelia''s foot, pleading.


    "She''s not going anywhere," Amelia kicked her away. "Get lost. Don''t bother me."


    "She needs to see a doctor immediately, or something really bad will happen. I beg you," Serena knelt down, crying and pleading. "She will really die, I beg you, please."


    "Do you think that if Mia dies, I''ll kill you too, so you''re begging me like this?" Amelia looked at Serena coldly.


    "I owe her. I owe Sadie," Serena cried. "If possible, I am willing to trade my life for hers; just please spare Mia!"


    "You are such a hypocrite," Amelia sneered. "You''re just trying to save yourself! But it''s normal; everyone looks out for themselves."


    After saying this, Amelia stepped forward and touched Mia''s forehead. She confirmed Mia had a severe fever. She ordered a bodyguard to buy medicine, promising him extra money to ovee his impatience. He finally went. "Alright, take her to the room to rest. The fever medicine will be here soon."


    Amelia took out her phone, intending to make a call.


    "No, she can''t take fever medicine. She''s undergoing other treatments and can''t take random medications. She needs to go to the hospital immediately."


    "If you say one more word, I''ll cut out your tongue," Amelia lost all patience. "Get out!"


    Seeing Amelia full of killing intent, Serena didn''t dare to anger her and had to carry Mia back to the room, using a wet towel to cool her down.


    Amelia dialed a number, and after a long time, the other party finally answered, a tired and old voiceing through. "Hello!"


    "Dad, it''s me!"


    When Amelia left, the mysterious person had told her that they would arrange for Nelson to be released on medical parole, allowing him to go home and await trial. So, she tried calling Nelson. "How did you..."


    "I escaped," Amelia said softly. "Where are you? Is it convenient to talk? Your phone isn''t being monitored, right?"


    "I''m in the hospital," Nelson said in a low voice. "No one''s monitoring. Don''t worry."

 Chapter 1090 The Last Bit of Conscience ( 2)

    Amelia quickly said, "Listen up. I put three million dors in Mom''s ount. You can take it out whenever. It should cover your retirement." "Where''d you get that money?" Nelson asked, surprised.


    "Don''t worry about it," Amelia whispered. "The bank card''s on my pillow. The password is Mom''s birthday. Gotta go."


    As the call neared a minute, Amelia hurried to hang up, but Nelson shouted, "Wait!"


    "What now?" Amelia asked.


    "What''s Lori''s birthday?" Nelson asked awkwardly.


    "You forgot her birthday? Seriously?" Amelia was disappointed. "You''re heartless."


    Amelia was tough, but Lori was her soft spot. Even though Lori was Nelson''s mistress, she raised Amelia with care and even sacrificed herself to bring Amelia back to the Lingston family. Amelia felt guilty and couldn''t stand anyone disrespecting Lori.


    Nelson tried to exin, "I''m old. My memory''s shot. I forget my own birthday, let alone yours and E''s."


    "Enough," Amelia snapped, giving the answer impatiently, "063072!"


    "Got it," Nelson said, his voice now weak and submissive.


    "Is E dead?" Amelia asked.


    Seeing the call had gone over a minute, Amelia didn''t care. If the cops were tracking her, they could do it in one minute or ten.


    Nelson''s voice grew sad as he recounted, "Yeah. Her own poison got her. It was awful."


    "She had iting!" Amelia spat. "That hypocrite med her bad deeds on me. She deserved it!"


    "You can''t talk about her like that," Nelson weakly protested. "She was your sister."


    "I don''t have a sister like that," Amelia said with deep hatred. "I always thought Mom''s death was suspicious. Now I know it was her. I was so blind. I didn''t know she was good with poisons!"


    When she was locked up in the Clemens family''s backyard, she overheard servants talking about poor Mia, who had been poisoned young. She thought Nick had done it. But when Serena mentioned Mia was poisoned by E and described the symptoms, Amelia remembered Lori''s death.


    So, she tested Nelson.


    Nelson sighed, "It''s all in the past. Why bring it up now? By the way, how did you escape?"


    "So, you knew E poisoned my mom?" Amelia interrupted, her voice shaking with anger.


    Nelson was stunned. He realized Amelia had been testing him.


    Amelia trembled with rage. "How could you be so heartless! E was just 11 when Mom died! I believed you when you said Mom died of illness. Until I saw Mia''s condition, I realized it might have been poison. You kept it from me for years, pretending to love me, just to protect that vicious mute, E?"


    "Women aren''t important. If one leaves, you can always find another," Nelson replied calmly. "But you two are my daughters and can help my business. I didn''t want you to end up killing each other!"

 Chapter 1091 The Last Bit of Humanity (3)

    "Women aren''t important?" Amelia sneered, tears streaming down her face. "Nelson, you''re heartless. My mom stood by you for years, had your kids, and this is how you repay her?" "People need to look out for themselves," Nelson muttered.


    "So, you brought the cops with you now?" Amelia asked suddenly. "You stalled to give them time to track me?"


    Nelson stayed silent, ncing at the police around him. He never realized Amelia was this sharp.


    "Guess I was right," Ameliaughed bitterly, tears falling like broken pearls. "What did they offer you to betray me?"


    "You can''t escape. Turn yourself in," Nelson said, looking down. "Micah and Sadie are already in Country H, chasing you."


    "Why are you doing this to me?" Amelia cried, but the other end of the line was silent.


    "Nelson, I hate you! I''ll never forgive you, not even in death!" she screamed before hanging up.


    Her hand shook as she held the phone, and she broke down in tears.


    Despite everything, she still cared about Nelson. Even in danger, she left him some money for his old age.


    While on the run, she asked someone to help Nelson, which got him medical parole.


    She fled to Country H and called Nelson to tell him about the money, but he betrayed her for his safety.


    Amelia thought sadly, ''Is this what father-daughter love is? Isn''t a father supposed to love his daughter the most? Why is Nelson like this?''


    His dignified and courteous demeanor was all an act. Now she saw his selfish, despicable, and hypocritical true face.


    Poor Lori never knew the real Nelson. If she had, she would''ve stayed in her small town and led a peaceful life. Why did she waste everything to return to the Lingston family? She recognized a hypocritical man as her father. He used her and now discarded her.


    A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. The bodyguards said urgently, "We might have been followed. We need to leave. Hurry!"


    Amelia didn''t respond, her eyes growing numb and twisted.


    She didn''t see the point in living anymore. Maybe it would be better to destroy everything. Everyone could die together. It might be more satisfying!


    "Did you hear me? We need to go," the bodyguards urged, but Amelia stayed silent.


    In another room, Serena held fever medicine but didn''t dare give it to Mia, only applying a fever patch.


    Hearing themotion outside, Serena panicked. She feared Amelia might do something irrational and harm her and Mia.


    Seeing the bodyguards rush to find Amelia, Serena took the chance. She held Mia and quietly climbed out the window, running desperately.


    Exhausted, Serena had no shoes and drenched in sweat, but she kept going. She couldn''t let anything happen to Mia.


    "They ran away!" someone shouted angrily, and then the chase began.


    Serena''s heart pounded. Holding Mia, she ran as fast as she could, but her legs gave out, and they were soon caught by a wall.

 Chapter 1092 Protecting to the Death

    "Stop!" A bodyguard aimed a gun at Serena.


    "You can kill me, but let her go," Serena pleaded. "How much did Amelia pay you? Mia''s parents can pay you ten times more!"


    The bodyguards ignored her. One grabbed her hair and pped her twice.


    Serena hit the ground, blood streaming from her nose and mouth, but she held Mia tightly.


    Serena continued, "Mia''s mom is the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group. Her uncle is Mr. James, and her dad is Micah from the Clemens Group. If you hurt her, you''ll regret it..." "She''s our hostage; we won''t hurt her. But you''re in the way!" A bodyguard pressed a gun to Serena''s head. "Time to die!"


    Serena closed her eyes in despair.


    "Stop!" A cold, arrogant voice interrupted.


    The bodyguard looked back at Amelia. "Why haven''t you killed her yet? What''s the dy?"


    "The others are tracking us. Shoot now, and they''ll find us," Amelia said coldly, ring at Serena. "Grab Mia, let''s go." "Alright." The bodyguard moved to snatch Mia.


    "No, don''t touch her." Serena held Mia tightly.


    The bodyguard tried to pry Serena''s hands off but couldn''t. Furious, he smashed her head with the gun.


    After several hits, blood gushed out. Serena copsed but still clung to Mia.


    "Serena, Serena," Mia cried, her voice hoarse from fever.


    The bodyguard tried again to take Mia but couldn''t. Annoyed, he kicked Serena''s head hard.


    Serenay on the ground, too weak to resist, but still held Mia.


    Mia''s face was sttered with blood. Terrified, she cried continuously.


    Serena''s grip weakened; she was on the verge of copse.


    The bodyguard kept kicking Serena''s head.


    Suddenly, Mia threw herself on Serena, crying, "Don''t kill Serena, don''t kill Serena!"


    The bodyguard paused, frowning at Mia.


    Aplex emotion shed in Amelia''s eyes, but she quickly became indifferent and ordered, "Hurry up."


    The bodyguard reached for Mia, but she bit his hand hard. The pain was nothing to him, but the sound of a car approaching made them realize the enemy was near. Panicking, the bodyguard flung Mia aside. She hit the wall, and blood flowed from her head.


    "Mia..." Covered in blood, Serena struggled to crawl over and protect Mia.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Amelia shouted angrily.


    The bodyguard shook the blood off his hand and pulled out his gun to kill Serena.


    A gunshot rang out, hitting the bodyguard''s wrist. His gun fell, and he screamed in pain.


    The other three bodyguards scrambled for cover.


    Amelia rushed to pick up Mia, preparing to get in the car under the bodyguards'' cover.


    Just then, a massive George Patton truck crashed into them, mming their SUV into the wall. With a loud crash, the SUV was crushed.


    The driver was killed instantly, and the other two bodyguards were thrown from the car and subdued.


    Amelia, holding Mia, fell to the ground. She scrambled up, pressing a gun to Mia''s head, and shouted, "Move, and I''ll kill her right away!"

 Chapter 1093 Revenge

    "Amelia, you''re asking for it!" A familiar voice, cold as ice, came from behind.


    Amelia shivered and turned around. Under the harsh lights, a cold, captivating figure approached, radiating a menacing aura like an avenging angel. Sadie was nothing like the weak, bullied girl from two years ago. And Amelia, once arrogant and overbearing, was now a desperate fugitive. Amelia''s face showed panic, but she quicklyposed herself, gripping Mia tightly. "Sadie, let me go, or I''ll take Mia down with me!" she sneered. "Mommy..." Mia, barely conscious, saw Sadie and felt a glimmer of hope.


    "Mia, don''t worry. I''m taking you home," Sadie said softly. Mia closed her eyes, exhausted.


    "This is fate," Sadie said, raising her gun at Amelia. "Two years ago, you humiliated me and killed Brenda. Now, it''s payback time."


    "Are you crazy?" Amelia mocked. "I have Mia! I''m the winner!"


    She got more excited. "Sadie, even with a new family, you''re still stupid. You couldn''t beat me then, and you can''t now!"


    "Amelia, you''re so arrogant, you won''t even see iting," Arya snapped, pointing her gun at Amelia. A dozen female bodyguards followed suit.


    Amelia sneered. "Even if I die, I''ll take two with me. Serena is nothing, but Mia is precious to you and Micah. She''ll join me in hell!"


    "Remember this ce? I killed Brenda here. Now, I''ll kill Mia here. You''ll regret it forever!" Ameliaughed maniacally.


    She had nothing left to live for and wanted to destroy everything. Seeing Sadie helpless made her feel victorious.


    Sadie snapped, "The one who should regret is you. Do you know how I found you?"


    She pulled out her phone and yed a saved audio clip.


    Sadie''s voice rang out. "Mr. Lingston, Amelia escaped and kidnapped my daughter. The police will find you soon and bugged your phone. When Amelia calls, stall her until they trace the call, then tell me." Nelson''s voice came through. "Why should I help you?"


    Sadie said, "The police can only reduce your sentence a bit. But I can get it down to a year and help you bounce back after."


    Nelson questioned, "Really?"


    Sadie replied, "The James family keeps its word. Check your secret ount."


    Nelson agreed, "I see it. Deal!"


    Sadie mocked, "For your benefit, you even betray your daughter, Amelia."


    Nelson snorted, "Just keep your promise."


    Sadie said meaningfully, "When I find Amelia, you''ll get your reward."

 Chapter 1094 Sending You to Hell

    Hearing those conversations crushed Amelia. If Nelson had just been helping the police keep tabs on her, she might''ve forgiven him. The cops forced him to buy time; he had no choice. Even if it was for his own safety, it made sense. If the police caught her, they''d follow thew and question her again. At least they wouldn''t kill her.


    But if he cut a deal with Sadie and gave her address to Sadie, that was different. He put his own gain over Amelia''s safety. That was inhumane.


    If she was just disappointed in Nelson before, now she hated him deeply.


    Suddenly, a will to survive red up in her. She wanted to live, find Nelson, and ask him face-to-face why he did this.


    Lightning and thunder filled the sky as Amelia stood there, stunned.


    "Your life is really valuable," Sadie sneered. "Do you know how much I had to give Nelson to get your location?"


    "No amount of money matters," Amelia said, looking up andughing bitterly. "The James Group can easily make that back. Nelson fell from grace and couldn''t handle it. He''d grab any chance, even if it meant trading my life." Sadie walked closer. "You''re smart. I underestimated you."


    "Don''te any closer," Amelia said, pointing a gun at Mia. "Get me a car now, or I''ll-"


    Before she could finish, a bullet hit her knee. She screamed and fell.


    Sadie quickly took her gun and handed Mia to Arya, who carried the unconscious Mia to the car.


    "Amelia, your time''s up!" Sadie yelled, stepping on Amelia''s head. "Letting you live two more years was too kind!"


    "Sadie, if you''re brave, kill me now," Amelia shouted, refusing to bow. "I''ll haunt you forever!"


    "You''re going to hell, no matter what. Nelson betrayed you, so what''s the difference between you and a corpse now?" Sadie echoed Amelia''s words from two years ago.


    Back then, Amelia had stepped on Sadie''s head and sneered, "Micah betrayed you. Your kids call E ''Mom.'' What''s the difference between you and a corpse now? Let me help you!" "Seeing you heartbroken makes me happy. What I can''t have, you can''t either. That''s the best revenge! I don''t even want to kill you now. I want you to live a life of misery!"


    "Sadie, I''m sparing you. You should be thanking me! That''s the look I want. Beg me, and maybe I''ll make it quick for you!"


    Fate was a cycle. Two years ago, Sadie had said, "Amelia, I''lle back for revenge!"


    Now, same ce, same rainy day, same way. Sadie was back for revenge. "Go to hell!" she said, pressing the gun to Amelia''s head.


    "Wait," Amelia suddenly didn''t want to die. "You can''t kill me. Don''t you want to know who helped me escape?"

 Chapter 1095 Watching Her Die with My Own Eyes

    "I''ll find out." Sadie couldn''t wait any longer. She said, "Right now, I just want to kill you! Go to hell!"


    With that, Sadie pulled the trigger.


    "Stop!" Micah rushed over, stopping her. "Sadie, don''t be impulsive!"


    Seeing Micah gave Amelia hope. Sheughed wildly, "Sadie, you can''t kill me. Micah promised to spare me. He needs me to find that mysterious person!"


    "No one can stop me." Sadie ignored her and prepared to shoot.


    A bullet hit the ground near her feet. Micah had fired, interrupting her.


    Furious, Sadie turned and shouted, "Micah, if you stop me again, I''ll kill you too!"


    Micah pleaded, "I know she deserves to die, but we haven''t found the mastermind yet. Stay calm. Think about it: we''re out in the open, and that person is hiding. They''ll cause more trouble. What if..." "Whatever happens, we''ll deal with it then." Sadie wouldn''t listen.


    She turned to Amelia, snapping, "Amelia, don''t worry. After you die, I''ll send your ashes to Nelson so he can repent in front of you. If you have questions, ask him face to face!"


    "No!" Amelia panicked and screamed, "Sadie, you can''t kill me. I can''t die!"


    Lightning shed, and thunder roared, fueling Sadie''s hatred. The scene from two years ago reyed in her mind, and Brenda''s tragic state haunted her.


    It was like a knife twisting in Sadie''s mind. Her eyes turned cold and terrifying. She pointed the gun at Amelia''s leg and sneered, "I won''t kill you with one shot. I''ll shoot you over and over, avoiding vital points so you can enjoy the pain and die slowly!"


    "No." Amelia shook her head in terror. "Don''t!"


    A gunshot rang out, hitting Amelia in the thigh.


    "Ah!" Amelia''s cry pierced the air. "Micah, please! You swore you''d spare me!"


    "Sadie, don''t," Micah urged, rushing forward, but the James family''s men aimed their weapons at him.


    "Mr. Clemens, these guys work for Mr. James," Annika warned. "They won''t y nice with you!"


    Sadie had brought Tristan''s men from the funeral to Country H. They were ruthless and indifferent to bond between Micah and Sadie. Any attempt by Micah to intervene would be met with swift action. Micah halted, pleading, "Sadie, calm down. Think this through."


    "Bang!"


    Another shot struck Amelia, this time in the back.


    "Ah!" Amelia''s cries grew weaker. "Micah, help me. I''ll tell you who the mastermind is if you save me."


    Before she could finish, Sadie fired a third shot, hitting her shoulder.


    Ameliay immobilized, howling, "I can''t die! Sadie, you''ll regret killing me."


    "I only regret not doing it sooner." Sadie''s eyes were deadly.


    Amelia screamed, "No!"


    A barrage of gunfire followed as Sadie fired every bullet in the gun, unfazed by Amelia''s blood sttering on her. She was determined to watch Amelia meet her end, every moment seared into memory.

 Chapter 1096 Full Rescue Effort (1)

    Amelia was finally dead, and it was a gruesome sight. Her eyes were still open, maybe in disbelief or with unfinished business. Micah frowned. He had rushed to Havenbrook City to stop Sadie, but he was toote.


    The heavy rain washed away Amelia''s blood, mixing it with the water and flowing downhill.


    Sadie watched the blood wash away and said coldly, "Brenda''s blood was washed away like this too."


    Micah felt heartbroken. He understood Sadie''s pain and why she acted impulsively today.


    "You don''t get it until it happens to you," Sadie said, her eyes icy. "From now on, anyone who harms my family must die!"


    This was a warning to Micah and a reminder to herself. She thought, ''I can''t be soft-hearted anymore. Tristan saved me to make me strong, not to be bullied again.'' Sadie left with her people, leaving Micah alone in the rain.


    Micah looked at Amelia''s body, then at the house where Sadie and Brenda used to live, and finally at the stormy sky. He felt a sense of foreboding.


    "Mr. Clemens. Ms. James has left," Andrew said, holding a ck umbre over Micah. "Let''s go. The police will be here soon."


    "Keep an eye on this ce. Look for any suspicious people," Micah instructed. He needed to find out who was behind all this.


    "Understood, it''s already arranged," Andrew replied.


    Micah turned to leave but felt dizzy after a few steps. He touched his nose and found blood.


    "What''s wrong?" Andrew asked urgently.


    "Nothing, just got some of Sadie''s blood on me," Micah lied. He wasn''t bleeding much, but he knew something was wrong with his body. It wasn''t just overwork.


    He looked at the James family convoy disappearing and asked Andrew, "How''s Mia?"


    "Mia is very sick, and Serena is seriously injured, possibly life-threatening," Andrew said with a frown. "But Dr. Henry is in Havenbrook City. They should get treatment here." "Which hospital? Let''s go now," Micah said anxiously.


    "It''s the private hospital invested by the James Group," Andrew replied.


    In just over ten minutes, Arya drove them to the hospital.


    Annika had already cleared out a building, removing any irrelevant people.


    Dr. Henry, along with Pa and Percy, had arrived ten minutes earlier, anxiously waiting for Mia.


    Sadie, holding Mia, rushed to the emergency room.


    "Lay her down now," Dr. Henry said, frowning as he began treating Mia. "Get a reliable medical team. I can''t do this myself."


    "Okay," Sadie said, instructing Annika to make arrangements. Arya arrived with Dahlia and her team in a hurry.


    "Ms. James, let me help Dr. Henry," Dahlia said anxiously.

 Chapter 1097 Full Rescue Effort ( 2)

    "Thanks for your hard work!" Sadie quickly invited Dahlia inside.


    Dahlia might not be the best doctor, but she was the most reliable and knew Mia well. At this critical moment, her help was invaluable. "Everyone out," Dr. Henry ordered, leaving only the medical staff.


    Sadie knew his temper and, despite her worries, waited outside.


    "Ms. James, Serena is in emergency care and might be in critical condition," Arya reported urgently.


    "Get the best medical team; we must save her," Sadie ordered. "Call their chief over."


    Arya replied, "The chief is here, but Dr. Rey brought some specialist doctors from Newark, and they seem capable."


    Sadie instructed, "Tell them to hurry and save her."


    Arya nodded, "Yes."


    Mia and Serena were both in emergency care.


    Sadie felt anxious. Another subordinate reported, "Ms. James, Mr. Clemens has arrived but is blocked outside by Mr. James''s men."


    "Let him in," Sadie said. Although she was angry with Micah, she didn''t want to make things difficult for him regarding Mia.


    "Yes," the subordinate replied and went to notify.


    Soon, Micah hurried over. "How''s Mia?" he asked anxiously.


    "She''s in emergency care," Sadie said. "Dr. Henry and Dahlia are there; they''ll handle it. You should go back."


    Micah insisted, "I can''t leave until I know she''s safe."


    "Suit yourself," Sadie replied, not wanting to deal with him.


    Micah arranged for a few rooms and said to Sadie, "You should change your clothes. You don''t want Mia to wake up and see you covered in blood." Sadie looked down at her rain-soaked, blood-stained clothes.


    Passing nurses saw her and quickly looked away.


    She really did look like a bloodthirsty demon.


    "Annika," Sadie instructed, "stay here and keep watch."


    "Understood," Annika replied.


    Sadie left with two subordinates.


    Micah stayed outside the ward, staring at the emergency room light, his heart aching for Mia.


    Sadie went to the restroom and was stunned by her reflection. She felt like a stranger. She lowered her head, avoiding the mirror.


    She took off her clothes and stood under the shower, washing away the blood. She needed to clean up before facing Mia again. Micah was still waiting outside the emergency room when his phone rang. It was Noah. Micah quickly answered, "Noah!"


    Noah had held back but finally called. "Dad, are you okay? How are Mom and Mia?"


    "Your mom is fine," Micah said softly. "Mia is sick and being treated." Noah, being smart, knew something was wrong. "You got Mia back?"


    "Yeah," Micah assured. "Dr. Henry is treating her; she''ll be fine soon."


    "Where are you? Nathan and I are worried. Can wee to you?" Noah asked, with Nathan''s anxious voice in the background, "Ss can send someone to take us." "Noah, Nathan," Micah said gently, "we''re abroad. Once Mia''s condition stabilizes, we''lle back. Don''t worry, everything will be fine."


    "But-"


    "Your mom is here; I''ll let her talk to you, okay?" Micah cut them off and changed the subject.


    Noah and Nathan said in unison, "Okay."

 Chapter 1098 A Real Man

    Sadie changed into clean clothes and walked over. Micah handed her the phone, "It''s Noah and Nathan."


    Sadie was momentarily stunned, then took the phone, "Hey, Noah, Nathan!"


    "Mom," Nathan cried, "What happened to Mia? We''re so worried."


    "It''s okay, don''t be scared," Sadie reassured, "Mia just has a cold. She''ll be fine soon."


    "Mom..."


    "Let me talk," Noah took the phone, "Mom, we''re fine. Ss is here, and we''re safe. Take care of yourselves and Mia."


    Sadie choked up, "I know, Noah. Once Mia''s better, we''ll make ns. You and Nathan stay home and get some rest for a few days. Don''t go to school for now, okay?"


    "Okay," Noah understood Sadie''s concern.


    Sadie said softly, "Alright, I need to check on Mia. You two be good."


    Noah and Nathan replied, "Okay, Mom, we''ll wait for you."


    After hanging up, Sadie tossed the phone to Micah and sat down, staring at the emergency room light.


    "Mia will be fine," Micahforted softly.


    "This is my fault," Sadie muttered, feeling guilty. If she had noticed Serena''s odd behavior earlier, maybe this wouldn''t have happened.


    Thest time Mia was poisoned, it was also a coincidence. Both times Mia got into trouble, it was her fault.


    She had med Micah before, but now she realized it was actually her fault.


    "Don''t overthink it," Micah wanted to hug her but stopped, realizing he was still in rain-soaked clothes.


    "You should change too," Sadie looked up, "Mia wouldn''t want to see you like this when she wakes up." "Okay," Micah nodded and left.


    Sadie watched him go, her expressionplicated.


    Arya came to report, "Jonny called. He wants to see Serena. He''s about to catch a flight to Havenbrook City." Sadie said, "Arrange for someone to pick him up. Don''t reveal our location."


    Arya answered, "Understood."


    Sadie looked outside. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still gray. She felt a heavy weight on her heart.


    She hoped for the rain to clear and for everything to get better. But the waiting was torturous. One hour passed, two hours, three hours. Jonny arrived at the hospital, but Mia and Serena were still in the emergency room.


    Jonny was seriously injured, with bandages on his head and one arm in a sling. He wobbled as he walked. It was a wonder how he managed to fly from Newark to Havenbrook City.


    When he learned Serena was still not out of danger, he broke down, tears falling uncontrobly.


    "I''ve arranged for the best doctors to save Serena," Sadie said softly, "She''ll be fine."


    Jonny knelt in front of Micah and Sadie, remorseful, "I''m sorry. Please forgive Serena. She did wrong because of me. It''s all my fault. If you want to me someone, me me, not her. Especially you, Ms. James. Serena sees you as her big sister. Even if she dies, she wouldn''t want you to hate her."

 Chapter 1099 Choosing to Forgive

    Sadie frowned, "I don''t resent her. If I did, I wouldn''t have tried so hard to save her. What happened? When did Amelia capture you?"


    Jonny quickly exined, "It was right before your meeting with Serena and Mr. Chase. You were dyed. Mr. Chase waited at the hotel for a few days, then went back to the factory in Boston. Serena stayed at the hotel." "I told her to go back, but she insisted on waiting, thinking you might need her. She figured if you suddenly had time, it would be a waste toe back from Boston and miss you again."


    "She waited for half a month. One day, I went to see her and found someone trying to kidnap her."


    "I fought them off but realized they were pros. I told Serena to find you and report it, but they captured me to threaten her."


    Micah quickly pointed out, "Amelia wanted to capture Serena to threaten you. When you intervened and Serena escaped, they used you to threaten her instead."


    "Yeah, they tortured me and video-called Serena to make her watch," Jonny said, ashamed. "I couldn''t protect her."


    Sadie felt conflicted. During her two-year absence, Serena and Jonny had grown close.


    When Jonny was used to threaten Serena, she was torn. But after seeing Jonny tortured and nearly killed, she couldn''t bear it. So, Serena approached Sadie, helped kidnap Mia, and saved Jonny.


    Sadie understood Serena''s feelings for Jonny. Serena had been lonely since childhood. She thought she could live with Giovanna in Newark, but then Giovanna had an ident. Serena worked hard to help her. Serena was strong but craved love, so she was easily moved.


    For example, when Sadie helped her before, Serena always remembered and helped Sadie in return. After Sadie''s ident, Serena refused the Clemens family''spensation, severed ties, and lived a hard life to maintain her sense of justice. Then Jonny appeared, giving her another form of affection. With Giovanna gone and Sadie missing, Jonny became the most important person in her life.


    So, when his life was in danger, she did anything to save him, even betraying Sadie.


    When Mia was kidnapped, Sadie had resented Serena. But when she saw Serena protecting Mia with her life, she was moved.


    Serena was still kind-hearted, just momentarily confused. Anyway, Mia was safe now.


    Sadie no longer resented Serena; she just hoped they could both get through the danger safely.


    "Get up," Micah said, helping Jonny. "Everyone just wants Serena and Mia to be safe."


    Jonny sighed in relief and looked at Sadie.


    "I don''t resent her," Sadie said. "But don''t let her take risks anymore. Protect her like a man!"


    "I will, don''t worry," Jonny promised confidently.

 Chapter 1100 Hope

    Sadie nodded, "That''s good. Once she''s better, I''ll set her up in Newark with a house so you all can live peacefully."


    Jonny stammered, "Th-that''s not necessary..."


    "Let''s not get into that now," Sadie cut him off. "Just pray they both pull through. If anything happens, I won''t forgive you!" "Yes," Jonny mumbled, looking down.


    They waited quietly outside the emergency room.


    Time dragged on, and dawn eventually broke. Sadie stood in the hallway, watching the sky clear up after the rain. The morning sun brought a sense of hope, but she felt uneasy. Suddenly, Arya shouted, "They''reing out!"


    Sadie rushed over. Dr. Henry emerged, removing his mask. "Thank God, Mia''s out of the woods."


    "That''s great," everyone sighed in relief.


    The weight on Sadie''s heart lifted. Maybe her bad feeling was just nerves.


    Annika came up. "Ms. James, Serena''s results will be out soon too."


    Sadie hurried downstairs with Annika and the others.


    Jonny was pacing outside the emergency room. When he saw Sadie, he rushed over. "Ms. James." "How is it?" Sadie asked.


    "She hasn''te out yet, but the emergency light is off, so it should be soon," Jonny replied. "How''s Mia?" "Mia''s stable now. It''s going to be okay," Sadie reassured him.


    Jonny sighed in relief. "That''s good, that''s good."


    Andrew eximed, "They''reing out."


    Sadie saw the doctor and hurried over. "Doctor, how is she?"


    The doctor looked grim. "I''m sorry, Ms. James. Serena''s brain injury is severe. She''s in a deepa."


    "What do you mean?" Sadie asked, panicked.


    "She''s brain dead, which means she won''t wake up anytime soon," the doctor exined.


    Jonny copsed, and Andrew caught him. "We''ll find a way; there must be a way."


    Sadie was stunned. "No, maybe there''s something you''re missing. There has to be another way."


    The doctor suggested, "Dr. Henry is here. You can ask him to take a look."


    "Yes, Dr. Henry," Sadie said to Annika. "Go get him."


    "Dr. Henry just finished surgery; let him rest a bit," Annika replied. "I''ll organize Serena''s reports and take them to him."


    The doctor handed over the reports. "I''ll have someone bring them to you."


    Annika nodded, "Thank you, doctor!"


    Sadie, determined, took Serena''s reports to Dr. Henry.


    Dr. Henry reviewed the reports, frowned, and went to examine Serena without resting.


    An hourter, Dr. Henry''s conclusion was the same, but he offered a glimmer of hope. "Right now, there''s no way to fix brain death, but medical technology is advancing fast. Maybe in a few years, there will be breakthroughs. As long as she''s well cared for, there''s still hope!"

 Chapter 1101 Mias Transformation

    Sadie felt really frustrated hearing those words. She knew Dr. Henry was just trying tofort her.


    This hope felt almost pointless. Serena was so young, yet she was stuck in a hospital bed, with everything hinging on an uncertain future.


    Giovanna had been severely injured and became a vegetative patient for years. She eventually recovered but passed away within a year.


    Sadie didn''t want Serena to face the same fate, but she felt powerless. Dr. Henry was the best doctor around. If he said there was no other way, there really wasn''t.


    "Dr. Henry''s right. As long as she''s alive, there''s hope," Jonny said, more optimistic than Sadie. "I''ll take good care of her. When there''s a medical breakthrough, she''lle around." "Serena didn''t misjudge you," Sadie said, looking at Jonny with mixed emotions.


    Ten dayster, Jonny took Serena back to Newark, holding onto that hope.


    Sadie arranged for Serena to be ced in Dahlia''s hospital and asked Dahlia to oversee Serena''s treatment. She hoped Serena would wake up one day and live the life she wanted with Jonny. Their return to the Country E was dyed by another half month. Sadie wanted to wait until Mia''s condition was stable, not wanting her to endure a long journey while sick.


    During that time, Sadie stayed at Hillside Vi with Mia for her treatment.


    Noah and Nathan had returned and spent every day with Mia, trying to cheer her up.


    But after the incident, Mia, once lively and cheerful, became silent. She often stared out the window and sometimes asked Sadie, "Mom, are there many bad people in this world?"


    Sadie didn''t know how to answer at first. She thought for a moment and gently said, "There are still more good people in this world."


    Mia couldn''t understand. She sobbed, "Then why is Amelia so bad? Her subordinate kept kicking Serena''s head. Serena got hurt protecting me."


    Mia''s tears fell silently. She murmured, "If I were strong, as smart as Noah, and as good at fighting as Nathan, maybe I wouldn''t have been captured, and Serena wouldn''t have gotten hurt protecting me." "No, Mia, it''s not your fault," Sadie hurried tofort her. "You''re just a child."


    "Noah and Nathan are my age, but they never cause trouble for Dad and Mom," Mia said dejectedly. "But I, I''m either sick or getting captured by bad people. I''m always causing trouble for you."


    "Mia, don''t think that way," Sadie said anxiously, holding Mia''s face. "You haven''t caused any trouble for Dad and me, really." "Don''t worry, Mom," Mia said, smiling again andforting Sadie. "T''ll be fine. I''m really okay."


    Sadie looked at Mia, heartbroken. She knew these incidents had caused not just physical harm but also psychological trauma.


    So, Sadie brought in a child psychologist to counsel Mia. After some treatment, Mia seemed better but smiled less than before.


    However, she started to love learning. She began actively learning new things with Noah and Nathan and even told Nathan she wanted to learn how to fight from him once she got better so she could protect herself. Noah and Nathan were happy to see Mia''s change. But Sadie was very worried. She feared Mia would be left with psychological scars.

 Chapter 1102 Taking You to a Place

    In no time, twenty days flew by, and everything in Newark was sorted. Tristan called and told Sadie to head to Country E tomorrow.


    Before leaving, Noah, Nathan, and Mia didn''t want to part ways.


    Noah initially chose to stay with Sadie, while Nathan and Mia decided to stay with Micah. But now, because of Mia''s treatment, she had to go back to Country E with Sadie, leaving Nathan with Micah. Nathan, usually strong, couldn''t hold back his tears knowing he had to part with Sadie, Noah, and Mia.


    Mia tried to stay strong but ended up crying with Nathan. Noah wanted tofort them but started crying too.


    Sadie felt heartbroken. If she had a choice, she''d keep her three kids together. But some things were out of her hands.


    "Dad''s here," Noah suddenly said.


    Sadie looked up and saw Micah, who she hadn''t seen for a while, walking in. He looked a bit thinner but had a gentle look in his eyes.


    He opened his arms, and the kids ran to him, shouting, "Dad!"


    Micah squatted down and hugged them, who cried on his shoulder. He felt deeply sad but smiled andforted them, "Don''t cry. We''re just apart for a while, not forever." "Dad, when will youe to get me?" Mia asked, wiping her tears.


    "In two months," Micah said, wiping her tears. "You need more treatment because of the fever. In two months, I''lle to Country E to get you."


    "Can I go too?" Nathan asked eagerly.


    "Of course," Micah said, ruffling his hair.


    "So, in two months, I can see Mom, Noah, and Mia again?" Nathan stopped crying.


    "Of course," Micah smiled. "We can see each other often. Whenever you miss Mom, we''ll go to Country E."


    "Really, Mom?" Nathan asked Sadie.


    "Of course," Sadie nodded. She had nned not to see Micah again, but she couldn''t say so to Nathan. "Great," Nathan sighed in relief. He thought this separation was forever, which made him cry so much. "So, we can see each other often?" Mia asked Sadie hopefully.


    "Yeah," Sadie couldn''t refuse their hopeful eyes.


    Noah''s frown rxed, and he felt hopeful. "That''s good."


    As long as they could see each other again, things could change.


    "What time is your flight?" Micah asked Sadie.


    "Four in the afternoon," Sadie said, checking her watch. It was nine in the morning.


    "We still have time," Micah said, checking his watch. "If we leave for the airport at two, we have five hours."


    "Yes, you can spend time with the kids," Sadie said. No matter her rtionship with Micah, the kids liked him, and he was a good father.


    "I want to take you all somewhere," Micah said to Sadie. "Is that okay?"


    "Do I have to go?" Sadie didn''t want to. "I''ll pass. Just you and the kids."


    "Let''s go together," Micah invited sincerely. "It''s onlyplete with you."


    Sadie hesitated, and the kids quickly begged her, "Mom, pleasee with us, please!"

 Chapter 1103 Mysterious Surprise

    Sadie couldn''t resist the kids'' pleas and finally said, "Alright, I''ll change. You all put on your jackets."


    The kids chimed in, "Okay, right away!"


    Sadie went upstairs to change and took the chance to return Joe''s call.


    Last time Joe came to Newark to pick her up, but Mia had an incident, and ns changed.


    Later, Sadie brought Mia back to Newark and focused on Mia and Serena''s treatment, leaving no time for Joe.


    She told Joe their trip to Country E would be dyed by at least half a month and advised him to focus on his project instead of waiting around. Joe, though reluctant, had to leave first.


    Today, Sadie was set to depart for Country E, and Joe called early. She missed it while taking care of Mia, so she was calling back now.


    Joe answered quickly, asking about the situation and then said, "Sadie, I''ll meet you at Skyport International Airport. My dad''sing too."


    "What?" Sadie was surprised, "Duke Louis is going to Country E?"


    "Yes, Tristan arranged it. He wants to discuss our marriage in person," Joe replied.


    He added, "But don''t worry, I talked to my dad. If you don''t want to, he won''t force you. He just needs to understand your feelings, so he might ask you in person. Be prepared."


    "I understand." Sadie frowned, knowing this was all Tristan''s doing, but she couldn''t resist. Plus, she hadn''t refused before.


    "Alright, I won''t keep you. See you," Joe said.


    "Okay," Sadie replied.


    After hanging up, Sadie reminded herself to ept reality. She and Micah could never go back. No matter what he did, she couldn''t soften her heart.


    "Mommy, Mommy!" Little Coco flew in from the window, calling out to Sadie.


    "Little Coco," Sadie said while changing, "I''m almost done. Tell the kids toe downstairs in five minutes."


    "Got it!" Little Coco cheerfully flew out.


    Sadie quickly changed and went downstairs. The kids were already in their jackets, waiting by the car.


    "Alright, get in the car," Sadie called the kids into the extended Rolls-Royce and whispered to Micah, "I need to leave for the airport by two. No funny business." "Don''t worry," Micah said, holding the car door and gesturing for her to enter.


    Sadie gave Annika and Arya a look before getting in the car.


    The family of seven, including Coco and Little Coco, got in.


    Annika and Arya followed in three cars for security.


    Rn and Andrew each led a car in front to clear the way.


    This impressive convoy made everyone step aside.


    In the car, Nathan excitedly asked, "Dad, where are you taking us?"


    "Let me guess," Mia spected, "Is it to Whimsy Wondend Eats?"


    "Are we visiting Great Grandpa?" Noah guessed.


    "None of those," Micah said mysteriously, "You''ll find out soon."


    "Wow, so excited!" The three kids were eager to know what surprise Micah had nned.


    Even Little Coco pped its wings and chirped, "Excited, excited."


    Coco, on the other hand, kept a cool face, looking a lot like Sadie.


    Sadie sat quietly, sipping coffee and watching the kids interact with Micah. Sometimes, she felt Micah was better with the kids than she was.


    He could easily engage the kids and y with them, something she felt she couldn''t do.

 Chapter 1104 Going Home

    The car stopped at the curb, and Sadie''s breath caught. Blissful Lane 1. Her old home. The ce where she, Brenda, and the kids had lived. The ce where she had built a life, a family, a world that was torn apart by fate. She knew she should''ve visited sooner. It was full of beautiful memories, a testament to their love and joy. But sinceing back to Newark, the thought of facing it filled her with dread.


    When amnesia clouded her mind, passing by the house brought a pang of sadness. It felt like a phantom limb, a painful reminder of what was lost.


    Now, with her memories back, the fear was even stronger. She dreaded the flood of emotions - joy, grief, loss - all tangled in a painful knot. She feared seeing Brenda''s favorite photos, the furniture they chose together, the familiarvender scent. It felt like a minefield, each step likely to trigger tears.


    So, she avoided it, keeping her distance to protect her heart.


    She never expected Micah to bring her and the kids here. It was a cruel twist, a bittersweet reminder of the past she was trying to bury.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie frowned.


    "This is our home," Micah said quietly. "Don''t you want to take a look?"


    Sadie still frowned, "But..."


    "Wow, Dad brought us back home!" Nathan''s excited voice cut in.


    He pointed out the window, "My old toys and clothes are still here. I''ve wanted toe back for a long time."


    "Yeah, my first invention is here too," Noah added. "I wonder how it is now."


    "And my dolls," Mia said, looking at the house.


    Nathan remembered something, "Last year on your birthday, Dad brought us here. He said if Mom came back, she mighte here to find us, so we should check often." Hearing this, Sadie felt touched and instinctively looked at Micah.


    Micah looked over too. Their eyes met, andplex emotions surged.


    Sadie quickly looked away, pretending to be indifferent.


    "Now that Mommy''s back," Micah said, bending down to hug Mia, "it means your wish came true!"


    "Yes!" Mia beamed at Sadie. "For two years, I wished for Mommy toe home, and now she has!"


    "Good girl, Mia," Sadie said softly, touching her face.


    "Too bad Mom''s leaving soon," Nathan said, looking sad.


    "Nathan, I''lle back to see you," Sadie reassured him, patting his back.


    "Alright, let''s go up," Micah said, holding Noah and Nathan''s hands as they walked ahead.


    Sadie followed, holding Mia. Little Coco perched on Mia''s shoulder while Coco had already flown to the windowsill, waiting for them.


    The family of six walked into the neighborhood.


    The security guard greeted them warmly, remembering the three kids and the little parrot. Even though they only came back once a year, they were hard to forget. As they walked through, they drew a lot of attention.


    Two elderlydies, with their faces lighting up with recognition, spotted them.


    "Isn''t that Brenda''s daughter Sadie and her grandchildren?" one said, excited and surprised.


    "It''s them! I recognized that little parrot right away," the other said, pointing to the parakeet on Mia''s shoulder.


    "The kids have grown, but they''re still as cute as ever," one of thedies gushed.


    "Sadie looks different too, a bit thinner, and her style has changed," the other noted, eyeing Sadie''s sleek outfit.


    "That''s normal. I heard she married into a wealthy family, so her demeanor must have changed," one of thedies exined.


    "That tall, handsome man must be Sadie''s husband, right? He''s so handsome," the other asked.


    "Yes, it''s him. For the past few years, he came back with the kids, but Sadie didn''te along. This time, the family is finally reunited," one replied with a sigh.


    Hearing thesements, Sadie felt a mix of emotions. When they lived here before, she was always out early and backte, rarely interacting with the neighbors.


    But Brenda, who handled the kids, groceries, and household matters, quickly became familiar with everyone. Her cheerful personality and generous nature made her well-liked. Even after two years, they still remembered her.

 Chapter 1105 We Will Always Be a Family

    The neighbors always thought Sadie was Brenda''s daughter and the kids were Brenda''s grandkids.


    At first, Brenda would correct them, but Sadie eventually said, "No need to exin. I am your daughter, and the kids are your grandchildren." Even without blood ties, they were still family.


    Besides Edmond, Brenda was the closest person to Sadie.


    After Edmond''s ident, Sadie had the kids, and Brenda remained her closest person.


    From childhood to adulthood, Brenda was always there for Sadie. No matter what, Brenda never left her side.


    To Sadie, Brenda was family.


    Hearing the neighbors talk about Brenda, Sadie''s eyes tear up before even entering the house. Brenda''s loving smile shed in her mind, filling her with sorrow. "Mommy, don''t cry," Mia said, gently cupping Sadie''s face. "Brenda will watch over us from heaven."


    "Yeah." Sadie kissed Mia''s forehead and carried her inside.


    Everything looked the same as it did two years ago. Nothing had changed.


    A bouquet of ca lilies sat on the dining table, the goldfish swam freely in the tank, and Little Coco''s cage still hung on the balcony, swaying in the wind. On the wall, there was a photo of the five of them.


    Noah, Nathan, and Mia were all smiling brightly. Sadie was happy, and Brenda''s face was full of joy.


    Little Coco pped its wings above their heads, perfectly captured by the photographer.


    Even though life was tough back then, happiness overflowed from the photo.


    Anyone who saw it couldn''t help but smile.


    "Wow, I was so chubby back then," Nathan said, grinning at the photo. "Chubby and cute."


    "Haha," Mia giggled. "I was even chubbier, and my hairstyle was so cute."


    "Brenda did your hair," Sadie said softly, looking at the photo with a happy smile.


    "When I was little, Brenda used to do my hair like that. Later, she did yours and came up with many cute new styles. You loved them, remember?" "Yeah, yeah," Mia nodded excitedly. "So many different hairstyles."


    "Every time you had a new hairstyle, you wanted me to take a picture. There are still photos in the album."


    "Yeah. I look at them every time Ie back. I''ll go get it." Mia ran to her room to get the album.


    "Mom, I''m going to find my toy cars," Nathan said, hurrying to his room.


    "I''m going to check on my inventions," Noah said, heading to his room.


    Only Micah and Sadie were left in therge living room, along with a few bodyguards.


    Micah gestured for the bodyguards to wait outside.


    "This ce is kept up. You must have spent a lot of time on it," Sadie sighed, looking at the nts on the balcony, which were the same as the ones Brenda had. Even a few potted green nts still looked as lush as before. But she knew these weren''t the original nts.


    Even with daily care, some things just couldn''t survive until today.


    Especially the goldfish in the tank. Although they were the same type, color, and size as before, they definitely weren''t the original goldfish.


    Micah had found identical recements. He really took a lot of time to prepare these!

 Chapter 1106 A Perfectly Recreated Home

    "Did you notice?" Micah sighed, looking at the balcony nts. "When you had your ident, I stayed home every day, too upset to do anything else."


    He gazed at Sadie gently. "By the time I pulled myself together, the nts and goldfish had died. I was worried you''d be upset, so I got identical recements."


    He chuckled sadly. "I tried to restore everything using old photos and videos, but you still noticed the difference."


    Sadie almostmented on the detail. For a moment, she felt like she was back two years ago, before she moved out and joined the Clemens family. She remembered marrying Micah, going to Country H, and everything else that happened. But the eagle on the balcony reminded her she was now Sadie. Everything she didn''t want had already happened. Reality couldn''t be erased.


    Sadie swallowed her words and snapped back to reality. "What do you want by bringing us here?" she asked coldly.


    Micah exined patiently, "I just want the kids to be happier. They''ve never been apart, and now they have to separate. I brought them back to show them that no matter what, we''re always a family. This way, they''ll feel secure and not be afraid."


    Sadie felt a bit ashamed. When it came to the kids, she was never as capable as Micah.


    Micah nced at the time and said, "You go rest; I''ll make lunch." He took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and headed to the kitchen.


    Sadie was stunned. Since when did Micah learn to cook?


    She remembered thest time he made oatmeal with Noah and Nathan; he only knew how to make one type. How could he now prepare a whole lunch?


    Sadie pursed her lips, not wanting to bother with him, and went to her bedroom.


    The bedroom was just as it had been. The flowers on the windowsill were still vibrant, the journal by the pillow was open to the same page, and theputer was still on the photo-uploading screen.


    Sadie was taken aback. Everything was so meticulously restored. How much effort had he put into this?


    She walked over, gently touching the desk, the bed, theputer, the book, and the flowers.


    Her heart was touched.


    "Mommy!" Mia''s voice came from outside. Sadie opened the door. "Mia!"


    "Mommy, look, all my dolls are here." Mia held up her doll excitedly. "Last time we were here, I broke my doll''s leg and cried a lot. I thought it would never be the same again, but now it''s fixed." "Your daddy must have fixed it for you," Sadie said gently. "You should thank him."


    "Uh-huh, I''ll go find Daddy." Mia hugged her doll and ran to find Micah.


    Nathan ran over to Sadie. "Mom,e quickly."


    "What is it?" Sadie was pulled to the boys'' room.


    Opening the door, Sadie was stunned. The Lego set was just as it had been, with a spaceship almostpleted but still missing a few pieces.


    "Mom, do you remember?" Nathan said excitedly. "Two years ago, Noah and I were at this point. We wanted to finish it, but Brenda said to leave it for next time. We''ve been thinking about it ever since."


    "Last year on my birthday, Noah and I wanted to finish it, but I knocked it over and cried. Daddy said next time we came, he''d make sure it looked just like before, and he really did."

 Chapter 1107 Do You Really Not Love Dad Anymore?

    "Dad came back secretly and spent all night putting it together," Noah said, looking at the Lego set. Then he switched topics, "And my little invention, I lost a screw and couldn''t finish it. I was so frustrated. Just now, I found the screw in the box. I know Dad must''ve found it for me!"


    "Dad is awesome!" Nathan''s eyes welled up.


    Noah didn''t say anything, just looked down at his invention, tears starting to fall. He quickly turned his head, not wanting Sadie to see.


    But Sadie noticed. Seeing the kids like this made her feel a mix of emotions.


    Maybe the kids'' biggest wish was for the family to be together, but Sadie couldn''t make that happen.


    Whether in reality or emotionally, there were deep cracks between them.


    So, Sadie could only try to minimize the hurt.


    Sheposed herself and smiled at the kids, "Your dad loves you very much. Go thank him."


    "Okay, Mom." Nathan immediately went to find Micah.


    Noah stayed with his back to Sadie, fiddling with his invention at the desk.


    Sadie walked over and gently ruffled Noah''s hair. She said softly, "Noah, if you want to stay with your dad now, I won''t me you."


    She had figured it out. Instead of forcing the kids to stay with her and be unhappy, it was better to let them choose.


    "Mom, I haven''t changed my mind," Noah said, looking at Sadie, "But I can''t bear to leave Dad."


    Sadie wanted tofort him but didn''t know where to start.


    "But it''s okay," Noah said, trying tofort himself, "Dad cane to Country E to see us, and you can take me back to Newark to visit Dad, right?"


    "I might not go back to Newark anymore," Sadie said softly, "But I won''t stop you from seeing your dad."


    "Mom, are you," Noah asked bravely, "going to marry Joe?"


    Meanwhile, Micah, about to knock on the door, paused.


    "Maybe," Sadie replied vaguely, "But no matter what, I will always love you. No one can rece you in my heart."


    "Do you really not love Dad anymore?" Noah asked, looking deeply at Sadie, "Not even a little?"


    This question stirred Micah''s heart, and he looked at Sadie with aplex expression.


    This was the question he wanted to ask, but he hadn''t expected Noah to ask it.


    Sadie''s eyes flickered, but she quickly regained herposure. A bitter smile tugged at her lips as she softly said, "We can''t go back to how things were."


    Her words, like a sigh, carried deep helplessness.


    Micah lowered his eyes, his heart feeling shattered.


    "Dad!" Noah suddenly saw Micah.


    Sadie turned and found Micah standing at the door. His deste look made her heart sink, but she quickly regained her calm. Since he had heard everything, she didn''t need to repeat it. "Noah," Micah quickly put on a smile, "I made pizza. Go eat with Nathan and Mia."


    "Okay." Noah immediately put down his things and went out.


    "Wash your hands first," Micah ruffled his hair and reminded him.


    "Got it," Noah nodded. He went to wash his hands and then joined Nathan and Mia in the dining room.


    "You should eat something too. Lunch won''t be ready for a while," Micah said to Sadie and then went to the kitchen.

 Chapter 1108 The Contract from Back Then

    Sadie watched him walk away, feeling torn.


    She knew Micah brought her and the kids here not just for a warm farewell but to make onest attempt to change her mind.


    But before he could say anything, she had already shut him down.


    She expected him to speak, but he stayed silent. Her emotions were all over the ce.


    Sadie left the room and saw the kids happily eating pizza, raving about how good Micah''s pizza was.


    Not wanting to interrupt, she went back to her room to look through her old journals.


    When Edmond was alive, she lived a carefree life and spent money without thinking.


    After Edmond passed, she quickly ran out of money and had to sell Eleanor''s things to get by.


    Even then, it wasn''t enough. Brenda suggested she start budgeting, tracking daily expenses, and reviewing them monthly to cut unnecessary costs.


    This habit helped bnce her finances a bit, but she still had a tendency to splurge.


    For instance, she sent the kids to the best schools and bought the best form and clothes, even when she couldn''t afford it.


    Every time she overspent, she regretted it and scolded herself in her journal.


    Sadie: [Sadie, you''re so foolish. You''re broke, yet you took the kids to Whimsy Wondend Fun Zone and spent over $800. How will you buy form now?] Sadie: [Sadie, work hard, make money. You must escape poverty.]


    Sadie: [Wow, Male finally transferred $2,500. So happy, hahaha.]


    Sadie: [Today, I bought a bottle of kidney tonic for Male, spent $100, and got mocked by the pharmacy clerk for being stingy. They said my husband''s kidneys were bad, and I only bought one bottle. Hmph, I heard them when I went back for the receipt. So annoying!]


    Sadie: [Brenda bought a cab and paid the utilities, costing over $800. And Male had no business today. I''m so anxious. If this keeps up, my budget will be messed up again. I need to find a way for him to earn more money.]


    At the end of each day''s ounts, Sadie would write a diary entry, which now seemed quite amusing.


    A smile crept onto Sadie''s face as she flipped through the journal. Suddenly, she found a neatly folded piece of paper inside. She opened it and was stunned.


    [Due to my debt to Sadie two years ago, from today onwards, I will give half of my daily ie to Sadie aspensation, with no regrets and no backing out, or I will be cursed!]


    This childish debt contract, with its crooked handwriting, was written by a younger Sadie. It had a date and Micah''s signature and fingerprint.


    Looking back, she felt foolish. She had seen Micah''s signature at VIC Group. How did she not recognize it?


    She really was quite naive.


    But on second thought, it was her naivety that led to so many events. If she were the person she is now, those stories probably wouldn''t have happened.


    A self-mocking smile appeared on Sadie''s lips. Just as she was about to put the paper back into the journal, a voice suddenly came from behind her.

 Chapter 1109 The Implication of the Will

    "Remember how you used to be? Kinda cute, right?" Micah chuckled, handing Sadie a ss of juice.


    "Cute? More like dumb," Sadie scoffed, taking a sip.


    "I thought it was cute," Micah said, smiling as he picked up the paper. "Sometimes being a little foolish isn''t so bad."


    "If I wasn''t foolish, you couldn''t have tricked me," Sadie shot back.


    "Wasn''t it a neat trick?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "We were happy, and you kept the kids a secret from me."


    "I raised them. Why would I give them to you? You were so unpredictable and cold. How could I trust you wouldn''t take them away?" Sadie paused, realizing her fears hade true.


    She had hoped love would conquer all and let the kids return to the Clemens family, believing Micah would protect her. But the Clemens family took the kids and pushed her out.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t protect you," Micah said regretfully. "It''s toote now, but I hope..."


    "No hope left," Sadie cut him off. "We''re strangers now, and that''s for the best."


    Micah frowned but stayed silent.


    "Please leave. I need to rest," Sadie snapped.


    "Alright, I''ll call you for lunch," Micah said quietly, leaving and closing the door.


    Sadie listened to the door close, looked at the signature on the paper, and felt a deep sadness. Micah had changed a lot-he was now humble, patient, and gentle, the man she had once wanted. But she had changed too, and they could never go back.


    Feeling emotional, she rummaged through a drawer and found Edmond''s will. Reading it again, she noticed something. Edmond had warned her that calling a certain number would change her life drastically and to avoid it unless desperate. But Tristan had been good to her, saving her, encouraging her, teaching her, and making her the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group. Why didn''t Edmond want her to return to the James family? What was he worried about? Was it because the James family was tooplicated?


    Tristan had never forced her to do anything. His suggestions and orders were always for her benefit. The James family felt like salvation, not an abyss.


    Still, Edmond''s worries must have had a reason. He was always farsighted and never said things without meaning.

 Chapter 1110 Learning to Cook

    No point dwelling on it now; she had to take it one step at a time.


    Sadie put down the will and noticed a ck card next to it-Edmond''s money.


    She had taken some out for the factory investment, leaving over fifty million dors in Celestria Bank.


    But she didn''t need the money now; she wasn''t short on cash.


    Still, it was something Edmond left her, so she should take it.


    Sadie carefully ced her most treasured items, including her contract with Micah, in the box with Edmond''s belongings. The contract was a symbol of their budding love, a keepsake.


    After packing, Sadiey down to rest. She was exhausted from everything that had happened but had been too tense to rx.


    Now, back home, in her familiar room and narrow bed, she felt warmth and drifted off to sleep.


    Micah finished preparing lunch, the aroma of roasted chicken, baked salmon and steamed vegetables filling the air. He scrubbed his hands, the scent of soap mingling with the kitchen smells. He walked toward Sadie''s room to call her for lunch. He knocked lightly, twice, but got no answer. He hesitated, then pushed the door open a crack. Sadie was asleep, sprawled out on the bed, her face rxed, free of tension. For a moment, she looked like the Sadie he first met, with a gentle smile and softugh.


    Micah walked in quietly, gently draping a nket over her. He sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on her, emotions swirling within him. He couldn''t resist reaching out, his fingers tracing the smooth curve of her cheek. Sadie stirred awake. Her eyes, wide and startled, met his, and she instinctively pushed his hand away, a cold wall between them.


    "I was just covering you with a nket," Micah exined softly.


    "You''ve done that. Now you can leave," Sadie''s words were sharp.


    "Lunch is ready," Micah changed the subject.


    "I''m not hungry. You guys eat," Sadie mumbled tly, turning away and pretending to sleep.


    Micah felt helpless. He knew she was pushing him away but couldn''t bear to see her like this. He stood up to leave, but then the door burst open, and their kids rushed in. "Daddy, Mommy, it''s time to eat! We''re all hungry!" they shouted excitedly.


    "Shh, your mom needs to sleep," Micah whispered, trying to maintain order.


    "Mom, have something to eat before you go to sleep," Nathan ran up to the bed, trying to pull Sadie up. "You barely ate breakfast. You can''t starve yourself."


    "Yeah, Daddy made lots of delicious food. Come and try it," Mia chimed in, eyes wide and pleading.


    The kids'' voices, full of love, finally broke through Sadie''s wall. Unable to resist, she sighed and followed them to the dining room.


    Seeing the table full of food, Sadie was surprised and turned to Micah, "Did you make all this?"


    "Who else could it be?" Micah rolled his eyes and called the kids to wash their hands.


    The kids went to wash their hands.


    Sadie looked at the food in disbelief and reached for a chicken wing. Micah suddenly said, "Go wash your hands!"


    Sadie red at him but went to wash her hands.


    "Hurry up, we''re drooling already," the kids urged, impatient to eat.


    Sadie quickly returned when Micah had set the utensils and said, "We''re skipping grace today."


    The kids politely greeted before starting to eat.


    Sadie was about to grab a chicken wing when Micah ced one on her te. Then he served the kids.


    Sadie nced at him and silently ate the chicken wing. After finishing one, she remarked, "It tastes pretty good."


    "Just pretty good?" Micah cocked an eyebrow and served her a portion of salmon, "Try this."


    Sadie took a bite, wanting to praise him but pretended to be indifferent. "It''s okay."


    "Just okay?" Micah frowned.


    "Delicious, really delicious, super delicious," Nathan praised without hesitation.


    "Yeah, I think it''s really good, too," Mia excitedlyplimented, "Daddy, when did you learn to make these dishes? You used to only make oatmeal."

 Chapter 1111 Raising Penguins

    "Just picked it up these past few days," Micah said, smiling at the kids. "I spend two hours a day learning to cook, mastering one dish at a time. Now I can make all this. Do you like it?" "We love it! You''re amazing, Dad!" The kids were thrilled.


    "As long as you like it." Micah was pleased. "Alright, let''s eat."


    The family enjoyed their meal together.


    The eagle on the balcony had fresh beef, while Little Coco was at the other end of the table, eyeing the kids'' tes.


    Nathan scolded, "Little Coco, no messing around. Eat up."


    "Little Coco, you can''t eat meat. Stick to your nuts," Mia said gently. She was about to leave and felt bad for scolding it since it would stay with Nathan.


    "Annoying, annoying!" Little Coco grumbled but continued eating.


    "Dad, how''s thepany doing? Are the problems solved?" Noah asked.


    "I''ve handled some of them," Micah replied vaguely. "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it."


    "You didn''t show up properly at Great-Grandpa''s funeral. When you can, visit his grave and talk to him about it," Noah said, feeling uneasy about leaving soon.


    "I know." Micah gave him a portion of salmon and said lovingly, "It''s very cold in Country E. I''ve packed warm clothes for you. Wear them before you get off the ne." "Okay." Noah nodded, avoiding Micah''s eyes, afraid he''d cry.


    "I''ll visit in a couple of months." Micah ruffled his hair. "Meanwhile, keep up with your online sses and study hard."


    "Got it." Noah felt a bit sad. "Dad, take care of yourself too."


    "Silly, I''m not a kid." Micahughed, then turned to Mia. "Mia, when you get there, keep up with your treatment and take care of your health, okay?"


    "Got it, Daddy." Mia''s voice choked up.


    "Mia, have some soup." Sadie served her some, then gave Noah and Nathan food, trying to lighten the mood. "Country E has ice sculptures and heavy snow. You can build snowmen, have snowball fights, and go ice skating. It''s so much fun." "Mommy, is it cold all year in Country E?" Mia asked, curious.


    "The ce I live is called Skyport City, the capital of Country E. It''s winter most of the year, but there are a few warm days, though it rarely gets above fifty degrees," Sadie exined.


    "My house there is grand. Tristan has many pets, including swans that Mia likes."


    "Are there tigers and lions?" Nathan asked excitedly.


    "No," Sadieughed. "Those are protected animals and can''t be kept at home. But there are a few hunting dogs and some snakes."


    Sadie stopped as Mia''s face turned pale with fear.


    "Don''t be scared, Mia," Sadie quicklyforted her. "I don''t live with Tristan. There are only swans in my castle."


    "That''s good." Mia sighed in relief and asked, "Are there penguins?"


    "No, but if you like, I''ll have some brought over." Sadie immediately called the butler in Country E to arrange for penguins.


    "Mom, can you speak thenguage of that Country too?" Noah was surprised. He knew Sadie had be very capable but had only seen herbat skills, not her knowledge.

 Chapter 1112 Time to Go

    "Yeah, I do. I know fivenguages," Sadie grinned at Noah. "But I''m not fluent in two. Can you help me, Noah?"


    "Mom, you''re being modest. Let''s learn together," Noah said, suddenly excited.


    "I''m so jealous you guys get to stay with Mom," Nathan said, watching Noah and Mia with Sadie. He felt a pang of sadness. "I''m about to be leave her." "It''s okay. I''ll take you to Country E to see them in two months," Micah said, patting his head.


    "You cane with me to Country E too," Sadie suggested, not wanting to part with Nathan. "When your Dades to pick up Mia, he can take you too." Nathan looked up at Micah for approval.


    "You don''t have to do that," Micah quickly refused. "You''ve already got two kids with you. Leave one with me."


    "He''s only staying for two months. He''ll be back," Sadie frowned. "Ask Nathan if he wants to go."


    Nathan looked between Sadie and Micah, then lowered his head, biting his lip.


    "Nathan, do you want to go?" Micah asked softly, his hope fading.


    Nathan thought for a moment, his brow furrowed. He looked up at Micah, eyes filled with sadness and loyalty. "I''ll stay with Dad. Otherwise, he''ll be too lonely," he said timidly.


    Sadie''s expression hardened. She knew she shouldn''t have asked. She opened her mouth but closed it again. Nathan was staying out of pity for Micah.


    "Alright, then. We''ll see each other in two months," she said, forcing a smile.


    "Okay," Nathan nodded eagerly, his eyes brightening.


    "Alright, let''s eat," Micah said, pushing a piece of roasted chicken toward Nathan. He smiled, trying to appear calm, but inside, he felt a knot of difort. He had thought Nathan stayed with him because he couldn''t bear to leave him, but it turned out that it was out of pity.


    After dinner, Micah yed with the kids.


    First, he helped Noah solve a problem with his new software invention, giving some guidance and letting Noah handle the rest.


    Then, he helped Mia organize her dolls. She was nning to take them to Country E, and Micah found a pretty pink box to pack them in.


    Nathan yed with Legos on the side, giving them their time.


    Sadie was cleaning the kitchen alone, pouting. She hadn''t done housework in two years, and Micah had made her clean it. How annoying!


    But since he cooked, it seemed fair for her to clean. Besides, her kitchen was filled with familiar feelings. Brenda was present in every corner and item.


    Sadie remembered two years ago when she used to cook. The pizza woulde out distorted, she''d mistake salt for sugar, or the food wouldn''t be fully cooked.


    There were always problems.


    But sometimes, she''d get it right and make something delicious.


    She remembered when Micah moved upstairs. She''d sneak up to his ce at night to sleep, then sneak back down in the morning to make breakfast. After the kids went to school, she''d bring breakfast upstairs to eat with him.


    Back then, she didn''t know why, but she was just so in love with him.


    Now, she was rational. Even if he was a thousand times better, she remained clear-headed.


    Maybe this was maturity.


    Time passed quickly.


    There was a knock at the door, and Sadie walked over to open it.


    "Ms. James, we need to head to the airport," Annika said gently. "There might be traffic, and we don''t want to bete."


    "Okay," Sadie replied, feeling a bit heavy-hearted. She turned back to the room and called out, "Noah, Nathan, Mia, we need to go to the airport."


    In the room, Nathan, who had just finished building his Lego, identally knocked it over, scattering the pieces everywhere.

 Chapter 1113 Such a Failure

    Noah, who was installing a chip in the new small ne, stopped. Mia, changing her doll''s clothes, also froze. All three kids looked up at Micah.


    Micah checked his watch, frowning. He always wished time would slow down, but now the moment hade.


    No matter how much they wished otherwise, they still had to say goodbye.


    "Daddy!" Mia hugged Micah''s neck, crying, "I don''t want to leave you!"


    "Silly girl, it''s just two months. I''lle get you in Country E," Micah said, patting her back. "Be good. Two months will be over before you know it!" "No," Mia cried harder.


    Nathan''s eyes were red, tears welling up.


    Noah tried to stay strong, but his eyes were moist too.


    They had never been apart since birth, but now they had to separate.


    It felt like a whole was breaking into pieces.


    Sadie pushed the door open and saw them. She felt reluctant but said coldly, "We should go."


    Noah packed his things and walked out.


    Nathan choked up, "Mom, can I go to the airport with you?"


    "Of course," Sadie patted his head. "You and Noah go out first. Be good!"


    "Okay," Nathan followed Noah out.


    Mia kept crying, clinging to Micah.


    "Mia, be good. It''s windy. Put on your coat," Micah said, helping her with her coat and handing her to Sadie. "Go to your mom!"


    Sadie held Mia, looking at Micah with aplicated expression. "You''re not going to the airport?"


    "I''m not," Micah said quietly. "Better not to be sad again."


    He handed Mia''s doll box to Annika and urged, "Go!"


    "No," Mia cried, reaching for Micah, "Daddy, I don''t want to leave you!"


    Micah turned his back, signaling them to go quickly.


    Sadie left with Mia. As she walked out, she looked back.


    Micah had his back to her, head down, his body trembling slightly.


    Her heart ached, eyes reddening. She softened for a moment but still left with Mia.


    "Daddy, Daddy," Mia cried, looking back, calling for Micah.


    But Micah never came out.


    "Rn, go to the airport with them. Once they''re through security, bring Nathan back," Micah ordered hoarsely.


    "Yes," Rn followed with Rodolfo and others.


    Andrew watched the James family''s convoy leave from the balcony, seeing Rn''s car follow.


    Annika nced upstairs from the car window.


    Andrew met her gaze, both their eyes filled withplex emotions. Annika looked away first.


    Andrew sighed, watching the convoy disappear, feeling even lower. With Sadie leaving, was his rtionship with Annika ending too? Andrew turned to Micah, who was silently smoking on the sofa.


    "You rarely smoke," Andrew said, bringing an ashtray.


    "I feel like aplete failure," Micah murmured sadly. He looked at himself through the smoke, eyes deste. He had power but couldn''t keep his family together. Andrew''s heart trembled. "Mr. Clemens, don''t say that. To me, you''re a hero."

 Chapter 1114 Your Dad Can Do Anything

    Micah smoked quietly, head down.


    "It''s just two months," Andrew said. "Once things settle, you can get the kids. Maybe Ms. James will be back too." Micah''s eyes lit up. "Yeah, there''s still hope!"


    No matter what, he''d bring Sadie and the kids back.


    The convoy headed to the airport.


    Sadie tried to calm Mia the whole way.


    "Mia, once you''re better, Daddy wille get you. Don''t cry, okay?" she kept repeating.


    Noah finally got Mia to stop. "Mia, if you keep crying, you''ll get worse, and it''ll take longer toe back." It worked.


    Mia sniffled, then stopped. "I won''t cry. I want to get better ande home soon!"


    "Good girl, Mia," Sadie said, wiping her tears.


    Nathan sat quietly, tears streaming. He didn''t want to upset Mia and Sadie.


    But he didn''t want to leave Sadie.


    At the airport, they had to part.


    Nathan hugged Sadie, sobbing. "Mom, I don''t want to leave you."


    Sadie hugged him tight. "It''s okay, Nathan. We''ll see each other soon. Be strong."


    Nathan tried but couldn''t stop crying.


    His tears set off Noah and Mia, and they all cried together.


    People around them felt heartbroken.


    Sadieforted them until Annika reminded her for the third time. She let go of Nathan, cupped his face, wiped his tears, and said, "Nathan, listen to your dad, take care of yourself, and call me anytime, okay?" "Okay," Nathan nodded, still crying.


    "Go back with Rn. I have to go in now." Sadie patted his head.


    "Noah," Nathan said, hugging him. "Take care of Mom and Mia."


    "Don''t worry," Noah said, wiping his tears. "Let''s go."


    "Mia," Nathan said, hugging her. "Take care of Little Coco for me."


    "I will," Mia nodded. "Get better and stop crying."


    "Okay," Mia nodded, still crying.


    Sadie signaled, and Annika and Arya coaxed the kids away. Rn picked up Nathan.


    "Rn," Sadie handed him a document. "Give this to Jonny. And look after Serena."


    "Mr. Clemens instructed me," Rn said, taking the document.


    "Thank you," Sadie said, turning to leave.


    Rn watched them go, then carried Nathan back.


    Nathan wiped his tears. "Rn, does this mean I won''t have Mom anymore?"


    Rn patted Nathan''s head with one hand, "No, silly. Your dad''s working on it. He ns to go to Country E in two months to bring your mom, Noah, and Mia back." "Really?" Nathan''s eyes lit up.


    "Of course," Rn said confidently. "Your dad can do anything. If he says he''ll do it, he will!"

 Chapter 1115 Rekindling Confidence

    The ne took off, leaving behind the city Sadie knew so well.


    She looked out the window at Newark, feeling a mix of emotions. Memories, both sweet and bitter, flooded her mind. Every memory was tied to Micah.


    His face, his presence, were impossible to forget.


    Sadie chuckled to herself, thinking, ''Maybe if I lose my memory again, I''ll forget him.''


    She always acted aloof and proud, pretending she didn''t care about Micah. But now, leaving, she realized she still had feelings for him.


    Yet, the grudges and pain were too deep. She couldn''t forgive him for Brenda or her past self. It had to end here.


    Micah stood at the airport, watching the ne leave, looking gloomy.


    He had promised not toe, but he couldn''t help it. He hid in a corner, quietly watching them go.


    As the James family''s jet disappeared, Micah felt his heart sink.


    She had really left, without hesitation, with firm resolve.


    "Dad!" A small voice called, and a tiny hand grabbed Micah''s.


    Micah looked down.


    Nathan looked up at him, eyes hopeful. "Rn said you''d win Mom back, right?"


    "Yeah," Micah replied, though not very confidently. He knew Sadie was stubborn now. "Do you love Mom?" Nathan asked.


    "Yes," Micah answered without hesitation.


    "Do you want to be with Mom?" Nathan asked again.


    "Of course I do!" Micah said firmly, picturing their family together, his ideal life.


    "That''s good." Nathan nodded and motioned him closer. "Dad, I have a secret."


    "Hmm?" Micah squatted down, leaning in.


    Nathan whispered, "Noah and I made a pact. We''re going to help you win Mom back. With our help, you''ll seed! When Mia gets better, she''ll join too. That''s the third step of our n." Micah felt touched. He patted Nathan''s head gently. "Thank you, Nathan."


    "Also, thank Noah and Mia," Nathan said seriously.


    "Yes, thank you, Noah and Mia," Micah said, pinching his nose affectionately.


    "Dad, you taught us to be determined, to move forward bravely. You have to keep it up too!" Nathan cheered him on, clenching his little fists.


    Micah felt a surge of confidence. He lifted Nathan high above his head, saying, "Alright, I will win your mom back. In two months, we''ll go to Country E and bring your mom, Noah, and Mia back!" "Yeah, that''s great!" Nathan cheered, raising his hands.


    Seeing Nathan''s happy face, Micah smiled, a rare sight.


    He held Nathan and started to leave, but after a few steps, he felt dizzy, his vision blurring.


    He stopped, leaning against the wall for support.


    "Dad, what''s wrong?" Nathan asked, confused.


    "Did you see something suspicious?" Rn asked cautiously, thinking Micah had noticed danger.


    Only Andrew sensed something was wrong. He quickly asked, "Mr. Clemens, are you feeling unwell?"

 Chapter 1116 A Full Medical Check-up

    "I''m fine," Micah muttered, steadying himself and holding onto Nathan as they walked.


    Even though his symptoms had eased, his vision was still blurry. Trusting his instincts, he kept moving. Gradually, his vision cleared.


    He squinted at the evening sky, realizing something was off with his body.


    "Mr. Clemens, the car''s here," Andrew gently reminded him.


    "Nathan, you head home first. I have something to handle," Micah said, cing Nathan in the car. "Rn, take Nathan home."


    "Yes," Rn replied, getting into the car.


    Nathan felt uneasy. With Noah and Mia gone, he was already lonely at home. Now, with Micah noting back, he felt scared. "Dad, when will you be back?" he asked quickly.


    "I''ll be home tonight," Micah assured, patting his face. "Be good. If you get bored, have Rodolfo practice boxing with you."


    "Okay," Nathan nodded obediently.


    Micah signaled, and Rodolfo drove off.


    "Mr. Clemens, are you feeling unwell?" Andrew asked, noticing Micah''splexion.


    "Everyone, leave," Micah ordered, keeping only Andrew. He then quietly said, "Call Dahlia and arrange a full medical check-up for me."


    "Yes," Andrew quickly contacted Dahlia.


    They got into the car and headed to Peace Hospital, where Dahlia was.


    On the way, Andrew was worried. He had noticed something was off with Micah before and had suggested seeing Dahlia. But Micah had said Dahlia''s skills were limited and she might not diagnose a rare condition. For example, when Sadie was poisoned years ago, Dahlia hadn''t detected anything.


    So, he had dyed it until now.


    But now, Micah was actively seeking a check-up from Dahlia and had dismissed everyone else, indicating something serious.


    Soon, they arrived at Peace Hospital.


    Dahlia was waiting at the entrance. Seeing them, she hurried over, "What happened?"


    "Nothing, just a check-up," Andrew said, trying to sound rxed. "Is everything arranged?"


    "Yes, everything is set," Dahlia said anxiously. "I''ll handle everything personally, with only two trusted assistants. No leaks." "Good," Micah responded, quickly walking into the hospital.


    Dahlia began various examinations on Micah. By the time they were done, it waste at night.


    Some test results were immediate, others would take until the next day.


    Dahlia reported to Micah, "All tests are normal, Mr. Clemens. You''re in good health. No issues at the moment." "What about my eyes?" Micah asked.


    "Your vision is fine," Dahlia said, holding the vision report. "Do you feel there''s a problem with your vision? Or are your eyes ufortable?" Micah took the report. No issues were detected, but he felt something was wrong. Even if Dahlia''s skills were limited, the machines shouldn''t be wrong. Then Micah realized it might not be his eyes but his brain, possibly pressing on a nerve and affecting his vision. "Is the brain CT ready?" he asked. "That result will be ready tomorrow," Dahlia said. "If you need it urgently, I can call someone to work overtime."


    "No need," Micah said, putting down the report. "No one can know about this."


    "Understood," Dahlia nodded emphatically.


    "Let me know when the results are out," Micah instructed and then turned to leave.


    "Keep it confidential," Andrew reminded Dahlia before quickly following Micah.


    Dahlia watched them leave, feeling anxious. With Raymond gone, if something happened to Micah, the Clemens family would be in trouble.

 Chapter 1117 Surviving Two Months

    On the way back, Andrew tried tofort Micah, "Dahlia said you''re fine. It was just a false rm."


    Micah stayed silent, looking serious.


    "Where exactly do you feel unwell? Headache?" Andrew asked, worried. "I should''ve had Dr. Henry check you earlier."


    Micah still didn''t respond.


    Andrew grew more anxious but didn''t press further.


    When they got home, Nathan was already asleep. Micah went to his room, tucked him in, and sat beside him, quietly watching.


    "Noah! Mia!" Nathan mumbled in his sleep, "Mom."


    He already missed Noah, Mia, and Sadie.


    Micah gently stroked Nathan''s head, a faint smile on his lips. He remembered his promise to bring Sadie back and knew he couldn''t break it.


    Nathan was right; you have to face challenges head-on and move forward!


    No matter the obstacles, he would bring Sadie and the kids back.


    If he was fine, the family could reunite.


    If something happened to him, the Clemens family would still need someone to look after them.


    With this thought, Micah felt a new surge of motivation!


    But the constant sense of impending doom, like a sword hanging overhead, robbed him of sleep. He was waiting for Dahlia''s test results. He suspected it was a brain issue. Sure enough, at nine in the morning, a frantic knock on the door woke Micah.


    "Come in!" he mumbled, still half-asleep.


    Andrew burst in, looking worried. "Mr. Clemens, the test results are out," he said urgently.


    Micah''s eyes flew open. He sat up quickly, throwing on a robe. "Let her in."


    Andrew nodded, relieved. "Yes, sir." He quickly called Dahlia in.


    Dahlia entered, tense, holding a white envelope. "The CT scan shows an issue with your brain nerves, Mr. Clemens," she said quietly. "We suspect some toxin has caused nerve damage." "How could this happen?" Andrew eximed, shocked.


    Micah stayed calm, though his jaw tightened. "Poisoning?" he murmured.


    "Most likely," Dahlia confirmed, looking grim. "We need experts to make a precise judgment. I''m not a brain specialist."


    "Go on," Micah said, pouring himself a ss of iced wine. He took a slow sip, watching the ice clink.


    "This could lead to loss of brain nerve function," Dahlia continued, "causing abnormalities or loss in areas controlled by those nerves."


    Micah''s gaze hardened. "Like vision?" he asked.


    "How could Mr. Clemens be poisoned?" Andrew was agitated. "Can you determine the poison?"


    Dahlia looked ashamed. "I can''t. I''m a specialist in women''s and children''s health. We need experts for a targeted solution."


    "Then what are we waiting for?" Andrew was anxious.


    "No need," Micah cut him off, waving his hand. "You may go."


    "Mr. Clemens..." Andrew started, but Micah interrupted. "If those experts were useful, I wouldn''t have needed Dr. Henry for Mia''s case." "Then let''s go to Ennd to find Dr. Henry," Andrew said urgently. "I''ll arrange a private jet."


    "Are you crazy?" Micah said, displeased. "Dr. Henry is treating Sadie and Mia. If you bring him back, what about them?"


    "But you..." Andrew''s eyes were bloodshot with worry.


    "It''s fine. In two months, when I bring them back, I''ll bring Dr. Henry. I can hold on for two months," Micah said calmly.


    "Mr. Clemens, this is serious," Dahlia said anxiously. "If something happens to you, the entire Clemens Group will be finished." "That''s why my illness must stay secret," Micah reminded.

 Chapter 1118 Cant Fall Down

    "We''ll keep it confidential, but you need urgent treatment," Dahlia said, worried. "If you don''t trust our doctors, we can get someone from abroad..." "Enough," Micah interrupted. "Leave."


    "Mr. Clemens..." Dahlia tried again, but Andrew''s stern look stopped her. She bowed her head and left.


    Andrew knew once Micah made up his mind, no one could change it.


    "Is this about E?" Andrew asked. "When she was caught, she tried to poison Ms. James. You protected Ms. James."


    "Probably," Micah replied. "The poison just sshed a bit on my face. I didn''t think it could affect me."


    "E''s despicable," Andrew said, gritting his teeth.


    Micah remembered E''s parting words: "You really love her. Too bad you''ll never be together. Soon, you''ll join me in hell."


    Her face was twisted, her eyes sinister. But he didn''t care; he thought he was invincible.


    "I''ll look for an antidote," Andrew said. "Bryan and Nelson might know something. I''ll also check E''s old pharmacy."


    "It''s been too long; even if there''s an antidote, it''s useless," Micah said calmly. "Don''t waste your time."


    "We have to try," Andrew insisted. "We can''t just do nothing."


    He hurried out.


    Micah sat on the sofa, drinking. Though he seemed calm, his expression darkened.


    Nathan''s voice came from outside. "Dad, are you awake? Let''s have breakfast together."


    "Go downstairs. I''ll be there in ten minutes," Micah replied.


    He went to the bathroom to wash up and change. Looking in the mirror, he felt a mix of emotions. He looked the same but was now a high-risk patient. He had to hold on; he had many things to do. Taking a deep breath, he washed his face with cold water, changed clothes, and went to join Nathan. Nathan, in stylish casual wear, was feeding Little Coco breakfast.


    Seeing Micah, he greeted, "Dad! Good morning!"


    "Nathan, good morning." Micah patted his head. "What are your ns today?"


    "I can''t go to school, so I''ll practice boxing with Rodolfo," Nathan said. "But Rodolfo''s been in a bad moodtely."


    Micah nced at Rodolfo, who quickly looked down, pale with fear.


    "I''ll practice with you today," Micah said, rolling up his sleeves. "After practice, we''ll y ser."


    "Really? That''s great," Nathan cheered.


    "Finish your breakfast first," Micah handed him a ss of milk. "Drink more milk to grow taller."


    "Okay," Nathan nodded. "I drink two sses of milk every day. I want to be as tall as you, Dad."


    "You should aim to be taller than me," Micah said gently. "Nathan, besides boxing and sports, what else do you like?" "Airnes, cars, everything," Nathan said excitedly. "Dad, when I grow up, will you teach me to drive and fly a ne?"

 Chapter 1119 Discussing the Marriage

    "Alright," Micah nodded. "Anything else?"


    "Nope, that''s it." Nathan went back to his breakfast, missing the worry in Micah''s eyes.


    Micah''s concern grew. With Noah and Sadie in Country E, who''d run Clemens Group if something happened to him? Nathan was a good kid, but not cut out to be president. "By the way," Nathan said excitedly, "I love Legos, treasure hunting, and I want to climb Sapphire Peak and explore uncharted territories someday." "That''s awesome. Whatever you like, I''ll support you," Micah said, patting his head. "But you need to learn skills to keep you and your team safe." "Yeah, I''ve been reading adventure books," Nathan smiled, then asked nervously, "But Dad, I''m not as smart as Noah. Will you be disappointed?" "No," Micah put down his utensils, serious. "Everyone has their strengths. Just do what you love."


    "Thanks, Dad!" Nathan beamed.


    "Dad, Dad!" Little Coco chimed in.


    Micah thought of Sadie, Noah, and Mia, wondering how they were doing.


    "I wonder how Mom, Noah, and Mia are," Nathan muttered.


    Just then, Micah''s phone rang. It was Noah. He quickly answered, "Noah!"


    "Dad, wended safely," Noah said. "How are you, Nathan, and Little Coco?"


    "We''re good." Micah put the call on speaker so Nathan could hear.


    "Noah, you got there fast! Is it cold? Did you wear the coats Dad packed?" Nathan asked eagerly.


    "We did," Noah replied calmly.


    "Let me talk!" Mia grabbed the phone. "Daddy, Nathan, it''s so cold here, and it''s snowing heavily. It''s beautiful, like cotton candy falling. And there are lots of people waiting for us!" "Is it Uncle Tristan?" Nathan asked.


    "No, it''s some people from Country C," Mia shouted.


    Micah felt a pang of bitterness. Joe had met Sadie at Skyport International Airport. Persistent guy.


    "It''s Joe," Noah rified. "And his father Craig. They brought a group and were waiting. Their private jet arrived half an hour before ours. Uncle Tristan also sent people." "Wait," Micah asked, "Noah, did you say Joe''s father Craig is there too?"


    "Yes, Mom called him Duke Louis," Noah said quietly. "Dad, we''re about to get off the ne. Take care of yourself and Nathan!"


    "Okay, you two take care and listen to your mom," Micah said lovingly.


    "Got it, bye." Noah nodded.


    "Noah, send me a video when you get home," Nathan called out.


    "Okay," Noah responded and hung up.


    Micah held the phone, frowning. Joe meeting Sadie was one thing, but Craig being there meant serious talks about marriage. This had to be Tristan''s idea. If Sadie hadn''t agreed, Craig wouldn''t have shown up. Was Sadie really going to marry Joe?

 Chapter 1120 Duke Louis

    "Dad, what''s up?" Nathan asked, noticing Micah''s worried look. "Is it about Noah and Mia, or Mom getting remarried?" "Both," Micah replied, always open with the kids. "But I''ll handle it, don''t worry."


    "No need to stress. Noah''s got a n," Nathan said proudly. "Mom won''t be able to marry for at least two months." "Really?" Micah perked up. "What''s the n?"


    "Wait till tonight. Noah will fill you in," Nathan said mysteriously. "It''s not finalized yet, so I can''t say much."


    "Nathan, keeping secrets from me?" Micah teased, patting his head.


    "Hehe!" Nathan grinned.


    In Country E, heavy snow nketed Skyport City.


    Annika had the servants dress Noah and Mia in special down jackets and little military boots.


    Sadie wore a long white coat and hat, with military boots gripping the steps firmly, making her walk look determined.


    Sadie held the kids'' hands as they descended the stairs, with Annika, Arya, and eighteen female bodyguards following. The kids looked around, curious and excited.


    Noah''s steady gaze caught Craig''s attention.


    Craig whispered to Joe, "No wonder Mr. James likes Noah. He''s got potential."


    "All three kids are charming and cute," Joe smiled, then greeted warmly, "Sadie, Noah, Mia!"


    "Hi, Uncle Joe," Noah and Mia said politely.


    Noah smiled and shook Joe''s hand. He liked Joe, even if he didn''t want Sadie to marry him. Joe seemed honest and kind. "Me too!" Mia extended her hand and shook Joe''s.


    They both smiled.


    Seeing the kids warm up to Joe, Sadie felt relieved. She then greeted Craig, "Duke Louis, sorry to keep you waiting!"


    "Just got here early," Craig smiled. "You look thinner. It''s good to be back. Newark''s climate didn''t suit you; Skyport City is better." This simplement had deeper meaning.


    "Yes," Sadie nodded, then called the kids, "Noah, Mia, greet Duke Louis."


    "Hello, Duke Louis," they said politely.


    "Hello," Craig replied, admiring them. "Such smart kids; they have the James family spirit."


    Noah instinctively nced at Craig, slightly frowning.


    Mia looked confused, not getting the meaning.


    "Let''s get in the car. Tristan''s waiting at home," Craig said.


    "Alright, after you, Duke Louis," Sadie replied respectfully.

 Chapter 1121 Visiting Tristans House

    The convoy rolled up to a stunning estate with two castles. One looked grand and imposing, the other charming and fairy-tale-like. Mia, staring at the charming castle from afar, eximed, "That castle is so beautiful, like a princess would live there!"


    "That''s my home, and now it''s yours too," Sadie said, smiling at Noah and Mia.


    "Wow, that''s awesome!" Mia cheered. "I love this castle, so happy!"


    Noah eyed the grand castle, feeling uneasy. "The other one belongs to Uncle Tristan, right?"


    Even though Tristan treated him well, his unpredictable nature was scary.


    "Yeah," Sadie nodded. "We need to visit Uncle Tristan first. We''ll have dinner there and head hometer."


    "Ugh, I''m scared," Mia muttered, burying her face in Sadie''s chest.


    "Don''t worry, Uncle Tristan won''t hurt you," Sadie reassured, patting Mia''s back.


    "Mom''s here, Mia. Don''t be scared. We''ll have dinner and then go back," Noah added. "Okay," Mia pouted reluctantly.


    "Ms. James," Annika reported, "Should Arya escort Dr. Henry and the others back first?"


    "Yes," Sadie nodded. "Dr. Henry doesn''t like socializing. Have him go home and rest. Make sure Arya takes good care of him." "Understood," Annika nodded and called Arya.


    Arya took a few cars back to Sadie''s castle while Sadie and Joe''s car headed to Tristan''s.


    "This ce is huge," Mia said, snuggling in Sadie''s arms, looking at the snowy scenery. "Is Uncle Tristan more powerful than Daddy?" "They''re about equally powerful," Sadie smiled. "Just different backgrounds."


    Noah understood what she meant by "background."


    "Oh, so Daddy is powerful too," Mia nodded proudly.


    Sadie patted her hair, relieved. "I was worried you might get sick from the long trip. Seeing you so energetic now, I''m relieved."


    "I''m very healthy," Mia said, then caught Noah''s nce. She clutched her chest, pretending to feel unwell. "I actually feel a bit tight in the chest, short of breath, and a little dizzy, but it''s okay. Seeing Uncle Tristan is more important." "Mia, are you unwell? Let me see," Sadie said, quickly checking Mia''s temperature.


    Sadie frowned, worried. "Your temperature is normal, but I should''ve let you go home with Dr. Henry first."


    "It''s okay, Mommy. I''m feeling energetic now. Let''s greet Uncle Tristan first," Mia quickly said.


    "If you feel unwell, tell me. I''ll have Annika take you back," Sadie instructed.


    "Got it," Mia answered, snuggling in Sadie''s arms and exchanging a nce with Noah.


    Noah quickly looked away, watching the night scenery outside.


    Sadie gave Noah a deep look but said nothing, just adjusted his cor.


    Soon, they arrived at Tristan''s castle.


    Dozens of bodyguards stood in neat rows, weing Sadie and Craig.


    Sadie got out with the kids, and Tristan walked out. He greeted Craig first, then turned to her, "You''re back!"


    "Tristan!" Sadie smiled and said to the kids, "Noah, Mia, say hello to Uncle Tristan!"


    "Hello, Uncle Tristan," Noah and Mia greeted obediently.

 Chapter 1122 The Genius Noah

    Tristan''s face showed mixed emotions but quickly calmed. He smiled and said, "Wee!"


    He motioned for everyone toe in.


    Craig walked beside him, chatting quietly. Sadie followed with the kids, noticing Tristan looked a bit pale and less energetic than usual.


    "Is Tristan still not healed?" Joe whispered to Sadie.


    "What?" Sadie was shocked. "Tristan got hurt?"


    Joe''s face froze. "You didn''t know? Oops, I slipped."


    Sadie frowned, thinking, ''Who could''ve hurt Tristan? And why didn''t he tell me?''


    "Don''t ask him about it," Joe said nervously. "At least not in front of us, or he''ll kill me."


    "Got it," Sadie said, rolling her eyes.


    They reached the main hall, where avish dinner was set. Tristan invited everyone to sit and eat. Sadie took the kids to wash up and then joined the table. Tristan raised his ss to toast Craig. They both drank, and then Craig asked Joe and Sadie to toast Tristan too.


    Joe did so eagerly, and Sadie, though reluctant, followed suit.


    Mia quietly ate while Noah observed everything.


    After a few drinks, Craig brought up the main topic. "Since we''re all busy, let''s settle Joe and Sadie''s marriage soon. As the groom''s family, I''m here to discuss it." The James family, though in Country E for decades, still followed Celestia traditions.


    "As her brother, I''ve tested Joe for Sadie," Tristan said, ncing at Joe. "He mayck ambition, but he''s sincere and cares for Sadie. I have no objections." "Thank you, Mr. James," Joe said happily.


    Craig frowned but quickly smiled. "Joe became Duke Louis young, which is rare. He may not match your career dedication, but he has potential." Tristan smiled slightly and looked at Sadie. "It''s up to Sadie. I support it but won''t force her."


    "Of course," Craig said, turning to Sadie. "What do you think?"


    "It''s not right to discuss this in front of the kids," Sadie said, concerned about their feelings. "Let''s talk in the studyter."


    "We''re speaking Country Enguage; the kids don''t understand," Craigughed.


    "Mom, this steak is good," Noah said in Country Enguage, serving Sadie a piece of beef.


    Craig was stunned.


    "Uncle Tristan, is your chef Celestia? This Country E dish has a southern Celestia vor," Noah said in Country Enguage. Craig was even more shocked. "This kid speaks Country Enguage? And he''s only six?"

 Chapter 1123 Delicious Candy Pills

    "Noah speaks fivenguages," Sadie said, smiling. "His Country E and Country C are even better than mine." Craig was stunned and speechless.


    "It''s fine. Noah''s got the IQ and EQ of an adult," Tristan said calmly. "He gets it."


    Craig awkwardly touched his nose.


    "You''ve got a good eye," Tristan said, admiring Noah. "He''s a real Celestia chef."


    "Yeah, the chef''s skills are great," Noah nodded.


    Tristan liked Noah a lot and spoke to him gently. "If you like it,e over for dinner often."


    "Sure, thanks, Uncle Tristan." Noah smiled and kept eating.


    Mia, curious, looked at Noah. "Noah, what are you guys talking about?"


    "Just dinner," Noah said briefly, and they started chatting in Celestia''snguage.


    Tristan finished his drink and turned to Sadie. "I have something tonight. Are you ready to marry him and give Joe an answer?"


    Sadie stopped cutting her steak, looking conflicted. She didn''t want to refuse in front of everyone, which would embarrass Craig and Tristan, who had invited them. Though Tristan said he wouldn''t force her, his support was clear.


    "No rush," Joe said, noticing Sadie''s dilemma. "Mr. James, we can talk tomorrow. My dad and I are staying for a few days."


    Craig signaled Joe to stop, but Joe ignored him.


    Craig was furious. Tristan was pressuring Sadie, and Joe''s words made it worse.


    "Why don''t we go to the study and talk now?" Sadie suggested, putting down her utensils. "This is important. Let''s discuss it properly."


    "Of course," Craig agreed and asked Tristan, "What do you think?"


    "Alright," Tristan said, putting down his wine ss. His attendant, Terry, invited everyone to the study.


    "Noah, Mia, keep eating. I''ll be back soon," Sadie said, patting their heads. "Be good!"


    "Got it, Mommy," Mia nodded.


    "Go ahead, Mom," Noah said, continuing to eat.


    After they left, Noah''s expression changed.


    "Noah, is it now?" Mia asked.


    "Quiet," Noah frowned. "Don''t ask so many questions. We''re ying a pretend game. Act naturally, okay?"


    "Okay," Mia nodded and then asked, "So what should I do?"


    She quickly covered her mouth, blushing.


    Noah looked around and, seeing no one was watching, handed her a white candy.


    Mia ate it, smiling. "It''s sweet and tasty."


    "Don''t talk randomly," Noah said, giving her a doll.


    Mia yed with the doll, looking carefree.


    Noah kept cutting his steak but had lost his appetite. The thought of Sadie marrying someone else and their family being separated made him anxious.

 Chapter 1124 Tristans Sister

    Noah squinted at his watch, wondering when they''d finally get to the point. He needed to buy Sadie some time.


    Inside, four people sipped coffee.


    Sadie got straight to it, "Old Duke Louis, thanks foring to Skyport City to see me, but..."


    She nced at Joe and then Tristan.


    "Just say it," Tristan frowned.


    Sadie hesitated, "I think it''s a bit rushed. Maybe we should wait..."


    "Sadie, this has dragged on for over a year," Craig cut in, annoyed. "Joe''s been chasing you for two years, from Skyport City to Newark and back. You''ve never given him a clear answer. Now that I''m here, you should decide." Sadie frowned, staying silent.


    "Tristan supports this, and the Louis family is ready to ept your kids. What''s the holdup?" Craig pressed. "Are you still thinking about Micah?"


    "No, I''m not," Sadie replied quickly. "It''s about the kids. They just left the Clemens family and need time to adjust. If I marry now, they''ll feel unsettled."


    "That''s not an issue," Craig said. "The kids are smart and will understand. If they''re uneasy, we can get a psychologist."


    "But..." Sadie still frowned.


    "I brought gifts," Craig continued. "Following your Celestia traditions, everything''s ready. We''re just waiting for your nod!"


    He sipped his coffee and added, "Tristan and I discussed this. He has no objections, right, Tristan?"


    "Yes," Tristan nodded.


    Sadie looked down, feeling torn. Her brain said yes, but her heart resisted.


    "Dad, don''t push Sadie," Joe tried to help. "Let''s give her some time. There''s no rush."


    "Shut up," Craig snapped.


    Joe lowered his head, silent.


    Craig lost patience. "Sadie, many want to marry into the Louis family. Your Uncle James''s family has been to Sunvale many times. Knowing I wasing to Skyport City, they contacted me. His daughter isn''t bad either. If you don''t want to, we might consider them."


    "Which Uncle James?" Sadie asked Tristan, "Is it Joshua James?"


    Tristan didn''t answer but said, "Old Duke Louis, I know Joshua is trying to win you over, and I know a marriage could threaten me. But don''t use this to pressure Sadie. If she marries Joe, it should be for his honesty and sincerity, not family interests. My sister won''t sacrifice her happiness for anything, nor will anyone threaten her!"


    Sadie felt touched. Tristan had said this before, but now it meant more.


    She always thought Tristan supported her marriage to Joe to strengthen his position. But now, he was standing up to Craig to protect her, showing her happiness mattered more to him than family interests.

 Chapter 1125 Noah Will Achieve Great Things

    Craig noticed Tristan was upset and quickly changed his tone. "Tristan, don''t get me wrong. I wasn''t threatening. I just meant Joshua''s daughter likes Joe and has been after him for years. Joe doesn''t like her, and we don''t want to work with Joshua. He''s not even fit to be your servant. I was just anxious for Sadie to answer quickly."


    "That''s true," Tristan said, frowning at Sadie. "Just give them an answer already. Don''t hesitate!"


    "I..." Sadie started, but an urgent knock interrupted her.


    An attendant opened the door, and Annika''s worried voice came through. "Ms. Sadie, something''s wrong. Ms. Mia is vomiting again."


    "What?" Sadie gasped and rushed out.


    "Sadie, don''t worry. I brought a doctor," Joe followed her.


    "Looks like we won''t get an answer tonight," Tristan said politely. "Old Duke Louis, you must be tired. Please rest in the guest room. I''ll make sure Sadie gives a clear answer within three days." "Alright," Craig frowned, clearly displeased but said nothing.


    "Take Old Duke Louis to rest," Tristan instructed the attendant.


    "Yes," the attendant replied.


    Sadie ran out and saw Mia on the sofa, vomiting into a trash can, her face pale.


    Noah was anxiously patting her back, while several female attendants stood by, helpless.


    "Mia!" Sadie cried, holding her. "What happened? She was fine just now."


    "Maybe it''s the long journey," Joe suggested. "Don''t worry, I''ll have my doctor check her."


    "No need, I have Dr. Henry with me," Sadie said, picking up Mia and heading outside. "Let''s go back and find Dr. Henry."


    "Yes," Annika quickly arranged for a car.


    A worried group hurried out. Joe wanted to follow Sadie, but Craig stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.


    "Stop," Craigmanded sharply.


    Joe turned, frustrated. "Dad, Sadie..." he began, but Craig cut him off.


    "Do you know why Sadie doesn''t like you?" Craig asked, clearly displeased. "It''s because you''re always so submissive, like apdog." "Where did you learn that word?" Joe pouted. "Why does being sincere make me apdog?"


    Craig''s anger red. "Shut up," he snapped. "Go upstairs."


    Joe slumped his shoulders and trudged up the stairs, knowing arguing was useless.


    Tristan came out of the study, instructed someone to take Joe to the guest room, and then left.


    Sadie put Mia in the car and turned to Tristan. "Tristan, I''ll take the kids back first."


    "Yes, take good care of them," Tristan responded, but his eyes were on Noah.


    Noah looked calm andposed, lowering his eyes.


    Annika helped him into the car. He nced at Tristan and politely said, "Goodbye, Uncle Tristan."


    Tristan nodded slightly, a charming smile on his lips.


    "Mr. James, should we send a doctor over?" Terry asked, frowning.


    "No need," Tristan said lightly. "Didn''t you notice? Noah is very calm."


    "Huh?" Terry was puzzled, then realized. "You mean, they are..."


    "At such a young age, he''s so meticulous," Tristan said, heading back inside. "Noah will achieve great things."


    Sadie hurriedly got into the car, taking the group back to the castle. Pa and Percy were already waiting at the door. Dr. Henry, who disliked the cold, was in the medical room. "Hurry," Sadie carried Mia into the medical room.


    Dr. Henry examined Mia and frowned. "What did she eat tonight?"

 Chapter 1126 Come Clean

    "Probably steak, cheese, fruit, and cake," Annika said about dinner. "I watched her the whole time. She didn''t eat anything she shouldn''t have."


    "Okay," Dr. Henry said, ncing at Mia. "You all can leave now."


    "But..." Annika hesitated, looking at Sadie.


    "Go on," Sadie gestured.


    "Yes," Annika and the other attendants bowed and left.


    "You too, Sadie," Dr. Henry added.


    Sadie blinked, surprised. Usually, she stayed unless it was an emergency. Was Mia''s condition that serious?


    "Don''t worry, it''s minor," Dr. Henry reassured her. "I just want to talk to the kids alone."


    Noah felt a chill. ''Oh no,'' he thought, ''Dr. Henry knows.''


    Sadie gave Noah a knowing look, then quietly left.


    Dr. Henry applied soothing medicine to Mia''s irritated belly button and asked Pa to prepare more. "Even though the sugar pills don''t have major side effects, Mia''s body hasn''t fully recovered. Taking them makes her ufortable. You shouldn''t mess with your health."


    Noah, cheeks burning with shame, lowered his head.


    Mia, clutching her stomach, anxiously said, "Dr. Henry, I wanted to take the pills myself. It has nothing to do with Noah."


    "From now on, don''t sneak anything from my medicine box," Dr. Henry warned gently but firmly.


    "I''m sorry, Dr. Henry. I know I was wrong," Noah said softly. "But I didn''t steal your medicine. Pa gave it to me. I had a stomachache before, and she gave it to me. I didn''t take it then and kept it secretly."


    Dr. Henry looked at Pa.


    "That''s true," Pa nodded.


    "You''re healthy, so Pa gave you the medicine because you couldn''t digest well. But Mia is different," Dr. Henry reminded sternly. "The same thing can have different effects on a healthy person and a sick person. You must not joke about this in the future!"


    "Yes, I understand," Noah said, feeling guilty. "Dr. Henry, is Mia okay now? I thought she would just have diarrhea. I didn''t expect her to react so badly."


    "Her condition isn''t very serious, but she''ll need more medicine," Dr. Henry said with a frown. "Alright, you can go now. Sadie is probably waiting for you to exin."


    "Okay," Noah nodded, looking at Mia with guilt. "I''m sorry, Mia."


    "It''s okay, Noah. Don''t worry. I''ll get better soon, ugh." Mia started to retch again.


    "Mia, here, drink some water first," Pa quickly helped Mia sit up to drink water.


    "Go on," Dr. Henry patted Noah''s head.


    Noah walked out of the medical room. Sadie was sitting on the couch with a stern face, looking at him with aplex expression. "Come to the study with me," she said seriously. Noah lowered his head and followed her to the study on the first floor.


    It was more like a library than a study. The high ceiling had a loft, and the wooden bookshelves were grand and elegant, with some vintage elements.


    Even the vases in the corners were rare antiques. The study gave off a serene feeling, calming one''s mind.


    Noah was examining the study when Sadie''s voice brought him back.


    "Come here!" Sadie sat at the desk, frowning at Noah.


    Noah walked over, head down, not daring to speak.


    "Should I ask, or will you confess yourself?" she questioned sternly.


    Sadie rarely treated the children so sternly. This was serious, and she was very angry.

 Chapter 1127 Being Taught

    Noah stayed quiet. He''d always been the smartest and most sensible kid.


    In school and life, he was nearly perfect, so Sadie and Micah never had a reason to criticize him.


    This was a first.


    "Did you give Mia something to make her vomit?" Sadie asked bluntly.


    "Yes," Noah admitted.


    "Where''d you get the medicine?" Sadie pressed.


    "A few days ago, I had a stomachache. Pa checked me out and said I had indigestion, so she gave me a pill. I didn''t take it and kept it," Noah exined. "So you gave it to Mia today. Why?" Sadie''s tone grew heavier.


    Noah stayed silent, head down.


    "Answer me," Sadie demanded.


    Noah trembled but still didn''t speak.


    Sadie was angry but tried to stay calm.


    "Do you not want me to marry Joe, so you did this on purpose?" Sadie asked, taking a deep breath. "Is that it?"


    "Yes," Noah replied, head still down. "Not just me. Nathan and Mia don''t want it either."


    "Why?" Sadie frowned.


    "If you liked Joe, we wouldn''t stop you, but you don''t. I don''t know if you''re afraid to reject Tristan or trying to avoid Dad, but you don''t have to marry someone you don''t like!" Noah said bravely.


    Sadie felt moved. She thought the kids did this for Micah, but it was for her.


    "It was wrong to give Mia the medicine," Noah continued. "Dr. Henry already scolded me and told me how serious it was. I won''t do it again. But Mom, about the marriage, please think it over. You have the right to choose, so don''t settle." Sadie was speechless. She was supposed to be teaching Noah, but he ended up teaching her.


    A heavy silence filled the room until Noah nervously asked, "Mom, are you still mad at me?" He looked at Sadie uneasily.


    Sadie reached out, and Noah walked over cautiously.


    She hugged him and said, "Even if I''m mad, it''s at myself for making you bear so much at such a young age."


    "Don''t think like that, Mom," Noah said softly. "I want to be a carefree kid, but I can''t control my brain. But it''s not all bad; I consider it growing up early."


    "Silly child," Sadie hugged him tightly. "The adult world isplicated. In the future, don''t interfere in these matters. Trust that I''ll make the right decision." "Mom, are you still going to marry Joe?" Noah asked, confused.


    "I can''t decide that right now." Sadie cupped his face and said gently, "But trust me, okay?"


    Noah didn''t fully understand Sadie''s thoughts. But seeing her eyes and hearing "trust," he finally nodded, "Okay."


    "Good boy!" Sadie smiled. "Go rest now. I need to see Tristan."


    "It''s sote, and you still want to see him?" Noah was uneasy.


    "There are things I need to discuss with Tristan alone." Sadie exined and gently pushed his back. "Go on."


    Noah left, and Sadie watched his small figure, her expression growing somber.

 Chapter 1128 Animals Without Emotions

    If she had a choice, she wouldn''t marry anyone. She''d rather raise her kid alone and live peacefully.


    But now, things had changed.


    Tristan, almost god-like, was injured.


    No wonder so much had happened in Newark recently, and Tristan hadn''t shown up. He was in trouble.


    He never mentioned it to avoid worrying her.


    The more Sadie thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. She immediately took Arya and two bodyguards to Tristan''s ce. The heavy snow had stopped, but it was still freezing outside.


    The James family''s car sped through the snow and quickly reached Tristan''s castle.


    The castle lights were off, and the guests were resting. Only the guards were on duty.


    Sadie got out of the car, and the bodyguards approached. She signaled them to stay quiet. She just wanted to see Tristan quietly.


    Sadie quickly went to the study on the second floor, knowing Tristan would be handling documents at this time.


    The bodyguard at the door saluted her and was about to report, but she stopped him and gently pushed open the study door. The scene stunned her.


    Tristan was sitting on the sofa with his back to her. A long, deep wound on his muscr back looked horrifying.


    A doctor was changing the dressing. With each touch, his muscles twitched, but he didn''t make a sound, as if he felt no pain. "Tristan!" Sadie walked in excitedly.


    Tristan heard her and said unhappily, "Why are you here?"


    Terry hurriedly had someone close the door and stepped forward to exin, "Ms. James, why didn''t you inform us beforeing?" "What happened?" Sadie asked anxiously, "How did Tristan get hurt? Who did this?"


    "It''s a long story," Terry said, unsure how to exin, "Don''t worry, the wound is almost healed."


    "It''s still bleeding. How can it be almost healed?" Sadie was furious. "Who could hurt Tristan?"


    "Everyone, leave," Tristan ordered in a low voice.


    "Mr. James, the wound hasn''t been fully treated," the doctor said cautiously.


    Tristan frowned and gave him a cold look.


    The doctor immediately bowed his head and retreated in fear.


    Terry dismissed everyone, staying by the door himself.


    Tristan put on his shirt, buttoning it slowly, and turned around, "Why did youe to see me suddenly? What''s the matter?"


    "I want to talk to you," Sadie frowned at him.


    "Ten minutes," Tristan said faintly. He picked up a cup of coffee and sipped it slowly, not even lifting his eyelids.


    He always did things decisively, disliked procrastination, and hated hesitation.


    Every minute of his time was precious, and he didn''t want to waste it.


    "Is something wrong at home?" Sadie asked anxiously, "Can you tell me?"


    "If there''s anything, I''ll handle it," Tristan said lightly, "Just live your life well."


    "But-" Sadie began, but Tristan cut her off. "If you want to talk about this, there''s no need."


    Tristan didn''t want to continue the conversation and reprimanded her unhappily, "Your hesitant nature won''t aplish anything big. Now you''re worrying about these trivial matters. Do you still not understand what should be done and what shouldn''t?"


    "I know..." Sadie quickly responded.


    "You don''t know," Tristan interrupted coldly. "If you knew, you wouldn''t have brought the children back. If you knew, you wouldn''t have refused the Louis family''s marriage proposal."


    "Tristan, the children are mine. I can''t ignore them." Sadie was firm about her kids.


    Tristan stated coldly, "Micah may be a bad person, but he wouldn''t be irresponsible toward the children. If they stay with the Clemens family, they will inherit the Clemens Group in the future and have a bright future."

 Chapter 1129 Get Out of the James

    Tristan dialed down his tone a bit, "Look, it''s cool if you bring the kids back. They''re your kids, and they''re part of my family too. I ain''t gonna treat them bad."


    Then he snapped at Sadie, "But if you leave one kid with the Clemens family, you can''t just cut ties with Micah. If hees to the U.S. to see Noah and you cave to Noah''s begging, you''ll stay tangled up."


    "No, there''s nothing between him and me," Sadie quickly denied. "We''ve agreed that in two months, he''ll pick up Mia. After that, I won''t see him again. Only Noah will live with me. If Noah wants to see Micah, I''ll have someone take him over." "Can you really do that?" Tristan sneered. "If you had that kind of guts, you should''ve shot him when he pointed a gun at your head!"


    Sadie was stunned. She knew Tristan saw everything she did, but she didn''t expect him to know these details so well.


    Tristan said coldly, "Nick should''ve been dead long ago. Raymond from the Clemens family always sided with her, bullying you, even chaining your hands and feet. If you had any backbone, you should''ve killed Raymond on the spot. But what did you do? Nothing!"


    He got angrier, gritting his teeth, "And Micah, that jerk, pointed a gun at you to save Raymond! In the past, you couldn''t protect yourself and your family and had to endure humiliation. But now you''re part of the James family. You''re my sister. Why do you still let people push you around?"


    He said disappointedly, "You have flesh and blood. Don''t you feel pain? You even took the kids to the hospital to see Raymond and had dinner with that jerk Micah, who acted all reluctant to part. If I hadn''t forced you toe back, you wouldn''t have nned to return, right?"


    He took a deep breath and sneered again, "He cooks you a meal, and you''re moved? He treats the kids a bit better, and you''re moved? Have you forgotten he took the kids and heartlessly sent you to South Korea? Have you forgotten he pointed a gun at your head?"


    Sadie was speechless and lowered her head in shame.


    Indeed, the Clemens family and Micah had wronged her.


    She had never forgotten those hatreds, but because of the kids, she couldn''t seek revenge.


    She could only choose not to see him again.


    But even so, Tristan still thought she was weak and ipetent.


    In Tristan''s eyes, emotions were insignificant, especially love and friendship.


    He had no friends and had never been in love; those things were useless to him.


    Everything he did was about weighing the pros and cons and expanding the James Group''s business. Sometimes, he acted on a whim, doing things because he wanted to, because it made him happy. He never owed anyone anything and would never let anyone owe him.


    So, he couldn''t understand Sadie and Micah''s feelings.


    If it were him, anyone who dared to betray and hurt him would have died countless times already!


    "I''m sorry, Tristan," Sadie mumbled, feeling deeply ashamed for failing his expectations.


    Tristan snorted coldly, "If you don''t want to get married, I won''t force you. You can stay with the kids in the James family for the rest of your life, never getting married, and that''s fine. If you want to get married in the future, there are many good men in the world for you to choose from. It doesn''t matter if they have a family background or great achievements, as long as they have good character and treat you well."


    He put down his coffee, stared at Sadie, and dered tly, "But you must never get entangled with that jerk Micah again. From the day I brought you home, you should remember that deep hatred. Whether you didn''t kill him because of the kids or for some other reason, I won''t pursue it anymore. But if you dare to associate with him again, get out of the James family. I don''t have such a weak sister!"

 Chapter 1130 Tristans Well-Intentioned Efforts

    The room felt like it hit freezing point.


    Tristan had never lost his cool with Sadie before. He''d always corrected her mistakes without much fuss.


    Even when he did scold her in Newark, it was just a quick remark.


    In almost twenty years, he''d never been this harsh.


    He was always firm. Anyone else would''ve been kicked out long ago, but Sadie kept pushing his buttons. He kept giving her chances.


    When he saw she was still hesitating, he got really mad. Today, he gave her a final warning.


    "The only reason I''m letting you return to the James family with the kids is because of Eleanor," Tristan said. "Otherwise, with yourck of ambition, even if you were my sister, I''d have kicked you out long ago!" "I''m sorry," Sadie mumbled, head down, not daring to look at him.


    "You have three days to decide. After that, give the Louis family a clear answer," Tristan ordered. "Got it?"


    "I got it," Sadie nodded.


    Tristan gestured for her to leave.


    Sadie left quietly.


    Terry walked her out.


    As they went down the spiral staircase, Terry whispered, "Ms. James, Mr. James really has your best interests at heart."


    "Yeah," Sadie nodded sadly. "I know. He''s been looking out for me."


    "Not just that," Terry said, ncing around. "The main reason Mr. James wants you to marry Joe is because the James Group is in trouble, and he''s worried it''ll affect you." "What?" Sadie was shocked. "What''s happening?"


    "Shh," Terry quickly hushed her, signaling to keep it down.


    "What''s going on?" Sadie asked quietly, pressing for details.


    "Some things are better left unknown," Terry frowned.


    He told her slowly in a serious voice, "Mr. James has always kept you out of family and business conflicts to protect you. For the past two years, he''s had you manage overseas markets and even opened the market in Country C for you. Even though the Sapphire Depths project in Newark failed, the stadium project in Country C is going well. If you marry Joe, it would be ideal. You''d have a good future, and he wouldn''t worry. If you don''t, he''ll still leave you a way out. He''s cold to everyone else, but to you, he''s better than a real brother. Don''t let him down."


    Sadie felt conflicted. She always thought Tristan was cold and ruthless. She respected and feared him more than she felt any sibling bond.


    She had no idea he had done so much for her behind the scenes.


    "One more thing," Terry said seriously. "Mr. James hates Micah. If he sees him again, he might kill him. Don''t let Micahe to Ennd, or it''ll be bad."


    "I understand. Thanks for the warning," Sadie said gratefully. "But what about Tristan?"


    "He doesn''t want you involved, so stay out of it," Terry said firmly. "Besides, you can''t do anything about it. Just focus on your own matters."


    "Alright," Sadie nodded helplessly and turned to leave.


    "Ms. Sadie James," Terry called out again.


    "What?" Sadie stopped and looked back.


    Terry said with aplicated expression, "Did you know? The day Ms. Eleanor James brought Mr. James back to the James family, it was snowing heavily, just like today when you brought Noah back."

 Chapter 1131 Beating Around the Bush

    Terry wrapped up his spiel, leaving a thick silence hanging in the air. He headed back to the house, leaving Sadie to stew in her thoughts.


    His parting words, "just like today when you brought Noah back," kept bouncing around in Sadie''s head. She got the drift. Tristan couldn''t deal with the Clemens kids, but when he looked at Noah, he saw a mini version of himself. She shed back to when they first rolled up to the James''s castle. As they hopped out of the car, Tristan''s eyes locked onto Noah''s, and there was this flicker of surprise. It was like he was seeing himself at ten, standing in the same snowy spot, being led out of a car by his aunt Eleanor. In that split second, Sadie caught a mix of sadness and unexpected empathy on Tristan''s face.


    It clicked for her. That''s why Tristan, despite Noah''s wild antics, never really came down hard on him. He was patient with Sadie and Noah, not just ''cause of Eleanor''s kindness, but ''cause he saw a younger him in them. Sadie realized she never really got Tristan. She always saw his cold, ruthless side and had no clue he was doing so much for her behind the scenes. She never thought "well-intentioned" could fit him.


    Peering at the castle through the car window, Sadie felt a wave of guilt wash over her.


    "Mr. James is really good to you," Annika sighed. "You''re probably the only person he cares about."


    Annika was spot on. Tristan was a hardass to everyone else but saved his soft side for Sadie.


    "I gotta do something for Tristan," Sadie said, feeling uneasy. "Annika, dig up who hurt Tristan and what''s up with the James Group."


    "We shouldn''t butt in," Annika advised. "I can''t snoop into Mr. James''s business, and if he doesn''t want you involved, he''s got his reasons. Forcing your way in might backfire."


    "So, I just sit on my hands?" Sadie was anxious.


    "Stick to Mr. James''s ns for now and keep an eye out," Annika suggested.


    "ns," Sadie muttered. She knew what that meant. Since Tristan set up her meeting with Craig, she should think about the marriage.


    He didn''t want to push her, so he left her options. He said if she didn''t want to marry Joe, it was cool. She could pick from a bunch of guys, and even if she never tied the knot, she and the kids could live well in the James family.


    But Terry''s reminder made Sadie realize it wasn''t that simple.


    Tristan''s injury showed the James Group was in deep trouble. She couldn''t pile more on his te.


    She remembered Craig''s words. Joshua also wanted to team up with the Louis family. Although Tristan took it seriously, Craig quickly shot it down.


    It seemed like they were talking about her marriage to Joe, but Craig was hinting that if the marriage didn''t happen, he might go with Joshua.


    No wonder Terry brought up the Sunvale Sports Complex Project. It was a nudge to Sadie. She had just lost the Newark Sapphire Depths Project, and losing the market in Country C would make things worse. Sadie pulled herself together and sighed. "The business world is like a battlefield. People talk in circles. It took me forever to catch the hidden meanings."

 Chapter 1132 A Mans Dignity

    Back at home, Sadie tiptoed into Mia''s room to make sure everything was cool. The nightlight''s soft glow showed Mia, who had already taken her meds and was out like a light. Pa was sitting next to her, gently patting her back. Mia was clutching her favorite stuffed animal, all snuggled up in Pa''s protective embrace, looking like a little angel. Sadie smiled at the sweet scene and carefully tucked the nket around both of them. "Thanks, Pa," she whispered, her gratitude shining in her eyes.


    Pa looked up and returned the smile softly. "No biggie. I love Mia," she replied in a hushed tone. "You should get some rest. I''ll stay with her." Sadie waved goodnight and quietly slipped out of the room.


    She wanted to check on Noah, but seeing the light in his room was already off, she didn''t want to wake him, so she headed back to her room.


    But Noah wasn''t sleeping. He was hiding under the covers, using a shlight to video call Nathan.


    He whispered, "That must''ve been Mom at the door earlier. She probably wanted to check on me but thought I was asleep and left."


    "Why didn''t you let Mom in? I wanna see her too," Nathan said, yawning. It was 5 AM in Newark, and he had gotten up early just to video call Noah.


    "Mom''s stressed out right now. Let''s not bug her," Noah muttered, feeling a bit guilty.


    "Anyway, as long as Mom doesn''t get married," Nathan, always the carefree one, didn''t think much of it. He grinned, "Don''t worry, Mom won''t be mad at you. She''ll be fine soon."


    "But I''m worried. What if Mom doesn''t cancel the wedding?" Noah frowned. "And she might get chewed out by Uncle Tristan because of this."


    "What? What should we do then?" Nathan got anxious.


    "Let''s wait and see," Noah didn''t want him to worry too much and changed the subject, "How''s Dad?"


    "Dad''s been a bit down these past few days, but he''s trying to cheer me up. He even yed ser with me today," Nathany on the bed, resting his chin on his hands. "Dad and I are doing okay, but I''m worried about you and Mia."


    "Mia was so pitiful tonight, throwing up. I feel really bad for her," Noah said guiltily. "When I went to see her, she evenforted me, telling me not to worry."


    "Take it easy. Dr. Henry will fix her up," Nathan reassured him. "But next time, don''t let her take the pills. If I were there, I would''ve taken them instead. At most, I''d get the runs."


    The two kids were still chatting when Micah pulled his hand away from the door.


    He had originally wanted to video call Noah to find out about Sadie''s situation, but he had already overheard everything.


    Mia had taken the pills, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Noah had been scolded because of this, and there was no answer about the wedding yet, but Joe''s family had already moved in. It seemed Sadie couldn''t escape the fate of being wed to Joe.


    Micah frowned and quietly left. This was his matter, and he couldn''t let the kids handle it for him.


    He sent Noah a text, asking him to call when he had a chance.


    Soon, Noah called back, "Dad!"


    "Noah," Micah chatted with him for a while before gently saying, "You and Mia shouldn''t mess with your mom''s stuff anymore, okay?"


    "Dad, you know everything?" Noah asked softly.


    "Yeah," Micah smiled bitterly. "This was my problem, but I let you handle it, and it even made Mia sick. I feel really ashamed."


    "Dad, don''t think like that..." Noah said softly.


    Micah cut him off gently, "Be good. From now on, don''t get involved in adult stuff. Your mom is very smart and independent. Whatever decision she makes, it''s well thought out. You need to respect her choices." Micah paused and said seriously, "I might not agree with her decisions, but I''ll handle it my way. That''s a man''s responsibility and dignity. Will you promise me, Noah?"

 Chapter 1133 Handle It Yourself

    "Alright, I get it." Noah felt bummed out but had to go along with it.


    "Get some rest," Micah said softly. "Take care of yourself!"


    "Okay, bye, Dad," Noah replied, sounding like a good kid, and then hung up.


    Micah held the phone, staring at the wedding photo of him and Sadie on the table, feeling all sorts of mixed-up emotions.


    He knew that even if Sadie didn''t have feelings for Joe, she might still end up marrying him.


    I mean, the James Group was in some deep troubletely, and from a big-picture view, she kinda had no choice but to marry Joe.


    To flip the script, he had to start with some business moves.


    After mulling it over for a bit, Micah called Andrew over.


    Andrew was still catching Z''s when he got the call, but he jumped out of bed, got dressed in a sh, and rushed over. "Mr. Clemens, you called? What''s up?" Micah ordered, "Get me all the deets on the Sunvale Sports Complex Project, and tell all the shareholders except Joe to meet me."


    "Huh?" Andrew was caught off guard for a sec, then quickly nodded. "Got it, boss."


    Andrew hurried off to get the job done and almost ran into Rn, who was heading his way.


    "Where you off to in such a rush?" Rn asked.


    "Mr. Clemens gave me a task," Andrew replied.


    "Has hee around? Is he ready to get treatment?" Rn asked, all worried.


    "It''s about the Sunvale Sports Complex Project," Andrew said, frowning. "Weird, right? Shouldn''t he be focusing on getting better instead of work?" "What''s wrong with him?" Rn was anxious. "This can''t keep going."


    "Yeah, I saw his face earlier. It''s bad. He totally pulled another all-nighter," Andrew muttered. "We should get Ss. He''s the only one who can talk sense into Mr. Clemens right now." "You''re slower than a snail in msses!" Rn rolled his eyes. "Dahlia''s already gone to get him."


    "Oh, Dahlia-He''s always on top of things," Andrew sighed in relief. "I''ll get back to work."


    "Go on." Rn nodded.


    Sadie didn''t sleep well all night and was woken up by a knock on the door in the morning.


    "Joe and old Duke Louis are here," Arya reported from outside.


    "What?" Sadie shot up in bed and said quickly, "Entertain them in the main hall; I''ll be down in a sec."


    "Yes, ma''am." Arya answered and went down to greet the guests.


    Annika had already invited Joe and Craig to sit and had the servants serve the best coffee.


    Craig sat on the fancy sofa, sipping his coffee all ssy-like.


    Joe, on the other hand, kept ncing upstairs, waiting for Sadie to show up.


    "Pa, I don''t want this; I want a Celestia-style breakfast."


    At that moment, Pa came out of the room holding Mia''s hand. Mia was also clutching her doll and looked super cute in a pretty white princess dress.


    "Ms. Mia James, a Celestia-style breakfast has been made for you, with all your favorite foods," said the butler, Michelle Cook, who, despite being from Country E, spoke fluent Celestian.


    "Really?" Mia was thrilled. "Did you make it, Michelle?"


    "We have a Celestian chef at home who made it just for you and Mr. Noah James," Michelle said with a smile. "Let me take you downstairs!"


    "Okay, thanks, Michelle." Mia happily followed Michelle downstairs.


    "Mia!" Joe immediately came over when he saw Mia. "Are you okay?"


    "Ah, I..." Mia was startled when she saw Joe and quickly clutched her stomach, pretending to be sick. "My tummy hurts, hurts."


    "Mia, what''s wrong?" Pa quickly squatted down to check.


    "Mia," Noah came out of the room at that moment. He said softly, "If it hurts, go back to your room and rest."


    "Oh, okay." Mia quickly pulled Pa back to the room.


    "Uh," Joe stood there, looking kinda lost.


    Noah politely said to Joe, "Dr. Henry''s got mad skills. He gave Mia some medsst night, and she''s way better now. She might still have a little pain, but it''s no biggie. Thanks for your concern, Joe!"

 Chapter 1134 Genius Child

    "That''s cool," Joe said, not really thinking much about it.


    But Craig''s face got allplicated when he saw what was going down. "Morning, Duke Louis," Noah said, all friendly-like to Craig.


    "Morning!" Craig grinned at Noah. "How''s Mia doing?"


    "Way better. Thanks for asking," Noah replied, all polite.


    "Good to hear," Craig nodded. "Your Country Cnguage is pretty solid. Who taught you?"


    "My great-grandpa got me a Country Cnguage teacher," Noah said, straight up. "Started when I was like three and a half, so I can handle the basics."


    "Your great-grandpa''s Raymond, right?" Craig asked, just to be sure. He knew Raymond, the big shot who ruled the biz world for ages and only retired in his eighties. Raymond had prepped Micah to take over. "Yep," Noah nodded.


    "With Raymond''s guidance, no wonder you''re killing it at such a young age," Craig said, giving Noah a meaningful look. "I knew Micah when he was young; he was a genius too, but you''re even better."


    "My dad always said Joe was his only real friend, and Duke Louis was the elder he respected the most," Noah said with a casual smile. "Didn''t think I''d meet you for the first time here at Uncle Tristan''s instead of Clemens Manor!"


    Craig was a bit taken aback, his face going stiff for a sec. But he quickly got it together and said, "Micah''s been all about the domestic markettely, so we haven''t worked together much. But Tristan''s been expanding into Country C, and we''ve teamed up a lot."


    After a pause, he added, "These business talks might be a bit much for you."


    "The domestic market''s big enough for the Clemens family to grow for decades," Noah said lightly. "But yeah, the market in Country C is pretty good too."


    "You know business?" Craig was a bit shocked. He thought to himself, ''Noah, just 6, talks so calmly, polite but with a hidden edge. This kid''s going ces!'' "When my dad''s busy, I help him with documents, so I know a bit," Noah smiled politely. "But I''m still young, so what I say might be shallow." "You''re too modest," Craig said, looking at him deeply.


    "Duke Louis, Joe," Sadie rushed downstairs. "Sorry, I didn''t know you wereing. My bad."


    "It''s all good, we just dropped by," Craig smiled at Sadie. "Mia got sickst night, so we came to check on her."


    As he spoke, Craig signaled his guys to bring out a bunch of premium supplements.


    "You''re too kind, Duke Louis," Sadie quickly thanked him.


    Meanwhile, Annika took the gifts and stepped back quietly.


    "Duke Louis, wanna join us for breakfast?" Sadie asked politely.


    "Sure, sounds great." Craig nodded with a smile.


    They sat down, and the servants had already set up a fancy breakfast.


    Half was Celestia-style, and half was C-style.


    Sadie and Noah were used to Celestia-style, while Craig and Joe went for the C-style.


    Joe chatted happily with Sadie while eating.


    Noah focused on his meal, showing off his good manners.


    Craig said casually, "When you go to Country C, you''ll have to get used to C-style meals. They''re pretty good. I''ll treat you next time."


    "Thanks, Duke Louis," Noah replied smoothly. "I''ve had C-style meals, but I prefer Celestia-style."


    Craig frowned and was about to say something when Sadie smiled and agreed, "I prefer Celestia-style too."


    "Me too," Joe jumped in. "I''ve already found some great Celestia chefs. I''ll bring them to Sunvale so they can cook awesome meals for you every day."

 Chapter 1135 Craigs Intentions

    Craig chuckled, picking up where Joe left off. "Yeah, if you''re into Celestia-style grub, we can totally hook you up with some Celestia chefs at home. Easy peasy." Craig usually didn''t see eye to eye with Joe, but this time, he was on board. He''d been mulling over how to bring it up, but Joe''s offhandment did the trick. Noah just shot Sadie aplicated look, staying quiet.


    "Thanks, Duke Louis," Sadie said politely. "How about we chat in the study after breakfast? Mine''s just as impressive as Tristan''s."


    "Sure thing," Craig nodded, clearly intrigued. "I heard Tristan designed it just for you?"


    "Yeah," Sadie replied, a touch of nostalgia in her voice. "Tristan really went all out on it."


    When Sadie first came back to the James family, she was a shell of her former self, needing a solid six months to bounce back. During that time, Tristan was relentless, making sure she didn''t just sit around moping. He set up daily lessons, each one packed with knowledge, pushing her to regain her strength and confidence. Evenings were all about books, each one carefully picked to expand her mind and soothe her soul.


    Thanks to his tough love, Sadie picked up a ton of skills.


    "Let''s go check it out then," Craig smiled slightly.


    Noah finished his breakfast in silence, put down his utensils, and said to Sadie, "Mom, I''m done. I''ll go upstairs to hang with Mia."


    "Alright, go ahead," Sadie looked at him tenderly.


    "Enjoy your meal, Duke Louis. Later, Joe." Noah said to Craig and Joe.


    "Later!" Joe grinned. Craig just nodded.


    Noah gave them a polite nod and headed upstairs.


    Craig watched him go and said meaningfully, "Noah''s a real prodigy. How did Micah ever let you have custody?"


    Sadie frowned slightly and changed the subject, "Let''s talk in the study."


    "Alright." Craig and Joe agreed.


    The three of them headed to the study, where the butler, Michelle, served top-notch coffee and snacks before quietly leaving.


    Annika and Arya stood by the door.


    Craig sipped his coffee with elegance.


    Joe was busy showing Sadie the gift he got her. "Sadie, I didn''t get a chance to give this to you yesterday. I brought it from Country C."


    "What is it?" Sadie opened the box to find not a ne but a box of fancy pastries.


    Joe beamed, "I met a Celestia chef in Country C who''s amazing at making Celestia-style desserts. I learned to make this from him. Try it, do you like it?"


    He looked at Sadie expectantly.


    "You made this?" Sadie was shocked. Joe had been pampered his whole life and never cooked. It was rare for him to learn to make Celestia-style pastries, which was quite a feat for him.


    "Yeah, try it," Joe couldn''t wait to hand her a piece. He added, "I got three more boxes for the kids, but I was worried they wouldn''t taste good, and the kids wouldugh at me, so I want you to try them first."


    "Thanks!" Sadie smiled. If marriage weren''t a factor, Joe would actually be a great friend.


    She took a bite and eximed, "Wow, it''s really good."


    "Really? That''s awesome," Joe was over the moon. "I was worried you wouldn''t like it."


    "How could I not? It''s already really good," Sadie was touched. "But you don''t have to do this in the future; it''s too much trouble."


    "It''s no trouble at all. I love learning this stuff," Joe grinned, his eyes lighting up at Sadie''s approval. "As long as you like it, I''ll keep at it."


    "Joe''s never set foot in a kitchen his whole life. He''s really gone the extra mile for you," Craig remarked with a mix of pride and concern. "As parents, we feel for him, but as long as he''s happy, we''ll support him." "Dad..." Joe mumbled, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. He was really d for Craig''s unexpected praise.


    "Duke Louis," Sadie smiled and changed the subject. "To answer your earlier question, Micah didn''t want to let go. As a dad, he naturally wanted Noah to stay with him. But Noah''s very independent and chose to live with me." "That''s good," Craig nodded. "I see that Tristan likes him a lot, too."


    "Yeah," Sadie got straight to the point. "You must have some matters to discuss with me privately, without Tristan, right?"

 Chapter 1136 Changing the Surname

    "Smart move," Craig said, spreading his hands wide. "Alright, let''s cut to the chase." Sadie nodded, giving him the go-ahead. "Go on."


    Craig''s face got all serious. "This marriage deal between our families? It''s something Tristan and I decided together. No one''s begging here. Our family''s shown plenty of goodwill. It''s out of respect for you, Tristan, and the James family. But if you keep dragging your feet, it''s just in disrespectful."


    Sadie bit her lip, feeling the weight of his words. She dipped her head a bit in apology. "I''m really sorry; that''s on me. Honestly, even if you hadn''te to me today, I would''vee to you." Craig''s gaze softened a bit, but he still looked at her intensely. "So, you got an answer?"


    "Before I give you an answer, there''s some stuff I need to clear up first," Sadie shot back, just as direct. "I think there''s some stuff you wanna know too, right? Let''s justy it all out." "Good!" Craig replied, clearly pleased. "I like talking with smart folks."


    Sadie took a deep breath. "First off, Micah and I never got around to getting a marriage certificate, and our wedding was never finished. So, we''re not technically married. But he has guardianship of the three kids. After some talks, Noah will live with me, and I''ll be his guardian."


    "As for my shares in the James Group," she continued, locking eyes with Craig, "whether I get married or not, I''ll return them to Tristan. I''m not taking them with me."


    After saying this, Sadie watched Craig''s reaction. Sure enough, his eyes flickered a bit. He clearly didn''t see thating.


    "That''s how it should be," Joe chimed in right away. "When you marry me, I''ll take care of you, and the shares won''t matter."


    Sadie nced over at Joe, catching the genuine sincerity in his eyes.


    "Anything else?" Craig quickly regained his cool and asked with a smile.


    "Not for now," Sadie said politely, "What does Duke Louis want to ask? Just ask straight up."


    "You just said you''d be Noah''s guardian. So, you should change hisst name too, right?" Craig got straight to the point.


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat. She hadn''t thought about this before. The kids used to have herst name, Roth. Later, Raymond asked them to change it to Clemens, and she didn''t refuse.


    At that time, the kids had already reunited with Micah and liked him a lot as their dad. Micah was genuinely good to her and the kids and went through a lot to marry her.


    A lot happenedter. The Clemens family took the kids away and forced her to leave, indirectly causing her to be hunted by Nick and Amelia and leading to Brenda''s tragic death. She had thought about revenge, but for the sake of the kids, she ultimately gave up on hatred and chose to stay away from the Clemens family.


    Even so, she never thought about changing the kids''st names again.


    She believed that a name was just abel and not important, and changing it back and forth would only hurt the kids.


    She didn''t need to consider Micah''s feelings, but what would Noah think? What would Nathan and Mia think? This might hurt their young hearts.


    So Sadie answered clearly, "I won''t change Noah''sst name. I think a surname is just abel and not important."


    "Tristan never mentioned this?" Craig continued to ask.


    "No," Sadie frowned, "What does Duke Louis think? Why not just say it directly?"


    Craig thought for a moment and said tly, "Noah''s name doesn''t need to be changed now, but after you marry into our family, I hope hisst name can be changed to ours!" "Dad..." Joe stammered in shock.


    "That''s not happening," Sadie shot back, "Even if I do marry Joe, that''s my business and has nothing to do with Noah. Why should he change hisst name?"

 Chapter 1137 The Wedding

    "This is about the royal family''s rep," Craig said, frowning.


    "If that''s the deal, why not have Joe marry a girl who''s never been hitched or had kids?" Sadie replied with a sly smile. "Everyone already knows my situation."


    "No, I just like you," Joe blurted out. "Dad, don''t make it hard for Sadie. Noah doesn''t need to change hisst name."


    "Shut it," Craig snapped, turning back to Sadie. "If this is too much for you, I won''t push. Just have kids with Joe ASAP."


    Sadie felt a sudden gut reaction. She hadn''t thought about this stuff before, but Craig''s words brought it all up. If she did marry Joe, was she ready to have kids with him so soon? "Alright, back to business," Craig said, steering the convo back. "Now, give me your straight answer. Do you agree to this marriage?"


    Sadie felt a storm of emotions bubbling up. She had decided to ept the marriage for the greater good, but now she was hesitating.


    "Still need to think about it?" Craig asked, noticing her hesitation and sounding a bit ticked off. "I''m heading back to Sunvale this afternoon. If you haven''t made up your mind by then, I''ll make other ns." With that, he put down his coffee cup and stood up, ready to leave.


    "Dad..." Joe started, not wanting things to go south, but Craig cut him off with a stern look.


    "I agree," Sadie finally said, her voice steady.


    Joe froze, looking at her in shock. "Sadie, are you saying..."


    "I agree to the marriage," Sadie asserted, her tone firm. "But you should know, I don''t have romantic feelings for Joe right now. And there are things I have my own opinions on that I won''tpromise for the family''s interests or rep. Even if we get married, I will still be myself, not anyone''s essory. Noah will keep hisst name. I can''t promise I''ll have more kids in the future. And the wedding has to be at least two monthster, after Mia and I have fully recovered. That''s all I have to say. If you ept, then it''s settled. If not, then forget it."


    Craig looked at her, assessing the firmness in her eyes. "We ept!" he agreed readily. "Feelings can grow over time, and there''s no rush for the wedding, but the news needs to be announced first." "You can discuss that with Tristan. If he agrees, I have no objections," Sadie replied.


    Craig nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Alright, I''ll go talk to Tristan now." He was very pleased and walked out briskly.


    "Sadie, you finally agreed. I''m so happy," Joe said, almost incoherent with excitement, holding Sadie''s hand. "I will protect you and make you happy."


    "Well," Sadie said softly, raising the corners of her lips. "But I don''t love you right now. Do you really not mind?"


    "I don''t mind. As long as you don''t dislike me, I''ll work hard to make you love me," Joe said happily. "Sadie, I''m so happy. Can I hug you?"


    Sadie looked at him with a smile but said nothing.


    Joe tentatively reached out his arms. She didn''t refuse, so he hugged her tightly and said emotionally in her ear, "Sadie, you know, I''ve been waiting for this day for so long. Today is the happiest day of my life!" Sadie lowered her eyes and said nothing. She could feel Joe''s sincerity and excitement, but she couldn''t share his feelings.


    In fact, Micah''s image began to sh in her mind, along with his deep eyes, looking at her with pain, as if saying: "Remember, you are my wife, always."

 Chapter 1138 Eliminating Hidden Dangers

    "Yo, Joe!" Craig hollered, and Joe let go of Sadie, saying, "Sadie, I gotta bounce. I''ll catch youter."


    "Alright, go on," Sadie smiled a bit.


    Joe rushed to catch up with Craig but kept ncing back at Sadie, waving like a goofball, his face lit up with joy.


    Sadie watched them until they were out of sight. Then she sighed, looking down.


    Before making the call, it felt like something was stuck in her chest, making her super uneasy.


    Now that she had decided, she didn''t feel any better; it was like she was walking down a one-way street, filled with confusion and sadness.


    But hey, solving Tristan''s problems was a good thing, right?


    Thinking this, a bitter smile crept onto Sadie''s face.


    Meanwhile, Joe jumped into the car, eyes glued to Sadie''s Castle.


    "Enough already!" Craig snapped, annoyed. "Wait till you put a ring on her finger. Then you can stare all you want."


    Joe grinned, buzzing with excitement. "You''re right! Dad, I''m on cloud nine!"


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself," Craig said coldly, "With your brains, you''re not even as smart as Noah."


    Joe justughed. "Noah''s a genius. He got Micah and Raymond''s business smarts and kills it in tech. VIC Group''s got a bunch of new gadgets thanks to him. He''s even got patents and makes millions a year." "He''s that good? The Clemens should keep him as an heir. Why''d they let him go?" Craig frowned, looking puzzled.


    He thought for a moment, muttering, "Tristan''s got no kids. Maybe he''s nning to adopt Noah to take over James Group? Nah, then James Group would end up under Clemens. Tristan wouldn''t do that." "Dad, why are you talking about this?" Joe asked, confused. "What''s it got to do with us?"


    "What do you know?" Craig snapped. "Bringing Noah into our family could be trouble. Would Micah really let it slide? He mighte for Noah, and then our family''s rep would be trashed." "No way," Joe said, not buying it.


    "Forget it. You wouldn''t get it even if I exined," Craig said, ending the convo. "I''ll handle it."


    "What do you mean?" Joe quickly asked, "Dad, Sadie cares a lot about her family. When Nick killed her old servant Brenda, she got hostile toward the Clemens. If you target Noah, then we..."


    "What are you thinking?" Craig cut him off. "I''m not gonna hurt Noah. I just wanna know Tristan''s ns. If Tristan doesn''t care about Noah''s future, it''d be best for Micah to take Noah back. That''d be good for you and the James family." "But Sadie would be bummed without Noah," Joe said, still uneasy.


    "Then keep Mia around," Craig said thoughtfully. "Mia''s harmless, sweet, and won''t be a problem."


    "Mia''s great, but we should respect Sadie''s wishes..." Joe said carefully.


    "Alright, I got my ns. You don''t need to worry," Craig reassured. "Rx, I''ve got this. It''s good for our family to be tight with the James family. Plus, you dig Sadie; why would I mess that up? I''m just clearing any risks for you."

 Chapter 1139 The Legend of Tristan

    Back at Tristan''s crib, Craig found him and dropped the news that Sadie was down for the marriage.


    Tristan just shrugged, not even fazed. "Cool, she finally came around."


    "Since she''s on board, I''ll start prepping for the wedding," Craig said, grinning. "Got any ideas? I''m game for whatever you want."


    Tristan shot him a look. "My sis deserves a killer wedding," he said, voice icy. "We''ll do it big in Skyport City. Once we hit Sunvale, it''s all you. But listen up: no one disrespects her. Sadie gets treated like a queen, got it?" "Chill, I got this," Craig said, pounding his chest. "Marrying your sis is a big deal for us. No way I''d ck off."


    "Good," Tristan nodded. "For the other stuff, hit up Terry. I gotta bounce for a bit."


    "One more thing," Craig said, looking uneasy. "Not sure if I should bring it up."


    "What is it?" Tristan frowned. He hated beating around the bush.


    Craig got serious. "Saw Noah this morning. Kid''s a freakin'' genius, got the brains and the attitude. Perfect heir material. Is Micah really gonna let him go? I''m worried he might crash the wedding and stir up trouble. This is about our family''s rep, man."


    "Leave it to me," Tristan said, ice-cold. "If he messes with the wedding, I''ll take him out."


    "Whoa," Craig panicked. "I know the James and Clemens families are at each other''s throats, but our royal fam''s cool with the Clemens. The Queen''s got ties with them. If something happens to him ''cause of Joe''s wedding, I can''t exin it." "So, what are you getting at?" Tristan''s patience was running thin.


    Craig thought for a sec and asked carefully, "Got any ns for Noah?"


    "So you''re not worried about Micah, but Noah," Tristan sneered. "Scared he might be a threat to Joe down the line, huh?"


    "Well," Craig admitted, "Noah''s sharp. Can''t ignore that. He''s got an edge that could be trouble if we don''t handle it right."


    "Human nature," Tristan smirked. "He''s got the James and Clemens blood, the brains of the Clemens, and maybe the ruthlessness of the James."


    Years ago, Eleanor brought Tristan into the James family. After some hardcore training, he picked up a ton of skills.


    At sixteen, the James family was in a brutal fight over the family fortune, causing chaos.


    Tristan wiped out the whole family and dered himself the new heir of the James Group.


    That year, it was snowing like crazy. The James family''s castle reeked of blood, and the snow outside was stained red.


    Tristan walked out of the castle in a white trench coat, sword in hand, and announced, "From now on, I''m the boss of the James Group!"


    His face was sttered with blood, and his white coat was covered in blood-red mands. His eyes were cold, like a demon from hell. From that day, he was known as a cold-blooded killer.


    "Tristan, don''t get me wrong," Craig hurriedly said. "I just think Noah''s super smart, and I''m worried the Clemens mighte for him, so..." "So what do you want?" Tristan cut him off, annoyed. "For Sadie to ditch Noah? Huh?"

 Chapter 1140 Life Is Unpredictable

    Tristan''seback sounded all nice and polite, but man, it had this icy edge to it.


    Craig''s words hit Tristan right where it hurt. When Eleanor brought him into the fold years ago, he faced a ton of skepticism too.


    Every single day, folks would hassle Eleanor, giving her grief for bringing Tristan into the James family. Some even wanted to boot him out.


    But Eleanor, she was a rock. She took all that heat and still stood by him.


    She even called a family meeting, straight-up telling everyone that if anyone messed with Tristan, they''d be messing with her, and she''d protect him with her life! To young Tristan, Eleanor was like a goddess.


    Now, seeing the same crap happening again, he was fuming.


    He wasn''t one to overthink or see the big picture like others. He just followed his gut, and once he made up his mind, that was it.


    Simple and ruthless!


    "No, no, that''s not what I meant," Craig stammered, sweating bullets. "Tristan, I''m just trying to talk this out, so don''t get mad."


    Even though he was a senior and Tristan usually showed him respect, he knew that if Tristan got really pissed, he wouldn''t give a damn about seniority or status. Tick him off, and he''d turn on you in a heartbeat!


    "I was just asking casually." Tristan grinned, "Noah''s like me. I dig the kid. If I never have kids, maybe I''ll let him take over the James Group someday!" Craig was floored; he never saw thating from Tristan.


    He''d heard whispers about Tristan having a secret kid, but he didn''t know if it was true, and Tristan never brought it up, so he didn''t dare ask.


    But no way was he gonna let Noah from the Clemens family take over the James Group, right?


    Tristan seemed to read Craig''s mind. He shot back, cool and cocky, "I get what you''re thinking. I don''t give a damn about bloodlines or status. That stuff doesn''t faze me. Once I decide on something, nobody can stop me!"


    He added, all chill, "Besides, Noah might head back to the Clemens family to take over their estate soon. You''re overthinking it!"


    "Back to the Clemens family?" Craig was confused. "Didn''t Sadie say she and Micah agreed Noah would stay with her?"


    "That''s the deal, but life throws curveballs." Tristan''s eyes had this mischievous glint, but he didn''t borate and switched topics. "Anyway, Noah''s got the James and Clemens estates to inherit. He wouldn''t care about the Louis family''s scraps!" His words were cocky but spot-on.


    Craig was left speechless, just coughing to hide his awkwardness. He mumbled, "That''s not what I meant. I''m just worried Micah will stir up trouble."


    "Let him try." Tristan set down his wine ss and stood up. "Even if he does, I''m here. What are you scared of?"


    "Yeah, yeah." Craig nodded like a bobblehead.


    "Duke Louis, you''ve had a long day. Crash in the guest room." Tristan said politely as he walked out, "I''ll be back at noon to see you off." "Alright." Craig nodded, watching Tristan''s figure fade away, finally feeling a bit of relief.


    He sighed deeply, thinking, ''Tristan''s a tough nut to crack.''


    Then he thought of Micah. Sure, Micah was powerful, but he at least cared about the family''s rep and wouldn''t just flip out without a reason. Tristan was different; he yed by his own rules and did whatever he felt like.


    But what did Tristan mean by "life throws curveballs"?

 Chapter 1141 Is There Any Wrongdoing

    Craig had this wild idea pop into his head. Was Tristan hinting that Micah was on his deathbed?


    That thought hit him like a ton of bricks, and Craig went ghostly pale. He started looking around frantically, his heart pounding like crazy.


    He thought, ''Looks like Tristan''s still holding onto that grudge between the James and Clemens families. Bet he sent someone to mess with Micah. This is serious business. We gotta stay out of it.''


    Craig clutched his chest and bolted upstairs to find Joe.


    Joe was in his room, all hyped up, calling his buddies to tell them he was getting hitched. His friends were stoked for him.


    rence Russell, one of his pals and a shareholder in the Sunvale Sports Complex Project,ughed when he heard the news. "No wonder Mr. Clemens gathered us shareholders at Noble Summit Estate, and you were MIA. We thought you two had beef. Turns out you''re just busy with wedding stuff, huh?"


    "Micah gathered you guys? Did he mention me? What was it about?" Joe asked, feeling a knot in his stomach. Was Micah pissed and thinking about pulling out of the project because of Sadie?


    If Micah bailed, the project would be toast. Where would he find that kind of cash?


    rence replied, "Yeah, it''s about the project. You didn''t know?"


    "I''ve been in Country E, busy with wedding ns." Joe, though uneasy, still trusted Micah. "Just follow Micah''s lead on the project. He''s got more experience than me."


    rence said, "Alright, I''m heading to the banquet. He knows about your wedding, right?"


    Joe responded, "Not yet. I called you first."


    rence chuckled, "You better tell him quick. Let''s celebrate tonight."


    Before hanging up, Joe said, "My wife''s calling. Gotta go. Bye."


    Joe held his phone, and the earlier joy was reced by full-on worry. He had no clue how to break this to Micah or face him.


    Even if he tried to dodge it, the project still had to move forward. What was he gonna do?


    "Already stressing out?" Craig''s voice startled Joe. He turned around, surprised. "Dad, when did you get here?"


    "Been here a bit." Craig said, sitting on the sofa. The maid brought him coffee. He waved her off, and the maids left, closing the door.


    Craig took a sip, looking serious. "The news isn''t even out yet, and Micah''s already gathering shareholders. Looks like he''s nning to pull out, catching us off guard."


    "That can''t be right." Joe muttered, feeling uneasy. He had the same suspicion as Craig. He knew Micah wasn''t someone to mess with.


    He had taken Sadie and now even Noah. Micah must be fuming. It wouldn''t be surprising if he did something.


    "You know if he would or not," Craig said, annoyed. "Do you think Micah''s a nice guy?"


    "Even if he does, I get it." Joe lowered his head. "I wronged him first. If he wants to cut ties, I can''t me him."


    Craig got mad and snapped, "They broke up ages ago. You didn''t steal his wife. How did you wrong him? Rtionships are mutual. You didn''t force Sadie to marry you." "True, but," Joe still felt uneasy, muttering, "it''s gonna be awkward when we meet."

 Chapter 1142 What Exactly Does He Want to Do?

    "Yeah, that''s right," Craig said, all serious. "For now, just steer clear of him. Best to keep your distance. Let someone else handle the project."


    Craig wasn''t really looking out for Joe; he just wanted Joe to stay away from Micah.


    That way, if the James family and the Clemens family had more beef, their families wouldn''t get dragged into it.


    "Isn''t that kinda sketchy?" Joe frowned, feeling uneasy. "Even if we cut back on contact, I still gotta exin the project to him."


    "Exin what?" Craig waved it off. "He''s probably rounding up the shareholders to bail out."


    "If he bails, the project''s toast," Joe said, still frowning and anxious. "I haven''t done squat so far. I finally got a project to prove myself. If it tanks, I''ll be a joke."


    Craig was confident. "I used to worry about this, but things are different now. You''re about to marry Sadie, and with the James Group backing you, why sweat the Clemens family? Tristan can''t stand Micah. If he knows Micah''s bailing, he''ll jump in for sure."


    "But-" Joe started, but Craig cut him off. "Stop overthinking," Craig patted Joe''s shoulder. "The James family and the Clemens family are sworn enemies. You''re about to be Tristan''s brother-inw, so keep your distance from Micah." Joe was troubled and stayed quiet.


    "You''re too wishy-washy," Craig scolded, fed up. "Get a grip! It''s not you who wronged Micah; he''s the one being shady, gathering shareholders against you."


    "Dad..." Joe started, but his phone rang. It was rence. He quickly answered, "Hey, rence."


    Craig grabbed the phone and put it on speaker.


    rence''s excited voice came through. "Joe, I told the other shareholders about your wedding. Everyone''s stoked for you. Listen-"


    Then, a bunch of shareholders'' voices came through, all congratting Joe and saying they wouldn''t miss the wedding for anything.


    Everyone was hyped, and someone asked who the bride was. Joe was a bit stunned and took a moment to react, yelling, "What about Micah?"


    "Mr. Micah Clemens just finished a meeting with us and went to rest," a board member said. "He hasn''t looked welltely, probably worn out from Mr. Raymond Clemens''s passing. Oh, and he brought Mr. Nathan Clemens with him, likely to the vi to chill."


    "Joe," rence took the phone back, "I told him about your wedding. He asked me to congratte you and to let him know once the date''s set."


    Hearing this, Joe got even more anxious and quickly asked, "Did Micah say anything else?"


    "Not much, just some good news to share," rence said with a smile.


    "What good news?" Joe''s hand shook a bit as he held the phone. He thought this "good news" might be a bad joke.


    rence announced, "Mr. Clemens has upped his investment in our project. We don''t need more funds and can start early. When are youing back to Sunvale? A few of us will meet you there."


    Joe was floored. He thought Micah would pull his funds and leave him hanging. But Micah didn''t just stay in; he upped his investment.


    Joe wondered, ''Does he really not me me?''


    Craig was also shocked, looking confused. What was Micah up to?


    "Joe, Joe," rence called out a few times on the other end.


    "Oh, I''ll leave this afternoon and be in Sunvale by tomorrow," Joe snapped back, distractedly saying, "I''ll call Micah first." "Alright!" rence agreed.

 Chapter 1143 Repaying Evil with Good?

    After hanging up, Joe turned to Craig, all jittery. "Dad, what do you think Micah''s up to? Does he really not me me? Why didn''t he just back out but instead throw more money in?" Craig scratched his head, looking just as confused. "Yeah, it''s weird. This ain''t like him at all."


    Micah was always the type to get even. Now he''s ying nice? What, did he hit his head or something?


    "Is he trying to mess with my head?" Joe was getting more and more freaked out. "I gotta call him."


    "Fine, call him, but stick to business. No personal stuff," Craig warned. "If he brings up the wedding, just say yes or no. Got it?"


    "Why?" Joe asked, puzzled.


    "Just do it," Craig snapped.


    "Alright." Joe quickly dialed Micah''s number. The phone rang a bit before Micah picked up, "Hello!"


    "Micah," Joe started, his voice shaky.


    "Joe, what''s up?" Micah sounded super chill, like nothing had gone down between them, like they were still tight.


    "I... I just talked to rence. They said you put more money into the project?" Joe stammered, feeling like a kid caught doing something bad. Craig was watching, looking annoyed.


    "Yeah," Micah said calmly. "This is your first project. You gotta hustle and show the royal family what you got."


    Joe felt a lump in his throat, touched and ashamed at the same time.


    Craig was thinking, ''What''s Micah''s game here? Is he ying the nice guy?''


    Micah went on, "They should''ve told you, right? They''ll meet you in Sunvale soon. Pick a date to kick things off."


    Joe nodded, "Yeah, I know, but you..."


    Micah cut him off gently, "I''m swamped right now. I''ll send Chloe to handle the details with you. Once the project''s almost done, I''ll swing by to check it out." Joe hesitated. "Then..."


    "That''s it for now. I gotta go hang with Nathan." Micah hung up before Joe could say more.


    Micah had steered the whole convo, leaving Joe no room to talk about the wedding.


    After the call, Joe felt even more uneasy and guilty. He felt like he had wronged Micah, not just by taking Sadie but by thinking Micah would screw him over. Micah not only didn''t me him but also helped, supported, andforted him.


    "This has to be Micah''s n. Don''t fall for it," Craig warned. "Micah''s not a nice guy. No matter how he feels about Sadie, if someone messes with his interests, he won''t let it slide." "Dad, stop trash-talking Micah," Joe snapped. "He''s been so good to me, and you still talk crap about him?"


    "Joe..." Craig started.


    Joe cut him off. "Enough, I don''t wanna talk about it. I need to chill."


    Joe shoved Craig out of the room, mmed the door, and sat there with his phone, unable to calm down.


    Meanwhile, in Newark, at Noble Summit Estate.


    Micah was lounging in a recliner, watching Nathan kick a ser ball around thewn, his eyes narrowed with a cold, calcting look.


    "We found out," Andrew rushed over and whispered. "Ms. James has agreed, but it''s not public yet. Should be soon."


    "And the James Group?" Micah asked.


    Andrew replied, "Tristan''s in deep trouble, dealing with all sorts of issues. He''s probably trying to find a way out for Ms. James, which is why he''s backing this marriage."

 Chapter 1144 Did You Hear That?

    Micah''s face got all twisted up when he heard that. He muttered, "Looks like Tristan''s really got a soft spot for Sadie." "Yeah," Andrew replied quietly. "I talked to Annika. Even though Tristan''s tough on Ms. James, he''s got good intentions."


    Micah just stared at the ground, lost in thought. Was Sadie marrying Joe because she felt bad for Tristan? He knew she didn''t love Joe, so why the heck was she going through with it? It was a puzzle he couldn''t figure out. When he first heard the news, it felt like a punch to the gut. He thought he was ready for it, but hearing it out loud was a whole different kind of pain. Reality always hits harder than any nightmare.


    He always hoped she''d fight for their rtionship-hesitate, struggle, resist. But those were just dreams he kept reying in his head.


    "Don''t stress too much. It''s not public yet. Maybe it''s just talk, not set in stone," Andrew tried tofort him.


    "In three hours tops, everyone will know," Micah said, his voice heavy. He squinted at the rainy yard outside. Since Sadie left, it hadn''t stopped raining in Newark, making everything feel even more depressing.


    Only Nathan seemed unfazed, still happily practicing boxing and ying ser every day.


    "Now I get why Noah wanted Nathan to stay with you," Andrew said, watching Nathan''s cheerful figure. "Look at him, so happy! Even Rodolfo''s mood has lifted because of him." "Yeah." Micah managed a small smile, getting ready to y ser with Nathan. But after a few steps, he felt dizzy, and the world started spinning.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew rushed to support him. "Are you okay? Let me help you back to your room."


    Andrew helped Micah lie down. He was about to call Dahlia, but Micah stopped him. "We''re at the estate. You want everyone to know?"


    "But you can''t keep this up," Andrew said, worried. "Your episodes are getting worse."


    "I''m fine, I won''t die!" Micah insisted, covering his eyes with his elbow to block the light.


    "Mr. Clemens, you..." Andrew started, but Micah waved him off. Frustrated, Andrew had no choice but to leave quietly.


    "What''s up? Another episode?" Rn hurried over, speaking softly.


    "Yeah," Andrew nodded. "Didn''t Dahlia go to find Ss? What did he say?"


    Rn replied, "Ss was supposed to see Mr. Clemens, but since he came out, to avoid any leaks, we have to wait until we get home."


    Andrew said seriously, "We need to convince him to get treatment, or who knows what''ll happen."


    Rn nodded. "Yeah, seeing him get thinner, I''m really worried."


    They were talking quietly and didn''t notice Nathan walking down the hallway.


    "So...." Rn stopped mid-sentence, turning around cautiously, and saw Nathan standing by the floor vase. He was stunned. "When did you get here?"


    "Just now," Nathan said with a big smile. "Where''s Dad?"


    "He''s resting, too tired," Andrew quickly said, crouching down and holding his shoulders. "What did you hear just now?"


    "I didn''t hear anything," Nathan said innocently. "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing, nothing," Andrew sighed in relief. "Come on, let''s get you something to eat. Don''t bother your dad."


    Nathan shook his head. "I don''t want to eat. I want a bath. I''m all sweaty and gross."


    Andrew said, "Okay, I''ll take you to your room for a bath."


    Nathan made a face and declined. "I''ll let someone else take me. You go do your thing."


    Nathan broke free from Andrew''s hand and ran off quickly.

 Chapter 1145 Dont Interfere

    "Yo, you think he caught what we were saying?" Rn asked, looking kinda worried. "Nah, doubt it," Andrew shrugged. "Nathan ain''t like Noah; he can''t hide his feels." "True that," Rn nodded. "We heading back tonight, right? I''ll hit up Ss." Andrew gave a thumbs up. "Cool."


    Rn went off to handle some stuff while Andrew hung around outside Micah''s door.


    Meanwhile, Nathan got back to his room, and two maids were setting up a bath for him. He waved them off, "You guys can bounce. I got this." "What''s up today? You usually dig us helping you with your bath," one maid teased with a grin.


    "I''m growing up, can''t always have you guys doing it," Nathan said, feeling a bit awkward.


    "Aw, look who''s getting shy," the other maid giggled, covering her mouth.


    "Geez, I''m blushing here," Nathan said, covering his face and acting all coy. "I''m starving. Can you grab me some grub? I''ll eat after my bath." "Sure thing, we''ll get on it." The maids answered sweetly.


    Once they left, Nathan''s face turned serious. He quickly used his smartwatch to call Noah.


    The phone rang forever before Noah, sounding half-asleep, picked up, "What''s up, Nathan?"


    "Noah, I think Dad''s sick," Nathan choked up. "I overheard Rn and Andrew talking about getting him to see a doc."


    "What''s wrong with Dad? What kind of sick?" Noah asked, suddenly wide awake.


    "I dunno, but he''s looking skinnier and not as peppy," Nathan''s voice wavered, and his eyes got misty. "Noah, what do we do? I''m scared."


    "Chill out. First, figure out what''s wrong with Dad," Noah said, trying to stay calm. "Maybe it''s just a cold or something. Or maybe he''s bummed ''cause Mom took me and Mia away."


    Nathan whispered, still teary-eyed, "He doesn''t seem to have a cold. No runny nose, sneezing, or fever."


    Noah kept his cool, "Then find out what it is and let me know. That''s your new mission!"


    "Got it," Nathan said, more determined. "I''ll find out ASAP."


    Noah reminded him, "Remember what I taught you? Stay cool, don''t freak out."


    Nathan nodded, feeling a bit better. "I remember. That''s why Rn and Andrew didn''t catch on."


    Noah''s voice softened, "Good. Don''t stress. Dad''s always been tough. Even if he''s sick, it''s probably not a big deal. But you still gotta find out and tell me, okay?" "Okay," Nathan agreed.


    After hanging up, Nathan thought about Noah''s advice and felt a sense of duty, which gave him more drive.


    On the other end, Noah couldn''t get back to sleep.


    He knew Craig and Joe had visited Sadie in the morning and seemed happy with whatever went down; otherwise, they wouldn''t have left so cheerfully. And now, with Micah being sick, what was he supposed to do? As he mulled it over, a knock on the door was followed by Sadie''s voice, "Noah, you up?"


    Noah quickly got up to open the door and saw Sadie all dressed up. His heart sank. "Mom, where you headed?"


    "Gotta go to the office," Sadie said, bending down to cup his face. "After your nap, y with Mia for a bit. You got an online ss at three."


    "Okay," Noah nodded obediently. "Aren''t you not supposed to deal with the James Group stuff? Why you going to the office?"


    "There''s a press conference I gotta attend," Sadie said, dodging the question. "I gotta go now. Be good and ask Arya and Michelle if you need anything."


    "Mom."


    Noah tugged at Sadie''s sleeve, his young mind already piecing together what the press conference might be about. He didn''t want Sadie to go, but he remembered Micah''s words: don''t interfere, don''t stop her. Reluctantly, he let go of her sleeve. He said, "It''s nothing. You can go."

 Chapter 1146 Starting Over

    Sadie totally got what Noah was thinking, but she didn''t push him. Some stuff, no matter how much you wanna dodge it, you gotta face it eventually. "Be good, okay? I''ll be back tonight for dinner," she said, giving him a tight hug before heading out the door. Noah watched her leave, his eyes glued to her until she was out of the castle. He moved to the window, watching as her car pulled out of the driveway. Even though she was just stepping out for a bit, he felt this weird distance growing between them, like she was slipping into another world.


    When the convoy rolled away, Noah stayed at the window until it vanished from sight. With a heavy heart, he finally looked away, staring at the ground beneath him. The adult world was a mess of decisions and consequences he just couldn''t wrap his head around yet.


    Sadie headed straight to the James Group HQ, a building known in Country E as themercial empire''s pyramid.


    The press conference was all set up, and Craig and Joe were already on stage, waiting for Sadie.


    As usual, Tristan was behind the scenes, not making an appearance.


    As Sadie walked in, all the media turned their cameras on her, snapping photos and videos non-stop.


    Before Sadie reached the stage, Joe came over to greet her and pulled out a chair for her like a gentleman. This sweet move was also caught on camera.


    Craig smiled, showing his appreciation for Joe. In this setting, it was the right move.


    They took their seats. As the host, Sadie greeted the media and then introduced Craig and Joe. She then personally announced her engagement to Joe!


    The news caused a total uproar.


    Everyone knew that the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group holding a press conference for the first time would be big news, but they hadn''t expected it to be this explosive.


    The alliance between the James Group and the Louis family was a powerhouse move, a match made in heaven. For the James Group, it was a real boost, while for the royal family of Country C and the Louis family, it meant gaining a formidable ally.


    Immediately, the media below the stage scrambled to ask questions, mostly about how Sadie and Joe met, whether they were sure about each other, and when and where the wedding would be. Sadie answered gracefully and fluently.


    Regarding their love story, Joe said he first saw Sadie at a banquet two years ago and fell in love with her at first sight.


    Since then, he had been captivated by her and kept looking for her.


    Half a yearter, he saw her again at a banquet of the royal family of Country C and confessed his feelings to her, but she didn''t ept.


    Later, they became friends, and he stayed by her side, moved her with his sincerity, and confessed his love several times until today when she finally epted him.


    At this point, Joe knelt on one knee, took out a ring symbolizing the royal family of Country C, and formally proposed to Sadie!


    Joe''s eyes were full of deep affection as he looked at Sadie, and the female reporters present were all moved.


    Some even sighed, saying this was the perfect love story of a prince and princess!


    Sadie looked at the ring, and memories of her wedding with Micah shed through her mind. Those past events involuntarily surfaced.


    For a moment, it seemed as if the kneeling Joe had turned into Micah!


    A gentle smile appeared on her lips, and her gaze became affectionate. She slowly reached out her hand to Joe, epting his proposal.


    Joe was deeply moved and immediately put the ring on Sadie''s finger, then hugged her tightly and whispered emotionally in her ear, "Sadie, I love you!" At that moment, Sadie realized that this person was Joe, not Micah.


    It seemed he had never said the words "I love you."


    ''Yeah, never. Forget it. From this moment on, everything starts anew.'' Sadie thought. She closed her eyes, slowly raised her hands, and hugged Joe back.

 Chapter 1147 Never Let Go Even in Death

    Meanwhile, Micah was slumped at his desk, eyes glued to theputer screen as the press conference unfolded. The announcement was straight-up-Sadie and Joe were tying the knot. No fluff, just the cold, hard truth. And then, right there, Joe popped the question to Sadie, his voice all soft and loving. You could practically feel the love between them, like they were made for each other or something.


    Micah couldn''t even find the words to describe what he was feeling; he just stared at Sadie on the screen, her gentle smile all for Joe, her eyes full of that unmistakable tenderness. Watching her say yes, seeing her wrap her arms around Joe''s waist-it was like a knife twisting in his heart.


    A flood of memories hit him, drowning Micah in waves of nostalgia and pain. He could hear Sadie''sughter, see her mischievous eyes like it was just yesterday.


    "Micah!"


    "Hmm?"


    "I love you!"


    "What did you say? Say it again?"


    "Nothing. If you didn''t hear it, forget it."


    "Say it again. Come on, I wanna hear it!"


    "No! Some things can only be said once. Who told you not to listen carefully?"


    "Sadie, say it!"


    "No, no!"


    "If you don''t say it, I''ll keep messing with you."


    "You jerk, I''m already having a nosebleed, and you still won''t let me go. Stop it, stop it, it tickles, hahaha."


    "Could you be pregnant? If we have triplets again, the house will be lively!"


    "Stop it. Do you think I''m a pig?"


    "How great! Noah, Nathan, and Mia would be so happy."


    These snippets of their past, full ofughter and love, felt like silver needles piercing Micah''s brain.


    It was making him feel unbearable pain. He stared at theputer with bloodshot eyes, his mind swirling with images of Sadie and Joe''s intimacy. He was so lost in thought that he didn''t even notice he''d crushed the ss in his hand, now gripping the shards tightly. Every squeeze drove the ss deeper into his palm, causing it to bleed profusely, mirroring the pain in his heart. But he didn''t let go, just like he couldn''t let go of his love for Sadie.


    "Mr. Clemens! Mr. Clemens!" Andrew and Dahlia''s frantic shouts finally broke through his daze. Micah blinked, lowering his eyes to see his hand, stained with blood and embedded with ss shards. Yet, he felt no pain. Sadie had given up on him, on their home. Should he give up too? But he couldn''t bear to. He just couldn''t.


    "Mr. Clemens, don''t be like this," Dahlia said, her voice trembling. Tears streamed down her face as she knelt beside him, hurriedly tending to his wound with a first aid kit she had grabbed. Andrew, in a panic, tried to clear the blood off Micah''s face with a wad of tissues.


    Micah finally became aware of the warm trickle flowing from his nose, mixing with the blood from his hand. He reached up with his other hand, touching his nose, pulling it away to see it smeared with blood. His expression was eerily calm. "It doesn''t hurt," he murmured.


    "Mr. Clemens," Dahlia wept, "You can''t go on like this. You need to get treatment. You must get treatment. I have found the right medical team-the same team that treated Ms. James. They will be in Newark tomorrow. They can cure you, just like they cured her. Once you''re well, nothing can stop you. You can get Ms. James back, bring Noah and Mia back, and you can be a family again."


    Thosest words struck a chord deep within him. The despair in Micah''s eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope. Yes, as long as he was healthy, nothing could stop him. Not Tristan, not Joe no one could take Sadie and the kids away from him. He had to get well. He had to bring them home.

 Chapter 1148 Did He Regret It?

    Back at Half Mountain Vi, Ss was already at the door, leaning on a cane, waiting. Raymond''s death had hit him like a ton of bricks, and in just a month, he looked like he''d aged decades, turning into a frail, white-haired old man. With the


    cane in his hand and the tired lines on his face, he looked eerily like thete Raymond.


    "Ss!" Nathan shouted, jumping out of the car and running over with a big grin. Since Raymond''s passing, Nathan and the other kids had started looking up to Ss just like they did with their great-grandpa.


    "Nathan, be good." Ss bent down to hug Nathan and gave him a gentle pat on the back. "Seeing you makes my day."


    "Me too," Nathan beamed, all innocent and happy. "Ss, you feeling better?"


    "Much better," Ss said, ruffling Nathan''s hair. "It''s chilly out here, let''s head inside."


    "Okay." Nathan nodded, grabbing the nurse''s hand as they walked into the vi.


    Micah stood by the car, giving Ss a slight frown, then turned to re at Andrew and Rn. Both of them looked down, feeling guilty. Dahlia didn''t even dare to breathe loudly.


    "Not happy to see me?" Ss asked Micah with a friendly smile.


    "Of course not." Micah walked over, smiling. "I got some tea in my study, made when Grandpa was still around."


    "Then I won''t be shy." Ss chuckled.


    Ss walked into the vi with Micah. Micah told the servants to get the tea ready and then led Ss to the study on the first floor.


    Micah took off his coat and plopped down on the sofa, reaching for the iced wine a servant handed him, but Ss stopped him: "No more drinking for you."


    The servant looked scared out of their wits.


    Micah made a gesture, and the servant quickly bowed and left.


    "Ss, don''t listen to their crap," Micah said. "It''s just a minor thing, no big deal."


    "I know everything, so don''t try to sugarcoat it." Ss sighed sadly. "I always thought E was trouble, but I never imagined she''d be so nasty, causing harm even on her deathbed. Mr. Raymond Clemens up in heaven would regret trusting her if he knew she poisoned you."


    "It''s all in the past. No point talking about it now," Micah said calmly.


    "Yeah, she''s gone, and cursing her won''t help." Ss sighed. "I just hope you get proper treatment. Even Sadie bounced back from severe poisoning, so you can too. With Mr. Raymond Clemens gone, the whole Clemens Group is counting on you. If something happens to you, what''ll happen to the Clemens Group? What about the kids?"


    "I get it." Micah nodded and promised. "Tomorrow, I''ll go to thepany to handle some stuff. I''ll leave the household affairs to you. Once everything''s sorted, I''ll start my treatment."


    "That''s good." Ss looked at his bandaged hand and advised earnestly, "I saw the news. I know it''s hard to swallow, but I always believe that as long as you''re alive, there''s hope for everything!" Hearing this, Micah felt a bit moved. Yeah, as long as he was alive, everything could turn around.


    "Get proper treatment, and everything will turn around." Ss patted his shoulder and reassured him. "Ryan''s at thepany, and I''m here at home. You can rest easy."


    "Yeah." Micah nodded with a smile. "The tea''s ready. Let''s have some."


    "Alright." Ss smiled..


    The two drank tea in the study, and the sound of rain outside made everything feel quiet and cozy.


    Micah poured tea for Ss, looking at his aged hands, and couldn''t help but think of Raymond. He couldn''t help but ask, "Do you think Grandpa regretted it when he passed away?"

 Chapter 1149 Taking a Long Vacation

    "Yeah, he had some regrets," Ss sighed, his face showing years of unspoken pain. "He was always waiting for Sadie toe back so he could say sorry in person. Only then could he find peace. In hisst moments, his eyes were often teary. He carried so much regret for Herbert, for Nick, for you, and for Sadie. He felt bad for everyone he let down."


    Micah listened quietly, his eyes deep. Sadie continued, "That''s why I hope you go after what you want. Don''t end up like Mr. Raymond Clemens, full of regrets at the end. The Clemens family doesn''t care about its century-old legacy, power, and status. If you want it, take it. But Herbert and you have always wanted something deeper. If you want it, go for it with all your heart."


    Micah felt a bit shaken by his words. Ss had always been the rock of the Clemens family, Raymond''s most trusted guy and the second-most powerful person in the family. Ss had trained Rn, Andrew, and other loyalists, calmed Raymond when he was mad, and guided him when he was lost. In many ways, this wise outsider saw things more clearly than Raymond himself.


    Ss had seen through everything from the start. He knew what Micah wanted the most, what he desired the most.


    Ss looked at Micah with a knowing gaze. "Think about it: when feelingse too easily, people don''t value them. Over time, they wear down under life''s little problems. But feelings that survive trials and tribtions be more sincere and passionate. Maybe the hardships you and Sadie have faced are a test. When you finallye together again, you''ll treasure that hard-won happiness even more."


    Ss patted Micah on the shoulder, his touch bothforting and encouraging. "So, Mr. Micah Clemens, as long as you''re alive, dreams cane true. Don''t waste the chance to build the life you want."


    These words gave Micah a big boost. He had always hoped that Raymond could say such words to him, understand him, and support him, but he had never waited for that moment.


    And now, Ss had said it on Raymond''s behalf.


    Micah suddenly felt a surge of strength within him. He began to believe that as long as he recovered, everything could change. Sadie woulde back to him, and the kids woulde home. Everything would go back to the best moments!


    The next day, Micah held a board meeting and appointed Ryan as executive director, giving him full control over the group''s business.


    At the same time, he promoted Chloe, putting her in charge of the domestic market.


    Then, he spent a day coordinating with all the important business, assigning each project to the relevant person, and directly letting Chloe handle the sports stadium project.


    The room buzzed with unease as he made these announcements; the senior execs exchanged nervous nces, hesitant to voice their concerns openly. But finally, Ryan mustered the courage to ask, "Mr. Clemens, what''s going on? What are you nning to do?"


    Micah gestured for Andrew to close the meeting room door and disconnect thework equipment, ensuring total privacy.


    Then, Micah calmly dered, "I guess I''ve been overworked recently. My health''s been a bit off, and I need to take a break. But don''t worry, I''ll be back in at most two months!"


    His announcement only heightened the anxiety in the room. Execs quickly bombarded him with questions about his health, their concern clear.


    "I said it''s a minor issue," Micah responded with a nonchnt shrug. "Do I look like someone with a terminal illness?"


    Micah had made a special effort to tidy up today. Apart from being a bit thinner than before, he looked very energetic and had no visible problems.


    "I just want to take a break," Micah said lightly. "Besides, the Clemens Group is facing big issuestely. The headquarters in Country F is in chaos, and I need to handle it. Human energy is limited, and I can''t be in two ces at once, so I have to put this site on hold for now."

 Chapter 1150 Micahs Will

    When he dropped that bomb, everyone got the memo.


    Some folks figured Micah was probably heading back to Country F to sort out the HQ mess. Even though Raymond''s will left everything to his three great-grandkids, Micah was the one running the show for now. With Nick out of the picture and Raymond gone, Micah had a ton of stuff to juggle. He couldn''t just spill the beans to everyone, though. The management team in Country F wasn''t as chill as the VIC Group crew; they needed a tougher approach to keep things in check. So, when Micah said he was "taking a break," everyone knew he was really off to Country F to take charge and clean up the mess.


    Everyone felt a bit better, except for Ryan and Chloe, who were still stressing.


    After the meeting, Micah headed back to his office to sign off on thest batch of important papers.


    Ryan knocked and walked in, straight-up asking, "Are you taking a break ''cause of Sadie?"


    "Did you catch the news?" Micah replied coolly. He had grown to respect Ryan more and more. Despite Ryan''s stubborn streak, he always had Micah''s back and never bailed when things got tough.


    "Yeah, I saw it." Ryan sighed, "Life''s a trip. I don''t get young folks'' feelings, but don''t let this get you down."


    "You think I''m that naive?" Micah shot back, still signing papers without even looking up.


    "Are you really heading to Country F?" Ryan frowned. "Last I heard, Ss is already handling things there."


    "Yep, Ss is on it." Micah paused and came clean, "I''m not taking a break because of HQ. I''m sick. If I don''t get treated, I could kick the bucket."


    "What?" Ryan was floored, "You''re joking, right?"


    "Keep this on the down-low," Micah said seriously. "I''ve already got my will sorted. If something happens to me, you and Ss will run the group, and all my stuff goes to the three kids." "What kind of sickness are we talking about?" Ryan asked, clearly freaked out.


    "It''s not a huge deal, but there''s a risk," Micah downyed it. "But we gotta be ready. Gotta make the necessary arrangements."


    "But-" Ryan still looked worried.


    "Don''t sweat it, it''s probably not gonna be your problem." Micah cut him off with a grin, "I wanna handle it myself. You''re getting up there in age and can''t keep grinding forever." "Are you seriously messing with me right now?" Ryan was both pissed and worried. "What''s real and what''s BS? Can you just tell me straight?"


    "I''m being straight with you." Micah handed Ryan a document and warned, "This is for you and Ss. Keep it safe!"


    "What''s this?" Ryan, a bit clumsy with age, opened the envelope.


    "Take your time reading it. I''m done signing, so I''m outta here." Micah said as he signed thest document, put down his pen, and got up to leave.


    Ryan opened the envelope and pulled out a document-it was Micah''s will.


    Just like he said, the will stated that if he died unexpectedly, the Clemens Group would be run by him and Ss.


    All the Clemens Group assets would go to his three kids, with specific nsid out.


    It also mentioned that Noah could choose to take over the group under Ss''s watch when he turned twelve. And all of Micah''s personal assets would go to Sadie!


    But the will was only good for a year. If Micah died within that year, the will would kick in.


    After a year, the will would be toast.


    "This, this..." Ryan stammered. His hands shook as he held the will. He now believed Micah was really sick and might be in serious danger.

 Chapter 1151 There Might Be Death

    Micah spilled the beans to Ryan, not just ''cause he trusted him, but ''cause he was low-key freaked out about his own health.


    Everyone kinda knows when something''s off with their body, and Micah was no different. Deep down, he had this nagging feeling that his health was on the fritz. Even though he put on a brave face and tried to stay positive, he couldn''t shake the thought that one day he might just crash and never wake up.


    Thest thing Micah wanted was for the Clemens Group to go haywire if something happened to him. So, he had to get his ducks in a row!


    Afterying it all out, Micah kicked off his treatment.


    Dahlia got the old medical building spruced up, brought in some top-notch medical gear, and had the medical team from Country E set up shop at Half Mountain Vi.


    Reba moved most of the young staff over to Ss''s ce and brought in some super loyal old-timers. This wasn''t just to take better care of Micah but also to keep things on the down-low.


    Ss nned to take Nathan back to Raymond''s vi and get him back into his school routine. He also set up Rodolfo and two young female medical staff to handle Nathan''s transport and care.


    The night before they were supposed to leave, Nathan asked Micah all excited, "Dad, why do I gotta stay with Ss? Don''t you want me around anymore?"


    "Silly kid, you''re my son. How could I not want you?" Micah ruffled his hair and smiled, "I''m sick and need some serious treatment. I can''t look after you right now, so you''re gonna stay with Ss." "Dad, what''s wrong with you?" Nathan asked, all worried.


    "It''s kinda hard to exin..." Micah thought for a sec and said, "My illness is prettyplicated and needs time to treat. If I don''t kick the bucket, I should be good in two months. Then we can go to Country E together to get your mom, Noah, and Mia."


    "What?" Nathan''s eyes went wide, "Dad, are you saying you might die?"


    "Yeah," Micah nodded, "It''s possible."


    Nathan hugged Micah''s neck and started bawling. "No, I don''t want Dad to die."


    The room was instantly filled with his loud cries, breaking everyone''s hearts.


    Rn and Andrew looked down, all sad. Reba was wiping her tears in the corner.


    Ss tried tofort him, but Nathan''s crying drowned him out.


    Micah didn''t stop Nathan. When Nathan was all cried out and his voice was hoarse, Micah gently pushed him away and wiped his tears, "Done crying? Can we talk now?"


    Nathan was still sniffling and nodded with teary eyes.


    "Wipe your tears yourself." Micah handed him some tissues.


    Nathan took the tissues, wiped his tears, and blew his nose. Then he looked at him with red eyes, "Dad." As soon as he spoke, his voice cracked again.


    "Everyone dies, sooner orter." Micah looked at him gently, "We should face death head-on, not treat it like some big bad monster."


    "I don''t want Dad to die." Nathan pouted, looking at him with tearful eyes.


    "I don''t wanna die either." Micah smiled, "I still need to get your mom, Noah, and Mia. I wanna watch you all grow up and see what kind of girl you''ll marry."


    Nathanughed with a "pfft," and a snot bubble popped out. He quickly covered his nose with a tissue, embarrassed.


    "Feeling better now?" Micah pinched his little face andforted, "I might not die; it''s just a possibility. We shouldn''t be sad about things that might happen but haven''t happened yet. We gotta face the present bravely. That''s why I need to get treated now, and you need to go to school and help me keep this from your mom, Noah, and Mia. They can''t know."

 Chapter 1152 The Final Instructions

    "Yo, why?" Nathan blurted out, totally floored.


    "I know you video call Noah and Mia every day," Micah said, testing the waters. "You share all your daily stuff, right? You probably told them my health''s been kinda crappytely, huh?" "I, uh..." Nathan stuttered, feeling a bit guilty.


    "To keep them from freaking out, can you keep it on the down-low for now, okay?" Micah ruffled his hair gently. "That way, I can focus on getting better. Once I''m good, we can go to Country E together to pick them up." "Okay." Nathan nodded seriously. "Dad, don''t worry, I won''t spill the beans. But you gotta promise me you''ll take care of yourself."


    His voice cracked a bit. "I''ll wait for you!"


    "I know." Micah hugged him tight. "Be good. We''ll get through this together. See you in two months!"


    "Deal!" Nathan clung to Micah''s neck, full of hope.


    That afternoon, Ss took Nathan away. Nathan kept looking back at Micah, waving reluctantly.


    Micah smiled as he watched him leave. Once the convoy was out of sight, he clutched his chest and copsed.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew and Rn rushed over to support him. "You need to start treatment now. No more dys."


    "I''ll set it up right away," Dahlia said quickly.


    But Micah stopped her, "Wait, I have one more thing to do."


    "Mr. Clemens, just tell me what to do," Rn said, worried.


    "Help me back to my room," Micah insisted.


    Andrew and Rn had no choice but to help him back to his room. Leaning on the sofa, hemanded, "Give me my phone." Andrew handed it over. With shaky hands, he dialed Sadie''s number.


    Sadie had blocked him before, but after they saved the kid together, she unblocked him.


    The phone rang, but she didn''t pick up for a long time.


    Micah listened to the "beep beep" sound, his heart pounding.


    He thought, ''Is she ignoring me? Or is she busy? Maybe she''s with Joe?''


    Micah''s heart ached.


    Suddenly, the call connected, but no one spoke.


    Micah tried, "Hello?" A familiar, cold voice responded, "What''s up?"


    It was Sadie. Even though she sounded icy, Micah was still happy to hear her.


    He quickly sat up straight and instinctively fixed his clothes and hair, even though it was just a call. He felt like Sadie could see him.


    "If you don''t talk, I''m hanging up," Sadie said coldly, ready to end the call.


    "Wait." Micah hurriedly stopped her but then didn''t know what to say next.


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie asked again.


    "Noah and Mia, are they okay?" Micah finally spoke, but it was ame question.


    "You have their numbers; you can call them anytime," Sadie replied.


    "Oh, right." Micah realized he was stating the obvious. "How are you?"


    "I''m fine," Sadie said coldly. "Anything else?"


    "I saw the news," Micah finally mustered the courage to say. "Are you really gonna marry Joe?"


    "Do you think that''s something to joke about?" Sadie asked sarcastically.


    "Do you love him?" Micah yelled out but felt it was a pointless question.


    "Love or not, it doesn''t matter. Feelings can grow over time," Sadie said calmly. "Did you call just to say this? Don''t you find it boring?"

 Chapter 1153 Returning the Shares

    Sadie was spitting out every word with a nasty attitude, dripping with pure annoyance.


    Andrew and Rn, hanging around nearby, couldn''t take it anymore. When had Micah ever been this low-key?


    But Micah went even lower. "I just wanna hear your voice."


    He didn''t really know what he wanted to say; he just needed to hear her voice.


    Didn''t matter what she said, as long as he could feel her there, he''d find the guts to keep going.


    On the other end, Sadie went silent. If he''d said anything else mushy, she would''ve been pissed and ready to snap, but this? This made her heart hurt for some reason. She thought she could stay cool, but he got to her so easily. That heartache felt like a knife to the chest.


    It was real, and it was intense.


    Footsteps echoed outside, snapping Sadie back to reality. She coldly said, "Don''t call me again."


    After she hung up, Micah''s hand dropped, and he slumped against the sofa, eyes slowly closing.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew and Rn shouted.


    Meanwhile, Sadie put down the phone and turned to Tristan, who had just walked in. She smiled. "Tristan!"


    "Yeah." Tristan plopped down on the sofa, took the tea from the attendant, and sipped it slowly.


    "Duke Louis and Joe already headed back. I just got back from the airport." Sadie looked at Tristan, concerned. "How''s your injury?"


    "Don''t worry about it." Tristan frowned at her and ordered, "In the next few days, wrap up the wedding ns, then take the kids to Sunvale."


    "Sunvale?" Sadie''s eyes widened. "Why?"


    "Just do it." Tristan said tly, not wanting to exin.


    Sadie felt even more uneasy. Tristan was definitely in some deep trouble. He wanted her in Sunvale to keep her safe and out of it.


    "One more thing." Tristan looked at her, paused, and said, "I need thepany shares back."


    "Okay, when do we do the paperwork?" Sadie agreed without a second thought. She''d already decided to give the shares back to Tristan. She didn''t want them, no matter what. "Tomorrow morning at ten." Tristan said seriously. "The legal team will be waiting for you at thepany. Terry will take you there. Ignore what anyone says, just sign the papers and head home, got it?" "Got it." Sadie nodded, but she couldn''t help asking, "Tristan, what''s really going on? Can you tell me? Maybe I can help..."


    "I''ll handle it. Don''t worry." Tristan cut her off. "Alright, go back."


    "Tristan-" Sadie wanted to say more, but Tristan waved her off, so she lowered her head and left.


    Terry escorted her downstairs and said quietly, "Mr. James left you some assets. They might not be as big as the James Group shares, but they''re enough for you and the kids to livefortably." "Is someone fighting for the shares?" Sadie asked cautiously.


    Back then, Tristan had given her those shares to give her a strong identity in the business world.


    She had refused, but he insisted they originally belonged to Eleanor. As her daughter, Sadie had the right to inherit them.


    Someone as proud as him wouldn''t take back something he gave away easily. But now he did. The only reason had to be that it was dangerous and would cause her trouble.


    "You know the answer." Terry frowned and warned, "Mr. James cares about you. Just follow his instructions. Also, make sure to leave the country after handling these matters." "I want to stay and help him." Sadie frowned and said seriously. "I can''t just walk away."


    "You have to leave," Terry said quietly. "Not just leave, but take a few people with you for Mr. James."

 Chapter 1154 Powerless

    On the way back, Sadie couldn''t shake off Terry''sst words. When she tried to dig deeperter, he just brushed her off, saying they''d deal with the paperwork tomorrow and figure out the rest after. That got Sadie''s curiosity buzzing. She remembered Micah once saying Tristan had a side chick and some kids, but Tristan never mentioned it, and she never heard any gossip about it. But what Terry said made her think maybe the rumors were true. Could those people Terry talked about be Tristan''s secret family?


    If that''s the case, it might be worth checking out!


    Anyway, having something important to focus on gave her a weird sense offort. At least she could do something for Tristan, something that felt kinda useful in this mess.


    It seemed like Tristan had been nning this for a while. Terry was right; she should just follow his lead and not overthink stuff.


    As she mulled over these thoughts, a tiny figure darted out. "Mommy!"


    Sadie turned and saw Mia running out of the castle in a cute white cashmere coat.


    Sadie quickly scooped her up. "Mia, why''d youe out? It''s freezing!"


    "I missed you, Mommy." Mia hugged Sadie''s neck and snuggled in, being all cuddly.


    "Good girl!" Sadie stroked her hair. "I had some stuff to take care of, but I''m back now, right?"


    "Mommy, are you gonna marry Joe?" Mia asked softly. "What''ll happen to us then?"


    "Whether I get married or not won''t change how much I love you." Sadie kissed Mia''s forehead. "I''ll love you forever, don''t worry."


    "What about Daddy?" Mia''s voice wavered. "Are you really not gonna be with him anymore?"


    Sadie''s heart sank. She had told the kids multiple times that she and Micah were done, but they still had hope. What could she do? She just had to keep exining. Sadie spoke softly. "Mia, we''ve separated."


    "I know." Mia looked down, disappointed.


    "Good girl!" Sadie carried Mia inside and changed the subject. "Are you hungry? How about we make some pizza? Wanna help?"


    "Yeah, I do." Mia nodded.


    Sadie quickly shifted Mia''s focus, and they headed to the kitchen to make pizza together.


    Noah watched from the hallway upstairs, staying quiet, and then went back to his room to read. But he couldn''t concentrate on his book anymore.


    In the afternoon, the inte at home suddenly went out. Noputers, no TV, nothing.


    He knew it was Sadie''s doing. He had a pretty good idea of what was up but still wanted to confirm.


    Hearing the car earlier, he was about to go downstairs to find Sadie. But seeing herforting Mia, he was already sure of the oue.


    It seemed Sadie was really gonna marry Joe.


    The dream of a family reunion was slipping away.


    Noah felt really down. Holding his smartwatch, he thought about calling Nathan but decided against it.


    Maybe Nathan didn''t know yet, so let him stay carefree.


    But what about Micah?


    Thinking of Micah made Noah feel even worse.


    He remembered Micah saying not to meddle in adult stuff, that Sadie had her reasons, and they should support her.


    Noah wondered, ''Dad is so understanding of Mom, so why does he have to be left behind?''


    He didn''t quite get adult emotions, but he felt Sadie must have her reasons. He trusted her but also felt bad for Micah. But he couldn''t do anything about it.

 Chapter 1155 Nothing Will Happen

    In the next few days, Micah started getting some serious treatment.


    The docs checked him out and made it clear: no outside interference during this time, or all their work would go down the drain. Plus, they couldn''t promise they''d get rid of all the toxins.


    Back when they treated Sadie, they only managed to keep her alive for a bit, and even then, it was Virgil who made the real difference.


    But no one had a clue where the legendary Virgil was. Tristan had searched high and low before finding him, but by then, Sadie''s treatment was done, leaving some side effects.


    Virgil couldn''t step in again, so he whipped up a life-saving potion for her to drink whenever she had an episode to ease the pain.


    Now, Micah was in a simr boat. To avoid missing the best treatment window, he had to start treatment ASAP. The future was a big question mark, but at least they could keep him alive for now.


    To keep things on the down-low, Half Mountain Vi was locked down, with only some loyal followers and servants allowed in or out. Half a month flew by, and Micah was still MIA.


    The top brass at VIC Group had a unified story: Micah had gone to Country F to handle HQ stuff and wouldn''t be in Newark for a while.


    Some folks spected whether Micah had really gone to Country F or if he was just hiding out because Sadie was marrying someone else. The rumor mill was in overdrive about Micah''s whereabouts.


    VIC Group and the Clemens Group didn''t give a hoot about the gossip.


    No matter what people said, they stuck to their guns: Micah would be back in two months.


    Meanwhile, Sadie heard the buzz from Newark and was super puzzled.


    Even if Micah was bummed out because she was marrying Joe, it shouldn''t have led to such a meltdown.


    They were all career-driven folks who wouldn''t let feelings mess with their lives.


    Sadie tried to brush it off, thinking, ''Whatever he''s doing has nothing to do with me.'' But she still felt uneasy.


    She asked Noah if he''d managed to get in touch with Micahtely. Noah said he hadn''t been able to reach Micah by phone for the past half month. When he talked to Nathan, Nathan said Micah had gone to Country F and was with Ss. When Noah pressed for more details, Nathan said he had to go to ss.


    Noah found it super fishy. His gut told him Nathan was hiding something.


    But the more he asked, the more Nathan dodged him, and eventually, he stopped answering his calls altogether.


    Noah told Sadie about this and worriedly asked, "Mom, is Dad in trouble?"


    "Not likely," Sadie reassured him. "Maybe there really are a lot of things to handle at the headquarters in Country F."


    "No matter how busy he is, he shouldn''t be out of touch, right?" Noah was super anxious. "Doesn''t he even have time to take a call? And I always feel that Nathan is acting really weird."


    Mia, picking up on the tension, pouted and started to cry. "Mommy, I miss Daddy, I miss Nathan. Can we go back to see them, please?"


    "Mia." Sadie was about tofort her when a knock on the door interrupted her. "Ms. James, it''s urgent," came Annika''s voice.


    Sadie walked over and opened the door, asking in a low voice, "What''s up?"


    Annika leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Sadie''s expression shifted immediately. She instructed, "Get the car ready. I''ll be down after I change." "Yes." Annika quickly went downstairs to make arrangements.


    Sadie turned back to her kids, hugging them tightly. "Noah, Mia, I need to go to your Uncle Tristan''s ce right now. I''ll be backter. Be good, okay?"


    "Mommy, when are we going back?" Mia looked at Sadie and asked hopefully.


    Sadie cupped Mia''s face gently, brushing away a tear with her thumb. "Mia, in forty-five days, your illness will be cured, and then Daddy wille to pick you up. I believe he will be fine. Don''t worry, be good!"

 Chapter 1156 The Mysterious Little Gift

    "But I can''t get ahold of Dad right now. I''m freaking out." Mia''s eyes were brimming with tears, her little face a picture of panic.


    "Let me give him a ring," Sadie said, trying to calm her down. "Hang tight, I''ll be right back, okay?"


    "Okay." Mia finally felt a bit better and nodded.


    "Mom, you go handle your stuff," Noah chimed in, checking the time. "It''s nighttime in Newark. When you get back tonight, it''ll be morning there. Try calling Dad then." "Alright." Sadie ruffled Noah''s hair and rushed out.


    Over the past couple of weeks, Sadie had sold her shares and stepped down from the James Group board. The wedding ns in Skyport City were all set. Yesterday, Tristan told her to be ready; he''d arrange for her to head to Country C in the next few days.


    But just now, Annika suddenly called, saying something had happened with Tristan and she needed to get over there ASAP.


    Sadie was super anxious. "Is he hurt again?" she asked.


    "Not sure," Annika frowned. "Terry just said you should hurry over."


    "Step on it," Sadie urged Arya.


    "Yes, Ms. James." Arya nodded.


    Soon, they pulled up to Tristan''s castle.


    As soon as the car stopped, Sadie rushed inside, her mind racing with worry. "Where''s Terry?" she asked an attendant. "Ms. James, Terry is upstairs," the attendant replied, leading her. "Don''t worry; Mr. James will be back soon."


    Sadie frowned. "Tristan isn''t home? Then who..." Her question trailed off as Terry appeared at the top of the stairs.


    "Ms. James." Terry called out, motioning for the other attendants to leave.


    Sadie hurried up, confusion all over her face. "What''s going on, Terry?" she demanded as they reached the study.


    "Come inside first," Terry said mysteriously, opening the door.


    With a puzzled look, Sadie stepped in. Her breath caught at the sight before her.


    Three adorable little girls, each about two years old and looking exactly alike. They were like tiny dolls, their cuteness almost too much to handle.


    "What... what is this?" Sadie stammered, staring at the kids in disbelief. "Where did theye from?"


    Terry sighed. "We''ve done a DNA test. They''re all Mr. James''s kids," he exined, pointing to the three girls, looking a bit troubled. "To keep them safe, Mr. James wants you to take them to Country C."


    Sadie was floored. She''d heard rumors about Tristan having kids, but she hadn''t expected three and such cute little girls.


    "Wow, who is she?" The little girl on the piano bench looked at Sadie with wide, innocent eyes and said in a cute voice, "She looks a bit like Daddy."


    Another little girl, sitting at the desk and scribbling on a document with Tristan''s pen, looked up at Sadie and replied, trying to sound grown-up, "Maybe she''s Daddy''s sister. We should call her Auntie!" "Auntie, Auntie!" Just then, another little girl with slightly curly hair crawled over from the sofa, grabbed Sadie''s pant leg, and climbed up. She said, "Auntie, hug me!"


    "Good girl!" Sadie quickly bent down to pick her up. Looking at her curly hair and adorable little face, she couldn''t help but smile. She asked softly, "What''s your name?" "Mary James!" The little girl answered sweetly, touching Sadie''s face with both hands and curiously examining her.


    "Mary, nice to meet you. I''m Sadie, your aunt." Sadie introduced herself, then asked the girl on the piano bench, "And you? What''s your name?"


    "Emma James!" Emma answered loudly while trying to open the piano lid and almost pinched her fingers.


    Sadie quickly stepped forward to hold the piano lid and gently coaxed, "Emma, be good. Don''t y with it now; you might hurt yourself. I''ll teach you to yter, okay?"

 Chapter 1157 Three Children

    "I can y!" Emma pouted, her little face all serious. "I y really well, Auntie."


    Sadie chuckled nervously, not sure what to say. "Uh..."


    "She means she doesn''t want you causing trouble right now," came a voice from the desk. The girl didn''t even look up from her scribbling. "My name''s Donna James. Hi, Auntie!"


    "Hello!" Sadie replied, a bit amused. These three kids looked alike, but their personalities were totally different.


    She couldn''t help but marvel at how much they resembled Mia when she was younger-innocent eyes full of wonder, that same sweetness in their expressions. But these girls had naturally curly, thick hair and a mixed-race look, giving them an ethereal, doll-like appearance that was captivating.


    "Where''s their mom?" Sadie asked Terry quietly.


    "It''s a long story," Terry seemed reluctant to exin. He changed the subject. "Let''s not get into it now. The private jet''s ready. Mr. James wants me to take you to the airport at one o''clock sharp. Please take care of these three kids." "What''s going on?" Sadie was confused. She raised an eyebrow. "It''s already twelve, and we have to leave at one?"


    "Yep," Terry nodded and urged. "You should get someone to pack quickly. Mr. James will be back to give you a few instructions, and then we''ll head out."


    "When will Tristan be back?" Sadie asked, frowning.


    "Should be soon," Terry looked at his watch. "Ten minutes tops."


    Sadie had no choice but to ask Annika to get someone to pack their luggage and prepare the documents. She also asked them to inform Noah and Mia that they''d be leaving for the airport at one. Annika immediately went to prepare.


    While waiting, Sadie sat on the sofa and chatted with the three kids.


    Mary was super clingy, snuggling into Sadie''s arms and talking non-stop.


    Emma was still messing around with her piano while Donna kept scribbling on a document.


    Just then, Tristan hurriedly returned, pushing open the study door. Seeing the three kids, his usually calm expression becameplicated, and his brows furrowed tightly.


    "Daddy!" The three kids saw Tristan and immediately ran toward him.


    Mary, holding an open yogurt, fell to the ground after a few steps, spilling yogurt all over her face. She even stuck out her little tongue to lick the yogurt.


    Emma, who was ying with the piano, ran over and jumped into Tristan''s arms, hitting his handsome face with her sheet music.


    Donna, at the desk, ran over with a pen and a document full of scribbles, ready to hug Tristan with her ink-stained hands.


    Tristan quickly snatched the document from her hand and frowned, scolding, "Who told you to scribble on this?"


    Donna had ruined a multi-billion-dor project document.


    "Daddy, you''re being harsh on me." Donna pouted and started crying loudly.


    As if on cue, Mary and Emma joined in, their cries echoing through the study.


    Tristan raised his hand to his forehead, feeling a headacheing on.


    "Little princesses, don''t cry, please don''t cry." Terry coaxed, his voice panicked as he tried to calm them down, clearly out of his depth.


    Sadie quickly stepped in, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear. "Sweethearts, don''t cry, don''t cry. I''m here," she said soothingly, immediately taking charge of the situation.


    First, she picked up Mary from the floor, wiped the yogurt off her face with a wet wipe, then took the sheet music from Emma''s hand, and finally, took the pen from Donna, wiping the ink off her hands.


    She then gathered the three kids in her arms and gave them a reassuring smile. "Sweethearts, my home is a beautiful big castle, and I have a son named Noah and a daughter named Mia, your older cousins, will be there. You can y with them. Do you want toe to my house as guests?"


    "Yes!" The three girls answered in unison, their tears forgotten, reced by wide-eyed excitement.

 Chapter 1158 Three Little Devils

    "Alright, be good. Grab some snacks first, thene home with me, cool?" Sadie coaxed them into the break room, with Arya and two other maids tagging along. "Okay!" The three kids lit up like Christmas trees.


    "Good girls!" Sadie ruffled their curls and headed to the study.


    Tristan stared at the messy study, his face scrunching up. The guy had a serious thing for cleanliness and order; any mess drove him nuts.


    "Kids never y by the rules," Sadie chuckled as she tidied up. "Seeing you with your kids, it makes me happy!"


    Tristan had zero interest in women. No matter how hot a chick was, he wouldn''t give her a second look.


    He was totally against romantic stuff and even felt grossed out by it.


    A thirty-three-year-old virgin? Yeah, people thought he was gay, and even Sadie almost bought it.


    But now, it was clear Tristan was straight, not gay.


    Sadie was super curious about what kind of woman he liked.


    "What''s there to be happy about? Three little devils," Tristan grumbled, his brows furrowed. He didn''t seem to have much love for kids; instead, he looked lost and uneasy, like he had no clue how to handle the three munchkins. Sadieughed, "Kids are usually a handful. Noah, Nathan, and Mia were like this when they were little. Nathan''s still pretty naughty now."


    "Someone like Noah would be great," Tristan said. He thought it would be awesome if every kid could be like Noah.


    "Every kid''s got their own personality," Sadie smiled. "Mary, Emma, and Donna are super cute. I really like them!"


    "If you like them so much, take them and raise them," Tristan seemed to be waiting for her to say this. He urged, "Take them away, quick!" "Would you really let them go?" Sadie chuckled. She knew Tristan wanted to keep the kids safe, which is why he wanted her to take them.


    Tristan shot her a cold look and changed the subject, "Who brought the kids here?"


    "They were dropped off at thepany," Terry answered softly. "Luckily, Jesse James noticed in time and told me right away." "That wicked woman!" Tristan fumed.


    Sadie was kinda shocked. Who would send kids to apany? It blew her mind.


    "She must have been desperate..." Terry trailed off as Tristan''s face turned icy. He immediately shut up, not daring to say more.


    Tristan turned to Sadie, his expression hard. "Leave for the airport at one o''clock sharp and take these three little devils to Sunvale. Don''t let anyone know they''re my kids."


    "Got it," Sadie replied seriously. Seeing Tristan so intense, she didn''t dare ask more questions. "Leave the kids to me, don''t worry."


    "Go ahead." With that, Tristan turned and left.


    Sadie wanted to ask more, but seeing him walk away so decisively, she held back.


    "Let''s go. We need to pick up the other two kids," Terry said respectfully. "I''ll take you there." "Okay." Sadie nodded.


    In the next room, she gathered the three kids, coaxing them to go with her to her Castle.


    Luckily, the three kids weren''t clingy with Tristan and naturally trusted Sadie. With a fewforting words, they followed her without a fuss.


    As they got into the car, Sadie nced back at the study on the second floor. She couldn''t help but wonder if Tristan was standing by the window, watching them leave. After all, these were his kids; there had to be some part of him that felt sad to see them go, right?


    She turned to the kids, an idea sparking in her mind. "Babies, say bye-bye to Daddy!"


    "Bye-bye, Daddy," the three kids chimed in unison, waving in the air.

 Chapter 1159 The Childrens Legion

    Tristan wasn''t at the window, and Sadie had totally overthought it.


    Sadie nced one more time at the master bedroom window, but nada. She shook her head, feeling kinda silly, and hustled the kids into the car. "OMG, this is so cute!" Mary squealed as soon as she hopped in. She spotted the doll Mia had left and hugged it tight, chatting away with it. "What''s this thing?" Emma asked, eyeing the little gadget Noah had left behind. She started fiddling with it, clueless about how it worked. "Let me see," Donna chimed in, her curiosity on full st. She grabbed the gadget and started messing with it, her tiny fingers poking around. But, not knowing what she was doing, she began taking it apart bit by bit. "Donna, you can''t just take it apart," Arya tried to stop her, but Sadie waved her off.


    "I can put it back together," Donna said, her brow furrowed in concentration. She started reassembling the parts, her little face all serious.


    Meanwhile, Emma, bored out of her mind,y on the couch dozing off, her chubby legs dangling off the edge, looking super cute, while her fingers danced on the cushion like she was ying an imaginary piano. Sadie looked at the three kids, a gentle smile spreading across her face.


    Soon, they rolled up to Sadie''s Castle.


    Sadie had the maid bundle the kids up in coats and then carried them out of the car one by one, ready to take them inside.


    Just then, Mia came running out, yelling, "Mommy, Mommy, Annika said we have to go..."


    Mia stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes wide with surprise when she saw the three adorable little girls.


    The three kids saw Mia and, after a brief pause, grabbed Sadie''s hand and chattered, "Auntie, is this the cousin Mia you talked about?" "Yeah," Sadie said, introducing them, "Mia, this is..."


    She stopped, realizing she couldn''t tell which one was Mary, which one was Emma, and which one was Donna. They all looked the same. "I''m Mary!" The girl holding the doll raised her hand.


    "I''m Emma," said the girl with one side of her face all red from sleeping. She smiled at Mia. "Mia, you''re so pretty!"


    "I''m Donna," said the girl holding the little invention, giving Mia a once-over.


    "Auntie?" Mia looked at Sadie in shock, asking tentatively, "Mommy, are they Uncle Tristan''s daughters?"


    "Yeah," Sadie nodded with a smile, "Alright, let''s get inside first."


    She led the three kids into the castle, and Mia instantly switched from a spoiled little girl to a big sister mode. She invited the three kids to her room to y and made them feel right at home. Noah had been waiting for Sadie in the living room and was floored when he saw the three kids.


    "Wow, Noah is so handsome," the three kids gushed, surrounding him. "You look just like Daddy. Are you Daddy''s kid too?"


    "What?" Noah frowned, "Mom, who are they?"


    "These are your Uncle Tristan''s kids, which makes them your cousins," Sadie exined. "Their names are "


    "Mary!"


    "Emma!"


    "Donna!"


    The three kids introduced themselves like they were in roll call.


    Noah was stunned. He repeated in disbelief, "Uncle Tristan''s daughters?"


    "Yep," Sadie nodded, "I''ll take them upstairs first. You wait for me in the study."


    "Got it," Noah said, catching on quick.


    Sadie settled the three kids in Mia''s room, asked Annika to stay with them, and then took Mia to the study to break the news to Noah and Mia, "Noah, Mia, we''re about to head to Country C, and we''re taking these three kids with us!"

 Chapter 1160 Be Good

    "I never knew Uncle Tristan had kids. Where''d these threee from all of a sudden?" Noah asked, scratching his head. "Did they do a paternity test or something?"


    Sadie almost choked on her tea hearing that.


    "Noah, what''s a paternity test?" Mia asked, eyes wide with curiosity.


    "It''s like a medical thing to see if someone''s really your parent," Noah said, trying to keep a straight face.


    "Oh," Mia said, nodding like she got it, but not really.


    "Yeah, they did the test. They''re definitely his kids," Sadie said, her voice firm. "Noah, drop it. If the kids hear, it''ll mess them up."


    "Got it," Noah said, nodding. "But why are we suddenly heading to Country C?"


    "I wanna go back to Newark. I don''t wanna go to Country C," Mia whined, looking all sad and frustrated.


    "It''splicated," Sadie said, trying to sound soothing. "But trust me, no matter where we are, I''ll always take care of you."


    "Is something wrong with Uncle Tristan?" Noah asked, sensing something was off.


    "Well..." Sadie hesitated.


    "Mom, Uncle Tristan''s just making sure we''re safe by having us leave for a bit. I get that," Noah said seriously. "But why Country C? Can''t we just go back to Newark?"


    "I''m not going back to Newark," Sadie said firmly, ncing at the clock. It was almost one, and they had to get to the airport. Everyone was waiting outside.


    She didn''t have time to exin more. "I have my reasons. But no matter where we are, you''ll always be my kids, the ones I love the most!"


    Noah didn''t argue. He just looked down, clearly bummed out but quiet.


    Mia muttered, "Does that mean we won''t see Daddy anymore?"


    Sadie''s heart ached. She gently cupped Mia''s face. "I told you, Daddy wille get you in forty-five days," she said softly. "Now, be good and change your clothes; we gotta get to the airport." "But Daddy''s lost contact, and we don''t know how he is," Mia said, tears welling up. "What if something happened to him?"


    Seeing Mia so upset, Sadie couldn''t take it. "Alright, I''ll call him and check," she said, wiping a tear from Mia''s cheek.


    "Okay, okay," Mia nodded eagerly.


    Sadie tried calling Micah, but his phone was off. She then called Andrew, who picked up quickly. "Ms. James?" Andrew sounded surprised; he didn''t expect Sadie to call.


    Before Micah went off the grid for treatment, he told Andrew to ignore most calls, but if Sadie called, he had to answer.


    "Micah''s phone is off. What''s going on?" Sadie asked bluntly.


    "Mr. Clemens is dealing with some stuff at the headquarters in Country F. There were issues, and to avoid surveince, he cut off all contact," Andrew exined briefly.


    He added, "Do you need something from him? I can have Rn pass the message."


    "Nothing urgent; the kids just miss him," she said, feeling suspicious but not pushing it. Andrew''s tone didn''t sit right with her. "Have him call Noah when he can." "Of course, I''ll pass the message," Andrew said respectfully.


    "Thanks." Sadie hung up and turned to the kids. "You heard it. Daddy''s handling some stuff. He''ll call when he can."


    "Alright," Mia pouted, nodding reluctantly, clearly disappointed.


    "Thanks, Mom," Noah said, still feeling something was off but deciding to go along with it for now.

 Chapter 1161 The Tough Kids

    After calming Noah and Mia down, Sadie went to chill out the three kids. She said softly, "Hey sweeties, how about I take you to Country C?" "Huh? Where''s Country C?" Mary, with her big, beautiful eyes, looked at Sadie curiously, her long curlyshes fluttering adorably.


    "Country C is a super cool and romantic ce," Sadie exined gently. "There are tons of awesome castles, princess carriages, and vineyards." "Wow, that sounds amazing," Mary eximed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    "Is Daddy going?" Emma asked, remembering an important question.


    "He''s noting. I''ll take you," Sadie said, ruffling her little head.


    "Does Daddy know?" Emma tilted her head and kept asking, "Did he ask you to take us?"


    "Yep, he did." Sadie nodded.


    "But Daddy didn''t tell us," Donna pouted, looking all sad. "Mommy told us to stay with Daddy. She said Daddy would take care of us. Now is Daddy leaving us with you?"


    "No, your daddy is just super busy and asked me to look after you for a bit. Once he''s done, he''lle find you." Sadie patiently exined.


    "Really?" The three kids looked at Sadie with their big, bright eyes, looking all pitiful.


    "Of course, it''s true." Sadie crouched down and hugged the three kids. She promised, "I will take care of you and protect you."


    Hearing this, the three kids were moved. They reached out their chubby little arms to hug Sadie and started crying.


    Sadie gently patted their backs and gave Terry, who was standing outside the door, an OK gesture, signaling that everything was cool.


    After sorting out the kids, Sadie went to find Hubert. She thought it would take some time to convince him.


    Unexpectedly, Hubert spoke first, "Going to Country C, right? Annika already told me. Pa and Percy have packed the bags. When are we leaving?"


    "I''m really sorry for dragging you around," Sadie said, feeling super guilty. "You were supposed to enjoy your retirement in Avalis, but I brought you to Newark. You were doing well in Newark, and now I''m taking you to Country E, and now again..."


    "Isn''t this great? Traveling the world with you without spending a dime," Hubert interrupted her with a smile. "While I can still move around, it''s nice to see different ces."


    "We''re also gaining a lot of experience," Pa said with a cute smile.


    "Yeah, yeah, I''ve never been to Country C. It''s a good chance to check it out," Percy added.


    "Thank you all," Sadie said gratefully. "Thank you!"


    Pa ced a hand on her shoulder. "We''re family, no need to be so polite!"


    On the way to the airport, a grand convoy led the way through the city. At the center of it all was a sleek stretch Rolls-Royce.


    Inside, the three kids clustered around Noah and Mia, begging them to y games together.


    Mia liked the three kids a lot and quickly started ying with them.


    Noah, however, was less thrilled. He frowned, feeling overwhelmed. It used to be just Mia, one little girl he could handle. But now, suddenly, there were three more, and they were so noisy. He felt like he was going nuts. At this moment, Coco was pping its wings outside the car window. Sadie was afraid it would scare the three kids and wanted to shoo Coco away.


    Unexpectedly, the three kids were not scared at all. They whistled at it and excitedly shouted, "Auntie, open the window and let it in."


    "Huh?" Sadie raised an eyebrow in surprise. She asked, "You''re not scared?"


    "Not at all!" they chorused, almost in perfect unison, rushing to the window. In a sh, Mary, Emma, and Donna had the window lowered before Sadie could stop them.


    "No, Mary, Emma, Donna..." Sadie started to warn them, but it was toote. Coco pped its wings and flew in.

 Chapter 1162 The Amazing Talent

    Donna grabbed Coco''s wing and yanked it inside, tossing it onto the couch like it was nothing. The kids didn''t waste a second, rushing over and surrounding Coco with their excited chatter. "Whoa, it looks just like our Charlie, but bigger!" Mary said, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    "Charlie''s still a cub, duh. Of course, it''s smaller," Donna shot back, all matter-of-fact.


    Emma''s eyes lit up with a yful idea. "Maybe it''s Charlie''s dad? Or mom?"


    "No way," Mary shook her head. "Charlie''s way more handsome. This one doesn''t even have feathers on its neck."


    "What an ugly eagle!" Donna said, half-disgusted, half-amused.


    "Charlie''s still the best-looking!" Emma dered, totally sure of herself.


    Coco, hearing their brutalments, puffed up indignantly. Its face darkened, and it let out a low, menacing screech, trying to act tough.


    "What are you doing?" Mary scolded, giving Coco a light p on the head. "No being mean!"


    "Give us a smile." Emma lifted Coco''s chin with her finger andmanded, "Come on, smile!"


    "This must be a dumb eagle," Donna pouted, looking disgusted.


    Mia watched the scene in shock, her eyes wide, blinking hard like she couldn''t believe what she was seeing. She remembered how she, Noah, and Nathan were terrified the first time they saw Coco. Howe these three little ones weren''t scared at all?


    And Coco wasn''t even aggressive toward them. Even when they humiliated it, it just closed its eyes and silently felt sad, not daring to fight back.


    "Not fun!" The kids lost interest in Coco and turned back to Mia. "Mia, let''s keep ying games."


    "Uh, okay," Mia nodded. Usually delicate, Mia now yed with them like a big sister, even teaching them lessons.


    "Mary, don''t get chips on the carpet. We need to keep it clean," she chided gently. "Emma, don''t drink too much iced juice; your stomach will hurt. Donna, stop plucking Coco''s feathers!"


    "Who''s Coco?" Donna asked curiously.


    "This poor eagle," Mia replied, ncing at Coco with a hint of sympathy. It was the first time Mia used the word "poor" to describe it. Coco, who used to be so fierce and unrelenting in battle, now looked almost pitiful in front of these three little devils.


    "What an awful name!" Donna giggled, sticking a feather back into Coco''s plumage. "Alright, we''re done ying with you. Go away."


    Coco immediately pped its wings and flew to Noah''s side, pecking its feathers with its beak in grievance, making "cooing" sounds.


    "Why are you so afraid of them?" Noah looked down and asked curiously.


    "Because it recognizes them as Mr. James''s kids," Terry suddenly answered with a smile.


    "No wonder," Noah said, finally getting it. "But these three are so small, yet they''re not afraid of it at all."


    "Because their mom is..." Terry started, then stopped himself. "In short, these three little devils are fearless and have very mysterious talents. Even Mr. James can''t handle them."


    "What talents?" Sadie asked curiously.


    "You''ll find out in the future," Terry smiled mysteriously. "It''s a pity they''re all girls. If there were a boy, he could inherit Mr. James''s legacy."


    "Why do you still have such a sexist view?" Noah frowned. "Boys and girls are both Uncle Tristan''s kids."


    "It''s not about sexism," Terry sighed. "It''s just that Mr. James has a more traditional view. He believes girls should be cherished and protected, but inheriting the legacy requires bearing great responsibility, oveing obstacles, and being invincible."


    "That''s true," Noah nodded.


    "No wonder," Sadie murmured, finally understanding why there were rumors that Tristan had illegitimate children, yet he was still looking for an heir and considering Noah.

 Chapter 1163 Mia is mean

    Tristan knew taking over the James Group was a lifelong gig. Even a tough guy like him would hit some bumps along the way. He didn''t want his daughters living a shaky life. He wanted them to grow up happy, like little princesses without a care in the world. This was just like how Edmond used to think! Sadie totally got it.


    "Ms. James, I''ve left a few folks for you," Terry said.


    Terry''s words snapped Sadie out of her thoughts. She noticed they were already at the airport, parked right in front of the private jet. Outside, eight bodyguards from Country E stood in two neat rows, saluting her.


    "These are the bodyguards Mr. James handpicked. They''ll protect you and the kids with their lives," Terry said seriously, pointing to the eight men.


    "When you get to Sunvale, rest up. Once you and Mia are good, things here should be mostly sorted. If all goes well, I''lle with Mr. James to pick you up!" Terry continued. "It will go well," Sadie said, feeling emotional. "Take good care of Tristan!"


    "Don''t worry," Terry nodded firmly. "Joe will meet you at the airport. Mr. James has already briefed him. You''ll be staying at Vinecrest Estates for now."


    "Okay," Sadie agreed and got ready to get out of the car.


    "Ms. James," Terry handed her a file folder, "this is from Mr. James."


    "What''s this?" Sadie asked, taking it and about to open it.


    "Check it out on the ne," Terry cut her off. "Hurry up to avoid any trouble!"


    "Okay," Sadie put the folder away and got out of the car first.


    Annika and Arya helped the kids out of the car one by one and led them onto the ne.


    Hubert and Pa were also escorted onto the private jet. Once everyone was settled, Sadie boarded too.


    As she reached the cabin door, she turned to wave at Terry, only to see a group of ck-d men running toward them in the distance.


    Terry waved back, signaling her to hurry inside, then led the escorts to face the attackers.


    Sadie quickly got into the cabin.


    Soon, the cabin door closed.


    Sadie looked out the window and saw a gunfight breaking out in the distance.


    It seemed things in Country E were way worse than she thought.


    She had hoped that giving back the James Group shares would let her leave safely.


    Now, she realized she had underestimated the situation. Those people must have figured out she was taking the three little girls, so they were chasing her down.


    And Tristan must have made some serious ns to make sure the private jet could take off without a hitch.


    "Mom, don''t worry, Uncle Tristan will be fine," Noah noticed Sadie''s worry and whispered tofort her. "He''s super capable; he can handle it!"


    "Okay," Sadie nodded, feeling guilty as she said to Noah, "Noah, I''m sorry for dragging you into this."


    "Don''t sweat it," Noah reassured her. "Kids should be with their mom. Wherever you go, I go."


    Sadie hugged Noah. She really hoped everything would calm down soon and that Tristan and Micah would both be safe.


    The three little girls pointed out the window, shouting excitedly. "The ne is taking off, it''s taking off."


    "I wanna see the sky!" Mary eximed.


    "I wanna see the cars turn into ants!" Emma chimed in happily.


    "I wanna see the airne wings!" Donna shouted.


    "Little princesses, please sit still and buckle up," Arya and the other maids urged, trying to keep the excited trio in check.


    But the three little girls didn''t listen at all. They unbuckled their seatbelts and stood up, eager to press their noses against the windows.


    "You can''t do that," Arya and the other maids pleaded.


    Sadie was about to speak when Mia sternlymanded, "Sit down!"


    The three kids immediately froze, then sheepishly sat back in their seats, hurriedly buckling their seatbelts. "Mia is mean, I''m scared!" Mary whispered.

 Chapter 1164 The Children

    Mary pouted, giving Mia a look that could melt ice, her big eyes all teary.


    "Mary, I''m not trying to be a jerk," Mia said, dead serious. "You just can''t be moving around when the ne''s taking off. It''s super dangerous!" "Oh," Mary mumbled, staring at her shoes.


    "You two get it?" Mia shot a stern look at Emma and Donna.


    They nodded like bobbleheads, not wanting another lecture.


    "Good," Mia said, satisfied. "Stay put, and once we''re cruising, you can eat."


    "Can we y games then?" Emma asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "Sorry, no can do," Mia replied. "Turbulence can hit anytime, and it''s risky if you''re ying games. But you can watch cartoons or y video games." "Cartoons it is," Mary said, fiddling with the video yer on her seat.


    "Sweet, video games!" Emma grinned, grabbing her tablet.


    "Ugh, boring," Donna muttered, staring out the window. "I wonder how Mommy''s doing."


    At the mention of their mom, Mary and Emma''s faces fell. "I miss Mommy too," they mumbled.


    "Hey, I''m here," Sadie jumped in, trying to cheer them up. "I''ll take care of you guys, okay?"


    "But I still miss Mommy," Donna said, her voice cracking. "Mommy got hurt, and I don''t know how she is now."


    "What happened to your mommy?" Sadie asked, concerned.


    "Mommy said she''de get us when she''s better," Mary blurted out. "She couldn''t take care of us right now, so she sent us to Daddy''s house." "Daddy''s no fun," Emma pouted, looking grumpy.


    "It''s okay, I''ll take care of you," Sadie said softly. "Be good, rest a bit, and then we''ll hit the lounge for some cartoons, okay?"


    "Okay." The kids nodded, finally quieting down.


    Sadie sighed. These kids seemed like troublemakers, but they were just sad and lost.


    Tristan was naturally distant, clueless about building close rtionships. He was totally out of his depth with these three kids.


    They weren''t getting any fatherly love from him.


    And their mom was clearly going through some stuff too.


    These kids'' hearts were aching for some security.


    She thought, ''I need to be there for them even more now.''


    "What games are you ying? I''ll show you how it''s done," Noah finally spoke up. He''d been quiet until now. He sat down and started teaching the kids how to y. Sadie felt a wave of gratitude. Noah seemed cold, but he had a big heart; he just didn''t show it much.


    Seeing the kids miss their mom had touched him, so he decided to help them out. "Noah, do you know how to y this game?" Mary asked, curious.


    "Just watch and learn," Noah said, a bit smug.


    "Wow, Noah, you''re awesome!" Emma pped, all excited.


    "Finally, a worthy opponent," Donna said, pumped up.


    Noah cracked a rare smile.


    "Great, with Noah keeping them busy, I can finally chill," Mia sighed, looking exhausted.


    Sadie hugged Mia and kissed her forehead. "Mia, you''re amazing," she whispered.


    "It''s not that hard; it''s actually more fun than ying with dolls," Mia said with a grin. "But it''s more of a hassle than taking care of pets. Pets are way quieter." "Oh, I think they listen to you pretty well," Sadie chuckled.


    "That''s ''cause I''m smart and know how to handle them!" Mia said, full of confidence.


    "You''re the best!" Sadie praised, her voice full of love.

 Chapter 1165 Grapetown Heights

    After what felt like forever on the ne, they finally touched down in Sunvale.


    Sunvale was way warmer than Skyport City. It was drizzling, but hey, no snow, and the weather was perfect for a trench coat. Mia and the three little girls were out cold. The maids swapped their clothes and carried them off the ne. Mia woke up for a sec, rubbed her eyes, and went right back to sleep, clinging to Annika''s neck.


    Noah, as usual, was cool as a cucumber. He changed his clothes and strolled down the ne''s stairs with Sadie. Waiting for them on the tarmac was Joe, surrounded by a fleet of luxury cars-dude was clearly eager and loaded.


    As soon as Sadie got off the stairs, Joe rushed over, his face lighting up. "Sadie, I''ve been waiting for you!"


    Sadie smiled warmly but kept her distance. "You''ve been waiting a long time, huh? Thanks for the effort."


    "Waiting for my fianc¨¦e is no biggie." Joe beamed, "I''m so stoked. Didn''t think I''d see you so soon."


    "Yeah, I''ll be troubling you this time." Sadie smiled slightly.


    "We''re all family. I''m more than happy to help; it''s no trouble at all." Joe was super pleased and even greeted Noah, "Hey, Noah." "Hey, Joe." Noah responded just as warmly.


    "Wee to Sunvale." Joe bent down to shake his hand.


    "Thanks!" Noah responded with a smile.


    "Where are the other kids? I brought gifts for them." Joe asked, all excited.


    "They''re all asleep," Sadie answered just as Hubert emerged from the ne.


    Joe quickly went to help, warmly greeting Hubert and personally assisting him into the car.


    Sadie saw this and felt really grateful.


    Joe had everything sorted, letting Sadie and the kids crash for the night in Sunvale. The next morning, he took them to the vineyard in Grapetown Heights. The Louis Family owned this massive vineyard. It had a chill climate, beautiful scenery, and a peaceful vibe.


    There were not only many beautiful vineyards and wineries but also ranches and farms.


    Hubert and the kids loved it here. Hubert even said it was his favorite ce outside of Avalis.


    Usually a homebody, he walked around the vineyard several times in the afternoon and even tasted the newly produced wine, feeling super happy.


    The kids were also pumped and jumped around. They fed the small animals andter ran wild in the vineyard.


    Sadie felt really grateful seeing them so happy. She now only hoped to spend the remaining forty-five days here peacefully, praying for both her and Mia''s illnesses to bepletely cured. At the same time, she anxiously wished that the issues in Country E could be sorted out soon.


    And then there was Micah. Before she left, she had called Andrew. It had been three days without any response from Micah, despite Noah''s repeated calls.


    Noah looked at his phone every day, not saying anything, but his eyes were full of worry.


    That night, Noah finally spoke to Sadie, "Mom, I want to go back."


    "Noah, are you worried about your dad?" Sadie looked at Noah and gently advised, "You''re only six years old, still a kid. Even if you go back, there''s nothing you can do."


    "At least I can know how Dad and Nathan are doing," Noah insisted, his young voice firm. "And even if I can''t do anything, I can oversee things. I want to go back and see, or I won''t be at ease." Sadie was anxious. "But Andrew said your dad is in Country F. You won''t see him if you go back to Newark."


    She thought for a while and said, "How about this? I''ll call Rn directly."


    As she spoke, Sadie picked up her phone to make a call, it buzzed in her hand. Micah was calling.


    Sadie was stunned for a moment and immediately answered, "Hello!"


    "Hello, Sadie. What''s up?" Micah''s voice was low and hoarse, clearly exhausted.

 Chapter 1166 No Need to Worry

    "What''s up with you?" Sadie asked, her voice low. She had this gut feeling something was off but couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    "Handling some HQ stuff in Country F," Micah rasped. "Got a bit banged up."


    "You okay?" Sadie frowned. She remembered when Micah got stabbed and didn''t even flinch while getting stitched up. His voice now? Definitely not a small thing. "You worried about me?" Micah asked softly.


    "The kids are," Sadie shot back, her tone turning icy as she handed the phone to Noah. "It''s your dad."


    Noah grabbed the phone, practically yelling, "Dad!"


    "Noah," Micah replied gently. He''d been dying to hear Noah''s voice. Hearing him call ''Dad'' now, the pain in his body seemed to ease a bit.


    "Dad, you okay?" Noah asked, worried. "Why''d you turn off your phone? We couldn''t reach you. What''s going on?"


    "Handling stuff in Country F, hard to take calls," Micah exined gently. "It''s freezing in Skyport City. You and Mia doing okay? How''s Mia''s health?"


    "Mia and I are good. She''s getting better," Noah said, dodging the real issue, not mentioning their situation in Country C.


    "That''s good," Micah smiled.


    "Noah, is it Daddy?" Mia heard and ran over, "Let me talk."


    Noah handed the phone to Mia, and she immediately shouted, "Daddy, Daddy."


    "Mia," Micah called gently.


    Mia started crying hearing Micah''s voice, "Daddy, I miss you so much. Why didn''t you call us?"


    "Mia, be good. I miss you too," Micahforted her gently. "Been busy in Country F, hard to stay in touch."


    "You scared me. Noah and I were so worried, thought something happened to you," Mia pouted, wiping her tears.


    "Mia, I''m fine. It''s super cold in Skyport City, so stay warm and don''t get sick. Once you''re better, I''lle get you," Micah reassured, his voice tinged with concern.


    Mia, bubbling with excitement, blurted out, "We''re not in Skyport City. We''re in Grapetown Heights. It''s so pretty here, with lots of grapes."


    Noah shot Mia a warning look, but she kept going, "This afternoon, I went to the winery with Dr. Henry. We picked a ton of grapes. They were so yummy. Oh, and we also went to the ranch..." "Mia!" Noah cut her off, "Let me talk."


    "Oh," Mia handed the phone back reluctantly.


    "Mia, be good. Go y with your cousins," Sadie coaxed her away.


    "Dad, you really okay?" Noah asked softly.


    "I''m fine," Micah reassured. "Don''t worry; you''ll see me on the agreed date."


    "That''s good," Noah smiled.


    "Give the phone to your mom," Micah instructed.


    "Okay," Noah handed the phone to Sadie, looking a bit worried.


    "You go y too," Sadie said, patting his head.


    "Okay," Noah left, looking downcast.


    Sadie answered, "Anything else?"


    "Why''d you go to Country C?" Micah asked directly.


    "What''s it to you?" Sadie shot back coldly.


    Micah took a deep breath, trying hard to keep his cool, and said earnestly, "If there''s trouble in Country E, just go back to Newark. My people will protect you. No need to go to Country C. The Louis Family might be royalty, but they don''t know squat about dealing with the dark forces..."


    "Enough," Sadie cut him off sharply, "Tristan''s got people protecting me. You don''t need to worry. If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up."

 Chapter 1167 The Big Rain is Coming

    Sadie hung up, staring at her phone with a mix of emotions. She quickly shook it off and turned to hang with the kids.


    Meanwhile, Micah was sprawled on his bed, phone in hand, his bare chest hooked up to all sorts of tubes and needles.


    After a couple of weeks of treatment, he was looking like a shadow of his former self-skinny, sunken eyes, the whole nine yards. It was rough.


    No one even knew if this treatment was gonna work. No signs of getting better yet.


    But he had no choice. It was just the beginning, and he had to tough it out a bit longer to see any light at the end of the tunnel.


    The docs kept saying this treatment was brutal. Most folks wouldn''t make it without some serious willpower.


    Back when Sadie was treated, she was already out cold, but Micah wasn''t so lucky.


    He was wide awake for his treatment, and to keep his brain safe, they couldn''t use any anesthesia.


    For the past couple of weeks, he felt like ab rat, enduring endless pain. It was more than most people could handle. The fact that he was still hanging on was a miracle. Today, he felt a bit better and even managed to make a call.


    "Mr. Clemens, things are a mess in Country E right now. Tristan mainly considered safety when he had Ms. James take the kids to Country C," Andrew said, trying to calm him down.


    "If Tristan''s enemies track them to Grapetown Heights, they''ll be in danger," Micah muttered, closing his eyes in pain, gripping the phone like Sadie and the kids were still on the other end. "Should I notify Rn to go over?" Andrew asked carefully.


    "Don''t mess with their lives. Protect them quietly," Micah said, struggling. "And check on them daily. Report back to me."


    "Got it," Andrew nodded.


    "You need to rest now; don''t overthink it. You need to heal," the doc advised from the side. "You shouldn''t have made that call today; it could mess with your treatment."


    "I won''t die," Micah murmured, drifting into a hazy sleep, Sadie''s image popping into his mind.


    He saw her standing under the grape trellis, smiling at him like she was saying, "I''ll wait for you. Wait for you toe back."


    His strong willpower was keeping him going, telling himself to live, to definitely live.


    He''d go to Country F and bring her and the kids home.


    Andrew looked at Micah''s pained expression and felt a pang of sadness. From day one, he saw Micah as an unstoppable hero. He really hoped he''d get better soon.


    Andrew passed Micah''s orders to Rn, who immediately headed to Country F and started investigating which estate in Grapetown Heights Sadie and Joe were staying at. The air in Grapetown Heights was always damp and sticky.


    On the third day at the vineyard, after the morning treatment, Sadie and Joe took the kids to the farm to pick veggies and fruits, then to the flower field to pick flowers. The kids were having a st, working and ying.


    Even Hubert was digging the life here, sitting in the carriage, leisurely smoking, watching the kidsugh and chase each other in the fields, a warm smile on his face. Percy, next to him, couldn''t help but sigh, "This life ain''t bad."


    "Yeah, it''s pretty good," Hubert said, looking at the distant horizon, feeling a bit uneasy. "But the weather''s about to change."


    "Is it gonna rain?" Percy muttered, looking up at the sky filled with dark clouds. "Looks like a heavy rain''sing."

 Chapter 1168 Protect the Children

    Sadie noticed the weather turning nasty and hollered at the kids to hop in the car and head home.


    Joe, on the other hand, just chuckled, "Why the rush? It''s just a bit of rain. Look at how much fun the kids are having."


    "Kids can''t be out in the rain," Sadie said, feeling a bit uneasy.


    "Alright, alright, whatever you say," Joe said, scooping the kids into the car one by one.


    They started driving towards the vi, and soon enough, the rain started pouring down hard.


    The sky turned dark and heavy, and the air got all thick and muggy.


    Sadie had a bad feeling and told Arya to step on it.


    Just as they pulled up to the vi, a loud "bang" echoed from a distance, making the kids scream. Annika, Arya, and the other attendants snapped to attention. Sadie stuck her head out the window and saw an explosion in the distance. mes shot up, and thick smoke started rising.


    "Ivan Simmons, what''s going on?" Joe asked, sounding worried.


    "Mr. Louis, don''t worry. I''ll send someone to check it out right away," Ivan said calmly. He quickly sent attendants to investigate, and the estate''s security guards called in to report. The head of security said, "There was a car ident on the road next to the estate. A tanker truck hit our wine transport truck. The relevant departments are already handling it." "So it was just a car ident," Joe sighed in relief but added seriously, "But we still need to beef up security to prevent any incidents."


    "Got it, don''t worry," the head of security replied respectfully.


    Hearing their chat, Sadie didn''t say much, but she still felt something was off.


    Back at the vi, after getting the kids settled, Sadie told Annika to take some people and check out the situation.


    Just then, Jesse came in and reported, "Ms. James, I''ve checked it out. It was a car ident, but we can''t be sure if it was intentional."


    "What do you mean?" Sadie asked, frowning.


    "It could be that someone caused the ident on purpose to get into the estate," Jesse exined. "I''ve already sent people to handle it. If that''s the case, we''ll catch them soon."


    "Who could it be?" Annika asked, confused.


    "Could it be an enemy of the Louis family?" Arya guessed.


    "Probably not," Jesse said calmly. "It might be someone from Country E following us."


    Hearing this, Annika and Arya were shocked. They were all trained pros who didn''t take outside threats lightly.


    But if it was someone from Country E, it would be a tough situation.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it," Jesse said calmly. "For the next few days, don''t wander around. Wait until I catch the person."


    "Okay, got it," Annika and Arya nodded.


    "Thanks, Jesse," Sadie said softly. "Be careful."


    "It''s my job, Ms. James," Jesse nodded and then warned Annika and Arya again, "Leave the outside security to me. You two focus on keeping Ms. James and the kids safe."


    "Understood," they replied. Jesse left.


    Sadie reminded Annika and Arya again to make sure the kids were fully protected and that nothing happened to them.


    Annika went off to make arrangements.


    Arya stayed behind to check the rooms and sighed, "I thought we''d be safe in Country C. Didn''t expect those people to follow us here. If I had known, we might as well have stayed in Skyport City. At least Mr. James''s people could protect us." "No," Sadie said, thinking it through. "Staying in Skyport City would mean a big battle. But in Country C, those people wouldn''t dare to be too obvious. At most, they''d try some sneak attacks, which Jesse and the others can handle." "That''s true," Arya nodded. "We''ll just have to be careful."


    "You don''t need to stay here. Go help Annika protect the kids," Sadie instructed. "Assign four people to each child for round-the-clock protection. Don''t leave their side for a moment." "Got it," Arya replied.

 Chapter 1169 Unfair

    After Arya bounced, Sadie gave the room another once-over, saw everything was chill, and got ready for a bath and some downtime.


    Just then, there was a knock. Joe''s voice came through, "Sadie, can Ie in?"


    Sadie threw on her coat and opened the door, looking puzzled. "Joe, what''s up?"


    "I wanted to check on you. Were you freaked out?" Joe asked, sounding all concerned. "Ivan looked into it; just a regr car ident, no biggie. But I told them to beef up security at every checkpoint, just in case," he said, his voice soft. "Thanks for the effort," Sadie replied with a polite smile. "You should get some rest."


    "I..." Joe hesitated, not wanting to bail.


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie asked, confused.


    "I..." Joe took a deep breath and cautiously asked, "There''s a bar on the estate. Wanna check it out with me?"


    "Now?" Sadie frowned and gently turned him down. "Not the best time to go out."


    "Huh?" Joe was confused. "What do you mean ''not a good time''? It''s just past nine," he said, a bit puzzled and bummed. "Maybe another time," Sadie said, not interested. "You should get some rest. Good night."


    With that, she shut the door.


    Joe stood outside, feeling super bummed. He thought hanging out at the estate every day would bring them closer.


    But Sadie never gave him a shot to be alone with her. Every time he tried, she politely dodged him. Today, he finally got the guts to ask her out, but she kindly shut him down.


    All he could do was wait it out.


    Joe sighed and walked away.


    Inside, Sadie felt a bit speechless. She thought Joecked a sense of urgency and awareness.


    Instead of being on high alert, he was asking her to hit up a bar.


    But she got it. He''d had a smooth ride since he was a kid, never dealing with major drama, which made him kind and gentle but naturallycking a sense of crisis.


    Sadie shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. Her main concern was the kids'' safety. So she went to check on them.


    Annika had already set up a rotation of four people to guard each kid, even while they slept. Luckily, the kids were carefree and loved the hustle and bustle, so they didn''t mind. Only Noah, being sensitive, asked Sadie, "Mom, was the explosion this afternoon an attack?"


    "It was a car ident," Sadie exined briefly. "Just being cautious. Don''t worry, get some rest."


    "Okay," Noah didn''t push further and said softly, "Mom, you should rest early too. Mia and the three little girls yed all day and are probably out cold now."


    "Yeah, four of them in one room; it''s a party," Sadie smiled, relieved at the thought of the kids. "Mia loves ying with them."


    "I''m pretty boring. Mia must''ve been really bored with just me. Now that she has three sisters to y with, it''s way better," Noah said, a bit self-deprecating.


    "Are you bored?" Sadie asked with a smile.


    "No, I''m not bored. I read, take online sses, and practice writing every day. I''ve got endless stuff to do," Noah said with a straight face. "But you, Mom, need to keep up with your treatment." "I know," Sadie hugged Noah. "Go to sleep now. I''ll rest too."


    "Good night, Mom!" Noah said.


    "Good night, Noah!" Sadie kissed his forehead gently.


    Sadie went back to her room and saw Joe drinking alone at the bar downstairs. She frowned slightly but didn''t say anything and went straight to her room.


    She felt a bit guilty toward Joe. Even though she didn''t have any romantic feelings for him, she had agreed to his proposal and was now enjoying his care.


    His daily life revolved around ying with the kids and trying to please her, and he had no sense of self. He was probably feeling repressed, which was why he seemed so down.


    As she was lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard the sound of cars outside. Sadie walked to the window to check and saw a convoy from the Louis Family, with as many as seven cars.

 Chapter 1170 Duchess Louis

    Suddenly, the servants started freaking out outside. "Duchess Louis is here! Get your butts downstairs to greet her!" Sadie''s heart did a little flip. Oh man, it was Joe''s mom, Amanda.


    There was a knock on the door.


    "Come in," Sadie said, trying to keep it cool.


    Annika rushed in, looking all flustered. "Ms. James, Duchess Louis is here. Should we go down to greet her?"


    "Are the kids asleep?" Sadie asked, ncing at the clock. It was already 9:30 PM.


    "Mia and the three little girls are out cold, but Noah''s still up reading," Annika replied.


    "Don''t bother them," Sadie said. "You and Arya,e with me downstairs. The rest of you stay with the kids. We''ll do the whole greeting thing properly in the morning." "Got it, I''ll handle it," Annika said and dashed off.


    Sadie quickly changed her clothes. Annika and Arya were already waiting at the door, and she led them downstairs.


    Joe was helping Amanda walk in, with a whole entourage of attendants lugging a ton of suitcases. It was quite the scene.


    "Sadie, this is my mom," Joe said as soon as he saw her. "Mom, this is Sadie."


    "Good evening, Duchess," Sadie said, giving a little curtsy.


    "You''re even prettier than in the photos!" Amanda gushed, her eyes lighting up as she looked at Sadie. "I''ve been dying to meet you. When I heard you wereing to Country C, I bugged Joe and Craig to set it up. But they kept saying you were in treatment and wanted to wait. I couldn''t wait, so here I am!"


    "Duchess Louis, you''re too kind. I should''vee to see you first," Sadie said, smiling gracefully. "I just didn''t want to bother you, so I thought I''d wait until after my treatment."


    "No biggie. Doesn''t matter whoes first; we''re family," Amanda said warmly, grabbing Sadie''s hand and giving her an approving once-over. "Joe''s got good taste. I like you already!"


    "See, Mom? Told you you''d like Sadie," Joe said, grinning as he told the servants to get dinner ready for Amanda.


    Amanda waved him off. "It''ste, don''t wake the kids. I''ll freshen up, and then we can have some coffee and chat in the study."


    "Sounds good," Joe nodded, then told the servants to get coffee and snacks instead.


    "You should know better," Amanda said, patting Joe''s hand. "Always put the kids first."


    "Yes, Mom, you''re right," Joe said, smiling at Sadie.


    "Thanks, Duchess Louis," Sadie said sincerely. She''d expected Amanda to be all strict and intimidating, but she was super chill and really cared about the kids.


    "I''ll go freshen up. Wait for me," Amanda said, heading upstairs.


    A young woman, looking all elegant and graceful, quickly followed. "Aunt, let me help you," she offered.


    As they passed Sadie, the young woman gave her a respectful curtsy.


    "Oh, Sadie, I forgot to introduce you. This is my cousin, Barbara Campbell," Joe jumped in. "Barbara''s been with my mom for the past two years. She''s great with medicine and has been a huge help." "Good evening, Ms. James," Barbara curtsied again, looking all humble.


    "Hey there." Sadie smiled at her. She was a ssic beauty with a delicate face and a killer figure. Her blue eyes were sharp and intelligent.


    "Barbara, you can call her Sadie from now on," Amanda said with a smile.


    "Sure thing," Barbara said, bowing her head, her lips always holding a polite smile.


    "We''ll head upstairs first," Amanda said gently to Sadie, then added, "Joe, you and Sadie wait for me in the study."


    "Okay." Joe and Sadie agreed.

 Chapter 1171 The Gift

    Amanda headed upstairs while Joe was busy bossing the servants around to get some snacks ready and inviting Sadie to chill in the study. Sadie, Annika, and Arya made their way to the study first. The servants brought in some fancy coffee and snacks before leaving them alone.


    As the room got quiet, Arya couldn''t help but gripe, "What''s Duchess Louis doing here now? We''ve got mobsters sneaking around, and she shows up with a whole entourage. Isn''t that just asking for trouble?" "Totally," Annika muttered, "and Mr. Louis is acting like there''s no big deal. I saw his guys justzily switching shifts. If any mobsters sneak in, we''re screwed."


    "Didn''t he say he was beefing up security?" Arya frowned.


    "Only at the guard post. Inside, it''s the same old, same old," Annika sighed.


    "Unreal," Arya snarked, "Compared to this, the Clemens family''s crew is like a well-oiled machine."


    Annika noticed Sadie''s face looking off and quickly nudged Arya to shut her up.


    "The royal family has always handled the Louis family''s security. They live in peace and have no enemies, so they don''t really worry about it. It''s pretty normal," Sadie said, trying to stay neutral.


    Sadie paused, then got serious, "Duchess Louis showing up now does bring some security risks, but this is their turf. They cane and go as they please. Plus, those enemies are probably from Country E, and we''re the ones who dragged them into this. How can you stillin?"


    "Yeah," Arya quickly looked down, not daring to say more.


    "So, zip it with thosements," Sadie warned.


    "Got it, my bad," Arya quickly apologized.


    Just as Arya finished, there was a knock on the door. The servant opened it, and Joe helped Amanda in.


    "Sadie, have you been waiting long?" Amanda asked with a smile. "I changed into something morefy and came down quick."


    "No worries, Duchess Louis," Sadie quickly stood up to greet her. "You must be tired from the trip. You should rest early tonight."


    "I''m not tired at all. Just happy to see you," Amanda warmly held Sadie''s hand. "I brought you a gift. Hope you like it."


    With that, she pulled out a fancy jewelry box and handed it to Sadie. "Open it up."


    "Thanks, Duchess Louis." Sadie thanked Amanda as she quickly took it and opened it to find a set of stunning sapphire jewelry, clearly a rare gem!


    Judging by the marks and logos on the packaging, it seemed to be a royal piece.


    "This is so valuable, I don''t feel right taking it," Sadie quickly declined.


    "Oh,e on, we''re family. No need to be so formal," Amanda said with a smile. "This was a gift from the Queen when I got married. I''ve kept it all this time, nning to give it to Joe''s future wife."


    "But..." Sadie hesitated.


    "If you don''t take it, you''re treating me like a stranger," Amanda teased. "You''re not considering me as family."


    "Take it, Sadie," Joe said with a grin.


    Sadie had no choice but to ept the gift. Just as she was about to thank Amanda, she noticed Barbara staring at the jewelry box with a mix of loss, sadness, and inferiority. "Thank you, Duchess Louis," Sadie quickly looked away and smiled in thanks. "I also got a gift for you and Duke Louis. I was nning to give it to you when we met." With that, Sadie extended her hand, and Annika quickly handed her a white box.


    Sadie presented the box to Amanda and asked softly, "Please take a look. Do you like it?"


    Amanda took it, opened it, and her eyes lit up with delight. "Oh my god, it''s pearls! I love them! I''ve always wanted some, but they''re impossible to find on the market."

 Chapter 1172 The Real Purpose

    "As long as you dig it." Sadie grinned, feeling a wave of relief. Before they even hit Country C, Tristan had everything sorted, including gifts for the Louis family elders. No stress, no mess.


    Tonight, she finally realized just how swanky those gifts were. A pearl that big? Good luck finding that in any store.


    Tristan had her back, making sure no one would look down on her. Wherever she went, she''d be treated like royalty.


    "I love it so much. Thanks, Sadie!" Amanda was over the moon with the pearl and hugged Sadie tight.


    "No problem!" Sadie beamed.


    "I''m so jealous. Sadie never gives me gifts," Joe chimed in, faking jealousy.


    "You little rascal, jealous of me?" Amandaughed, holding Sadie''s hand as they headed to the living room. "Sadie,e on, let''s sit and chat." "Sure thing." Sadie smiled.


    "I also brought gifts for the kids, nning to give them personally tomorrow morning," Amanda said with a grin. "Oh, and for these two as well." Amanda gave a nod, and Barbara quickly handed gifts to Annika and Arya.


    "Even we get something?" Arya was a bit taken aback.


    "I''ve heard you two are Sadie''s right-hand gals and good friends. You''ll be living with us, and I warmly wee you!" Amanda said sincerely. Annika and Arya nced at Sadie, saw her nod, and then epted the gifts, thanking her respectfully, "Thanks, Duchess Louis." "We''re all family; no need to be so formal. Just take it." Amanda still smiled.


    "Do you like them?" Joe, always kind to Annika and Arya, asked.


    "We love them, thanks," Annika and Arya replied politely.


    Amanda chatted away with Sadie, clearly fond of her and with plenty to talk about. Sadie responded politely and courteously.


    Joe couldn''t get a word in and ended up serving them tea.


    After chatting for over half an hour, Amanda finally got tired, yawned, and held Sadie''s hand, saying, "Sadie, it''s superte. Let''s pick this up tomorrow." "Okay, Duchess Louis," Sadie quickly stood up. "I''ll see you upstairs."


    "No need; Barbara will apany me," Amanda said with a knowing smile. "You and Joe should get some rest. I''m looking forward to grandkids soon." Hearing this, Sadie was momentarily stunned and felt super awkward. Joe''s face turned beet red.


    "Oh, you''re still shy," Amanda gently patted Joe''s shoulder andughed. "You''re both grown-ups now. What''s there to be shy about?"


    "Mom, stop it," Joe quickly cut in, trying to change the subject. "Let me help you upstairs."


    "You mean you two haven''t..." Amanda finally caught on.


    "Mom!" Joe was anxious.


    "Alright," Amanda smiled and sighed. "I was too impatient. I thought you two had already... since you''re getting married soon."


    Sadie smiled and looked down, not saying a word.


    "It''s okay. These things can''t be rushed," Amanda patted Sadie''s hand. "Sadie, I won''t push you. Take your time."


    With that, she left with a smile.


    "Sadie, I''m sorry," Joe apologized awkwardly.


    "It''s okay, go take care of Duchess Louis," Sadie gently reminded him.


    "Okay," Joe quickly followed.


    The other attendants also left. Sadie watched their backs, her smile slowly fading.


    "I knew it, after all that, it was about this," Arya, always blunt, yelled out. "The Duchess is worried this marriage will be just for show, so she came to make it real!"

 Chapter 1173 Cant Be Forced

    "It''s totally normal for her to think that way," Sadie muttered, keeping her voice low. "Nobody wants their son to marry someone who can''t give them an heir. Plus, the Louis family is royalty."


    "How can Duchess Louis pull this crap? She''s totally pushing you," Arya fumed, feeling all riled up for Sadie. "They''ve scored big time by marrying you. With Mr. James''s name, the Louis family is set in the business world. And we didn''t beg them to marry you. You told Mr. Louis from the start you didn''t love him. He was the one who insisted on marrying you. And now, even before the wedding, they''re already stressing about grandkids. Seriously, how can they do this?" Sadie shot Arya a stern look. Arya pouted, biting her tongue but still fuming inside.


    "They act like they don''t care about money, but I call BS," Annika chimed in. "Maybe they just can''t keep up in the royal family and are pretending to save face."


    "Yeah, that''s true," Sadie said with a bitter smile. "Honestly, the only one who really doesn''t care about profits is Joe."


    She had long figured out that the Louis family wasn''t as simple as they seemed.


    "I don''t think Barbara''s innocent either," Annika said with a mocking sneer. "I noticed earlier when Duchess Louis gave you a gift, Barbara kept staring at it with this look in her eyes..." Annika paused, thinking. "A look of longing and disappointment."


    "Yeah, you nailed it," Sadie nodded approvingly.


    "What do you mean?" Arya asked, still confused. "What longing, what disappointment?"


    "Her longing for power, status, and identity, and the disappointment of not getting it," Annika exined. "Arya, I need you to do something." "What?" Arya asked, still puzzled.


    "Find a way to dig into Barbara''s rtionship with Mr. Louis," Annika said quietly.


    "Didn''t he say she''s his cousin?" Arya blurted out.


    "Cousins can be distant rtives. The royal family of Country C doesn''t seem to care much about distant blood rtions. Maybe..."


    Annika watched Sadie''s face and cautiously continued, "Even though Mr. Louis doesn''t seem like a yer, he might not be able to resist temptation."


    "I get it now," Arya said, suddenly understanding. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it."


    "The most important thing now is the kids'' safety. Don''t worry about anything else," Sadie said calmly. "Got it?"


    "Don''t worry, Ms. James," Annika said confidently. "We can handle this."


    "Alright, get some rest." Sadie said as she put down her coffee cup and got up to leave.


    Annika and Arya immediately followed.


    Upstairs, Sadie bumped into Joeing out of Amanda''s room.


    Joe awkwardly said, "Sadie, don''t take my mom''s words too seriously. I already talked to her about it."


    "It''s okay, I get it," Sadie said softly. "Is Duchess Louis asleep?"


    "Yeah," Joe nodded. "You should get some rest too. It''ste."


    "Alright," Sadie said as she walked into her room.


    "Sadie," Joe called out. Sadie turned to look at him. "What?"


    "Nothing, good night," Joe said, looking at her tenderly.


    "Good night," Sadie replied with a slight smile and closed the door.


    Barbara saw all of this but stayed silent, heading straight to her room.


    On the other side of the hallway, Annika watched with a mocking smile, thinking, ''Let''s see when you''ll mess up.''


    Sadie returned to her room, soaking in the bathtub, thinking about Amanda''s words and Joe''s intense gaze. Her expression turned somber.


    She had thought that since she no longer believed in love, marrying Joe for the greater good wouldn''t be a problem. But now she realized that some things just couldn''t be forced.

 Chapter 1174 A Beautiful Morning

    Sadie woke up to the sound of kidsughing in the morning.


    Stretching and yawning, she rolled out of bed, shuffled over to the big window, yanked the curtains open, and watched the kids running around in the garden. A warm smile crept across her face. Ever since those three little girls showed up, Noah and Mia had been way more cheerful.


    At just over two years old, the kids were all about that carefree joy, and those three girls had a knack for lightening the mood and spreading happiness.


    Right then, Mia and the three girls were ying tag in the woods while Noah chilled nearby, sipping on some juice and grinning at them. His eyes were full of warmth.


    It made Sadie think of Tristan! No wonder Tristan liked Noah. The kid was just like him, not just in looks but in his calm vibe too.


    Lost in her thoughts, she heard a knock on the door.


    "Come in," Sadie called out, grabbing a coat.


    Annika walked in and said, "Ms. James, Duchess Louis is already up and bringing gifts to the garden, probably for the kids."


    "Is it that early?" Sadie muttered, ncing towards the garden.


    Sure enough, Amanda was in the garden with a bunch of attendants, greeting Noah and calling Mia and the three girls over to give them gifts.


    "Yeah, it''s only seven," Annika said with a wry smile. "Royal etiquette is no joke. I saw Barbara up at five, getting everything ready for Duchess Louis and handling her morning routine." "She''s way more dedicated than you guys," Sadie joked, heading to the bathroom.


    "Yeah, now I feel like Arya and I are really lucky," Annika said, opening the wardrobe to pick out clothes for Sadie. "What do you want to wear today? A dress or..."


    "Somethingfy," Sadie cut her off. "I promised the kids I''d take them horseback riding today."


    "But Duchess Louis is all dressed up," Annika said, looking a bit concerned.


    "I''m not her," Sadie replied with a grin.


    "Got it," Annika nodded.


    Annika picked out a smart casual outfit for Sadie, paired with boots, and pinned up her long hair, making her look both simple and elegant.


    Just as Sadie was about to head out, there was another knock on the door.


    Annika went to open it. "Jesse!"


    Jesse walked in and said, "Ms. James, it''s been taken care of."


    "Was someone really causing trouble on purpose?" Sadie asked right away.


    "Yeah," Jesse nodded, speaking quietly. "I found the suspect, but he got away during the capture. I did another patrol this morning, and everything seems clear for now. But we haven''t checked the people Duchess Louis brought." "It''s tough to check Duchess Louis''s people," Sadie said tly. "Let''s not worry about that for now. Since the outside trouble is sorted, just focus on our security."


    "Got it," Jesse said. "I''ve got four people watching the kids, and the rest are still searching."


    "Good, thanks," Sadie said gratefully. "It''s a good thing you''re here! Otherwise, just my female bodyguards might not be enough."


    Jesse was more experienced than Annika and Arya. He had sorted the issue overnight.


    "You''re wee," Jesse said, bowing and leaving.


    "Now we can go horseback riding without any worries," Annika said, handing Sadie her hat.


    "Yeah, the weather''s perfect today," Sadie sighed, putting on the hat and heading out.


    In the garden, Amanda had finished giving gifts to the kids and was inviting them to breakfast.


    Mia looked a bit unsure, but the three girls said straight up, "We''ll eatter; we wanna catch butterflies. Duchess Louis, you go ahead." Then, the three girls ran off. Donna even pulled Mia along. "Mia,e on."


    "Goodbye, Duchess Louis..." Mia didn''t even finish her sentence before Donna dragged her away.

 Chapter 1175 Time Flies

    Amanda was left standing there, feeling kinda awkward. She nced at Noah, about to say something.


    Noah quickly piped up, "Duchess Louis, I already had breakfast. I''m heading back to my room to read! Enjoy your meal." He gave a quick bow and turned to leave. Amanda''s smile got a bit forced. She''d tried so hard to bond with the kids, but they just weren''t into her.


    "These kids are so rude," one maid muttered, clearly annoyed.


    "Totally, having breakfast with Duchess Louis should be a big deal for them," another maid whispered. "They have no clue about noble manners, unlike kids from fancy families." "Shut it!" Amanda snapped, "Those are Mr. James''s kids. You dare to gossip about them? How dare you?"


    The two maids quickly looked down, not daring to say another word.


    "But those two older kids," Amanda''s lips curled into a slight smile, "seem a bit sharper."


    "Maybe older kids are just more sensible," the maid said softly.


    "They better be," Amanda said, sounding all high and mighty. "Since they''re joining our family, they should know their ce. Not knowing who their dad is, it''s best if he never shows up." To keep things simple, Craig hadn''t told her who Sadie''s kids'' father was.


    "Who''d dare? Ms. James marrying into a family like ours, that guy would probably be too ashamed," the maid chuckled.


    "Shh, Ms. James ising!" Barbara suddenly whispered.


    The two maids immediately shut up, not daring to say more.


    "Oh, Sadie, you''re up?" Amanda turned around, her face all smiles again. "Why not sleep a bit longer?"


    "The weather''s great, and I promised the kids we''d go horseback riding today," Sadie replied with a smile. "Duchess Louis, have you had breakfast? Join us."


    "Sure." Amanda''s smile got a bit stiff. The maids nearby frowned, sensing something was off.


    Sadie didn''t really notice and didn''t think much of it.


    Just then, Joe showed up, and the three of them had breakfast together. The vibe was pretty chill.


    After breakfast, Amanda said she wanted to check out the farm. Joe was about to offer to go with her, but Sadie mentioned she had promised the kids they''d go horseback riding. The maids'' faces all tightened.


    Amanda, however, said it was cool and even asked with a smile if she could join, iming she was good at horseback riding too.


    Sadie didn''t really want to, but she couldn''t say no. Amanda''s enthusiasm was hard to turn down.


    So, the group took a carriage to the horse farm.


    Sadie and the kids rode in a big carriage, the kids bouncing around happily.


    Noah looked at the wide-open grasnd ahead and sighed, "If only Nathan were here, he loves horseback riding."


    "Don''t you like it?" Sadie asked, gently patting his head.


    Noah shrugged, a bit of a frown on his little face. "I''m not good at sports. I''m only good at using my brain."


    "You should try to be good at everything," Sadie said, trying to cheer him up. "Look at your..."


    She hesitated, almost saying, "Look at your dad," but quickly corrected herself. "Uncle Tristan is good at everything!"


    "Dad is too," Noah added.


    Sadie was momentarily speechless, not sure what to say.


    Noah, sensing the awkwardness, went back to his tablet. He was always more into tech stuff, deeply absorbed in researching software and IT rather than ying games. "I miss Daddy and Nathan too," Mia said, pouting and looking sad. "I wonder when we can see them."


    "Soon, in 39 days," Sadie reassured her, the words slipping out before she realized it. She marveled at how quickly time had flown by.

 Chapter 1176 Too Nervous

    The sky was clear as a bell, not a cloud in sight.


    Sadie helped the kids out of the car, and they went nuts over the endless prairie, cheering like it was Christmas morning. Arya, catching their excitement, hollered, "Hey kids, time to change clothes!"


    "Yay, changing clothes!" The three little girls shouted, dragging Mia along with them, bouncing like they were on trampolines.


    "Slow down, don''t run," Mia warned, still trying to catch her breath. "Man, I envy them; they''re so carefree and happy." Noah watched the three little girls and couldn''t help but ask, "Mom, was I this happy when I was their age?" "You were a quiet one," Sadie said with a smile. "When Nathan and Mia were bouncing off the walls, you were always reading or writing, thinking they were being silly."


    "Wow, was I really that mature at two?" Noah asked, raising an eyebrow like he couldn''t believe it.


    Sadie chuckled. "You were quieter than both of them, even as a baby," she teased. "You even drank your milk all fancy-like."


    Noah couldn''t help butugh too.


    "Alright, go change your clothes. I''ll show you how to ride a horse," Sadie urged. "We gotta be well-rounded!"


    "Okay, okay." Noah replied, following the attendant to change clothes.


    Sadie headed to the dressing room to slip into her pro riding gear.


    Just then, Barbara walked in to grab something. Seeing Sadie, she quickly and respectfully greeted her, "Ms. James!"


    "We''re all family here, no need to be so formal," Sadie said kindly.


    "Ms. James, you''re so kind..." Barbara looked at Sadie with a mix of emotions, like she had something to say but was holding back.


    "If you got something to say, just spit it out," Sadie smiled slightly.


    Barbara spoke carefully. "I know the James Group is a big deal, and you have a high status. We don''t want to mess up, but there''s something on my mind, and I don''t know if I should bring it up."


    "Go ahead," Sadie nced at her through the mirror.


    "Duchess Louises from royalty. Royal etiquette is a whole thing, with tons of rules. Even small stuff has to follow the hierarchy." Barbara nervously added, "Ms. James, please don''t take this the wrong way. I mean no offense. Just wanted to give you a heads-up."


    "I get it," Sadie smiled faintly. "I''m used to beingid-back, but luckily, Duchess Louis is pretty chill. Thanks for the reminder!"


    Barbara bowed her head, looking a bit scared. "I''ll leave now."


    "Okay," Sadie responded, watching her leave with a slight smile.


    "Do you think she was really just reminding you?" Annika asked,ing out of the dressing room with Sadie''s riding clothes. "I think she''s got an agenda."


    Sadie chuckled softly, brushing off the concern. "Don''t sweat it. Barbara doesn''t bother me."


    Annika sighed, her brow furrowed. "Arya found out Barbara and Joe are distant cousins, like three generations apart. Her family hit hard times, but she''s super ambitious. She studied medical surgery and has been with Duchess Louis since she graduated."


    "She might seem humble and polite, but I always feel like she''s got hidden motives," Annika continued, helping Sadie into her riding gear.


    "You''re just too jumpy," Sadie smiled slightly. "There was E before, so you''re wary of her too."


    "You''re right," Annika said with a bitter smile. "For some reason, whenever I see her, I think of E."


    "We can''t judge people with bias," Sadie said objectively. "Without any proof, we can''t use someone. Besides, even if she does have ambitions, as long as she doesn''t hurt anyone, it''s normal."


    "I get that," Annika said, her voice firm. "But don''t worry, I''m keeping an eye on her. I won''t let her cause trouble. Still, what she said earlier does make sense. I noticed Duchess Louis was a bit off this morning, probably thinking we don''t get the whole etiquette thing."

 Chapter 1177 Possession

    "Yeah, I get that," Sadie said, not even trying to hide her annoyance. "But it doesn''t matter. I want them to know I''m not some essory, and I''m not trying to climb up anyone''sdder. I''m just me. If they can deal with that, cool. If not, whatever."


    "That''s our girl, Ms. James," Annika replied with a smirk, genuinely impressed by Sadie''s determination. "Nopromises, huh?"


    "Duchess Louis has been pretty chill so far," Sadie mused. "At least for now, she''s been respectful and understanding."


    Annika let out a small scoff. "Well, the Louis family still needs Mr. James''s influence. They can''t afford to piss us off, so of course, they''re all smiles and politeness for now." "True," Sadie grinned a bit. "But I still like to think the best of people."


    Annika shook her head, smiling. "You''re just too nice."


    They changed clothes and stepped out of the dressing room. Amanda was already with the kids, showing them the basics of horseback riding and giving a demo.


    Mia and the three little girls were super focused, while Noah just watched from the side, looking all aloof.


    "Mommy!" Mia spotted Sadie and ran over, tugging at her. "Come see, Emma''s already learned how to ride!"


    "Just be careful and stay safe," Sadie said, signaling Arya to keep an eye on them.


    "Don''t worry, with all these people around, nothing''s gonna happen," Amandaughed. "Sadie, let''s have a race and show the kids how it''s done!"


    "Sure thing!" Sadie jumped onto the horse with a smooth, graceful move.


    "Not bad," Amanda said, impressed.


    "I''ll be the judge!" Joe ran over, all excited to call the race.


    Annika and Arya stood with the kids to watch. Even Noah, who usually didn''t care, looked a bit interested.


    Joe raised the starting gun and fired into the sky.


    Sadie and Amanda took off, galloping on their horses.


    The kids went wild, cheering, "Go, Mommy!" and "Go, Auntie!" The maids nearby were all rooting for Amanda.


    Joe watched the race, all tense. Suddenly, Barbara asked, "Joe, who do you want to win, the Duchess or Ms. James?" "Winning or losing doesn''t matter," Joe smiled. "As long as they''re having fun."


    "Joe, you''re so sweet," Barbara sighed a little.


    Joe was too focused on the race to notice herment.


    Barbara didn''t say anything else and walked away.


    The race ended in a tie. Amanda and Sadie crossed the finish line together, and Joe dered them both winners. The kids didn''t care about the tie; they were just stoked to hear ''first ce.''


    Noah and Mia, who hadn''t been into horseback riding before, got interested after watching the race and started learning from Sadie. "Sadie, how are you gonna teach all these kids by yourself? Let Joe help you," Amandaughed. "Joe, aren''t you gonna help out?" "Oh, right," Joe snapped out of it and jumped in to help teach the kids.


    Amanda took a break, sipping coffee, and shook her head, sighing, "Joe''s too honest."


    "Mr. Louis is pure," one maid chuckled.


    "Too pure, and he won''t be able to win over a woman," Amanda said, giving Sadie a meaningful look. "She''s not someone just anyone can handle." The maids stayed quiet.


    Barbara, pouring coffee, casually added, "I remember a line from a movie: No matter how strong a woman is, once she''s possessed, she''ll turn into a littlemb." "Possessed," Amanda repeated, her eyes lighting up. "You''re right!"

 Chapter 1178 Complex and Unspeakable

    Sadie and Joe spent the whole morning teaching, and finally, they got a few kids to ride horses. The kids were stoked and raced their ponies together.


    Arya and the other female bodyguards were on high alert, making sure nothing went wrong.


    Just then, Pa called to remind Sadie it was time to head back for her treatment.


    Sadie saw the kids having a st and didn''t want to interrupt, so she told Jesse to keep an eye on them and got ready to head back to the vi with Annika.


    Amanda quickly told Joe to go with Sadie, saying she''d stay with the kids and take them to the vineyard for lunch.


    Sadie thanked her and hopped into the carriage.


    Joe climbed in too. "Sadie, I''ming with you. Mom said I gotta take care of you."


    "I''m not a kid. I don''t need a babysitter," Sadie said with a smile. "You go ride; don''t worry about me."


    "No way, Mom will chew me out if I don''t help you," Joe insisted, looking for an excuse. "Just let me take care of you. While you''re getting treatment, I can whip up your lunch. I''ve learned how to make oatmeal, and it''s bomb." "Alright," Sadie gave in, unable to say no to his earnest offer.


    Back at the vi, Sadie went to the medical room, and Joe headed to the kitchen to make her lunch. After her treatment, Sadie felt a bit wiped and had Annika help her back to her room.


    She flopped onto the sofa, ready for a nap, when Joe burst in, pushing a dining cart loaded with food.


    "Sadie, lunch is ready. Come and try it," he announced with a grin.


    "I''m not hungry," Sadie started to refuse, but softened when she saw the tableid out with fancy dishes. "Did you make all this?"


    "Yep, just learned how. Try it and see how it tastes," Joe handed her a spoon. "Start with some oatmeal."


    "Thanks," Sadie took it and had a spoonful of oatmeal. "Oh, this is really good."


    "Really? I''ve been practicing a lot," Joe said happily. "Try this roasted chicken leg."


    Sadie took a bite and nodded approvingly. "It''s pretty good."


    "Looks like there''s still room for improvement," Joe said with an embarrassed smile. "I''ll keep working on it."


    "You don''t really need to learn all this," Sadie said softly. "You have your own stuff to do."


    "No, I don''t. I''ve got nothing pressing," Joe said casually. "Might as well keep busy."


    "Isn''t the gym project already underway?" Sadie asked, puzzled. "I heard from rence that the opening ceremony is in a few days."


    "Dad''s handling it now," Joe blurted out, then looked at Sadie nervously. "You''re not mad, are you?"


    "That project is your baby. Why''d you hand it over?" Sadie frowned slightly.


    "I wanted to spend more time with you," Joe said, but seeing Sadie''s displeasure, he quickly confessed. "Alright, truth is, I wanted to avoid Micah."


    Sadie lowered her eyes and pretended to be indifferent. "You''re overthinking it. He''s so busy he doesn''t have time to take over this project personally. For the Clemens Group, it''s just a small investment." "No, he put in more money, and the project''s expansion is all because of him," Joe said, his expressionplicated. "Didn''t you know about this?"


    "No," Sadie replied calmly. "I''m just a minor shareholder in this project; no one told me."


    "My bad. Sadie, don''t be mad," Joe hurriedly exined. "I should have told you earlier." "When did he invest?" Sadie asked casually.


    "A while ago," Joe answered cautiously. "The day our engagement was announced publicly. I thought he would pull out, but surprisingly..." "Oh," Sadie responded, her voice steady, but her mind was a whirl ofplex emotions.

 Chapter 1179 Facilitate as Soon as Possible

    "Alright, let''s drop the subject," Joe said, switching gears and handing Sadie a grilled rib. "Here, Sadie, give this a try."


    "You still know how to make this?" Sadie asked, a bit taken aback. Not many folks knew she was into this dish.


    "I hit up Mia to find out what you liked, and she mentioned this, so I figured I''d learn it," Joe replied with a grin, eyes on Sadie. Sadie took a bite and nodded like crazy. "Dang, this is so good."


    "As long as you dig it," Joe said, looking pleased as punch. "I know you''re into pasta too, so I''ve been working on that." "Thanks, Joe," Sadie said, feeling a bit moved.


    "We''re tying the knot soon; it''s only right I do this stuff for you," Joe said, his eyes soft. "Your happiness is my happiness." Sadie looked down, going quiet.


    "Hold up, Sadie," Joe said suddenly, spotting a smudge on her face. He grabbed a wet wipe to clean it off.


    Sadie froze, sitting still.


    Under the light, her profile was stunning. Joe felt a rush of emotion and leaned in closer.


    Sadie realized what was happening and instinctively pulled back, but Joe''s lips still brushed her cheek.


    Both of them went silent, stunned. Sadie jerked back like she''d been shocked.


    Joe''s face turned beet red, and he looked super nervous.


    Sadie frowned a bit and scooted away.


    "I... I''m sorry," Joe stammered, his voice shaky. He got up quickly, looking like he wanted to vanish.


    Sadie watched him rush out and then nced at the fancy lunch on the table, feeling all sorts of conflicted.


    Outside, a maid saw Joe bolting from Sadie''s room. She quickly went to call Amanda and spill the tea.


    "How long was he in there?" Amanda asked urgently.


    "I kept track; eleven minutes," the maid replied.


    "That quick?" Amanda was surprised. "And was his clothing neat when he came out?"


    "His clothes were fine," the maid said. "His hair wasn''t messy, but his face was super red, and he looked really nervous." Amanda sighed deeply. "He probably didn''t pull it off."


    "But from what the maid said, they must''ve had some close contact," Barbara said with a smile. "That''s something, at least."


    "They''ve been together forever and are about to get hitched; a little close contact is nothing," Amanda replied irritably. "Besides, if Joe gets that nervous from just a little closeness, it shows they haven''t been intimate at all."


    Barbara kept her head down, not daring to say more.


    "I think Sadie doesn''t really like Joe; she''s just using him," Amanda said, her anger bubbling up. "Joe is so naive!"


    "I''ve noticed that too," Barbara said cautiously. "Ms. James seems very distant from Joe, like she''s deliberately keeping her distance."


    "They''ve been together for so long; even if there were no feelings at first, they should''ve developed some by now," Amanda said unhappily. "If she really doesn''t like Joe that much, why agree to the marriage?"


    "I heard Mr. James might be in some trouble," Barbara interjected softly.


    "That seems to be the case," Amanda frowned. "Could it be that because Tristan is in trouble, she''s just looking for a safe ce temporarily? If that''s the case, once Tristan resolves his crisis, she''ll call off the wedding. What will happen to Joe then?"


    "Not necessarily. There''s still over a month until the wedding; maybe during this time, they''ll develop feelings for each other," Barbara said, trying tofort her.


    "That''s why I need to make this happen ASAP," Amanda dered, her eyes reflecting determination.

 Chapter 1180 Looking for Mary

    Sadie crashed for a bit, and when she woke up, it was pouring outside. She hit up Annika and asked, "The kids back yet?"


    "Not yet. Just checked. Duchess Louis took them to the vineyard for lunch. They''re having a st. Arya and Jesse are with them, so no worries about safety," Annika said. "Noah should be back for his online ss by now," Sadie said, ncing at her watch. "And it''s almost time for Mia''s treatment."


    "Yeah, I''ll check." Annika was about to make a call when she heard a car pull up. She went to the balcony and then reported back, "Noah and Mia are back."


    "I''ll go see them." Sadie said softly. She changed her clothes and walked out just as Noah wasing upstairs.


    "Mom!" Noah greeted with a big smile.


    "Noah, did you have fun?" Sadie bent down to ruffle his hair.


    "It was awesome. I learned how to ride a horse," Noah said proudly. "Jesse taught me. Next time I see Nathan, I''m gonna show off so he stops saying all I do is study." Sadie couldn''t help butugh. "See, there are things you''re not good at, but if you just try, you can nail them, right?"


    "Yeah, totally." Noah nodded earnestly. "I''ll try more stuff in the future, Mom."


    "That''s the spirit." Sadie said, feeling a wave of pride. "I just want you to pick up some survival skills and get more exercise."


    "I know." Noah hugged Sadie. "Mom, I''m heading to my room for my online ss. Mia''s downstairs for her treatment. You should go be with her."


    "Okay." Sadie watched Noah scamper off to his room before heading downstairs herself.


    Just then, a servant rushed in, "Ms. Sadie James, Ms. Mary James is missing."


    "What?" Sadie was shocked, her heart skipped a beat. "What happened?"


    The servant quickly exined, "Apparently, Duchess Louis and the kids were ying hide and seek in the vineyard, but Mary suddenly disappeared. Duchess Louis is really worried and is searching everywhere." "I''m on it." Sadie said, quickly changing her shoes and heading to the vineyard.


    "Sadie, wait up." Joe, who had heard the news, rushed downstairs. "I''ll go with you."


    "Okay," she agreed, her anxiety clear.


    She turned to Annika and said, "You stay here and take care of Noah and Mia."


    "Got it." Annika replied without hesitation.


    Sadie and Joe arrived at the vineyard, where Amanda was still searching for Mary with others.


    As soon as Amanda saw Sadie, she quickly apologized, "Sadie, I''m so sorry. I just wanted to y with the kids, but then..."


    "It''s not your fault," Sadie said politely, then turned to Arya and demanded, "What happened?"


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Sadie James." Arya hesitated but didn''t make excuses. "Our people are still looking. We will definitely find Ms. Mary James."


    "Where are Emma and Donna?" Sadie demanded, her voice sharp.


    "They''re resting at the winery. Jessica and the others are watching them," Arya replied apologetically. "Jesse got a message early and went out to patrol."


    "Just because he''s not here, you can''t keep an eye on Mary?" Sadie angrily scolded. "Go find her immediately. If anything happens to Mary, you''ll be held responsible."


    "Yes." Arya asserted before quickly gathering more people to assist in the search.


    "Who was thest person to see Mary?" Sadie asked.


    "It was me," Barbara quickly stepped forward and replied timidly. "Duchess Louis and I were ying hide-and-seek with the three girls. I saw Mary counting with her back to us before I closed my eyes, but then..." "Where? Take me there," Sadie interrupted.


    "This way," Barbara said, leading Sadie and Joe deep into the vineyard.


    The ce was beautiful, with grapevines full of grapes, but Sadie had no time to admire it. She bent down, peering through the dense foliage as she called out, "Mary, Mary,e out. The hide-and-seek game is over. It''s time to go home."

 Chapter 1181 The Cabin

    Sadie hollered for ages, but nobody answered back.


    She was freaking out and sent all her attendants to hunt for Mary, leaving just Joe by her side.


    Joe was searching while trying to calm her down, "Sadie, chill. We''ll find her. The estate''s crawling with our folks; Mary''s gonna be alright."


    "If something happens to Mary, how am I gonna exin it to Tristan?" Sadie was losing it, her hands shaking like crazy. "I shouldn''t havee back alone. I should''ve kept them with me."


    "Sadie, don''t think like that. She''ll be fine," Joe tried to reassure her, feeling bad for her. "I''ll get more people on it right away."


    Joe looked around to give orders but realized all the attendants had already scattered, frantically searching for Mary.


    "Sadie, I dashed out without my phone. I''ll go call for backup." He turned to leave but stopped dead in his tracks, spotting something shiny in the bushes. He quickly picked it up and saw it was a star-shaped hair clip. He yelled, "Sadie! Check if this is Mary''s."


    Sadie ran over, grabbed the hair clip, and said excitedly, "It''s Mary''s. Where''d you find it?"


    "Over there." Joe led Sadie to the spot for a closer look.


    There was a small footprint by the bushes, probably Mary''s, but no one was around, and there were no other clues.


    Sadie got even more worried and immediately called Annika, "Release Coco."


    "Got it," Annika responded right away.


    Sometimes, what people couldn''t do, animals could.


    Coco would sniff Mary''s clothes and follow the scent to find her.


    "It''s raining," Joe suddenly said, catching raindrops with his hand.


    Sadie looked up to see the sky dark and overcast, with big raindrops falling.


    "Sadie, you should get out of the rain. I''ll keep looking." Joe quickly took off his coat and draped it over Sadie.


    "I can''t think about taking shelter now," Sadie frowned, looking toward the horizon, and Coco was already flying over from the spa hotel.


    Sadie whistled to Coco, who immediately flew like an arrow toward her. Then, she took the hair clip from her hand with its beak and went to search for Mary. Joe was stunned, and in the distance, there were terrified screams from women.


    Sadie nced back.


    "It''s the maids. They probably got spooked by Coco. No biggie," Joe reassured her.


    "You should go back." With that, Sadie quickly ran in the direction Coco had flown.


    "I''ming with you," Joe immediately followed.


    "Joe," Barbara called out.


    Joe didn''t respond and quickly caught up with Sadie.


    The rain was pouring down, and Sadie was running through it, soon soaking her clothes, but she didn''t care; she had to find Mary ASAP.


    Sadie ran so fast that Joe almost couldn''t keep up.


    In the distance, the silhouette of a wooden cabin on the farm emerged through the haze of rain. Sadie was about to pass it, but then she noticed Coco, their trained eagle, perched on the roof, pping its wings and calling out urgently. With renewed hope, Sadie skidded to a halt and made a beeline for the cabin. She threw the door open, her voice cracking with worry as she shouted, "Mary!"


    Mary was sitting in a corner, holding a cute little rabbit. Her clothes were wet, and she was shivering from the cold, curled up in fear.


    Hearing Sadie''s voice, she looked up in surprise, "Auntie!"


    "Mary!" Sadie ran over and hugged Mary tightly. "You scared me half to death. Let me see, are you okay?"


    Sadie held her shoulders and checked her over.


    "Auntie, I''m fine," Mary said, sniffling cutely. "I was ying hide and seek with Emma and Donna. I saw this cute little rabbit and followed it. I got lost while chasing it, and when it started raining, I hid here to take shelter." Sadie breathed a sigh of relief, her heart finally beginning to slow from its frantic pace. "Good girl, as long as you''re okay," Sadieforted her and gently tidied her messy hair. "I''ll take you home."

 Chapter 1182 Ambiguity

    "The rain''s reallying down out there. Let''s chill here for a bit," Joe said, rummaging through the house. "I''ll see if there''s anything to get a fire going." Sadie grabbed some firewood and got a fire going on the stove. She found some pots, boiled some water, and then sat down to peel apples.


    "Wow, Auntie, you''re awesome! Just like Mommy!" Mary said, watching Sadie handle the fire and cooking like a pro.


    "Do you miss your mommy?" Sadie asked, gently touching Mary''s face. "Yeah." Mary nodded, her little mouth trembling as tears started to fall.


    "Hey, don''t be sad. You''ll see her soon," Sadie said, hugging Mary tightly.


    "Sadie, let me handle that," Joe said, taking the knife to peel the apples. He handed the peeled apples to Sadie.


    "Cut them up and toss them in the pot," Sadie instructed. "Mary''s got a bit of a cold; she needs some hot apple soup."


    "Got it," Joe nodded, following her lead.


    Just then, Coco flew in, pping its wings. Joe was so startled he dropped the knife.


    "Don''t freak out. I''m here; it won''t hurt you," Sadie reassured him, making a gesture to Coco. The bird obediently stayed by the fire to dry its feathers. But its sharp eyes were locked on the little rabbit in Mary''s arms.


    "Coco, you can''t eat my bunny," Mary warned, holding the rabbit tighter. "If you try, I''ll tell Daddy."


    "Coo, coo!" Coco seemed to get the message and looked away, preening its feathers.


    "Mary, aren''t you scared of it?" Joe asked quietly.


    "Nope," Mary said proudly, lifting her little chin. "It''s scared of me."


    "You''re amazing, just like your dad," Joe said sincerely. He was still scared of Coco, but two-year-old Mary wasn''t.


    "You gotta work hard too, Auntie''s fianc¨¦," Mary said innocently.


    Joe was taken aback for a moment, thenughed. "Sure, I''ll definitely work hard!"


    It was the first time someone had openly acknowledged his rtionship with Sadie, and he was thrilled.


    Sadie finished making the apple soup and fed Mary a bowl. She also dried Mary''s clothes and held her as she slept, waiting for the rain to stop before heading back.


    Sadie had left in a hurry and forgot her phone, so she sent Coco back to inform the others so they wouldn''t worry.


    Mary fell asleep nestled in Sadie''s arms, with the rabbit quietly snuggled in her embrace, not daring to move.


    Sadie gently stroked Mary''s hair, her gaze soft in the glow of the fire.


    Joe watched her quietly, feeling a bit moved.


    After a while, Sadie seemed to sense his gaze and looked up at him.


    He quickly looked away, blushing.


    Sadie cleared her throat and said softly, "Are you cold? Take off your jacket and warm up by the fire."


    Joe had been helping Sadie and Mary dry their clothes, but he was still in his rain-soaked clothes.


    "I almost forgot," Joe said, quickly taking off his jacket and cing it by the fire to dry. But his undershirts were also wet, and he didn''t dare to take them off, so he just moved closer to the fire. At this point, both Sadie and Joe had taken off their jackets and were sitting by the fire in their undershirts.


    Joe, feeling a bit tired from the warmth of the fire, fell asleep on the couch.


    The rain outside kept pouring, and the sky gradually darkened.


    Sadie found it strange that Arya and the others hadn''te looking for them. It had been almost an hour.


    Just as she was lost in thought, the sound of a car came from outside, followed by Barbara and Arya''s anxious voices.


    "Joe!" Barbara called out.


    "Ms. James!" Arya called Sadie.

 Chapter 1183 Misunderstanding

    "Joe, Joe!" Sadie hollered while throwing on her clothes, "They''re here. Get your butt up and dressed!"


    "Mmm," Joe grumbled, still half-asleep.


    Sadie rolled her eyes, totally exasperated. With no other choice, she plopped Mary on the couch so she could get dressed in a hurry. The noise outside was getting louder.


    Sadie rushed over and shook Joe, "Joe, Joe, wake up already."


    Joe groggily opened his eyes, seeing Sadie''s gorgeous face up close. His heart started racing, and he couldn''t help but pull her into a hug. "Joe, what the heck?" Sadie yelped, trying to pull away. But before she could, the door flew open, and she stumbled right into Joe''s arms. "Ah!" Amanda, who had just walked in, gasped and quickly shut the door, apologizing over and over, "Sorry, sorry, my bad!"


    Sadie turned beet red, quickly pushed Joe away, and stepped aside to fix her clothes.


    "Sadie, I''m sorry," Joe stammered, now fully awake and realizing how awkward things had gotten. "I don''t know what came over me..." "Just shut up and get dressed," Sadie cut him off with a frown.


    "Oh, right. Okay," Joe mumbled, scrambling to get up and throw on his clothes.


    Soon enough, they were both dressed and walked out of the cabin with Mary.


    Arya stepped up to take the sleeping Mary, still clutching her little bunny, and handed her to the bodyguard.


    "You okay?" Annika asked softly.


    Sadie didn''t answer but turned to Amanda, "Duchess Louis, we got caught in the rain, our clothes were soaked, so..."


    "I know," Amanda cut her off with a smile, "Young love, hard to control, especially with the weddinging up." "No, we..." Sadie frowned.


    "Alright," Amanda interrupted again, smiling. "It''s getting dark, and the kids are waiting. You should head back!" Sadie felt speechless but didn''t bother exining, turning to get in the car.


    "Sadie!" Joe, now with his shoes on, ran after her, trying to get in the car, but Sadie shut the door in his face.


    "Joe, ride with me," Amanda pulled Joe into her car, grinning, "Joe, you''re making progress!"


    "Huh?" Joe looked puzzled.


    "I mean, keep it up, and you''ll win Sadie over soon," Amanda said with a sly wink, "Once you really sleep with her, she won''t run away!" "Mom, what are you talking about? We..." Joe started but then sneezed a few times.


    "Oh no, you''re catching a cold. Let''s get you home for some medicine," Amanda hurriedly pulled Joe into the car, feeling his forehead. "You''re getting a fever. Why''d you run out in the rain?" "Mom, Sadie went out to find Mary; I had to go with her," Joe said with a frown, "Besides, if Tristan''s kid went missing, how could we exin it to him?"


    "She wouldn''t get lost," Amanda blurted out, then quickly added, "She''s on the farm; how could she get lost? Our people are everywhere."


    "I don''t think she''d get lost either, but what if something happened to Mary, such a small kid?" Joe grumbled, "Mom, you need to be more careful with the kids."


    "Got it," Amanda said, looking at Joe with concern. She sighed. "Didn''t expect this to make you sick."


    "It''s just a little cold; I''m fine," Joe shrugged it off. "I''ll go see Hubert for some meds; I''ll be good after that."


    "Alright, hurry back," Amanda urged, "I also have medicine at home. It''ll make you feel better quick."


    "Seeing Hubert for treatment is a good idea," Barbara suddenly chimed in, "Joe got sick because of Ms. James; Ms. James will definitely feel bad when she finds out; she might even take care of Joe."

 Chapter 1184 With a Hidden Agenda

    Amanda finally got it and said, "Oh, duh. You should totally use this chance to get closer to Sadie."


    "Mom, what are you even talking about?" Joe asked, all confused. He kept sneezing, feeling like crap, and didn''t catch what Amanda said.


    "Alright, you''re not feeling well. Go rest," Amanda quickly responded, patting his back like he was a little kid.


    Joe leaned back in his seat, slowly drifting off to sleep.


    Barbara gently covered Joe with a nket, her expression allplicated and hard to read.


    Meanwhile, Sadie covered Mary with a nket and asked softly, "Have Emma and Donna been sent back?"


    "They''re back, Ms. James," Annika whispered, not wanting to wake Mary. "At first, the kids didn''t wanna leave, but then Coco came back and signaled you found Mary, so they agreed to go."


    "Good thing it was just a false rm." Sadie looked up at Arya, her eyes narrowing. "What happened today?"


    "I''m sorry, Ms. James," Arya apologized, head down. "I know I messed up and I''m ready for any punishment."


    "You don''t usually screw up like this. What happened?" Annika also found it weird. "Was there some kind of situation?"


    "We were keeping a close eye on the kids, but Duchess Louis wanted to y hide and seek with them and didn''t let us follow," Arya exined, looking guilty.


    Arya continued, "I told her you said to stay close to the kids, but she was super insistent, and I didn''t wanna go against her. The kids were having a st and ran into the vineyard. When we tried to follow, Duchess Louis''s people stopped us. After a while, we heard someone say Mary was missing, and we rushed in to find her."


    Sadie listened quietly, her mind racing as she processed Arya''s story.


    "What does this mean?" Annika asked, puzzled. "Could Duchess Louis have done it on purpose?"


    "I thought about that," Arya admitted, shaking her head. "But she has no motive. And besides, Mary was fine; she just wandered off to chase a rabbit."


    Sadie thought it over before speaking. "Don''t jump to conclusions without proof," she said sternly. "For now, we won''t hold you responsible, but if this happens again, there will be serious consequences." "Yes, understood," Arya replied, head lowered.


    After a bit, the car pulled up to the vi.


    Sadie got out holding Mary, and Emma and Donna ran over, "Mary!"


    Sadie quickly signaled them to be quiet so they wouldn''t wake Mary.


    Emma and Donna immediately covered their mouths, not daring to speak.


    "Mary''s asleep. I''ll take her to her room. You twoe along," Sadie said gently.


    "Okay," Emma and Donna obediently followed.


    "Mommy, is Mary okay?" Mia''s worried voice broke the silence as she and Noah came out from the living room where they''d been waiting with Emma and Donna. Noah stayed quiet, looking at Mary with concern.


    "She''s fine. She just got lost chasing a rabbit," Sadie exined softly. "She got caught in the rain and is now asleep. Don''t disturb her tonight. You can y with her tomorrow." "Okay," they chimed in unison, their worry easing up.


    Sadie carried Mary to her room, settled Emma and Donna down, and then told Arya, "Get Pa to check on Mary and see if she needs some medicine to prevent a cold." "Annika already went to find her. Pa''s getting the medicine ready," Arya whispered. "You should go freshen up. I''ll stay here and watch."


    "Make sure Mary gets cleaned up, too," Sadie added.


    "Got it," Arya nodded.


    Sadie left the kids'' room and was about to head to her own when she suddenly saw Amanda, Joe, and the maids.


    Joe was covering his mouth and nose with a handkerchief, sneezing non-stop, looking like he caught a cold.

 Chapter 1185 Taking Care of Him

    "Sadie, girl, it''s awesome to see you here," Amanda blurted out when she spotted Sadie. "Joe''s caught a nasty cold. He''s been feeling like crap on the way back. Can you get Hubert to check him out?" "Sure thing, you get him to his room first. I''ll go grab Hubert," Sadie replied without a second thought. She nced at her watch. Almost nine. She wondered if Hubert had hit the sack yet. Sadie went to fetch Hubert herself. Hubert had already heard about Mary going missing and was worried she might get sick when found, so he hadn''t crashed yet.


    After Sadie filled him in, Hubert immediately took Percy to check on Joe.


    By now, Joe had changed into somefy clothes and was lounging on the couch, sipping water. He was grumbling that Amanda was making a big deal out of nothing and that it was toote to bug Hubert. Just then, Sadie walked in with Hubert. Amanda jumped up to greet them, showing mad respect for Hubert.


    Sadie yed trantor as they exchanged some polite words, and then Hubert got down to business. "It''s just a cold. Take some meds, have a hot bath, and get some rest."


    He then told Percy to get the medicine ready.


    Sadie tranted Hubert''s words for Amanda.


    Amanda, sounding worried, asked, "Will just taking some meds be enough? Does he need to go to the hospital? Joe looks really bad-he''s shivering and dizzy."


    "Duchess Louis, chill. Hubert''s got skills. Joe will be fine," Sadie reassured her.


    Joe tried to chime in but was cut off by a sneezing fit. "Well..."


    "Alright, let''s leave so you can rest," Amanda said, feeling sorry for Joe, and quickly ushered everyone out.


    Hubert gave Joe a few more tips and then left with Percy.


    Sadie moved to see them out, but Amanda stopped her. "Sadie, I''ll see Hubert out. You stay here and keep Joepany."


    "I..." Sadie started to say, but Amanda left with the other maids before she could finish.


    Before leaving, Barbara reminded her, "Ms. James, Joe''s in your hands."


    With that, everyone left and closed the door behind them.


    Sadie stood there, her brow slightly furrowed.


    "Sadie, don''t worry about me. Get some rest," Joe said, sneezing repeatedly and looking miserable.


    "Joe, you need to drink more hot water."


    Feeling a bit sorry for him, Sadie turned to pour him some water but found that the kettle only had cold water. She immediately told a servant to bring some hot water. Actually, Joe and the others usually didn''t drink hot water. It was only after Sadie came that they started the habit.


    The servants had gotten used to it and prepared it daily.


    "The apple soup you made earlier was bomb. Too bad there was only a little; I only got half a cup," Joe said, covering his mouth and nose with a handkerchief.


    "Let me whip up some more for you," Sadie responded. She remembered how Joe had gotten soaked in the rain while helping her look for Mary and how he had focused on drying clothes for her and Mary by the fire without taking care of himself, which was why he caught a cold.


    Besides, he was always so good to her. It was only fair for her to take care of him now.


    "Won''t it be too much trouble for you?" Joe asked, looking at her with concern. "You also got wet and must be really tired."


    "It''s no trouble at all," Sadie said as she hurried out. "You rest for a bit. I''ll bring it to you once it''s ready."


    "Okay, thanks, Sadie!" Joe replied, warmth spreading through him. A sweet smile yed on his lips despite his difort. Turns out, when he was sick, Sadie would take care of him. Maybe tonight, she''d spend more time with him.

 Chapter 1186 Deep Affection

    Sadie whipped up some apple soup and pasta, then headed over to Joe''s room. "Hey, you skipped dinner, so I made you some pasta. Give it a try," she said. "Sadie, you''re the best," Joe said, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.


    "Not sure if you''ll like it," Sadie said, handing him the utensils and pouring a cup of apple soup. "I made a bunch and put it in a thermos. If you want moreter, just pour yourself a cup." "You''re a lifesaver," Joe said, digging into the pasta. "This is the best thing I''ve ever eaten."


    "It''s just simple pasta," Sadie said with a smile. "You''ve got a chill, and something warm will help your stomach feel better."


    "Yeah, I feel way better now, like my cold''s almost gone..." Joe started to say, but then he sneezed again.


    "How could you get better that fast?" Sadie said, half amused, half exasperated. "Percy''s bringing you some medicer. Take it and get some rest. You''ll feel better tomorrow." With that, she got up to leave.


    "Sadie," Joe grabbed her hand quickly. "Are you leaving? Can you stay with me for a bit?"


    "You need to rest," Sadie said gently, looking at him. "If I stay, I''ll just disturb you."


    "No, you won''t," Joe insisted, not letting go of her hand. "I just want to look at you." "You can see me tomorrow," Sadie gently pulled her hand away. "Get some rest." Then she left the room.


    Joe watched her go, feeling bummed out. He thought her kindness meant she had feelings for him. But now he realized she was just being a good friend. Maybe she was a bit grateful too. But there was no love.


    Joe sighed deeply, then forced a smile and told himself, ''It''s okay. If I keep at it, even if her heart''s made of stone, I can warm it up.''


    As Sadie left the room, she saw a figure hurrying away. It was Amanda''s maid.


    Sadie frowned. She knew Amanda had been keeping tabs on her and Joe, which is why she had someone spying.


    Just then, Percy showed up with the medicine, followed by Barbara and two other maids.


    "Is the medicine ready?" Sadie asked with a smile.


    "Yeah," Percy nodded. "Take it tonight and then for three more days."


    "Just give it to them. You should go rest," Sadie said, concerned. "You have to get up early tomorrow to help Hubert with the medicine." "It''s cool. It won''t take long," Percy responded. "I need to exin some stuff to Joe."


    Sadie nodded. "Alright, exin and then get some rest."


    "Okay," Percy said, heading upstairs with the medicine.


    Sadie was about to go back to her room when Barbara cautiously asked, "Ms. James, aren''t you going to stay with Joe?"


    "He''ll rest after taking the medicine," Sadie replied without looking back and left.


    Barbara fell silent. She waited until Sadie left before raising her head and following Percy.


    "Ms. James is really cold to Mr. Louis," one of the maids whispered.


    "Don''t talk nonsense," Barbara whispered back, then knocked on Joe''s door.


    Percy went in with the medicine, gave Joe a few instructions, and then left.


    Barbara said the medicine was bitter and sent the two maids to get some sugar from Percy. The maids quickly followed.


    In the dimly lit room, only Barbara and Joe were left.


    Under the dim light, Barbara''s gaze became suggestive. She looked at Joe with deep affection, whispering, "Joe, let me help you to bed."

 Chapter 1187 Wait for Me

    "Thanks, man," Joe said, all chill. He was used to folks looking out for him, so he didn''t turn down Barbara''s help.


    Barbara helped him getfy on the bed, threw a nket over him, and felt his forehead. "Dude, you''re burning up. Looks like you got a fever," she said softly. "Really?" Joe touched his forehead. "I don''t feel it."


    "How can you not? Feel mine." Barbara grabbed Joe''s hand and put it on her face. "See? I''m cooler than you."


    Joe was caught off guard and quickly pulled his hand back. "It''s cool. I''ll be fine after taking Hubert''s meds tomorrow. You should get some rest."


    "Hold up, Sandra Cox and the others went to grab you some candy. I''ll bounce after you eat it," Barbara said, leaning over to fix Joe''s nket, her chest almost in his face.


    Joe''s face went beet red, and he quickly looked away, stammering, "Barbara, you should go rest. I don''t need the candy."


    "Joe, you always hate bitter stuff," Barbara said sweetly. "This medicine is super nasty. How you gonna handle it without candy?"


    "I''m really fine," Joe insisted, closing his eyes, too nervous to look at her.


    Growing up, he was always super disciplined and loyal to his feelings. He never had a girlfriend, except for his crush on Sadie.


    But Sadie always kept her distance. Even though he was a young guy with needs, his body still reacted when tempted.


    "Alright, I''ll head out," Barbara said, sounding a bit defeated. Just as she was about to turn off the light and leave, there was a knock on the door. Sandra''s voice came through, "Barbara, we got the candy."


    Barbara quickly opened the door and took the candy. She told Sandra and the other maid, "You guys go rest. I''ll give the candy to Mr. Louis and then head back."


    "Okay, thanks," the two maids said and left.


    Barbara closed the door, walked to the bedside, unwrapped the candy, and brought it to Joe''s mouth. "Here, eat this," she said softly.


    "Barbara, it''s not necessary..." Joe started, but Barbara had already popped the candy in his mouth and gently brushed his lips with her fingertip, whispering, "Once you finish it, the bitterness will be gone. Sleep tight, goodnight." With that, she turned and left.


    Joe watched her leave, stunned for a while before snapping out of it. The candy almost choked him, so he quickly spat it out.


    He couldn''t shake off Barbara''s suggestive actions, leaving him all flustered.


    He lifted the nket and looked at himself, realizing he had an erection. He felt even more guilty and self-reproachful.


    He kept scolding himself, wondering how he could have such thoughts about another woman. The one he loved was Sadie; he should only have desires for her.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was soaking in the bathtub, eyes closed, enjoying a rare moment of peace.


    She had also been caught in the rain today and felt a bit chilled, but her physical training over the past two years had given her a strong constitution, so she wasn''t likely to catch a cold.


    However, to prevent illness, she had added some medicinal bath salts to the tub.


    Steam filled the bathroom, and the air was tinged with a faint medicinal scent.


    She was starting to feel drowsy when her phone suddenly rang, startling her awake. She frowned and reached for the phone.


    Seeing the caller ID, she hesitated for a moment but answered. "Hello?"


    The person on the other end didn''t speak, but she could hear faint breathing.


    "If you don''t speak, I''m hanging up," Sadie said, about to end the call.


    "Sadie!" A familiar, deep voice came through, slightly hoarse and weak.


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat, suddenly feeling uneasy. "What''s wrong with you?" she asked.


    "Remember, you are mine!" Micah''s voice crooned through the phone, though weak, carried an unmistakable tone of possessive deration. "Wait for me," he said, and then the call suddenly ended.

 Chapter 1188 Telepathy

    Sadie clutched her phone, feeling all kinds of uneasy. She kept wondering if something had gone down with Micah. She thought about calling him back but decided against it.


    Micah, with his big ol'' pride, wouldn''t admit he was struggling, even if things were falling apart. But hey, his recent call meant he was still kicking, at least for now.


    She figured she shouldn''t get involved. They couldn''t be together anyway.


    Sadie sighed, put down her phone, got out of the tub, wrapped herself in a robe, headed to the bedroom, dried her hair, and hit the sack.


    But for some reason, Micah''s face just wouldn''t leave her mind. She tried to chill and not think about him, but it was no use.


    It was early morning when Sadie finally dozed off, but she had a nightmare. She dreamt of Micah, covered in blood, showing up in front of her. She stared at him in horror and asked what had happened. He didn''t say a word, just stumbled toward her, leaving bloody footprints with every step.


    She wanted to go help him, but it felt like her feet were glued to the ground.


    Then, out of nowhere, Micah copsed, his body splitting open, blood pouring out.


    He knelt on one knee, one hand clutching his head in pain, the other reaching out to her.


    "Micah!" Sadie called out, trying to move her feet to get to him.


    After what felt like forever, her feet finally moved. She ran toward him, but then the ground cracked, separating them.


    The ground under him started to copse, and he fell into a bottomless pit.


    "No, Micah!" Sadie screamed, waking up from her nightmare.


    She opened her eyes wide, staring at the ceiling, her heart racing. She felt super uneasy, convinced something had happened to Micah.


    Instinctively, she grabbed her phone, ready to call, but before she could dial, she calmed down.


    She was now Joe''s fianc¨¦e and hadpletely cut ties with Micah. They had reached a peaceful agreement.


    Her impulsiveness couldn''t mess up this calm situation. Even if something had happened to him, it wasn''t her problem anymore.


    With a heavy sigh, she set her phone aside again,id back on the bed, and stared nkly at the ceiling.


    After what felt like ages of thinking, her eyes grew heavy, and she closed them, repeatedly telling herself, ''Let go, Sadie. You gotta let go.''


    This thought seemed to travel all the way to Newark.


    Micahy on the hospital bed, utterly drained after his treatment.


    He had dreamt that Sadie married Joe, and he wanted to crash the wedding, but every time he took a step, his body would split open, blood gushing out.


    He watched helplessly as Sadie and Joe exchanged rings and kissed.


    He roared in despair, and then the church copsed, the beams falling toward him.


    So the first thing he did upon waking was call Sadie.


    But at that time, he was in so much pain that he couldn''t speak, so he could only say a few simple words.


    Now, he closed his eyes, silently enduring the intense pain.


    "Mr. Clemens, today''s treatment is over. Please rest well and continue tomorrow," the doctor said cautiously to Micah.


    "Why is the treatment getting more painful? It''s been so long, and the symptoms haven''t eased at all," Andrew asked anxiously. "And he''s in so much pain. Can''t he take painkillers?" The doctor answered, "He can, but there will be some side effects..."


    "That''s enough, you can leave," Micah''s deep voice cut in.


    The doctor quickly left.


    Andrew looked at Micah with concern and asked cautiously, "Should I contact Hubert?"

 Chapter 1189 May Not Be Kind

    "Yo, don''t mess with them," Micah snapped.


    "But you..." Andrew started, but he knew better. Once Micah made up his mind, it was like talking to a brick wall.


    "I can feel it, getting better bit by bit," Micah muttered, his voice all raspy. "Maybe soon, it''ll be alright."


    "But the treatment''s brutal," Andrew pushed, worry all over his face. "It''s straight-up torture."


    "They told me Sadie went through the same thing," Micah said, guilt shing in his eyes. "Her condition was worse, and she took more pain. If she could handle it, why can''t I?"


    "But her treatment only kinda worked," Andrew reminded him, treading carefully. "Later, it was Virgil who really got her stable, and there were still side effects."


    "Enough," Micah cut him off, closing his eyes, exhausted. "Just go."


    "Alright," Andrew mumbled, bowing his head as he backed out.


    Micahy there, teetering on the edge, but with a fire in his gut. He was dead set on getting better. If he could push through this, he could fix everything.


    Andrew went to find Micah''s doctor to get the lowdown.


    The doc said, "Like I told you, our treatment can keep Mr. Clemens alive, but we can''t promise whates next."


    The doc paused and sighed, "Ms. James was the same. After our treatment, she still had weekly episodes, which were rough. Later, Mr. James brought in Virgil, who made a potion that eased her pain. But I heard that under Hubert''s care, Ms. James''s old issues have been getting better. I suggest you reach out to Virgil or Hubert."


    Andrew knew they needed to get in touch with them.


    But Hubert was in Country C treating Sadie and Mia, and no one had a clue where Virgil was.


    Rn had people searching everywhere, but no luck so far.


    Lost in thought, Andrew jumped when his phone buzzed. Rn was calling. Andrew picked up quick, "Hey, any news on Virgil?" "No, but..." Rn hesitated.


    "What happened? Spill it," Andrew pressed.


    "Ms. James and Joe are getting close," Rn reported. He filled Andrew in on what went down at the vineyard and sent a video.


    Rn sighed. "Check it out. They were hiding from the rain in a cabin, and when Duchess Louis barged in, they were both a mess. Our hidden camera caught it all."


    "How did it happen so fast?" Andrew was both pissed and worried. He muttered, "Micah can''t find out. If he sees this, he won''t hold on."


    "I agree," Rn sighed again. "I''ve been sneaking around the estate these past few days to keep an eye on Ms. James, Noah, and Mia. But I found three other kids around two years old with her." "What?" Andrew was baffled. "Whose kids are they?"


    Rn guessed, "They seem just as important as Noah and Mia, and they look sharp. I think they''re Tristan''s kids."


    Andrew murmured, "Tristan must be in deep trouble. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have left the kids with Ms. James and sent her to Country C."


    Rn added, "Yeah, news from Country E is locked down, and we can''t get any info on Tristan. But if something really happened to him, the Louis Family might not treat Ms. James as well as before." Andrew shook his head slightly, "Joe''s a good guy, but old Duke Louis and Duchess Louis..."

 Chapter 1190 It Was Also Done by Duchess Louis

    Rn shot back, "Yeah, Duchess Louis is pulling all the strings to get Joe and Ms. James together. Today''s drama? All her doing." Andrew sighed, "We gotta let Ms. James know."


    Rn rolled his eyes, "You think she''s clueless? Ms. James ain''t dumb."


    Andrew frowned, "True, things are messy right now. Maybe Ms. James has her reasons. We shouldn''t meddle too much. Just keep Noah and Mia safe." Rn nodded, "Got it. Keep an eye on Mr. Clemens, and don''t let him catch wind of this. If he asks, y it cool."


    Andrew nodded back, "Understood."


    After hanging up, Andrew was a bundle of nerves. All he could do was stick by Micah''s side, praying for a miracle, hoping he''d bounce back soon. Over in Grapetown Heights, the rain just wouldn''t quit, and the weather was getting chilly.


    Last night''s downpour hadn''t let up, leaving the yard dotted with puddles.


    Sadie was having a chill morning in the library with the kids.


    Noah was nose-deep in a book while Mia was spinning tales for three little girls.


    Sadie lounged on the sofa, book in hand, asionally ncing up at the kids with a warm smile.


    Just sitting there, cozy by the fire, sipping something warm, and reading a book felt like pure bliss.


    "Hey there." A familiar voice chimed in as Amanda walked in with her maid.


    The maid wheeled in two carts loaded with all sorts of yummy desserts and drinks.


    "Duchess Louis, what brings you here?" Sadie got up to greet her.


    "I knew you''d be here reading, so I brought some treats." Amanda always had that friendly, approachable smile. "Kids,e check these out!" The maids started setting the desserts on the table.


    Mia and the three little girls dashed over, thrilled by the fancy treats.


    Noah, ever the polite one, put down his book and greeted her.


    "Thanks, Duchess Louis," Sadie said, all courteous.


    "We''re family; no need for formalities," Amanda smiled. "Kids, I love reading too. Mind if I join?"


    "Sure!" They answered, all smiles.


    The kids didn''t care who joined them, especially since Amanda always made them happy. They had no reason to be wary of her.


    "Sadie, let me hang with the kids. You should check on Joe," Amanda said, holding Sadie''s hand with concern. "His cold''s gotten worse, and he''s got a fever. I just saw him; he was half-asleep, calling your name." "I saw him this morning, and he seemed better. How''d it get worse?" Sadie was puzzled.


    "Yeah, and now he''s burning up," Amanda said, looking worried.


    "I''ll go check on him." Sadie turned to the kids, "Be good, stay here and read, don''t run around, okay?"


    "Okay," Mia and the three little girls chimed in.


    "Noah..." Sadie started, but Noah cut in, "Mom, I''ll head to my room for my online ss once I finish this book."


    "Good boy." Sadie patted his head and signaled to Annika, "Keep an eye on the kids."


    Annika was more cautious and thorough than Arya, so Sadie trusted her to watch over the children.


    "Got it," Annika nodded.


    Sadie left with Arya and two female bodyguards, leaving the others behind.


    Sadie reached Joe''s room, knocked, and walked in just as Barbara was trying to get Joe to take some medicine.


    Barbara coaxed, "Joe, you''ve got a fever. You need to take your meds. Come on, be a good boy."


    "I can do it myself." Joe grumbled, pushing Barbara''s hand away just as Sadie walked in.


    Seeing Sadie, Joe got even more flustered, and in his panic, he identally shoved Barbara to the ground. Her forehead smacked against the table with a dull thud.

 Chapter 1191 The Door is Locked

    "Whoa!" Joe saw Barbara smack her head, froze up for a sec, then reached out to help her. "Sorry, Barbara, didn''t mean to," he mumbled.


    "Barbara, you''re such a saint," Arya snarked. "Mr. Louis is a grown man, and you''re still feeding him meds?"


    Arya''s always been the type to say whatever pops into her head.


    "Joe''s burning up and super weak, so I had to help him with his meds," Barbara said, brushing off the bump on her forehead. "Ms. James, don''t get the wrong idea." "No biggie, we''re all family," Sadie said with a slight smile. "Is your forehead okay?"


    "It''s fine," Barbara said, covering her forehead. "Since Ms. James is here, I''ll head out."


    She bowed and left, head down. Arya and the other maids cleaned up and then bounced too.


    Now it was just Joe and Sadie in the room.


    Joe quickly said, "Sadie, about earlier..."


    "Are you running a fever?" Sadie cut him off, touching his forehead. Yep, he was burning up. "What''s going on? Didn''t you take your meds?"


    "I did," Joe nodded. "I took the stuff Percy broughtst night and this morning, but I still felt crappy, so Barbara brought more meds just now."


    "You can''t mix meds like that," Sadie frowned, eyeing the pills on the coffee table. "Change your clothes, I''ll take you to see Hubert."


    "Hubert was here like half an hour ago," Joe said, looking troubled. "My mom was here too, and they talked it over. Later, my mom said my body was more suited to Barbara''s meds, so..." "Alright," Sadie sighed but got it.


    "Do you think Hubert''s mad?" Joe asked nervously. "I wanted to apologize and exin, but he said he had to prep the meds and left in a hurry."


    "It''s cool. He won''t get mad over something so small," Sadie smiled. "Since Duchess Louis already got the meds for you, just take ''em on time and rest up."


    With that, she started to leave.


    "Sadie," Joe called out, grabbing her hand. "Can''t you stay with me for a bit?"


    Sadie was about to say no, but seeing Joe''s pale, pitiful face, she sighed and gave in. "Alright, I''ll stay for a bit."


    "Awesome," Joe said, sounding relieved.


    "Lie down," Sadie instructed. She helped him onto the couch, covered him with a nket, and poured him a ss of water. "You''ve taken your meds. Drink some water and rest." "Okay," Joe said, leaning tiredly against the pillow, still sniffling.


    "Your health is really..." Sadie frowned, looking at his weak state. "You need to work out more."


    "I do work out. I hardly ever get sick. No clue what happened this time," Joe exined. "Sadie, can you sit closer to me?"


    "Just rest," Sadie replied firmly but gently. She picked up a book and leaned on the couch to read.


    Joe was a bit bummed but happy to have her there.


    Before he knew it, Joe was out cold. Sadie put down her book, tucked him in, and got up to leave. But the door wouldn''t budge. She tried the doorknob a few more times, but nope, still stuck.


    Locked from the outside.


    Sadie was pretty annoyed but didn''t make a scene. She went back to the couch and kept reading.


    After a while, Arya''s voice came from outside, "Ms. James, you still in there?"


    "Yeah," Sadie replied. "Open the door."


    Arya muttered, "Weird, why''s the door locked?"

 Chapter 1192 Beginning the Counterattack

    Arya went to open the door and found it locked. Just as she was about to blow a fuse, Annika showed up just in time to chill her out and asked, all puzzled, "How the heck is this door locked from the outside?" "Right? I just stepped away for a sec, and when I came back, the door was jammed." Arya, who was always straight-up, dered, "Someone''s definitely messing with us."


    "Maybe you identally locked it when you went out," the maid next to Amanda chimed in.


    "What are you saying? That we locked ourselves out?" Arya snapped back, fuming.


    "You were the ones outside, so who else could''ve done it?" the maid shot back, all smug.


    "You..." Arya was about to p back when Annika stopped her. Annika turned to the maid. "Could you please open the door?"


    "You''re much more polite." The maid gave Arya a cold look, opened the door, and then respectfully greeted Sadie, "Ms. James, thanks for your hard work!" "Joe''s asleep, don''t wake him." Sadie instructed and then bounced.


    Just then, Amanda came out of the library with the kids and called out to Sadie from downstairs, "Sadie, join us for lunch?"


    "Sure, I''ll just change and be right down." Sadie responded with a smile, cool as a cucumber.


    Behind her, the two maids watched and finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Back in the room, Arya couldn''t help but rant, "It was definitely those maids around Duchess Louis who locked the door. How dare they me us? It''s ridiculous." "Your temper, when will you ever chill?" Annika said with a frown.


    "Don''t you believe me?" Arya felt super wronged.


    "It''s not about belief, you need to stay calm when stuff happens. Does flipping out ever help?" Annika exined patiently.


    "We should tell Duchess Louis and get those maids punished," Arya said, all fired up.


    Annika sighed, her tone sharp. "Do you think they''d dare to do this without someone telling them to?"


    Arya was taken aback, momentarily stunned. "You mean Duchess Louis told them to do this?" she asked, shocked.


    "Obviously," Annika replied, rolling her eyes.


    Arya turned to look at Sadie, who was calmly fixing her hair. Arya couldn''t help but ask, "Ms. James, why would Duchess Louis do this?"


    "She wants to create chances for Ms. James to be alone with Mr. Louis," Annika exined, "This isn''t the first time."


    "How shady," Arya said angrily, "Can they really set this up? What does she take Ms. James for?"


    Annika didn''t say anything; she just looked at Sadie with concern.


    Honestly, she also felt that Sadie didn''t need to put up with this. The James family, even without the Louis family''s protection, could still take care of these kids just fine. "Just over twenty days left, stay calm," Sadie said as she walked to the dressing room to change clothes, "Bring me those beige ts."


    "Got it," Annika brought the shoes to her.


    Arya didn''t get Sadie''s n. Even though she was pissed, she could only go along with it.


    Soon, Sadie changed her clothes and went downstairs for lunch with Annika and Arya.


    Amanda had set up a fancy lunch and personally took care of seating the kids.


    Barbara also helped Joe downstairs for lunch.


    Joe, having napped for a bit, was feeling better but still wore a mask to avoid spreading his cold to the kids.


    The whole family had a lively meal, and the vibe was super chill.


    The kids ate fast and soon finished, moring to y with Legos.


    Sadie told Arya to take them while the three adults kept eating.


    "Sadie, I''ll handle the kids. After lunch, you can hang with Joe," Amanda said kindly.


    "I get your motherly concern, but," Sadie said casually while cutting her steak, "Joe''s not a kid anymore; he doesn''t need me to babysit him all the time!"

 Chapter 1193 Every Sentence is a Warning

    Amanda froze mid-slice, her face going tight, but she quickly pulled it together and shed a smile. "You two are about to tie the knot. You should be getting closer." "Yeah," Sadie grinned, "Joe and I have been tight for years. We''ve always been close."


    "Exactly," Joe chimed in, "Mom, we..."


    Amanda cut him off, her voice low and ticked off, "I mean close like a couple, not just buddies. You get that, right?"


    Even though it seemed like Amanda was chewing out Joe, her words were really aimed at Sadie.


    Joe was floored by Amanda''s outburst, totally clueless about why she was suddenly on his case.


    "Feelings can''t be forced," Sadie said calmly, "If you try to push them, it''ll backfire."


    Sadie put some serious weight on the word ''force.''


    Amanda got the hint right away. She thought she was being slick, but Sadie had seen through her all along and just hadn''t called her out.


    "Duchess Louis," Sadie raised her ss to Amanda, a smooth smile on her face.


    Amanda quickly adjusted her expression, raising her ss back. She said, "Sadie, as a mom, I just want the best for you both. Your marriage isn''t just about you two. It''s about both families." Amanda''s words were a subtle nudge, reminding Sadie of the responsibilities she carried.


    "Duchess Louis is right," Sadie acknowledged, downing her drink and then smiling again. "Tristan is all for this marriage because he thinks Joe is straightforward, honest, and reliable." "Of course," Amanda replied, her smile growing with satisfaction.


    "To look out for us, he even sent his top assistant here," Sadie continued smoothly, "You might not know, but Jesse is one of Tristan''s people."


    Amanda''s face fell, her eyes widening in shock. If Jesse was Tristan''s, then Tristan knew everything going on here.


    "Tristan''s been swampedtely. I didn''t want to bother him. I still need to apologize to him in a few days," Sadie added, her tone dripping with guilt. "I promised him I''d take good care of the three kids, but within a few days, I lost Mary. If he finds out, he might be pissed."


    "The fault lies partly with me, too," Amanda stammered, clearly rattled. Sadie''s words made it clear that not only had she noticed everything Amanda did behind the scenes, but Tristan would also know.


    "It was my people who messed up. It''s not on you," Sadie quickly said, "Besides, it was an ident. Luckily, Mary was fine. As long as it doesn''t happen again, it''s cool."


    "It won''t. I''ve beefed up security and installed cameras. It won''t happen again," Joe quickly exined.


    "Joe''s right," Amanda added, "I''ve also told my maids to be extra careful when ying with the kids to keep them safe."


    "Thanks for all your hard work," Sadie smiled.


    "I''m done eating. I''m off to my treatment now," Sadie put down her utensils and said to Joe, "Joe, remember to take your meds and get some rest." "Okay," Joe nodded.


    Sadie bowed to Amanda and then got up to leave.


    Amanda watched her intently, her eyes filled with mixed emotions.


    "Mom, I''m heading back to my room too," Joe said before taking off as well.


    Amanda finally lost it, mming her wine ss on the table and storming off.


    Back in the room, Barbara whispered, "Ms. James is really something. She looks so young, but she''s so sharp. Every word she said was a warning to us."

 Chapter 1194 Dont Do Anything Yet

    "It seems I really underestimated her," Amanda muttered, her anger bubbling up. She''d never been disrespected like this, especially by someone younger. "So, what now?" Barbara asked, a bit hesitant.


    Amanda took a slow sip of her coffee, her face shifting. "You make it sound like I''m at war with Sadie."


    Barbara was caught off guard, not sure how to respond.


    "Yeah, we messed up when Mary got lost. If Tristan finds out, I''m toast," Amanda said seriously. "So, for now, everyone needs to chill and not screw up." "Got it," the maids nodded, heads down.


    "Be nice to the James family, especially the kids and Hubert. Show some respect," Amanda warned. "And don''t mess with Annika and Arya. Got it?" "Understood, Duchess Louis," the maids replied.


    "Justy low for now," Amanda reminded Barbara. "Take good care of Joe."


    "Yes," Barbara agreed.


    Meanwhile, after lunch, Sadie and Arya headed to the garden to check on Coco. The poor thing got drenched yesterday and wasn''t feeling great. "Man, that was satisfying," Arya whispered when they were alone. "Duchess Louis was speechless. Her face was priceless."


    "What are you talking about?" Sadie frowned. "I wasn''t confronting her, just discussing things."


    "Yeah, yeah," Arya nodded, grinning. "You''re the most reasonable."


    Sadie gave her a look and casually asked, "Heard from Rodolfotely?"


    "Huh?" Arya''s face fell. "Since he went back to Country E, he''s only called twice. Aftering to Grapetown Heights, he ghosted me."


    Arya got mad again. "That jerk, if he doesn''t want to talk, fine. I can find someone else."


    "He ghosted you?" Sadie asked, confused. "What''s up with that?"


    "I don''t know," Arya said, her voice sad. "Maybe Mr. Clemens told him not to, or he found someone else."


    "Rodolfo''s not like that," Sadie frowned, starting to think something might''ve happened to Micah.


    To keep her in the dark, he probably told Rodolfo to cut ties with Arya.


    "Then why''s he ignoring me? He even changed his number," Arya said, more upset. "I thought about asking Mr. James to see him, but he bailed first."


    "Stop overthinking," Sadieforted her, patting her shoulder before heading to Coco.


    The attendants were giving Coco some meds. The bird, which had been lying around, perked up when it saw Sadie.


    Sadie let Cocond on her hand, feeling a pang of sadness at its worn look. She gently stroked its feathers, saying, "Rest up and get better soon."


    "Coo, coo," Coco cooed softly, pointing its head toward the woods.


    "What''s over there?" Sadie looked at the woods and ordered, "Go check it out."


    "Yes," Arya sent some people to investigate. Over half an hourter, she came back with a rabbit and reported, "Ms. James, we didn''t find anything, just this." Sadie said quietly, "As long as there''s nothing wrong. Be careful these days."


    Arya nodded. "Got it."

 Chapter 1195 Time is Running Out

    Since that day, the manor''s been pretty chill.


    Amanda''s been looking after Joe herself and stopped bugging Sadie to hang out with him.


    But Amanda still finds time to y with the kids, teaching them to paint and whipping up cute desserts.


    All the kids except Noah seem to dig her.


    Sadie knew her warning worked, but she still felt uneasy and told Annika and Arya to keep a close eye on the kids.


    Jesse kept the manor safe. A few times, some folks tried to sneak in, but he chased them off. He always felt like he had some secret backup. He figured Joe had set it up, so he didn''t make a big deal out of it.


    Time dragged on in these busy but uneventful days, and before they knew it, there were only three days left until Sadie and Micah''s agreed date. Sadie watched the days tick by, feeling more and more bummed out because there was no word from Newark.


    Since that call, Micah hadn''t reached out to her or Noah.


    Meanwhile, Nathan called twice because he missed Sadie, but he didn''t mention Micah.


    Nathan saw Noah and Mia on the video call and started bawling.


    Noah quickly asked, "Nathan, what''s up? Why are you crying?"


    "I... I miss you guys," Nathan said, wiping his tears and choking up. "You guys are with Mom, and I''m all alone at home. It''s so lonely."


    "Where''s Daddy? Isn''t he with you?" Mia asked, worried. She felt bad for him and tried to wipe his tears through the screen, but obviously, she couldn''t.


    "Dad''s super busy and hasn''t been hometely," Nathan whispered, looking down sadly. He wasn''t good at lying and didn''t want to deceive them, but he had no choice.


    Sadie saw that Nathan wasn''t as cheerful as before and had be sad, which broke her heart.


    "Nathan, don''t cry. In a few days, Daddy will bring you to pick me up, and then we can see each other," Mia tried tofort him, her heart aching. Then sheined angrily, "I''ve been calling Daddy, but I can''t get through. What''s he doing? Why isn''t he taking care of us?"


    "Mia, Dad must have his stuff to do. We need to understand him," Noah said sternly, not happy with Mia''s criticism of Micah. "Last time Dad called us, he didn''t sound right. Maybe he''s sick."


    "Okay," Mia pouted, not daring to say more.


    "Yeah, Dad''s sick. Don''t me him," Nathan eximed.


    "What kind of sickness does Dad have?" Noah immediately asked.


    "I... I..." Nathan stammered, looking around nervously.


    "Nathan, tell me quickly," Noah urged. "What''s wrong with Dad?"


    "I gotta go to school now," Nathan said hurriedly and hung up.


    Noah got even more anxious. "What''s Nathan up to?"


    "Noah, what were you talking about? Is Daddy really sick?" Mia asked, worried.


    "Alright, alright, it''s nothing," Sadie didn''t want the kids to worry and quickly changed the subject. "Your dad told me he got a little hurt while on a business trip, but it''s not serious." "Really?" Noah asked, not convinced.


    "Of course it''s true," Sadie responded with a smile. "It happened a while ago, and his injury should be almost healed by now. Don''t worry."


    "Mom, when Dad called you, why didn''t you call us?" Noah looked at Sadie, confused.


    "It was superte, and you were all asleep," Sadie exined. "Next time he calls me, I''ll definitely call you. I think he''ll contact me in the next few days."

 Chapter 1196 Missed Me?

    Sadie tried to keep the kids calm and dialed Micah again, but his phone was still off. She nced at the calendar on the wall; only three days left until their agreed time. The worry gnawed at her as she dialed his number again, only to be met with silence. Frustration mingled with her rising anxiety. What on earth was going on?


    Sighing, she hesitated momentarily before dialing Andrew''s number. It rang until the voicemail picked up, leaving her no choice but to try Rn next. The call went straight to voicemail. Sadie''s heart sank further. She couldn''t reach either of Micah''s reliable assistants. What were they up to?


    Her mind raced as she dialed Dahlia, herst hope. If she couldn''t reach Dahlia, she would have to send someone to investigate Micah''s situation.


    The phone rang for a long time, and Sadie was about to hang up when suddenly, the call connected, and a familiar voice came through. "Ms. Roth!" Dahlia still liked to address Sadie this way, out of habit.


    "Dahlia, has something happened to Micah?" Sadie asked directly.


    "No," Dahlia replied with augh. "What could happen to Mr. Clemens?"


    "Why can''t I reach him?" Sadie demanded, the confusion and fear evident in her tone. "His phone''s dead, and no one''s picking up."


    "Hold on a moment," Dahlia said. Then he handed the phone to someone else.


    Just as Sadie was feeling confused, a familiar voice came through. "Did you miss me?"


    Her breath caught in her throat. "Micah? You''re there?"


    "I''m not dead yet," Micah chuckled softly. "It''s great to be alive and see you!"


    Sadie''s heart clenched. For some reason, this sentence carried an indescribable feeling, as if he had just survived a near-death experience and crawled back from the edge of hell. So, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation for life!


    "What do you mean?" Sadie asked, bewildered.


    "In three days, I''ll be right in front of you!" He promised.


    Before she could respond, the line went dead. Sadie stood there, still in a daze, unable to react for a long time. She felt that a lot must have happened to Micah during this time. But no matter what, it was good that he was still alive. Since he said he would be there in three days, there should be no problem.


    Sadie took a deep breath, collected her thoughts, and then went to tell Noah and Mia, "Noah, Mia, I just talked to your dad on the phone. He''lle to see us in three days." "Really?" Noah and Mia immediately gathered around. Noah reached out his hand as he spoke, "Mom, give me the phone. I want to talk to Dad."


    "He already hung up," Sadie exined, showing the call log. "Look, this is Dahlia''s number. Daddy used her phone to call just now." "Why didn''t he use his phone?" Noah asked skeptically.


    "Maybe his phone is broken, or..." As Sadie was exining, Noah''s phone rang. It was a video call from Nathan. He answered immediately, "Nathan!"


    "Noah, Mia, Mom, Dad ising home tonight! I''m so happy!" Nathan eximed. He was so excited on the other end of the video call that he was jumping up and down. "Dad said he''ll take me to Country C to see you in a couple of days." "Really? That''s great." Noah said excitedly. A smile finally appeared on his face. Now, he believed that Micah was reallying back.


    "That''s great, that''s great," Mia cheered, jumping up and down. "Nathan, bring Little Coco too. We miss him so much."


    "Yes, yes, that''s what I was nning," Nathan nodded repeatedly.


    Behind Nathan, Little Coco pped its wings and excitedly squealed, "Mia, Mia, Noah, Nathan, Mommy!"


    "Coco!" Behind Mia, Coco also called out, as if to say, "Don''t forget about me."

 Chapter 1197 Ex-Husband

    Thinking about getting back with the fam soon, the kids were all super stoked. Sadie couldn''t help but grin. She didn''t wanna admit it, but deep down, she was really looking forward to that day. Maybe she really missed Nathan!


    Barbara walked by with some desserts and caught a glimpse of this scene, a mix of emotions shing in her eyes.


    Later, Barbara headed to Amanda''s room and subtly spilled the tea on what she just saw.


    One of the close maids, hearing this, got all riled up, "I thought Ms. James and her ex were totally done. Now it looks like there''s still something there."


    "Unbelievable! She''s about to marry Mr. Louis. How can she still be hung up on her ex?" another maid fumed.


    "Yeah, she''s being so unfair. What''s she think Mr. Louis is, a backup n?" another maid chimed in, just as mad.


    "Duchess Louis, should we talk to Ms. James?" Barbara suggested softly. "If that ex wants to see the kids, we can just send the kids over. Ms. James doesn''t have to go, right?"


    "Sadie is stubborn. She won''t let anyone mess with her decisions. And her ex isn''t someone we can mess with either." Amanda frowned, "Don''t even think about stopping them from meeting. If he shows up, we gotta treat him with the utmost respect!"


    "Well," Barbara said, worried, "I noticed Joe''s been in a bad moodtely. He probably knows they''re gonna meet and is stressing out."


    "Yeah, when I brought coffee to Mr. Louis earlier, he was just sitting there, staring into space," another maid added.


    "Joe is just too honest," Amanda sighed. "If I don''t help him, he wouldn''t even know if Sadie was cheating on him."


    After a pause, she added, "Micah is not easy to deal with. I need to make a move before he gets here."


    The maids didn''t get what she meant by making a move.


    But Barbara caught on quick. She asked tentatively, "You mean..."


    "Yesterday, I was talking to the kids about inviting a magic troupe to perform at the estate," Amanda cut her off with a smile. "Go set it up and have the magic troupee tomorrow afternoon!"


    "Got it," Barbara immediately went to make the arrangements. As she was leaving, she bumped into Joe, who wasing to see Amanda. She quickly greeted him, "Joe!"


    "Mm," Joe mumbled, keeping his head down as he walked into Amanda''s room.


    Ever since Barbara had thrown herself at him when he had a cold, Joe had been avoiding her, scared of being alone with her. Barbara watched Joe''s avoidance with a bit of sadness but quickly looked away and got back to her tasks.


    Joe knocked on Amanda''s door and walked in, saying straight up, "Mom, I wanna take Sadie to the beach for a couple of days."


    "Why the sudden beach trip?" Amanda eyed Joe and noticed his gloomy vibe. She asked, "Is it ''cause Micah''sing to pick up the kids, and you''re worried Sadie will get back with him?" Hearing this blunt question, Joe felt a bit embarrassed but quickly exined, "No, Sadie isn''t like that."


    "In the world of emotions, nothing is certain," Amanda said coldly. "Besides, Micah does have an edge over you."


    "Mom, please stop." Joe interrupted. The more he listened, the more uneasy he felt. His rtionship with Sadie had been stuck in neutral for the past month at the estate, and now with Micahing, he felt even more anxious. Today, he had tentatively brought up the wedding with Sadie, but she showed no interest, quickly changing the subject and then going to be with the kids.


    He was worried that, at this rate, the wedding might not happen as nned.


    That''s why he thought of taking Sadie to the beach for a couple of days. Maybe some alone time would help their rtionship.

 Chapter 1198 Amandas Plan

    "How long you been knowin'' Sadie?" Amanda shot back.


    "Over two years," Joe mumbled, feeling all kinds of down. "Mom, can you watch the kids for a couple days? I wanna take Sadie to the beach, just us." "Don''t you get it?" Amanda frowned, letting out a sigh. "You''ve been glued to her for two years. If she felt the same, you wouldn''t be stressin'' like this." "Sadie does care about me, it''s just..." Joe tried to exin, but the words got stuck.


    Maybe Sadie did care, but it was just as friends, nothin'' more. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be keepin'' her distance.


    Joe sighed deeply, hangin'' his head in frustration. "I don''t know what to do. I''ve tried everything. I feel so useless."


    "Joe, you''re just too straight-up," Amanda said, lookin'' at him with pity. "Think about it: how did Sadie and Micah get close? Micah''s cold, got a bad temper, and is super arrogant. He''s even an enemy of the James family. So why''s Sadie still thinkin'' about him?"


    "I don''t get it either." Joe frowned, thinkin'' back. "I heard they got together by chance. Sadie got pregnant, had a kid, and didn''t even know who Micah was. Then they bumped into each other again..." "Exactly." Amanda jumped on the point. "They didn''t know each other at first. It was just a fluke they got together. She got pregnant, had a kid, and in her mind, she decided she belonged to Micah." Amanda kept goin''. "A lot of women think like that. Once a guy''s got them, they unconsciously decide he''s theirs. It''s about possession. Only when you possess Sadie will she fall for you. Get it?" "That''s nonsense!" Joe shot back, not buyin'' it. "Ain''t it supposed to be that two people fall in love and then naturally get close? How can I just try to possess her to make her love me? That''s so disrespectful." Amanda was speechless. She sighed. "Forget it, you still don''t get it. I can''t teach you."


    "Mom, stop teachin'' me the wrong stuff. That kinda thinkin'' is just wrong." Joe was firm in his beliefs.


    Joe said hopefully, "Just help me with the kids. Sadie loves the ocean, so I''ll take her there. I''ll find a way to win her heart. I believe if I show her my true feelings, she''ll be moved."


    "Fine, if you can get Sadie to go to the beach with you, I''ll handle the kids," Amanda replied, not wantin'' to argue anymore. "I just hired a magic troupe toe to the estate tomorrow for the kids." "That''s awesome." Joe was stoked. "I''ll go talk to Sadie about the beach right now."


    "Go ahead, I''ll find the kids and tell ''em the good news. They''ll be thrilled." Amanda said as she put down her coffee cup and got up.


    "Thanks, Mom." Joe hugged Amanda and dashed out to find Sadie.


    Amanda watched Joe''s eager back and shook her head helplessly.


    "Duchess Louis, didn''t you have something to do? Why''d you agree to Mr. Louis''s request?" the maid asked softly.


    "Sadie won''t go with him. Her mind''s on Micah right now. She''ll definitely stay at the estate with the kids, waitin'' for Micah to show up." Amanda replied, her voice certain. "Our n will go on as scheduled." "I understand," the maid answered.

 Chapter 1199 Temptation

    So, Joe went to find Sadie and told her he wanted to take her to see the ocean. But Sadie shot him down right away, saying Micah would be picking up the kids in a couple of days. She wanted to hang out with Mia and wasn''t going anywhere. Usually, Joe would just drop it when he got rejected, but this time he kept trying to convince her. He said they could bring Mia along and that he had a surprise nned.


    But no matter what he said, Sadie was firm about staying put.


    Joe felt pretty bummed and left feeling down. As he walked out, he heard the kids cheering from downstairs.


    "Awesome, we get to see a magic show!" Mary shouted.


    "Is it a really good magician?" Emma asked, all curious.


    "Can they teach me magic tricks?" Donna chimed in.


    The three kids were all over Amanda, asking questions and getting hyped for the magic show tomorrow.


    "Of course, it''s a great magician. You''ll love it. And if you want to learn some tricks, I''ll make sure they teach you," Amanda said, all sweet and kind. She had a way with the kids that made them super happy.


    The kids cheered, "Yay, awesome!"


    Joe looked at the happy kids, feeling a bit jealous. He was about to head back to his room when he saw Noah and Miaing to find Sadie.


    Mia was holding a bunch of pretty dresses, chatting with Noah, "Noah, which dress do you think looks good? When Daddy and Nathane, I want to look really nice."


    "They all look good," Noah said, smiling. "They''re different styles, so just pick the one you like."


    "Hmph, you don''t get it. I''ll go ask Mommy." Mia, holding the dresses, ran to find Sadie. As she passed Joe, she greeted him, "Hi, Joe!"


    "Hey, Mia." Joe smiled back and nodded at Noah, "Noah!"


    Noah nodded back and followed Mia into Sadie''s room.


    Mia said excitedly, "Mommy! Help me pick which dress looks best. When Daddy and Nathane, I want to wear the prettiest one." Sadie said softly, "They all look good."


    Noah added, "See, I told you so."


    Their happy voices made Joe feel even more conflicted.


    He was feeling a serious sense of crisis, always thinking that once Micah showed up, his rtionship with Sadie would be toast.


    The wedding in nine days might not even happen.


    Joe went back to his room, feeling down, and started drinking.


    "Joe." At that moment, Barbara knocked and came in, holding a tray with some supplements. She said softly, "You just got over a cold; you need to take care of yourself. Duchess Louis asked me to bring this for you." "Thanks." Joe said, a bit tipsy, holding his forehead.


    "Joe, what''s wrong?" Barbara asked, concerned, "Why are you drinking so much? Feeling down?"


    "I''m fine. You can go now." Joe said, continuing to drink.


    "Stop drinking." Barbara tried to take his ss, but he wouldn''t let go. She lost her bnce and fell into his arms.


    Joe quickly pushed her away and said seriously, "Barbara, I''m about to get married. Don''t do this."


    "Married? We''ll see if that happens." Barbara muttered.


    "What did you say?" Joe asked, annoyed.


    "I just passed by Ms. James''s room and heard her on the phone. She was talking all sweet and even called someone ''honey."" Barbara lied, stirring the pot, "I think she hasn''t forgotten Micah at all. When Micahes, they''ll get back together." "That''s impossible." Joe muttered. He panicked. Even though he knew Sadie wasn''t like that, thinking about her past with Micah made him anxious.


    "It''s true. I heard it myself." Barbara continued urgently, "I also heard Ms. James telling the kids that you two are just good friends, that she won''t marry you, and that she''s waiting for Micah toe so the family can be together again."

 Chapter 1200 Assure Him

    "Shut up, just zip it," Joe snapped, chucking his ss across the room.


    Barbara flinched and quickly got down to clean up, making sure to stick her hips out toward Joe, moving in a way that was hard to ignore. Joe was caught off guard for a second but then shook it off, rubbing his forehead and grumbling, "Get out!"


    "Joe..." Barbara started, her voice all sweet and sugary.


    "I said get out!" Joe cut her off, ice-cold.


    Joe was fuming; it was the first time he''d ever blown up at Barbara.


    Barbara, scared out of her wits, grabbed the tray and bolted.


    Just then, Amanda wasing up the stairs and saw Barbara rushing out of Joe''s room, looking all flustered. She asked, "What happened?"


    "Joe''s drinking," Barbara said, eyes red and teary. "I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn''t listen and got all mad."


    "Why''s he drinking when nothing''s even happened?" Amanda was ticked off.


    Barbara nced around nervously and whispered, "He probably heard some bad news that got to him."


    "What news?" Amanda asked right away.


    Barbara leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Joe heard Ms. James call Micah ''honey'' on the phone. She also told the kids that she and Joe are just friends and won''t get married, so Joe..."


    "That''s insane!" Amanda fumed. She was livid. She knew Sadie didn''t have feelings for Joe, but she didn''t think Sadie would treat him like dirt, totally ignoring his feelings. Was she getting cocky because Micah wasing? "Duchess Louis, please go talk to Joe," Barbara said, worried. "But don''t bring up that stuff again; he''s really hurt."


    Amanda stormed over and pushed open Joe''s door, seeing him drinking alone on the couch. She was furious, yelling, "What the hell are you doing?" "Mom, why are you here?" Joe mumbled, looking miserable.


    "Does drinking help?" Amanda snatched the ss from him and snapped, "Your father and I are so proud. How did we end up with such a useless son?" "What did I do?" Joe was confused. "I''m just having a drink."


    "Micah ising. You need to get your act together and show some backbone."


    Amanda scolded, "Your engagement to Sadie is out there. She''s your fianc¨¦e now. You have the right to tell her what you want. If you don''t want her to see Micah, just say it. What good does it do to drink alone here?" "I don''t want to force her," Joe said bitterly. "Besides, I can''t stop her. Even if I could stop Sadie, I can''t stop Micah."


    "You..." Amanda was at a loss for words. Joe was drunk, but he still made sense.


    "Don''t worry, this marriage will happen," Amanda reassured him. "I promise you, you and Sadie will have a sessful wedding!"


    "Really?" Joe perked up but then quickly calmed down, muttering, "How can you guarantee that?"


    "If I say it will, it will," Amanda said firmly. "But you have to listen and stop drinking. Get a good night''s sleep, and tomorrow, be in good spirits and happily watch the magic show with the kids."


    Joe thought Amanda wanted him to spend time with the kids to win Sadie''s favor, so he didn''t think much of it and nodded, "Okay, I get it."


    "Help Joe with his bath," Amanda instructed.


    "Yes," a maid answered respectfully.


    Amandaforted Joe and left the room with a sigh. She had her doubts before, but seeing Joe like this, she was more determined than ever. She had to make this marriage happen.

 Chapter 1201 Ready

    The weather was awesome.


    In the morning, the kids jumped outta bed and went straight to Amanda, asking if the magic troupe had shown up yet.


    Amanda grinned and said they were on their way.


    The kids were stoked and couldn''t stop talking about the magic troupe to Sadie over breakfast.


    Sadie casually asked about the magic troupe. Amanda gave a quick rundown.


    Sadie was floored. Mia had mentioned yesterday that a magic troupe wasing to the estate today to put on a show, but she hadn''t expected such a big production. This meant a whole bunch of staff would be bringing in all sorts of gear, setting up a stage, and getting ready for the evening''s magic show.


    Sadie couldn''t ignore the potential risks. With so many outsiders around, it was a perfect chance for assassins from Country E to sneak in unnoticed.


    Sadie immediately and tactfully brought this up with Amanda, suggesting they either cancel the show or keep it small with just a few performers.


    Amanda wasn''t having it. "I promised the kids a full-blown show, Sadie. I can''t let them down now, and the troupe is almost here," she said. Before Sadie could argue more, a maid rushed in to say the magic troupe''s convoy had arrived at the estate''s gate.


    Amanda quickly ordered them to let the convoy in and told her staff to wee them.


    Seeing Amanda''s firm stance, Sadie knew it was pointless to argue further. She reminded the kids not to go to thewn before the show officially started, as it would be dangerous while the stage was being set up. The kids nodded obediently.


    Amanda was a bit annoyed. She said, "Sadie, you''re being too cautious. Our people are everywhere here; the kids won''t get into trouble. Besides, I''ve hired this magic troupe many times; they''re all familiar faces. What exactly are you worried about?"


    "Duchess Louis, you''re overthinking it," Sadie quickly exined. "It''s not that I''m worried, but Tristan wille to pick up the kids in a few days. I have to be careful. If anything goes wrong, I won''t be able to exin it to him." Mentioning Tristan hit a nerve, and Amanda reluctantly agreed. "You''re right. Better safe than sorry."


    Then, Amanda loudly instructed the bodyguards and attendants. "Everyone, listen up. Outsiders areing into the estate today. Stay alert and make sure the kids are safe. If anything goes wrong, you''ll pay the price!"


    "Yes!" everyone responded, heads down.


    "Duchess Louis, thanks for your hard work," Sadie said, putting down her utensils and elegantly wiping her mouth with a napkin. "I''m done eating and would like to take a walk in the garden." "Go ahead," Amanda nodded.


    "Sadie, I''ll join you," Joe quickly stood up.


    "No need, I need to call Tristan," Sadie politely declined.


    Joe sat down, feeling bummed. He had a feeling Sadie had been growing colder toward himtely.


    Amanda frowned at him but had no appetite to keep eating.


    "Kids, wanna go y with Legos?" Arya said as she took the kids to the yroom, and Noah went back to his room for online sses.


    The dining room was left with just Amanda and Joe, along with their attendants.


    Amanda tried tofort him, "Joe, pull yourself together. The more you act like this, the less Sadie will like you."


    "Got it," Joe nodded, trying to pep himself up. "I''ll go hang with the kids."


    "Go ahead." Amanda nodded.


    Watching Joe, Amanda couldn''t help but sigh. From childhood to now, Joe had never achieved much, but he had never been as down as he was now.


    If this situation couldn''t be handled well, he might lose his confidence forever.


    "Duchess Louis," Barbara hurried over at this moment and whispered in Amanda''s ear, "Everything is ready."


    "Be careful. The James family has eyes everywhere here," Amanda warned her in a low voice.


    Barbara nodded. "Yes."

 Chapter 1202 Full Defense

    Sadie hit up Tristan ''cause the clock was ticking, and she needed to know what was up with him.


    For over a month, Tristan had ghosted her, and there was radio silence from Country E, leaving her totally in the dark.


    She was super worried but didn''t wanna pry too much. But with the day creeping up, she had to check in.


    The call went straight to voicemail, and Sadie thought about sending someone to snoop around. But then she remembered Terry''s parting words: don''t investigate, don''t stress, rest up, and protect the kid. Thinking about that, Sadie had to let it go and stared at the distant woods, feeling all kinds of uneasy.


    "Mr. James will be fine, don''t sweat it," Annika tried to calm her down. "Maybe we''ll hear something soon."


    "Yeah, I gotta keep telling myself that," Sadie sighed and asked, "Where''s Jesse?"


    "He was just patrolling outside," Annika said, ncing back, "Here hees."


    Right on cue, Jesse walked up to Sadie, "Ms. James!"


    "A lot of folks showed up today. It''s kinda crazy. Any security issues?" Sadie asked.


    "Total of 57 people, including the magician," Jesse replied. "Plus some small critters. We''re checking everything carefully. Don''t worry, security''s on me."


    "Thanks for the hard work!" Sadie nodded in appreciation.


    "No problem," Jesse nodded back and then warned Annika, "Lots of people today, gotta keep an eye on many of them. You need to stick close to the kids and Ms. James."


    "Got it. I''ll stay with Ms. James all day," Annika nodded. "I''ve got others watching the kids."


    "The kids are the priority. What could happen to me?" Sadie shrugged. "Even if someone tries something, I can handle a few assassins!"


    "Yes!" Annika lowered her head.


    "Go make sure everything''s set. Tonight, you gotta stay with the kids at all times. No slip-ups," Sadie instructed again.


    "Yes, I''ll get on it." Annika answered seriously.


    "Don''t stress too much," Jesse reassured her. "Even if someone sneaks into the magic troupe, it won''t be many. We can handle a few."


    "Yeah, better safe than sorry." Sadie muttered. She nced at the magic stage being set up nearby, still feeling uneasy. "Alright, go ahead. I''ll check on Coco and then head back." "Okay." Jesse signaled to two female bodyguards to stick with Sadie, then left.


    Sadie went to check on Coco. Lately, Coco seemed kinda off. It should''ve bounced back by now from thatst rain incident.


    Maybe being cooped up at home for the past two years made it weak?


    "Did it eat something bad?" one of the bodyguards said casually. "Maybe it''s the beef from Country C; it might not be used to it?"


    Her words clicked something in Sadie''s mind, and she quickly had a piece of the beef Coco ate sent to Percy for testing. She was worried someone might''ve messed with Coco''s food. After sorting that out, Sadie went back to be with the kids.


    Right then, Joe was ying Lego with the kids in the game room. He built a spaceship, and the kids pped and cheered, "Joe, you''re awesome!"


    Joe grinned and wanted to keep ying Lego, but the kids were already bored and wanted to make desserts.


    Joe looked a bit lost, "I can''t help with that; I don''t know how. How about I ask Duchess Louis to teach you?" he suggested.


    "Okay." The kids answered together.


    Joe led the kids to find Amanda, throwing a quick, hopeful smile at Sadie before leaving with them. His attempts to win her over were getting more obvious, and as Sadie watched him, a pang of guilt hit her. But she couldn''t dwell on it now. She had to focus on getting through the next few days without any drama.

 Chapter 1203 Magic Show

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, the estate morphed into a magical wondend. The outdoor stage was all decked out with twinkling lights and killer sound gear, setting the mood for something epic. The kids, buzzing with excitement, kept bugging everyone about when the magic show would kick off.


    Amanda had set up a sweet viewing area right in front of the stage and moved the dining tables so folks could chow down while catching the show.


    The kids were all about this setup, and Noah and Mia were stoked. Being kids, they were naturally hyped for the night''s spectacle.


    Since moving to the estate, they hadn''t ventured out much. At first, the farm, ranch, and vineyard were a st, but that novelty wore off pretty quick. Now, with a magic troupe rolling in, everyone was on the edge of their seats.


    Even Hubert, who usually liked his peace and quiet, came out to watch the show thanks to Amanda''s invite.


    Seeing Hubert and the kids so pumped, Sadie didn''t want to be a buzzkill. She went along with Amanda''s n to dine in the garden.


    Amanda, the mastermind of the night, made sure Hubert and the kids were seated with her, while Sadie and Joe got a separate, super romantic table decked out with roses.


    Joe was super grateful for Amanda''s thoughtful setup, and Sadie gave her thanks too.


    As the music kicked in, the show was about to start.


    The stage lit up with a rainbow of colors. A stunning woman was ying the piano, and a couple was dancing beside her. The spotlight, like a soft moonbeam, wrapped around them, creating a dreamy vibe. "This is just the opener," Amanda told the kids. "If it was all magic, it might get old, so we''ve got some other cool acts mixed in."


    "Awesome!" The kids cheered, eyes glued to the stage.


    Hubert, not really getting what was going on, ate while chatting with Percy and Pa, "In this cold, aren''t those dancers freezing in those skimpy outfits?"


    "Ha!" Pa burst outughing.


    "Oh, Dr. Henry, once they start dancing, they won''t feel the cold," Percy exined, a bit sheepish. "Good thing they don''t understand Celestianguage, or they''d be cracking up at us."


    "Speaking of which," Hubert nced at the three kids and sighed, "those kids are so young, yet they can speak Country Cnguage. Impressive!"


    "I swear, the kids of big shots are all little geniuses," Pa added. "Not only do they speak Country Cnguage, but their Celestianguage is pretty solid too."


    "I can follow along when they speak Celestianguage," Hubert chuckled.


    Hearing this, Paughed too.


    Seeing Hubert so happy, Sadie couldn''t help but smile.


    "Sadie, cheers," Joe raised his ss to her.


    Sadie clinked sses with him, took a sip, and reminded herself not to overdo it with the drinks.


    "This foie gras is pretty good. You should try it," Joe said gently.


    "Okay," Sadie refocused and chatted with Joe, "Joe, Micah''sing tomorrow to pick up Mia and he''s bringing Nathan along. I want to spend some time with Nathan, so can we invite them to stay at the estate for a few days?" "Of course, no problem," Joe agreed easily. "Micah''s a good friend of mine too, I''ll make sure to invite him."


    "I almost forgot you two are tight," Sadie smiled. "But Micah''s pretty proud, so who knows if he''ll want to stay. If he doesn''t, I''ll have Nathan stay for a few days."


    "Sure, whatever you decide," Joe nodded and said softly. "Sadie, no matter what you decide, I''m with you."


    "Thank you!" Sadie raised her ss to Joe.


    Joe, feeling great, downed his wine.


    Seeing themughing and chatting, Amanda felt a wave of relief, knowing all her efforts had paid off.

 Chapter 1204 A Plot within a Plot (1)

    After a few drinks, Sadie''s cheeks got a bit rosy. Joe topped off her ss with more wine.


    "I can''t drink too much tonight..." Sadie grumbled, frowning.


    "Sadie!" Amanda''s voice cut in just as Sadie was about to refuse. Amanda came over, ss in hand, ready to toast.


    Sadie quickly stood up with her ss. "Duchess Louis, I should be toasting you."


    Amanda gave a warm smile. "We''re all family; no need to be so formal. I just hope the kids grow up healthy and happy, and that you and Joe are doing well." Sadie felt a pang of guilt. No matter what, Amanda always put the kids first. Even if Sadie felt a bit slighted sometimes, she couldn''t deny Amanda''s kindness. "Come on, cheers!" Amanda said.


    "Thanks, Mom," Joe grinned.


    Sadie smiled and downed her drink.


    Amanda patted Sadie''s shoulder affectionately and reminded her, "Don''t drink too much. You still gotta watch the performance."


    "Okay, Duchess Louis," Sadie replied. As she was about to sit down, she identally bumped into the table. Joe quickly steadied her, showing his care. Barbara, who was serving nearby, saw this and had aplicated look on her face.


    "Joe, take good care of Sadie," Amanda instructed, "I''m gonna be with the kids."


    "Go ahead, Mom," Joe''s focus was all on Sadie, asking, "Sadie, want some water?" "Okay." Sadie nodded.


    Joe immediately asked someone to get her some water.


    Barbara brought over two sses of purified water and handed one to Sadie.


    "Wait a sec," Annika suddenly said, her tone sharp. "Give it to Joe first; he''s thirsty too."


    Barbara''s face stiffened. Annika took the ss from Barbara and handed it to Joe, then gave the remaining ss to Sadie.


    Barbara frowned at Joe, like she wanted to say something but held back.


    "Ms. Campbell, you''re blocking Ms. James'' view of the performance," Annika said deliberately.


    "Sorry," Barbara mumbled, moving away reluctantly.


    Joe didn''t notice and drank the water in front of him.


    Sadie didn''t drink the water Barbara gave her because Annika had secretly swapped it with another ss.


    Annika''s moves were so quick that no one noticed.


    When Amanda turned to look, she saw Sadie and Joe drinking water, and a secretive smile appeared on her lips.


    After a few opening acts, the mysterious magician finally took the stage.


    The kids cheered excitedly and gathered closer to watch.


    Noah and Mia''s attention was also drawn to the magician on stage.


    "Sadie, have some fruit," Joe offered, ever attentive.


    "Thanks." Sadie said, taking the fruit. The wine seemed a bit strong tonight. She''d only had a few sses and was already feeling tipsy.


    "Mr. Louis, Ms. James," a maid approached with a message. "Duchess Louis wants you two to toast Hubert!"


    "Oh, right, I almost forgot," Joe said, quickly grabbing his ss and helping Sadie up.


    The maid poured half a ss of red wine for Sadie.


    Sadie followed Joe to toast Hubert.


    Hubert was in a great mood tonight and had also had some drinks. But his drink was brought from home; he wasn''t used to wine. Sadie and Joe toasted him. "Hubert!"


    Hubert quickly stood up and said, "We''re all family, no need to be so formal."


    "It''s necessary," Sadie said gratefully to Hubert, "You were living a peaceful life in the mountains, and now, because of me, you''ve been running around from Newark to Country E and then to Country C. It''s been hard on you!" "Sadie, it''s what I should do," Hubert replied with a smile, "Your dad was kind to me back in the day, so I''m just repaying a favor. Besides, traveling the world with you has been quite enjoyable!"

 Chapter 1205 A Plot within a Plot (2)

    "Yeah, yeah, we''re globetrotting too," Pa chimed in.


    "And me," Percy grinned, raising his ss.


    "Hubert, Percy, Pa, thanks for everything you''ve done for Sadie. I''ll never forget it!" Joe said, as Sadie''s fianc¨¦, "Here''s to you!" "Cheers!" They clinked sses and downed their wine in one go.


    "We''re having a st today, but don''t overdo it," Hubert warned.


    "Got it," Sadie nodded, heading back to her seat.


    "Sadie, Joe, hold up," Amanda came over with her ss and suggested, "I missed the first round, so let''s toast to Hubert together!"


    "Hubert, my mom says..." Joe quickly tranted.


    "Duchess Louis, you''re too kind," Hubert smiled, raising his ss. "I''ve been imposing on you for a while. Thank you for your hospitality. I should be the one toasting you."


    Joe kept tranting.


    "We''re all family; no need for formalities," Amanda smiled. "Come on, cheers! After this, let''s get back to the magic show!"


    As Amanda spoke, her maid poured wine for Joe and Sadie.


    Sadie was already feeling tipsy, but she couldn''t dodge the toast to Hubert. She had to go along with Amanda''s suggestion, clink sses, and down the wine in one go. After that drink, Sadie felt even more woozy, her vision blurring until she saw two Huberts in front of her.


    "Sadie, you okay?" Joe asked, quickly supporting her.


    "Sadie might''ve had too much; get her some food," Amanda advised, "No more drinks for her; just enjoy the show."


    "Got it, Mom," Joe replied, guiding Sadie back to her seat gently.


    Annika had been tailing Sadie, feeling puzzled. She initially thought Amanda was trying to get Sadie drunk to create an opportunity for Joe.


    But now it seemed Amanda had no such n.


    The magic show was getting more exciting, and the kids were loving it.


    Sadie got back to her seat, drank some water, and started to sober up.


    Joe, on the other hand, had drunk a bit more and was slightly tipsy, giving Sadie a more suggestive look.


    Other than that, everything seemed normal, nothing out of the ordinary.


    Annika suspected she was overthinking but stayed on guard.


    At this moment, Hubert left early, and Amanda got up to see him off.


    Sadie and Joe quickly went over to see Hubert off too.


    Hubert waved with a smile and said, "I''m getting old and can''t stay upte. Go ahead, don''t mind me. I''ll go rest."


    "That won''t do. You''re our guest," Amanda said after hearing the trantion, quickly instructing Joe and Sadie, "Joe, Sadie, go see Hubert off."


    "Yes, Mom," Joe responded, hurrying to support Hubert, with Sadie trailing close behind, also wanting to rest.


    Annika and two other female bodyguards were about to follow when a maid suddenly screamed, "Oh no, Ms. Mia James, be careful!"


    Annika instinctively turned to look. Mia, who had been watching the show in front of the stage, was suddenly invited onto the stage by the magician. The James family''s bodyguards wanted to stop her, but Mia was thrilled and climbed onto the stage herself.


    Annika hurried to handle Mia''s situation and told the two female bodyguards, "Go follow Ms. James."


    "Yes," the two female bodyguards immediately caught up with Sadie.


    Sadie and Joe escorted Hubert to the small building in the back, instructed Pa and Percy to take good care of him, and then headed back. Sadie felt exhausted and wanted to rest. Meanwhile, Joe seemed restless and uneasy.

 Chapter 1206 A Plot within a Plot (3)

    "Joe, I wanna crash," Sadie said, deciding to head back to her room. "You go enjoy the show solo."


    "I need a break too," Joe muttered, fanning himself. "Feeling kinda hot for some reason."


    "Alright, let''s bounce together then," Sadie nodded.


    They headed back to the vi and went upstairs. Just as Sadie was about to enter her room, Joe called out, "Sadie, I need to talk."


    "Whatever it is, let''s chat tomorrow," Sadie sighed, rubbing her forehead.


    "I might chicken out tomorrow," Joe mumbled, looking all sad and humble. "While I''m still a bit buzzed, I wanna talk."


    Seeing him like that, Sadie felt a bit sorry for him and finally gave in. "Alright,e in."


    Joe followed her into the room.


    The two female bodyguards of the James family instinctively wanted to follow, but Joe''s bodyguard stopped them. "Not cool to follow when the couple wants some privacy, right?" "But..." The two female bodyguards hesitated, looking at Sadie for a cue.


    "Stand down," Sadie ordered.


    "Yes," the bodyguardsplied, stepping back along with Joe''s bodyguard.


    With the door closed, Sadie poured two sses of water, handed one to Joe, and plopped down on the sofa, sipping her own.


    "Sadie," Joe looked at her with deep affection and blurted out, "Do you know how stoked I am that you agreed to marry me? It''s been my dream forever. Our wedding is just eight days away..." "Joe," Sadie cut him off, frowning. "If that''s all you wanna say, let''s talkter. I''m really beat and need to rest."


    "You''ve been so cold to metely," Joe said sadly. "Is it ''cause Micah''sing?"


    "Can you stop being so childish?" Sadie sighed, annoyed. "I told you from the start, I don''t have romantic feelings for you. If you still wanna marry me, think it through."


    "I remember," Joe said, feeling hurt. "I''ve been trying so hard to get closer to you, thinking I could win you over. But no matter what I do, you stay indifferent, even colder."


    Joe got more emotional and sad as he spoke. "Sadie, be real with me. Do you still love Micah? Do you wanna get back with him?"


    "Enough!" Sadie snapped. She couldn''t take it anymore. "Tonight''s not the time for this. Let''s talk tomorrow."


    With that, she put down her ss and directly asked him to leave. "I need to rest. Good night!"


    "I''m sorry, I was impulsive. If I upset you, I apologize," Joe hurriedly said.


    Joe was never forceful with Sadie. Despite the weird fire burning inside him and a primal restlessness, he still didn''t dare to touch her.


    Joe mumbled, "I hope I didn''t ruin your mood. I''m leaving now. See you tomorrow."


    Joe got up to leave, but just then, the phone on the coffee table rang. The caller ID showed it was Micah.


    Sadie was stunned. Why was Micah calling at this hour?


    Seeing the name, Joe got agitated and asked excitedly, "Sadie, are you kicking me out just to answer his call? Didn''t you say you and he werepletely over, no chance of getting back together? Why''s he calling you sote?" Frowning, Sadie asked, "Joe, what''s up with you tonight?" She felt Joe was acting really strange. Normally, he was super gentlemanly and handled stuff rationally. Tonight, something was off.


    "Sadie, don''t forget, you''re my fianc¨¦e," Joe yelled, super agitated. "You announced our engagement yourself. You can''t treat me like this."


    "Joe, are you drunk?" Sadie was exasperated. She argued, "I haven''t done anything to betray you, so why are you so mad?"

 Chapter 1207 A Plot within a Plot (4)

    "Why''s he calling you sote?" Joe pushed.


    "Ask him yourself. How would I know?" Sadie was done with the convo and nudged him to leave. "Alright, you should go. We''ll talk tomorrow."


    Joe wasn''t having it and grabbed the phone to answer.


    "You..." Sadie started, but Micah''s voice cut her off. "Hello!"


    Sadie shot Joe a look. "What''s up?"


    "Tonight, I..." Micah began, then paused. "Your voice sounds off. What''s wrong?"


    "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up," Sadie said, ready to end the call, but Joe stopped her and snapped, "Why the rush? Afraid he''ll know you''re with me?" "Joe..." Sadie was shocked he said that.


    Micah''s voice came through. "Joe?"


    "Yeah, it''s me." Joe red at Sadie and said into the phone, "Micah, she''s my fianc¨¦e now. Back off!"


    He hung up.


    "Joe, do you even know what you''re doing?" Sadie was furious. "Even if he called, it was about the kids. Was that necessary?"


    "If it''s about the kids, why not talk during the day? Why now?" Joe shot back. "Why do you act so cold toward me when you know he''sing?"


    "You''ve had too much to drink. I can''t talk to you right now." Sadie was done and said coldly, "Please leave!"


    Joe felt hurt by her coldness, but a weird impulse took over, making him super agitated.


    "Why are you so eager to kick me out?" Joe grabbed Sadie''s shoulders, asking painfully, "I love you so much. Can''t you feel it?"


    "Joe..." Sadie started, but Joe leaned in to kiss her.


    Sadie was shocked and tried to push him away, but Joe was strong and wouldn''t let go. In desperation, Sadie pped him.


    Joe stood there, stunned.


    "Get out..." Sadie yelled. She was furious and wanted to kick him out but stopped when she saw Joe''s nose bleeding, staining his white suit red.


    "Sadie, I''m sorry. I don''t know what came over me. Maybe I drank too much," Joe mumbled.


    The p sobered Joe up a bit. He hung his head in shame and was about to leave when footsteps were heard outside, and a maid wasing upstairs.


    Joe stood there, covering his bleeding nose, not knowing what to do.


    "Go to the bathroom and take care of it first," Sadie said quickly. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to." She didn''t think she had hit him that hard and didn''t know how she had caused Joe''s nose to bleed. "Oh, okay." Joe said and hurried to the bathroom.


    Sadie, feeling troubled, held her forehead and sat on the sofa, her mood extremely agitated.


    At first, she had always thought she would never love again. For the sake of the James family and Tristan and to avoid Micah, she agreed to this marriage.


    But now she realized that some things simply couldn''t be forced. Even if she could deceive the whole world, she couldn''t deceive herself.


    She couldn''t pretend to like Joe, couldn''t get close to him, and couldn''t even pretend to be enthusiastic about him.


    She couldn''t do it at all.


    Feeling depressed and thirsty, Sadie picked up the ss of water on the table and drank. After finishing, she poured herself another ss.


    After drinking three sses of water, Sadie was no longer thirsty but felt tired. Overwhelmed by fatigue, she leaned on the sofa and gradually fell asleep.

 Chapter 1208 A Plot within a Plot (5)

    In the bathroom, Joe sshed his face with cold water, trying to stop the nosebleed. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, slowlying back to reality.


    He thought about how he''d been actingtely and felt a wave of shame. Normally, he was a pretty chill guy, but today? Man, he''d been a total jerk, even pushing Sadie around. What the heck was wrong with him? Joe mentally kicked himself while scrubbing at his clothes.


    He was rocking a white suit tonight, now sttered with blood. If he walked out like this and the maids saw him, they''d definitely snitch to Amanda. Amanda, who doted on her only son, would be crushed seeing him like this. She might even me Sadie, which would just mess things up more. Thinking about it, Joe got all jittery and tried to clean his clothes faster.


    The faucet was running non-stop, drowning out any noise from outside. Joe had no clue someone had slipped in.


    Barbara sneaked in quietly and locked the door behind her.


    Seeing Sadie knocked out on the sofa, her eyes lit up. She nced at the bathroom door.


    Hearing the water running, she felt safe, quickly walked to the sofa, dumped some powder into a ss of water, shook it up, and made Sadie drink it. Then, she dragged Sadie into the wardrobe and stashed her there.


    Just then, the water stopped, and Barbara freaked out. She quickly turned off the main light switch by the bed, stripped down, and got into bed. "Sadie, I can''t get these bloodstains out. If I just ditch the jacket and go out like this, it should be cool, right?" Joe called out.


    Joe stepped out of the bathroom and noticed the bedroom lights were off, with just a faint glow from the emergency light under the cab. "Sadie?" Joe asked, confused. "Why''d you turn off the lights?"


    "Mm." Barbara, on the bed, mumbled like she was drunk.


    "You okay?" Joe thought Sadie was wasted and cautiously walked over to the bed. "Why are you lying down? You feeling sick?" Barbara kept quiet, scared Joe would recognize her voice.


    "You still mad at me?" Joe asked, feeling guilty. "I don''t know what got into me earlier. I lost it. I''m really sorry. Please forgive me."


    Barbara stayed silent, just shifting a bit to show off her long, sexy legs and half her curvy hips. She was trying to seduce Joe.


    Joe stared at the legs peeking out from under the nket, momentarily stunned. The sight slowly lit a fire inside him, and he started feeling hot.


    But he quickly looked away, telling himself, ''no, no, I can''t do this.''


    He didn''t know what was up with him today. It felt like something was crawling under his skin, making him super restless. But thest bit of his sanity told him he couldn''t do this. He loved Sadie and couldn''t take advantage of her when she was out of it.


    "Sadie, I''m leaving. I''ll get Annika to take care of you," Joe said softly.


    Joe was about to leave when suddenly a hand shot out from under the nket and grabbed him.


    "Sadie!" Joe was stunned. Before he could react, the hand yanked him onto the bed, and a passionate kiss locked onto his lips.


    At the same time, a pair of smooth, tender hands slipped inside his clothes.


    Joe''s eyes widened in shock, and his whole body stiffened. Instantly, the fire inside him roared to life, and a long-suppressed desire surged like a flood.


    He couldn''t think straight anymore. He flipped Barbara over and pinned her beneath him, kissing her fiercely and wildly.

 Chapter 1209 A Plot Within a Plot (6)

    Sadie was out cold in the wardrobe, totally clueless about the chaos outside.


    The bed was rocking, and the two lovebirds had no idea someone was hiding in the wardrobe.


    Joe, caught up in the moment, kept yelling, "Sadie, Sadie, I love you."


    Barbara, underneath him, was crying but kept quiet, biting her lip. She''d waited forever to be Joe''s girl, and she wasn''t about to let all her hard work go to waste. Outside, Annika was frantically looking for Sadie. She spotted the two female bodyguards and quickly asked, "What are you doing here? Where''s Ms. James?" "Ms. James went back to her room," one of the bodyguards replied.


    "Is she alone? Is she asleep?" Annika asked, still worried.


    "She went in with Mr. Louis. We don''t know if he''s left yet," the bodyguard said.


    "What''s going on?" Annika frowned. "Didn''t I tell you to stay with Ms. James? She drank and needs someone to look after her."


    "We followed her, but when we got to the door, Mr. Louis said he wanted to talk to her. We tried to follow them in, but Ms. James told us to leave," the bodyguard exined. "Even so, you shouldn''t have left. You should''ve waited at the door in case something happened," Annika scolded.


    "We thought the same, but since Ms. James and Mr. Louis are about to get married, it didn''t seem right for us to stay outside the room," the bodyguard said.


    "You''re always full of excuses," Annika said, exasperated.


    "Alright," the bodyguard answered.


    Annika rushed upstairs to check on Sadie.


    Just then, a loud bang came from outside. Annika was startled and hurried to the window.


    On the magic stage, thick smoke was rising, and mes were everywhere. The maids were screaming, and everything was in chaos.


    "What happened?" the bodyguard asked anxiously.


    "There might be an assassin," Annika said, frowning. "You two stay at Ms. James'' door and don''t move. I''ll check on the kids." "Yes," the bodyguards nodded.


    Annika had reached the second-floor hallway but ran back again.


    She knew the kids were the most important to Sadie. If anything happened to them, it would be a disaster.


    The two bodyguards waited at Sadie''s door.


    The noise and explosions outside were chaotic, but the room''s soundproofing was good, so the bodyguards couldn''t hear what was happening inside. At this moment, the drug had fully kicked in on Joe, and he waspletely out of his mind. Like a wild beast, he was passionately with Barbara. Barbara clung to him like a snake, her hands tightly wrapped around his waist, offering herself to him. They were wildly intertwined in the darkness.


    Outside, fireworks were lighting up the sky, bursting into beautiful sparks.


    The kids were jumping and shouting, thrilled by the disy.


    Amanda and the maids were also excited, standing up to watch the dazzling fireworks.


    Annika ran out to the yard and realized the explosion sound was actually from the fireworks.


    The thick smoke and mes were just part of the magician''s surprise.


    At first, the kids and maids were scared, but they quickly realized it was a surprise and started cheering and screaming happily. Annika breathed a sigh of relief and looked up at the fireworks. They were beautiful, but she still felt uneasy.


    "Annika!" A male bodyguard from the James family hurried over and whispered, "An assassin has infiltrated. Protect the kids." "What?" Annika was shocked and immediately contacted Arya, instructing everyone to protect the kids at all costs.

 Chapter 1210 Not Just Anyone Can Match Him

    The magic show was still rockin'' on stage, and fireworks were poppin'' off in the sky.


    Annika hustled the female bodyguards to the front, making sure the kids were all good, everyone on high alert.


    Luckily, all five kids were still glued to the stage, totally into the show.


    Amanda was chillin'' with them,ughing and chatting, like she had no clue what was going down outside.


    Annika shot a look at Amanda, seeing her all focused on the kids and the show. She felt kinda bad for doubting her. Amanda was always solid, and Annika kicked herself for thinking otherwise. Even if someone had snuck in, it''d be those assassins from Country E, nothing to do with Amanda. Amanda might be a bit jumpy, but her character was solid.


    Outside, it was a whole party, and inside, two people were still going at it on the big bed.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was still out cold in the closet.


    The two female bodyguards outside the door were on duty but hadn''t noticed a thing.


    The fireworks were loud enough to cover any noise from the room.


    Amanda threw a casual nce upstairs, a smug grin on her face. She thought Joe and Sadie were a done deal! Little did she know, Barbara had her own game n. After a bit, the fireworks started to die down, and the magic show was wrapping up.


    The magician finished up with the kids, signing stuff, taking pics, and showing them some easy tricks.


    It was gettingte, and the kids were beat.


    Amanda bent down, smiling, and asked, "Did you guys have fun today?"


    "Yeah!" the kids shouted together.


    "Awesome! d it was worth all the effort," Amanda said, feeling good. "It''s superte now, time to hit the hay!"


    "Okay," the kids replied together.


    Annika told Arya and the bodyguards to take the kids back.


    The servants started cleaning up the mess, and the magic crew was packing up the stage.


    Everything was winding down smoothly, while Jesse and his team were still hunting for the intruders.


    Annika and Arya were focused on the kids, clueless about what went down in the room.


    After getting the kids to their rooms, Amanda headed back to hers. She ditched her heavy coat and eagerly asked, "So, did it work?"


    "Yep, we saw Mr. Louis go into Ms. James''s room. It''s been almost two hours, and he hasn''te out," the maids whispered, giggling.


    "Joe''s usually so uptight. Took a bit of the good stuff to get him going," Amanda sighed, pleased. "Great, now we can seal the deal, and maybe I''ll have a grandkid soon!" "Congrats, Duchess Louis!" the maids chimed in.


    "You''ll get credit for this," Amanda said, in a great mood.


    "Duchess Louis, let us help you with your bath," the maids offered.


    The maids helped Amanda to the bathroom, still gossiping about Joe and Sadie.


    The more Amanda listened, the happier she got, feeling proud of her smart move.


    But then she thought of something. She asked, "Where''s Barbara?"


    "Barbara was busy by the stage earlier, but we don''t know where she went after that," the maid replied. "She might''ve gone back to her room."


    "Hmph, like I don''t know her little schemes?" Amanda sneered. "She''s mad ''cause she saw Joe and Sadie together."


    "Mr. Louis is so handsome and ssy, and Barbara grew up with him. It''s normal for her to have a crush," the maidsughed.


    "She wishes," Amanda scoffed. "Joe''s too good for just anyone."

 Chapter 1211 Now Is Not the Time to Act Against Sadie

    "Yeah," the maids nodded like bobbleheads.


    "Honestly, I didn''t think much of Sadie at first," Amanda said, her face all twisted up. "I mean, she''s been hitched before and has a kid. How''s she good enough for our Joe?"


    "Yeah, Ms. James is like two years older than Mr. Louis," the maids chimed in, looking kinda miffed.


    "Just thinking about it ticks me off," Amanda grumbled, frowning. "I even had a spat with Craig over it, but he made a solid point. Compared to the James family''s power and status, who cares about a past marriage and a kid? If Joe gets bored of her, he can find a thousand young and fresh girls. But a girl like Sadie, with her status, family background, talent, and looks, is a rare find!"


    "Totally," the maids nodded along.


    "Since Joe''s into her, I won''t block his way," Amanda sighed. "I just want my only son to be happy!"


    "Duchess Louis, you really think a lot about Mr. Louis," the maids gushed.


    "Cut the chatter and get on with the grooming. And make sure someone keeps an eye on Sadie''s room. Let me know before they wake up," Amanda ordered. "Got it," the maids replied.


    While all this was going down, Joe was already out cold.


    It was his first real roll in the hay, and being a newbie, Joe was wiped out and snoozing by midnight.


    Barbara snuggled up to him, kissing him like she wanted to fuse with him. But she knew it wasn''t the right time yet.


    Barbara got up, got dressed, and gently dragged the unconscious Sadie out of the wardrobe, stripped her, and plopped her on the bed.


    Seeing her beloved Joe lying next to Sadie, Barbara felt a stab of jealousy and shot Sadie a dirty look.


    But Barbara knew it wasn''t time to mess with Sadie yet. She pinched Sadie''s chest and thighs hard, leaving some love marks. Then, she covered both Sadie and Joe with the nket.


    It was four in the morning, and everything outside was dead quiet. Barbara slipped out quickly. Seeing no one around, she felt a rush of relief and headed to the servants'' quarters on the first floor.


    As soon as Barbara got back to her room, a maid spotted her and asked, "Barbara, where''ve you been? Why are you back sote?"


    "I was chilling in the garden," Barbara had her excuse ready and put on a sad face. "I even saw you walk by. Didn''t you see me?"


    "Huh? Oh." The maid mumbled, half-asleep, and went back to bed.


    Barbara let out a sigh of relief, took a shower, and looked at the love marks on her body, reminiscing about the sweet moments. She felt content.


    Barbara had just finished tidying up and was about to hit the sack when a maid came rushing in to wake them up. She urged, "Get up, Duchess Louis is up."


    "I''ll go serve Duchess Louis," Barbara said, jumping up and putting on her coat. "You guys keep sleeping."


    "We can''t sleep either. Something big''s happening today, and we all gotta be there," the maid said mysteriously. "If everything goes well, Duchess Louis might reward us!" "Wow, get up!" The maids instantly shook off their sleepiness and started getting ready.


    Barbara felt a pang of jealousy, but she knew it wasn''t the right time yet. She had to keep waiting and biding her time.


    "I''ll go serve Duchess Louis first. You guys take your time," Barbara said, then hurried to Amanda''s room.


    By then, Amanda had already finished washing up and was doing her makeup and hair. Barbara immediately stepped in to help. She said softly, "Duchess Louis, let me help you!" "Where''d you run off tost night?" Amanda asked, ying dumb.

 Chapter 1212 Its Mine

    "I was chillin'' in the garden for a bit," Barbara mumbled.


    "People gotta know their ce," Amanda threw out there. "What''s yours is yours, and if it ain''t, don''t even bother."


    "Yeah," Barbara muttered, head down, but inside she was like, ''Joe''s already mine.''


    "Good. Now hurry up and do my makeup, I gotta see Joe," Amanda said with a smirk, thinking Barbara had backed off. She had this smug, icy grin on her face. Sadie woke up feeling like her head was stuffed with bricks, her whole body aching. She grabbed her forehead and rolled over, realizing someone was next to her. She blinked, confused, and saw there really was someone there.


    She thought she was dreaming. So she blinked again, and yep, still there!


    "Ah!" Sadie screamed, sitting up fast and realizing she was totally naked. She wrapped herself in the nket, trying to piece togetherst night.


    Joe woke up, turned over, and saw Sadie. He was stunned for a sec, then lifted the nket to see he was naked too, remembering what went downst night. Joe''s face lit up with a grin as he reached out to hug Sadie. "Sadie, we finally..."


    "No way, no freakin'' way!" Sadie dodged him, shaking her head. "This has to be a mistake."


    "How could it be a mistake?" Joe was freaking out. "Last night we were all over each other, you were holding me, kissing me..."


    "I didn''t, this isn''t real." Sadie cut him off. "You must be wrong, it has to be a mistake."


    "I''m not." Joe said, panicking. "Sadie, I know I messed up. We drank too much, I wasn''t gentle, I didn''t think about your feelings. I''ll change, I swear, just don''t be mad, okay?" "It''s not that, it''s not like that." Sadie started to say more, but then there was a knock and Amanda''s voice, "Sadie, you up? Let''s take the kids horseback riding."


    Hearing Amanda, Sadie freaked out even more.


    She wanted to get out of bed, but there were no clothes around. She wrapped herself in the nket, but that left Joe exposed, so she quickly looked away... "Sadie, need a towel? I''ll grab one." Joe offered, trying to be helpful.


    Sadie wanted him to shut up, but then Amanda said, "Wait, is that Joe''s voice?" She started knocking, "Joe, you in there?"


    "Mom, I..." Joe started.


    "Shut up!" Sadie snapped, about to lose it.


    "So you are in there." Amanda pushed the door open. "I''ming in, let''s go..."


    Amanda''s words died when she saw the mess. She stared, shocked, "You two..." Behind her, a bunch of maids saw everything, including Barbara.


    They all gasped, covering their mouths, then started whispering.


    Sadie closed her eyes, wishing she could disappear.


    "Mom, what are you doing? Get out." Joe yelled, covering Sadie with the nket.


    "Sorry, sorry," Amanda said, quickly leading everyone out and closing the door. Annika and Arya, who had just arrived, saw everything and were stunned. And behind them was Micah!

 Chapter 1213 Drunken Sex with Sadie

    Last night, when Micah called, he was already chillin'' on a private jet to Grapetown Heights.


    He wanted to let Sadie know he''d be there in the morning and wanted to have a heart-to-heart.


    But Joe cut the call short. Micah was ticked off but didn''t make a fuss.


    He figured Sadie knew what was up. He was sure she still had feelings for him and wouldn''t just hook up with Joe.


    But when he showed up at the estate early this morning, he got a real shocker!


    He didn''t even have to go inside; he was tall enough to see over the heads of the women and catch everything in the room.


    He saw Sadie and Joe, naked on the bed, the ce a total mess, making it clear what went downst night.


    Amanda was clearly freaked out to see Micah. "Micah, what are you doing here?" she asked.


    She had everything nned out, but Micah showing up wasn''t part of it. She had no clue he''d be there. Still, she thought this might work in her favor. Micah didn''t say a word, just kept his eyes locked on that room.


    He''d gotten pretty thin from treatment, his eyes sunken, hair long, and face worn out. But even so, his eyes were sharp and deep, and he still had thatmanding vibe.


    Right now, his eyes were like a stormy ocean, silent but intense!


    Amanda was a bit rattled. She knew Micah, and if he lost it, things could get ugly. But she thought, ''This is my turf, and Sadie and Joe''s wedding is already set.''


    No matter how scared she was, she had to stand her ground.


    So, Amanda stepped forward and said, "Joe and Sadie are engaged, and their wedding is in seven days. Even if something happened now, it would be very..." Before she could finish, Micah''s sharp look shut her up. She mmed up, eyes full of fear.


    But Micah didn''t blow up like he used to. Instead, he gave a lowmand to Annika, "Go help Sadie freshen up. I''ll be waiting for her in the study in half an hour." With that, he turned and headed downstairs to the study.


    "Yes, yes!" Annika finally reacted, rushing into Sadie''s room to clean up.


    Barbara also took two maids inside to put a robe on Joe and escorted him out.


    "Duchess Louis, old Duke Louis is calling," a maid reported hurriedly.


    "To the room." Amanda walked toward the room with her phone, "What are you all standing here for? Get lost," she ordered.


    "Yes." The onlookers in the hallway scattered.


    Amanda went back to the room and answered the phone, "What''s up?"


    "Micah showed up at the estate?" Craig asked urgently, "He didn''t sh with Joe, did he?"


    "Not yet, but who knows what''s next." Amanda was uneasy, "This is our turf; Micah shouldn''t cause trouble, right?" she asked, panicking. "What happened?" Craig asked immediately.


    "It''s just..." Amanda filled Craig in on Joe and Sadie, "I didn''t expect Micah to catch them in bed. He looked like he wanted to kill someone."


    "Joe''s always been straightced. How''d he end up in bed with Sadie after drinking?" Craig was puzzled, "Even if Joe drank too much, Sadie shouldn''t have. Did you..."


    "Now''s not the time for that. We need to keep Joe safe. What are you talking about?" Amanda cut him off, scolding, "You better get over here quick. If Micah loses it, you might be able to stop him."

 Chapter 1214 Hard to Explain

    "I''m already on my way," Craig said, all serious. "Listen, no matter what Micah pulls, don''t mess with him. Just chill and wait for me."


    "Why are you so scared of him?" Amanda snapped. "This is Country C, for crying out loud."


    "You have no idea how sketchy the outside world is," Craig shot back. "You gotta trust me on this. Don''t stir the pot."


    "Yeah, yeah, I got it," Amanda grumbled. "Just hurry up! I''m gonna check on Joe now."


    Amanda hung up but didn''t head straight to Joe. Instead, she barked orders to her crew, "Get all the bodyguards here, pronto. If Micah tries anything, take him down." "Yes, Duchess Louis," they replied.


    Still uneasy, Amanda grabbed a gun from her drawer and tucked it away before heading to find Joe.


    Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Sadie was freaking out over the marks on her body. "What the heck happened?" she gasped.


    "Ms. James, did you really... with Joe?" Arya was just as shocked.


    "I don''t remember a thing," Sadie said, rubbing her temples, trying to piece it together.


    Sadie recounted, "I remember talking to Joe after I got back to my room. We argued, I pped him, he got a nosebleed and went to clean up. I sat on the sofa, had some water, and then I crashed." Sadie winced from a splitting headache. "I can''t remember anything after that."


    "Did Joe take advantage of you while you were out?" Arya guessed, already fuming.


    "That Joe, he acts all gentlemanly, but he''s a total creep. I''m gonna kill him!" Arya stormed off, but Annika grabbed her. "What are you doing? We don''t even know what happened yet. Don''t be so rash." "Joe messed with Ms. James!" Arya snapped.


    "Let''s get the facts straight first," Annika said, staying cool.


    "Isn''t it obvious? The proof''s right here," Arya shot back.


    "Can you not be so hot-headed?" Annika scolded.


    "I..." Arya started.


    "Enough, stop fighting," Sadie cut in, feeling like her head was about to explode.


    "Sorry," the two mumbled, looking down.


    "Joe wouldn''t do something like that," Sadie tried to stay calm. "The thing is, I don''t remember anything. I don''t think anything happened, but how do you exin these marks?" "Something''s off," Annika said quickly. "I''ll dig into it. There''s gotta be more to this."


    "The big issue now is..." Sadie thought of Micah and shuddered. "He saw it!"


    "I didn''t expect Mr. Clemens to show up now," Annika sighed. "This is a mess."


    "Mr. Clemens has a temper. Who knows what he''ll do," Arya said, worried.


    "You two go watch the kids," Sadie said, her main concern being the children. "Don''t let them find out. Take Nathan, Noah, Mia, and the others to the ranch. Just say Micah and I need to talk and we''ll get themter." "Got it, I''ll handle it," Annika said, rushing out. Before leaving, she told Arya, "Stay here with Ms. James and keep her safe."


    "Got it," Arya nodded.


    As Annika left, she bumped into Barbara, who was carrying soup to Joe''s room.


    For some reason, Annika thought about the two sses of water fromst night. Maybe something was up with them. Annika grabbed a female bodyguard, Jessica, and told her to find those sses and get them tested.


    Jessica got on it right away.

 Chapter 1215 She Is My Woman

    Right now, in the study, you could cut the tension with a knife. Micah was slouched on the couch, head down, eyes on the floor. His face was a nk te, but those icy eyes? They were screaming rage.


    Andrew was frowning hard, looking super worried.


    Rn, even more on edge, couldn''t help but whisper, "Is someone gonna get hurt?"


    Trying to keep it cool, Andrew said, "Nah, it shouldn''t. He''s been through a lot; he''s more chill now."


    Just then, the door creaked open, and a shaky voice broke the silence. "Micah!" Joe called out, walking in all nervous-like.


    Joe looked scared out of his mind, worried Micah might go off on Sadie. Micah slowly lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Joe like a lion ready to pounce.


    "Where''s Nathan?" Joe asked, his voice soft. "Noah and Mia miss him; they''ve been dying to see him."


    Micah stayed silent, still staring daggers at Joe, his hand clenching into a fist.


    "Since you''re here, why not stay a few more days?" Joe tried to lighten the mood, "Let the kids hang out more."


    "Those are my kids!" Micah finally growled, his voice low butmanding, "You don''t get to decide anything for them!"


    "I didn''t mean to, I just..." Joe stammered.


    "Enough!" Micah cut him off, "You better spill what happenedst night."


    "Oh!" Joe sat down opposite him, starting to exin, "Last night, a magic troupe performed, and Sadie and I had too much to drink." He paused, then snapped, "Wait, why do I need to exin to you? Sadie and I are getting married." "She is my woman!" Micah roared, like a lion on the attack.


    Joe was terrified, staring wide-eyed, too scared to speak.


    "That''s not right," Amanda interrupted, barging in. "You and Sadie were a thing, but that''s history. Joe and Sadie''s engagement was announced two months ago, and Sadie herself made it public. Their wedding''s in a week." Micah frowned, ignoring Amanda, and red at Joe, "Got anything else to say?"


    "I got nothing." Joe mumbled, looking down, "We both drank too much, and then, we ended up in bed."


    "We''re all adults, it happens." Amanda jumped in, "Besides, you''re Sadie''s ex. This has nothing to do with you, right? Why do we need to exin?"


    "Bang!" Micah smashed the ss coffee table with a punch.


    Amanda was shaking, scared out of her wits.


    Joe flinched, backing away instinctively.


    The room got heavy, the air thick with tension, like a storm was about to hit.


    "Don''t do anything stupid." Amanda said, panicking, "This is Country C."


    Micah wiped the ss and blood from his hand with a wet towel, his voice calm but firm. "Duchess Louis, get out!" he ordered. "Why should I?" Amanda shot back.


    "Duchess Louis, please leave," came a calmer voice from the doorway.


    Everyone turned to see Sadie walking in. She lookedposed, but you could tell she was feeling a lot. "I promise, Joe will be fine."


    As she walked in, her eyes met Micah''s, and you could see the storm of emotions in her.

 Chapter 1216 Theres Nothing to Explain

    After two months of not seeing him, Micah looked like a whole new dude.


    He''d dropped a noticeable amount of weight, and the lines of his once handsome face, neck, and Adam''s apple were way more defined now. Even his beautiful hands showed more pronounced joints. His eyes were sunken deep, carrying a hint of sadness.


    His hair had grown out and was styled meticulously, giving him a wild, mysterious vibe.


    But to Sadie, it was all just heartbreaking. Especially that pained look on his face, which made her feel super guilty.


    When Micah nced up at her, Sadie quickly looked away, not wanting him to catch her staring.


    In a sh, Sadie distanced herself, ignoring his gaze, lowering her eyes, and slowly walking over.


    "Sadie, you''re here. Great, go ahead and exin things to Mr. Clemens," Amanda quickly piped up when she saw Sadie arrive. "He might have some misunderstandings about Joe, or maybe he''s just been too busy to catch the news and doesn''t know you and Joe are engaged. He still thinks Joe offended you and is here to hold Joe ountable!"


    "Mom," Joe softly urged Amanda, "Please step out. We''ll talk to Micah ourselves. You don''t need to be here."


    "What''s the rush?" Amanda red at Joe and, in a hostess tone, said to Micah, "Mr. Clemens, wee to the estate. You and Joe are good friends, and I''m happy to see you. I sincerely invite you to stay a few more days and attend Joe''s wedding!"


    Even though her words seemed polite, they had a hint of provocation and challenge.


    "Mom, stop it." Joe nervously nced at Micah and hurriedly pushed Amanda out.


    "Why are you pushing me?" Amanda whined, seeing that Micah had no reaction, she got even more arrogant. "This is my house. As the hostess, is it wrong for me to wee him?"


    "Stop it." Joe coaxed and pushed Amanda out of the study.


    In the reception room, Sadie could feel the hidden tension in the air. Micah hadn''t lost his temper earlier, not because he had a good temper, but because he didn''t care about Amanda''s words. He only cared about Sadie.


    "I''m waiting for your exnation," Micah spoke, his voice low and hoarse. He looked at Sadie with aplex expression, hoping for her answer. No matter what she said, he would believe her. He''d rather believe her words than his own eyes. "There''s nothing to exin." Sadie didn''t dare to look at him, lowering her eyes and coldly saying, "We have nothing to do with each other anymore. What I do is none of your business."


    This sentence was a thousand times more hurtful than Amanda''s earlier provocation.


    No matter what outsiders said, Micah could ignore it, but Sadie was different.


    Every word she said was like a knife stabbing into his heart.


    "So," Micah slowly began, questioning each word, st night, you and Joe really..."


    He couldn''t finish the sentence. Just the thought of that scene was enough to make his heart ache unbearably.


    The air seemed to grow colder, and therge study fell silent.


    Sadie kept her head down, her hands nervously clutching her dress. She was very confused and didn''t know how to answer him. She wanted to say no, but she wasn''t even sure herself. She wanted to say she didn''t know what happenedst night, but she felt it would sound like a joke, and he wouldn''t believe her.


    "Speak!" Micah suddenly shouted in anger, barely able to control his emotions.


    The shout startled Joe. He had just pushed Amanda out the door and was about to return when he heard the shout and shivered. "Joe." Amanda hurriedly handed something to Joe. "Protect yourself!" she cautioned before leaving.

 Chapter 1217 You Couldnt Even Wait One Night

    Joe stood by the door, looking at Micah like a deer caught in headlights, shaking like a leaf.


    After a beat, he snapped out of it and noticed the small gun in his hand. Freaked out, he quickly stuffed it up his sleeve.


    "What''s it to you?" Sadie shot back, her voice icy. "From the moment you snatched the kid at the wedding and forced me away, we were done. Who I''m with now, who I marry, none of your business. You got no right to ask." "So, you really were togetherst night?" Micah pressed, ignoring everything else. He just needed that answer.


    Sadie dropped her gaze and muttered, "Yeah."


    Last night, she was with Joe. Since he asked, she had toe clean.


    "Great, just great!" Micah sneered, hisst shred of hope crumbling. The calm facade vanished, reced by a cold, murderous re.


    He had thought this was some scheme by the Louis family to keep him from reconciling with her and to protect the marriage.


    He even considered that Sadie might''ve been framed, drugged, or forced. If something did happen, as long as it wasn''t her choice, he''d forgive her.


    But there was no sadness, regret, or anger on her face. Just distance.


    Amanda and Joe had spoken to her like family, and she didn''t push back at all.


    Now, he asked aboutst night, and she answered him straight up.


    It was like a sledgehammer, smashing thest bit of hope in Micah''s heart.


    Yeah, he shouldn''t have hoped, shouldn''t have had any wild dreams.


    Since she came back, she wasn''t the Sadie he used to know.


    Micah''s fists trembled, his eyes locked on Sadie like a predator ready to pounce.


    "Everything''s clear now." Sadie still couldn''t look at him, her head down. "Thanks for bringing Nathan to see me. I hope he can stay a few more days. I want to spend time with him and Mia. You can hang with Noah." She was still talking about the kids, likest night didn''t matter. She didn''t notice Micah''s eyes shifting from calm to murderous.


    "You can take Noah and crash somewhere else for a few days. Do whatever, as long as the kids are cool with it." Sadie said in one breath, adding, "I''ve said my piece. Goodbye!"


    She got up to leave, but Micah lunged at her like a beast, pinning her to the sofa with the force of a lion taking down its prey.


    Filled with killing intent!


    "Micah." Joe rushed over but was blocked by Andrew.


    "Ms. James!" Arya tried to intervene but was held back by Rodolfo.


    Micah grabbed Sadie''s jaw, his voice a furious growl. "Sadie! Do you know I''ve been busting my ass to fix the feud between the James and Clemens families? I''ve been doing everything to get close to you, to make it up to you. I even faced death, crawling back from the brink just to find you. Every time I was near death, thinking of you kept me going. I thought you were waiting for me, waiting for me to clear all obstacles ande get you!"


    Micah shouted, "But you didn''t! You couldn''t even wait one night. You knew I wasing today, butst night you couldn''t wait to throw yourself into Joe''s arms."

 Chapter 1218 Let Her Go

    "Man, everything I''ve done for you, it''s all been a joke, a freakin'' joke!" He spat out those gut-wrenching words, his voice all raspy and broken, like he''d swallowed a cactus or something. "We''ve been done for ages." Sadie felt like crap but had to toughen up. "We can''t go back, no way!"


    "Sadie, look at me." Micah wasn''t ready to throw in the towel. He grabbed her face, making her look at him. "Tell me you were set up, that you had no choice. Just say it, and I''ll forgive you!" he pleaded, more desperate than ever. Micah had never begged like this before. He ditched his pride, lowered his head, all for her forgiveness, for her love.


    Sadie stared into his bloodshot eyes, and tears welled up in hers. She''d never seen him so wrecked. She felt his pain, his sorrow. Guilt and regret gnawed at her. She wanted to tell him she didn''t want any of this, that she had no clue what went down.


    "Say something, damn it!" Micah shouted, needing to hear her side. If she said it, he''d believe her.


    "I..." Sadie started, but Micah noticed the marks on her neck and corbone. He froze, then ripped open her shirt.


    Sure enough, her chest was covered in red marks, signs of passion! Sadie looked down and knew it was over; there was no exining this.


    "Sadie!" Micah lost it, "You really did it, why? Why''d you do this to me?"


    He threw a punch. Sadie flinched, but the punch didn''t hit her. It smashed into the vase behind her instead.


    The vase shattered, sending shards flying, cutting a bloody line on Sadie''s cheek.


    Micah''s fist was a mess, bleeding all over.


    Arya freaked out and tried to rush over, but Rodolfo held her back.


    "Micah, what the hell are you doing?" Joe couldn''t take it anymore. He pulled out a gun and rushed over, "Let her go!" he yelled. Andrew was stunned. He never thought Joe would bring a gun, let alone act like this. He was totally caught off guard.


    "Joe, chill out, put the gun down." Andrew tried to calm him.


    "I said let go of Sadie." Joe''s hand shook as he pointed the gun at Micah, "She''s my fianc¨¦e, I won''t let you treat her like this!"


    "Your fianc¨¦e?" Micahughed darkly. He let go of Sadie, turned, and sneered at Joe, "When she was having my kid, you didn''t even know where you were."


    "You..." Joe was speechless.


    Micah snatched the gun from Joe and pointed it at his chest. "I treated you like a brother, and you steal my woman? And point a gun at me?" "I..." Joe''s eyes widened in fear, not daring to move.


    "I''ll kill you right now, let''s see who she marries then." Micah pulled the trigger and roared, "Die!"


    "No!" Sadie rushed over, blocking Joe, "Micah, don''t do this!"


    "You''re protecting him?" Micah snarled, "You think I won''t kill you too?"


    "Don''t be stupid." Sadie pleaded, "The ce is crawling with Country C soldiers. It''s not worth it because of me."

 Chapter 1219 Take Them All

    "Those soldiers?" Micah scoffed, "You think I''m scared?"


    He fired a few shots at the ceiling, sending the crystal chandelier crashing down in a shower of ss.


    Suddenly, the study door flew open, and a bunch of soldiers stormed in, guns aimed right at Micah. More soldiers were posted outside, peering through the windows.


    Amanda burst in with her crew, all armed to the teeth.


    "Micah, drop the gun now, or you''ll regret it," Amanda yelled, her gun trained on him.


    Joe was floored; he never thought Amanda would go this far. "Mom, what are you doing?" he stammered. If he had pulled a gun on Micah to protect Sadie, Amanda was basically starting a war with the Clemens family. This was a whole different ball game.


    Micahughed like he just heard the best joke ever. "A few dozen soldiers? You think you can stop me?"


    "You''re delusional," Amanda shot back, not realizing the danger. "Even if you''re not scared of our soldiers, what about the James family? Tristan''s top guys are all here. Still think you can cause trouble?" "Mom, stop it!" Joe was losing it.


    "Duchess Louis must be living under a rock," Micah said as the soldiers outside mysteriously dropped.


    Amanda was stunned, and before she could react, the Clemens family''s bodyguards stormed in, quickly taking down her crew.


    "You all..." Amanda was terrified.


    Just then, Craig rushed in, frantically apologizing to Micah. "Micah, please calm down! Amanda didn''t know better. I apologize on her behalf. Our families have been tight for generations. Mr. Clemens had a good rtionship with our Louis family. Let''s not blow this out of proportion."


    "Blow this out of proportion?" Micah red at Sadie.


    "No need for bloodshed," Craig quickly corrected himself. "Let''s sit down and talk this out. Please, as a favor to me, no violence, okay?"


    "I wanted to talk, but Duchess Louis here was being a pain," Micah said, tossing the handgun in front of Craig. "This gun''s from your family," he sneered.


    Craig recognized Amanda''s gun and was furious. He immediately bowed and apologized to Micah. "For Amanda and Joe''s actions today, I apologize. Please, for the sake of our families'' long-standing friendship and Mr. Clemens, forgive her this once!"


    "What are you doing?" Amanda muttered, baffled by Craig''s submissiveness on their own turf.


    "Shut up," Craig snapped, "Do you really want to risk Joe''s life?"


    Amanda was fuming but had to keep quiet.


    "Micah, let''s take this outside and talk privately. No need to make a scene here," Sadie tried to calm things down. "The kids are still in the estate. If this blows up, it''ll affect them too!" That seemed to hit home.


    Thinking of the kids, Micah''s murderous intent eased a bit, but the anger and hatred were still there. "There''s nothing to talk about. I''m taking all three kids with me!" With that, he turned to leave.


    "Micah!" Sadie hurried after him. "What do you mean? We agreed Noah would stay with me."


    "That was the deal, but I''ve changed my mind," Micah said without looking back. "I won''t let Noah call anyone else dad. They''re my kids, and they''reing with me!" "You..." Sadie was left stunned and desperate.

 Chapter 1220 Well-Prepared

    Sadie was about to say something when an attendant rushed over, all flustered. "Ms. James, something bad''s gone down. The Clemens family snatched Mr. Noah James and Ms. Mia James." "What?" Sadie''s face went pale as she grasped the seriousness of the situation. She hiked up her long dress and bolted after Micah. "Micah, hold up!" she yelled.


    Micah was already in the car, totally ignoring her.


    "Micah," Sadie panted, leaning against the car window, "Where are you taking the kids? What''s your deal?"


    Micah didn''t even look at her, just rolled up the window.


    The car started moving, almost dragging Sadie along. Luckily, someone yanked her back just in time.


    Sadie spun around, frantic. "Jesse? Go get the kids back, now."


    "It''s toote," Jesse said, frowning. "The Clemens family was ready for this. They snuck into the estate a month ago."


    "What do you mean?" Sadie asked, stunned.


    "Remember when you had someone check why the eagle Coco was sick?" Jesse exined. "The Clemens family poisoned it so it wouldn''t spot them and alert you. A month ago, Rn and a bunch of skilled bodyguards snuck in. When Mary got lost, it was them watching over her, which is why she was safe."


    Jesse went on, "At first, they were just secretly guarding you and the kids. Last night, they pulled back to help Mr. Clemens. Early this morning, they had everything set. Mr. Clemens came to take you away. If the Louis family tried to stop them, there''d be a nasty fight. They didn''t expect your incidentst night. Mr. Clemens probably gave ast-minute order. If you didn''t go with him, his men would take the kids."


    Sadie finally got it. No wonder Craig was so freaked out earlier, even bowing and apologizing to Micah. He knew Micah was ready, and if they fought, the Louis family didn''t stand a chance.


    And in this mess, Jesse would definitely stay neutral.


    Sadie never thought Micah had already sent people to protect her and the kids.


    The two-month period he mentioned wasn''t just about taking the kids. He never really gave up on any of them, or on her. He''d been handling stuff, nning to bring her and the kids back together. But her sudden incident messed up his ns.


    So, he just took the kids.


    "Sorry, Ms. James," Jesse said, sounding regretful. "I underestimated Micah. For the past six months, he kept a low profile, even backing off in many situations, making me think he was weak. I didn''t expect he was just biding his time, with everything nned out. We don''t have enough people to take on the Clemens family. If we fought, we''d lose. Plus, he''s the kids'' dad. They''re safe with him, and I can''t just take them back by force."


    Sadie nodded, her mind elsewhere. "I get it, it''s not your fault."


    Sadie walked away, dazed and lost in thought. Jesse quickly caught up, slipping off his coat and draping it over her shoulders. He suggested, "You should talk to Micah or the kids and see if you can work something out. He won''t hurt the kids. Don''t stress too much. Instead, figure out what happened with the Louis familyst night. I''ll go pick up Mr. James''s three kids from the ranch. Be back soon." With that, Jesse hurried off.

 Chapter 1221 Micah Had Blocked Her

    "Ms. James!" Arya and a few of the girls hustled over, helping Sadie out. "Just got word that Mr. Clemens'' crew snatched Noah and Mia. Annika''s on their tail," she blurted out. "Tell her to fall back, no point chasing ''em," Sadie sighed, looking beat. "We ain''t catching up anyway."


    "But..." Arya started, looking unsure.


    Before Arya could finish, Joe came barreling out, looking all kinds of worried. "Sadie! You alright?"


    Sadie nced at him, then over at Craig and Amanda, feeling all sorts of conflicted.


    "Sadie, I heard Micah took the kids. Chill, I''ll handle this. I''ll go talk to him," Joe said, trying to calm her down. "You go rest up. I got this."


    "Okay, thanks." Sadie nodded to Craig and Amanda, then headed back to the vi, head down.


    "She''s so chill," Amanda said, a bit amazed. "Most women would be losing it right now, but she''s soposed."


    "She''s a James," Craig grumbled. "Tristan''s training ain''t for the faint-hearted."


    "True that," Amanda agreed. "Why you snapping at me though? What''d I do?"


    "You messed up, that''s what," Craig shot back. "Do you even know what you''re doing?"


    "What''d I do?" Amanda fired back. "The James and Clemens families are sworn enemies. We''re tied to the James now, so why should we care about the Clemens?"


    "Neither family can be pissed off," Craig yelled. "Business is a battlefield, always changing. We gotta keep good ties with both to avoid future messes."


    "What are you getting at?" Amanda asked, confused.


    "Think about it," Craig fumed. "A few months back, Clemens was in trouble, and James was on top. Now, Clemens is back, and James is struggling. When we tied up with the James, I made sure not to piss off Micah, just in case. But you? You went and ticked him off at the worst time. You''re burning our bridges!"


    "How''d this happen?" Amanda muttered, stunned. "Should we still go through with the wedding?"


    "The wedding''s in seven days, and we still can''t reach Tristan," Craig said, worried. "But we gotta prep for it. Maybe we''ll hear something soon."


    "Wait," Amanda said urgently. "If James is going down and Clemens is rising, won''t the marriage make us Clemens'' enemies?"


    "You already made us their enemies," Craig snapped. "Today, you were all showy and threatening. You burned our bridges."


    "I didn''t know. You didn''t tell me," Amanda said, almost crying. "What do we do now? Can we fix this?" she asked, desperate.


    "We gotta find a way to visit and apologize, sincerely," Craig said. "And hope Tristan pulls through and James bounces back." "Okay, if there''s a chance to apologize to Micah, I''ll do it," Amanda said, anxious. "I''ll do whatever it takes."


    "Right now, just shut up and stop making things worse." Craig sighed.


    Sadie got back to her room and tried calling Micah, but he hung up right away. When she tried again, his number was blocked.


    Thinking about how she used to do the same to him, she then tried Noah, but it went to voicemail. Calls to Nathan and Mia also went unanswered.

 Chapter 1222 The Marks on the Body

    Micah was seriously pissed this time and was dead set on cutting all ties with Sadie. He wanted to make sure she couldn''t even sniff out the kids. Panic hit Sadie like a truck when she realized just how cold Micah could be. If she pushed him too


    far, she might never see her kids again.


    What the hell should she do? Sadie paced the room, feeling like a cat on a hot tin roof.


    "Ms. James!" Annika burst in, looking all kinds of stressed. "They took the kids from the Clemens family."


    "I know," Sadie replied, her frown deepening as she took in Annika''s frazzled state.


    Annika looked roughed up, probably from a scuffle with Rn, but he must''ve gone easy on her. She only had some minor scrapes.


    "Rn tricked the kids into ying together," Annika started, her voice dripping with guilt. "When I wasn''t looking, he gave them something to drink. The kids knocked out, and they just took them. I tried to stop them, but I couldn''t take him. By the time Jesse showed up, they were already gone. They had a whole crew, and Jesse said we couldn''t use force."


    Annika looked down, "I messed up. Please punish me, Ms. James."


    "It''s not your fault," Sadie sighed. "It''s on me for letting things get this bad."


    "Did Mr. Clemens do this ''cause of your thing with Joe? Was he that mad?" Annika asked carefully. "How''d the talk go?"


    "How do you think? Guns were drawn," Arya said quietly. "If Craig hadn''t shown up to smooth things over, Mr. Clemens might''ve gone on a rampage today."


    "With his temper, he would''ve lost it," Annika said, looking worried. She muttered, "It''s all my fault. If I''d stayed with Ms. Jamesst night, none of this would''ve happened."


    "I also had a run-in with Rodolfo," Arya said angrily, thinking of him. "I wanted to protect Ms. James, but he kept getting in my way, so we fought."


    "I only had a quick run-in with Andrew. Didn''t even get to talk," Annika said, feeling down. "How did things get so messed up?"


    Arya shot her a look, telling her to zip it.


    Sadie was lost in her thoughts, feeling really low.


    "Ms. James, don''t stress too much," Annika tried tofort her. "Even if Mr. Clemens has beef with you, the kids will still want to see you when they wake up. He can''t stop them from reaching out." "Leave me alone for a bit," Sadie said, rubbing her forehead.


    "Yes," Annika nodded, hesitating.


    "Is there something else?" Sadie asked.


    "Well, I just got this," Annika said, blushing as she handed Sadie a box of birth control pills. "Since it already happened, we gotta deal with it. But I figured you wouldn''t want a surprise pregnancy." Sadie frowned as she took it, then angrily tossed it aside. "I just don''t get it. How could I... I don''t remember any of it!"


    "But on your body..." Annika trailed off, not daring to continue.


    Honestly, Annika and Arya didn''t want to believe it either. But with all the marks on Sadie''s body, it really looked like she had slept with Joe.


    "No, something''s off," Sadie muttered, getting more pissed. She told Arya, "Go get Joe. I need to talk to him."


    "What?" Arya''s eyes widened. "Get Joe toe here?"


    "Just go," Sadie said firmly.


    "Yes," Arya had no choice but toply and left to find Joe.


    Joe was in his room, talking with his parents about asking Micah for the kids when there was a knock on the door. A servant reported, "Mr. Louis, Arya says Ms. James wants you to go to her room." "Really? Sadie wants me to go to her room?" Joe was stoked. "I''ll be right there."

 Chapter 1223 Clues

    Joe barged into Sadie''s room, barely keeping his excitement in check. "Sadie, you called?" "Annika, Arya, scram," Sadie ordered.


    "Yes, ma''am," they replied and left.


    Joe, grinning like a kid in a candy store, moved in for a hug. "Sadie."


    Sadie stepped back, frowning. "We need to talk," she said, all serious.


    "Alright, alright," Joe nodded like a bobblehead and plopped down on the sofa.


    Sadie started, "Last night, after our fight, you went to clean up in the bathroom. I was on the sofa, drinking water, dead tired. I dozed off without even realizing it."


    She paused, staring him down. "So, how did we end up in bed? Spill it."


    Joe was caught off guard. He thought his efforts today had won her over, that she needed him. This felt more like an interrogation.


    "Why the silence?" Sadie pressed, frowning harder. "We''ve been friends forever. Even though you were a bit offst night ''cause you drank too much, I still believe you wouldn''t take advantage of someone. That''s why I''m asking." "You think I took advantage of you while you were out cold?" Joe echoed, shocked. "Sadie, is that what you think of me?"


    "Are you dense?" Sadie groaned, rubbing her temples. "I don''t want to argue. Just answer the question."


    "I don''t want to argue either," Joe shot back, angry. "Sadie, I know you don''t love me, but we slept together. We should cherish each other. Why can''t you ept that?"


    "What reality?" Sadie snapped. "I don''t rememberst night. I only remember falling asleep on the sofa. There''s no way we had sex. Something''s off."


    "Off?" Joe got more agitated. "Are you saying I took advantage of you?" he yelled.


    "I hope not, which is why I''m asking," Sadie said, feeling hopeless.


    "Sadie, I never thought you''d see me like this," Joe said, hurt, shaking his head. "Today, I saw how you looked at Micah. I know you still have feelings for him, but we slept together. Why can''t you face that?" "Forget it. I don''t want to talk to you anymore," Sadie snapped, feeling it was impossible tomunicate with Joe. "Leave. I want to rest."


    "I''m still talking to Dad and Mom about how we can get the kids from Micah. I''m doing everything for you. We''re supposed to get married in a few days. I hope you can sort out your feelings," Joe said, his voice sad as he stormed out. Sadie was speechless. Joe''s refusal to recount details and his agitation at her doubts made it impossible tomunicate with him. Feeling helpless, she went to take a shower.


    But then something caught her eye-a stain on the white carpet near the wardrobe. She moved closer to inspect it and saw a small red spot, simr to paint. She immediately called Annika to take the red substance for testing.


    At the same time, she searched the room for more clues. Soon, she found a few strands of hair in the wardrobe. They looked like hers, but something felt off.


    The royal servants were very meticulous. They cleaned Sadie''s room every morning and would never leave hair on the clothes, let alone in the wardrobe.

 Chapter 1224 Sadie, We Trust You!

    This morning was a total mess. The maid barely had time to swap the sheets, let alone do a deep clean, which is probably why she missed the hair on the wardrobe floor.


    But Sadie couldn''t stop thinking: how did that hair get in the wardrobe when she hadn''t even put away yesterday''s clothes?


    Whose hair was it, anyway? If it was hers, how did it get there? And if it wasn''t, whose was it?


    Sadie immediately asked Annika to get the hair tested. The results came back fast: the hair was Sadie''s, but the red stain was nail polish. Thing is, Sadie never wore nail polish, and neither did Annika or Arya. So, who was this mystery woman with red nail polish in her room?


    Annika quietly started digging into who wore red nail polish. She found out that a few of Amanda''s top maids wore nail polish, and three of them had red. But their nail polish looked perfect, no chips or anything.


    Still, these three were now on the watch list. Annika had people secretly tailing them to see if they could find anything.


    Sadie was bummed out by this. There were some clues, but nothing really added up.


    She tried calling Micah every day but got nothing. She also tried the kids, but their phones were off.


    Craig had also tried reaching out to Micah a bunch of times, saying he wanted to bring Amanda and Joe to apologize in person, but Micah wasn''t having it.


    Three days went by with everyone on edge. Craig and Amanda were freaking out about possible payback from Micah, while Joe was busting his butt trying to track him down with no luck.


    That evening at dinner, Joe got a call and excitedly told Sadie, "Sadie, rence said he set up a meeting with Micah tomorrow night at the Sunvale Serene Haven Hotel."


    "Really?" Sadie was thrilled and immediately told Annika, "Get the car ready. We''re going to Sunvale."


    "Yes." Annika went to make the arrangements.


    "I''ll handle it. I''ll go with you," Joe quickly said. "I also want to have a good talk with Micah."


    "You shouldn''t go," Sadie said firmly. "Seeing you will only make him angrier, and we won''t be able to talk at all."


    "But-" Joe started.


    "Sadie," Amanda cut in, "your wedding with Joe is in four days. We''re nning to head back to Sunvale tomorrow to get ready for it!"


    "Yeah," Craig added, "I also need to go back to host the guests. Lots of important people areing from all over, taking time out of their busy schedules. We can''t ignore them."


    Sadie''s heart sank. The wedding with Joe wasing up fast, and she felt a strong urge to call it off, but she didn''t know how to say it.


    "Sadie, if you want to talk to Micah about the kids alone, that''s cool. I get it," Joe said, trying not to pressure her. "But we can go back to Sunvale together tomorrow morning, and after we settle in, you can go see him. Sound good?" "Okay." Sadie nodded. Since it hade to this, she couldn''t say no anymore.


    "Then it''s settled," Joe said happily and quickly made ns.


    "It''s fine if Joe doesn''t go," Amanda smiled slightly. "Micah has a bad temper. If he sees Joe, there might be a fight. Sadie, we trust you!"


    The message was clear: they hoped Sadie wouldn''t betray their trust and do anything shady behind their backs.

 Chapter 1225 I Cant Wait

    Sadie felt a little weird hearing Amanda''s reminder, but she got it. Amanda was just worried ''cause she was heading to the hotel alone to meet Micah. Shoving down her unease, she put down her fork and said, "I''m gonna hang with the kids. Enjoy your meal." "Okay," Amanda said, still munching away.


    "Sadie, I''lle with you," Joe said, dropping his fork and getting up.


    "No need, you stay with your folks," Sadie replied coolly. "I need some alone time."


    With that, Sadie took off. Joe watched her go, feeling bummed out. No matter how hard he tried to get close, she kept him at arm''s length. Even though they were engaged, she was like a fortress. Nothing he did could break through; she was like a rock that wouldn''t warm up.


    Sadie headed to the yroom to hang with the kids.


    But the kids were kinda off today. They were messing with Legos but not really into it. They weren''t their usual chatty selves; instead, they were super quiet. "What''s up, guys?" Sadie asked softly, "Why aren''t you ying?"


    "It''s boring without Mia," Mary pouted, looking sad. "Noah''s gone too. Even though he didn''t y with us, he was always around, like he was watching over us."


    "Auntie, where did they go?" Emma tugged on Sadie''s sleeve, asking, "And what about Nathan, who looks just like Noah? He can do flips and knows how to box. He''s so cool. Where did he go?"


    "Did bad people take them away?" Donna asked, her big eyes wide with curiosity. "I saw a tall guy in ck yesterday. He looked scary, like a bad guy. Did he take Noah, Nathan, and Mia away?" "That guy is their dad," Sadie exined with a smile, "He''s not a bad guy!"


    "Really?" The kids'' curiosity was piqued, and they all crowded around, bombarding her with questions.


    "So, that bad guy is Noah, Nathan, and Mia''s dad. Does that mean he''s Auntie''s husband?" Emma asked.


    "Oh, not necessarily a husband. Mommy didn''t marry Daddy, but Daddy is still our dad," Donna shot back.


    "Right. Auntie is gonna marry Joe, so Joe is her husband," Mary added.


    "Then who are we rted to?" Emma asked, looking confused.


    "Silly, of course, it''s Joe," Donna said.


    "Then what should we call that bad guy?" Mary asked.


    "Just call him a bad guy!" Donna pouted.


    The kids started seriously discussing it, even giving Micah a nickname on their own.


    Sadie couldn''t help but smile at the kids'' cuteness, but it was a bit of a sad smile. She was worried about Noah, Nathan, and Mia.


    She had no clue what Micah would tell them. If they found out about the adult drama, would they start to hate her?


    Unable to chill, Sadie quickly found Annika. "Get ready. We''re heading to Sunvale in half an hour," she ordered.


    "Huh? Didn''t we say we were going with Joe''s family tomorrow morning?" Annika asked softly.


    "I can''t wait; we''re going now," Sadie said firmly. "I''m gonna find Hubert now. You get everything ready. We''ll take Hubert and the kids back to Sunvale." "Got it," Annika said, immediately getting to work.

 Chapter 1226 You Cannot Leave the Estate

    Sadie felt super bad about dragging Hubert around everywhere. It was a total hassle for him.


    But now, she had to head to Sunvale to find Micah. Leaving Hubert and the kids at the estate wasn''t safe, especially with things being so touchy with the Louis family. Joe was still his usual warm self, but Craig and Amanda were acting all weird.


    Sadie got it. With the weddinging up and no word from Tristan, Craig and Amanda had their own agenda. They probably thought Tristan agreed to the marriage to give Sadie and the kids a safe spot. Plus, they were likely worried about backing the wrong team. They wanted to team up with the James Group to boost their status, but now the James Group was a mess, and the Clemens Group was back on top.


    They lost the James Group''s support and ticked off the Clemens Group. Talk about a lose-lose situation!


    Sadie understood where they wereing from, so she couldn''t totally me Craig and Amanda. They just didn''t get it. She used to think Joe''s family was simple and sincere, but now she knew that was just wishful thinking.


    Sadie went to the small building to tell Hubert about her n to go to Sunvale.


    Hubert looked confused and asked, "Aren''t you and Joe getting hitched in three days? Why are you heading to Sunvale early? Something up?"


    Sadie didn''t want to spill the embarrassing details but had to exin, "Micah came a few days ago and took the kids. I need to go to Sunvale to talk to him."


    "Alright," Hubert smiled a bit, "When I''m not treating, I''m here prepping medicine. I really don''t know what''s going on at the vi."


    "Sorry, Hubert, for making you run around again," Sadie felt super guilty. She promised, "Once I''m done in Sunvale, I''ll send you back home."


    "Are there flights back home from Grapetown Heights?" Hubert had been wanting to leave, "Otherwise, I''ll just go back directly from here."


    "You want to leave now? I haven''t even thanked you yet," Sadie said, feeling uneasy.


    "We''ll talk about itter," Hubert said with a smile, "You and Mia are both cured. No need for me to stick around, but..." His thoughts drifted to Micah, "Did Micah have an illness before? Is he okay now?"


    "When I saw him that day, he''d lost a lot of weight, but his spirits seemed good," Sadie didn''t know about Micah''s illness. She replied, "Maybe he''s cured."


    "That''s good," Hubert nodded, "Then I''ll head back first. The medicine I prepped for you is almost used up. If you need anything,e find me in Avalis."


    "Alright, I''ll arrange it right away," Sadie said. She quickly asked Arya to arrange a private jet. Arya found flights from Grapetown Heights but none directly to Avalis. After some discussion, Hubert decided to go to Newark first. Hubert also wanted to pay respects to Edmond and see some friends. From Newark, he could return to Avalis the same way.


    Sadie immediately assigned two bodyguards and two servants to escort Hubert, Percy, and Pa to the airport, making sure they took good care of Hubert and got him home safe. With everything set, she felt relieved. Meanwhile, Sadie also set off early for Sunvale with the kids.


    The convoy slowly left the estate but got stopped by the Louis family''s bodyguards. "Sorry, Ms. James, without orders from Duke Louis and Duchess Louis, you can''t leave the estate," one bodyguard said. Arya was fuming. It was clear this was all set up by Craig and Amanda. While Hubert could leave, Sadie was being held back.

 Chapter 1227 Preventing Trouble at the Wedding

    "Ms. James ain''t no puppet of the Louis family. We can''t evene and go as we please?" Arya yelled, fuming. "Move it!"


    "Sorry!" The bodyguards stood their ground, blocking the way with stone-cold faces. Soldiers nearby went to fetch Craig and Amanda, forming a tight circle around them. No way out. Seeing this whole show, Sadie smirked. Craig and Amanda were really pulling out all the stops. They couldn''t risk her bolting and making the Louis family look like fools.


    They must''ve known she was nning to head to Sunvale once Hubert left, so they had the soldiers stop her on the down-low. They wouldn''t show up themselves but wouldn''t let her leave either. How lovely! "Ms. James, just say the word, and we''ll bust through! Don''t sweat these soldiers!" Jesse, one of Tristan''s guys, was always up for a fight. A few dozen soldiers? No big deal.


    "No need." Sadie was different now, moreposed. She spoke calmly, "Don''t mess with the Louis family before Tristan gets here! He did agree to this marriage, after all."


    "So, what now?" Annika asked softly.


    "Wait." Sadie murmured, leaning back in her chair, gently petting her eagle, Coco. She told the maids to cover the three sleeping kids with nkets.


    "Why wait?" Arya whispered angrily. "We should just break through now. I doubt they''d really shoot. Even if they do, we ain''t scared."


    "Shut up." Annika shot her a re.


    "L.." Arya bit her lip, clearly pissed but keeping quiet.


    Soon, Amanda rolled up in a carriage.


    She first chewed out the bodyguards and soldiers, saying they were out of line for stopping Sadie''s convoy. Then she said Sadie was the future mistress of the Louis family, and everyone had to treat her with the utmost respect. Her words were all nice and proper, but to Sadie, they reeked of sarcasm and hypocrisy.


    Sadie stayed silent, holding Coco and calmly watching Amanda''s little act.


    "Sadie, don''t be mad. I''ve already scolded them." Amanda said softly. She walked to the side of the carriage and peeked inside. "Oh, you brought the kids too. It''s sote. Where are you headed?"


    "To Sunvale," Sadie replied bluntly. "I need to talk to Micah about the kids."


    "Didn''t we agree to leave together as a family tomorrow morning?" Amanda stressed "as a family." "Now you''re taking the kids to Sunvale alone. It''s a long and bumpy trip."


    "I''ve got a private jet lined up," Sadie cut her off. "Duchess Louis, no need to worry. I''m just going to talk about the kids. I''ll be back before the wedding, promise!"


    "Sadie, listen to yourself. I''m just worried about you." Amanda smiled slightly, her words dripping with hidden meaning. "In three days, you and Joe are getting hitched. The whole world''s watching this wedding. If any bad rumors start now, it''ll mess up the Louis family''s and the James Group''s reputations, got it?"


    "I got it," Sadie said coolly. "I get your concerns, which is why I need to see Micah before the wedding to clear things up. If he causes a scene at the wedding, both our families'' reputations will be toast."


    Amanda''s eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn''t thought about Micah causing trouble. Given his status, his appearance at the wedding could indeed be a disaster if he decided to stir things up.

 Chapter 1228 Try Contacting Tristan Again

    Amanda bounced back quick, her voice oozing fake concern. "Hey, I didn''t stop you from seeing Micah. Just think it''d be better if we head back to Sunvale together, set some stuff up, and then you go see him." "Set stuff up?" Sadie asked, eyebrows knitting together. "What kind of stuff?"


    "You''re ady from a big-shot family, you get it," Amanda said with a grin. "Gotta clear out the paparazzi hanging around the hotel. Joe won''t mess with your meet-up with Micah, but he''s gotta go with you to the hotel." "You''re making this way tooplicated," Sadie said, exasperated. "Your ns are just gonna tip Micah off, and then I won''t get to talk to him."


    "I''m not dumb. I can keep it on the down-low," Amanda shot back.


    "Duchess Louis," Sadie cut her off, not wanting to drag this out. "I''ll handle it myself. Let them through."


    "Sadie, I''m treating you like family here," Amanda suddenly got all serious. "You and Joe are already hitched. Micah saw it himself. There''s no way you two can patch things up. You should just focus on the wedding. Otherwise, you might end up with nothing."


    Sadie couldn''t help butugh. Not wanting to waste more breath, she ordered, "Drive!"


    "Got it," Arya said, hitting the gas.


    "Sadie, what are you doing?" Amanda yelled, fuming. "I''m trying to help you, but you won''t listen..." Before she could finish, the car sped off. The bodyguards stepped aside, not daring to stop them.


    "What are you waiting for? Stop her!" Amanda screamed.


    The soldiers moved to block the way, but Jesse whipped out a gun and fired a few shots at their feet, making them back off.


    They were about to draw their guns, but Joe showed up just in time and stopped them. "What are you doing? Stand down!"


    Sadie''s convoy sped away, leaving Amanda fuming.


    "Mom, what are you doing?" Joe didn''tfort Amanda; he scolded her. "Sadie wants to see the kids and get back to Sunvale early. What''s wrong with that? Why''d you try to stop her? You''re gonna mess things up between us." "Do you even have a rtionship?" Amanda snapped back. "Did she tell you she''s going to see Micah? You''re such a useless fianc¨¦."


    "You..." Joe started, but Amanda cut him off and stormed off. "Just wait; when Sadie sees Micah, who knows what''ll happen? If the wedding falls apart, our family will be a joke."


    Joe stood there, watching Sadie''s convoy disappear, Amanda''s words echoing in his head. His dream was to marry Sadie. Even if she didn''t love him now, he believed he could win her over someday.


    She was already his.


    He couldn''t let anything mess up the wedding, and with only three days left, he had to hold on to his dream.


    Determined, Joe turned to his attendant. "Get the car ready. We''re going to Sunvale."


    "Yes," the attendant replied.


    "It''s so annoying how Amanda''s all fake and even threatening Ms. James," Arya grumbled while driving.


    "We''ve done everything right. Whatever happens next, it''s on them," Annika said, more level-headed. "Jesse, try hitting up Tristan again," Sadie suddenly instructed.


    "On it," Jesse replied.

 Chapter 1229 Mr. James Is So Capable

    On the private jet from Grapetown Heights to Sunvale, Sadie was deep in her own head, her brain a mess of worry and guilt.


    Jesse had been trying to get ahold of Tristan, but no dice. Even Tristan''s crew was MIA, and every other way they tried to get info hit a brick wall. Country E was locked up tighter than a drum, with zero info leaking out. It was like trying to break into Fort Knox.


    Sadie''s anxiety was through the roof. Over a month ago, when she bailed from Skyport City, she was worried but always thought Tristan would handle it. To her, Tristan was like a superhero. She never thought things would get this bad and totally out of control.


    Guilt was eating her alive. For the past two years, she''d taken Tristan''s protection for granted. She never really tried to get him, the James family, or the James Group. She was always thest to know when Tristan was in trouble, and now that ignorance was killing her.


    She stared out the window, feeling more lost than ever. Her heart was torn between wanting to rush back to Country E to find Tristan and the thought of leaving her kids behind, which made her chest tighten. "Ms. James, don''t stress too much," Annika said, trying tofort her. "We gotta believe in Mr. James. He''ll get through this ande to Country C to get us."


    "Yeah, Mr. James is a total badass; nothing''s gonna happen to him," Arya chimed in.


    Sadie just looked down and stayed quiet. Craig and Amanda''s attitudes made it clear how bad things were for Tristan. If he didn''t show up on the wedding day, then things were seriously messed up. "Ms. James, don''t worry," Jesse noticed Sadie''s unease and tried to reassure her. "Before we left, Mr. James told me not to believe any rumors. He''ll definitelye to get you and the kids!" "Okay," Sadie nodded.


    Jesse''s calmness was a bit of afort. Annika was right; she needed to believe in Tristan. He could handle anything. What she needed to do now was protect his kids and not add to his problems. Sadie looked back at the three sleeping kids and felt a sudden resolve.


    The flight wasn''t long, and soon theynded in Sunvale.


    After getting off the ne, the kids were still out cold. Annika had already sorted out a ce to stay, and they took the kids to a vi in the suburbs to settle in.


    The kids woke up just in time and were all curious about the new house, running around looking for Noah, Nathan, and Mia.


    The three little girls thought Noah, Nathan, and Mia would be waiting for them here.


    Sadie watched their happy faces and couldn''t help but feel touched. How awesome would it be if they could bring Noah and the others back and let all six kids live together?


    "These kids have so much energy," Arya said, following the three kids, looking a bit tired. "I''m exhausted just watching them."


    "They''re running around like crazy; it''s exhausting," Annikaughed. "It''s only three-thirty in the morning. They''ll crash soon and go back to bed."


    "I''ll handle them. You go rest," Jesse said, concerned. "Ms. James, get some sleep so you can deal with Mr. Clemens tonight!"


    "I can''t sleep," Sadie muttered, full of worries. "Jesse, can you find out where Micah is now? I wanna see if I can find him sooner."


    "Okay," Jesse handed the kids over to Annika and Arya and went to check it out.


    Sadie went back to her room, took a shower, and changed intofy clothes. As shey on the bed, she tried calling Micah again, hoping he''d pick up.


    But again, nothing. Frustration bubbled up inside her. Why was Micah ying this hide-and-seek game? Couldn''t they just talk like grown-ups?

 Chapter 1230 Never Be Entirely Severed

    Jesse went off to check out the clues and went radio silent for like two hours.


    Sadie, totally wiped out, crashed on the bed and dozed off.


    She slept straight through till morning, jolted awake by Dahlia making noise outside.


    She shivered in her sleep, snapped her eyes open, and got this bad feeling. ncing out the window, she saw it was pouring.


    After Hubert''s treatment and months of recovery, Sadie was physically fine. But you can''t pop a pill for mental scars.


    Every time it rained, Sadie thought of Brenda and that stormy day in Havenbrook City.


    Even though Amelia and Nick were dead and she got her revenge, the whole thing left a mark on her. Rainy days always brought back those memories.


    Plus, after that mess, Sadie got this weird thing about rain, like something bad was always gonna happen.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Annika''s voice came through. "Ms. James, you up?"


    "Come in," Sadie said, getting up and throwing on her robe.


    Annika walked in with a steaming pot of fruit tea. "Have some hot tea. It''s getting chilly out there," she said. "Any word from Jesse?" Sadie asked, plopping down on the sofa and taking the tea Annika handed her.


    "Not yet," Annika shook her head. "Mr. Clemens is probably hard to track down; it''s gonna take a bit."


    "Alright," Sadie said, sipping her tea slowly.


    "The three little girls are back asleep," Annika said with a smile. "They had a snack before bed and kept asking about you. I told them you were asleep and they''d see you when you woke up, so they went back to their rooms." "They''re still so young, they should be carefree," Sadie smiled.


    Thinking about the three little girls made Sadie smile, but thinking about her own kids made her mood heavy again.


    Sadie sighed deeply, "Unlike Noah and Mia, who can already pick up on adult vibes, especially Noah. He should be awake now and probably knows there''s drama between his dad and me. He''s likely worried about me, too."


    "I know you miss the kids, but think about it this way: they''re safe with their dad. Once we find Mr. Clemens, we can have a good talk with him," Annika tried tofort her.


    "Micah''s temper is probably a nightmare to deal with," Sadie murmured, frowning. "And this time, he seems genuinely pissed. He blocked my number and won''t let the kids contact me."


    "You two broke up ages ago; what right does he have to be mad?" Annika said, clearly annoyed. "Besides, he was the one who wronged you first, kicking you out at the wedding and putting you through hell. Later, he even trusted the Lingston sisters and protected Nick. With all that, you haven''t even settled the score with him yet. What right does he have to me you?"


    Sadie gave a bitter smile. "Sometimes, in a rtionship, it''s hard to tell who''s right or wrong. From his perspective, he feels wronged, too. It was Mr. Clemens who forced me away back then, and it was Mr. Clemens whoter mistakenly trusted E."


    Sadie continued, "Of course, he did hurt me for Mr. Clemens, whether he meant to or not. He ultimately caused me pain and led to Brenda''s wrongful death. Even if he wasn''t directly responsible, he was involved. By normal logic, I should have killed him to get my revenge."


    She mumbled, "But for the kids'' sake, I let go of the hate, left Newark, and started fresh. I even agreed to marry Joe to get away from him. I thought that would end things between us. But now, it seems like as long as the kids are around, our rtionship can never bepletely over."

 Chapter 1231 She Still Saw Herself as His Woman

    "Honestly, it''s not just about the kids," Annika said, treading carefully. "The real problem is neither of you has really let go."


    Sadie felt a pang of truth hit her and went quiet. She''d always dodged this topic, never wanting to face it, but now she had to admit it: it wasn''t just Micah who hadn''t moved on. She was stuck too.


    No matter how hard she tried to bury those feelings, Micah''s image would sneak into her thoughts whenever she was alone. Whenever another guy showed interest, she''d automaticallypare them to Micah. Deep down, she still saw herself as his girl. No man could touch her because, in her heart, she belonged to Micah.


    But thinking about the marks on her body and what might''ve happened with Joe, Sadie felt a wave of shame. Even though she didn''t want to face it, maybe she had crossed a line she never meant to.


    "Don''t overthink it. Since there''s no news yet, just chill and wait," Annika reassured her. "By six tonight, you''ll see him."


    "Okay," Sadie mumbled, wanting to catch some more sleep. So much had gone downtely, and she hadn''t slept well for nights. She was still wiped out.


    "I''ll help you to the bed," Annika said, guiding Sadie to lie down.


    Just then, Annika''s phone buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, she quickly answered, "Hey, Jesse!"


    "She''s right here. Hold on," Annika said, handing the phone to Sadie. "Jesse."


    "Ms. James, I found out that Mr. Clemens is at the Serene Haven Hotel in the Royal Club. rence booked the hotel. There''s a business meeting in the afternoon and a banquet tonight," Jesse reported.


    "Got it." Sadie suddenly got the picture. Joe hadn''t been clearst night. He mentioned Micah meeting rence at the Serene Haven Hotel but left out the juicy details. Was he trying to keep her from jumping in too soon?


    Jesse continued, "The kids are also staying in the vi area of the club, personally guarded by Rn. I''ve got detailed floor ns of the hotel and located the vi area. If you need, I can get people in right now and get the kids back for you." "Nice work, Jesse. You''re really Tristan''s right-hand man," Sadie said, pleased. "But don''t rush it. Micah and I still need to talk things out; snatching them back wouldn''t be good for the kids."


    "Understood. That''s why I haven''t made a move. Waiting for your call," Jesse said.


    "Come back first and keep an eye on Tristan''s kids," Sadie ordered firmly. "I''ll take Annika and sneak into the venue to find a way to meet Micah and talk."


    "Got it," Jesse replied.


    After hanging up, Sadie immediately told Annika, "Round up the team and get ready to roll."


    "On it," Annika responded and went to make arrangements.


    While Sadie was prepping, Jesse returned and gave a detailed report in person, also handing Sadie a few entry tickets. "rence has locked down the Royal Club, and no outsiders are allowed. All guests have these facial recognition entry tickets. I got you five. They''re set up with the facial recognition of Annika, Arya, and Jessica. Any more would draw too much attention."


    "Jesse, you''re a lifesaver," Annika said, taking the tickets and admiring them. "Your efficiency is off the charts."


    "After working with Mr. James for so long, I''ve gotten used to nailing everything," Jesse said with a slight smile. "I suggest you goter. The business meeting is tightly controlled, and you''ll be spotted as soon as you walk in.


    If Mr. Clemens refuses to talk, it''ll be embarrassing and could hurt the reputations of the James family, the Clemens family, and the Louis family if word gets out."


    Jesse added, "The evening banquet kicks off at five. All guests will be in formal wear and masks. I don''t know much about the outfits, so you''ll have to handle that yourselves."

 Chapter 1232 Sneaking into the Clubhouse

    "I got this," Annika said, dialing someone up. "We gotta stay low-key, so no one spots us."


    "You can only take four people in. It might get sketchy," Jesse said, thinking it over. "I''ll have some folks blend in around the club. If you need backup, just holler."


    "Awesome," Sadie said, feeling grateful. "Thanks, Jesse!"


    "I''ll hang back at the vi with the three little girls. Those assassins from Country E might show up," Jesse warned. "Y''all be careful!"


    "Got it," Sadie nodded.


    It was still pouring outside. The stretch Lincoln Annika arranged pulled up fast. Sadie, Annika, Arya, and two other female bodyguards hopped in and headed straight to the Royal Club. They had to be sneaky. Sadie was worried Micah would shut her down right away and didn''t want anyone finding out about their private meet-up.


    Like Amanda said, Sadie and Joe''s wedding was just two days away, and both families'' reps were on the line. The media was all over them. If this got out, it would be a huge scandal, blowing up entertainment news and causing a major stir. Plus, the James Group was already in a mess, and Sadie didn''t want to dump more problems on Tristan.


    The Royal Club was always a spot for the elite.


    Sadie had been there once two years ago to catch a show. On a whim, she yed a piece on the piano, which caught Joe''s eye.


    On the way, Sadie''s phone kept buzzing. Joe was blowing up her phone. She just hung up and blocked him. She had bigger fish to fry and didn''t need distractions.


    "Joe''s acting like a kid," Arya said, shaking her head.


    "Can''t me him. He''s just worried about Ms. James," Annika said, watching Sadie''s face.


    Sadie''s mind was elsewhere. She was all about Micah and the kids right now.


    Driving the car Jesse set up and using the entry tickets he gave, Sadie got her crew into the club without a hitch.


    By then, the afternoon business meeting was over. Guests were heading to the Serene Haven Hotel to check-in and get ready for the evening shindig. Wearing sunsses and a mask, Sadie checked in without a hitch.


    Annika helped Sadie change and get ready in the room. Meanwhile, Arya went to find out where Micah was.


    Arya came back soon and whispered, "Mr. Clemens is in the presidential suite on the top floor with rence. They''re talking about something."


    "What floor are we on?" Sadie asked, pulling up the hotelyout map Jesse gave her on her phone.


    "36th floor. Mr. Clemens is on the 48th," Arya said. "We got regr guest tickets. The 48th floor is for VIPs, and there are guards at the elevator." "That''s tight security," Annika frowned. "It''s just a ball."


    "I checked. Not many guests. The hotel isn''t fully booked," Arya said. "Maybe rence wants to keep Mr. Clemens happy, knowing he likes it quiet."


    "The real question is, how do we get to the 48th floor?" Annika wondered. "rence''s guys are easy to fool, but Mr. Clemens'' crew is sharp. If they catch on, we''re toast."


    "I thought about that too," Arya said. "Maybe we wait for the ball. When it gets busy, people won''t be so on edge. We got fifteen minutes."

 Chapter 1233 Have You Forgotten?

    "Looks like we ain''t got no other choice," Annika said, catching Sadie''s worried look. She tried tofort her, "Ms. James, chill. You''ll totally get a shot at Mr. Clemens at the ball." "Yeah, I know," Sadie replied, still looking kinda stressed.


    "What''s up?" Annika asked, concerned. "Still fretting about the kids?"


    "I just don''t think I can convince Micah," Sadie muttered, frowning. "Honestly, even if we go through all this trouble and meet him, it might blow up in our faces."


    "Yeah, Mr. Clemens'' temper ain''t exactly easy to handle," Annika agreed, looking worried too.


    "Here''s what I think," Arya jumped in without missing a beat. "You go talk to Mr. Clemens, and I''ll sneak into the vi and grab Noah, Nathan, and Mia. At that point, whether he likes it or not, he''s gotta deal with it." "Yeah, you''re a genius," Annika rolled her eyes. "And after you snatch them? What are you gonna tell the kids?"


    "We''re overthinking this, and that''s why we''re always losing," Arya said, getting annoyed. "When Mr. Clemens took the kids, he didn''t overthink it. He just did it, cutting off contact with Ms. James. We''re always trying to y nice, but can this even be solved peacefully anymore? Even if Ms. James talks till she''s blue in the face, Mr. Clemens ain''t giving the kids back."


    Annika was stunned by Arya''s words. After a moment, she nodded. "Yeah, that kinda makes sense, but we''re still in the wrong here."


    "Wrong about what?" Arya snapped. "It was the Clemens family who ditched Ms. James, took the kids on the wedding day, ignored her being poisoned, and shipped her and Brenda off to Country H, making them suffer and leading to Brenda''s tragic death abroad."


    Arya went on, "Later, Mr. James saved Ms. James and brought her back with a new identity. She got revenge on Nick and Amelia for Brenda, but you know how messy that was, right? The Clemens family trusted E, who poisoned Mia and humiliated Ms. James. They protected Nick, and Raymond kept bullying Ms. James. Even so, Ms. James kept backing down for the kids. But what did the Clemens family do for Ms. James or the James family for the kids? Nothing, right?" Once again, Annika was left speechless by Arya''s rant.


    Arya''s anger grew as she remembered Micah''s actions. She sneered, "They already broke up. Even if she had something with Joe or any other guy, it ain''t his business. Why should he be mad at Ms. James?"


    She sneered again, "He even took the three kids away in a fit of rage, acting like Ms. James betrayed him or owed him something. Why? After he forced Ms. James away, who knows how many women he had around him. Remember, back at the Cloud Hotel and Noble Summit Estate, Ms. James caught him in bed with E twice, and it even made the news. E wasn''t wearing any clothes and looked pitiful. That scene was way more scandalous than anything Ms. James did. Have "you forgotten?"


    "Yeah, that did happen," Annika frowned, muttering, "After E died, I kinda forgot about all that."


    "I didn''t," Arya fumed. "Anyway, I think Micah wronged Ms. James first. Now, whatever Ms. James does is justified. Why should he take the kids away because of that?"


    "Arya''s right," Sadie said, her expression turning serious. She dered firmly, "I can''t let him control me every time!"

 Chapter 1234 The Ball

    Sadie mulled it over for a sec, then said, "Arya, grab Jessica and the crew, and go find the kids. But don''t snatch ''em. Just tell ''em I wanna see ''em. I''ll take Annika and have a chat with Micah. If he lets me see the kids, awesome. If not, I still gotta see ''em. When the timees, respect what the kids want. If they wannae with me, I''m taking ''em, even if it means throwing down with Micah!"


    "Sounds like a n," Annika nodded. "But, Ms. James, let''s keep it chill and try to talk it out first. We gotta think about the kids."


    "Totally," Arya said, realizing she''d been a bit too fired up earlier. "Let''s try to negotiate first. If we can work something out, great. If not, then we can..." "Alright, let''s roll with that," Sadie cut in, determined. "You''re right. If Micah won''t let me see the kids, I gotta take charge."


    "So, should I head to the vi area to find the kids now?" Arya double-checked.


    "Go," Sadie said firmly. "Find ''em, but don''t do anything crazy. Wait for my signal."


    "Got it," Arya nodded and took off with the other two female bodyguards.


    Now, it was just Annika and Sadie. Annika helped fix Sadie''s hair andforted her, "The ball''s about to start. Let''s head down early."


    "Okay, I got it. You go get ready too," Sadie said.


    "Alright," Annika replied.


    After getting dressed, the two of them, masked up, headed to the banquet hall.


    Pushing open the bronze doors, they walked into a scene straight out of a movie. The crystal chandeliers were blindingly bright. A bunch of fancy-dressed socialites floated in, all decked out in gowns and bling, clearly from money.


    But they all came solo, no businessmen tagging along. Once inside, some girls were sneakily looking around, while others were trying hard to show off and grab attention.


    In the lounge area, a dozen businessmen in sharp suits were chilling, holding wine sses, their eyes scanning the girls, sharing low, cheekyughs.


    Sadie got it right away. This wasn''t a business shindig; it was a setup for those high-rollers to pick out femalepanions.


    "Ms. James, did we crash the wrong party?" Annika whispered.


    "No," Sadie nced at the businessmen and replied quietly. "Those are all rence and Micah''s business buddies. It''s one thing to mess around in private, but unting it like this is just gross!"


    "I don''t get it. These girls look like they''re from good families. How can they let themselves be picked like this?" Annika was baffled.


    "Small families wannatch onto bigger ones," Sadie smirked. "People always wanna climb higher."


    "Maybe Mr. Clemens isn''ting?" Annika guessed. "I don''t think he''s that kind of guy."


    Just then, a girl nearby squealed, "Mr. Clemens is here!"


    At that moment, the bronze doors swung open, and a tall,manding figure walked in, with rence eagerly tagging along.


    In the grand hall, Micah, rocking a ck suit, still had that god-like vibe, grabbing everyone''s attention!


    Even though he was skinnier than before, his natural kingly aura was still there. His handsome face had a bit of a wild edge now. But his eyes were colder than ever.

 Chapter 1235 Surrounded by Beauties

    "Yo, Mr. Clemens," a fewdies whispered, trying to get close, but the bodyguards shut that down real quick.


    Micah strolled in, not even ncing at the women, but he wasn''t about to turn down a fancy party either. He snagged a ss of wine from a passing waiter and slid into a group of dudes like he owned the ce. Sadie, hiding in the crowd, watched Micah with a storm of feelings swirling inside her. Confusion. Disappointment. Doubt.


    Confusion ''cause she couldn''t wrap her head around why he''d show up at a shindig like this. Was he always part of these high-society gigs, blending in like it was nothing? Or was this his way of getting back at her, chasing thrills to hide his anger?


    Disappointment ''cause the image she had of him was falling apart. No matter the reason, she didn''t wanna see this side of him.


    Doubt ''cause he was supposed to take the kids and head straight back to Newark. What was he doing hanging around Sunvale, partying it up? He wasn''t even the type to dig these kinds of events.


    Annika felt pretty dumb for being so sure of herself earlier. She thought Micah wasn''t that kind of guy, but here he was, proving her wrong.


    "This party''s obviously for him. How could he not show up?" Sadie muttered. She noticed all the women had their eyes glued to Micah.


    It had to be rence who spread the word that tonight was about finding Micah a date.


    Those high-ssdies were dying totch onto the Clemens family. Getting into Micah''s bed was step one to hitting the jackpot.


    "So this is the famous Mr. Clemens. He''s so hot," one woman whispered nearby.


    "Yeah, and that body! Those eyes are killer. I really like him!" her friend gushed.


    "He''s the ultimate rich hottie. If I could be his girl, I''d die happy!" one woman sighed.


    "None of you have a shot. He''s mine!" another woman dered.


    "Ha, who do you think you are?" one woman sneered.


    A bunch of women nearby were chatting in Sunvalenguage, each one confident, excited, and thrilled.


    A few pretty women were already swaying their hips, making their way over to him.


    Watching the scene, Annika couldn''t help but sigh. "Seriously, they''re already loaded. Do they really need to throw themselves at him like this?"


    "Exactly ''cause they''re loaded, their standards are sky-high," Sadie smirked. "They think only a guy like Micah is good enough for them."


    "Alright then." Annika was speechless, shooting a re at Andrew next to Micah, "He''s such a fake. Acting all devoted - what a joke."


    "Andrew''s not that bad. He''s just here with Micah," Sadie said, pointing to the bar. She grabbed a cocktail and headed to a corner to sit down. "If you keep ring at Andrew, people will notice." Annika quickly looked away and sat down next to Sadie, whispering, "Ms. James, you think they''ll recognize us?"


    "Nope," Sadie said confidently. "These masks cover our facespletely. No way they''ll recognize us."


    "True." Annika nodded. "So, you wanna go talk to Mr. Clemens?"


    "No rush," Sadie said, her eyes narrowing as she watched the women fawn over Micah. "Now''s when he''s most clear-headed, easy to expose. We''ll go over when he''s too dazed to think straight." "Wow, those women are getting so close." Annika saw two women''s chests almost pressing against Micah and frowned, "This is too..." she hesitated, carefully watching Sadie''s reaction.


    Sadie lowered her eyes and took a drink, looking calm, but her hand under her dress was clenched into a tight fist.


    She didn''t even realize she still had feelings for him, that she still cared, got angry, and felt jealous. But she couldn''t show it, absolutely couldn''t.

 Chapter 1236 Choosing a Female Companion

    "Yo, Mr. Clemens, check this out," rence said, puffing up his chest. "Thesedies here? Top-notch. Not your everyday girls. We''re talking high-ss, well-educated, and deep. Got a few celebs and models in the mix too." Micah waved his hand, and Andrew shooed thedies away. Taking a slow sip of his drink, Micah asked, "So, what did Joe spill?"


    rence froze, his face going pale. "Uh, nothing, man. You guys are tight, like brothers. He always looks out for you..."


    Before rence could finish, Micah got up in his face, eyes zing. "You set this up ''cause you heard something, didn''t you?" "I-I..." rence stuttered, sweat dripping down his face.


    Micah smirked coldly but didn''t push it. He just kept sipping his drink.


    "Mr. Clemens, don''t be mad," rence pleaded. "You''ve been downtely, and I thought this might cheer you up. If it''s not your thing, I''ll send them away right now."


    rence moved to give the order, but Micah stopped him with a sly grin. "Nah, rence. Maybe you''re right. Maybe I do need a pick-me-up."


    Micah clinked his ss with rence''s, easing the tension. rence''s fear melted into relief. "As long as you''re happy, Mr. Clemens. That''s all that matters."


    Seizing the moment, rence barked out orders. "Hit the music! Ladies, line up so Mr. Clemens can get a good look!"


    Thedies quickly formed a line, and the businessmen behind them startedughing and cheering.


    "Mr. Clemens, these are all stunners. They''ve got the looks, the bodies, and the brains. Take your time and enjoy tonight!" one guy shouted.


    "Yeah, life''s short. Live it up while you can," another chimed in.


    "Grab a few more. With your stamina, Mr. Clemens, you could take ''em all home," someone joked.


    "Hey, he''s picking a girlfriend, not just any woman," another guy shot back.


    "Yeah, you think Mr. Clemens is as shallow as you?" someoneughed. "No, I''m just happy for him," the guy said.


    Micah nced at the women, not really reacting, and kept drinking.


    "rence, if you''re showing off thesedies, we gotta see their figures. Why the masks and gowns? How are we supposed to know what''s underneath?" Zachary Coleman, another businessman, pointed out. "Exactly," others echoed. "There''s a heated pool inside. Why not have them change into swimsuits, get in the water, and ditch the makeup? Makes choosing easier, right?"


    "Great idea!" others agreed, getting more excited.


    Thedies didn''t seem to mind; some evenughed and agreed. "No problem, I look good without makeup anyway!"


    "Yeah, this outfit''s a pain," one woman said.


    "Totally," another added.


    Micah''s attention shifted when a young woman with a calm confidence spoke up in fluent Celestian. "Mr. Clemens doesn''t just care about looks. He values understanding."


    Micah looked up. In the crowd, a tall woman was gazing at him with deep affection. Unlike the otherdies, she wasn''t restless or excited; she had a serene beauty about her.

 Chapter 1237 A Special Party

    "Yo, your Celestia''s pretty solid," Micah finally said, breaking the ice with the nobledies.


    "Thanks! Do you remember me?" the young woman replied, all smiles.


    "Mr. Clemens, I can speak Celestia too!" another woman butted in.


    The first woman tried to keep talking, but her voice got lost in the sea of other nobledies trying to grab Micah''s attention.


    They were pulling out all the stops to get Micah to notice them.


    But Micah? He barely gave the first woman a second nce. After hisment, he just looked away and kept sipping his drink. No matter what thesedies did, they couldn''t seem to catch his interest. "Ms. James, let''s head over there," Annika said, sounding a bit anxious. "If we don''t move now, Mr. Clemens might start making his pick."


    "Let him pick," Sadie replied coolly. "If he really likes someone, I can''t stop him."


    "But," Annika whispered, "weren''t you nning to talk to him?"


    "I know, but if I go over now and he recognizes me, it''ll be a mess," Sadie said, taking a sip of her drink. "I''ll wait until he''s alone to approach him."


    "What if he''s with a woman when he''s alone?" Annika asked.


    Sadie paused mid-sip, a flicker of panic in her eyes before she regained her cool. "Then I''ll wait till he''s done. Maybe by then, he''ll be in a good mood and not so difficult." Annika was speechless. She knew Sadie was stalling because she didn''t know how to face Micah right now.


    But if this kept up, their n might really go down the drain.


    "Hey, there are two more nobledies over there!" someone suddenly shouted.


    Annika jumped and saw it was Zachary, who had juste back from the restroom. He spotted her and Sadie on his way back.


    Sadie frowned. This was bad; they''d been spotted. Now, they had no choice but to go over.


    "Why aren''t you twoing over?" rence called out. "Hurry up!"


    "What do we do?" Annika was flustered. She was usually so decisive, but today, being treated like one of the nobledies to be chosen had her all mixed up. "Let''s go," Sadie said, standing up and walking over calmly.


    "Such a prime chance and you two are hiding in the corner," rence scolded Sadie in Sunvale. "Good thing Zachary found you, or you would''ve wasted your night." "Yeah, lucky Mr. Clemens hasn''t picked yet," the other men chimed in. "You still got a shot at the swimsuit party!"


    "Wait, swimsuit party?" Annika blurted out, shocked.


    Sadie gently nudged Annika''s arm, and she quickly realized her slip-up. She lowered her head and kept quiet. Andrew, standing behind Micah, suddenly looked up and stared at Annika with aplicated expression. "What? You don''t want to?" rence asked Annika.


    Annika looked at Sadie.


    "No, we do," Sadie replied with a smile, deliberately changing her tone in Sunvale to avoid being recognized.


    Micah held his wine ss, silently drinking, seemingly oblivious to everything.


    "Good, go change then," rence said, waving them off. "See you at the pool!"


    "Okay," the women immediately went to get ready.


    Sadie and Annika also headed to the changing room.


    Andrew leaned in and whispered in Micah''s ear, "Mr. Clemens, those two just now seemed to be..."


    "To the pool," Micah said, getting up and heading toward the outdoor za.


    "Mr. Clemens can''t wait!" The group of menughed and jeered, and one guy boldly asked, "Mr. Clemens, can we take the ones you don''t pick?" "You''re too much," Andrew said, annoyed. "This is about finding apanion, not picking a one-night stand."


    "Sure!" Micah suddenly replied. "As long as they''re down!"

 Chapter 1238 Olivia

    "Yo, Mr. Clemens," Andrew hustled to catch up with Micah, leaning in close. "Those two chicks we saw... they might be "


    "Andrew!" Micah cut him off, sharp as a knife. "You''ve been yappin'' too much tonight."


    Andrew mmed up but felt a knot of anxiety in his gut.


    Micah suddenly barked, "Call Rn. There''s a storm brewin'' tonight. Tell him to lock up the windows and doors and keep an eye on the kids."


    Andrew blinked, caught off guard, but quickly nodded. "Got it."


    As Andrew dashed off, it hit him-Micah was always a step ahead, like he had a crystal ball or something.


    In the locker room, Annika, barely keeping her voice down, asked anxiously, "What are we gonna do? Are we really gonna change into swimsuits and get picked?" "Chill out," Sadie nced around at the other women, all dolled up and buzzing with excitement.


    "Why aren''t you changing?" a curious woman piped up.


    Sadie and Annika stayed mum.


    Another woman sneered, "If you don''t wanna be here, then scram. Why act all high and mighty now?"


    "Yeah," others chimed in, "No one''s forcing you."


    "You..." Annika was about to lose it, but Sadie grabbed her arm, signaling her to let it go.


    Annika fumed but kept quiet.


    Just then, a friendly voice broke through. "Didn''t bring swimsuits? How about these?"


    Sadie looked up to see a woman already stripped down to a sexy bikini, unting her perfect figure.


    A fresh, charming face stood out among the crowd. Sadie recognized her as the girl who had caught Micah''s eye earlier. "You''re the one who spoke Celestian earlier, right?"


    "Yep, that was me," the woman said, shing a warm smile. "These swimsuits are a bit more modest. Wanna use them?"


    "Thanks," Sadie said, taking the swimsuit and ncing at the name tag: Olivia Graham. "Nice name. You from Country D?"


    "Yeah," Olivia smiled gracefully, "You?"


    "Nope, I''m from Celestia," Sadie replied with a grin. "Thanks for the swimsuits. Everyone else is out; you should go too." Olivia looked back and quickly followed, "I''ll head out then. You guys should change ande out soon."


    "Sure thing," Sadie responded, watching her leave.


    Soon, the locker room was empty. Annika whispered, "This Olivia looks familiar, and her name rings a bell too."


    "She''s the daughter of the richest guy in Country H," Sadie said quickly. "Last time at the Newark auction for the Sapphire Depths project, her dad bid $10 billion against me. She even went backstage to find Micah." "Oh, right, I remember now," Annika said, the lightbulb going off. "She was waiting backstage for Mr. Clemens, and he invited her to the private box for a bit."


    "Yeah, back then, I had just gotten back to Newark and hadn''t reunited with Micah," Sadie recalled. "Micah wanted to use her to see if I was really Sadie."


    "That''s her," Annika nodded. "I don''t get it. With such a cushy background, why would shee here to get picked?"


    "I''ve said it before, the better the background, the higher the standards," Sadie smirked. "They all think regr guys aren''t good enough for them, only Micah."


    "Do you think she''s here for Mr. Clemens?" Annika asked cautiously. "She seemed different from the other women. The others had thatpetitive look, but when she looked at Mr. Clemens, her eyes were full of admiration and affection."

 Chapter 1239 Chosen

    "Even you caught that," Sadie said with a sly grin. "Think Micah''s clued in?"


    "Even if she''s into Mr. Clemens, he''s a tough nut to crack," Annika quickly corrected herself. "Mr. Clemens only has eyes for you."


    "Isn''t it a joke to say that now?" Sadie cut in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Given where we are, neither of us can ask anything from the other." Annika sighed, looking down, lost for words.


    "Alright, let''s get changed," Sadie said, eager to switch gears.


    "Do we really have to go?" Annika hesitated, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "I, um..."


    "If you don''t go, I will," Sadie whispered, ncing around. "Find a waiter''s outfit and be my inside help."


    "Got it." Annika replied, relieved, and went off to find some clothes.


    Sadie slipped into a deep white V-neck one-piece swimsuit, showing off her killer figure and wless skin.


    She also found a ckce half-mask in the dressing room to keep her identity under wraps.


    Annika changed into a waiter''s outfit, masked up, and came over, "The party''s about to kick off, the door''s closing soon, let''s move."


    "Okay." Sadie casually tied a silk scarf around her waist and headed out with Annika.


    Once they hit the inner hall, they split up. Annika grabbed a tray and started serving champagne to the guests.


    Sadie, barefoot, made her way to the pool.


    The other beauties had already ditched their masks, showing off their stunning faces and seductive bodies, making the guys on the shore drool. Music kicked in, and the women in the pool struck sexy poses, reaching out to Micah and making flirty gestures.


    Micah quietly sipped his drink, his eyes scanning the women, lingering on Olivia for a few seconds before moving on.


    Olivia, thrilled, hurried over and greeted, "Mr. Clemens, remember me? I''m Olivia... ah..."


    Before Olivia could finish, she was shoved into the pool, caught off guard, and fell in.


    The other women stepped aside, not lifting a finger to help her.


    Something seemed to be tripping her underwater, and she struggled desperately but couldn''t get up.


    Seeing Olivia in trouble, Sadie quickly jumped into the pool to save her.


    At that moment, a dark figure suddenly dove in and lifted Olivia out.


    Olivia was clearly freaked out, gasping for breath, her body trembling until she heard Micah''s soothing voice, "Don''t be scared. You''re okay now."


    She came to her senses, wiped the water from her face, and saw the handsome face in front of her. She was stunned. "Mr. Clemens," she murmured.


    Micah carried Olivia to the shore, ced her on a lounge chair, took the towel handed by a waiter, and covered her with it,forting, "You alright? Need a doctor?"


    "No, I''m good." Olivia said, a bit shaky.


    "Have a drink to calm down," Micah said, handing her his ss.


    Olivia looked at Micah, overwhelmed, and for a moment, forgot to react.


    "Don''t want a drink?" Micah raised an eyebrow.


    "No, it''s not that." Olivia hurriedly took the ss but, too nervous, identally dropped it on the lounge chair. The red wine spilled on her thigh, making her smooth skin even more enticing. Olivia apologized nervously. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to."


    "It''s cool," Micah said, taking off his jacket and covering her with it. "It''s chilly here. Want to go upstairs and rest?"


    This statement caused quite a stir among the crowd.

 Chapter 1240 The Feeling of Heartbreak

    Micah had already made his pick, no doubt about it.


    The women? Totally bummed out. Some sshed water in frustration, others had faces like thunder, and a few were so upset their eyes were practically leaking. Meanwhile, the dudes were losing their minds, cheering like crazy.


    "Man, that was fast! Guess the swimsuit party did the trick!" one guy hollered.


    "Yeah, you can totally check out their looks and bodies this way!" another chimed in.


    "Micah''s got good taste. This girl is top-notch!" someone else added.


    "Top-notch? You bet," rence spilled the beans, "Folks, you might not know, but she''s Olivia, daughter of Nichs Graham, the richest dude in Country H!" Hearing Olivia''s name, everyone was even more jealous of Micah. "Micah''s got a sharp eye, picking the best one right off the bat," they sighed.


    Compared to the other high-societydies, Olivia was in a league of her own.


    Plus, everyone in the business world knew Nichs was super strict with his family, raising his daughters like sons.


    They were groomed from a young age, trained in business, and had all sorts of talents. Their social lives were tightly controlled until Nichs picked a husband for them. Clearly, Olivia showing up tonight was all part of Nichs''s n.


    Micah''s quick choice of Olivia earned him mad props for his excellent taste.


    rence joked with a grin, "Make the most of your time, Mr. Clemens, Ms. Graham. I''ve got the presidential suite ready for you. Head on up and rx."


    Micah shot him a cold look, and rence shut up real quick.


    The crowd stopped joking around too.


    Olivia''s embarrassment melted away, and she gave Micah a grateful look.


    Micah treated her with respect, then offered his hand to help her up. "Can you walk?" he asked.


    "Yeah." But as soon as Olivia stood, her legs gave out, and she almost hit the deck again.


    Micah scooped her up and walked off.


    The guys couldn''t help but p, all of them marveling and envying this perfect match.


    The women in the pool were green with envy, shooting daggers at Olivia.


    Sadie, standing off in a corner, stared nkly at Micah''s back. It felt like something heavy had mmed into her heart, breaking it bit by bit. Watching Micah with another woman was seriously gut-wrenching.


    A businessman asked, "Mr. Clemens, since you''ve made your choice, can we pick from the rest now?"


    "Go for it," Micah replied coolly.


    The guys were stoked and dove into the pool, starting to flirt with the other high-societydies.


    Sadie frowned in disgust, climbed out of the pool, and was about to leave when a guy blocked her path. "Don''t go, gorgeous. Can we get to know each other?" "Move," Sadie snapped.


    "Feisty, huh? I like it," the guyughed, "Don''t worry. Stick with me, and I''ll back your family''s business all the way..."


    Before he could finish, Sadie sidestepped him, trying to leave.


    "Hey!" the guy grabbed her hand, his eyes roaming over her. "You''ve got a killer body; name your price!"


    Sadie tried to yank her hand away, but the guy wouldn''t let go. Furious, she kicked him hard in the groin.


    "Ah!" The guy screamed and fell into the pool.


    Water sshed everywhere.


    Everyone around was startled and looked over. Once they figured out what happened, someoneughed, "Ulysses Taylor, you messed with the wrong girl today!"

 Chapter 1241 The Fight Broke Out

    Sadie stormed off, her pace picking up as anger bubbled inside her. Just as she turned, she spotted Micah holding Olivia, heading into the elevator.


    The second those elevator doors started closing, his eyes locked onto hers through the narrowing gap. His gaze was cold as ice; hers, a whirlwind of emotions.


    Sadie was all kinds of confused. Did he recognize her? If not, why the hell did he stare at her like that? Then again, she had just kicked some dude into the pool, making herself the center of attention. It was normal for him to nce her way. But if he did recognize her and still chose to whisk Olivia away, ignoring the crap she was dealing with, that was unforgivable!


    Sadie felt a surge of difort, clenching her fists tightly.


    "Damn bitch," Ulysses climbed out of the pool, cursing angrily, "How dare you kick me?" As he spoke, Ulysses moved to attack Sadie from behind.


    Sadie''s eyes shed, and with a swift roundhouse kick, she sent the guy flying back into the pool.


    With a ssh, water sprayed everywhere again.


    This time, the dudes around were stunned. They had thought Ulysses and Sadie had identally fallen into the pool in a moment of flirtation, but now they saw Sadie''s aggression and hostility.


    Her eyes clearly showed a murderous intent.


    Sadie didn''t want to stick around any longer and quickly left, watching the numbers on the elevator disy. Micah had taken Olivia straight to the 48th floor.


    He really couldn''t wait. With a fire burning in her heart, Sadie quickly walked toward the elevator.


    "Stop her!" rence shouted. He had realized that Sadie was suspicious. All the other girls had removed their masks, but she still wore hers, clearly not wanting to be recognized.


    If she were a suspicious person who had infiltrated the event, it would be dangerous. All the guests here were nobility; nothing could go wrong.


    Several bodyguards immediately moved to stop Sadie, but at that moment, Annika, disguised as a waitress, stepped forward to block them and said to Sadie, "Ms. James, you go ahead." Sadie quickly entered the elevator. As the other bodyguards tried to stop her, Annika kicked them away.


    The scene became even more chaotic.


    The women screamed in fear while the men shouted for bodyguards, each valuing their lives highly. rence immediately called in arge number of bodyguards to deal with Annika and capture Sadie.


    The elevator doors had already closed, and Sadie was on her way to the 48th floor.


    "Damn, those two assassins are after Mr. Clemens," rence panicked, "Quick, dispatch more people and catch those two women."


    "Yes, sir," the bodyguardsplied.


    Sadie heard these voices in the elevator and frowned deeply. It was all Ulysses'' fault. She could have quietly followed Micah, but his interference had blown everything up.


    But fortunately, they didn''t know her identity.


    She needed to find Micah quickly and confront him, but with Olivia... had they already... The thought quickened Sadie''s heartbeat.


    Meanwhile, Micah had carried Olivia out of the elevator and into his suite. As the door swung open, they were greeted by a romantic setup: a table with fine champagne, arge bouquet of red roses, and petals scattered on the carpet and bed. This was clearly rence''s doing, a surprise arranged for the night.


    Olivia''s face turned red, and she bit her lower lip, nervously snuggling into Micah''s arms, not daring to move.


    However, Micah simply ced her on the sofa and said in a low voice, "Go clean yourself up."


    "Okay," Olivia bit her lower lip and softly replied, then went to the bathroom.


    Micah sat on the sofa, silently drinking.


    At this moment, Andrew knocked and entered, ncing around the room. Not seeing Olivia, he quickly reported in a low voice, "There''s a fight downstairs." Micah said nothing, continuing to sip his drink, seemingly unconcerned about the situation outside.

 Chapter 1242 Blushing

    "Man, those two chicks just now, they were something else..." Andrew mumbled.


    "Scram," Micah cut him off. "Unless I say so, don''t bug me."


    "Mr. Clemens, are you really gonna..." Andrew nced at the bathroom, stunned. "Please, don''t do anything rash. Chill out," he pleaded. "Get out!" Micah barked.


    "Yes, sir." Andrew didn''t dare say more and backed out, head down.


    Micah grabbed the remote on the table and hit a button.


    The "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door lit up instantly.


    Andrew sighed and left, feeling helpless.


    Sadie got off the elevator and quickly found Micah''s room. She knew his quirks; no matter the hotel, he always picked the presidential suite at the far end for its peace and quiet. Seeing the "Do Not Disturb" sign glowing outside the door, Sadie felt a twinge of unease. Micah was really in a rush.


    Clenching her fists, she hesitated. Should she just bust in? What if she saw something she shouldn''t? She''d lose it. But if she didn''t, rence''s goons would catch up, and she''d miss her shot to confront Micah alone. Weighing her options, Sadie decided to push the door open, only to find it locked from the inside.


    Frustration bubbled up. Raising her hand to knock, she paused. Micah was too sharp; how could she just break through? Scanning the area, she noticed the room next door was empty. In a sh of inspiration, she unlocked the door and slipped in, nning to cross over from the balcony.


    Inside, Micah sat on the sofa, his wine ss already empty. He stared at the door, listening as the noise outside faded. Could she have bailed?


    Just then, Olivia stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. "I''m ready," she said softly. She''d showered and dried her hair, her face glowing. Her skin was wless. She looked fresh and clean, and her eyes were full of nothing but Micah.


    This moved Micah, who''d always been unlucky in love.


    "Come sit," Micah said, eyeing her.


    Olivia nervously walked over and sat on the sofa across from him, her hands shaking.


    "Come here," Micah patted the spot next to him.


    Olivia bit her lip and cautiously moved over. She sat beside him but was too nervous to look at him.


    Micah handed her a ss of wine. She took it carefully, afraid of spilling it like before.


    "Why so jittery?" Micah asked, just as a slight noise came from the balcony.


    His eyebrows knitted. This was the 48th floor; a fall from here would be deadly.


    "Yeah," Olivia took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to talk to Micah. "Do you remember me? We met in Newarkst time."


    "I heard," Micah said coolly. "Your dad bid a hundred billion for the Sapphire Depths project, but the James Group snagged it for a hundred and fifty billion."


    "That wasn''t my dad. It was his guy, Owen Richardson, who went to the auction," Olivia said softly. "I wasn''t there during the bidding, but I saw you backstage at the Avaloria business conference at the Noble Summit Estate. Do you remember?" "Oh, really?" Micah''s voice was icy, clearly not remembering.


    "Actually, that wasn''t the first time I saw you," Olivia blushed and continued. "When I was sixteen, I saw you at a business conference in Country F. You were giving a speech on stage..."


    Before Olivia could finish, Micah suddenly pulled her into his arms. Caught off guard, she spilled the red wine on his thigh.

 Chapter 1243 Do You Deserve It?

    "Sorry, I..." Olivia started, but Micah cut her off, pinning her down. He grabbed her cheeks, staring at her with this weird mix of emotions. Olivia was so freaked out she could barely breathe. Her body shook under him, and her big, beautiful eyes were wide with fear.


    "Tell me, what do chicks care about the most?" Micah muttered, his thumb brushing her cheek, eyes all confused and stuff.


    "Huh?" Olivia was totally lost but answered seriously, "The guy they love, I guess!"


    "The guy they love?" Micah chewed on that for a bit. "More important than family stuff?"


    "Yeah." Olivia didn''t even blink, "Family stuff is for the family. Love is personal."


    She paused, then added nervously, "You think I''m here for family reasons? No way, I''m into you."


    "If..." Micah ignored her and kept going, "If you had to sleep with someone you don''t love for family, would you do it?"


    "No." Olivia thought he got the wrong idea and quickly said, "I love you, that''s why..."


    "Love?" Micah scoffed, "Love can change."


    Sadie used to be head over heels for him, gave up a ton for him, stayed loyal, and was super sweet. But now, she was all about Joe.


    "No, I won''t change." Olivia said firmly, "You have no idea how much I love you. Since I was sixteen, it''s been five years, and I..."


    A sudden noise cut her off. She jumped and turned to look.


    Sadie had risked it all, climbing over from the balcony next door on the 48th floor.


    Shended smoothly, but seeing Micah pinning Olivia down made her heart skip a beat. She lost focus and knocked over a vase on the balcony. Hence, the noise.


    "It''s her?" Olivia recognized Sadie as the masked girl from the dressing room earlier. The swimsuit Sadie was wearing was borrowed from Olivia.


    "Sorry!" Sadie said to Olivia, then twisted her right hand, and a needle shot out, hitting Olivia''s neck.


    Olivia went limp and passed out instantly.


    "How dare you!" Micah''s eyes zed with anger. He grabbed a wine ss from the coffee table and chucked it.


    Sadie dodged, and the ss shattered against the wall.


    Before she could react, Micah was in front of her like lightning, grabbing her throat and pinning her against the wall. At that moment, Sadie felt the danger of death and choked out, "Micah, it''s me!"


    Micah ripped off her mask, raising an eyebrow and shouting coldly, "Sadie?"


    "Let go!" Sadie wed at his hand, leaving scratch marks.


    Seeing her in pain, Micah let go, turning away coldly, "What are you doing here?"


    "I... I need to talk to you." Sadie clutched her throat, struggling to breathe.


    "There''s nothing to talk about." Micah replied coldly, sitting on the sofa and pouring himself a ss of wine.


    "We need to talk about the kids." Sadie walked over anxiously, "At least let me see them and hear what they think."


    "Do you deserve it?" Micah snapped, ring at her with pure hatred.


    "Micah, what do you mean by that?" Sadie was instantly furious. She shot back icily, "We broke up ages ago. Who I''m with now is none of your business. How dare you take the kids and treat me like this?"

 Chapter 1244 Hatred to the Point of Gritting Teeth

    "Then go be your bride. Why the hell are you here looking for me?" Micah said, throwing a coat over Olivia. "And you climbed in through the window, messing up my good time!"


    Sadie watched Micah''s gentle touch on Olivia, feeling a pang of jealousy she couldn''t quite shake, but she kept up her tough act. "Give me back the kids, and I''ll be outta here. From now on, whoever you sleep with, I won''t give a damn." "Ridiculous!" Micah scoffed. "What right do you have to interfere? Can you even interfere?"


    "What matters to you is what happens between Joe and me. What right do you have to barge in and make a scene?" Sadie shot back, fuming.


    At that, Micah''s face darkened. He crushed the wine ss in his hand, then pinned Sadie down on the sofa, gripping her cheeks and shouting, "Is it because I haven''t touched you in two years that you''re so desperate? Are you that hungry for a man? So eager to throw yourself into someone else''s arms?"


    "What are you doing? Let go of me," Sadie yelled, pushing against him, but he was like a brick wall, unmoving.


    Her struggles only fired Micah up more. She was already in a sexy swimsuit, and her wriggling just made her more exposed.


    "Keep moving, and I''ll take you right here," Micah growled, his voice hoarse with anger. He sneered, "Perfect, you knocked out my woman, so I''ll use you as a stand-in."


    Hearing his words, Sadie felt her heart shatter. He called Olivia his woman.


    "Sadie!" Micah gripped her face with hatred, his voice bitter. "Do you know how much I went through to get you? I was looking forward to our family reunion, and this is how you repay me! Do you know that up until now, you''re the only woman I''ve ever had! Even during the two years you were gone, I never touched another woman. No matter how many threw themselves at me, I never wavered."


    He shouted, "But you, you slept with Joe in no time! Do you know how much I hate you? I wish I could strangle you."


    As he said thest sentence, Micah''s voice trembled with hatred and sadness.


    He reached out, gripping Sadie''s neck in anger, but he couldn''t bring himself to use force.


    Sadie''s inner guilt and emotions suddenly broke down. Her hardened heart softened, and she choked out, "Micah, actually I..."


    Sadie''s voice was cut off by urgent knocks and Joe''s anxious calls. "Sadie, Sadie!"


    She trembled all over. Why was Joe here now?


    Micah''s eyes turned sharp again. For a moment, he thought Sadie was going to exin something, and hope flickered in his heart.


    But Joe''s appearance shattered that hope.


    "Sadie, you''re really something," Micah sneered, patting her cheeks coldly. "You two even came together! One pretends to negotiate, and the other shows up just in time to intimidate. Did you also send someone to my vi to snatch the kids? Hmm?"


    "I..." Sadie panicked for a moment but quickly recovered and hurriedly exined, "It''s not like that, Micah."


    "Micah, open the door, open it now!" Joe was still pounding on the door, and then rence''s voice came from outside. "Joe, stop it. I already told you, Mr. Clemens went upstairs with a woman named Olivia, not Ms. James."

 Chapter 1245 Ill Kill You

    "Sadie definitely came to the hotel. She''s gotta be here to talk to Micah. Now she''s missing; she''s gotta be here," Joe said, all worked up. "rence, go find the hotel manager and get this door open."


    "Joe, are you nuts?" rence was freaking out. "This is Mr. Clemens'' room. You want me to... you want me to get myself killed?"


    "This is Sunvale, in Country C. This is my turf. What are you scared of?" Joe was both pissed and anxious. "You gonna open it or not? If not, I''ll call someone else," he snapped.


    "Joe, chill out! Stop causing a scene!" rence was almost in tears, begging, "I''m begging you, give me a break. If you keep this up, you''re gonna get me killed. I''m running this whole event. If Mr. Clemens gets pissed, I''m toast. Come with me first. I promise I''ll help you find Ms. James, okay?"


    "Sadie''s gotta be here," Joe insisted stubbornly. "My guys have searched the whole hotel and haven''t found her. She can''t be anywhere else but here."


    "You..." rence was about to say.


    "Joe, what the hell are you doing? This is Mr. Clemens'' room. Get out!" Andrew cut him off. He had just arrived and was trying to get Joe to leave.


    Even though Joe had a high rank, the Clemens family never feared authority. They used to respect Joe because he was Micah''s buddy. But now, clearly, he wasn''t. "Andrew, perfect timing," Joe said urgently when he saw Andrew. "Open the door. I need to talk to Micah face-to-face."


    "Joe, are you drunk? How could I possibly open Mr. Clemens'' door without permission?" Andrew was speechless. He said, "Please leave. Don''t disturb Mr. Clemens'' rest." "I''m not leaving until I see Micah," Joe insisted.


    Joe was done reasoning with them and had his guys call for more people. rence was desperately trying to talk him down, and Andrew was reminding him to be careful. Inside the room, Sadie was anxiously pushing Micah. "Let go of me," she demanded.


    This whole thing was supposed to be handled quietly. So far, no one knew her identity except for her and Micah. But Joe had toe and make a scene. If word got out, it would be a huge embarrassment for all three families.


    "What? Feeling sorry for him?" Micah sneered. "He came at the right time. The humiliation he gave me the other day, I''ll pay it back today!"


    With that, Micah ripped off Sadie''s swimsuit, leaving her naked beneath him.


    "You..." Sadie hurriedly covered her chest, shouting angrily, "Are you crazy?"


    "Yeah, I''m crazy. You drove me crazy." Micah shouted back. He used a remote to unlock the door, then leaned over Sadie, kissing her neck forcefully.


    Outside, Joe saw the door unlock and immediately rushed in. "Sadie..." His words stopped dead when he saw Sadie and Micah. He stood there, stunned and speechless, staring at the scene.


    "Let go of me!" Sadie shouted. She angrily pushed Micah away, covered herself with a pillow, and tried to hit him, but he grabbed her wrist.


    "You came to me willingly," Micah said calmly, threw a thin nket over Sadie, and stood up, elegantly adjusting his clothes with his back to Joe.


    Andrew blocked rence at the door. He said coldly, "Everyone back off. This is none of your business."


    "Isn''t someone gonna get killed?" rence was super anxious.


    "No," Andrew dismissed everyone.


    At that moment, Annika arrived. She and Andrew exchanged a look, and she red at him before storming in.


    "Micah, I''ll kill you!" Joe shouted as he grabbed a fruit knife from the table and charged at Micah like a madman. "Joe, stop!" Sadie shouted anxiously.


    Annika tried to stop him, but it was toote.

 Chapter 1246 No Way

    Micah''s eyes zed with fury, and he suddenly kicked Joe hard.


    Joe spat out a mouthful of blood and hit the ground like a sack of bricks.


    "You think I won''t kill you?" Micah red at Joe, his voice icy. "Let me tell you, even here in Country C, even in the Louis family, if I want you dead, you won''t see tomorrow!" "Micah, you..." Joe spat out more blood, seething with rage.


    "Mr. Louis!" Joe''s men rushed in, trying to help him up. "Mr. Clemens, how can you do this? You guys are friends."


    "Friends?" Micah scoffed. "I thought he was my friend, and he stole my woman."


    "Sadie is my fianc¨¦e. She''s mine," Joe shouted defiantly.


    "She was just in bed with me. Still wanna marry her?" Micah taunted.


    "You..." Joe was livid. "I''ll kill you, kill you!" he screamed.


    "Go ahead, try," Micah sneered, egging him on.


    "Get help, call the soldiers; I want this bastard dead," Joe ordered, still fuming.


    Sadie, wrapped in a thin nket, walked over and knocked Joe out with a single chop.


    Instantly, the room fell silent.


    "Take Joe back," Sadie ordered Joe''s men.


    "Yes, ma''am." They quickly took Joe away.


    Sadie nced at Annika, who immediately followed them out, calling Jesse''s men to ensure Joe got home safely.


    If anything happened to Joe on the way, it would be a mess to exin.


    Everyone cleared out.


    In the room, only Sadie, Micah, Annika, and Andrew remained.


    "Micah, you''re something else," Sadie red at him, teeth clenched. "Happy now? Got your revenge?"


    "Not even close," Micah replied, a cigar in one hand and a ss of wine in the other, not even looking at her. "What will it take for you to let me see the kids?" Sadie asked, trying to keep her cool. "Name your price!" Micah was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Cancel the wedding, and never get married. Ever."


    Sadie looked at him, stunned. "Why? What does my not getting married have to do with you? How dare you ckmail me?" "Guess you don''t really want to see the kids," Micah sneered. "Didn''t you ask for my terms? You can''t even do this one thing." "Those are my kids. You have no right to keep them from me," Sadie shouted, furious.


    "I''m doing it now. What are you gonna do about it?" Micah sneered, not budging an inch. "You..." Sadie was about to lose it.


    "Do you really want to get married that badly?" Micah shot back. "After tonight, do you think the Louis family will still marry you?"


    "It''s none of your business. You have no right to mess with my life," Sadie retorted, on the edge of losing her mind.


    "Fine, go have your freedom," Micah said coldly, heading straight to the bathroom.


    "Micah." Sadie tried to stop him, but Andrew stepped in, "Ms. James, Mr. Clemens is really pissed right now. Talking won''t help. You should go back first." Annika draped a coat over Sadie. "Yeah, let''s get out of here."


    Sadie, wrapped in a nket, had no choice but to leave. Annika felt bad for her but knew sometimes being too reasonable just doesn''t cut it.


    Sadie was in a tough spot and had to leave.


    "Ms. James." Andrew called out, reminding her quietly, "Arya and the others have been driven out. With just the three of them, they can''t take the kids from Rn." "What? Are you underestimating the James family?" Annika snapped.


    "That''s not what I meant." Andrew frowned, speaking softly, "Forcibly taking them won''t work. We have to negotiate slowly."

 Chapter 1247 Framed

    Sadie felt like she got hit by a freight train.


    Yeah, Micah needed to be handled with kid gloves. The James Group was in deep trouble, their power fading fast. Trying to strong-arm Micah would blow up in their faces. But hey, everyone''s got a weak spot, even Micah. If she yed it cool, she could still see her kids. They''d miss her too, right?


    "Ms. James, you''re sharp, but don''t rush it," Andrew said, trying to be nice. "Get back quick; the Louis family might be on your tail soon."


    "Thanks!" Sadie shot back and bolted. As she stepped out, she nced back and saw Olivia still sprawled on the sofa.


    Micah wasn''t nning on kicking her out. Maybe he wanted Olivia to stick around and have a good time.


    rence, who usually handled the big stuff, was waiting at the elevator. He walked Sadie and Annika out the back, all humble and apologetic for his earlier screw-up. He promised that tonight''s drama-aside from Micah, Sadie, and Joe was just between them and wouldn''t leak. He begged her to chill.


    Sadie took his word and left with Annika in a hurry.


    Arya was already in the parking lot. Seeing Sadie, she quickly said, "I''m sorry, Ms. James. Rn caught us as soon as we got in, and they nabbed us right away."


    "They didn''t rough you up, did they?" Annika asked, worried.


    "No," Arya shook her head. "They were pretty chill, just grabbed us and kept us from reporting to you, Ms. James, or causing any trouble. About ten minutes ago, they kicked us out and said you and Mr. Clemens had a falling out, telling us to wait here for you."


    "Looks like Rn and Andrew still have some old ties," Annika said, eyeing Sadie carefully.


    Sadie was at a loss. Tonight''s negotiation was a bust, and now she was framed by Micah.


    She had no clue how to exin this to Joe''s family.


    "Let''s get in the car first," Annika said, helping Sadie into the car.


    As soon as the car started, Sadie''s phone blew up. It was Amanda.


    Clearly, they knew what went down tonight. Especially since Joe got hurt by Micah, Craig and Amanda wouldn''t let this slide.


    "What''s Duchess Louis nning?" Arya blurted out. "Annika, what exactly happened?"


    Annika quietly filled her in.


    Arya was shocked, "Micah is such a jerk, he actually..."


    "Stop talking," Annika said, watching Sadie''s face and trying tofort her, "Ms. James, don''t worry, we''ll exin everything to Duchess Louis." "Exin what?" Arya, always straightforward, said, "Ms. James doesn''t want to marry Joe anyway, so why not use this chance to call off the wedding?" "Easy for you to say," Annika frowned.


    Then Annika broke it down, "With tonight''s mess, Mr. Clemens imed he slept with Ms. James and even hurt Joe. This is about pride. The Louis family won''t let it go. Even if they don''t dare touch Mr. Clemens, they''ll have a reason to go after Ms. James. And with Mr. James missing, we''ve got no one to back us up."


    "So what? They can''t eat us alive," Arya shrugged, not impressed. "Worst case, we take the kids and skip the country. We don''t need their protection."


    "Leaving might not be that easy," Annika said quietly.


    "You think the Louis family won''t let us go?" Arya frowned, getting mad. "No way, even if something happened to Mr. James, Ms. James is still a big deal in the business world. Would they really dare to push us around?"

 Chapter 1248 Its a Trap

    "It''s about pride, not just necessity," Annika said, shooting a look at Sadie. "Ms. James, is Mr. Clemens trying to make you beg?"


    "He''s a real piece of work," Sadie muttered, teeth clenched. Her options sucked: either swallow her pride and marry Joe, letting the Louis family have something over her forever and losing her kids, or go back to Micah. But why was Micah doing this? He thought she was with Joe and hated her for it, yet he still had Olivia. Was this all just revenge?


    "The phone''s ringing again," Annika gently nudged Sadie.


    Sadie snapped out of it and nced at her phone. She''d ignored the call earlier, and it went to voicemail, but Amanda was calling again. With a sigh, Sadie answered, "Hello!"


    "Sadie, where are you?" Amanda''s voice was calm, but you could tell she was pissed and ready to blow.


    "What''s up?" Sadie asked, trying to stay cool.


    "Are you nuts? Joe''s been beaten and is out cold, and you''re asking if I need something?" Amanda snapped, furious. "Sadie, the only reason I''m still talking to you is because of Tristan. You better get to my ce right now and exin everything!"


    "You should already know the basics," Sadie said coolly. "I have something to handle right now. I''lle over once I''m done."


    "Sadie!" Amanda lost it, yelling, "You''re about to marry Joe, and now you''re tangled up with Micah, even going to a hotel with him. Do you have any shame?"


    Sadie frowned but stayed silent.


    "And at the crucial moment, not only did you not protect Joe, but you also teamed up with Micah to beat him up. You vicious woman, I won''t let you get away with this." Amanda kept ranting, "I''m giving you one hour to get to my house and exin everything or face the consequences!"


    With that, she hung up.


    Sadie held her phone, frowning as she stared out the window, feeling weighed down.


    What started as a simple issue had turned into a mess, and now it was all on her to fix.


    Then a thought hit her: Micah was super meticulous. Why would he let rence spill his location to Joe unless it was on purpose? Could it be... a setup?


    Micah deliberately let rence reveal his whereabouts to Joe, luring Sadie to find him and creating chaos that forced her to call off the wedding.


    "By the way, when Jessica and I went to the vi area today, it was dead quiet. The kids weren''t there, and there were no kids'' stuff in the house. It felt off." Arya suddenly remembered and told Sadie, "Ms. James, I think the kids aren''t in the vi area at all."


    "Could it be..." Annika suddenly realized something and asked in shock, "Is this all Mr. Clemens'' trap?"


    "Totally possible!" Arya said, enlightened. "It''s like they set us up. Rodolfo wasn''t even surprised to see me. Looking back, it seems like this was all nned."


    "Micah!" Sadie gritted her teeth in anger, "You''re really something!"


    "We really underestimated Mr. Clemens," Annika said, feeling a chill. "It seems he never used any real tactics against us before. If we really go up against him, we''re no match for him."

 Chapter 1249 We Cant Leave

    "Yo, let''s not get all up in their faces right now. We gotta figure out this mess first," Arya said, looking kinda jittery. "Duchess Louis ain''t gonna back down easy. Maybe we should bounce? Head back to Country E or hit up Newark?" "No way we can go back to Country E. We might just drag Mr. James into more crap," Annika said, ncing at Sadie. "Mr. Clemens is in Newark."


    "We ain''t leaving!" Sadie muttered, eyes locked ahead.


    Arya looked up and hit the brakes.


    A bunch of military trucks were lined up, blocking their path.


    "It''s the Louis family," Annika grumbled. "I knew Duchess Louis wouldn''t let us off the hook."


    "So, what now?" Arya''s face was all serious. "Should we call Jesse and the crew?"


    She was about to dial when Sadie stopped her.


    "No," Sadie said firmly. "Even if Jesse and the gang show up, they can''t take on this many. Plus, they gotta deal with the assassins from Country E and keep the kids safe."


    "So, what do we do?" Arya hesitated.


    "We go," Sadie said, eyes fixed ahead. "I''ll face the music."


    "Alright, we''re with you," Annika said, trying tofort her. "I doubt the Louis family will mess with you."


    "Okay," Sadie ordered. "Slow down and drive up."


    "Got it," Arya replied.


    "Mr. Clemens, Duchess Louis has sent military folks to nab Ms. James," Andrew reported.


    "Yeah," Micah said, eyes downcast, sipping his wine.


    "Just like you predicted," Andrew said seriously. "But, will Ms. James and the others be in danger?"


    "Duke Louis is practical. With Tristan''s situation up in the air, they won''t hurt Sadie," Micah said calmly.


    "But..." Andrew hesitated, knowing Craig and Amanda might not harm Sadie, but the others around her weren''t safe.


    "They might mess with Annika or Arya to scare Sadie."


    "Send someone to get her," Micah said, ncing at the unconscious Olivia. "Make sure she''s taken care of."


    "On it," Andrew said, heading out to make arrangements.


    Micah, holding his wine ss, walked to the hotel balcony, looking out at the city lights. His expression was a mix of emotions. Andrew came back with a ss of water and a big box of pills for Micah. "Mr. Clemens, time for your meds," he said softly. The box was full of colorful pills, looking like candy but packing a punch.


    Micah took the pills and was about to wash them down with wine when Andrew stopped him. "The doc said no booze with your meds. Drink water." "Doesn''t matter what I drink; I ain''t got much time left anyway," Micah said calmly. He downed the wine and swallowed the pills.


    "Please don''t say that. The doc said if we find Virgil and Hubert, there''s still hope," Andrew reassured him. "We should head back to Newark to find Hubert." "Hope''s just a way to make people feel better," Micah said indifferently. "Life and death don''t matter. It''s about living big in the time we got!" Andrew didn''t know what to say. He just looked down, feeling heavy-hearted.


    After two months of treatment, Micah''s toxins weren''t fully cleared. His condition was a bit better, but he still suffered every night.


    The docs were stumped and said they needed to find Hubert and Virgil ASAP.


    But Micah couldn''t wait. With Sadie and Joe''s weddinging up, he had the doc prep his meds and headed to Grapetown Heights to get Sadie. He didn''t expect to walk into this mess.

 Chapter 1250 Ill Handle My Matters

    Micah never saw thising. Over at the Grapetown Heights estate, Andrew was on the verge of losing it-like, seriously about to snap-but he somehow kept it together. Micah had holed up in his room for a whole day and night after that, leaving everyone freaked out, worried he might do something crazy. When he finally came out, he was surprisingly chill.


    That''s when he started cooking up his n. Most folks thought he was just out for revenge on Joe and Sadie, but Andrew knew better. Micah had his reasons.


    "The kids keep asking when you''ll be back," Andrew said quietly. "They want Ms. James to get in touch with you. I''ve been making excuses like you told me, but we can''t keep this up..." "Enough," Micah cut him off. "I''ll change ande downstairs."


    "I''ll get the car ready," Andrew replied and went off to make it happen.


    Micah put down his ss and was about to change when he spotted his phone on the coffee table. After a moment''s pause, he picked it up and took Sadie''s number off the cklist.


    Sadie was about to get out of the car when her phone rang. It was Jesse. She quickly answered, "Hello!"


    "Ms. James," Jesse''s deep voice came through. "I''m on my way to get you. Don''t go with them; we''ll be there soon."


    "No need," Sadie stopped him right away. "Your job now is to protect Tristan''s three kids. I''ll handle my stuff." "But..." Jesse hesitated.


    "The Louis family won''t touch me," Sadie looked out the window and said softly, "The wedding''s the day after tomorrow. Everything will be sorted then. Just keep the kids safe and wait for me at the vi!" "Alright, got it," Jesse replied, backing off with his crew.


    After hanging up, Sadie slowly got out of the car. The Louis family''s people came up, bowing respectfully, then said politely, "Ms. James, Duchess Louis sent me to pick you up!"


    "I was nning to visit her tomorrow," Sadie nced at the convoy and said coolly, "Duchess Louis is in quite a rush!"


    "Mr. Louis misses you," the butler smiled slightly and gestured, "Please!"


    Sadie, Annika, Arya, and two other attendants got into the Louis family''s car.


    Sadie had changed back into the clothes she wore when she arrived, her hair simply done, and her makeup off. Even with her bare face, she looked coldly alluring but less formal than usual for a visit to the Louis family.


    When they arrived, Sadie and her crew were taken straight to Amanda''s study. Craig and Amanda were sitting on the sofa, looking seriously pissed. Amanda''s eyes were practically on fire.


    "Duchess Louis, I''ve brought her," the butler announced before quietly leaving and closing the door.


    "You all, get out," Amanda pointed at Annika, Arya, and the other two attendants.


    "Sorry, Duchess Louis, we are under Mr. James''s orders to stay close to Ms. James and can''t leave," Annika said humbly but firmly, with her head down.


    "This is my house. Do you think it''s still Country E?" Amanda shouted, "Get out!"


    "What is Duchess Louis doing?" Sadie couldn''t stand seeing her people get bullied and said coldly, "My attendants follow my orders, no matter where we are. No one else has the right to boss them around." "Sadie, after doing such a disgraceful thing, you still dare to speak so righteously?" Amanda angrily questioned, "Don''t you feel ashamed? Don''t you feel humiliated?"

 Chapter 1251 Intimidate Her

    "Duchess Louis dragged me here just to chew me out?" Sadie said, cool as a cucumber. She nced up at Amanda, totally unfazed, like it was no big deal.


    "You got the nerve to question me?" Amanda''s rage hit a new level. She yelled, "You''re tying the knot with Joe in two days, and you pull this crap? How can you be so full of yourself?"


    Sadie dropped her gaze and said, "I messed up, and there are some misunderstandings I won''t get into. Bottom line, it''s on me, and you had every right to call me out. Just don''t take it out on my crew; they had nothing to do with this." "So you know you screwed up." Amanda got even madder. She snapped, "I thought you had some ss, but you''re no better than a streetwalker pulling this shameless stunt!"


    "That''s crossing the line!" Arya shouted, fuming.


    "Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?" Amanda pointed a finger at Arya. "Hit her!" she barked at her maids.


    A bunch of maids jumped in to hold Arya down, and Barbara raised her hand to p Arya.


    "How dare you?" Arya fought back.


    Annika and a couple of bodyguards tried to step in, but a dozen soldiers aimed their guns at them.


    "Duchess Louis..." Sadie started, but Barbara pped Arya before she could finish.


    Annika and the others were shocked; they didn''t think they''d actually hit someone.


    Barbara was about to go for another p when Sadie rushed over, grabbed her wrist, and shoved her away. "Back off! How dare you!" she snapped.


    "Ms. James, I''m just following orders," Barbara stammered, looking scared.


    "No need to apologize," Amanda sneered. "This is my house. Do I need her permission to discipline my servants?"


    "Duchess Louis, if you got beef, take it out on me. Hit me, yell at me, I can handle it," Sadie shouted. "But if you touch my people again, I won''t be so nice!"


    "You think I won''t hit you?" Amanda''s face turned red as she ordered, "Hold her down."


    "Enough!" Craig, who''d been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up. He frowned and said to Amanda, "I told you, if there''s a problem, talk it out. Why do you always go straight to violence?"


    "Why are you getting on my case now?" Amanda snapped. "Sadie pulled this shameless stunt, got Joe hurt, and trashed our rep. Are we just supposed to let it slide?"


    "Shut up," Craig said firmly, frowning.


    "You..." Amanda was pissed but mmed up when she saw Craig''s face.


    "Sadie, sit down and let''s talk," Craig said, gesturing to a chair.


    Sadie shot a re at Barbara and the maids before sitting back down.


    Annika and Jessica quickly helped the fuming Arya, signaling her to chill.


    "I''ve always thought you weren''t the type to be reckless or shady," Craig said kindly. "Is there some misunderstanding here?"


    "I think I should exin straight to Joe," Sadie said tly. "Where is he?"


    "You still got the guts to mention Joe?" Amanda whined. "He''s hurt bad and still in his room."


    Sadie frowned. She''d seen the whole thing and didn''t think Micah had hit Joe that hard. Amanda was clearly blowing it out of proportion.


    "Joe''s in his room. I''ll have someone take you to see himter," Craig said gently. "But for now, I hope you can tell us what really went down." "What do you wanna know?" Sadie shot back.

 Chapter 1252 The Attitude Changed

    "Yo, what''s the deal with you and Micah?" Craig''s voice got all serious. "You said you were gonna talk to him about the kids, so how''d it end up like this..."


    He didn''t finish, probably ''cause it was awkward.


    "I don''t think I need to discuss this with you," Sadie shot back, not wanting to drag it out. "If you think I''ve embarrassed you, just call off the wedding."


    "So, you''re finally showing your true colors," Amanda sneered, dripping with sarcasm. "You''ve been dying to ditch the engagement and get back with Micah, haven''t you?" Sadie looked down, not wanting to answer.


    "Do you want to break off the engagement?" Craig asked, frowning. "Have you thought about what happens next?"


    "What consequences?" Sadie looked up, cutting to the chase.


    "You''re smart enough to get it without me spelling it out," Craig didn''t want to be blunt. "Let''s wrap it up for today. Think it over and give us your answer tomorrow." With that, he got up and left.


    "Craig," Amanda called after him, but he didn''t look back.


    Amanda, clearly pissed, had no choice but to follow him out. Before leaving, she shot Sadie a nasty re and told Barbara, "Take her to see Joe."


    "Yes," Barbara walked over and said respectfully to Sadie, "Ms. James, please."


    Sadie stood up and followed her out.


    Annika, Arya, and the others trailed behind.


    "Ms. James, I was just following orders earlier. You won''t hold it against me, right?" Barbara apologized, her voice low and cautious.


    "No," Sadie gave her a long look.


    "Arya, I''m sorry," Barbara then turned to Arya.


    Arya red at her coldly, not saying a word.


    The group arrived outside Joe''s room. Barbara knocked and said softly, "Joe, Ms. James is here."


    After a moment, the door opened. An older maid with perfectlybed hair stood there, giving Sadie a serious once-over. "Callie, this is Ms. James," Barbara introduced.


    Callie Collins didn''t say a word, just opened the door wider and motioned for Sadie toe in.


    Sadie stepped inside. Annika and the others tried to follow but were stopped by Callie. "The rest of you, wait outside." "We..." Annika started, but Sadie made a gesture, and they stayed quiet, waiting outside.


    Callie let Barbara in and then closed the door.


    "Unbelievable," Arya gritted her teeth. "They used to be so respectful, and now they''re acting all high and mighty."


    "They''ve got something on us," Jessica whispered.


    "You''re too naive," Arya snapped. "It''s not about having something on us. It''s ''cause Mr. James is in trouble, and they think Ms. James has no backup, so they''re acting tough." "Mr. James''s trouble is temporary. He''ll bounce back soon," Jessica said, all fired up.


    "Exactly," another bodyguard, Aurora James, chimed in.


    "Enough," Annika said sharply. "Quiet down and stop gossiping."


    Inside the room, Sadie was led by Callie to Joe''s bedside.


    Joey asleep on the bed, his injuries already treated. Several doctors and nurses were around, and four maids stood nearby, attending to him carefully. "Mr. Louis is asleep. Let''s get Ms. James''s bath and change of clothes sorted first," Callie instructed, then dismissed the doctors, nurses, and servants. "Yes," Barbara said respectfully to Sadie, "Ms. James, please."


    Feeling awkward, Sadie followed Barbara.


    The bathroom was huge, and the bathwater was already ready.


    Barbara took off her shoes, ready to help Sadie with her bath.

 Chapter 1253 Lets Cancel the Wedding

    Sadie scrunched up her face and said, "Nah, I''ll handle it. Can you grab my clothes?"


    "Sure thing," Barbara mumbled, looking down as she turned to leave.


    Just then, Sadie noticed Barbara''s toenails were painted red, but one of her big toes had a smudge. A lightbulb went off in her head, remembering the clue she found at Grapetown Heights Estates. Had Barbara snuck into her room that night? "Ms. James, your clothes," Barbara said softly, handing them over.


    "Thanks," Sadie replied, shutting the door and hopping into the shower.


    As the water ran, Sadie reyed that night in her mind, feeling more and more like something was fishy. She had to dig deeper.


    But with the wedding just two days away and decisions needing to be made by tomorrow, she was on a tight deadline.


    After her shower, she dried her hair and slipped into a long white dress. Even without makeup, she looked like an angel-pure, holy, and drop-dead gorgeous.


    Barbara eyed Sadie with obvious jealousy. Sure, Barbara was a looker too, but she could never match Sadie''s natural beauty.


    "Mr. Louis, Ms. James is here," Callie whispered.


    Joe slowly came to, squinting. When he saw Sadie, he was floored, but then his face twisted with anger. "Why? Why are you doing this to me? Why?"


    "Mr. Louis!" Callie tried to calm him down. "Please, take it easy."


    "Joe, have some water," Barbara said softly, offering him a ss.


    Joe shoved her away, struggling to sit up. "I loved you so much. Why are you doing this to me? Why?"


    Sadie just frowned, staying quiet.


    She couldn''t say she felt no guilt. Joe had gone from sweet and innocent to a mess, and she knew she yed a part in that.


    If she had known it would end like this, she would''ve never agreed to the marriage.


    "Why, why?" Joe started bawling, tears streaming down his face.


    Joe had always had it easy, never facing any real hardships. His strict upbringing made him simple-minded and deeply emotional. Sadie was the first girl he ever liked. He chased her for years and finally got her, only to see her with Micah two dayster. It crushed him. "Joe, don''t be sad," Barbara murmured, her eyes full of pain as she watched him. She wanted tofort him but pulled her hand back. Sadie didn''t miss this.


    "Joe, I need to talk to you alone," Sadie finally said.


    Joe cried for a bit longer, then pulled himself together. "Everyone, get out."


    "Mr. Louis..." Callie hesitated.


    "Leave!" Joe shouted.


    Callie had no choice but to leave with Barbara, but they stayed close, just outside the door.


    The room went quiet. Sadie took a deep breath and said, "Joe, let''s call off the wedding."


    Joe looked at her, stunned.


    "I thought you came to exin, apologize, and make things right, but you''re breaking up with me?" Joe asked, disbelief all over his face.


    "I know it''s hard to swallow," Sadie sighed. "I''m really sorry to do this now. I know you must hate me, but I just don''t think we''re right for each other."

 Chapter 1254 The Pain of Three People

    "I used to think shacking up would be a breeze, like we''d be best buds forever. But man, was I wrong. Being friends and being a couple? Totally different ball games. Once you switch roles, all kinds of crap hits the fan," Sadie said, her voice heavy with regret.


    "Don''t even start with that," Joe cut her off, yelling. "You''re dumping me because of Micah, right? You still got feelings for him, wanna run back to him, so you''re ditching me, huh?"


    "I''m not going back to him," Sadie said, frowning. "I''m breaking up with you ''cause I realized we''re not cut out for marriage. Staying together will just make us miserable! It''s got nothing to do with anyone else."


    "Then why did you... why did you..." Joe was so worked up he couldn''t finish his sentence. Just thinking about it made him lose it.


    "Actually," Sadie started, but then she stopped. She knew if Joe found out nothing happened between her and Micah, he wouldn''t agree to call off the engagement. Taking a deep breath, she switched gears, "Since this bothers you so much, let''s just break off the engagement and go back to being friends."


    "No way," Joe said stubbornly. "I''m not agreeing to that!"


    "Joe..." Sadie frowned.


    "Promise me you won''t see him again," Joe jumped out of bed, grabbing Sadie''s hand. He pleaded, "Just promise me, and I won''t hold it against you."


    "Joe, don''t you think you''re just fooling yourself?" Sadie was frustrated. "You know we''re not right for each other, so why force it?"


    "How are we not right? In what way?" Joe was getting more agitated. "Aren''t we happy together? I spoil you, make you happy. What more do you want? Just tell me, and I''ll change."


    Sadie was at a loss. Their problem wasn''t about how well he treated her; it was that love couldn''t be forced. Even if they stayed together, they wouldn''t be happy.


    But Joe didn''t see it that way. Or maybe he just didn''t want to.


    "Sadie, don''t leave me." Joe hugged Sadie tightly, crying in her ear, "I really, really love you. Even if you messed up or were forced, it doesn''t matter. Let the past be the past. I won''t hold it against you. Just promise me you won''t see him again, and I''ll treat you just as well as always."


    "Joe..." Sadie wanted to say something but didn''t know where to start.


    "Sadie, please, don''t leave me." Joe held Sadie tightly, refusing to let go, like a scared kid afraid she''d vanish if he let go.


    "Joe, you''re hurt. You need to rest," Sadie gently pushed Joe away and noticed he had a fever. She quickly helped him lie down on the bed. "Joe, lie down. I''ll go get a doctor."


    "No, don''t go," Joe said, clinging to Sadie''s hand, refusing to let go. "Don''t leave me."


    Seeing him like this, Sadie couldn''t bear it. She held his hand and softlyforted him, "Alright, Joe, I''ll stay with you. I won''t leave. Just rest up."


    Joe held Sadie''s hand tightly and gradually closed his eyes, falling asleep.


    He''d been pampered all his life and couldn''t handle setbacks. Now, after being beaten, he was weak both mentally and physically.


    Sadie sat by the bed, quietly watching him, feeling a mix of emotions. She regretted her decision and wondered why she agreed to marry Joe for some external reason. Now, all three of them were in pain.

 Chapter 1255 Im Barbara, not Ms. James

    There was a knock on the door, and then Callie barged in, giving Sadie a respectful nod. "Ms. James, you should crash here tonight. If you need anything, just holler." "Huh?" Sadie looked confused and frowned. "What are you talking about? How can I stay here? This is Joe''s room."


    "The Duchess Louis said Mr. Louis has a high fever and keeps calling your name in his delirium. If you stay with him, he might get better faster." Callie exined, motioning to Barbara. Barbara quickly brought over a nket,id it next to Joe, and set up a pillow.


    Sadie was speechless. Amanda was really pushing it, openly deciding where she should be. She was about to lose her cool but then remembered the clue when she saw Barbara.


    So she changed her tone and said, "Alright, I''ll stay with Joe tonight. But I need someone here with me. I''m not great at taking care of people, and if something''s needed in the middle of the night, someone should be here to handle it." "Of course," Callie said, bowing her head. "I''ll stay here and wait for your instructions."


    "Let Barbara stay," Sadie said casually. "She usually takes care of Joe and knows his condition better."


    Callie looked at Barbara.


    "Callie, I can do it," Barbara said eagerly.


    "Alright then," Callie instructed. "Take good care of Mr. Louis and Ms. James. If anything happens,e to me immediately."


    "Yes, don''t worry," Barbara nodded repeatedly.


    "Ms. James, I''ll take my leave now. If you need anything, just tell Barbara." Callie said respectfully and bowed to Sadie. Then she left, bending over as she exited.


    Sadie walked to the door and told Annika and Arya, "I''ll be staying with Joe tonight. You two go rest."


    "Huh?" Annika and Arya were very surprised.


    Arya whispered, "Did they force you? Don''t be afraid; we can confront them if needed."


    "No," Sadie said calmly. "Go rest and recharge. If anything happens, I''ll call you."


    "Ms. James... Alright." Arya wanted to say more, but Annika stopped her. Annika handed Sadie her handbag and then pulled Arya and the others away.


    Sadie closed the door, went back to the bedroom, and casually turned on the wallmp.


    At this moment, Barbara was standing by the bed, looking at Joe with aplex expression. When she saw Sadie, she immediately looked away and bowed her head. "Ms. James, do you have any instructions?" she asked softly. "Go get a basin of water and wipe Joe''s body." Sadie spoke up. Then she sat on the sofa, drinking tea.


    "Yes," Barbara answered. She immediately went to get hot water, wrung out a towel by the bed, and carefully handed it to Sadie. "Ms. James." "Did I call you here to watch me work?" Sadie frowned.


    "Sorry," Barbara apologized timidly and then carefully wiped Joe''s body.


    Sadie sipped her tea, quietly observing Barbara. Her movements were very gentle as if she were caring for a dewdrop, and she was afraid of hurting Joe. Joe was sleeping deeply, his consciousness somewhat fuzzy. He seemed to sense someone wiping his body and instinctively murmured, "Sadie, Sadie..." Then, he grabbed Barbara''s hand and pulled her toward him.


    Barbara seemed a bit frightened, nervously ncing at Sadie and hurriedly freeing herself from Joe''s grip, whispering, "Joe, you''re mistaken. I''m Barbara, not Ms. James." She then retreated to the side as if scared and didn''t dare approach Joe again.

 Chapter 1256 Merging into One

    "He''s burning up and kinda out of it, so just ignore him," Sadie said, setting down her teacup. "Grab the nket; I''ll crash on the couch."


    "Oh, sure thing!" Barbara quickly snatched the nket and pillow, setting them up on the couch for Sadie. She helped Sadie lie down and asked, "Ms. James, need anything else?" "Get me some water," Sadie said, rubbing her temples, looking beat.


    "Right away, Ms. James." Barbara walked over to get a ss of water. She nced back at Sadie, and while Sadie wasn''t looking, she slipped a few drops of liquid medicine into the water before handing it to her. "Ms. James, here''s your water!" she said with a smile.


    "Thanks." Sadie took a few sips andy down on her side. She ordered casually, "I need to rest. Don''t bug me. Stay close and keep an eye on Joe''s fever. If it spikes again, make sure he gets water and meds." "Got it," Barbara nodded repeatedly.


    Sadie closed her eyes, and soon she seemed to be out cold.


    Barbara stood by the bed, carefully watching Sadie. She softly asked, "Ms. James, need more water?"


    Sadie didn''t respond. Barbara sighed in relief and sat down on the armchair by the bed, quietly gazing at Joe. Her gaze was tender and full of affection.


    At that moment, Joe started coughing dryly. Barbara quickly walked over and gently patted Joe''s chest. "Joe, you okay?" she asked softly.


    Joe''s coughing got worse, and he seemed to struggle to breathe.


    Barbara hurriedly fetched a ss of water and helped him drink it.


    After drinking the water, Joe seemed to feel much better andy on the bed, breathing heavily.


    Seeing Joe in this state, Barbara felt a deep ache in her heart. She couldn''t help but mutter, "Joe, you''re such an idiot. Why are you so hung up on a bad woman? Sadie isn''t worth your love."


    As she spoke, Barbara red resentfully at Sadie on the couch. Looking at Sadie''s beautiful face, she felt a surge of jealousy and walked over, raising her hand to p Sadie.


    But just then, footsteps sounded outside. Barbara was startled and quickly withdrew her hand, returning to Joe''s bedside.


    The footsteps soon faded away, but Barbara knew there were always people patrolling outside, so she didn''t dare to act recklessly.


    Besides, if she left any marks, Sadie would surely know it was her by tomorrow.


    After all, besides Joe, it was just the two of them in the room.


    Joe had started sweating after his coughing fit.


    Barbara took a warm towel and gently wiped Joe''s sweat.


    "Sadie," Joe mumbled in his daze, thinking she was Sadie. He grabbed her hand and pulled her close. "Sadie, don''t go," he murmured.


    This time, Barbara didn''t resist. She leaned into Joe, lovingly kissing his forehead, eyes, and cheeks.


    She said emotionally, "Joe, do you know how much I wish it were me marrying you the day after tomorrow, not Sadie? If I had the family background, the status, the identity to match you, maybe everything would be different. You wouldn''t be so heartbroken, and I wouldn''t be so repressed and sad. I''m not like that, Sadie. I love you so much, and I would be a good wife."


    With that, she passionately kissed Joe''s lips.


    Joe, feverish and delirious, subconsciously thought the person taking care of him was Sadie. Feeling her passionate kiss, he instinctively responded.


    The two kissed fervently,pletely forgetting about Sadie on the couch.


    Before long, Barbara took off her outer clothes, climbed into Joe''s bed, and began to kiss and caress him wildly.


    Joe couldn''t resist her wild and seductive passion. They merged into one, consumed by an insatiable desire.

 Chapter 1257 Micro Surveillance Camera

    That night, Sadie crashed hard. When she woke up the next morning, her head felt like it was stuffed with lead. She rolled over and saw Joe was MIA. She blinked, then shot up and scanned the room. "Joe, Joe," she called out.


    "In here," Joe''s voice came from the bathroom. Sadie turned and saw him stepping out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, drying his hair.


    Overnight, he looked way better-no fever, cheeks rosy, and a big ol'' grin. "Morning, Sadie!" he said, all sweet.


    "Put some clothes on," Sadie frowned and turned away.


    Instead of getting dressed, Joe hugged her from behind, his breath hot on her ear. "I know you still love me," he whispered.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie snapped, shoving him away and stepping back.


    Joe blinked, confused. "Why are you acting like this? Last night, you were all over me, practically climbing into my bed. Now you''re turning cold again," he said, frowning.


    "Last night?" Sadie echoed, ncing at the messy bed. "Where''s Barbara?"


    "What? Why are you asking about her?" Joe asked, annoyed.


    "Nothing," Sadie changed the subject. "Tell her toe in and clean up."


    "You''re right," Joe said with an awkward smile. "It does need cleaning, and the sheets need changing."


    Sadie kept her tone casual, but her mind was racing. "When you woke up this morning, didn''t you see her? I told her to stay and keep watch."


    Joe looked awkward. "Was she herest night? No wonder she looked so flushed when I saw her this morning. Did she see usst night...?" He shifted ufortably. "I''m sorry, Sadie. I was feverish and confusedst night. Don''t be mad; she won''t say anything."


    "Did you see her this morning?" Sadie pressed on, not caring about Joe''s rambling; she was focused on Barbara.


    "Yeah," Joe nodded, pointing to the desk. "When I woke up, she was dozing off there. When she saw I was awake, she came over to help, and I told her to leave."


    "Right," Sadie replied, distracted. "I''m headed back to my room to freshen up. You should rest some more."


    With that, Sadie grabbed her bag and turned to leave.


    "Sadie," Joe hurriedly chased after her and grabbed her hand. He cooed, "Since you still care about me, can we stop fighting? We''re getting married tomorrow; let''s prepare well today."


    Sadie paused, looking at him with aplicated expression. "Joe, do you care a lot about... that kind of thing?" she asked subtly.


    "What? What kind of thing?" Joe was taken aback and asked excitedly, "Do you mean to say that even if we had sex, it doesn''t matter?" "No," Sadie lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then said, "We''re both adults. Even if we did have sex, it''s no big deal, right?" "What are you talking about?" Joe got anxious. "You can''t treat me like this..."


    Sadie hesitated, then continued, "If you found out..." She stopped, shaking her head. "Forget it. We''ll talkter. I need to freshen up in the guest room."


    With that, Sadie pulled her hand away, casually flicked the wall light switch, and quickly left.


    Joe watched her go, feeling down. He couldn''t understand why Sadie was acting like this, like she was two different people during the day and night.


    Sadie entered the guest room, her mind racing. She pulled out her phone and called Annika and Arya, her voice steady. "Micro surveince camera number 2, pull up the video." "Huh?" Annika was stunned for a moment, then quickly responded, "Yes, right away."

 Chapter 1258 The Truth

    Annika yanked up the surveince footage fromst night. The screen flickered on, showing a video drenched in shadows and steamy vibes. The scene was raw, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. Arya leaned in, eyes wide. "Who... Who is this?" she stammered, disbelief all over her face.


    "Looks like Joe''s room," Annika said, squinting at the footage. "That''s Joe, and the woman..." She gasped, covering her mouth. "It''s Barbara!"


    "No freakin'' way, what''s going on here?" Arya''s shock turned her voice into a hushed whisper.


    Annika quickly turned down the volume and looked away, covering her eyes. Sadie, though, stayed focused, her face unreadable. "Copy and save the video," she ordered, her voice cool and steady.


    "Ms. James, what''s happening?" Arya asked, curiosity piqued.


    "Could it best night," Annika spected, "No, you were in the roomst night too? Did they do this right in front of you..."


    "Rewind the video," Sadie instructed, "Go back to the part where Barbara is pouring water and see if there''s anything fishy."


    "Got it." Annika quickly found something off, "Barbara put something in the water."


    "What is it?" Arya leaned in closer.


    Annika clicked to continue ying. In the video, Barbara hands Sadie a cup of water.


    "She drugged Ms. James," Arya almost jumped up, "I''ll go get her right now."


    "Hold up." Sadie said calmly, "It''s probably not poison, just a sedative to knock me out."


    "What''s she trying to pull?" Arya asked, puzzled.


    "Maybe she wanted to knock you out and then be with Joe..." Annika guessed and cursed, "That''s messed up."


    "So, nothing happened between Joe and me at the Grapetown Heights vineyardst time," Sadie finally got it, "But what about the marks on my body?" "Could Barbara have made them?" Annika quickly asked.


    "That witch Barbara," Arya gritted her teeth.


    "Quite possible," Sadie spected, "When I woke up, the ces with marks hurt." She pinched Arya''s arm hard.


    "Ow!" Arya yelped and rubbed her arm.


    Sadie pulled Arya''s arm for a closer look, and sure enough, there were red marks. She got it and said icily, "I underestimated Barbara."


    "Why would she do this?" Annika couldn''t wrap her head around it. "She slept with Joe and framed you, but she didn''t gain anything from it."


    "If she gets pregnant with Joe''s kid, it''s a different story," Sadie sneered, "This might be her only shot at climbing the socialdder."


    Annika suddenly realized and sighed, "No wonder I always thought Barbara was shady, but I never saw her do anything, so I thought I was wrong. Turns out she was sneaky all along."


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Callie''s serious voice. "Ms. James, Duke Louis, and Duchess Louis request your presence in the study."


    "Tell her I''ll be there in half an hour," Sadie whispered, signaling Annika to save the video and put away theputer.


    Arya went to open the door and passed on Sadie''s message.


    "Okay," Callie replied and left.


    Sadie went to the bathroom to freshen up while Annika and Arya also got ready. Both were hoping Sadie would spill the truth to the Louis family.


    While showering, Sadie mulled over the whole incident. After thinking it over, she tried calling Tristan again, but there was still no answer.


    She felt uneasy, and her expression grew moreplex.

 Chapter 1259 Postponing the Wedding

    After a quick freshen-up, Sadie strutted out of the bathroom, looking all put together. She slipped into a sharp suit that screamed both ss and boss vibes, then signaled Annika and Arya to follow her to the study.


    A bunch of attendants were hanging around outside the study, and folks were even crowding the stairs. Looked like they were gearing up to head out soon.


    Joe came strolling down the opposite hallway and bumped into Sadie. He grabbed her hand and whispered, "Sadie, I just found out they spilled the beans to Mom and Dad about what went down that day. If they give you any grief, don''t sweat it. I got your back."


    Sadie nced at Joe, feeling all sorts of conflicted. He had no clue his parents had already given her a hard time yesterday, and she had managed to handle it.


    He thought they had called her over today to sort things out, worried she might get the short end of the stick.


    Sadie felt super grateful for his love and protection. The more he cared, the tougher it was for her to spill the truth.


    "Also," Joe went on, "a lot of big shots are here today. Later, Mom, Dad, and I will greet the guests. They might bring up the wedding. If they say anything that bugs you, just brush it off. I''ll take care of it."


    Joe was all about Sadie''s well-being. He was worried Tristan might not show up and that his parents might say something to upset her, so he was prepping her in advance.


    His words hit her right in the feels, a mix of guilt and gratitude swirling inside her. She felt like her earlier choices had somehow misled him, messing with his trust. Now, more than ever, she felt she had to set things straight.


    "Joe, actually..." Sadie started to say when the door swung open, and Callie''s voice came from inside, "Mr. Louis, Ms. James, Duke Louis invites you in!"


    Sadie swallowed her words and turned to walk into the room.


    Joe wrapped his arm around her waist, making sure she was okay.


    In the study, Craig and Amanda were already parked on the sofa, all dressed up.


    Both of them had serious looks on their faces. They were talking in low voices, but when they saw Sadie and Joee in, they immediately stopped and looked up.


    "Dad, Mom," Joe greeted them respectfully.


    "Duke Louis, Duchess Louis," Sadie echoed.


    "Sit down," Craig said, still somewhat friendly.


    "Joe, sit over here," Amanda said, pointing to the sofa next to her.


    "Mom..." Joe started to protest, but Craig shot him a look, so he had to sit over there.


    Sadie sat on the sofa opposite them, feeling like she was about to get grilled.


    "Have you contacted Tristan?" Craig asked straight up.


    "No," Sadie replied calmly. "Duke Louis, just say what you need to say."


    Behind her, Annika tightened her grip on her handbag. If Craig and Amanda kept pushing the marriage or gave Sadie a hard time about Micah, they were ready to use the video as leverage. Craig didn''t answer right away. Instead, he took a slow sip of his coffee.


    "This marriage isn''t just about you and Joe; it''s about the alliance between the James Group and the Louis family," Amanda said, all high and mighty. "Mr. James is a big deal. Without him, the wedding can''t go on." After a pause, Amanda added, "So, we''ve decided to postpone the wedding until we can get in touch with Mr. James and set a new date."


    Annika and Arya were floored by her words.


    Sadie was also a bit taken aback. She had thought they were here to push the marriage, but they actually suggested postponing it.


    However, Sadie got that Craig and Amanda didn''t want to take any chances. After all, a royal marriage was a big deal that affected a lot of things.


    If Tristan really dropped the ball, they wouldn''t want Sadie and Joe to tie the knot.

 Chapter 1260 Under House Arrest (1)

    "No freakin'' way," Joe blurted out, jumping up like a spring. "We said the wedding''s tomorrow, so it''s tomorrow. Everyone''s already here, why the sudden change?" "Shut it," Amanda snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "We''ve made the call, and you don''t get a say."


    "Dad!" Joe pleaded, his voice shaky. "Tristan not being here doesn''t change anything. We can have another ceremony when he shows up."


    "Enough," Craig said, his tone firm. "This wedding isn''t just about you two. It''s about the royal family''s reputation and the Louis family''s safety. You can''t just do whatever you want." "Exactly," Amanda added, standing up. "We need to go to a press conference to announce the dy and sort out the guests in Sunvale. Joe, you''reing with us. And as for you..." Amanda turned to Sadie, her eyes cold. "You''ll stay home. The servants will treat you like a princess. If you need anything, ask Callie. But you can''t leave the castle."


    "Duchess Louis, are you seriously putting me under house arrest?" Sadie smirked. "You won''t let me out until Tristan shows up, right?"


    "Think what you want," Amanda sneered. "I haven''t even dealt with your scandal with Micah. This is for both families'' reputations. Even if Tristan questions itter, I won''t be wrong." "Sadie," Craig''s voice softened. "We''re worried about your safety too. The castle''s big. Swim, read, do whatever. Just hang in there for a few days."


    They''d said it all, leaving no room for Sadie to argue.


    "Fine," Sadie replied with a faint smile. "Thanks for the trouble!"


    "That''s the spirit," Craig nodded approvingly. "Get some rest."


    He left first, Amanda giving Sadie onest icy look. She signaled to Callie and dragged Joe along. "Let''s go."


    "Mom," Joe protested, ncing back at Sadie. "Sadie..."


    Sadie lowered her eyes, staying silent.


    After they left, Callie approached respectfully. "Ms. James, let me take you back to your room to rest."


    "I want to go for a walk," Sadie said, looking outside at the soldiers guarding the ce, a row of them in the corridor.


    "There are reporters and guests outside. It''s chaotic. For your safety, you should rest in your room." Callie said, as two maids stepped forward, nking Sadie. It was clear Sadie wasn''t going anywhere but her room.


    "What is this? Are you putting Ms. James under house arrest?" Arya asked angrily.


    "We''re protecting Ms. James," Callie said, head down.


    "You... You all have worked hard," Sadie remarked, giving Callie a long look before leaving the study.


    Callie quickly followed. "Ms. James, I''ll have the servants bring breakfast to your room. Is that okay?"


    "Bring five portions. I''ll eat with my four bodyguards," Sadie said, worried they''d neglect Annika and the others.


    "Okay," Callie replied, hurrying off to arrange it.


    Back in her room, Arya couldn''t help but ask, "Ms. James, why didn''t you fight back? Show them the video of Joe and Barbara."


    "We''re at their mercy now. Even if we show the video, what good would it do?" Sadie replied. "Barbara would get kicked out, Joe would get scolded, and I''d still be under house arrest."

 Chapter 1261 Under House Arrest (2)

    "What the heck are we gonna do now? Are we just stuck here forever?" Arya asked, all freaked out. "Jesse and the kids are still waiting for us at the vi. How long are we gonna be locked up?" Sadie didn''t say a word; she just walked over to the big window and stared outside, looking allplicated.


    "Ms. James..." Arya started to say more.


    "Alright, zip it," Annika cut her off, whispering, "Let Ms. James have some peace."


    Arya mmed up.


    The two of them just stood there, keeping Sadiepany in silence.


    "Good thing Hubert went back first," Sadie suddenly said. "If he was stuck here with me, I''d feel super guilty."


    "Ms. James, maybe we should call Jesse and get him to bust us out?" Arya suggested, kinda nervous.


    "Are you nuts?" Annika snapped. "Jesse''s protecting the kids. If he tries to rescue us, we''ll all get caught. No way they can take on that many people."


    "Jesse can round up some folks," Arya said, getting more anxious. "Mr. James has other guys."


    "Shut it," Sadie cut her off. "Don''t bring that up again."


    "Got it," Arya mumbled, backing down.


    "Chill, we won''t be here long," Sadie assured them, plopping down on the sofa. "We don''t need Jesse to save us; we''ll be out soon." "Really?" Arya asked, curious.


    "Yep," Sadie said, sipping her water. "Just hang tight for a few days and don''t start any beef with the Louis family."


    "Got it," Annika and Arya nodded like bobbleheads.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Barbara came in with a maid, bringing breakfast and some fresh flowers to spruce up the ce. Sadie sat on the sofa, watching Barbara with a nk face. After they set everything up, she said, "Tell my other two bodyguards toe for breakfast." "Yes, Ms. James," Barbara quickly sent someone to get Jessica and Aurora.


    "Thanks," Sadie gave a small smile. "You can go now."


    "Yes," Barbara and the maids were about to leave, but Sadie suddenly said, "Hold up."


    Barbara stopped, asking softly, "Anything else, Ms. James?"


    "Joe''s back. Tell him toe see me," Sadie said with a smile.


    Barbara''s eyes went wide with panic, but she quickly looked down and said, "Yes."


    Then she left, head down.


    Sadie watched her go, a mocking smile on her lips.


    Annika and Arya exchanged a look, totally getting each other.


    "After breakfast, you two go rest and switch with Jessica and Aurora," Sadie said, sipping her coffee. "Not much to do now. Take the chance to rest up." "Got it," Annika and Arya replied.


    Just then, Jessica and Aurora came in and said, "Ms. James, all our phones have no signal."


    "Really? Let me check mine," Arya said, surprised.


    Annika and Arya quickly checked their phones, and sure enough, no signal, even on Sadie''s phone.


    "No wonder they''re so cocky about letting us hang out together. They cut off our signal," Arya said, pissed. "Now we can''t contact anyone."


    "It''s cool, don''t stress," Sadie called everyone over. "Come on, let''s eat breakfast together."


    "Yes," they all said together.


    Even though Sadie was the boss, her bodyguards knew she was chill. Sometimes, she''d eat with them, so they didn''t say no.


    Outside, Barbara and a few maids stood guard. Hearing the noise from inside, one maid muttered, "She acts all high and mighty, but she''s so low-ss, eating with her bodyguards." Barbara was lost in thought, her mind stuck on Sadie''s words about having Joee to her roomter.

 Chapter 1262 Barbara Had Tried This Before

    Sadie was chillin'' in her room after breakfast, just reading and taking it easy. Annika and Arya crashed in the guest room, while Jessica and Aurora hung out with Sadie.


    Before they knew it, the day turned into evening. Annika and Arya, all refreshed from their naps, joined Sadie just as Barbara rolled in with dinner and a fancy bottle of red wine. "Joe''s not back yet?" Sadie asked, barely looking up from her book.


    "Nope, Ms. James," Barbara said, all respectful. "He''s got a lot on his te today. Might be backte."


    "Really? What''s the deal?" Sadie asked, swirling her wine ss like a pro.


    "Press conference this afternoon, and he''s gotta entertain some big shots tonight. Plus, he''s gotta see some folks off at the airport," Barbara exined.


    "Oh," Sadie nodded. "Makes sense. Postponing the wedding''s a big deal."


    "This wine''s from Grapetown Heights. Have some more; it''ll help you sleep," Barbara suggested.


    "Thanks," Sadie smiled. "You can go now."


    "Yes, ma''am," Barbara said and left.


    "Hey, when Joe gets back, tell him toe see me," Sadie reminded her.


    Barbara paused, and the maid next to her nodded, "Got it, Ms. James."


    Once they were gone, Sadie gave a nod, and Jessica and Aurora started testing the food and wine.


    Turns out, the wine had something like a sleeping pill in it. Made you drowsy.


    Sadie couldn''t help but think back to that night at the Grapetown Heights winery. She''d skipped Barbara''s water and just had a sip of wine, but still ended up super tired and crashed on the sofa before Joe even left. That''s when she realized the wine was spiked. Barbara had pulled this stunt before.


    Sadie signaled Jessica and Aurora to keep the evidence, then started eating.


    Joe finally stumbled in around ten, looking pretty hammered. Barbara rushed to greet him, "Joe, you''re back."


    "Yeah," Joe slurred. "Mom and Dad are still with the guests. I came home first. Where''s Sadie?"


    "You''re beat. Let me help you to your room," Barbara said, trying to steer him away, but the maid remembered Sadie''s orders and piped up, "Mr. Louis, Ms. James said..."


    "Shut it," Barbara snapped, shooting the maid a death re. "Joe''s drunk. He needs to rest. Don''t bother him."


    The maid mmed up.


    "I need to see Sadie," Joe mumbled, heading upstairs, but Barbara tried to pull him back, "Joe, you''re drunk. Let me help you wash up first. You don''t wanna see Ms. James like this." "Oh, right," Joe muttered. He didn''t wanna look like a mess in front of Sadie, so he didn''t fight it.


    They were about to head to his room when Sadie stepped out, "Joe!"


    Joe stopped and turned, "Sadie!"


    "Joe," Barbara tried to hold him back but couldn''t.


    "I was justing to find you," Joe said, stumbling into Sadie''s room. "Talked to Mom and Dad today. They won''t give you a hard time. I''ll stay home with you tomorrow." "Okay," Sadie replied, giving Barbara a look.


    Barbara looked at Joe with a mix of emotions. When she met Sadie''s eyes, she quickly looked away.


    "Sadie, I missed you so much," Joe''s voice was soft.


    "Here, have some water," Sadie said, handing him a ss.


    "I knew you cared," Joe murmured, hugging Sadie.


    Just then, Jessica and Aurora came out of the room, and as the door opened, Barbara saw the whole scene.

 Chapter 1263 Compassion

    Jessica mmed the door shut and hustled back to the guest room with Aurora.


    Barbara just stood there, staring at the door like a deer in headlights, looking all kinds of freaked out. "Barbara, what''s up?" the maid next to her asked, all curious.


    "Damn it," Barbara muttered under her breath. She balled up her fists, eyes zing with hate, but quickly got a grip and told the maid, "Mr. Louis is wasted. Go get him some hangover meds." "Got it," the maid said and scurried off.


    Barbara was left alone outside the room. She nced around, then pressed her ear to the door, trying to catch any sounds from inside. The room was pretty soundproof; she could hear Joe and Sadie talking but couldn''t make out the words. Joe''s voice sounded strained. Barbara was losing it, like a caged animal, scratching at the door, her heart in turmoil.


    "Joe, you''ve had too much to drink," Sadie said, handing him another ss of water. "Drink up and chill for a bit."


    "No more. My stomach''s gonna burst," Joe mumbled. He slumped on the sofa, talking to Sadie about the day''s mess.


    He was beat. "I can''t believe Mom and Dad pulled the plug on the weddingst minute and made me exin it at the press conference. Dealing with those reporters was a nightmare. Then, I had to schmooze with the guests, toast them one by one, and make up excuses about Tristan being busy and you being sick, so we had to postpone. The guests didn''t pry; they just told me to take care of you and wished you well. They all knew the real reason but were just ying along. So fake."


    Sadie looked at Joe, feeling all sorts of conflicted. Joe had always been this pure-hearted guy, never changing. Even now, he thought the two times they had sex were with Sadie. No matter how much Sadie pushed back, he still tried to keep the rtionship going.


    If he knew the truth, who knows how he''d react? Sadie couldn''t even imagine it.


    "Sadie, why so quiet?" Joe held her hand, looking at her gently. He cooed, "Don''t worry. I''ll protect you. No matter what my parents say, I''m not canceling the wedding. You''re mine, and I''ll take care of you."


    "Joe," Sadie looked at him, torn. She wanted to spill the truth but just couldn''t.


    "Sadie, there''s something else I''ve been holding back," Joe hesitated, then said softly, "Today, my parents went to see Micah. They went to make peace with him, and I really feel..."


    Joe hung his head, fists clenched tight.


    He went on, "He wronged me, bullied me, and my parents didn''t stand up for me. Instead, they went to make peace with him. Just ''cause he''s got money, power, and connections, they ignore my feelings, scared he''lle after me. I can''t help but wonder, do they really love me? If not, why do they always think of me and n for me? If they do, why don''t they care about what I want, never consider my feelings, and even trash my dignity?"


    The more Joe talked, the sadder he got, tears streaming down.


    "Joe," seeing him like this, Sadie felt a pang of pity. She grabbed a tissue, wanting to wipe his tears.


    "Sadie," Joe clung to her hand and pulled her into his arms. He muttered, "You''re my only dream now. Just thinking of you calms me down. I can''t live without you."

 Chapter 1264 Devotion

    Hearing those words, Sadie felt a whirlwind of emotions.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Barbara''s voice chimed in. "Ms. James, I got some hangover meds for Joe. Can Ie in?"


    "Yeah,e in," Sadie replied. Barbara opened the door and froze. She saw Joe clinging to Sadie, and jealousy and anger red up inside her. Sadie gently pushed Joe away and turned to Barbara. "Just leave it here."


    "Oh, sure." Barbara quicklyposed herself, set the hangover meds on the coffee table, and handed Sadie a cup of tea. "Ms. James, this is for you." "Thanks." Sadie nced at her and said, "You can go now."


    "Yes, ma''am." Barbara lowered her head and backed out, but she couldn''t help sneaking a look at Joe.


    "Sadie, I wanna crash here tonight," Joe said, holding Sadie''s hand and looking at her with puppy eyes. "Is that cool?"


    Sadie didn''t say yes or no, just handed him the hangover meds. "Drink this first. You really overdid it tonight," she said softly.


    "I''m not that wasted. Everything I said, I meant it." Joe pushed it away and mumbled, "I don''t wanna sober up. Only when I''m drunk can I talk to you like this."


    "Come on, be good and take the meds," Sadie coaxed.


    "Alright." Joe couldn''t say no to Sadie and obediently took the hangover meds.


    Sadie picked up the cup of tea, sniffed it, and thought, ''Yep, drugged again.'' Barbara was getting gutsier. After pulling this off twice before, she was getting reckless. But whatever, Sadie decided to let Barbara y her game. "Why''s this tea so bitter?" Joe almost spat it out, grumbling, "It tastes weird."


    "Barbara made it just for you," Sadie smiled.


    "Fine, if you want me to drink it, I will," Joe said, resigned. He closed his eyes, took the meds, and downed the whole cup of tea. After finishing, he burped, "Sadie, can I use your bathroom?" "Sure, go ahead." Sadie watched him head to the bathroom, then poured half the tea into a nearby nt, sipping only a little bit herself.


    After a bit, Joe came out of the bathroom and flopped onto the bed. "Sadie, I''m sleeping here tonight."


    Sadie didn''t say anything; she just watched him in the dim light.


    "Sadie,e here." Joe reached out to her. She got up, walked over, gently held his hand, and whispered, "I''m sorry, Joe."


    "What did you say?" Joe mumbled and passed out.


    Sadie sighed, pulled her hand back, turned off the light, and sat back on the sofa, keeping an eye on the door. She knew Barbara was about to make her move again.


    Sure enough, soon there was a soft knock on the door, "Ms. James, are you asleep?"


    Sadie didn''t answer, pretending to be out cold.


    Barbara cautiously pushed the door open and called out a few more times, "Ms. James? Ms. James?"


    Sadie stayed still.


    Barbara quickly closed the door, walked to the sofa, and saw the tea was gone. She waved her hand in front of Sadie''s face to make sure she was out, then walked to the bed.


    By now, Joe was already out cold, snoring lightly.


    Barbara lovingly stroked his face, then leaned down to kiss his lips.


    Joe, half-asleep, felt someone kissing him and thought it was Sadie. He immediately turned over, pinning her beneath him, and kissed her passionately, murmuring excitedly, "Sadie, I knew it. You do have feelings for me. You love me, Sadie."

 Chapter 1265 Whats Going On?

    The two lovebirds were so wrapped up in each other that they didn''t even notice Sadie on the couch pressing a button on her watch. Jessica and Aurora bolted downstairs to find Craig and Amanda, who had just walked in.


    Craig and Amanda were trudging up the stairs, chatting and looking beat and kinda helpless.


    Jessica rushed up to them, all frantic, "Duchess Louis, Ms. James has been having stomach pains all day. Can you call a doctor to check on her?"


    "Why would Sadie suddenly have a stomachache?" Amanda snapped, "She looks fine to me."


    "Ms. James has a sensitive stomach. Maybe she ate something raw today, and it didn''t sit well with her," Aurora said softly.


    "Why wouldn''t it sit well with her?" Amanda shot back, "We eat the same food every day, and we''re fine."


    "But..." Jessica started to say.


    "It''ste. Where are we gonna find a doctor now? Let''s deal with it tomorrow." Amanda cut her off, clearly not in the mood.


    "Duchess Louis, you..." Jessica was getting pissed.


    "Calm down," Craig said softly, "I''ve told you, we can''t afford to make enemies right now. Go check on Sadie."


    Amanda clicked her tongue, annoyed. But seeing the look in Craig''s eyes, she reluctantly headed toward Sadie''s room.


    "Duchess Louis!" The two maids outside the door quickly greeted Amanda with a bow.


    Amanda gave a signal, and one of the maids was about to knock when Jessica suddenly said, "No need to knock. Ms. James is in too much pain and has already gone to bed. Just go in directly." With that, Jessica pushed open the door.


    Two people were tangled up on the bed. The sudden opening of the door startled them, especially the woman, who let out a scream.


    "Oh my!" Amanda eximed. She quickly turned around, "Close the door!"


    The maid hurriedly closed the door.


    "This is ridiculous. Didn''t Sadie say she had a stomachache? Howe she''s now..." Amanda''s words trailed off as she realized the woman on the bed wasn''t Sadie. Amanda''s face changed dramatically, and she kicked the door open and stormed in.


    Barbara was frantically trying to get dressed.


    But before she could finish, Amanda turned on the light, and everyone was stunned by what they saw.


    "Ah! It''s Barbara." The maids were shocked, their mouths hanging open.


    Amanda''s eyes were wide open, staring in disbelief at the scene before her.


    "Barbara?" Joe muttered, now seeing clearly that the half-naked woman beside him was Barbara. He was so freaked out that he fell off the bed.


    "Joe," Barbara hurried to help Joe, but he pushed her away like she was a ghost, shouting angrily, "What''s going on? How did this happen?"


    "Joe, I..." Barbara tried to exin.


    "Close the door and send everyone else away." Amanda interrupted, her face dark and stormy, like a brewing hurricane.


    The maids quickly closed the door, and by then, Annika and Arya had already squeezed in.


    They hurried to the sofa and gently patted Sadie, "Ms. James, Ms. James, wake up."


    "What''s going on? Why hasn''t Ms. James woken up with all thismotion?" Annika asked anxiously.


    "Could she have been drugged?" Arya said as she sprinkled some water on Sadie''s face.


    Sadie gradually woke up.


    Amanda nced at Sadie and then turned her gaze to Barbara. She snapped, "Exin yourself. What the hell is going on?"


    "I, I..." Barbara stammered, totally flustered and couldn''t say a word.


    "My head hurts," Sadie said, holding her forehead. She sat up and, seeing so many people in the room, asked in confusion, "What''s going on?"

 Chapter 1266 I Have Evidence

    "Yo, Ms. James," Annika shot a look over her shoulder.


    Sadie spun around and saw the bed in chaos, with Joe and Barbara looking like a hot mess.


    She froze, her face a mix of shock and hurt.


    "Wha-what''s happening?" Sadie stuttered, "Joe, how could you..."


    "Sadie, let me exin," Joe, all flustered, wrapped himself in a bathrobe and shuffled over to her. "I thought she was you; I got mixed up."


    "So, you two..." Sadie muttered, eyeing Barbara, who was half-naked, as realization hit her, "Wait, the other two times too..."


    "No, no, it''s not like that," Joe shook his head frantically. "Those times, it was just you and me."


    "No," Sadie clutched her head, thinking hard, "Every time we were together, I''d pass out, totally clueless about what happened, and when I woke up, you were..."


    She stopped, staring at Barbara in shock, "Every time I drank something she gave me, could it be..."


    "We''ll find out," Annika cut in. She grabbed the tea cup and whipped out a test strip, "Good thing I always carry these."


    "Check Joe''s cup too," Sadie pointed at it.


    "On it," Arya replied quickly.


    "No need," Amanda snapped, turning to Barbara, "Get over here!"


    Barbara crawled over, sobbing, "Duchess Louis, I..."


    Amanda pped her hard, seething with anger. "You want me to dig into this, or are you gonna spill?"


    "I..." Barbara trembled, tears streaming, but she knew she couldn''t hide it anymore. She copsed, crying, "It''s my fault; I''ve always liked Joe; I wanted to be with him, so I..." "No way," Joe shook his head, shouting, "It was Sadie, it was Sadie."


    "You little tramp, how dare you pull this crap," Amanda pped Barbara again. "You think one night with Joe means we ept you? You''re still just a tramp. Joe will never marry you." Barbara stayed silent, just crying on the floor.


    But Sadie saw through it. Amanda wanted Barbara to deny the other times and only admit to this one.


    "Sadie, I''ll handle this tramp Barbara," Amanda turned to Sadie, "Men screw up, and Joe was tricked by Barbara; he didn''t do it on purpose; you should forgive him."


    "I''m not mad at Joe, but..." Sadie squinted at Barbara. "The other two times, it wasn''t me either, it had to be her."


    "No way," Amanda denied quickly, "That night at Grapetown Heights, I saw you and Joe with my own eyes..."


    "I have proof," Sadie cut her off, smirking. "Wanna see it, Duchess Louis?"


    "No, no way," Joe shook his head, repeating in disbelief. "This can''t be, Sadie. It was definitely you and me..."


    Sadie gave a nod, and Annika pulled out aptop and yed a video.


    Sadie said, "Duchess Louis, you know I was poisoned once and almost died. It freaked me out, so I set up a camera in my room. Didn''t expect to catch this. My eyesight''s bad, so I can''t see clearly. Why don''t you take a look?" As Sadie spoke, the video started ying. It showed Barbara drugging Sadie in Joe''s room and then pretending to be Sadie to sleep with Joe.

 Chapter 1267 We All Have Our Tactics

    Seeing the video, Amanda shut her eyes, feeling the weight of the mess they were in.


    Joe hit the ground, totally wrecked, mumbling, "No wonder Sadie was all fired up at night, so different from the day... turns out..."


    "Last time at Grapetown Heights, I crashed on the couch, andter, someone moved me to the bed. The marks on my body..." Sadie shot a look at Barbara and sneered, "Were they from you?"


    "No way!" Amanda cut in, giving Barbara a knowing look. "Even if it was her those two times, it definitely wasn''t at Grapetown Heights. We all saw you with Joe." Barbara hung her head, too scared to say a word.


    "I''ve got more proof," Sadie said, cool as a cucumber. "Last time at Grapetown Heights, after I dozed off, you stashed me in the closet. Your toenail hit the closet, and the red nail polish got scraped off. I''ve already had someone test it. The DNA results areing soon."


    "What nail polish?" Amanda still wouldn''t budge. "Even if there was, it was from her cleaning."


    "It''s not just the nail polish. There''s also hair and other stuff." Sadie stared hard at Barbara. "Should I bring it out, or will you fess up?"


    Barbara finally cracked. She sat up straight, defiance in her eyes. "Yeah, it was me. All three times, it was me with Joe."


    "No, no way." Joe stared at Barbara, totally floored. "It wasn''t you. How could it be you? It was Sadie."


    "It was me." Barbara crawled over, grabbing Joe''s hand, sobbing, "Joe, I really love you. More than anyone else." "Shut up." Joe yanked his hand away, shouting, "You make me sick, sick!"


    With that, Joe bolted from the room, a total mess.


    "Joe, Joe..." Barbara cried, trying to chase him, but Amanda''s maid blocked her.


    "Shameless." Amanda spat, eyes zing. "Drag her to the basement. No one lets her out without my say-so."


    Two maids grabbed Barbara, dragging her out as she begged, "Duchess Louis, please, let me stay with Joe. As a lover, a maid- anything!"


    "You don''t deserve it." Amanda hissed, kicking her away. "You''re not even fit to be a servant. I never want to see you again. Take her away!"


    The maids dragged Barbara out. She struggled and cried, "Duchess Louis, Duchess Louis, please, for my father''s sake, let me go, Duchess Louis..."


    Her voice faded. Amanda stayed cold, her face twisted in disgust, like she''d seen something nasty.


    "This room''s a no-go now," Sadie sighed. "Duchess Louis, we should leave you in peace."


    "Sadie, you''re something else!" Amanda red at Sadie, teeth clenched. "You knew about Barbara all along and had the proof, but you didn''t spill. Instead, you let me catch them, and now you''re bailing. Smart move!" Sadie smirked. "We all have our tricks. I never mentioned your games at Grapetown Heights Winery. I''ve saved your face, Duchess Louis. You should thank me."


    "You..." Amanda''s face turned red with rage.

 Chapter 1268 One Must Leave

    Sadie shot back, "If it wasn''t for your sneaky ns, how would Barbara have ended up in Joe''s room? And without you backing her, would she have dared to pull that stunt? This mess is all on you!" She let out a mockingugh, "You thought you were ying matchmaker for Joe and me, but look who ended up with the prize. How''s that feel now?"


    "Ugh, you little" Amanda snapped, her hand flying up to p Sadie.


    Sadie caught her wrist in a sh, her eyes narrowing. "Just ''cause you''re Joe''s mom and an elder, I''ve been putting up with you. But don''t think for a second that means I''m a pushover." With that, Sadie shoved her away.


    Amanda stumbled, almost hitting the floor, but the maid behind her caught her just in time.


    "Sadie, how dare you!" Amanda yelled, fuming. "You''re in my house, acting all high and mighty? Think I''ll let you off easy after this? Without my say-so, you''re not going anywhere."


    "I get it," Sadie smirked. "Talking sense to you is pointless now. But what do you think Joe will do?"


    Amanda froze, the implication hitting her hard. She knew Joe too well; he couldn''t handle this kind of betrayal and might just bolt or kick Sadie out.


    "If you don''t want Joe to ditch the Louis family for good, you better think fast," Sadie continued, lounging on the sofa. "I don''t want to hurt Joe. Even without love, he''s still my best friend, and he''s innocent in all this." Thinking about Joe, Sadie felt a pang of guilt. She''d wrestled with this decision for a long time, knowing how much this ugly truth would hurt him. She didn''t want to hurt Joe, but she had no choice. Some things had toe out eventually. She couldn''t keep taking the fall for something she didn''t do.


    "You maniptive witch!" Amanda screamed, lunging at her again.


    "Stop!" A booming voice cut through the chaos.


    "Duke Louis, perfect timing," Sadie looked up at Craig standing in the doorway and sighed, "Duchess Louis is losing it. Maybe you should take her to her room and calm her down." "Sadie, you''re definitely Tristan''s sister," Craig said, giving her a long look. "What a move!"


    "Thanks for thepliment, Duke Louis. I''m just ying the hand I was dealt," Sadie said, lowering her head humbly. "The real mastermind here is Duchess Louis!"


    Amanda was seething, but Craig shut her down with a roar. "Enough! Amanda, to the room. Now." Craig stormed out, Amanda throwing onest venomous look at Sadie before hurrying after him.


    The room was a mess, and Sadie didn''t want to stick around, so the servants moved her to another room.


    Annika and Arya followed her, checking every corner to make sure there were no hidden cameras before they rxed.


    "Ms. James, do you think Duke Louis can talk some sense into Duchess Louis?" Arya asked, curious. "She usually acts so high and mighty, and Duke Louis always caves to her."


    "Duke Louis lets her have her way with the small stuff, but he calls the shots on the big things," Sadie said, frowning. "Besides, they''re out of options now. Joe''s a wreck over this and probably about to lose it. If I don''t leave, he''s definitely running away."


    "Joe''s totally innocent in all this," Arya sighed. "Anyone would be crushed by this."

 Chapter 1269 Stubbornness

    "Man, Joe''s always been so loyal and all-in with his feelings," Annika muttered, feeling bad. "He must be totally wrecked right now."


    "Did I mess up?" Sadie mumbled, guilt gnawing at her thinking about Joe''s meltdown.


    "No way, this ain''t on you," Arya shot back. "If anyone''s to me, it''s Duchess Louis and Barbara. One''s a scheming know-it-all, and the other''s just reckless and nasty."


    "Yeah," Annika chimed in for once. "This was gonnae out eventually. You can''t carry all the me."


    Sadie let out a heavy sigh. "I just hope Joe can deal with it soon. Otherwise, I don''t know how I''ll face him."


    "Right now, neither of you knows how to face each other. Some space is the best bet," Arya said. "Let''s hope Duke Louis backs off soon."


    "They''ll probably keep us up all night, but they should let us go by tomorrow," Sadie said, ncing at her watch. "But I''m worried Joe might do something crazy tonight. Keep an eye on him and let me know if anything happens." "Got it," Annika said, then ordered, "You two, go check things out."


    "Okay," Jessica and Aurora quickly headed out to investigate.


    It was already past 1 AM. The servants and attendants were supposed to be asleep, and the castle was usually dead quiet at this hour. But thanks to the drama with Barbara and Joe, the ce was lit up like a Christmas tree. The servants were on edge, worried something might go wrong.


    Callie and some of the older servants were busy, but Jessica and Aurora had no clue what they were up to.


    The two wanted to check the master bedroom but got stopped and had to turn back.


    They overheard two maids whispering, "Duke Louis and Duchess Louis are fighting. We need to be careful and not stir the pot."


    "Mr. Louis has locked himself in his room and won''t open the door for anyone. It''s really worrying. What if something happens to him?" one maid whispered.


    "This has really blown up," another maid sighed.


    "Mr. Louis, Mr. Louis, please open the door and let us help you bathe and change," Callie called out, gently knocking on Joe''s door.


    No response from inside.


    Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, there was a loud crash.


    Craig was fuming and had thrown his wine ss, shouting, "You''re being ridiculous!"


    "What did I do?" Amanda snapped back, "I was thinking of Joe and the bigger picture, trying to speed up the marriage. Who knew that witch Barbara would..."


    Talking about Barbara made her grit her teeth in anger. "I can''t believe I had someone like Barbara around me."


    "Isn''t Barbara your rtive?" Craig''s face was red with anger. He scolded, "Your so-called scheming not only failed to secure the marriage but also hurt Joe. Do you get that?"


    "I regret it too," Amanda said, feeling heartbroken for Joe. "Joe is just too stubborn. He didn''t even suffer any loss in this."


    "Don''t you know how much Joe values his feelings?" Craig said angrily. "What do you n to do now?"


    "I''ll gofort him," Amanda said, getting up to leave.


    "I just checked on him. He''s locked himself in his room and doesn''t want to see anyone," Craig said, still furious. "You''re useless. I told you not to cause trouble, but you wouldn''t listen." "What''s the point of scolding me now?" Amanda shot back, feeling wronged. "We should be thinking about how to fix this mess."


    "You caused this mess, and now you want me to fix it?" Craig said angrily. "Tell me, how should we solve it?"

 Chapter 1270 His Life Was a Joke

    Amanda paused for a sec and then spat out, "That sneaky little witch Sadie, now she wants us to let her go? No way in hell. If she walks out that door, we''ll never see her again. The marriage deal will crash and burn, and everyone willugh at us. Plus, Joe will lose it. I say we stash Sadie somewhere else for now and then figure out what to do with Joe."


    "Are you serious right now?" Craig snapped. "You think you can just treat Sadie like some kind of prisoner? Tristan might be MIA, but he''s got a whole crew ready to mess us up. And don''t forget, Jesse''s still waiting for Sadie in Sunvale. Tristan might not even be down for the count. If hees back swinging, we''re toast. If we have a legit reason to keep her, fine. But if you push it, we''re asking for trouble." "So what, you wanna just let her go?" Amanda shot back, clearly pissed.


    Craig frowned, looking all serious and conflicted. Keeping Sadie locked up was a no-go, but letting her go was just as bad. What the hell were they supposed to do?


    Just then, there was a frantic knock on the door, and Callie''s voice came through, all paNinaed. "Duke Louis, Duchess Louis, Mr. Louis has locked himself in his room. He''s not answering no matter how much I knock. Could something have happened to him?"


    Craig and Amanda bolted out of there. "Let''s go check."


    They rushed to Joe''s room and started banging on the door. "Joe, Joe, open up. Don''t freak us out. Open the door so we can talk," Amanda pleaded, worried sick. No answer.


    "Joe, open the damn door!" Craig yelled, but still nothing.


    "What do we do? What if he''s thinking of doing something crazy?" Amanda muttered, scared out of her mind.


    "Break it down," Craig ordered.


    "Yes, Duke Louis." Two soldiers stepped up and started ramming the door. After a few minutes, they finally busted it open.


    "Joe!" Amanda rushed in, only to freeze at the sight.


    Joe was sitting on the carpet, hugging his knees, head buried in his legs, like he was trying to disappear.


    "Joe, are you okay?" Amanda approached him slowly, her voice soft. "If you need to let it out, just do it. Don''t keep it all inside." "Everyone, out," Craig ordered in a low voice.


    "Yes, Duke Louis." The room cleared out, the door closing behind them.


    "Joe," Craig walked over, his face pained. But as a dad, he stillid down thew, "Get up. A man doesn''t act like this over something so small. It''s embarrassing." "Oh, don''t say that to him," Amanda hissed angrily.


    "Shut up," Craig snapped at her. "This is all your fault. You''ve coddled him since he was a kid, never letting him face any real problems. Now he''s weak, not acting like a man at all." "You..." Amanda was about to fire back when Joe suddenly spoke, "You''re right...I really am not like a man."


    Those words hit him like a ton of bricks. After that, he felt a despair he''d never known. The world seemed dark, and his life felt like a cruel joke.


    He was thirty, had achieved nothing, and his love life was a total disaster.


    "Joe," Craig saw the hurt in Joe''s eyes and felt a pang of guilt. He quickly tried tofort him, "This isn''t a big deal. Every guy goes through stuff like this. Just see it as part of growing up, and don''t let it get to you."

 Chapter 1271 Its Letting Her Off Too Easy

    "Yeah," Amanda jumped in. "You''re a dude, you won''t lose anything, so chill out."


    "Just get out," Joe snapped, his voice dripping with frustration and disappointment. He felt totally misunderstood by his parents, who seemed clueless about his sadness, pain, and despair. "Joe..." Amanda started, but Craig cut her off. He pulled Amanda aside and tried to calm Joe down, "Alright, we''ll leave. Get some rest. Tomorrow''s a new day." "Yeah, tomorrow, Mom will take you horseback riding," Amanda added, trying to cheer him up.


    "I''m not going anywhere," Joe mumbled, burying his face in his hands. "How can I face anyone like this?"


    "What''s the big deal?" Amanda said, getting anxious. "If anyone dares tough at you, I''ll shut them up."


    "No one else knows about this. I''ve already made sure it won''t spread," Craig reassured him.


    "I don''t care what others think; what I care about is..." Joe''s voice broke. "Now, Sadie must think I''m a joke. She probably despises me, maybe even hates me." "No, she won''t," Amanda quickly said. "Trust me, she has no right to me you for this. Didn''t she herself also..."


    Craig cut Amanda off, ring at her. He whispered that she didn''t know how to talk.


    Amanda quickly shut up, not daring to say more.


    But Joe had already heard it, and heughed bitterly, "Yeah, Sadie and I are fake, but she and Micah are real. I''m such a failure, a total failure."


    "Joe, that''s not what I meant," Amanda quickly apologized. "I mean, even if you both messed up, let it go and just be better in the future."


    "She doesn''t love me," Joe cried miserably. "She doesn''t care that I slept with Barbara to leave; she could even watch me and Barbara hook up with her own eyes."


    Joe had pieced everything together. Last time, Sadie had already stolen evidence but didn''t use it. Tonight, she set up Barbara deliberately to get caught. It was clear she wanted an out, cared nothing for who Joe was with. This realization shattered Joe''s heart.


    "That bitch Sadie," Amanda gritted her teeth, thinking about how Sadie had hurt Joe so much.


    "Joe, if that''s the case, we can call off the engagement," Craig said, feeling that pushing forward was pointless. "There are plenty of good girls out there, not just Sadie."


    Amanda looked at Craig in confusion and whispered, "Call it off? If we cancel now, won''t everyoneugh at us? And people will say we canceled because Tristan lost, then our family will bebeled as untrustworthy."


    "This marriage is already a mess," Craig whispered back. "If they get married, they''ll definitely piss off Micah. Even if the wedding goes smoothly, Micah will stille after us. If they keep this up, we''ll face all kinds of trouble. Canceling now can avoid future problems. We can find a legit reason. For Tristan, we can use Sadie and Micah''s affair as an excuse, which is also reasonable."


    "Alright," Amanda thought it made sense. She hissed, "This is exactly what that bitch Sadie wants. It''s letting her off too easy."

 Chapter 1272 As You Wish

    "I ain''t marrying anyone but Sadie," Joe mumbled, eyes glued to the floor. "But she doesn''t give a damn about me."


    "Joe, what the hell are you doing?" Craig''s face twisted in confusion.


    "I thought if I was real with her, she''de around. But love ain''t something you can force. If she doesn''t love me, she just doesn''t." Joe finally looked up, his eyes begging. "Dad, Mom, let her go."


    "You''re being ridiculous," Craig snapped. "Even if we wanted to call off the engagement, we can''t just let her go now. She needs to hold a press conference and say she canceled the wedding so we don''t get med. If you don''t want to break it off, we definitely can''t let her go. Where would you find herter?"


    "Exactly," Amanda chimed in. "Joe, stop being stubborn. We''re doing this for your own good."


    "Enough!" Joe shouted, the words grating on his nerves. "Let her go now, right now."


    "What are you talking about? You''re being so unreasonable." Amanda stepped forward, trying to calm him. "Alright, get up..."


    She froze mid-sentence. Joe had pulled out a utility knife and pressed it against his wrist.


    "Oh my God, Joe, what are you doing?" Amanda''s face went pale. "Put the knife down, don''t scare me."


    "Put the knife down," Craig''s voice was shaky with fear.


    "I''m so done with all of you." Joe looked up, his voice t. "Either I leave, or she leaves. You choose."


    "Joe..." Amanda started to speak, but Joe shed his wrist, and blood started to ooze out.


    "Ah!" Amanda screamed in terror.


    "Fine, I''ll let her go right now." Craig caved quickly. "Put the knife down first, put it down!"


    "Let her go first. Once she''s out, I''ll put the knife down," Joe insisted. "Otherwise, I''ll die right here in front of you."


    "Joe, what are you doing?" Amanda stomped her foot, tears streaming down her face. "Sadie knew you''d protect her like this. That''s why she came up with these schemes. You''re falling right into her trap, can''t you see?"


    "I know," Joeughed bitterly. "To get out of here, she didn''t even care if I slept with Barbara. She really doesn''t want to stay. Why not let her go?"


    "Let Sadie go!" Joe pressed the knife harder, more blood flowing.


    "Alright, I''ll let her go right now." Craig didn''t hesitate anymore and shouted, "Someone!"


    "Yes, Duke Louis," Callie and two soldiers walked in.


    "Go, escort Ms. James out," Craig ordered urgently.


    "Yes." Callie rushed to Sadie''s room, knocked a few times, and then barged in.


    Inside, Sadie and her four bodyguards were already dressed and ready, just waiting for the word.


    "Looks like Ms. James knew her n would work," Callie said, eyeing Sadie. "As you wished, Duke Louis is letting you go!"


    "Awesome!" Annika and Arya were thrilled. They hadn''t expected to leave so easily; they thought it would take a few more days. "Thank you!" Sadie said, getting up to leave. "How''s Joe?"


    "Mr. Louis cut his wrist, lost a lot of blood, and the white carpet is stained red," Callie said heavily. "Ms. James, you are truly heartless!" Sadie paused, looking toward Joe''s room, feeling a wave of guilt and unease.

 Chapter 1273 Despicable

    "Hey, Ms. James, wanna go check it out?" Annika asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Sadie dropped her gaze, stayed quiet for a few beats, then started to walk away. She muttered, "Worrying about Joe will just make things worse. Let''s bounce." Annika didn''t say a word and trailed behind her.


    Callie led them downstairs. By now, the soldiers had already pulled the car up to the door, engine running and keys in the ignition.


    "See ya, Ms. James!" Callie gave Sadie a respectful salute.


    Sadie saluted back and nced up at Joe''s room on the second floor.


    Joe was by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching her. His wrist was still bleeding, and two female medics were bandaging him up.


    Amanda and a bunch of maids were fussing over him.


    Sadie couldn''t make out Joe''s expression from that distance or say goodbye. She just turned around and got into the car, feeling a pang of guilt.


    Out of nowhere, a cold, arrogant voice called out, "Sadie!"


    Sadie turned to see Craig standing at the door, hands behind his back, face twisted with hatred. He spat out, "You owe my family, and you''ll pay it back sooner orter!" Sadie didn''t say anything; she just bowed her head in a salute and got into the car.


    As the car rolled away, Sadie looked back at the floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor through the rearview mirror. Joe was on his knees, shaking with sobs. She couldn''t hear him, but she could feel his despair and breakdown.


    She lowered her eyes, and a tear slipped down her cheek. She couldn''t deny the guilt. Even though Amanda and Barbara''s meddling caused a lot of this, if she had shut Joe down from the start, maybe none of this would have happened. Annika sighed. "Joe''s really caught in the middle of all this."


    "Hopefully, he learns from this," Arya sighed too. "It''s a tough lesson, but he needs it to grow up."


    "I wonder what''s gonna happen to Barbara?" Jessica whispered. "I heard from a maid she''s locked in the basement and being forced to take contraceptives."


    "She tried to trap Joe by getting pregnant. No way Duchess Louis would let that slide," Aurora chimed in, which was rare for her.


    "She''s really pitiful," Annika said. "People need to know their limits."


    "What did Duke Louis mean by hisst words?" Arya asked, looking uneasy. "Ms. James, was he threatening you?"


    "Maybe," Sadie frowned. "Check if the phone signal''s back. Call Jesse and tell him to get ready; we need to leave Sunvale ASAP." "Got it," Annika checked her phone. "Still no signal; we might need to get out of the castle area first."


    Arya hit the gas, speeding out of the royal base.


    Finally, the phone signal came back, and Annika called Jesse. He picked up quickly, "Hello?"


    "Jesse, it''s me," Annika said urgently. "We just left the castle. Ms. James wants you to get ready; we need to leave Sunvale right now."


    "I''m always ready. I''ll set things up. See you at the airport," Jesse replied.


    "Okay," Annika said.


    After hanging up, Annika arranged for a private jet.


    "Finally, we''re out," Jessica sighed in relief. "I thought Duke Louis would send someone after us."


    "He''s such a jerk!" Arya red at the rearview mirror, fuming.


    "Step on it!" Sadie stayed calm.


    "Got it," Arya sped up, trying to lose any potential tail.


    "Damn," Annika cursed, suddenly realizing something. "What if Duke Louis has people waiting for us at the airport?" "Call Jesse and tell him to skip the airport. Wait at the vi," Sadie ordered.


    "On it," Annika made the call immediately.

 Chapter 1274 Tristan Was in Trouble

    Annika had just hung up when their ride got boxed in. They were deep in royal turf, and no matter how fast they gunned it, the soldiers were always gonna catch up. A swarm of military trucks closed in from all sides, trapping Sadie''s convoy.


    "What now?" Jessica freaked out. "They took our weapons, and we can''t take on this many guys."


    "We''ll smash through," Arya snarled, eyes hard as steel. "I don''t think they have the guts to kill us."


    "Duke Louis seemed chill, but who knew he was such a savage," Annika muttered, frowning. "Ms. James, what''s the n?"


    "Break through," Sadie said coldly, eyes locked ahead. "If they nab us again, it won''t be a friendly chat."


    "They really got the nerve," Annika snapped. "Aren''t they scared Mr. James wille for themter?"


    Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Jesse. "News from Country E," he said, voice urgent. "Mr. James is in deep trouble."


    "What?" Annika gasped, shocked. "What happened to Mr. James?"


    "Rumor is, Mr. James got blown up at sea," Jesse''s voice cracked, like he couldn''t believe it himself.


    "No way," Annika felt her blood run cold, her body freezing up.


    Chaos erupted inside the car, everyone freaking out like the world was ending.


    "Duke Louis probably heard too. He won''t let Ms. James go easy. I''m bringing backup. Don''t go head-to-head. Stall for time," Jesse warned. "Got it," Annika replied.


    After hanging up, the bodyguards looked at Sadie, eyes wide with hope. "Ms. James, Mr. James can''t be in trouble, right? This news has to be fake, right?"


    Sadie gripped her phone tight, staring down in silence.


    Just a minute ago, she got word from Terry that Tristan was in trouble.


    She was still in shock, refusing to believe it, feeling like none of this was real, absolutely not real.


    "Ms. James..." Annika''s words got cut off by a sudden gunshot. Dozens of soldiers jumped out of their trucks, guns aimed at them. One soldier shouted, "Ms. James, get out of the car ande with us."


    Sadie looked at them calmly, but inside, she was a mess. With Tristan in trouble, all their enemies wereing out of the woodwork for revenge.


    The Louis family, especially, couldn''t let it go and wanted her dead.


    "What do we do?" Annika asked, looking at Sadie.


    "The James family would rather die than bow down," Sadie said calmly. "Arya, it''s on you!"


    "Got it, I''ll take them on," Arya responded.


    Arya gripped the wheel tight, ready to floor it any second.


    "Don''t resist," the other side warned, guns trained on the car. "Mr. James is already in trouble. Duke Louis ordered that if you resist, you''ll be killed without mercy!" Sadie sneered inside, ''So, they toss you aside once you''re no longer useful.''


    "They''re such scumbags," Annika growled through gritted teeth.


    "I''ll count to three," Sadie whispered. "Then we charge. One!"


    Arya was ready, foot hovering over the gas pedal.


    "Two!"


    Arya started pressing down, the engine roaring to life.


    "Three!"


    As soon as the word left her mouth, the car shot forward like a bat out of hell.


    The men in ck were ready, but they didn''t expect the car to be that fast.


    They scrambled back, firing at the car in a panic.


    With Arya''s driving skills, breaking through would''ve been a breeze, but they were already surrounded by military SUVs.


    Arya''s car rammed an SUV, creating a gap, but the men quickly closed in again, shooting at their tires.

 Chapter 1275 The Life-Saving Grace

    Soon enough, the car''s tire got sted with a loud "bang."


    Arya didn''t even get a chance to ram the blocking vehicle before they were surrounded by a bunch of heavily armed dudes. "Out of the car!" the soldiers barked, guns aimed right at them.


    With a t tire, their ride was going nowhere fast.


    Arya, stuck and desperate, nced at Sadie.


    "Let''s take ''em on," Annika said, clenching her fist. "Arya, the three of us will hold ''em off. You get Ms. James outta here." "Got it," Arya nodded quickly.


    "If I bail, you guys are toast," Sadie said, frowning. "If I stay, we might all make it."


    "But..." Annika started, but a soldier yanked at the car door.


    Just then, the roar of engines came from nearby, and blinding lights hit them head-on.


    The soldiers froze and turned to see a dozen off-road vehicles charging at them like wild beasts.


    They scrambled to defend themselves but got knocked around along with their vehicles by the off-roaders.


    Chaos erupted.


    These pampered soldiers were no match for the men in ck from the off-road vehicles.


    They got their butts handed to them, retreating over and over.


    Annika, Arya, and the others shielded Sadie as they got out of the car, ready to bolt, but an off-road vehicle blocked their path. Arya clenched her fist, ready to throw down, when the driver poked his head out and called her name. Arya''s face lit up, "Rodolfo!" "Get in," Andrew said, opening the door and ushering everyone inside.


    "Why are you here?" Sadie asked, shocked. "How did you know..."


    "Mr. Clemens has been worried about you," Andrew exined. "He sent us to get you out."


    Sadie nced outside. The Clemens family''s convoy had pulled back safely, and the Louis family''s troops had retreated.


    "What else does Micah know?" Sadie asked, turning back.


    "Mr. James is in deep trouble," Andrew said cautiously. "You''re in serious danger now."


    "Where is he?" Sadie asked, looking out the window. The other cars were following, so Micah probably hadn''te.


    "He''s waiting for you at the airport," Andrew said respectfully. "I suggest you tell Jesse to bring the kids to the airport. Don''t worry; no one messes with the Clemens family''s private jet." Sadie lowered her eyes, thought for a moment, and told Annika, "Call Jesse."


    "On it," Annika immediately called Jesse.


    On the other end, chaos reigned. As expected, Jesse had also run into an ambush, but he was confident he could break through and get the kids to the airport to meet Sadie. Annika ryed the situation to Sadie.


    Sadie quickly said to Andrew, "Andrew, can youe with us to meet Jesse?"


    "Jesse should be fine; he''s got enough men..." Andrew started.


    "I said go, so go," Annika snapped.


    Andrew''s words were cut off. He nced at her weakly and changed his tone, "Alright, we''ll go together."


    It was already 3 AM, and this night was far from over.


    But with the Clemens family''s backup, Sadie soon met up with Jesse and headed to the airport together.


    The three kids were still sound asleep, totally clueless about what had gone down.


    At the airport, they got out of the car.


    Sadie saw Micah standing by the car, smoking.


    The night wind tousled his hair. His thin figure looked kinda lonely, but he still had thatmanding presence.


    After everything, Sadie thought she wouldn''t need Micah anymore. But in this critical moment, it was still him who came to the rescue.


    She walked up to him, wanting to thank him, but the words just wouldn''te out.

 Chapter 1276 Returning Home

    "Yo, not even a ''thanks''?" Micah was the first to break the silence, eyebrow cocked with that smug look of his.


    "Where are the kids?" Sadie dodged the question, peering at the car behind him, but no sign of the three little ones.


    "They''re already on the ne." Micah puffed out a smoke ring and threw out an invite, "Come back to Newark with me. It''s safe there."


    Sadie squinted through the smoke, then nced at the crowd behind her, feeling the weight of the world. She shot back coldly, "No need to trouble you, Mr. Clemens!"


    That formal title yanked them back two years to when she was just another employee at hispany.


    "The kids miss you." Micah flicked his cigarette ash, sounding all casual. "I''ll give you one more shot!"


    "I''ve got responsibilities." Sadie felt a pang but stayed firm, "But thanks, knowing Noah, Nathan, and Mia are with you puts me at ease."


    "You''re not gonna fight for the kids?" Micah raised an eyebrow, challenging her.


    "No." Sadie dropped her gaze, trying to keep it together. She muttered, "I can''t protect them right now."


    She suddenly felt like all those years of battling Micah had been for nothing. No matter what, she always ended up losing to him.


    "Alright." Micah didn''t push it, turned around, and boarded the ne, telling Rn, "Get them back to the country."


    "Yes." Rn stepped up to reassure Sadie, "Ms. James, that private jet''s set for you. If Newark''s not your thing, pick a nearby city, but you gotta get back to the country. It''s the only safe ce." "Thanks." Sadie said, then led her crew onto the ne. "To Biston."


    "Got it." Rn made the arrangements and stuck around to make sure they got there safe.


    Before Micah disappeared into the cabin, he nced back, and Sadie met his eyes. A thousand unspoken words passed between them.


    But in the end, they both stayed silent.


    The two private jets took off, one heading to Newark, the other to Biston.


    Sadie sat by the window, staring nkly at the fading night lights of Sunvale.


    She wondered when Micah had set all this up. And when did he start tracking her every move?


    "Ms. James." Jesse came over, speaking softly, "Can we talk?"


    "Sure." Sadie said, pointing to the seat across from her.


    "Sorry I couldn''t help this time." Jesse apologized, looking ashamed, "I got ambushed and almost didn''t make it to the airport. If it weren''t for the Clemens family''s help, who knows what would''ve happened."


    "I don''t me you." Sadie reassured gently, "Tristan''s got a lot of enemies. It''s a miracle you kept the kids safe."


    Jesse thought for a moment, then finally spoke up, "The country''s pretty safe now, no big issues. So I wanna head back to Country E to find Mr. James. He trained us, gave us everything. We can''t just leave him hanging." Jesse looked downcast. Tristan''s situation hit them hard.


    Their whole life was about serving Tristan, and now, without that, they felt lost.


    "I was thinking the same." Sadie said firmly. "I have a gut feeling Tristan''s still alive. He''ll be okay, but I don''t get why this news came out. It''s good for you to go back and check, but be careful."


    "Got it." Jesse nodded, "I''ll leave four people to protect the kids and take three back to Country E."


    "No need." Sadie insisted, "Take everyone with you. I''ve got eighteen female bodyguards; they can handle protecting the kids."

 Chapter 1277 Irreconcilable

    "But..." Jesse hesitated.


    "No buts, it''s settled," Sadie cut him off,ying down thew. "Once we touch down, you take the seven of them back to Country E. If there''s any news about Tristan, you hit me up ASAP." "I''ll wait till you all are settled before I bounce," Jesse replied, worry etched on his face. "You''ve ditched your own kids to look after Mr. James''s three. I can''t just leave you hanging." "I''m not that noble," Sadie chuckled. "Given the mess we''re in, the kids are safer with Micah than with me. I''m just ying the long game."


    "But without us, you could go back to the Clemens Family. It''d be safer, and you could be with your kids again," Jesse said earnestly.


    Jesse knew Sadie was really protecting these three kids for Tristan, just like Eleanor had done for him back in the day.


    "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff," Sadie switched gears. "It''s already dawn. You all should catch some Z''s. There''s a ton to do once wend."


    "Okay," Jesse stood up, gave Sadie a quick salute, and headed back to his seat.


    Sadie stared out at the clouds, feeling all kinds of mixed up. She never thought she''d end up back at square one.


    "Ms. James," Annika said, handing Sadie a cup of hot tea. "Don''t stress; this too shall pass. You''re not the same person you used to be. Once we get through this, we''ll be back on top."


    "Back on top," Sadie echoed with a bitter smile. "Sure, the assets Tristan left me are enough to build my career, but..." She looked down at the tea, her voice breaking, "I''d trade it all just to have Tristan alive!" She used to feel only awe and gratitude toward Tristan, no sibling love.


    So, when she reunited with the kids, all she could think of was Tristan''s ruthlessness, his cold-blooded nature, and his heartlessness, unable to grasp this family bond.


    When Tristan questioned her, she could only use leaving the James Family as her shield. She thought Tristan would never ept her kids; he might even harm them.


    Later, she realized that beneath his icy exterior was a heart full of deep emotions. His coldness was for strangers; once someone became family, he''d protect them with his life. Though his words to his family were often harsh, his actions were always warm and caring.


    And Sadie was slow to catch on, needing to go through a lot to understand Tristan''s good intentions.


    "Mr. James will be fine," Annika''s eyes welled up, her voice trembling. "I just know he''s still alive, definitely alive."


    "Yeah, I think so too," Sadie took a deep breath, steadying herself. She said calmly, "So, we just need to wait for him patiently."


    "Yes, yes," Annika nodded vigorously. "But Ms. James, are you really not going back to the Clemens family? What about Noah, Nathan, and Mia?"


    "Biston''s right next to Newark. I can visit them often," Sadie felt a pang of guilt thinking about her three kids. She murmured, "I hope they won''t hate me."


    "Why not live in Newark?" Annika asked, puzzled. "Wouldn''t it be better to be closer? The six kids could hang out and y together."


    "Since things can''t go back to the way they were, it''s better to keep some distance," Sadie said with a bitter smile. "No matter what happens to the James Group, I can''t go back to the Clemens Family. Besides, before Tristan''s ident, he warned me to stay away from Micah."


    "Alright," Annika nodded reluctantly. "The James Family and the Clemens Family are at each other''s throats. This feud isn''t ending anytime soon." "Irreconcble..." Sadie muttered, her face suddenly changing. She whispered, "Could Tristan''s ident have something to do with the Clemens Family?"

 Chapter 1278 Be Braver

    "Seriously?" Annika nced around. Luckily, Rn and the crew were chilling far enough away to not catch any of this. She leaned in close and whispered, "Mr. James''s drama is all internal beef, right? It''s got nothing to do with Mr. Clemens, right?"


    "Fingers crossed," Sadie muttered, frowning. "We got super lucky with Micah this time, letting us bounce out safely. Andrew also had Jesse''s back. No matter what, I owe him big time." "Totally," Annika nodded like a bobblehead.


    "We got zilch for evidence, so we can''t pin anything on him. Let''s drop it," Sadie said, ming her own paranoia.


    "Yeah," Annika felt a knot in her stomach. She really wanted Sadie and Micah to patch things up. Even if they couldn''t be besties, at least they could chill without more drama. Thest thing they needed was real beef causing more chaos. "Go catch some Z''s," Sadie said, rubbing her forehead tiredly. "Once the kids wake up, it''s game over for rest."


    "I''m good. You need the sleep more," Annika reclined the seat, helped Sadie lie down, and tucked her in with a nket. She whispered, "Don''t overthink it. Just rest."


    Sadie shut her eyes but couldn''t drift off. The news about Tristan''s ident kept reying in her head. Hours felt like forever before she finally dozed off into a restless sleep, haunted by nightmares. She dreamt of Tristan''s yacht going up in mes, exploding at sea, and turning into wreckage.


    Sadie jolted awake, eyes wide with terror. The nightmare still fresh, her heart felt like it was being ripped apart.


    She clutched her chest, trying to convince herself everything would be okay, that Tristan would be fine.


    She nced back and saw everyone else was still out cold.


    There were still a few hours left in the trip, but sleep was out of the question. Shey on her side, staring nkly out the window.


    She thought of Edmond. Even when he was getting yed, he never mentioned it, just wanted her to live a chill life because he knew the storm she''d face going back to the James Family.


    Edmond knew Tristan''s cutthroat rep. He hoped that, out of respect for Eleanor, Tristan would have Sadie''s back if she ever got in deep trouble.


    But living with the James Family was always gonna be a rough ride. So, Edmond kept hammering home that once Sadie called that number, her life would flip upside down. He warned her to only use it as ast resort.


    Back then, Sadie didn''t get why Edmond was so worried. Now, she saw the high-stakes game of noble life-money mixed with constant danger.


    For families like the James and Clemens, disaster was always lurking. Even Eleanor, who grew up in the James Family, couldn''t dodge the family drama and met a mysterious end.


    Edmond hid her identity, guessing that after he was gone, Sadie would be left to fend for herself. He left her a lifeline, a final safety.


    But he never sawing that Tristan wasn''t as cold as his rep. Tristan had been super chill with his real family. Over the past two years, Sadie got top-notch protection and training. Even in his own mess, Tristan made sure she was safe, securing her future no matter what happened to him.


    Sadie let out a deep sigh. She felt a wave of gratitude for having Edmond, Brenda, and Tristan in her life, always looking out for her. That''s why she could sit here safely.


    But now, her family was slipping away one by one. She reminded herself to toughen up, be braver, and face her new life head-on.

 Chapter 1279 Can You Take This to Daddy for Me?

    The private jet touched down at Biston Airport. Sadie clutched the kids'' hands as they stepped off, taking in the city that felt both familiar and foreign, a wave of loneliness washing over her. Back in the day, when Edmond was still around, he brought Sadie here. She was just a teenager then.


    Edmond was hustling to get his business off the ground, and Brenda would hang out with her at a vi in the ''burbs.


    There were a few ginkgo trees at the vi''s entrance. In fall and winter, the leaves would nket the ground in a golden glow, all pretty and cozy.


    Biston, kinda like Newark, had this chill, pleasant vibe. No snow in winter, so even in the colder months, you''d see green trees and yellow leaves everywhere, making the ce look pretty dope. But without Edmond and Brenda, Sadie felt like she didn''t belong here, and the loneliness hit hard.


    "Auntie, where are we?" Mary asked, all curious. She crouched down, picked up some leaves, squinted one eye, and checked them out in the sunlight.


    "This is Biston," Sadie said with a smile, "It''s kinda like my second home."


    "It''s so pretty here!" Emma eximed, looking around with wide eyes, "I used to think the world was white, then green and purple, and now I know it can be golden too!" Sadie chuckled, crouching down to ruffle Emma''s hair.


    Kids were so pure and adorable. They''d been living in Skyport City, where it snowed all the time, so they thought the world was white.


    Then they moved to Grapetown Heights, with all the pastures,wns, and purple grapes, so they thought the world was purple.


    Now, in Biston, seeing all the leaves, they thought the world could be golden too.


    Emma was using the simplest words to describe her view of the world.


    "Auntie, when can we see Daddy, Mommy, Mia, and Noah?" Donna asked, the most grown-up of the three.


    "Donna," Sadie hugged her shoulders gently, "Your Daddy and Mommy are busy, so I''ll be looking after you for now. As for Mia and Noah, I''ll take you to see them soon, okay?" "Alright," Donna muttered, looking down, fiddling with her hands, and pouting, "Grown-ups always say they''re busy and like to say ''soon.""


    Sadie was momentarily speechless. She always thought they were just kids, but they understood a lot.


    Just then, Jesse rushed over. "Ms. James!"


    Sadie handed the kids to Arya and followed him aside, asking, "Is everything set?"


    "Yeah, everything''s set," Jesse said quietly. "To keep things low-key, I''ll take amercial flight back to Country E. Once there, I''ll hit up Terry first. After I get the deets, I''ll report back to you." "Alright," Sadie patted his shoulder, "Stay safe!"


    "We''re heading out now. The kids are in your hands," Jesse said seriously, bowing deeply to Sadie.


    Behind him, the other seven bodyguards also bowed to Sadie in unison, showing their respect.


    "Stay safe and take care," Sadie insisted.


    She felt emotional. People always said Tristan was ruthless, but his crew was so loyal and ready to follow him to the end. It showed that his kindness and sincerity were for those he trusted. "Thanks, Ms. James," Jesse said. He turned and walked over to the kids, patting their heads and speaking gently, "Kids, I gotta go for a bit. While I''m gone, you gotta listen to your aunt, okay?" "Jesse, where are you going?" Emma asked, looking puzzled.


    "Jesse, are you going to find Daddy? Can you take this to Daddy for me?" Mary asked, handing him the leaf she had just picked up, her eyes full of hope.

 Chapter 1280 Returning to the Old Place

    "Same here," Donna chimed in, grabbing a leaf and folding it into a cool butterfly.


    "This one''s mine," Emma said all serious, handing her leaf to Jesse. "You gotta take good care of it, don''t lose it."


    "These leaves are so pretty, like sunshine. We need to bring the sunshine to Daddy," Mary said, looking up all innocent. "That way, Daddy won''t be cold!"


    Sadie was getting all teary-eyed. She hoped Tristan could feel the kids'' love ande back safe.


    "Thanks, kiddos," Jesse said, carefully tucking the leaves into his pocket. "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure Mr. James gets your sunshine!"


    "Awesome!" The kids pped and cheered.


    "I''m heading out now. You all be good!" Jesse said gently, patting their little heads before reluctantly leaving.


    The seven attendants waved goodbye too.


    "Bye, Jesse!" The kids waved back.


    Sadie watched them leave, feeling all sorts of emotions.


    "Ms. James, we don''t have anyone in Biston, so I couldn''t set things up in advance. I booked the best hotel, and we''ll stay there for a few days while I find a vi..." Annika started. Rn cut her off, walking over. "I''ve already got it covered. I had someone prep a vi. Everything''s ready; you can move in right away."


    As Rn spoke, a line of Rolls-Royces pulled up.


    "These are the cars Mr. Clemens asked me to get for you," Rn exined, handing the keys to Arya. "You can use them however you want." "This..." Arya hesitated, looking at Sadie.


    "We should keep it low-key right now," Sadie smiled slightly. "We don''t need such fancy cars."


    "I''ll take the house. Please thank Micah for me, but we don''t need the cars," Sadie instructed. "Arya, go buy a few cars, something more low-key." "Got it," Arya nodded and got on it right away.


    "I''ll go with you," Rodolfo quickly offered.


    "Then I''ll take you back to the vi," Rn said, opening the car door. "Ms. James, please."


    "Thanks!" Sadie got in the car with the kids.


    Compared to Newark, Biston was way quieter. By evening, there were no cars on the road.


    After about a half-hour drive, they got to the vi area in the southern suburbs of Biston.


    The greenery here was top-notch. The vi wasn''t as fancy as the Hillside Vi in Newark, but it was still pretty sweet.


    The car drove to the innermost part of the vi area and stopped in front of a white vi.


    Sadie looked at the vi and was stunned. Wasn''t this the same vi Edmond had brought her to before?


    After Edmond''s ident, a bunch of factories in Boston, along with this vi, ended up in Felipe''s hands. Later, a lot of stuff happened, and the White Family needed money, so they sold the vi. "Let''s go inside and check it out," Rn said, opening the car door.


    Sadie got out with the kids and looked around. The ginkgo tree at the entrance was still there, and even the trees Brenda had nted were doing well. But some flowers and nts by the wall had withered, and the fish pond had dried up. "Since we decided toe herest minute, we didn''t have time to take care of these things," Rn exined.


    "It''s okay, I have something to do now," Sadie said softly. She pushed open the door and walked in. Everything inside was still set up like before. On the piano and in the wine cab, there were photos of her, Edmond, and Brenda everywhere. She was just a teen back then, in the prime of her youth.


    Looking at the photos, she felt like she was back in the past, in those beautiful days when her loved ones were around, and life was full of sunshine.


    Sadie picked up a photo, her eyes welling up with tears.

 Chapter 1281 New Home

    Arya snagged a bunch of cars, each one costing a small fortune. Sadie gave Rn a quick thanks, and he bounced with his crew.


    Annika had some of herdy bodyguards get the kids settled for dinner and bed while the rest cleaned up the yard.


    The vi was all set up with furniture and gadgets. It was smaller and simpler than their old ce, but the good vibes made it feel cozy and homey.


    Sadie ditched her fancy dress for somefy casuals. Under the night lights, she fussed over the goldfish pond and nts in the yard.


    The kids were running around, having a st. Arya was busy organizing stuff, and Annika and Jessica hung out with Sadie.


    Life was pretty chill andfy these days.


    As it gotter, the kids started to crash, and a few bodyguards took them upstairs to bed.


    Sadie put the new goldfish into the pond. Watching them swim around, she grinned. She then asked Arya to amp up the lighting and got back to tending the nts in the corner.


    "Let''s do it tomorrow. It''ste. Aren''t you tired?" Annika asked, looking worried.


    "I can''t sleep anyway. Keeping busy makes me feel good." Sadie replied with a smile. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and kept working on the nts.


    "Let me help you," Annika said, crouching down to lend a hand.


    "No need," Sadie stopped her right away. "These nts need special care."


    "I feel bad seeing you do all this alone," Annika said softly, wiping Sadie''s sweat.


    "This isn''t work; it''s my chill time," Sadie said, turning the soil. "Hit up Pa and find out where Hubert is. If he''s still in Newark, we''ll drop by in a couple of days." "Got it, I''ll call her now," Annika said and went to make the call.


    "Ms. James..." Arya walked over, looking hesitant.


    "There are enough people here; one less won''t matter," Sadie said, knowing what Arya wanted. "But be back by 1 AM, noter."


    "Thank you, Ms. James!" Arya said, super excited.


    After buying the car, Rodolfo had been waiting for Arya by the roadside.


    Arya didn''t dare ask for time off, but Sadie had already thought of it and gave her the night off.


    "Aren''t you going?" Sadie nced at her and said, "Go change into something nice."


    "I already look good like this," Arya said and dashed off, humming a tune.


    Annika came out and saw Arya running off, teasing, "I''ve never seen her move that fast, not even in a fight."


    "That''s love for you," Sadieughed. Seeing Arya and Rodolfo so happy together made her feel warm inside.


    "I''m so jealous of them," Annika sighed.


    Sadie noticed Annika''s disappointment and smiled, "Andrew''s more of a thinker, not as spontaneous as Rodolfo. But that doesn''t mean he doesn''t care about you. I can tell he does." "Please don''t tease me," Annika said, a bit embarrassed.


    "When things settle down, I''ll let you two have some freedom," Sadie said with a sigh. "You''ve been with the James family for so long; you deserve your own life."


    "Ms. James..." Annika said anxiously, "I don''t want to leave; I want to stay with you."


    "I''m not letting you go now, of course," Sadie chuckled. "You two are my best assistants. If you left now, I''d be lost. I mean in the future."


    "Even in the future, I won''t leave. Wherever you go, I''ll go," Annika said, her eyes tearing up. "I won''t leave you ever."


    "Silly girl," Sadie muttered, touched. She''d been feeling pretty losttely, but having them around was afort.

 Chapter 1282 Going to See Sadie

    The moon was hanging high, casting its glow over Half Mountain Vi, which had settled into a peaceful night.


    Micah had finally managed to get the three kids to sleep, but just as he was about to leave, Noah sat up and whispered, "Dad, I need to talk to you."


    Not wanting to wake Nathan, Micah motioned for Noah to follow him outside.


    They headed to the study. Micah took off his coat and draped it over Noah, saying, "Wear this so you don''t catch a cold."


    Noah, at six and a half, looked almostical in the oversized jacket, his tiny frame swallowed by the fabric, with just his head sticking out. Feeling the warmth from his dad''s coat, Noah smiled,forted by the familiar scent. Micah sat on the sofa and instinctively reached for a bottle of wine, pouring himself half a ss. "Dad, no drinking," Noah quickly said. "Andrew said you just got over a serious illness and can''t drink." "Andrew needs to mind his own business," Micah muttered.


    "Now the three of us have a new mission: to make sure you don''t smoke or drink anymore," Noah said, looking very serious.


    Micah sighed, feeling a bit helpless. "Alright, I won''t drink."


    As a dad who really cared about his kids'' well-being and opinions, Micah knew he had to set an example, even if it meant giving up his own habits for a while.


    "I''ve been so busytely, I haven''t had a good look at you," Micah said, reaching out to Noah. "Come here. Let me see if you''ve lost weight."


    Noah walked over and hugged Micah, choking up as he said, "Dad, I thought I''d never see you again."


    "Silly boy," Micah muttered, stroking Noah''s hair, feeling a bit emotional. After taking the kids from Grapetown Heights Winery, he had been so busy with other things that he hadn''t had a chance to sit down and talk with them properly. Nathan had been by his side, which was fine, but Noah and Mia had been separated from Micah for two months, and they missed each other a lot.


    During this time, Noah had been worried about Micah''s safety. Now that he saw Micah was fine, he finally felt relieved.


    Micah, on the other hand, felt even more guilty toward these two kids.


    "From now on, our family will never be separated again," Micah said, gently holding Noah. "You are my kids, and you will stay by my side." "Yeah," Noah nodded tearfully, then asked, "But what about Mom? You said earlier that you would take us to see her tomorrow. Is that true?"


    "Of course it''s true," Micah said, ruffling his little head. "When have I ever lied to you?"


    "Then..." Noah bit his lip and mustered the courage to ask, "Can we bring Mom back?"


    Micah was silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "If she wants toe back, of course, there''s no problem."


    "Mom and Joe probably won''t get married, right? Otherwise, she wouldn''t havee back to the country," Noah said, showing strong logic despite his young age. "Did they break up?"


    Mentioning Joe brought back the scene Micah had witnessed at Grapetown Heights, making him feel a pang of difort.


    But in front of the kids, he didn''t show it. Instead, he calmly said, "Yes, they broke up."


    "That''s great," Noah said, overjoyed. "Even though Joe is a good person, I still hope Mom and Dad can be together." "Alright, you should go to bed now," Micah said, changing the subject. "We''ll go to Biston first thing in the morning." "Okay," Noah nodded repeatedly and ran out excitedly.


    Micah watched Noah''s cheerful figure, a faint smile on his lips. But soon, his expression turned somber again.


    He poured himself half a ss of wine and slowly swirled it, deep in thought.

 Chapter 1283 Micah Had Really Come

    Sadie hadn''t been catching much sleeptely. After tidying up the nts and washing up, it was already past two in the morning. Even though her body was wiped out, her mind just wouldn''t shut off. So, she got up and started flipping


    through old photos.


    Back when she lived here with Edmond and Brenda, they took tons of pictures. But after Edmond''s ident and Felipe took over the ce, she thought everything had been cleared out. She had no clue where the Clemens family found these photos. As she sifted through them, memories of those good times came rushing back, warming her heart like nothing had in ages.


    Before she knew it, dawn had broken, and the exhaustion finally caught up with her. Sadie dozed off, clutching the photo album to her chest.


    The kids were calling her from outside, but she didn''t hear them.


    "Shh, your aunt is asleep," Annika quickly hushed them. "Let''s go y in the yard, okay? There are little goldfish and lots of pretty flowers and nts."


    "Okay," the kids answered obediently. They quickly covered their mouths with their little hands and tiptoed around.


    Annika led the kids downstairs to y and told Jessica and Aurora to call them when breakfast was ready.


    With eighteen female bodyguards around, there were enough people to take care of everyone, so they didn''t hire any more help.


    It wasn''t about the money. Even if the James Group went under, Sadie still had plenty of cash. She just wanted to avoid risks and didn''t want to hire strangers.


    Besides, there wasn''t much to do now. Just taking care of the three little ones was pretty easy.


    Annika and a few bodyguards were ying games with the kids in the yard when suddenly, the sound of a car came from outside, and everyone immediately got on high alert. Annika gave a signal, and a few bodyguards quickly escorted the kids inside while she led a few others to check it out.


    At that moment, the gate opened, and a bodyguard stationed outside came in to report, "Annika! It''s Mr. Clemens!"


    "Mr. Clemens?" Annika was surprised and immediately went out to greet him.


    Sure enough, two SUVs and a stretch Rolls-Royce were parked at the gate.


    The car door opened, and Micah got out with three kids. His long legs stepped on the golden leaves, giving off a special vibe.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Annika greeted, stunned. She thought her colleagues had made a mistake, but Micah had reallye.


    "Yeah," Micah nodded, looking around the yard.


    "Annika." Mia saw Annika and immediately ran into her arms, excitedly saying, "It''s so good to see you. If you''re here, Mommy must be here too."


    "Of course, Mommy is here. She''s sleeping upstairs," Annika said happily, picking up Mia. "Mia, it''s been so long. Let me see, have you lost weight?"


    "I have because I miss Mommy," Mia said, her voice choked with emotion.


    "I''ll take you to see Mommy right now," Annika pinched Mia''s little cheek and then called to Noah and Nathan, "Noah, Nathan,e inside."


    "Let them y downstairs first," Micah said calmly. "Don''t disturb Sadie''s rest."


    Then he told the kids, "Wait until Mommy wakes up to see her."


    "Okay, Daddy," the kids answered in unison.


    "Good," Micah patted the kids'' heads and walked into the vi.


    At that moment, the three little ones heard Noah and Mia''s voices and hurriedly ran out, bumping right into Micah.


    This was Micah''s first time seeing the three kids up close. He looked them over carefully and raised an eyebrow. He smiled, "Are these Tristan''s kids? Three daughters!" The three little ones saw Micah and quickly hid behind Arya, clutching her leg and cautiously peeking out at Micah.


    It was like they were checking out a monster.

 Chapter 1284 Big Bad Guy

    Mary pouted and asked softly, "Are you Mia and Noah''s dad?"


    "He''s a meanie!" Emma snapped, "Last time he took Noah, Mia, and Nathan from the vineyard. Big bad guy!"


    "Big bad guy!" Donna made a face at Micah when she heard he took Noah and the others. She warned, "Hmph, I''m gonna tell my daddy to hit you!" Micah wasn''t mad at all; instead, heughed, "So this is how a two-year-old talks, not even clearly!"


    "You''re the one who can''t talk clearly," Mary got anxious, clenched her little fists, and said fiercely, "Hand over Mia and Noah right now!"


    "Yeah, hand them over!" Emma also waved her chubby little fists, looking fierce.


    "Mary, Emma, Donna!" At this moment, Mia ran in from outside and sternlymanded, "You are not allowed to be rude to my daddy!"


    "Wow, Mia." The three kids saw Mia and immediately rushed over, "It''s so good to see you. We missed you so much!"


    "I missed you too." Mia said. She hugged each of the three kids and took them to y in the yard.


    Noah looked at the three kids, and although he appeared indifferent, his eyes were full of affection. "These three kids are quite fierce," he whined. "Even fiercer than Mia when she was little." Nathanughed.


    "Fierce, fierce!" Little Coco followed behind, repeating Nathan''s words.


    "Wow, is this Little Coco? It''s so cute." The three little girls eximed when they discovered Little Coco. Then they immediately surrounded it.


    "Be gentle. Little Coco is also part of our family." Mia gently reminded them, "By the way, where''s Coco?"


    "Coco is a bit unwell and is resting in the attic," Arya said with a smile.


    "Coco is so pitiful. We shouldn''t take it abroad next time; it seems to always get sick." Mia felt a bit sorry for Coco. She said, "I''ll go check on itter. Maybe seeing us will make it feel better."


    "I''ll have someone bring it over." Arya said and quickly went to get someone to bring Coco over.


    While the kids yed in the yard, Micah walked upstairs and immediately recognized Sadie''s room. She liked to stay in a sunny spot, probably the second room on the right.


    Micah was about to push the door open when Annika hurriedly tried to stop him, but Andrew held her back.


    "Why are you stopping me?" Annika whispered.


    "Let them meet alone." Andrew said softly, "It''ll be fine."


    "But..." Annika didn''t finish her sentence before Micah pushed the door open and went in.


    Sunlight spilled by the bedside, shining on Sadie, making her smooth skin look even more delicate. The white gauze curtains swayed gently with the breeze from outside, softly brushing against her long, beautiful legs.


    She was hugging a photo album, lying on the bed like a child, sleeping soundly.


    Micah walked over, closed the window, drew the curtains, and looked back at Sadie.


    How long had it been since he had looked at her this closely? How long had it been since they had spent such a quiet moment together?


    Micah suddenly felt that this quietness was truly precious.


    He stepped forward to cover her with a nket, gently removed the photo album, and then sat on the sofa, quietly watching her.


    Even just watching her made him feel content and happy.


    His mind involuntarily began to recall the past, the bits and pieces between them, from their first meeting to the subsequent entanglements of love and hate, shing before his eyes like movie scenes. Various emotions surged in his heart, making him feel a mix of feelings.


    In fact, by now, the obstacles between them had gradually been removed, and now was the best time for them to be together. Unfortunately, they now had new conflicts.

 Chapter 1285 Things Had Changed

    Micah nced down at the blue marks on his wrist, his mood turning serious. Maybe it was time to get a head start. "Sadie! Sadie, wake up!" Micah''s voice boomed through the room, jolting Sadie out of a nightmare, drenched in cold sweat. "No, no!" she gasped, trying to shake off the lingering fear from her dream.


    Micah got up instinctively, gently patting her back. "It''s okay, just a dream."


    "I dreamt of Tristan," Sadie mumbled groggily, then froze, staring nkly at Micah. "Am I dreaming? Why are you here?" She rubbed her eyes hard and saw he was still there. She quickly got up to put on a coat. She liked to sleep in a white silk camisole, with nothing underneath, her whole body exposed in front of Micah.


    "It''s not like I haven''t seen it before," Micah said, rolling his eyes as he went back to the sofa and lit a cigarette.


    Sadie clumsily put on her coat, tied up her long hair, and went to the bathroom for a quick wash. Coming out, she asked, "Why are you here?"


    "The kids miss you," Micah replied simply.


    "Noah, Nathan, and Mia are here?" Sadie''s eyes lit up with joy. "Where are they?" She dashed toward the door, ready to find them.


    "You''re going out like that?" Micah frowned. "There are a bunch of male bodyguards outside."


    Sadie came to her senses and hurried back to change clothes.


    Unlike her previous rooms, this one was simple and didn''t have a dressing room. She nned to change in the bathroom, but it was already wet everywhere. "Just change here," Micah said, walking to the window to smoke.


    Sadie nced at him, turned her back, and quickly changed her clothes. "Okay, I''m done."


    Micah slowly turned around, exhaling a smoke ring.


    Sadie tidied her hair in front of the mirror, then wiped her face. It was rare to see the kids, and she wanted to look her best.


    Micah leaned against the window, squinting, quietly watching her.


    The smoke swirled around, masking hisplex expression.


    Sadie nced at him. For some reason, he always seemed sad now. She asked, "You didn''t smoke before. Why are you smoking now?"


    "You used to sleep without any clothes on," Micah replied tly.


    "You..." Sadie blushed instantly, lowering her head, not daring to look at him.


    Seeing her blush, Micah felt a bit moved. He couldn''t help but walk closer, gently lifting her chin to make her look at him.


    Sadie saw the tenderness and affection in his eyes, and for a moment, she was flustered, as if they were still the deeply in love couple they once were. As if nothing had changed.


    Micah slowly leaned in, his lips brushing her forehead, eyes, cheeks, and finally resting on her tender lips. He didn''t kiss her just lingered, inhaling her scent.


    He didn''t dare kiss her, afraid she would push him away, afraid she would reject him. He was so careful, as if he were protecting something fragile, something that might disappear if he applied too much pressure. This enchanting ambiguity was heartbreaking and sorrowful. Once upon a time, they loved each other so much and wished to merge into one. But now, things had changed.


    Whenever he got close to her, he would think of her with Joe, like a knife twisting in his heart, causing excruciating pain.


    He clearly didn''t want to remember it, clearly nned to let it go, but he couldn''t help but think of it.


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door.


    The two, lost in their suggestive moment, immediately snapped back to reality. Sadie instinctively stepped back, turned around, andposed herself.

 Chapter 1286 Lets Go Together

    "Mr. Clemens, I gotta tell you something," Andrew''s voice came from outside.


    "Take your time packing; no rush," Micah said, putting out his cigarette and heading out. "The kids are in the yard." "Okay," Sadie replied, watching him leave.


    Micah left the room, and Annika led him and Andrew to the study, handed them two bottles of mineral water, and then left. "What''s going on?" Micah asked, frowning.


    Andrew reported, "Duke Louis and some other shareholders are trying to boot Ms. James from the stadium project. They''ve already got thewyers to draft the papers. Just waiting for your signature. Anthony called earlier, asking when you''d have time to review the documents."


    Then he opened his tablet, "Here''s the electronic version."


    "Ignore it," Micah said, annoyed, "We''ll deal with it on Monday."


    "Got it," Andrew replied, putting away the tablet, "There''s one more thing."


    "Spit it out," Micah said impatiently.


    "Rn found Hubert; he''s still in Newark," Andrew said softly, "You should go see him ASAP. We can''t dy any longer."


    "Why can''t this wait? Does it have to be now?" Micah red at him coldly.


    "Hubert''s leaving for Avalis tonight. Rn had a hard time convincing him to stay," Andrew said urgently. "Rn mentioned Hubert''s not feeling well; his condition is really bad. If we dy any longer, I''m afraid..." "Enough," Micah interrupted, checking his watch, "Where is he?"


    "In the northern suburbs of Newark," Andrew said, "It''s over a three-hour drive."


    "We''ll leave after lunch," Micah said. He wanted to spend more time with Sadie and the kids.


    "But..." Andrew hesitated.


    "Stop nagging," Micah said, giving Andrew a light kick, "You''ve been getting more and more naggingtely."


    "Yes," Andrew answered, lowering his head in frustration, not daring to say more. He and Rn were most concerned about Micah''s health, but Micah himself was indifferent.


    Micah walked out of the study, ready to go downstairs, when he saw Annika saying something to Sadie on the stairs. Sadie immediately ordered, "Prepare the car. We''ll leave in an hour."


    "What about the kids..." Annika began.


    "I''ll spend some time with them now, but..." Sadie thought about leaving the kids and felt reluctant. She turned to Micah and asked, "I''m going to visit Hubert now. Can the kids stay here for a few more days?" "Why don''t you just move back to Hillside Vi? It''s easier to go back and forth from there instead of living in such a remote ce," Micah suggested, frowning.


    Sadie didn''t respond. She knew it was convenient to live at Hillside Vi, but wasn''t she trying to keep her distance from Micah? Just because he saved her once didn''t mean they should reconcile, right? If Tristan came back, wouldn''t he be furious?


    "Enough," Micah didn''t want to argue anymore and said, "I also want to visit Hubert. Let''s go together."


    "Really? What about the kids?" Sadie asked, ncing between Andrew and Micah.


    "They can stay here for the weekend, but they have to go back on Sunday night," Micah said as he walked out quickly, "I''ll wait for you in the car! Let''s leave early!"


    "Okay," Sadie was very happy and immediately ran to the yard to find the kids, "Noah, Nathan, Mia!" she called out.


    "Mommy," the three kids ran into her arms, hugging her legs and cheering happily. "We finally see you, Mommy. We missed you so much."


    "Good, I missed you too," Sadie crouched down, excitedly hugging the kids. She asked softly, "Why didn''t youe upstairs to find me when you arrived? I didn''t know you were here." "Daddy said not to disturb your rest," Noah exined.


    "Mommy, you''ve lost weight!" Mia added, her brow furrowed with concern.


    "Mommy, why don''t youe home? This ce is so far. We left before dawn and just got here," Nathan chimed in.


    "Yeah, Mommy,e home!" Mia pleaded.


    "Mommy, even if you don''t want toe home, you can stay at Hillside Vi, which is closer to us," Noah suggested, his young face earnest.

 Chapter 1287 It Sounded Very Suggestive

    The three kids swarmed around Sadie, chatting away non-stop.


    Sadie looked at their eager faces and felt torn. She didn''t want to say no, but she also didn''t want to give in too easily. She was worried that if she softened towards Micah, reconciling would bring a whole new set of problems. Keeping things peaceful but distant seemed like a good n.


    With that in mind, Sadie found a way to change the subject. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, this is where Grandpa used to live. Brenda and I stayed here for a while too. There are lots of photos of Edmond, Brenda, and me in the rooms. You should check them out."


    "Really?" The kids were super curious and quickly tugged at Sadie, saying, "Mommy, show us!"


    "I need to step out for a bit, but I''ll be backter," Sadie suggested. "You can hang out here today and y with Mary, Emma, and Donna. I''ll spend time with you tomorrow, okay?" "But..." The three kids hesitated, ncing at Micah.


    "Daddy already said you could stay for the weekend. We''ll head back tomorrow night," Sadie reassured them with a smile. "Really? Awesome!" The kids cheered, thrilled.


    "Good kids!" Sadie patted their heads gently. "I''m going to visit Dr. Henry now and might be backte. Be good, okay?"


    "Okay," Noah, Nathan, and Mia replied in unison.


    Mary, Emma, and Donna were excited to hear they were staying and immediately pulled them into their games.


    Seeing the kids so happy, Sadie felt relieved. She left Arya and the others to watch over them and got ready to head out with Annika. "Take my car," Micah offered. "Hubert likes things quiet, so we don''t need too many cars."


    "Alright." Sadie agreed and got into Micah''s car with Annika.


    Andrew was driving, with Annika in the front passenger seat.


    In the back were Micah and Sadie. The four of them set off in one car.


    Everyone else stayed behind to protect the kids, making sure the ce was secure.


    Trees lined both sides of the road, their thick branches blocking the sunlight, which peeked through in spots, creating pretty patterns on the road. The car was quiet, with no one saying much.


    But Andrew kept sneaking nces at Annika. Unlike Rodolfo, who was young and bold in love, Andrew was more reserved.


    Even though there was a clear attraction between them, neither had ever brought it up.


    Micah and Sadie, in the back seat, were also silent. They had a lot to say but chose to stay quiet for now.


    Suddenly, a phone rang, breaking the silence.


    Andrew answered the call using the car''s Bluetooth. "Hello."


    A pleasant voice came from the other end. "Hi, is this Andrew?"


    "Yes, who is this?" Andrew asked, ncing at Annika, feeling a bit nervous.


    Annika frowned, her face darkening.


    Olivia said, "This is Olivia. I''d like to speak with Mr. Clemens."


    Hearing this, Andrew subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn''t for him. But then he got uneasy again, looking at Micah through the rearview mirror. Micah made a gesture, and Andrew responded, "Ms. Graham, do you need something from Mr. Clemens?"


    "I''ve arrived in Newark and would like to meet him," Olivia said softly. "Last time, when I woke up, he was already gone. I have many questions I want to ask him." This didn''t seem like a big deal, but to Sadie, it sounded very suggestive.


    Sadie pretended to be indifferent as if she was unaffected, but inside, she was already feeling hurt.

 Chapter 1288 Kicked Her Out of the Project

    Last time, hotel, waking up.


    Those three words shed in Sadie''s mind like a neon sign. It was clear Micah hadn''t missed his chance to hook up with Olivia thatst time. The thought made Sadie squirm, but she forced a smirk, trying to look unfazed and dismissive. Micah caught her reaction and felt a twinge of irritation. Switching gears abruptly, he said, "Set up a time for me."


    Andrew, caught off guard for a second, quickly nodded, "Sure thing."


    Speaking into his phone, Andrew continued, "Ms. Graham, I''ll check Mr. Clemens'' schedule and get back to you with a time, alright?"


    "Okay, okay." Olivia''s voice was practically buzzing. "Was that Mr. Clemens just now? Is he right there with you?"


    Andrew nced at Micah through the rearview mirror and replied, "Yes, I''m driving right now. We''ll get back to you soon."


    "Great, I''ll be waiting." Olivia sounded thrilled. "Please send my regards to Mr. Clemens."


    "Will do," Andrew said and hung up.


    The air in the car got thick real quick.


    Even without a word, the tension between the two in the back was palpable.


    Annika shot a look at Andrew, who just shrugged as if to say, ''Hey, I''m just doing my job.''


    Sadie stared at her phone, trying to hide her tangled emotions.


    She felt a knot in her stomach but reminded herself that she and Micah were done. Whoever he was with now was none of her business; she had no right to care. "Did you hear the news?" Micah suddenly asked.


    "Huh?" Sadie looked at him, puzzled.


    "Duke Louis wants you off the gym project. The papers are on my desk, just waiting for my signature." Micah said coolly, "What do you think?"


    "If he doesn''t want me to quit, I still want to quit." Sadie said tly, "I don''t want to deal with Duke Louis anymore."


    Thinking about the Craig couple made Sadie fume. Those two were the definition of sneaky.


    "Looks like Tristan still hasn''t taught you well." Micah sneered.


    "What do you mean?" Sadie frowned.


    "Tristan''s in hot water. The James Group is in deep trouble. Haven''t you thought about your future?" Micah said, looking at her with disdain.


    "Tristan left me plenty." Sadie said calmly, "I won''t just sit around. I''ll definitely make my mark in the business world, but I''m taking it slow for now to avoid any slip-ups."


    "Weak." Micah said coldly, "If I''m not wrong, your shares in the James Group have probably been taken back; otherwise, Tristan''s enemies would be all over you by now. You''re still safe, not just because of Jesse''s protection but also because you''re not a big threat to them. Plus, Tristan''s three kids are all girls and have no inheritance rights!"


    "So what?" Sadie looked at him, confused. "What''s your point?"


    Micah exined, "The gym project is already rolling. You put money in early on, and even though you don''t own much, it''s all legit. If you get booted now and it goes public, the business world will see you as a joke. It''ll be tough for you to make a name for yourselfter."


    He added, "But maybe it doesn''t matter. Maybe Tristan left you enough, and you just want a quiet life, which is fine. Besides, taking on the Louis family with your current skills won''t be a walk in the park."


    After saying this, Micah casually opened a bottle of water and took a sip.


    Sadie stayed silent, her eyes downcast, lost in thought.


    Of course, she didn''t want to be kicked out of the project. Craig was clearly messing with her on purpose.

 Chapter 1289 Rely on Yourself

    Craig was just taking advantage of the James Group''s mess. Sadie was stuck with a few kids and some female bodyguards, making it tough to handle the project, so he made things hard for her on purpose. If this was the old Sadie, she would''ve fought him tooth and nail.


    But things had changed. The James Group was in chaos, Tristan''s fate was up in the air, and she had to protect the kids. Getting into a business fight now could spell disaster. If the kids got caught up in it, she''d never forgive herself. Plus, she didn''t want to keep fighting with the Louis family. No matter what, she still felt she owed Joe.


    Micah had a point, though. Giving up now would be like burning her own bridges.


    If Tristan bounced back, it would still hurt his reputation.


    When she first invested in this project, it was under the James Group''s name.


    If she got kicked out now and word got out, the media would have a field day with the James Group.


    With Tristan''s fate uncertain and rumors flying, she couldn''t add to his troubles.


    Thinking this over, Sadie turned and asked, "Got any good ideas?"


    "Such an easy problem. Do you really need to ask?" Micah said, raising an eyebrow. "The key here is me. As long as I don''t sign, they can''t boot you from the project, so..." He leaned in close, whispering in her ear, "You should be making me happy, and maybe..."


    "Mr. Clemens, are you suggesting I should please you?" Sadie cut him off coldly. "The James family hasn''t sunk that low yet!"


    "That''s no fun." Micah frowned. "Haven''t you had enough of me? You made me work at the Night Club for two months to pay off my debt."


    Sadie was momentarily speechless.


    "One should be flexible," Micah said. "Besides, we''re on the same team. You won''t lose out."


    "You underestimate me," Sadie snapped. "I can handle this myself."


    "Really?" Micah raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I''ll be watching!"


    Sadie shot him a re, then turned to look out the window, not wanting to argue anymore.


    Micah watched her, a faint smile on his lips.


    After a three-hour drive, they finally got to Hubert''s ce.


    Back in Newark, Hubert found a quiet little courtyard to live in. It belonged to one of his students who worked in the city, so the house was usually empty. When the student heard Hubert wasing, they fixed it up for him. As the car pulled into the courtyard, Pa rushed out. She was wary at first but broke into a smile when she saw Sadie. "Sadie!"


    "Pa!" Sadie hugged her,ughing. "How''s everyone doing?"


    "We''re okay, but Mr. Henry..." Pa''s voice turned sad. "He got sick after we got back and hasn''t gotten better. He''s been really out of ittely."


    "How did this happen?" Sadie''s face fell, and she turned to Annika. "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "Ms. James..." Annika stammered.


    "Sadie, don''t be mad. Mr. Henry didn''t want Annika to tell you," Pa exined quickly. "He misses you a lot. You should go see him." "Alright." Sadie hurried inside, with Annika right behind her.


    Micah stayed by the car, smoking. Andrew waited nearby but didn''t go in either.


    Pa called out a greeting and then went inside.

 Chapter 1290 Last Words

    Sadie walked into the room, the strong smell of medicine hitting her nose, and heard Percy''s voice. "Mr. Henry, Sadie''s here. Don''t worry, I''ll go get her." Percy rushed out and, in his hurry, bumped right into Sadie, spilling a bowl of hot medicine all over her.


    Luckily, it was cold, and Sadie had on enoughyers to avoid getting burned.


    Still, some of the medicine sshed on her hand, making it turn red instantly.


    "How could you be so careless?" Pa scolded.


    "I''m so sorry, Sadie," Percy apologized quickly. "Are you okay? I''ll get you some ointment."


    "It''s fine," Sadie said softly, hiding her hand behind her back. "Where''s Hubert?"


    "He''s in bed," Percy replied. "I''ll take you to him."


    "Okay." Sadie nodded and walked into the room. She saw Hubert lying in bed, squinting at the door with a hopeful look on his aged face. Sadie couldn''t hold back her tears.


    "Mr. Henry, Sadie''s here to see you," Pa said gently.


    "Okay," Hubert muttered, trying to sit up but too weak to manage it.


    Percy and Pa quickly helped him sit up and gave him some medicine, which seemed to help a bit.


    Sadie sat by the bed, wiping the medicine from his mouth with a cloth, and said guiltily, "Hubert, I''m so sorry. If it weren''t for following me around, you wouldn''t have gotten sick."


    "Sadie, it''s not your fault," Hubert smiled faintly. "I''m 99 years old this year. Living this long is already quite something. As people age, their bodies deteriorate. It''s inevitable." "If you hadn''t followed me abroad, you could have lived to 200," Sadie choked up.


    Hubert couldn''t help butugh. "Sadie, 200 years old? That would be something, wouldn''t it?"


    "Of course not." He also amused Sadie.


    "Don''t overthink it," Hubert patted her hand tofort her. "Although I faced many hardships and difficulties in the first half of my life, the second half has been quite pleasant. That''s because I met a good friend, Edmond, who helped me a lot and made my lifefortable. When he had an ident, I was very regretful, hating myself for not being able to do anything for him. Later, when you came to find me, I was very happy."


    Hubert took a deep breath and said weakly, "I thought, at least, I could repay some of the kindness I owed Edmond. So, being able to do something for you makes me very happy."


    "Thank you," Sadie said, choking up, with tears welling up in her eyes.


    "Fortunately, both you and Mia have recovered. Now I have no worries. As long as you all are well, I can be at peace," Hubert said with deep emotion. "If possible, bring the children to see me. I''m afraid I won''t be able to see them if we wait too long."


    "Tomorrow, I''ll bring the children to see you tomorrow," Sadie immediately replied and arranged. "Do you have any other wishes?"


    "One more wish: I want to go back to Avalis and spend myst days quietly," Hubert sighed. "But I''m afraid my body can''t even handle a flight."


    "Leave it to me. I''ll arrange it." As soon as Sadie finished speaking, Annika immediately went to arrange a medical ne.


    "There''s one more thing I need to ask of you." Hubert weakly uttered as he pointed at Pa and Percy, "They''ve been learning from me since their twenties, focused on studying medicine, and haven''t read much or seen the outside world. I''m afraid that after I''m gone, they''ll be helpless."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of them for you," Sadie promised immediately. "As long as I''m here, no one can bully them."

 Chapter 1291 Mr. Clemens Got Scolded

    "Man, your words really put me at ease," Hubert sighed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Sadie, I don''t get the whole rich family drama and all, but I remember Edmond saying something once. He fought in the business world just to give his family a good life. He didn''t care about being the richest or having all the power. What mattered most was a peaceful, happy family."


    "I know," Sadie whispered, her emotions all tangled up, a lump forming in her throat.


    "Good, as long as you know," Hubert patted her hand and turned to Percy. "Go get Mr. Clemens. I need to talk to him." "Yes, Mr. Henry," Percy said and dashed out to find Micah.


    "You should put some medicine on those wounds," Hubert told Sadie. "And by the way, I''ve been craving your porridge." "I''ll make it right now," Sadie said, hurrying to the kitchen.


    Pa followed her, helping with the medicine and treating her wounds before they started on the porridge together.


    Meanwhile, Micah walked in with Andrew. Seeing Hubert, once so full of life, now bedridden, hit him hard.


    He thought about how even someone as strong as Hubert couldn''t escape death. It made him realize his own situation was pretty hopeless.


    "You''re here!" Hubert said, sitting up a bit as Percy added another pillow behind him.


    Micah walked over and greeted him. "Hey, Hubert."


    "I''ve been wanting to meet you but never got the chance," Hubert squinted his cloudy eyes, giving Micah a good look. "Come closer, let me see you." Micah hesitated.


    Andrew nced outside and shut the door.


    "Don''t worry, I sent Sadie to make porridge, and Pa''s with her. They won''t be back for a while," Hubert reassured him, seeing right through Micah''s thoughts.


    Micah was a bit taken aback; it seemed Hubert knew everything.


    "Sit," Hubert said, pointing to a nearby chair.


    Micah sat down, and Percy turned on all the lights, brightening up the room.


    Hubert studied Micah for a long time and sighed, "A miscalction, a miscalction." "Hubert, is there still hope for Mr. Clemens?" Andrew asked, unable to hold back.


    "I should''ve checked you out properly back then. If we had started treatment earlier, there might''ve been hope. But now, after all this time," Hubert sighed, "You''ve been getting treatment, right? What did the doctors say?" "They can only ease the pain and slow it down. There''s no cure," Micah said calmly.


    "Even though it''ste, it''s not totally hopeless. It''s just..." Hubert frowned, looking serious. "With my health now, I don''t know if I have the strength."


    "It''s okay. My fate is what it is," Micah tried tofort him. "You should focus on getting better and not worry about me."


    "Don''t talk like that," Hubert scolded gently. "You''re still young. You can''t just give up. And what about those three kids if you die?"


    After spending so much time together, Hubert saw the three kids as his own grandkids.


    Micah wasn''t used to being scolded, especially after Raymond''s death. Hubert''s words moved him.


    "Go get the old treatment ns and records," Hubert told Andrew. "Let me see if I cane up with something before I go."


    "Yes, I''ll get them right away," Andrew said excitedly and called Rn.


    "Is it really necessary?" Micah frowned. "You''re already so sick. How can you still treat me?"

 Chapter 1292 Without Hope

    "Shut up!" Hubert snapped, "You think I''m worried about you? We have no connection, no emotional ties. I''m worried about those three kids." Micah just nodded, too scared to say anything, but deep down, he was grateful to Hubert.


    "But don''t get your hopes up too high," Hubert sighed, "I''m not in great shape. I might kick the bucket before I figure this out." "You''re making me nervous with that kind of talk," Micah joked.


    Hubert gave Micah''s arm a light p and then smiled.


    Micah looked at the wise and kind Hubert, feeling deeply moved but not knowing what to say. At this moment, he could only remain silent.


    "Alright, go help her make some porridge. I need to sleep for a while," Hubert closed his eyes wearily and muttered, "You better pray I wake up after I fall asleep so you still have a chance to survive." "The porridge smells so good. Don''t you want to eat some?" Micah said with a smile.


    Hubert smiled again.


    Percy helped him lie down, covered him with a thick nket, and soothed him to sleep.


    Micah quietly stepped out. Instead of going to the kitchen, he continued smoking in the yard.


    "Rn is personally delivering it; he should arrive tonight," Andrew reported in a low voice.


    "It''s really unnecessary," Micah murmured, "Hubert is already too sick. He can''t even open his eyes. There''s no need to trouble him at this point."


    "No, Mr. Clemens, you can''t give up like this," Andrew got anxious and persuaded. "Hubert is right. Even if you don''t think about yourself, think about the kids..."


    "Enough," Micah interrupted him, ncing at the kitchen.


    Andrew didn''t dare to speak anymore, but he stubbornly believed that since Hubert had said so, there must be hope.


    "Micah!" At this moment, Sadie walked out of the kitchen, wearing Pa''s apron and holding a carrot. She asked, "Hubert wants to see the kids. Should we have Rodolfo bring them over now?"


    "Tomorrow," Micah spoke as he stubbed out his cigarette, "They left for Biston early this morning, and now making them drive for hours toe back would be too tiring." "You''re right," Sadie nodded.


    "You look pretty good in that outfit," Micah teased, looking her up and down.


    Sadie rolled her eyes at him and went back to the kitchen to continue working.


    Micah leaned against the car, watching her through the window. Suddenly, he wondered if they weren''t born into the James family and the Clemens family but were ordinary people, would they live such a simple and happy life? Sadie wiped the sweat from her forehead and looked over, meeting Micah''s gaze. She couldn''t help but feel a bit dizzy, as if they were just an ordinary couple-she was cooking, and he was watching her from outside. Life was simple yet fulfilling, warm and happy.


    Suddenly, the abrupt ringing of a phone broke the tranquility.


    Micah snapped back to reality, took his phone, and walked out. He answered, "Hello!"


    "Okay, I''ll be right there," he said in a low voice.


    After hanging up the phone, Micah instructed Andrew, "Go back to thepany and have Rn bring a few more people over. Then, make sure they get sent back." "We''re not waiting here?" Andrew said anxiously, "Mr. Clemens, we should treat the illness first..."


    "Shut up!" Micah sternly interrupted, ncing at the kitchen.


    Fortunately, Sadie and Annika were busy cooking and didn''t notice their conversation.


    "If you keep talking nonsense, get out," Micah snapped. He was very angry; this matter had be a taboo for him.


    "Yes," Andrew answered and lowered his head, not daring to speak.

 Chapter 1293 Women Are Scary

    Micah''s icy stare sliced through the tension as he slid into the car first.


    Andrew knew better than to argue. Instead, he let Percy and Pa know what was up before heading to the kitchen to find Sadie. "Ms. James, something''se up at thepany. Rn will swing byter to take you back." "Alright, go ahead," Sadie said, ncing at Micah in the car.


    "Then we''re off. See youter," Andrew said, turning to leave.


    Annika''s face fell instantly. She chased after him, grabbed his arm, and whispered, "What are you guys doing? Are you going to see that woman?"


    "No, it''s probably just something urgent at thepany," Andrew tried to reassure her, though he wasn''t sure himself.


    "Probably?" Annika''s eyes narrowed. "So it is."


    Andrew was at a loss for words.


    "Some things never change," Annika snapped, her temper ring. "I thought he had turned over a new leaf and wanted to make up with our Ms. James, but one call from Olivia and he''s gone."


    Andrew sighed, "No, Annika, I honestly don''t know what''s going on. Don''t get mad over nothing."


    He noticed that the usually calm and rational Annika would lose her temper around him, just like Arya.


    "Hmph!" Annika kicked him and stormed off.


    "Ah!" Andrew clutched his knee, wincing in pain. A horn honked impatiently from the car. He hobbled over, getting in quickly. As he drove off, he nced at Annika in the rearview mirror and sighed helplessly, "Women are scary!" "Got hit?" Micah nced at him with a smirk.


    "I didn''t even do anything wrong. I got scolded and kicked," Andrew said, feeling aggrieved. "Where can I go toin?"


    "If Annika can hit and scold you, it means she has feelings for you," Micah said quietly, "If she stops, that''s when you should worry."


    "Really?" Andrew perked up, "So, she has feelings for me?"


    "Obviously," Micah rolled his eyes and said, "Annika hasn''t taken her eyes off you."


    Andrew grinned foolishly.


    "It really makes one jealous," Micah sighed sincerely. "Keep it up. This is the best time."


    "But it''s been over six months, and we haven''t made any progress," Andrew said, feeling a bit down, "She''s different from Arya. Arya seems more proactive and enthusiastic. You wouldn''t believe..."


    He whispered, "Rodolfo didn''te backst night."


    "Jealous?" Micah raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I''ll give you the night off. You don''t have toe back either."


    "I wouldn''t dare," Andrew blushed and muttered, "Even if I don''te back, it wouldn''t work out. She''s not that easy to win over."


    "Useless." Micah couldn''t be bothered to continue the conversation. He looked down at his phone and saw the information Chloe had just sent. His brow furrowed slightly.


    Sadie added the ingredients to the pot and went to the yard to drink tea and bask in the sun.


    Looking at the tire marks at the gate, she thought of Micah and felt a bit down. He was probably rushing off to see Olivia. Couldn''t even wait a night.


    Annika appeared by her side and suggested, "Ms. James, why don''t we head into town tonight? After dinner, Hubert will go to bed early, and we might as well take care of some shopping. The kids will be asleep by the time we get back anyway."


    "If you want to see Andrew, just say so," Sadie teased, eyeing her.


    "No," Annika exined anxiously. "It''s just that Mary, Emma, and Donna are almost out of form. We might as well buy some, and there are a lot of things we need to get for the house since we''re here anyway."

 Chapter 1294 A Formidable Opponent

    Sadie nced at Annika''s eager face, feeling a mix of conflict and nostalgia. Love, she thought, had a way of showing itself no matter how hard you tried to hide it. Just like she and Micah once had those unspoken, undeniable connections- "Ms. James, is that okay?" Annika''s voice snapped her back to reality, urgency cutting through her doubt.


    connections she''d now painfully learned to break.


    "Yeah, go ahead and buy it. I''ll stay here with Hubert," Sadie finally said. "Take the night off; juste back tomorrow morning."


    "I..." Annika started to panic but quickly changed her tone, "I was thinking of going with you. If you don''t want to go, I won''t either. I''ll stay with you."


    "I told you to go, so go." Sadie gave her a pointed look. Before Annika could argue, Sadie''s phone rang. She nced at the unknown number on the screen and hesitated before answering, "Hello?"


    "Ms. James, this is Olivia. I''d like to meet with you. Is that okay?" Olivia''s voice was gentle yetmanding, with a strange allure that caught Sadie off guard.


    Despite her better judgment, she couldn''t muster any real animosity toward her. Given her past experiences with hypocrites like E, Arianna, and Barbara, Sadie prided herself on reading people well. Yet, Olivia defied her expectations. "How did you get my number?" Sadie asked cautiously.


    "If I want to know, I will find out," Olivia said with a smile. "We met briefly at the Sunvale partyst time. You left a deep impression on me. I think you haven''t forgotten me, have you?"


    Sadie narrowed her eyes slightly. Olivia was impressive, no doubt; she had uncovered Sadie''s identity with startling speed and had reached out directly.


    "Of course, I haven''t forgotten," Sadie quicklyposed herself and replied with a smile. "I haven''t even thanked you for lending us the swimsuitsst time!"


    "Tonight at eight, Urban Delights, is that okay?" Olivia asked respectfully.


    "Okay." Sadie readily epted the invitation. Her curiosity was piqued; she really wanted to know what Olivia wanted from her.


    "See you tonight!" Olivia hung up, leaving Sadie holding her phone and contemting the situation with a furrowed brow.


    Annika looked at the phone and asked in confusion, "At the partyst time, we hid our identities well. Only Joe, Mr. Clemens, and rence knew. How did she find out about you?"


    "As she said, if she wants to know, she will find out," Sadie said calmly. "The Graham family has developed very well in recent years and has considerable influence in the business world. She can persuade rence with some benefits."


    "But what does she want from you?" Annika frowned and said. "Could she be nning to challenge you face-to-face?"


    Sadieughed, "Challenge what? We have no conflicts of interest."


    "How can you say that? She''s your rival in love," Annika blurted out, then felt puzzled. "Wait, didn''t Mr. Clemens and the others go to see her? Why is she asking you out?"


    "This means that Micah didn''t go to see her," Sadie poured herself another half cup of tea and said calmly, "This Olivia, if she bes an enemy, will be harder to deal with than any woman before!" "Why?" Annika struggled to see the threat. "Just because of her family background?"


    "Not just that," Sadie said softly and lowered her eyes, her expressionplex. "Although we haven''t interacted much, I always feel that she''s wiser than any woman I''ve known before."

 Chapter 1295 Meeting of the Strong

    "Are you really gonna see her?" Annika asked quietly. "Want me to call some folks over? What if it''s a trap?"


    "If she''s really like that, she''ll be a piece of cake," Sadie said with a grin.


    "Then..." Annika started, but Sadie cut her off, "Go check on the porridge. And peel a few more potatoes; Hubert loves them the way I make ''em."


    "Got it," Annika said, hurrying off to the kitchen.


    Sadie kept brewing tea as Pa came back from grocery shopping.


    Hubert had been super sleepytely, waking up around six in the evening when it was already dark. Percy had started a big fire in the yard and was grilling some food.


    Annika brought out the porridge, and Sadie whipped up a few dishes. The family gathered in the yard, enjoying their meal together.


    Just as they started eating, Rn showed up with some people. Sadie invited him to join, but he said he''d already eaten and handed Annika a car key. "Mr. Clemens asked me to bring you a car. Need anything else?"


    Sadie smiled. "Nope, that''s all. Thanks."


    Annika poured tea for him and his crew.


    Rn thanked her and stood aside with hispanions.


    "Sadie, head home early after dinner. The kids are waiting for you," Hubert said, leaning back in his chair. "If you have time tomorrow, bring the kids to see me."


    "I haven''t even finished eating, and you''re already kicking me out," Sadie teased. "I made all these dishes, you know. You''re so mean."


    Hubertughed. "I''m just worried the kids will be anxious if you get homete."


    Sadie sighed, "Alright, I got it." She put down her utensils, washed her hands, said her goodbyes, and left with Annika.


    "Take care, Ms. James!" Rn called out. He watched her leave until her car was out of sight. Then he handed Hubert Micah''s medical report and treatment documents. Percy lit amp to help Hubert read better.


    But Hubert was too old and weak; no matter how manymps they lit, he couldn''t see the words clearly.


    Rn exined the documents, and Hubert nodded weakly, squinting. "I''ll look it over."


    Annika drove Sadie straight to Urban Delights in the city.


    Back in the day, when Sadie was with Ronan, she loved eating here. Plus, Urban Delights was right across from the Clemens Group building. Sadie and Micah used to eat here when she worked there. Today, Olivia had reserved the whole restaurant. When Sadie walked in, she noticed the manager and staff were all new faces.


    Four bodyguards stood at the entrance, and there were more every few steps inside, making it a big deal.


    Olivia was sitting by the window, talking on the phone in some foreignnguage. When her attendant told her Sadie had arrived, she hung up and stood to greet her. "Ms. James, we meet again!" Her tone was respectful and humble. Sadie smiled, "Nice to see you!"


    Olivia nodded. "Please, have a seat!"


    They sat down, and Olivia noticed Sadie had only brought one attendant. She immediately had all the bodyguards leave except for two behind her.


    Then, Olivia apologized. "Sorry, my dad arranged this."


    "It''s cool, I get it," Sadie said, wiping her hands with a wet towel. "When did you get to Newark, Ms. Graham?"


    "This morning," Olivia replied, her eyes never leaving Sadie''s face. She was admiring her intently. "Ms. James, you are truly beautiful!"

 Chapter 1296 Meeting of the Strong (2)

    Sadie raised an eyebrow. "Better looking than the photos, huh?" She knew Olivia must''ve done her homework before meeting her.


    "Sorry!" Olivia looked down, apologizing. "I didn''t mean to snoop. I was just super curious about the masked woman at Sunvalest time, so I had someone dig around and found out it was you, so..." "Not many people know who I am." Sadie took a sip of tea and cut in calmly, "Getting him to spill my identity that easily, that''s something!"


    "This..." Olivia''s face tightened for a second, and she apologized again, "The person who told me knew I meant no harm. I hope you don''t hold it against me."


    Sadie gave a slight smile and looked up. "Ms. Graham, you didn''te here just for tea, did you?"


    Olivia said, "I just wanted to be friends with you, Ms. James."


    "Ms. Graham, just say what''s on your mind." Sadie nced at her watch.


    "Since you''re in a hurry, I''ll get to the point." Olivia said, putting down her teacup and signaling.


    Two attendants brought out a silver case. When they opened it, there was a document inside.


    "This is the contract for the Country C stadium project. Someone asked me to take over your share, Ms. James." Olivia gave her a knowing smile.


    "My family wants to expand in Country C. I''m interested in this project too, but I never take what others want, especially not yours. So, I came to get your take on it." Sadie''s eyes narrowed a bit. There was more to Olivia''s words.


    "If you still want in on this project, I''ll back off. If you''re nning to withdraw, then I''ll consider jumping in." Olivia said softly, pouring Sadie another cup of tea. "It''s all up to you!"


    Sadie looked at the teacup, not saying a word. She got what Olivia was hinting at. Olivia was sharper and more insightful than most women she''d met.


    "Ms. James?" Olivia asked, waiting for Sadie''s response.


    "Whether I stay in this project isn''t the point. What''s important is..." Sadie picked up her teacup and said calmly, "I haven''t even pulled out yet, and someone''s already eager to rece me. That''s pretty annoying!" Olivia paused slightly, her gaze at Sadie bing moreplex.


    "Ms. Graham, you shouldn''t be asking me; you should be asking the person involved." Sadie smiled, "But business is like a battlefield. Fairpetition is the norm; there''s no right or wrong!"


    "Fairpetition?" Olivia was a bit taken aback. "Is that what you think?"


    "I like things to be clear and fair. If you lose, you ept it. But if someone wants to y dirty with me, I won''t hold back either!" Sadie''s words were blunt. Her tone seemed casual, but it carried a definite warning. "Alright, I get it." Olivia nodded with a smile. "I really admire you. And just so you know, I never y dirty because I have the strength topete!" Her words were polite but firm. "Good to know!" Sadie raised an eyebrow. "Good luck!"


    With that, she put down her teacup. "Thanks for the tea. Next time, drinks are on me!"


    "I''ll see you out." Olivia said, quickly standing up.


    "No need." Sadie gently declined. She walked away with confident strides, her back radiating calm and ease.


    Olivia watched Sadie leave. When Sadie was out of sight, she couldn''t help but sigh, "She really is Tristan''s sister. Tough to deal with, but straightforward and honest enough!"

 Chapter 1297 Repeat the Same Mistakes

    "The James Group''s toast. Tristan''s MIA, and Ms. James can''t do much," the attendant whispered. "Why are you so scared of her and showing her all this respect?"


    "You just don''t get it," Olivia said with a smirk. "I always thought the James Group''s fall was just a blip. When Tristanes back, they''ll be on top again. So, we can''t disrespect anyone from the James family. Plus, Ms. James is Mr. Clemens'' ex and the mother of his three kids. That alone means I gotta show her respect. Even if we''re rivals, we gotta y fair so there''s no bad bloodter."


    "Got it," the attendant nodded eagerly. "You''re really sharp."


    Olivia walked over to the big window and frowned when she spotted Sadie''s car.


    "Ms. Graham, that''s Mr. Clemens'' car," the attendant pointed out.


    Olivia''s face turned serious, her eyes filled with mixed emotions. She muttered, "Looks like they''re still pretty tight."


    "Ms. James, are we heading straight back to Boston?" Annika asked, starting the car and pulling away.


    "Yeah." Sadie nced at the towering Clemens Group building across the street, memories flooding back. The lights on the 68th floor were still on; was he still working?


    As she was lost in thought, Annika suddenly eximed, "That''s Mr. Clemens'' car."


    Sadie looked up at the rearview mirror. Sure enough, Micah''s Rolls-Royce Phantom was pulling out of the Clemens Group parking lot and stopping right under Urban Delights across the street.


    By then, Olivia had already rushed out with her bodyguards. Micah got out and walked into the restaurant with her.


    From behind, they looked really close.


    "Is Olivia doing this on purpose?" Annika grumbled.


    "Just drive." Sadie''s tone was cool, but inside, she was a mess. If Olivia was ying games, she wouldn''t care. But Olivia''s bold and confident attitude made her uneasy. Like Olivia said, she had the skills and confidence and didn''t need to y games.


    And a woman like Olivia was exactly Micah''s type.


    "Ms. James, did Olivia mean something else with her words earlier?" Annika couldn''t help but ask. "She said she came to ask about the gym project, but she really meant Mr. Clemens, right?"


    "You figured it out?" Sadie pretended to be indifferent, smiling. "You''re sharp. If it were Arya, she wouldn''t have noticed."


    "Do you really not care?" Annika frowned at her. "No one''s stopping you two now. You''ve broken off your engagement with Joe, and you have three kids. Why not think about getting back together? I think Mr. Clemens still has feelings for you."


    "What''s gotten into you?" Sadie looked at her, annoyed. "If Arya said this, I''d get it, but you know me best. How can you talk such nonsense?"


    "Because I know you, I''m worried," Annika said boldly. "I know you and Mr. Clemens have never really let go of each other. It''s like fate keeps messing with you two. There were issues before, but now those grudges are gone. The revenge is done. I don''t get why you can''t make up. Is pride that important?"


    "It''s not about pride," Sadie said instinctively, but she also wondered, ''What is it?'' She couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    There used to be hatred and family grudges, but now, like Annika said, the revenge was done, and the family wasn''t interfering anymore. There didn''t seem to be any big obstacles between them.


    But she still couldn''t bring herself to reconcile with Micah. She was scared of making the same mistakes and didn''t want to go through that heartache again.

 Chapter 1298 A Good Place

    "If Olivia''s really with Mr. Clemens, won''t you be bummed?" Annika asked, a bit hesitant. "I mean, Olivia''s pretty impressive!" "Yeah,pared to the Lingston sisters, she''s way more talented," Sadie said with a faint smile. "Plus, Micah really digs her personality."


    "Aren''t you worried?" Annika got anxious. "If they end up together, Noah, Nathan, and Mia will have a stepmom. What if she''s like E, all sweet on the outside but nasty inside? What if she hurts the kids?"


    "I doubt it," Sadie said confidently. "I don''t think she''s that type."


    "Well, we didn''t see E''s true colors until it was toote," Annika said softly.


    "After everything, Micah should be better at judging people," Sadie said, pretty chill. "He never had feelings for E; she was pushed on him by Raymond. Now, without Raymond meddling, he can choose freely. If he likes Olivia, I can''t stop him."


    Annika still felt uneasy but didn''t say more.


    Sadie looked out at the familiar streets, feeling all sorts of emotions. After all these years, seeing these ces again brought back memories of Micah. Those moments were still so clear in her mind, but she could only keep them there. "I just saw Ms. James''s car," Andrew whispered to Micah.


    Micah didn''t react. He sat there, looked up at Olivia, and smiled. "Wee to Newark!"


    "Thanks, Mr. Clemens!" Olivia said, shifting from obedient to Sadie to charming and gentle, her eyes sparkling.


    "Have you been waiting here all day?" Micah asked, noticing the two sets of tea utensils on the coffee table. He guessed Sadie had been there earlier.


    "Sort of, but not really," Olivia smiled. "I just entertained a friend you know, Ms. James, the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group!"


    Her honesty caught Micah off guard. He looked at her and asked, "What did you see her for?"


    "This project..." Olivia pulled out a document. "Duke Louis contacted me through rence, wanting me to rece Ms. James''s shares. I was worried it might cause misunderstandings, so I came to ask her." "What did she say?" Micah asked, looking deeply at Olivia.


    "She said it was annoying for Duke Louis to find a recement before she even withdrew," Olivia smiled. "She also said that in business, fairpetition is the way to go, and everyone should ept the oue. If anyone ys dirty, she won''t be polite."


    "That sounds like her," Micah remarked, his gaze softening towards Olivia.


    "Ms. James is straightforward, and I admire that," Olivia said with a smile. "Did you run into her downstairs?"


    "No," Micah swirled his wine ss, wondering if Sadie had seen him when she left. If she did, she should know he came to see Olivia. Did she react? "Drinking here is no fun," Olivia noticed Micah''s mind wasn''t on her and quickly changed tactics. "Mr. Clemens, how about I take you to a cool spot?"


    "Is there a ce in Newark I don''t know about?" Micah''s curiosity was piqued.


    "You definitely haven''t been there," Olivia said mysteriously. "And I guarantee you''ll like it."


    "Then I have to check it out." Micah said, putting down his wine ss and gesturing. Andrew immediately went to get the car ready.

 Chapter 1299 Have You Seen Ms. James?

    Olivia waved off the bodyguards and hopped right into Micah''s car.


    Andrew, sitting shotgun, looked a bit surprised. No other woman had ever been in this car except for Sadie and her crew.


    Micah''s brow furrowed slightly, but he kept quiet.


    Once the door shut, Olivia realized, "Oops, I kinda just jumped in without asking. Didn''t want to make a big scene with too many people."


    Micah gave a small smile, "No worries. Just tell him where we''re headed."


    "Sure, it''s Mystic Ocean Coast," Olivia quickly told the driver.


    The car started moving towards their destination.


    Micah nced in the rearview mirror, noticing the Graham family''s bodyguards weren''t following. He casually asked, "Your dad''s known for being super cautious, and those bodyguards are top-notch. Aren''t they worried about you riding with me alone?"


    "Being with you is the safest ce," Olivia said, her eyes full of admiration and love, her voice soft and sweet.


    Micah thought of Sadie. She never looked at him like that or spoke so gently. She was always either arguing or silent. Sometimes, he wondered if she ever really loved him.


    "Is that a nightclub? I''ve never been to one," Olivia said excitedly, pointing at a shy sign nearby. "Nightclubs are everywhere, and they''re always packed. We have them in Country H too."


    Micah looked at the nightclub sign, memories flooding back. The first time he officially met Sadie, she extorted him and made him sign that debt agreement.


    Back then, even though she wasn''t nice to him, she was cute.


    Now, she hid her emotions, cold and calm, like nothing he did could affect her.


    "Ms. James''s car!" Andrew suddenly shouted.


    Micah squinted and looked closer. Sure enough, the Phantom he had Rn give to Sadie was parked right at the nightclub entrance. Sadie was up to something again!


    "Let''s check it out," Micah ordered.


    "Yes, sir," the driver immediately turned the car towards the nightclub.


    "Aren''t we going to Mystic Ocean?" Olivia asked, surprised. She hadn''t expected her ns to be so easily disrupted.


    "Next time," Micah said indifferently.


    "Alright," Olivia replied, a bit disappointed but still smiling. "Just drop me off by the street, and I''ll have my bodyguard pick me up."


    "Come along," Micah said. "You said you''ve never been, right? I''ll show you around."


    "Okay, great!" Olivia said happily. She thought Micah would leave her to find Sadie, but he wanted to take her along.


    The car pulled up to the nightclub entrance, and the manager came out to greet them. "Mr. Clemens, long time no see."


    Andrew noticed the unfamiliar face and asked, "Where''s Jonny?"


    "Jonny''s on the night shift now," the manager said with a smile. "Andrew, remember me? I used to work with Jonny." "Yeah," Andrew replied, clearing the way with the other attendants.


    Micah led Olivia inside, where it was as busy as ever.


    Micah scanned the room but didn''t see Sadie.


    Andrew got the hint and asked the manager, "Have you seen Ms. James?"


    "Which Ms. James?" The new manager didn''t recognize Sadie.

 Chapter 1300 I Wont Disturb You

    "Is she the one driving the Rolls-Royce Wraith?" Andrew asked.


    "Yeah, twodies in Rolls-Royce Wraiths just came in and headed to a private room. I''ll take you there," the manager quickly replied. "Mr. Clemens, this way, please." Micah and his crew followed the manager toward the VIP private rooms.


    This area was way quieter than the main hall. It looked just like it did before; nothing had changed. It had been ages since Micahst visited, and now he was feeling all nostalgic.


    "We renovated the public area a couple of months ago, but the private rooms are still the same. Mr. Clemens, your room is still reserved and cleaned daily," the manager exined as they walked. Micah nced around, memories with Sadie flooding back. He didn''t even notice Olivia had fallen behind.


    It wasn''t until he heard a scream that he turned around to see Olivia being harassed by two drunk guys. They were making grossments and trying to drag her into a private room.


    "Mr. Clemens, help me!" Olivia screamed, terrified.


    Micah''s face darkened. He took a big step forward and kicked the two men away.


    Olivia, shaking with fear, hid behind Micah, clutching his clothes.


    "It''s okay now," Micah said, gentlyforting her with an arm around her shoulder.


    He had been so eager to see Sadie that he quickened his pace without realizing it. Olivia, being here for the first time, got lost in the crowd, and he hadn''t noticed. Micah felt a bit guilty. Just then, Sadie stepped out of a private room and saw the scene.


    In all these years, she had never seen him be so gentle and considerate to any woman.


    When E and Amelia were around him, she was angry but never truly jealous because she knew he didn''t love them. But now it was different. Micah''s care for Olivia wasn''t an act. His tall and slender figure was still so familiar, etched in her mind, recognizable even in the dim light. But now, he was holding Olivia.


    "Andrew!" Annika suddenly shouted angrily.


    Andrew shivered in fear, turned around, and saw Annika''s sharp gaze. His face turned pale, and he hurriedly patted Micah''s arm and whispered, "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Clemens." Andrew''s reaction was like that of a husband caught cheating: guilty and terrified. But he was clearly innocent.


    On the other hand, Micah, the real culprit, remained calm. He held Olivia and slowly turned around, looking at Sadie indifferently, "What a coincidence?"


    Olivia was a bit surprised. His words made it seem like he wasn''t here specifically to find Sadie but just happened to run into her.


    "Yes, what a coincidence!" Sadie said faintly and regained her calm demeanor, a polite smile appearing on her lips. Arya''s gaze swept from Micah''s face to Olivia, "Ms. Graham, we meet again."


    "Yes," Olivia quickly responded, a gentle smile on her face. Looking at Sadie kindly, she said, "We just had tea at Urban Delights, and now we meet here again."


    "I was supposed to buy you a drink, but it seems you don''t need me to anymore," Sadie said, giving Micah a deep look. "Enjoy yourselves. I''ll be leaving now!" With that, Sadie turned and left.


    Annika red at Andrew angrily and quickly followed.


    "You just got here, and you''re leaving?" Micah called out to Sadie''s back. "Won''t you stay for a drink?"


    Sadie felt a fire burning inside her, but she still managed to smile and replied, "I won''t disturb you. Have a wonderful evening!" Then, she left gracefully.

 Chapter 1301 Bad Man

    Micah watched Sadie walk away, his face getting darker by the second. He thought seeing her jealous and mad would show she still cared, but her calmness felt like a p.


    She didn''t even blink when he protected Olivia. She stayed cool when he held Olivia, even chatted with her like it was no big deal. And when he tried to get under her skin, she just brushed it off. Micah wanted to rile her up, but now he was the one all riled up.


    Anger red in Micah''s chest, and he wanted to tear Sadie apart, but he held back. He couldn''t let on how mad he was, like he really wanted her to be jealous.


    What was so special about Sadie anyway? He''d never cheated on her, not once. He''d always stayed true, waiting for her. But she ditched him for Joe.


    He tried to move on, but her coldness cut deeper every time. It was clear now-she didn''t care about him anymore. Maybe she stopped loving him a long time ago.


    As she walked away, Sadie kept telling herself to stay calm, not to look back, not to let anger win. ''Micah wants to provoke me,'' she thought, ''but I''ll stay cool andposed.'' "Jerk!" Annika cursed angrily. This was something Arya often said, and Annika used to scold her for it. Now, she was saying it herself.


    "Who are you cursing?" Sadie asked, ncing at her.


    "Of course... it''s... it''s Andrew." Annika stammered. She didn''t dare curse Micah. He was still the father of Sadie''s child, after all. So, she took it out on Andrew.


    "What did Andrew do to deserve that?" Sadie smiled helplessly, "He was almost scared to death by your shout just now."


    "Ms. James..." Annika looked at Sadie''s forced smile and felt anxious, "What''s wrong with you? You''ve been bullied this much, and you don''t care?"


    "Bullying? Who bullied me?" Sadie shot back.


    "That Olivia is obviously doing it on purpose," Annika said indignantly. "First, she asked you to meet, then she brought Mr. Clemens and unted their closeness in front of you. It''s a deliberate provocation, a power move!" "Whether she did it on purpose or not, even if she did, Micah had to be willing to y along," Sadie said calmly. "I don''t think he''s a fool. He wouldn''t let himself be used. Maybe it''s the other way around; he brought Olivia to show off in front of me, to provoke me."


    "Huh?" Annika was stunned for a moment, "What you said makes sense. If Mr. Clemens is trying to provoke you, it means he cares and wants a reaction from you."


    "Reaction? What reaction?" Sadie sneered, "Am I supposed to fight with him?"


    "This..." Annika was at a loss for words.


    "It doesn''t matter who''s using who to provoke me," Sadie sighed. "We''re just trying to survive right now. Who has time for these romantic games?"


    "True." Annika felt a bit heartbroken. She muttered, "With Mr. James missing, the James Group in chaos, and our only project getting squeezed out, now''s not the time..." "Alright, let''s go back," Sadie said nonchntly.


    Annika didn''t say more. She grabbed the car keys and drove off with Sadie.


    "After seeing Hubert tomorrow, return the car to the Clemens family," Sadie instructed. "After sending Hubert off, we need to cut ties with thempletely." "Got it!" Annika replied.

 Chapter 1302 I Dont Have Time

    "Hey, Mr. Clemens, you doing okay?" Olivia asked, her eyes full of concern as she looked at Micah. She was sharp and quickly figured out what Micah was up to. No surprise he brought her to Nightfall; he was trying to get under Sadie''s skin. "What''s there to be wrong with me?" Micah shrugged, trying to act all nonchnt. "Come on, let''s grab a drink!" He walked into his private booth, pushed open the door, and bam, memories of Sadie hit him like a ton of bricks. The familiar surroundings brought back a flood of emotions.


    "Maybe you need some alone time tonight," Olivia suggested gently. "How about I head out?"


    "Take Ms. Graham home," Micah said quietly.


    "Yes, sir." Andrew got two attendants to escort Olivia.


    Olivia gave Micah onest look, telling Andrew, "Make sure you look after Mr. Clemens."


    "Don''t worry, I got it," Andrew nodded with a smile.


    Olivia followed the attendants out, ncing back at Micah until the door shut behind her.


    Andrew sighed, thinking Olivia was something special.


    Micah plopped down on the sofa, fiddling with the lighter on the coffee table. The silver lighter clicked open and shut in his hand, the tiny me flickering in the dim light, mirroring his tangled thoughts. Andrew sent the manager away and opened a bottle of wine, letting it breathe in silence.


    "Do you think she''s changed since she went back to the James family?" Micah suddenly asked, his voice heavy with sadness. "Or maybe this Sadie isn''t the same Sadie from before? Just someone who looks like her." Andrew felt a pang of sadness. He got it; the Sadie now was nothing like the Sadie from back then. She used to be quirky and sometimes unsure, but she always loved Micah deeply.


    She fought her family''s pressure for him, found the courage to start a new life with him, and wore the veil and ring to marry into the Clemens family.


    When they were in love, they were inseparable, only had eyes for each other.


    But now, no matter what Micah did, he couldn''t get her attention. She was always so cold, so distant. Even when they were close, it felt like there was a huge emotional gap. He tried everything to bridge it but always came up short. "Maybe she never loved me," Micah''s voice was low and sad. "Otherwise, how could she be so different?"


    "Honestly, if you think about it, it makes sense," Andrew said gently. "Two years ago, our Clemens family hurt her badly, and then there was Brenda''s death."


    "Yeah, the Clemens family wronged her, so I''ve been trying my best to make it up to her," Micah said, feeling helpless as he thought about the past. "And I''ve never cheated on her. In all my years, she''s the only woman I''ve ever loved, but she..." At this, it felt like a thorn pierced Micah''s heart deeply.


    "I still believe the Louis family set up Ms. James; she wasn''t willing." Andrew said cautiously.


    "I gave her a chance, asked if she was forced, but she didn''t answer," Micah recalled the incident, gritting his teeth. "Let''s not talk about that. I''m not chasing it, but she''s still so cold to me."


    "Take it slow. Give her some time," Andrew advised.


    "I don''t have time," Micah''s voice suddenly turned somber. "How much longer do I have to live? I just want, before I die, for my family to be together again!"

 Chapter 1303 Be Happy

    It was such a simple wish, but it felt impossible to make ite true. Micah, who used to be so full of life, now loved with such humility.


    Andrew, feeling crushed, blurted out, "What if we just tell her the truth?"


    "Shut up!" Micah suddenly grabbed his neck, warning him harshly, "If you dare let her know, I''ll kill you! And your Annika, too!"


    "Ugh, ugh, ugh," Andrew almost choked but didn''t dare fight back.


    Luckily, Micah let go soon enough. Andrew copsed onto the sofa, clutching his neck and coughing like crazy. Once he could breathe again, he quickly said, "I''m sorry, Mr. Clemens. I was just suggesting. I won''t say anything. I swear on my life!"


    "Don''t ever bring this up again," Micah snapped. "I want her toe back to me because she wants to, not out of pity."


    "Yes, I get it," Andrew nodded frantically.


    Micah didn''t say another word, just picked up his ss and drank in silence.


    Andrew, standing nearby, cautiously reminded him, "Maybe you should stop after this one. You have to meet Hubert early tomorrow." Rn had given the documents to Hubert, and after looking them over, Hubert asked Micah to meet him first thing in the morning. "Shut up!" Micah barked, clearly annoyed.


    Andrew didn''t dare say another word and stood there with his head down.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. Andrew went to check, and the manager brought in a pot of tea, saying nervously, "Ms. Graham prepared this. She asked me to bring it over."


    "Didn''t Ms. Graham leave?" Andrew asked, confused.


    "She waited for her attendant to brew the tea and told me to bring it to Mr. Clemens before she left," the manager said weakly, looking at Andrew. "She said Mr. Clemens didn''t look well and shouldn''t drink too much. She also said Mr. Clemens would definitely like this tea."


    "That''s right. I was watching the whole time and followed the manager here," said the bodyguard who had escorted Olivia out. "Her bodyguard came to pick her up. Ethan saw her out, and I followed the manager back."


    "Alright, you can go now," Andrew said, taking the tea, checking it, and then bringing it to Micah. "You heard everything."


    "She''s pretty thoughtful," Micah said, looking at the pot of tea and thinking about Olivia''s gentle and loving eyes. "If only Sadie could be like this to me."


    "Ms. Graham really put in some effort," Andrew said, pouring a cup of tea. "Want to try it?"


    Micah took the cup and smelled it. It was high-quality tea. Because of his treatment, he''d been on medication for a long time, and his stomach had be pretty sensitive. Every time he drank alcohol, he''d feel awful for a long time. But he never mentioned this to anyone. He didn''t expect Olivia to notice such a small detail.


    "I didn''t say anything," Andrew said, now a bit scared, worried that Micah might overthink.


    "Actually, if you pay attention, you''ll notice," Micah muttered, taking a sip of the tea and praising it. "It''s really good."


    "Someone still cares about you," Andrew said softly. "Every time you drink, your stomach hurts so much you can''t sleep. See, isn''t it much better to have some tea?"


    Micah didn''t say anything, just looked at the teacup, lost in thought.


    At that moment, his phone buzzed with a text message. He opened it and saw it was a video from Olivia.


    On the beach of Mystic Ocean, a dazzling disy of fireworks was lighting up the sky.


    The fireworks rose into the sky, forming the words: "Micah, be happy!"


    There was also a cute smiley face at the end, reminding him of Olivia''s gentle face.


    Turns out, the good ce Olivia mentioned was actually a surprise she had set up for him on the beach. She had seen the sadness in his eyes. She didn''t ask much; she just wanted to create some romance to make him smile more.

 Chapter 1304 Thank You

    Micah felt a rare warmth from this thoughtful gesture. Who said only guys could pull off romantic surprises? Women could totally do it too.


    Most women either threw themselves at Micah, showered him withpliments, or yed the victim to manipte him. But Olivia? She seemed to get what he really wanted deep down. Micah watched Olivia in the video. She was barefoot, dancing on the beach, looking like a moon goddess-so graceful and mesmerizing.


    Every smile and frown of hers was full of gentleness and affection, and her eyes were just so tender.


    For the first time, Micah actually watched a non-work video all the way through. After he finished, he replied to her.


    Micah: [Thank you!]


    No matter her reasons, he was grateful. But he couldn''t help thinking, ''If only Sadie did these things for me, that would be perfect.''


    Annika drove four hours to get to Biston''s ce. It was already 2:30 in the morning, and everyone was asleep. Only Arya and Rodolfo were cuddling in the yard, whispering and waiting for Sadie and Annika.


    As the car pulled up, Arya went to check. Seeing Sadie, she quickly opened the door, "Ms. James, you''re back?"


    "Yeah." Sadie nced at Rodolfo and asked, "Why aren''t you heading back?"


    "I, uh, I''m here to protect the kids," Rodolfo stammered, blushing. "Andrew said he''d take them home tomorrow and visit Hubert."


    "Then keep guarding." Sadie said softly and walked straight into the vi.


    "What''s up with her?" Arya asked Annika, "Ms. James doesn''t seem too happy."


    "Go to bed early so you won''t be tired tomorrow." Annika rolled her eyes and hurried after Sadie.


    Arya pouted, told Rodolfo to rest in the car, and then went inside herself.


    Sadie quietly returned to her room, took a shower, andy in bed, reminding herself to sleep early so she''d have the energy to be with the kids tomorrow. But she couldn''t stop thinking about Micah and Olivia''s intimate moments, making it impossible to sleep.


    Finally, she got up and took half a sleeping pill, which helped her drift off. But her dreams were haunted by visions of Micah and Olivia getting married. The kids called Olivia "Mommy," and she could only watch from afar. The dream wasn''t scary or sinister, just a calm narration of events. When she woke up, Sadie found herself in tears.


    She stared nkly at the ceiling, the scene reying in her mind, feeling very conflicted. She now remembered what Tristan had said and felt that she really couldn''t achieve great things.


    She had too many concerns and couldn''tpletely let go. She couldn''t control her emotions or bravely pursue happiness. This was her struggle. She knew her shorings and hated her indecision but couldn''t change it right away. She could only passively choose.


    While she was lost in thought, there was a knock on the door, and the excited voices of the kids said, "Auntie, Auntie, wake up!"


    The three little girls always had endless energy, like little sparrows, always lively every day.


    The house was always bustling because of them.


    "Mary, Emma, Donna, don''t wake up my mommy. Come, I''ll take you downstairs for breakfast." Mia''s voice was both kind and stern. "Annika, when did Mommye backst night? Why didn''t you tell us?" Nathan''s voice had a hint ofziness.

 Chapter 1305 Mr. Henry Is Dying

    "We got back superte, and you guys were all knocked out, so we didn''t wanna wake you," Annika said with a grin. "Alright, let''s head downstairs and let Mommy catch some more Z''s." "Okay," the five kids chimed in together, trailing Annika downstairs. They were just too cute for words.


    Noah yawned as he shuffled down the stairs, clutching a half-read book he nned to finish in the carter.


    Today, Arya was in the kitchen. She popped out wearing an apron and greeted the kids with a big smile, "Breakfast is ready, sweethearts! I made your favorite today. Excited?" "Can you cook?" Mia asked, tilting her head curiously. "Or did Rodolfo help you out?"


    "Rodolfo''s been sneaking cooking lessons from Rebately. Bet he wanted to get good and then show Arya," Nathan said, seeing right through it.


    "Oh, Nathan, Mia, you two are such little troublemakers," Arya blushed and grumbled. "Don''t blow my cover."


    The kids burst into giggles.


    "It''s cool. Even if Rodolfo made breakfast, it''s still yours," Mary said, pouting cutely and smiling. "But we''re starving. When can we eat?"


    "I''ll bring it over right now," Arya said, hurrying to get breakfast, with Jessica and Aurora helping her out.


    Upstairs, Sadie was already up, washing up and getting dressed. She wanted to take the kids to visit Hubert ASAP.


    Meanwhile, Micah and Andrew had already made it to Hubert''s ce.


    Pa had breakfast ready and set up on the wooden table in the yard. A vase with freshly picked yellow wildflowers added a touch of rustic charm.


    As the car pulled up, Pa rushed to greet them, thinking it was Sadie. When she saw Micah, her smile faded, but she still greeted him politely, "Good morning, Mr. Clemens."


    Following Hubert''s orders, Micah had shown up at dawn. He nodded, "Morning."


    He''d actually spent the night at a nightclub until midnight, then took a quick shower and came over, looking even more worn out from the sleepless night.


    "Come on in," Pa said, weing Micah and Andrew inside.


    Rn and the others had kept watch all night but parked the car far away to avoid disturbing Hubert.


    "Mr. Henry is washing up and will be out soon. Let''s have breakfast together," Pa exined. She was setting up more tableware when a loud "thud" came from inside. Micah and Andrew rushed in immediately. "Mr. Henry!" Pa cried out, terrified, and hurried in after them.


    Percy was helping Hubert out of bed when Hubert''s legs gave out, causing him to fall and knock over nearby items. Percy struggled to support Hubert but found it tough.


    At that moment, a pair of strong hands reached over and helped Hubert into the wheelchair.


    "Mr. Clemens," Percy looked up and saw it was Micah.


    "You okay?" Micah knelt in front of Hubert, asking anxiously.


    "I''m fine, I''m fine," Hubert muttered. His voice was as faint as a mosquito''s buzz, and his eyes were weakly squinted, but he still struggled to lift his head to look at Micah. His dry lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say something but found it very difficult.


    "Mr. Henry, what do you want to say?" Pa quickly asked, leaning in with tears in her eyes. "Tell me, I''m listening. Okay, I get it. I''ll call Sadie right away."


    Then, Pa tearfully told Percy, "Tell Sadie toe quickly. Mr. Henry is dying."


    "Okay," Percy hurriedly looked for his phone.


    "I''ll do it," Micah said, gesturing to Andrew.

 Chapter 1306 The Last Meeting

    Andrew quickly stepped aside to call Sadie. He nced at Hubert, who looked so frail, and felt a wave of anxiety. Was this really theirst hope slipping away? Sadie was out in the yard with the kids and missed the call.


    Andrew then dialed Rodolfo. When Rodolfo heard Hubert was on the brink, he sprinted to the yard to find Sadie.


    Sadie was still ying with the kids, nning to leave once their breakfast settled. Hearing the news, she dropped the toy she was holding and barked, "Quick, get the car ready."


    "Yes!" Annika and Arya responded. They didn''t even bother changing the kids'' clothes. They grabbed the clothes, bundled the six kids into the car, and sped off.


    On the way, Sadie was filled with regret, ming herself, "I shouldn''t have dyed. We should''ve left earlier. No, I should''ve taken the kids to see Hubertst night. He was still so lively yesterday. How did he get so bad so fast..." Annika kept quiet, feeling deeply distressed seeing Sadie''s anxious face.


    The kids didn''t get what was happening but sensed something was off. Noah frowned and asked, "What''s wrong with Dr. Henry?"


    "Dr. Henry is sick, and he wants to see you," Sadieposed herself and exined to the kids. "Sweethearts, when you see Dr. Henryter, you need to be quiet and not too noisy, okay?"


    "Okay." The kids nodded, even though they didn''t fully understand.


    "Good!" Sadie hugged the kids, feeling very sad.


    Noah suddenly asked, "Annika, who called Rodolfo just now?"


    Rodolfo was driving, and Sadie and Annika were sitting with the kids in the extended Rolls-Royce.


    "It was Andrew," Annika replied.


    "So, are Dad and Andrew also with Dr. Henry?" Noah asked, his brows furrowing slightly, aplex look in his eyes.


    "Probably," Annika said, not thinking much of it. "They might have known you were going to see Dr. Henry today, so they went ahead to wait for you."


    "When you went to see Dr. Henryst night, you went with Dad, right?" Noah asked again.


    "Yes, we went together," Annika nodded.


    "Did you leave together as well?" Noah asked again.


    "Mr. Clemens left first," Annika sensed Noah had something on his mind and asked, "Noah, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing," Noah shook his head, looking a bit downcast.


    "Oh," Annika didn''t take it to heart.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was still exining the rules to Mia, Nathan, and the three little girls. They were active and lively, and she was worried they might disturb Hubert. So, Sadie didn''t notice what Noah had said.


    The car was speeding down the highway.


    At the same time, Andrew had called in Dahlia and several other professional medical teams to check on Hubert and perform emergency treatment.


    But Hubert weakly waved his hand and moved his lips.


    Percy choked up, "Mr. Henry said there''s no need. Thank you, everyone."


    Dahlia looked uneasily at Micah.


    "Wait outside," Micah instructed.


    "Yes," Dahlia answered. She had no choice but to lead the medical team out of the yard and wait with Rn.


    Huberty in bed, looking at the door, waiting for Sadie to bring the kids to see him onest time.


    "The sun is shining nicely outside. How about we go out and get some sun?" Micah gently suggested, "They should be here soon." Hubert weakly nodded.


    Percy and Pa prepared to help him into the wheelchair, but Micah directly picked up Hubert and instructed, "Bring the wheelchair out." "Okay," Percy said.

 Chapter 1307 Maybe Theres Hope

    The winter sun had this knack for making everything feel a bit warmer, even in the cold.


    Percy added another cushion to the wheelchair while Micah gently ced Hubert on it, tucking a nket around him with care. "Percy, can you start the fire?" Micah asked, his voice calm but with a hint of urgency. Micah knew that people close to death had a special fear of the cold. Hubert needed warmth more than ever.


    Micah wrapped Hubert tightly in the nket and asked Pa to get a bowl of hot soup for him.


    Hubert soaked up the sun, warmed by the fire, and slowly regained some energy after sipping the soup. He squinted at Micah and managed to say, "Thank you!"


    "You deserve it. You saved Sadie and Mia," Micah replied softly, pulling out his handkerchief to wipe the stains from Hubert''s mouth.


    Back then, he hadn''t even taken care of Raymond like this because he didn''t have the chance. Now that he did, he wanted to repay a bit of the kindness.


    "I''m sorry," Hubert mumbled, looking at Micah with guilt in his eyes. He could barely speak, but he was still worried about Micah''s illness.


    Hubert had spent his life treating and saving many people, doing countless good deeds. Before he got sick, he had cured Sadie and Mia, repaying Edmond''s kindness from years ago. In that sense, he should have no regrets. But thinking of Micah, Hubert still felt guilty. Maybe it was because he was too old and not as energetic as before, so he had overlooked Micah''s condition back then. Now wanting to treat Micah, he found he had no time left. Hubert had nned to write out the treatment n before he died so that even if he was gone, Percy and Pa could continue treating Micah. But before he could finish writing the n, he waspletely incapacitated. "Life and death are in the hands of fate," Micahforted, holding Hubert''s hand. "Don''t worry about me."


    Hubert shakily pointed to his chest, and Percy understood, immediately taking out a piece of paper from inside his clothes.


    The paper was crumpled and had some words Percy couldn''t understand, along with some strange drawings. The words and drawings were probably unfinished, with onlymas and no periods, and the drawings were only half done. Hubert pointed at Micah. Percy immediately handed the paper to Micah with both hands, saying solemnly, "Mr. Henry told mest night when he was feeling better that if we could find that person, he might understand and follow the n on this paper to cure you."


    "Who is that person?" Andrew quickly asked.


    "His name is Riley," Percy said cautiously. "He was Mr. Henry''s first apprentice, studying under him for twenty years, with exceptional talent."


    At this point, Percy felt a bit ashamed. He had also studied under Hubert for many years but had only learned some superficial knowledge. Hubert said he wasn''t very gifted and had advised him to give up several times, but he couldn''t bear to leave.


    After all, Percy was an orphan with nowhere to go. It was Hubert who adopted him from the orphanage, and he thought he should at least take care of Hubert until his death before leaving.


    "So Riley was Hubert''s student," Andrew said, shocked. The legendary Riley was very mysterious, not only skilled in medicine but also seemingly possessing great abilities. Mentioning Riley, Hubert let out a long sigh.


    "Keep it safe," Percy cautioned seriously as he handed the will to Micah.


    Micah took it, carefully folded it, and put it in his pocket, then said to Hubert, "Thank you!"


    Hubert squinted his eyes, looking into the distance, still waiting for Sadie''s arrival.


    Micah asked Andrew to call and urge her, and at that moment, the sound of a car came from outside. Andrew hurried to greet it.

 Chapter 1308 What Happens After Death

    Sadie jumped out of the car, ignoring the kids, and dashed straight into the yard.


    Seeing Hubert looking so frail, tears filled her eyes. She ran over, squatted down in front of him, grabbed his hand, and choked out, "Hubert, I''m here, I''m here." Hubert''s lips curled up a bit. His weak hand gripped Sadie''s tightly, like he wanted to say something but just couldn''t.


    Right then, the kids got out of the car and ran in. When they saw Hubert, they started crying, "Dr. Henry." But they remembered their promise to Sadie not to disturb him. So, even though they were crying, they bit their lips, their eyes red, trying not to cry too loudly.


    "Kids," Hubert murmured, reaching out to them.


    Annika and Arya quickly guided the kids over. The six of them surrounded Hubert, gently calling, "Dr. Henry, Dr. Henry."


    Mary sobbed, "Dr. Henry, you gotta get better soon and buy me candy."


    Mia choked up, "Dr. Henry, you said you''d teach me medicine. You can''t break your promise."


    Nathan cried quietly, "Dr. Henry, you said you''d take me to the mountains to catch little animals. Did you forget?"


    Noah said, trembling, "Dr. Henry, weren''t you gonna see my little invention? I brought it."


    Emma and Donna whimpered softly, "Dr. Henry, you''re a liar. You said you''d help us find Daddy. You don''t keep your promises..."


    The kids cried sadly but tried hard to hold back, not wanting to disturb Hubert.


    Sadie had promised not to cry, but she couldn''t hold back her tears.


    Hubert held their little hands, squinting at their cute faces, and slowly closed his eyes.


    Sadie cried out, "Hubert, Hubert!"


    The kids called out, "Dr. Henry!"


    Percy and Pa cried out, "Mr. Henry!"


    The yard was filled with cries, and the men in ck outside all bowed their heads in silent mourning.


    Micah stood to the side, quietly watching them, his emotions all over the ce. Hubert lived to be 99; it was his fate. And he had to ept it.


    He didn''t think he could find Riley anytime soon. Even if he did, Riley was Tristan''s friend and, naturally, his enemy. How could he expect Riley to save him?


    So, thisst glimmer of hope wasn''t really hope at all.


    Andrew watched Hubert die with his own eyes and couldn''t help but let out a long sigh.


    He had also thought about the things Micah considered. He had held onto a sliver of hope, thinking Hubert could at least write out a treatment n before he passed, but he hadn''t finished it. Andrew now felt very sad. They had been searching for Riley for half a year with no news. Even if they found him, it would be hard to persuade Riley to treat Micah. But even if the hope was slim, they couldn''t give up.


    The breakfast on the table had gone cold, and a bunch of yellow wildflowers swayed in the wind, giving off a faint fragrance.


    The sunlight was beautiful, shining on Hubert''s kind face, making him look exceptionally peaceful and serene.


    Sadie seemed to see his soul bathed in a golden light, slowly rising to the sky with the sunlight. After all, kind people should go to heaven. Maybe, in another world, he would meet Edmond. They could still raise their sses and chat about trivial matters like they used to.


    In the afternoon, Sadie started handling Hubert''s funeral arrangements, following his wishes to transport his body back to Avalis.


    Micah stayed with her the whole time, sending Hubert off on his final journey.


    The kids also went along, mourning Hubert on the mountain.


    Three dayster, everything was settled.


    Sadie wanted to take Pa and Percy with her, but they wanted to stay on the mountain with Hubert''s tombstone, saying they would contact her in three months. Sadie didn''t force them. After making sure they were settled, she took the kids and boarded a ne back to Biston.

 Chapter 1309 Changing Strategy

    Sadie leaned back in her seat, staring nkly out the window.


    On the private jet, the kids were all knocked out. They''d been running on fumes for the past three days, and now their eyes were puffy from theck of sleep. So, the second they got on the jet, they were out like a light. Micah walked over, plopped down next to her, and handed her a cup of tea.


    "Thanks," Sadie mumbled, taking the cup and feeling the warmth seep into her hands.


    "Move back to Hillside Vi," Micah said out of nowhere. "It''ll be easier for the kids. Biston''s too far."


    "I..." Sadie started, but Micah cut her off. "I know what you''re thinking. You want to keep your distance from me, stay away. I get it. I promise I won''t bother you. I won''t even reach out to you. Does that make you feel better?" Sadie''s first thought was that he must''ve decided to date Olivia. But she kept that to herself, reminding herself that it was none of her business anymore. Whoever he wanted to date was his problem, not hers.


    "Think about it," Micah said, getting up and heading back to his seat.


    Sadie was still lost in thought when Noah came over and softly asked, "Mommy, can I talk to you?"


    "What''s up, Noah?" Sadie smiled gently, patting the seat next to her.


    Noah sat down and got straight to the point. "I hope you can move back to Hillside Vi. That way, Nathan, Mia, and I can see you every day and y with Mary, Emma, and Donna. Biston''s too far. It''s a hassle to visit you. Plus, Nathan and Mia have missed a lot of school. sses start next week, and we have extracurricrs on weekends. We might not have time to visit you. Don''t you miss us?"


    "Of course, I miss you," Sadie said, touching his little head, feeling a pang of guilt. "These days, because of my issues, you''ve all been so tired. I''m really sorry."


    "So, will you move back to Hillside Vi?" Noah asked, looking at her with hopeful eyes.


    "Mommy, Mommy," Nathan and Mia ran over, grabbing Sadie''s hands and pleading, "Please move back. We want to see you every day, and also Mary, Emma, and Donna." "Yes, please," Noah added.


    Unable to resist their pleas, Sadie finally nodded. "Alright, Mommy will move back!"


    "Yay, awesome!" The kids cheered excitedly.


    "Shh," Sadie quickly reminded them, "Mary, Emma, and Donna are asleep. Keep it down."


    "Okay, okay," Nathan and Mia nodded, covering their little mouths, trying not to make any more noise.


    "Go rest," Sadie said gently, touching their little heads. "I''ll sort things out and then move back to Hillside Vi."


    "Okay." The kids answered and left, satisfied. Nathan exchanged a nce with Micah.


    Sadie noticed and shot Micah an angry look. "Come here!"


    Micah obediently sat next to her. "What do you need?"


    "Did you put them up to this?" Sadie asked, frowning.


    "Unjust usation," Micah replied innocently. "They miss you and kept bugging me. I just told them that you listen to them more, so they should talk to you themselves." "Do you mean what you said earlier?" Sadie pressed.


    "What did I say?" Micah asked, then seemed to remember. "Oh, that. Don''t worry, I won''t bother you. If you don''t reach out to me, I won''t reach out to you." "You better keep your word," Sadie said, still uneasy.


    "Do you think you''re the only woman in the world?" Micah sneered sarcastically. "If you ignore me, do you think I''ll cling to you? I''m not that desperate."

 Chapter 1310 Peaceful Coexistence Agreement

    He sounded pretty ticked off, and Sadie could feel Micah''s determination. It looked like she didn''t need to worry anymore; he was dead set on staying away from her, all for the kids'' sake.


    This was exactly what she wanted, but now she felt a bit lost. Still, she kept up her proud front and said calmly, "It''s great you think that way. From now on, we''ll just be regr neighbors. Let''s not mess with each other''s lives!" "Is this a peace treaty?" Micah extended his hand to her, "Happy cooperation!" Sadie rolled her eyes but still shook his hand.


    Behind them, Andrew and Annika saw this and couldn''t help but smile at each other. From then on, Half Mountain Vi and Hillside Vi would get back to their old lively selves!


    Rodolfo and Arya were also secretly pleased; it would finally be easier for them to meet up in the future.


    After getting back to Newark, Sadie had Annika and Arya start prepping for the move while she headed to Biston to see Jonathan.


    The factory Sadie had invested in before was now doing great under Jonathan and a few rtives'' management.


    Over the past two years, they had expanded to three more factories and were now nning to rent an office building in the city to set up apany, gradually building the brand and expanding its influence.


    Jonathan was thrilled to hear Sadie was back. He quickly informed the other two shareholders and brought the ount books to meet Sadie, reporting the gains and achievements of the past two years.


    Even though Sadie was the major shareholder and had put in a lot of money, she hadn''t managed anything in the past two years. Seeing that her initial investment had not only been recouped but had also multiplied several times, she felt really gratified. She also thanked Jonathan and the two rtives for their hard work.


    After chatting, Sadie suggested, "I took a look, and the factory is doing really well. It can definitely keep expanding. I''ll invest another $100 million; you just focus on growing and strengthening the business. You handle the products, and as for brand expansion, I''ll help out behind the scenes. But don''t let anyone know I''m the major shareholder."


    Jonathan and the two rtives were stunned. Even though their business was doing well, it was still small-scale. Their total initial investment was just over $10 million.


    Now that the business was improving, they had thought about finding investors to expand, but they didn''t dare bother Sadie. They hadn''t expected Sadie to take the initiative to invest and directly offer $100 million.


    They were all shocked. Jonathan stammered, "Sadie, where did you get so much money?"


    Then he quickly pulled Sadie aside and whispered, "I heard the James Group is having problems, and you returned your shares. Even if you have some money on hand, you should save it for living expenses. The investment is risky. We can handle small businesses, but scaling up is a different story."


    "Yeah, yeah," one rtive echoed, "We really don''t dare to take on such a big investment."


    Another rtive chimed in, "True, the three of us were all under Edmond before. We can handle products, but building a brand and apany is beyond us."


    "Don''t worry, leave these matters to me," Sadie said confidently. "Just do as I say. Jonathan, give me thepany ount, and I''ll transfer the moneyter."


    "Sadie..." Jonathan still wanted to persuade her, but Sadie interrupted determinedly, "Don''t worry, I''ll bear all the risks. If we profit, we share it; if we lose, it''s on me." "How can that be?" They eximed anxiously.


    "If you''re confident in expanding, we''ll follow your lead," Jonathan mustered the courage and made up his mind. He dered, "But whether we profit or lose, we''ll share the responsibility!"

 Chapter 1311 Focus on Career

    "Exactly!" the two rtives chimed in. "You''re the big boss here, so you get to call the shots. We''ll back you up, but we all gotta share the risks; otherwise, we won''t feel safe." "Alright then!" Sadie grinned. "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure we rake in the cash!"


    "We trust you, Ms. Roth!" the three of themughed. They still called her Ms. Roth out of habit, thanks to Edmond.


    "That''s the spirit! Keep it up!" Sadie said, shaking their hands as she said goodbye.


    Jonathan walked her out, chatting about what had gone down over the past six months. When he brought up Serena, he got a bit choked up.


    Serena had been stuck in a hospital bed for half a year with no signs of getting better. Whenever Jonathan had business in Newark, he''d drop by to see her. Thankfully, Jonny was there every day, looking after her. Sadie felt a pang of sadness hearing this. Serena had been like a sister to her, but to save Jonny, she was forced by Amelia to betray Sadie and kidnap Mia, causing Mia a lot of pain.


    But in a crucial moment, Serena had risked her life to protect Mia and got seriously hurt by Amelia. She survived but ended up in aa.


    Before Sadie left for Country E, she bought a house for Jonny and Serena and left them some money. She also asked Dahlia to help with Serena''s treatment.


    A few days ago, Sadie went to the nightclub, not just to reminisce but also to find Jonny and check on Serena. She didn''t expect Jonny to be away and ended up bumping into Micah and Olivia, which made her leave early. Jonathan hesitated before spilling the beans. "Sadie, I heard Jonny''s scraping together money to take Serena abroad for treatment. I told him to talk to you, but he didn''t want to bother you. I figured you should know, so..." "I get it." Sadie nodded. "I''ll handle it, thanks."


    "No problem." Jonathan sighed. "You''ve lost weight and don''t look as good asst time. Take care of yourself."


    "Will do." Sadie smiled faintly. "I''m fine, don''t worry. Gotta go now. See you next time."


    "Alright, if you need anything, just holler!" Jonathan said.


    After leaving the factory, Sadie called Dahlia to check on Serena.


    Dahlia said Serena hadn''t shown any improvement. It had only been a bit over two months, and without a miracle, it was tough to see any change.


    Jonny, being super worried, was looking everywhere for treatment options. He found out about a hospital in Country F with some sess stories and wanted to take Serena there.


    Dahlia had already told him those cases were rare, but he still wanted to give it a shot.


    After hearing this, Sadie asked Dahlia to contact the hospital and get the details. If there was any hope, she''d make the arrangements.


    Dahlia said she had already looked into it, but the hospital needed to see the patient and do clinical exams to make a call.


    Sadie replied, "Then get the doctors over here for an exam. I''ll cover the costs." "This..." Dahlia hesitated, "I mentioned it before, but that doctor is tough to get." "Give me his info. I''ll reach out myself," Sadie said, not wanting to burden Dahlia. "No need for you to do that. I''ll try again," Dahlia said. "I''ll let you know tomorrow." "Thanks!" Sadie said.


    After hanging up, Sadie sighed, "It''s such a hassle not having anyone around. Dahlia''s from the Clemens family, and I keep bothering her, which is pretty inconvenient."

 Chapter 1312 Invite Him Up

    "Just think of it as a personal favor we''re asking her for. We can always give her some perkster, right?" Annika said.


    "Dahlia owns a bunch of private hospitals and is the Clemens family''s doctor. She doesn''t need money," Sadie thought for a moment and then said, "I know her. If she could do it, she would''ve done it already without me asking. I''m afraid that doctor is really hard to get. You go check it out, and we''ll handle it ourselves."


    "Got it." Annika replied and immediately had someone look into it.


    "Ms. James, where to now?" Jessica, the driver, asked.


    "Let''s head home first." Sadie nced at her watch; it was already past four in the afternoon. She asked, "How''s the move going?"


    "Arya and Aurora have already taken the kids back to Newark. Everything from the vi has been moved except for the nts and goldfish," Jessica replied.


    "Let''s go take a look." Sadie said. She wanted to go back and grab the photos that held so many beautiful memories for her. "Sure," Jessica answered.


    Returning to the white vi in Biston, the empty house felt a bit lonely. It was a cloudy day with no sun, but the trees at the entrance were still beautiful. Leaves had fallen all over the ground, with somending in the small fish pond, where the fish were yfully swimming around.


    "Arya sure was in a hurry," Annika joked as she got out of the car. "She probably rushed back to see Rodolfo, leaving so early with the kids without waiting for us."


    "Those two are doing well," Jessicaughed.


    "Find something to take these goldfish with us," Sadie instructed. She didn''t want the goldfish to be left behind and die miserably after she moved out.


    "On it." Jessica answered and went to find a fish tank.


    Annika was also checking to see if anything had been forgotten and asked, "Ms. James, should we take these nts?"


    "No need for the nts. Leave them," Sadie said. She walked into the house and found that the photos were already gone. Arya probably knew how precious those photos were to her and had taken them early on.


    She checked each room and, finding nothing left behind, took Annika and Jessica back to Newark.


    Jessica found arge fish tank and packed up the goldfish, preparing to take them to Hillside Vi.


    As the sun set, the Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly headed home. The trees along the road swayed gracefully as if bidding them farewell.


    Sadie looked at the street scenes outside, silently making ns. In the days toe, she would rise again and create a career of her own. No matter what the future held, she could protect her children and have the confidence to start anew. But first, she needed to handle the sportsplex project.


    In the Clemens Group president''s office, Micah was reviewing a pile of documents when Andrew came in to report cautiously. "Mr. Clemens, Craig has called three times today, urging you to deal with the sportsplex project!" Micah didn''t even lift his eyelids and continued signing.


    Andrew didn''t dare say more and stood silently to the side. At that moment, Chloe hurried in to report, "Mr. Clemens, there''s an important guest here."


    "Is this your first day?" Micah said coldly. "No appointment, no meeting."


    "It''s the Duke Louis from Country C," Chloe said timidly. "He''s already waiting in thepany lobby. The receptionist directly contacted the president''s office, so I..."


    "Craig?" Micah frowned. Everyone used to say that Joe''s family was frank and friendly, but now it seemed that was all an act.


    Chloe asked cautiously, "Should I let hime up?" "Invite him up," Micah gestured and continued signing.


    "Yes." Chloe answered and immediately went to get him.


    "Should I go down?" Andrew asked cautiously as he observed Micah''s expression. ording to etiquette, since Craig hade to thepany personally, even if Micah didn''t go, he should at least go to greet him.

 Chapter 1313 A Gift

    Micah scribbled his signature on the document and casually said, "You go ahead."


    "Yes, sir," Andrew replied, hurrying off to greet the guests.


    Just then, Rn came over, all excited. "Arya got to the Hillside Vi first with the three little girls and has been busy. Ms. James is on her way."


    "Got it." Micah''s face softened, and his tone turned gentle. "The kids mentionedst night they want to stay there tonight. Have Rodolfo take them over."


    "Already on it," Rn said, noticing Micah''s happy expression. "Thinking about heading back early tonight to be with Ms. James?"


    "No need," Micah''s face turned serious again. "We agreed not to bother her unless she reaches out."


    "Go check it out," Micah instructed. "The house has been empty for months. Who knows what might''ve gotten in-snakes, bugs, maybe even some wild animals. Take some folks to help out and see if they need anything."


    "On it," Rn said, heading off to handle it.


    Meanwhile, Andrew was leading Craig and his crew. From a distance, Craig called out warmly, "Micah, you''re a hard man to get a hold of!"


    "Duke Louis, you should''ve given me a heads-up beforeing to Newark. I would''ve picked you up at the airport," Micah said, putting down his pen and standing up to greet him. "Dropping by thepany is a nice surprise!" Craigughed. "I came on a whim to see you. Sorry for the sudden visit."


    "We''re friends; no need for formalities," Micah said, inviting him to sit. Chloe and two other secretaries were busy prepping coffee and snacks.


    Andrew and Craig''s attendants stood behind their bosses.


    "Micah,st time in Sunvale, I didn''t get to host you properly. This time, I brought some goodies for you," Craig said, signaling his attendants. They brought out two fancy silver cases, ced them on the coffee table, and carefully opened them. Inside was a stunning set of jewelry, clearly antique and very valuable.


    "This is a relic from a royal family member, my wife''s family heirloom. She never wore it and specifically asked me to bring it to you as an apology," Craig exined.


    He added, "This jewelry was auctioned for a hundred million dors twenty years ago. It''s even more valuable now. Plus, there''s a legend that whoever wears it will have a wonderful love life!"


    "A hundred million dors is still a lot today," Micah said, ncing at the jewelry. "I''m a guy; this isn''t really my thing. Seems like a waste to give it to me."


    "You can give it to your future wife," Craig suggested with a smile. "Or pass it down to your daughter. They''ll love it!"


    "Fair point," Micah nodded. "Thanks a lot!"


    "We''re friends; no need for thanks," Craig said, thrilled that Micah epted the gift. "Now, the reason I came this time..."


    Just then, Chloe brought in the coffee and snacks, making Craig pause.


    "The coffee here might not be as good as yours," Micah said politely. "Give it a try. If it''s not up to par, I''ll treat you to some wine." "Micah, you always know how to joke," Craig smiled, taking a sip of the coffee and ncing around.


    Micah got the hint and gestured for Chloe to lead the secretaries out.

 Chapter 1314 Cunning

    "Micah, I''m here to talk about the gym project," Craig finally got to the point. "I assume you''ve gone through the documents. The other shareholders are cool with it; we just need your signature." "The other shareholders are cool with it?" Micah raised an eyebrow. "They''re waiting on me, aren''t they?"


    Micah knew the drill. Without his green light, the other shareholders wouldn''t dare to say a word. When they said they had no objections, they really meant they''d follow his lead.


    "Of course," Craig replied with a forced smile. "In the end, it''s your call."


    "Alright, guess I''ll be the bad guy," Micah said, taking a sip of his coffee.


    Craig didn''t expect Micah to be so blunt. He was annoyed but kept his cool. "Micah, you''re a big deal in the business world. Everything depends on you; no one questions you. There''s no such thing as being the bad guy."


    "How is there not? If I sign, I''ll piss off Sadie," Micah said even more directly. "Others don''t matter, but I can''t afford to piss her off!"


    Craig''s brows furrowed in disbelief. "Didn''t you break up with her ages ago? After everything she did to you, you still..." He paused, then softened his tone. "The Clemens and James families are at odds. Besides, you two are done. Why are you so scared of her? I don''t get it."


    "I can''t help it," Micah shrugged. "Sadie is the mother of my kids. They listen to her. If she gets upset and throws a fit in front of them, I''ll be in trouble." Craig was speechless. He knew Micah was making excuses, but they were so good he couldn''t argue.


    "So,ing to me won''t fix it," Micah said, pushing the jewelry box toward him. "If you really want her out of this project, go talk to her yourself." "How can I...?" Craig hesitated.


    "Suddenly, I remembered I have an appointment," Micah said, looking troubled. "Why don''t we go together?"


    "No need," Craig said, his face stern as he got up to leave.


    "Hey! Duke Louis," Micah called out, pointing to the silver box. "Take this back. Joe''s wife might find it useful someday."


    This remark made Craig even angrier. His face turned red as he stormed out. His subordinates looked at the box, unsure whether to take it or leave it. Andrew closed the box and handed it to one of Craig''s attendants. He teased, "Take it; it''s pretty valuable."


    The two had no choice but to take it and hurriedly catch up with Craig.


    "Should I see them off?" Andrew asked.


    "Tell him thatst time in Sunvale, I identally damaged a few of his cars. I canpensate him," Micah said leisurely, swirling his wine ss. Andrew smiled but had no choice but toply. "Got it." Then he hurriedly chased after them.


    Chloe came in to tidy up and said softly, "Mr. Clemens, I heard that Joe is also in Newark."


    Micah was drinking and paused upon hearing this, his brows furrowing tightly. He thought, ''Joe, is he here to see Sadie?''


    He had indeed overlooked this. Craig was so cunning; it seemed he couldn''t handle it himself, and he wanted Joe to ask Sadie to back off.

 Chapter 1315 Helping in Secret

    Just then, a knock echoed through the room. Chloe nced at the video monitor and said, "Mr. Clemens, it''s Dr. Rey." "Let her in," Micah replied.


    Chloe quickly opened the door, and Dahlia walked in, a folder under her arm. "Mr. Clemens, I''ve been thinking, and I need your input on this," she said, pulling out a document. "This afternoon, Ms. James reached out to me about Serena." After hearing Dahlia out, Micah picked up the document and skimmed it. "Gabrie Perez is tough to get. Are you asking me to step in?"


    "I wouldn''t dare," Dahlia said with a wry smile. "Honestly, even if Dr. Perezes, there''s no guarantee she can cure Serena. But at least her visit would put Ms. James at ease."


    "Then invite her," Micah decided. "Give me Dr. Perez''s number, I''ll call her myself."


    Dahlia handed over her phone without hesitation. As Micah dialed, the scene shifted to a car speeding toward Hillside Vi.


    Sadie sat in the backseat, fuming as she clutched her phone. "This is so damn infuriating! I spent hours talking and offered a hefty sum, but Dr. Perez won''t budge."


    "These top doctors usually have strong personalities," Annika said with a smile. "She probably doesn''t know your true identity and thinks you''re a scammer, so she doesn''t trust you enough toe."


    "That''s possible," Sadie said, frowning. "Do I have to fly to Country F myself?"


    "If you leave, what about the kids?" Annika said urgently. "Even though you''re usually busy and Arya takes care of them, at least they can see you in the evenings. Knowing you''re home gives them a sense of security. If you leave, they''ll be uneasy."


    "That''s true." Sadie looked troubled. "Noah, Nathan, and Mia are fine because Micah is there, but those three little girls have neither their dad nor mom around, only me."


    "If you''re really worried, why not let Arya go?" Annika suggested.


    "Arya isn''t reliable for this," Sadie thought for a moment. "How about this? You take two people and go."


    "But if I''m not here, you won''t have anyone close by, and Arya is already busy enough with the kids..." Annika hesitated.


    "Stop talking nonsense," Sadie interrupted.


    "Alright." Annika was reluctant but had to obey. Just as she was about to make arrangements, Sadie''s phone rang. She nced at the screen and quickly answered, "Hello, Dahlia." "Ms. James, Dr. Perez has agreed toe to Newark," Dahlia said excitedly. "She''ll be on a flight in five days, and I''ll be there to meet her."


    "That''s great, thank you, Dahlia." Sadie was overjoyed. "You managed to do it; I couldn''t get Dr. Perez to agree no matter how hard I tried."


    "She is quite difficult to invite." As Dahlia spoke, she looked at Micah with aplicated expression. If it weren''t for him personally stepping in, Gabrie probably wouldn''t have agreed. "How did you manage to get her to agree?" Sadie asked curiously.


    "We have some connections, and we offered good terms, so she agreed." Dahlia spoke cautiously. Micah had just reminded her not to let Sadie know he had helped.


    "I''ll cover all the expenses," Sadie said immediately. "Thank you so much, Dahlia."


    "You''re wee. I''ll call Jonny now to save him from worrying about this every day," Dahlia said.


    "Alright, go ahead," Sadie said.


    Sadie was about to hang up when she suddenly heard a voice on the other end. "Mr. Clemens, this document..."


    Chloe''s words were cut off halfway by Micah''s gesture, which startled her into silence.

 Chapter 1316 Have You Ever Loved Me?

    Dahlia quickly hung up, her face pale with worry. "Do you think Ms. James heard anything?" she asked, her voice shaky.


    "Sorry, Mr. Clemens, I didn''t know Dr. Rey was on the phone," Chloe blurted out. "Ryan needed this document urgently, so I..."


    "Enough," Micah cut her off, grabbed the document, signed it, and handed it back. "Everyone out."


    "Yes, sir," Chloe and Dahlia mumbled together, backing out of the office. Silence filled the room again. Micah took a slow sip from his ss, lost in thought.


    Just then, Andrew barged in, looking smug. "I got rid of Duke Louis. Just mentioned the carpensation, and he stormed off."


    "Go check if Joe''s in Newark," Micah said quietly.


    "Huh?" Andrew was taken aback but quickly nodded. "I''ll check right away."


    Meanwhile, in the car, Sadie held her phone, her expressionplicated.


    She had overheard Chloe talking to Micah, so Dahlia was in the VIC Group president''s office.


    That meant Dahlia had gone to Micah to get Gabrie toe to Newark to treat Serena. This realization left her feeling both grateful and frustrated-another favor she owed him. As she was thinking, Annika slowed down the car, and Jessica eximed, "Is that Mr. Louis?"


    Sadie''s heart skipped a beat. She looked up and saw Joe''s white Bentley parked ahead.


    "Ms. James," Annika turned to look at Sadie.


    Sadie frowned and got out of the car.


    At the same time, the opposite car door opened. Joe got out. In just half a month, he had lost a lot of weight. His once lively ice-blue eyes now looked haunted. "Joe, you..." Sadie started, but he cut her off. "Let''s talk."


    "Okay," Sadie nodded and told Jessica, "You drive the goldfish back. Annika and I will get in Joe''s car."


    Jessica hesitated. "Ms. James, are you sure?"


    "Go ahead," Sadie insisted.


    With a worried nce at Annika, Jessica drove off. Sadie, with Annika by her side, climbed into Joe''s car, bracing herself for a tough conversation.


    The car was filled with uneasy silence. Sadie spoke first, "Joe, why are you back in Newark? You didn''t mention anything."


    "I came with my dad." Joe''s voice was low. He seemed different, no longer smiling, a bit gloomy.


    Annika''s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Duke Louis is here?" Sadie asked. "Is he here to pressure me to drop the gym project?"


    Joe turned to face Sadie, his expression heartbreakingly earnest. "Sadie, have you ever loved me? Even for a moment?"


    "I''ve always considered you a good friend," Sadie answered honestly. "I said that when we first got together."


    "I understand," Joe nodded, heartbroken.


    "Joe, what''s wrong?" Sadie asked, concerned. "Are you okay?"


    His response was raw and agonizing. "I''ve tried so hard to move on, but you''re all I can think about. I can''t sleep, I can''t eat. My heart feels like it''s being ripped apart."


    Guilt washed over Sadie. She had never meant to hurt him, but seeing the depth of his suffering made her feel responsible. If only she had been clearer from the start, maybe he wouldn''t be in so much pain.

 Chapter 1317 Enjoy the Present

    "Sadie." Joe grabbed her hand, his eyes all teary and desperate. "Even if you don''t love me, just stay with me. I need to see you every day. Please, just be with me." Sadie looked at him, his pleading eyes making her feel all twisted inside. She had hoped he''d move on with time, but clearly, his feelings were still as strong as ever. "Sadie,e back to me, I beg you," Joe''s voice cracked as he pulled her into a tight hug, almost suffocating her.


    She didn''t fight back, knowing it would only make things worse. As she stood there, a ck Rolls-Royce drove by, and through the tinted window, she locked eyes with Micah. His cold, angry stare sent chills down her spine. Instinctively, she pushed Joe away.


    By then, the cars had already passed each other.


    "Sadie." Joe tried to hug her again, but she frowned and said firmly, "Joe, if you keep this up, I''m getting out of the car."


    Joe''s hand froze mid-air, not wanting to push her further.


    Sadie rolled up the car window, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself. Micah must have seen everything. What would he think of her now? But she told herself it didn''t matter. Let him think what he wanted. "Sadie, what will it take for you toe back to me?" Joe''s voice was filled with sorrow. "I really can''t live without you."


    "Joe, you need to grow up," Sadie said gently but firmly. "No one can''t live without someone else. Not every love story has a happy ending. If we break up, it doesn''t mean we can''t be friends. You don''t have to be so obsessed." "I''ve tried," Joe said painfully, "But I can''t do it."


    "You can," Sadie tried tofort him. "You should go out more, make new friends, meet some great girls. That way, you won''t focus all your attention on me."


    "There''s no one better than you," Joe replied stubbornly. "I only love you."


    Sadie sighed, feeling at a loss for words. Silence filled the car, a heavy nket of unresolved emotions.


    Back in Micah''s car, Andrew nced nervously at him. "It must be Joe pestering Ms. James again," he said quickly, trying to defuse the tension. "He''s been harassing her, even found his way to Hillside Vi. She probably had no choice but to get in his car."


    "You''re very noisy," Micah said, his voice cold and detached, though Andrew could see the turmoil in his eyes.


    Andrew shut his mouth, worried. Keeping everything bottled up was not healthy.


    Just then, Andrew''s phone rang. It was a call from Olivia. He quickly answered, "Hello, Ms. Graham!"


    "I sent a text to Mr. Clemens, but he didn''t reply, so I called you." Olivia''s voice was very gentle, "I want to invite him to dinner, does he have time?"


    "Uh, well..." Andrew hesitated, looking at Micah.


    Micah directly took his phone and said to Olivia, "Send me the address."


    "Okay, I''ll send it right away." Olivia was very happy.


    After hanging up, Micah ordered, "To the restaurant."


    "Yes, sir," the driver responded, turning the car around.


    Andrew could sense Micah was doing this out of spite. But what could he do? He just hoped it would lighten Micah''s mood, even if only temporarily. His health was deteriorating, and continued stress would only make things worse. Sadie always seemed to bring out his anger, while Olivia brought a soothing presence. Maybe this wasn''t such a bad thing. Since there was no clear future in sight, perhaps it was best to simply enjoy the present.

 Chapter 1318 Strange Relationship

    Joe took Sadie to their old spot, that seaside restaurant where they had so many memories. The ce was still as charming as ever, with twinkling lights reflecting off the water, but Sadie couldn''t enjoy it. She felt nothing but deep exhaustion. Sitting across from Joe, she struggled to find the right words. How much longer could she keep trying to mend his heart?


    Joe, desperate, reached across the table, his eyes pleading. "Sadie, are you still upset about Barbara? My mom sent her away. She''s out of our lives, I swear."


    "It''s not about that," Sadie said, tired. "Whether Barbara''s around or not, we can''t be together."


    "Why?" Joe looked at her, shocked. "Is it because of Micah?"


    "It''s not about him either," Sadie said, guilt in her eyes. "Joe, it''s my fault you''re like this. I should''ve just said no from the start and kept us as friends. Maybe you''d be happy by now."


    But Joe wasn''t ready to hear it. "My happiness is you, Sadie. No one else."


    "Joe..." Sadie started, but a voice outside interrupted, grabbing their attention.


    "Mr. Clemens, what a surprise to see you here," the manager said.


    "Ms. Graham!" he addressed the woman beside Micah. "Is everything I asked you to prepare ready?" Olivia asked.


    "Yes, but..." The manager nced ufortably at the table by the window. "Those patrons are also VIPs; we didn''t refuse them."


    Following the manager''s gaze, Olivia and Micah spotted Sadie and Joe. All four of them stared, shocked by the unexpected encounter.


    Joe''s grip on his knife and fork tightened until his knuckles turned white, his ice-blue eyes burning with anger as he saw Micah.


    Sadie''s heart clenched seeing Micah with Olivia. If theirst encounter had been nned, this felt like a cruel twist of fate. She and Joe hade here on a whim, but Olivia and Micah''s presence hinted at something nned. They were on a date, after all.


    Trying to hide her turmoil, she looked away, tightening her grip on her wine ss.


    Micah''s expression darkened seeing Sadie with Joe. Anger red within him.


    "It''s okay; they''re friends," Olivia said to the manager, then greeted Sadie, "Ms. James, what a coincidence!"


    The two of them walked toward Sadie, with Micah casually wrapping his arm around Olivia''s waist, a very intimate gesture that even surprised Olivia.


    Sadie forced a smile and stood to shake Olivia''s hand. Seeing Micah''s arm around Olivia stung, but she hid her pain.


    Joe, initially fuming, now looked lost. He nced between Olivia and Micah, confusion all over his face.


    "Joe, remember me?" Olivia asked with a smile.


    Joe shook his head slightly. "And you are?"


    "Olivia Graham. We''ve met at events, but maybe you don''t recall," she said cheerfully. "Quite the coincidence running into you here!" "Right," Joe nodded, still reeling. "You two..."


    "We''re here for dinner, too," Olivia said with a smile. "We won''t disturb you."


    "Okay," Joe nodded politely.


    Then, Olivia led Micah to a nearby table.


    Throughout the entire time, Micah didn''t say a word, just silently apanying Olivia, looking very cold.

 Chapter 1319 Cleanse Your Heart

    "Wh-what''s happening?" Joe whispered to Sadie, ncing nervously at the nearby table. "Why is Micah with Olivia? They..."


    He trailed off, noticing the look in Sadie''s eyes. Despite herposed demeanor in front of Micah and Olivia, the sense of loss was now written all over her face.


    Sadie was mechanically cutting her steak, almost shredding it, but she hadn''t taken a single bite. Joe''s brow furrowed deeply; he always paid close attention to the subtle shifts in her mood. He could read her like a book, which only made it harder to deceive himself about her true feelings.


    However, seeing that Micah already had Olivia by his side, Joe was still quite happy, as it meant he still had a chance.


    "Sadie, have mine," he said gently, swapping his neatly cut steak with her shredded one. "Your stomach isn''t good; you need to eat well. Start with some soup."


    "Thanks," Sadie responded absentmindedly.


    At the nearby table, Micah saw everything, a fire of anger burning in his heart.


    "Joe is really considerate towards Ms. James," Olivia said softly.


    Micah didn''t respond and continued sipping his wine.


    "You should drink less," Olivia gently reminded him. "Have some tea instead."


    With that, Olivia asked the restaurant manager to prepare a tea set.


    Micah didn''t refuse; he just quietly watched her, as if admiring her actions. Seeing Micah''s gentle demeanor, Sadie felt even more furious inside.


    "Ah!" Olivia suddenly eximed, spilling water on her hand.


    "What happened?" Micah stood up, grabbing her hand to inspect the damage. "Let me see." Sadie couldn''t bear any more of this scene. She put down her utensils and rose from the table.


    "Sadie, where are you going?" Joe asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    "Restroom," she replied curtly. Even though she desperately wanted to leave, doing so would only make her appear petty and vulnerable. She had been the one to insist on breaking up with Micah and maintaining distance. Now that he seemed happy with Olivia, she should be pleased for him, not miserable.


    When Sadie came out of the restroom, she found Olivia at the sink, running cold water over her scalded hand. Seeing Sadiee out, Olivia smiled at her through the mirror.


    Sadie also lifted the corners of her mouth, showing a polite smile as she washed her hands beside her.


    The two stood side by side, seemingly harmonious, but both hadplex thoughts swirling in their minds.


    "How is it? Are you okay?" A familiar, gentle voice filled the air as Micah entered. Both women looked up simultaneously.


    Micah didn''t even nce at Sadie; his concern was solely for Olivia. "I''m fine," Olivia assured him with a smile.


    Micah walked over, holding her hand and examining it carefully. He said, "It''s not serious, but you should still apply some ointment to avoid scarring."


    "Okay, I''ll put some on tonight," Olivia said gently.


    "I''ve called Dahlia over," Micah said seriously. "You should apply the ointment now."


    "Huh?" Olivia was ttered. "It''s just a minor injury. Why did you call Dr. Rey?"


    "Go on," Micah insisted, his touch firm but gentle on the back of her hand. "I''lle over in a bit."


    "Okay," Olivia said softly, giving Sadie a polite nod before leaving.


    Sadie kept her head down, scrubbing her hands with unnecessary vigor, as if trying to wash away more than just water. Her fingers were starting to turn red from the rough treatment. "You shouldn''t be scrubbing your hands so hard," Micah said, his voice suddenly cold and cutting through the silence. "You should be cleansing your heart."

 Chapter 1320 Accidental Injury

    "What do you mean?" Sadie shot him a cold re.


    "You went through all that trouble to ditch the Louis family, and now you want to go back?" Micah snapped, frustration dripping from his voice. "It''s only been two weeks, and you''ve already forgotten the hell you went through? What''s going on in that head of yours?"


    "You''re nuts," Sadie shot back, not in the mood to exin. "It''s none of your business."


    As she turned to leave, Micah grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the wall, his eyes zing with anger. "Sadie, if you weren''t the mother of my kids, I wouldn''t care if you lived or died. I''m begging you to wake up. The James Group is done for, and the Louis family won''t treat you any better. If you keep messing around with Joe, you''re only gonna hurt yourself."


    "Have you said enough? Let go of me." Sadie struggled, but Micah wouldn''t budge. As they tussled, an angry voice shouted, "Let her go!"


    Sadie looked up to see Joe standing nearby, ring at Micah with clenched fists.


    "What right do you have to interfere with us?" Micah, seeing Joe, got even more furious. "You two already broke off the engagement, and I was the one who got her out of your house." "She''s my fianc¨¦e. Let her go," Joe shouted back.


    Joe''s reaction only fueled Micah''s anger. Without thinking, Micah wrapped his arm around Sadie''s waist and taunted, "Your fianc¨¦e? She was mine from the start, and she still is." "You..." Joe was livid. He grabbed a knife from the table and lunged at Micah, shouting, "Die, Micah!"


    "Joe, no!" Sadie screamed.


    Micah''s eyes narrowed, ready to fight back, but before he could react, Sadie pushed him away and grabbed the knife with her hand. The room seemed to freeze.


    Micah''s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what he was seeing.


    Joe was stunned; he never expected Sadie to do something like that.


    Her hand gripped the knife tightly, the de slicing into her palm. Blood gushed out, staining her white shirt.


    "Sadie!" Joe was terrified, letting go, his whole body trembling. "Why, why did you..."


    "You''re crazy." Micah kicked Joe away and grabbed Sadie''s wrist to stop the bleeding, shouting, "Dahlia!"


    Dahlia rushed over, terrified at the sight, and quickly started to treat Sadie''s wound.


    "Oh my God, Ms. James!" Annika panicked, "How did this happen?"


    "I didn''t mean to, Sadie, I didn''t want to hurt you." Joe cried, "Why are you so foolish?"


    "Get out!" Micah roared.


    "Micah, it''s all your fault." Joe pointed at Micah, "If it weren''t for you, Sadie and I wouldn''t be like this."


    Micah was about to hit him, but Sadie held him back. Using her left hand to grab his clothes, she weakly said to Joe, "Joe, just go!"


    "Sadie..." Joe started.


    "Go!" Sadie shouted.


    A few attendants cautiously advised, "Mr. Louis, let''s go. Don''t make Ms. James angry."


    Joe got up, looking disheveled, and followed the attendants out.


    "The wound is deep; it needs stitches." Dahlia said urgently, "We need to get to the hospital now."


    "Get the car ready," Micah ordered.


    "Yes." Andrew responded, rushing to prepare the car.

 Chapter 1321 Nervousness

    Micah was about to carry Sadie to the car, but she pushed back, "I can get to the hospital on my own, no need to bother you."


    "Can you stop being so stubborn?" Micah growled, his teeth clenched.


    "You..." Sadie shot him a re.


    "Shut up," Micah cut her off, not giving her a chance to argue, and scooped her up, striding out.


    "Micah, put me down," Sadie demanded angrily, "Put me down."


    Micah ignored her and shoved her into the car. Just as he was about to get in, Andrew quietly reminded him, "Uh, Ms. Graham is still here."


    Only then did Micah remember Olivia. He turned to her and apologized, "Sorry, I need to get to the hospital first."


    "It''s okay, I get it," Olivia smiled kindly, "You should take Ms. James to the hospital. We can reschedule."


    "Alright," Micah responded, then told Andrew, "Arrange for someone to take Ms. Graham home."


    "Yes, sir," Andrew replied.


    The car headed toward the hospital, with Annika driving and Dahlia in the passenger seat. Sadie was in so much pain that her face turned pale and she was sweating, but she bit her lip and stayed silent. The knife was super sharp. If Sadie had used a bit more force, her right hand might have been severed.


    Seeing Sadie in this state made Micah furious. He scolded, "Are you stupid? Why would you grab the de with your hand? Do you think I can''t handle him? Even if he attacked, I could have taken him down. There was no need for you to do something so dumb."


    "Don''t overthink it. I wasn''t trying to protect you," Sadie retorted coldly, "I just didn''t want to see you two fighting. If I didn''t step in and either of you got hurt, it would have been a big mess."


    Micah''s jaw clenched in frustration, but he couldn''t bring himself to scold her further, considering how badly she was hurt.


    They soon arrived at the hospital. Dahlia immediately tended to Sadie''s wound, with Annika and Micah by her side the whole time. Andrew also showed up quickly with more people.


    They were busy until after 9 PM. Once the wound was treated, Dahlia prescribed some medication and told Annika to take good care of Sadie. She said she''de by in a few days to check the wound and change the dressing. Everything seemed settled, but Micah was still worried. He frowned. "What if the wound gets wet? What if it gets infected? Dahlia, take a few nurses and stay with her until she''s fully healed."


    "But I have an important surgery tomorrow," Dahlia hesitated, "And Dr. Perez ising in a few days."


    "Are you disobeying my orders?" Micah asked coldly.


    "No," Dahlia didn''t dare argue and said, "Alright, I''ll make the arrangements."


    "There''s no need," Sadie immediately objected, "It''s just a minor injury, no need to make such a fuss."


    "Sadie..." Dahlia looked at her guiltily.


    "Dahlia, thank you. You can go back to your work," Sadie said to Dahlia.


    Dahlia looked timidly at Micah, who finally gave a nod. "Dismissed," he ordered, and Dahlia left, albeit reluctantly.


    On the way back, Sadie leaned weakly against the car seat, resting with her eyes closed. Micah''s face was stern, and the atmosphere was tense. Andrew and Annika didn''t dare to speak.


    Suddenly, Sadie''s phone rang. She struggled to reach for the phone in her right pocket with her left hand. Micah, noticing her difficulty, frowned and reached over to pull it out for her. Seeing Noah''s name on the screen, he answered the call directly. "Noah!"


    "Dad?" Noah''s voice came through, filled with shock at hearing Micah''s voice. "Are you with Mom?"


    "Yes, your mom is right here," Micah put the phone on speaker.


    "Noah, what''s up?" Sadie quickly asked into the phone.

 Chapter 1322 Beauty Saves the Hero

    "Mommy, when are youing back?" Mia''s little voice piped up from the other end of the phone, followed by the three girls chiming in, "Auntie, Auntie,e back and tell us a bedtime story!" "Alright, I''ll be back soon. I''m on my way," Sadie reassured them softly. "You guys go take a bath first, and I''ll tell you a story when I get back."


    "Okay!" The three girls responded, all excited.


    "Mommy, are you with Daddy?" Nathan jumped in, "Will youe back together? Can you ask Daddy to bring my toys?" "We won''t..."


    "Of course we will," Micah interrupted without missing a beat. "We''ll be there in half an hour, and I''ll bring all your toys." "Okay, thanks, Daddy!" Nathan cheered.


    "And myputer, Dad," Noah added, "I left in a hurry this afternoon and forgot it."


    "Got it," Micah said, his voice softening. "You guys go take a bath first. We''ll be there soon."


    "Okay, bye Daddy," Nathan said.


    "Daddy, Mommy, we''ll wait for you," Mia added sweetly.


    "Alright," Sadie and Micah replied together.


    After hanging up, they both had warm smiles on their faces. They exchanged a quick nce, sharing a rare moment of connection before reality hit.


    "Who told you to promise them that? I didn''t agree for you toe to my house," Sadie said, her tone turning cold.


    "Then are you going to walk back?" Micah shot back.


    "I..." Sadie suddenly remembered she hadn''t driven; both she and Annika had taken Micah''s car.


    "What''s the big deal?" Sadie told Annika, "Call Arya and ask her to pick us up."


    "Yes." Annika started dialing Arya''s number.


    Micah frowned. "Is that necessary? It wastes time and affects the kids'' mood. Besides, your hand is injured; you can''t even hold a book, so how are you going to tell a bedtime story?" Sadie huffed but saw his point. Without further argument, Micah told Andrew, "Have someone bring over the things Noah and Nathan want."


    "Yes." Andrew nced at Annika and made the call.


    Sadie stayed quiet. For one night, making the kids happy was more important. Micah was doing this for them, and if they kept their distance, it wouldn''t be so bad.


    The car soon arrived at Hillside Vi, and the Clemens family''s bodyguards had already delivered the items Noah and Nathan wanted.


    Micah got out and reached out to help Sadie.


    Sadie refused him. He rolled his eyes and walked straight into the house.


    "Daddy!" Nathan and Mia were waiting in the hall. Seeing Micah and Sadie enter together, they ran over, their faces lighting up with joy.


    The two kids were thrilled, while Noah was more reserved, looking at Micah with aplicated expression.


    "Mommy!" Mia ran to Sadie but hesitated when she saw Micah moving protectively. He gently held Mia back and exined, "Mommy is injured. Tonight, I will tell you a bedtime story, so don''t bother Mommy." The three kids immediately gathered around, anxiously asking about Sadie''s condition. "Huh? What happened to Mommy?"


    "I''m fine, just a little hurt," Sadie quickly reassured them. "Don''t worry, it''s nothing."


    "Oh no, Mommy''s hand is hurt," Mia said, her eyes widening as she saw the gauze on Sadie''s hand.


    "Let me see," Noah and Nathan said, holding Sadie''s hand and examining it carefully. "How did this happen?"


    "Your mommy is very brave. Beauty saved the hero, so she got hurt," Micah said with a rare touch of humor.


    "Was that hero you, Daddy?" Nathan asked curiously, looking up.


    "Yes, it was me," Micah nodded.

 Chapter 1323 Protect Yourself

    "Daddy, you''re so mean," Mia pouted, clearly upset. "You''re the man, you''re supposed to protect Mommy. How can you let her protect you?" "Yeah, what she said," Nathan chimed in.


    "I wanted to protect her too, but before I could do anything, your mom jumped in herself," Micah said, shooting a look at Sadie. "You..." Sadie started, frustration bubbling up. She couldn''t believe he was twisting the story like this in front of the kids. "Mommy, don''t do that again. You need to take care of yourself," Noah said sensibly to Sadie. "If you get hurt, we''ll be sad."


    "Yeah," Mia said, holding Sadie''s hand and gently blowing on it. "Mommy, let me see your hand. It''s wrapped so tightly, it must hurt a lot." "It''s okay, it doesn''t hurt," Sadie said, feeling much better seeing the kids.


    "Mommy, who hurt you? I''ll go beat them up," Nathan said excitedly, waving his little fists. "That big meanie, I''ll teach them a lesson."


    "It''s okay, it''s already been dealt with," Sadie said, pinching his little cheek. "Alright, you all go back to your rooms now, it''ste."


    "Okay, back to your rooms. I''ll tell you a bedtime story," Micah coaxed the kids.


    "Daddy, so you''re not leaving tonight?" Nathan asked excitedly, holding Micah''s hand. "Are you staying here?"


    Noah and Mia also looked at Micah.


    "I''ll leave after telling you the story," Micah said, ruffling their little heads. "Go upstairs now."


    "Alright," the three kids said, a bit disappointed.


    "Auntie! Auntie!" At this moment, three little girls, holding their bottles and wearing diapers, came toddling out of a nearby room. Seeing Micah, they immediately stopped, staring at him warily. "Why is he here?" Mary asked, hiding her bottle behind her back as if Micah might take it away.


    "Maybe he''s here to see Noah, Nathan, and Mia," Emma whispered cautiously. "He''s their daddy."


    "Hmph!" Donna stepped forward, holding her bottle out like a weapon. "Big meanie, what are you doing here?"


    "Mary, Emma, Donna, don''t be rude to my daddy," Mia said seriously,ing around from behind Micah''s leg. "Daddy is here to tell us a bedtime story."


    "What?" The three kids'' eyes widened. "The big meanie is going to tell us a bedtime story? Really?"


    "Of course it''s true," Nathan said proudly. "My daddy tells the best stories."


    "Then, will he tell us too?" Mary asked, sniffling.


    "Can we listen too?" Emma asked, looking up at Micah with curiosity.


    "I, I want to listen too," Donna stammered, blushing and nervously clenching her little fists as she looked at Micah.


    "Alright, let''s do it together," Micah said, making a "please" gesture.


    "Yay!" The three little girls cheered, immediately running to join Mia, their bottles held tight as they followed the group up to the room.


    Downstairs, Sadie watched this scene, a faint smile appearing on her lips. Micah really knew how to take care of the kids. Even the three little girls could get along with him, which was quite rare.


    "Ms. James, let me help you back to your room," Annika said, supporting Sadie. "You didn''t eat well tonight. I''ll have the kitchen make you something."


    "No need, I''m not hungry," Sadie said, leaning tiredly on the sofa. "Just get me a ss of water and then go rest. You''ve been busy all day."


    "But you..." Annika hesitated.


    "I can manage," Sadie said, wanting some time alone.


    "Alright," Annika said, pouring a ss of water and cing it beside her before leaving.

 Chapter 1324 Declaring Dominance

    Sadie nced at her phone and let out a sigh. A dozen missed calls and a flood of messages from Joe. She didn''t even bother opening them; she knew the drill-apologies, heartfelt pleas, promises to change, and desperate hopes for getting back together. It was the same old cycle, and she felt stuck. No matter what she said, Joe never seemed to really listen.


    Her thoughts were cut off by a call from a number she didn''t recognize. The digits looked kinda familiar, so after a moment, she picked up. "Hello?"


    "Hello, Ms. James, this is Olivia." Olivia''s voice was always so gentle, like she never got mad or upset, always keeping her cool.


    Sadie felt a bit uneasy hearing the name but kept her tone polite. "Hey, what''s up?"


    "I just wanted to check on your injury," Olivia asked, sounding concerned. "There were a lot of people at the restaurant today, and I didn''t get a chance to say hi."


    "It''s nothing serious, just a minor thing," Sadie replied, keeping it polite. "Thanks for asking!"


    "d to hear that. Take care and get some rest." And with that, Olivia ended the call.


    Sadie couldn''t quite figure out the motive behind the call. Was it just being polite or something more calcted? Was Olivia subtly marking her territory in Micah''s life? Probably. The thought made Sadie uneasy and strengthened her resolve to keep her distance from Micah, who seemed to be Olivia''s territory now.


    Shoving aside her irritation, Sadie decided it was time to talk to Micah and ask him to leave early. She found him upstairs, deep into storytelling.


    "The little prince climbed the snowy mountain, searching for the legendary angel''s flower. If he found it, he could save his beloved princess. Even though it was freezing and there were wild beasts, he was brave because he knew his princess was waiting for him in the castle," Micah narrated, his deep voice filling the room.


    Six kids, sprawled out in various positions-lying down, leaning on the bed-listened intently to his story.


    As they listened, Mia felt something was off and asked, "Daddy, that''s not right. I''ve read this book. The little prince climbed to the moon, not a snowy mountain."


    "Yeah, the little prince was looking for a sapphire, not an angel''s flower," Mary added.


    "And the little prince didn''t have a princess," Nathan pouted.


    "Just listen to the story. Why do you have so many questions?" Noah cut in, "Dad''s version is more interesting."


    "Oh!" Nathan and Mia lowered their heads, not daring to say more.


    "Keep going," pleaded Mary, Emma, and Donna, their eyes wide with curiosity.


    "What did I just say? Hmm?" Micah furrowed his brows, pretending to be serious. "Oh!" Mary, Emma, and Donna exchanged nces and shouted together, "Uncle!"


    "That''s right, good!" Micah smiled, satisfied. "Alright, it''ste. Time to sleep!"


    "No, finish the story!" the three little girls chorused, their initial shyness around Micahpletely gone.


    "Yeah, Daddy, finish the story," Mia also pleaded, resting her chin on her hands. "I''ve never heard this version. I really want to know the ending."


    "Yeah, did the little prince find the flower?" Nathan asked.


    "I''ll tell you another day." Micah put down the book and turned off themp. "Alright, time to sleep!"

 Chapter 1325 Noticing His Problem

    "Alright," the kids mumbled, a bit bummed but they headed to bed without a fuss.


    Micah got up and headed for the door. Just a few steps in, he smacked into the table corner with a loud "bang," making a few kids jump.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay, the light''s just too dim," Andrew said, rushing over to help Micah.


    Sadie, standing by the doorway, found the whole scene weird. Micah had been trained since he was a kid, with top-notch physical skills and sharp instincts. Even in pitch ck, he could move around easily, let alone with a nightlight on. Bumping into a table? Totally out of character. Plus, his steps seemed unusually careful, and Andrew looked way too worried.


    "Dad," Noah called out,ing to find Micah but then spotting Sadie at the door. "Mom!"


    Andrew noticed Sadie standing there, his eyes showing a sh of panic, but he quickly put on a smile, "Ms. James, you''re here. Mr. Clemens sat on that tiny chair for too long, and his legs went numb."


    "Those kids'' chairs are pretty low," Sadie said, ncing at Micah''s legs like she didn''t care, "With his long legs, it must''ve been tough."


    "d you get it," Micah replied coolly.


    "Mommy, Daddy..."


    "Noah," Sadie gently cut in, "you and Nathan go back to your room and sleep. I''ll take your dad back."


    Noah hesitated but then changed his tone, "Dad told us stories for so long without even having a cup of tea. Mom, let him have a cup of tea before he leaves."


    "Noah, you''re so thoughtful." Micah''s lips curved into a pleased smile, "But it''ste, I should head back. You should get some rest."


    "Have a cup of tea before you go," Sadie quickly said, "Otherwise, Noah will think I''m mistreating you."


    "So polite?" Micah smirked, leaning closer, "Then, shall we have tea in your room?"


    "Sure," Sadie agreed without missing a beat, "Aurora, prepare some tea."


    "Yes," Aurora answered and left.


    Micah was taken aback. He thought Sadie would definitely refuse, but she actually agreed.


    Andrew looked at Micah nervously, thinking, ''What now?''


    Earlier, while telling the story, Micah''s vision had suddenly blurred. Unable to see the words clearly, he made up a new story on the spot.


    Andrew, watching from the side, felt uneasy, but with Noah''s help, Micah had smoothly covered it up. When Micah stood to leave, his blurry vision caused him to bump into the table, prompting Andrew to immediately support him.


    If only they had left quickly, they might have avoided being caught, but Sadie had seen enough.


    "Since you''re so enthusiastic, I won''t be polite," Micah stayed calm, acting like nothing was wrong.


    "Please," Sadie said, leading Micah to her room before casually addressing Andrew. "Annika seems to have a bit of a cold. Why don''t you go check on her?"


    "No need, she..." Andrew started but stopped as Micah gestured to him, changing his words. "I don''t know if she''ll kick me out."


    "How would you know if you don''t try?" Sadie teased, "Men should be more proactive."


    "She''s so fierce," Andrew scratched his head, embarrassed.


    "Please, Mr. Clemens," Sadie said, opening the door and making a gesture of invitation.


    Micah walked in leisurely, and Sadie kept watching him, noticing that he seemed normal now. She felt puzzled. Was she just being paranoid?

 Chapter 1326 Kiss

    Micah walked into the room and made a beeline for the couch. Everything seemed chill, no red gs. But he totally avoided looking at Sadie, not even a nce.


    Sadie, though, couldn''t stop staring at him. At first, she was sneaking peeks, but then she just straight-up stared. She noticed he didn''t react at all, which made her uneasy. She furrowed her brows, watching him closely. Was something up with


    his eyes?


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    "Come in," Sadie called out.


    Aurora rolled in a cart, set some desserts on the coffee table, gave a little bow, and left.


    Sadie poured some tea with her left hand and handed it to Micah. "Here, have some tea."


    "Just leave it," Micah said, rubbing his nose, looking kinda worn out.


    Sadie had no choice but to put the tea in front of him. To test him, she ced the cup right on the edge of the table, barely hanging on.


    Sure enough, when Micah reached for it, he knocked it over. Hot tea spilled all over his pants, right in the worst spot.


    Micah growled, "Damn it! You wicked woman!"


    "You were careless; don''t me me," Sadie said, quickly grabbing some tissues and handing them to him. She nced at his private area, concerned. "Are you okay? Need to go to the hospital?" she asked, worried. "You did that on purpose!" Micah snapped. He grabbed her wrist and yanked her onto hisp.


    Sadie yelped, falling into his arms. Before she could react, Micah kissed her hard. It was intense and wild, like he was punishing her, getting back at her. He devoured her mouth, stealing her breath and throwing her off bnce.


    Sadie was caught off guard, her mind going nk. For a moment, it felt like they were back in the good old days, obsessed with each other, never getting enough. Every time they were close, they wanted to be one, never to be apart. That familiar feeling was back.


    Right then, Sadie was honest with herself. She didn''t want to push him away, didn''t want to reject him. She just wanted to soak in this moment of tenderness.


    Sadie''spliance made Micah even more obsessed. He held her tight, kissing her even more passionately.


    He was scared she''d figure out something was wrong with his eyes and that he didn''t have much time left. He knew she was suspicious, testing him. His sharp instincts only let him dodge her for now, so he used this to cover up. But this kiss seemed to unlock feelings buried deep inside them, pouring out uncontrobly, surging wildly.


    After a long while, Micah finally let go of Sadie, resting his forehead against hers, kissing her lips tenderly. He whispered in a hoarse voice, "You still have feelings for me."


    Sadie stayed silent, just closing her eyes, savoring this long-lost emotion. Aplex mix of bitterness and deep sadness spread in her heart.


    "You still love me, don''t you?" Micah bit her lip and asked, "You''ve always loved me."


    "I..." Sadie started to speak when her phone suddenly rang. She jumped and instinctively turned around, seeing Joe''s name shing on the screen. Micah''s heart sank, and the next second, he coldly pushed her away.

 Chapter 1327 Testing

    Sadie''s hurt hand smacked the sofa, and she let out a sharp gasp.


    Micah''s eyes showed he was worried, but he kept his face cold and distant.


    Sadie grabbed her phone and hung up the call without a second thought.


    "Do whatever you want," Micah said, still icy. "Duke Louis came by the office today. You know why he was there."


    "Yeah, I know," Sadie replied, just as cold.


    The mood was totally killed, and the heat between them vanished.


    Micah kept his frosty demeanor and got up to leave.


    Sadie watched him walk away, thinking he seemed fine. She wondered, ''Am I just imagining things? No, something''s definitely off.''


    Micah was about to leave, his hand on the doorknob, when Sadie suddenly called out, "Micah!"


    He paused, heart racing, thinking, ''Does she want me to stay the night?''


    "Look down," Sadie pointed at his pants. "You nning to go out like that?"


    Micah remembered he had spilled tea on his trousers earlier. No way he could go out like this, so he called Andrew to bring him some clothes.


    "Go take a shower," Sadie said, handing him a bathrobe.


    Micah took the bathrobe and headed to the bathroom.


    Sadie kept an eye on him. It was weird; he seemed normal now, like nothing was wrong.


    In the bathroom, Micah stared at his reflection in the mirror. His vision was getting blurry again, like his optic nerve was acting up. He couldn''t read the kids'' stories earlier and had to make stuff up. But after kissing Sadie, his vision cleared up. He still felt that kiss, but thinking about Joe soured his mood.


    He wanted to leave earlier, but with his clothes wet, he had to stick around. He knew Sadie was onto something, trying to figure him out. She was way sharper than she was two years ago. Still, he didn''t take her too seriously; her smarts were nothingpared to his.


    After a hot shower, he wrapped himself in the bathrobe and came out. His vision blurred again, everything a foggy mess. "Done with your shower?" Sadie''s voice came, and Micah turned toward it. He could see her shadow but not her face. She bent down to put something on the coffee table. "I had someone make some oatmeal. Try it."


    Micah navigated the room from memory and sat on the sofa. He kept his head down, not wanting her to see his eyes and notice something was wrong. "Why the long face?" Sadie said, annoyed. "It''s like I owe you something."


    "You''re not allowed to contact Joe anymore," Micah said firmly.


    "I haven''t been in touch with him," Sadie exined. "He came to me; I had no choice. Besides, you can''t order me around like that." "Just stand firm, and I''ll handle the rest," Micah blurted out. "Don''t get me wrong, I just don''t want to mess up things for the kids."


    "I get it, no misunderstanding," Sadie said coldly, handing him the oatmeal. "Eat."


    "I''m not eating it," Micah said, unable to see her hand. "Who knows what you put in it."

 Chapter 1328 Testing 2

    "You''re nuts," Sadie snapped, her voice shaking with anger. "I went out of my way to get you something to eat, and this is the thanks I get? Seriously, what kind of drug could I even put in your food?" "An aphrodisiac!" Micah blurted out.


    Sadie was left speechless.


    "Come on, it''s obvious you''re sexually frustrated," Micah teased, a smirk on his face. "You''ve been making excuses all night-dragging me to your room for tea, spilling it on my pants-all just to keep me here. You think I can''t see through you?"


    "You..." Sadie was livid, her face turning red. "Micah, ever heard of decency?"


    She mmed the bowl on the coffee table and snapped, "Fine, don''t eat it. Starve for all I care." She grabbed some oatmeal in her hand and stormed off to the bathroom to wash it off. Micah heard her footsteps fade away and immediately started feeling around the sofa for his phone.


    In the bathroom, Sadie washed her hands and heard a noise. She looked down and saw Micah''s phone in the clothes he had taken off.


    She picked up the phone and saw a text message from Olivia.


    Olivia: [Mr. Clemens, did you get home?]


    Only the beginning of the message was visible, but seeing that name made Sadie''s heart sink.


    "My phone''s in the bathroom?" Micah''s voice called out. His vision was impaired, so his hearing was especially sharp.


    "Yeah," Sadie replied, walking out with the phone. "What''s wrong with you? You forgot your phone."


    Micah reached out his hand, and Sadie noticed his eyescked focus, like they were covered by a thin mist.


    Her heart skipped a beat, and she deliberately handed the phone to the other side. She said, "Someone texted you. Here."


    Sure enough, Micah''s hand missed the phone. Sadie was stunned, her eyes wide with shock. Could he really not see?


    Micah paused, then quickly took the phone from Sadie''s hand by instinct, and said irritably, "Did you snoop through my phone?"


    "I looked, but I didn''t snoop," Sadie said, pretending to be fierce. "I looked openly." She didn''t want him to know what she had discovered.


    Micah felt relieved by her tone. Sadie wasn''t very smart; she probably hadn''t figured anything out.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Andrew''s voice. "Ms. James, I brought clothes for Mr. Clemens."


    Sadie walked over to open the door, took the clothes, and said coldly, "Change and get out."


    Micah took the clothes and immediately undid his robe, revealing his naked, muscr body.


    Sadie eximed, quickly turning around with a flushed face. She stammered, "What are you doing?"


    "You''ve seen it before. What''s the big deal?" Micah teased her on purpose, then started feeling his way through changing clothes.


    Even though he couldn''t see, he could still feel the buttons andbels on the clothes and managed to dress himself smoothly.


    Sadie was angry but wanted to verify if his eyes were really a problem, so she mustered the courage to turn around.


    By then, Micah had already put on his trousers and was buttoning his shirt, one button at a time. His movements were elegant and skillful, showing no signs of difficulty.


    However, his eyes remained downcast, making it hard to see their expression.


    "Micah," Sadie deliberately started a conversation to observe his eyes, "are you dating Olivia?"


    "What, are you jealous?" Micah smirked, but his eyes still showed no reaction.


    "If you really like her, be with her. We should keep our distance from now on," Sadie said, watching his eyes closely. "If you don''t like her and are just using her to provoke me, there''s no need for that."

 Chapter 1329 Wild Imaginings

    "Why do you think I''m using her to get under your skin?" Micah shot back.


    Sadie''s heart sank. "So, you two are really dating," she muttered.


    "You sound pretty bummed out," Micah noted, his tone almost gleeful.


    "What does it matter to me?" Sadie snapped, clearly frustrated. "You can date whoever you want."


    "What if I said we''re not dating?" Micah''s voice softened as he stepped closer. "What if I told you that besides you, I haven''t been with anyone else? Would youe back to me?" Sadie was stunned, her feelings a tangled mess. She hadn''t expected Micah to say that; she thought he had moved on.


    "Guess you won''t," Micah sighed, waiting but getting no response from Sadie. He turned to leave.


    "Micah!" Sadie called out.


    Micah stopped, tilting his head, waiting for her to speak.


    "If you don''t like Olivia, don''t use her," Sadie advised. "Don''t make a big mistake like I did."


    "What do you mean?" Micah frowned. "What big mistake?"


    "Back then, I agreed to marry Joe for all the wrong reasons," Sadie said, full of regret. "Joe used to be so optimistic and cheerful, and now he''s like this."


    "So, you married Joe not because you liked him?" Micah asked hopefully. "What aboutter? Did you develop feelings for him?"


    "I''ve always seen him as a good friend," Sadie sighed deeply.


    "Then why did you still..." Micah''s voice caught, almost shouting, but he held back, his frustration clear.


    Micah didn''t want to bring it up, but every time Joe was mentioned, he couldn''t help but think of that scene, like a thorn in his heart.


    Sadie opened her mouth to exin, but at that moment, Micah''s phone rang again. She instinctively looked over and saw that the caller was Olivia.


    Her mood instantly shifted back to reality, realizing once again that there was no turning back for them.


    At the same time, there was a knock on the door, and Andrew cautiously spoke, "Mr. Clemens, I have something to report."


    Micah didn''t answer the phone but followed Andrew''s voice to the door, opened it, and quickly walked out.


    "Ms. James, we''ll be leaving now," Andrew said, bowing to Sadie before hurrying out with Micah.


    Sadie stood alone in the room, her feelings aplicated mess. She had been probing for a long time but still didn''t have a conclusion. She didn''t know if there was something wrong with Micah''s eyes. Although her gut told her something was off with his eyes, he acted so normal that she began to doubt herself.


    At the same time, her feelings about their rtionship were also veryplicated.


    Despite everything, Micah had outright denied dating Olivia. She knew him too well-he was blunt, sometimes brutally so. If he was dating someone, he wouldn''t hide it.


    Olivia might be chasing after him, and maybe he hadn''t turned her down explicitly. That seemed usible. But ambiguous feelings could quickly turn real. Even if they weren''t a couple now, who''s to say they wouldn''t be soon? This thought made Sadie ufortable. She scolded herself for overthinking. They couldn''t go back; their time was over.


    She needed to stay strong and clear, keeping her distance.

 Chapter 1330 Feeling the Darkness

    Andrew quickly helped Micah into the car and urged, "Step on it."


    "Got it," the driver replied.


    As the car sped away, Andrew finally let out a sigh of relief and whispered, "Annika was watching us the whole time we wereing downstairs. It freaked me out."


    Micah chuckled softly. "You''re such a wimp." He stayed calm, confident that Sadie hadn''t noticed anything; he had covered his tracks well.


    "Ms. James didn''t catch on, did she?" Andrew asked nervously. "She invited you to her room tonight. Do you think she''s onto us and testing you?"


    "Can''t she just want to make up?" Micah shot back coldly.


    Andrew went quiet, unsure what to say. But Micah soon got serious. "She probably suspects something. We need to steer clear of her for a few days. Let Rodolfo know and make sure he keeps his mouth shut." "Got it." Andrew nodded firmly and added softly, "Your phone was ringing earlier. Looked like Mrs. Graham was calling."


    "Ignore it," Micah said, thinking about Sadie''s earlier words. "Olivia''s a good girl. I don''t want to waste her time."


    Andrew''s worry deepened. "Rn''s doing everything he can to find Virgil. We''ll get him eventually."


    "What''sing wille," Micah sighed, resigned. "No avoiding it."


    "Your vision still hasn''te back?" Andrew asked anxiously. "Maybe we should hit the hospital. This sudden blindness hassted too long."


    "I won''t die." Micah closed his eyes and instructed calmly, "Call Anthony and Ss tomorrow. And Ryan, too."


    "Mr. Clemens..." Andrew started to say more.


    "Enough." Micah cut him off, exhausted. "Just do it."


    "Yes, sir." Andrew murmured, worry etched on his face.


    Micah''s condition was genuinely rming. He''d had dizziness and blurred vision before, but tonight he wentpletely blind for over an hour, and his sight hadn''t fully returned. If this was just the start, who knew what was next? Micah refused to go to the hospital, and they couldn''t find Virgil. They were truly at a loss.


    When they got home, Andrew helped Micah out of the car. Micah squinted and blinked, regaining some vision. "I feel better as soon as I get home. Think there''s something harmful at Hillside Vi?"


    "Maybe you''re just too tired. You need more rest," Andrew said softly. "Let me help you inside."


    "No need." Micah pushed Andrew away, squinting and carefully walking into the house with his weak vision.


    He wanted to adapt to this dark life. After all, if the poison fully took effect, his vision would be the first to go, plunging him intoplete darkness.


    Before he died, he needed to adapt to this kind of life, at least not to let Sadie notice or worry the kids.


    Now that his vision had somewhat returned, he could see some images instead of just a white blur.


    Using these blurry images, Micah found his way home, avoided obstacles, and slowly walked into the vi, up the stairs, and toward his room.


    The attendants waited cautiously on the side, not daring to make a sound for fear of affecting his judgment.


    Andrew held his breath and followed closely, afraid of disturbing Micah.


    It wasn''t until Micah sessfully entered his room that Andrew breathed a sigh of relief.


    But the next second, Micah''s knee hit the liquor cab with a dull thud.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew rushed over to support Micah and asked with concern. "You okay?"


    "I''m fine." Micah said. He squinted his eyes, feeling the darkness of the room. He realized that no matter how well-trained and sensitive he was, it was still tough to adapt to the darkness. It seemed he needed some time to adjust.

 Chapter 1331 Arrange Things for After His Death

    After that rough patch and all the crazy stuff he went through, Micah finally made peace with life, death, and his illness.


    He wasn''t all doom and gloom anymore. Instead, he started to roll with whatever life threw at him.


    Chilling on the couch, Micah said calmly, "Get me a guide dog trainer. Starting tomorrow, I need to train my vision. Even if I gopletely blind, I want to be able to get around on my own." "Mr. Clemens," Andrew''s eyes got all watery, but he kept it together. "Yes, I''ll set it up for tomorrow."


    Micah kept going, like he was nning for the end. "Tell Ss and Anthony separately. I want to see them one by one."


    "Got it," Andrew nodded, looking serious.


    "And one more thing," Micah paused, then added, "Check on Tristan."


    "Huh?" Andrew was taken aback.


    Micah and Tristan never got along. After Tristan''s incident, rumors flew around that Micah was involved.


    Micah didn''t bother with the gossip and stayed out of it, while Tristan''s crew tried to dig up dirt on him.


    Micah had nothing to do with it, and he was busy with his treatment, so nothing came up. But now, wanting to look into Tristan might stir things up.


    "Use all our resources to find out about Tristan," Micah ordered.


    "Sure, but why?" Andrew agreed but was puzzled.


    Micah leaned back, lit a cigarette, and took a slow drag. "After the James Group fell, you saw how many people came after them. Before Tristan''s mess, he made sure Sadie and the kids were safe. Shows he had some loyalty. If he''s okay, Sadie and the kids will have someone to lean on. With all that money, people wille after her."


    "Mr. Clemens, what are you doing?" Andrew was worried. "You''re still here, and so is the Clemens Group."


    "Once I''m gone, the Clemens Group will be a mess," Micah said quietly, making the room feel heavy.


    Andrew''s eyes filled with tears, and he couldn''t speak.


    "The James Group''s fate is what awaits the Clemens Group," Micah said, taking a deep drag and exhaling slowly.


    He went on, "If Raymond were alive, he might hold things together for a while. But he''s gone. If I die, the Clemens Group will be left with just a few kids and Sadie, with no real support. And Sadie and I haven''t made up yet. Even if she takes over, it won''t be legit."


    "Or..." Andrew hesitated.


    "That''s enough. You can go now," Micah cut him off. He needed some alone time.


    "Yes," Andrew bowed his head and left.


    "How''s Mr. Clemens?" Rn rushed over, whispering anxiously, "I came as soon as I heard. How is he?"


    Andrew pulled him aside and filled him in on Micah''s orders.


    "Is Mr. Clemens really that bad?" Rn panicked, "He''s already nning for after he''s gone?"


    "Shut up!" Andrew snapped, "Can you say something positive?"


    "But those words just now..." Rn trailed off, looking freaked out. "No, even if I have to turn the world upside down, I must find Virgil."

 Chapter 1332 Late Night Date

    "Yeah, finding Virgil is top priority," Andrew nodded, clinging to a shred of hope. "If we find him, Mr. Clemens can be saved!"


    "True, but we need to brace for the worst," Rn said, looking serious. "By the way, how''s Ms. James doing? When''s sheing back to the Clemens family?"


    "Don''t even get me started," Andrew said, anxiety creeping in. "Mr. Clemens has been hiding his illness from her, scared she''ll find out. Ms. James has her own issues, and their rtionship is still rocky."


    "Why haven''t they sorted things out yet?" Rn said, frustrated. "If something happens to Mr. Clemens and no one''s there to run the Clemens Group, it''ll be a mess."


    "Yeah, I''m worried too," Andrew sighed. "If Ms. James came back, at least there''d be ady of the house. With Ss, Ryan, and us protecting them, outsiders wouldn''t dare cause trouble."


    "What is Ms. James thinking? Even if she doesn''t care about herself, she should think about the kids," Rn frowned and sighed. "The three kids are still young. No matter how respected Ss is, he''s still just a servant. The house needs ady to keep things in order."


    "There''s no point in us worrying here. Let''s just do what Mr. Clemens asked," Andrew said, feeling helpless.


    Rn nced around and whispered, "I think it''s time for you and Rodolfo to step up. If Mr. Clemens doesn''t say anything, you guys should ''identally'' leak some secrets. I bet Ms. James wille back once she knows the truth."


    "If Mr. Clemens finds out, it''ll be trouble," Andrew hesitated. "He''s really against this. He wants Ms. James toe back because she loves him, not out of pity."


    "What''s the difference?" Rn said. "A woman who loves a man will care for him. If she doesn''t love him, she wouldn''t care if he dies."


    "You have a point," Andrew muttered, wavering.


    "Of course, it''smon sense," Rn said irritably. "I can''t stand howplicated you guys make rtionships. It''s annoying. If it were me, I''d just take the person I like home. No fuss." Andrew looked at Rn with admiration. "I didn''t expect you to be so bold."


    Rn rolled his eyes. "Enough talk, let''s get to work."


    Andrew nodded. "Got it."


    The two of them split up to carry out Micah''s instructions.


    After setting up times with Ss, Ryan, and Anthony, Andrew went back to his room, debating whether to call Annika and spill something.


    Just then, Annika called first. She demanded, "Meet me."


    "Now?" Andrew was a bit flustered. As Rn had said, he was the one who worried the most about rtionships.


    Suddenly, in the middle of the night, Annika asked to meet him alone. Andrew was nervous.


    "Now, immediately," Annika was very assertive. "Under the big sycamore tree behind Hillside Vi, in ten minutes. I must see you!" After saying that, Annika ended the call.


    Andrew, holding his phone in a panic, hesitated for a moment but eventually went downstairs.


    Rodolfo happened toe back and ran into Andrew. "Andrew, it''s sote. Where are you going? If there''s something you need, I can do it," he grinned.


    "I''m going out for a bit. You stay with Mr. Clemens, wait by his door, and be ready for any instructions," Andrew instructed.


    "I''m afraid I can''t do it," Rodolfo said, a bit nervous. "What are you going to do? Maybe I can go instead? Mr. Clemens is used to you. Sometimes, I can''t understand what he wants." "I''ll be back soon."


    With that, Andrew ran out quickly, got into a car, and sped away.


    Rodolfo watched him leave, feeling that something was off, but didn''t dare to ask more. He hurried upstairs to wait by Micah''s door.

 Chapter 1333 All Are Cunning People

    "I was gonna send Arya ''cause Rodolfo''s easier to deal with, but Arya''s too reckless," Sadie said seriously. "So, I sent you instead."


    She added, "Andrew''s Micah''s right-hand man. If something''s up with Micah''s health, Andrew would know for sure."


    Annika nodded eagerly. "Got it, Ms. James! Don''t worry!"


    Sadie gave a stern look. "Remember, be discreet. Andrew''s super cautious. Use some emotional tactics first, then dig into Micah''s situation when he''s off guard."


    "Got it." Annika blushed a bit and said, "Actually, when they left earlier, I felt something was off. Andrew was practically holding Mr. Clemens up like he might copse any second." Sadie nodded, her worry deepening. "I thought it was weird too, which is why I need you to get the scoop. Alright, time to go. Hurry up."


    "Okay," Annika said, rushing out.


    Sadie paced around the room, ncing at the sofa where Micah had sat and the spot where tea had spilled, reying the evening''s events in her mind. She felt uneasy.


    Micah had been avoiding eye contact and fumbling around. Something was definitely up.


    She thought back to when she took Noah and Mia to Country E for two months. During that time, Micah hadn''t contacted the kids until he reached out to Andrew. Their conversations were short and strained.


    At the time, Andrew said Micah had gone to Country F to handle headquarters stuff and got hurt in an assassination attempt. She hadn''t thought much of it then, but now she wondered if the injury was worse than anyone let on. The more Sadie thought about it, the more uneasy she got, hoping Annika could get some answers from Andrew tonight.


    Meanwhile, back at Half Mountain Vi, Micah heard a car pull up. "Andrew!" he called out.


    Rodolfo cautiously entered the room. "Mr. Clemens, Andrew went out. Do you need something?" "It''s sote. Where''d he go?" Micah asked.


    Rodolfo replied, "I don''t know. He didn''t say, but he seemed in a hurry."


    Rodolfo looked around the dark room and instinctively asked, "Should I turn on the light?"


    Micah knew Rodolfo was young and less guarded, and he was afraid he might spill something to Arya, so he kept him busy outside. Rodolfo still didn''t know about Micah''s sudden blindness today. "No need. Just tell me, did Andrew leave in a rush? Did he take anyone with him?" Micah pressed.


    "Yeah, he was in a hurry. I saw him running downstairs by himself," Rodolfo replied.


    Micah sighed, trying to piece things together. "Call him. Tell him I know he went out."


    Rodolfo was puzzled but followed the instructions anyway.


    Andrew had just arrived at the back mountain. He got out of the car and saw Annika walking up the slope from a distance.


    She seemed to have dressed up, wearing a skirt that fluttered gently in the night breeze, looking beautiful and captivating.


    Andrew suddenly felt nervous and hurriedly fixed his hair in the car''s rearview mirror, eagerly anticipating meeting Annika. Just then, his phone rang in his pocket.


    He quickly answered, "Hello, Rodolfo, what''s up?"


    Rodolfo directly conveyed Micah''s message. "Andrew, Mr. Clemens knows you went out."


    Andrew was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise, "Did he say anything else?"


    "No, just told me to pass on the message," Rodolfo blurted out, then nervously looked at Micah, afraid he might get angry.

 Chapter 1334 Stay Sober

    "Alright, I got it." Andrew looked up at Annika as she approached, his mind suddenly clear. He said softly, "Tell Mr. Clemens I''ll be back soon." "Okay," Rodolfo replied before cautiously hanging up. He nced hesitantly at Micah. "Andrew said he''ll be back soon."


    "Alright," Micah responded, waving Rodolfo off. Rodolfo nodded and left, carefully closing the door behind him.


    Left alone in the dim room, Micah continued to smoke, feeling a mix of emotions. He saw through Sadie''s n to have Annika lure Andrew out to get him to spill the beans. Andrew, being sharp, should have seen it too. Yet, he still went. Maybe he couldn''t resist Annika, or perhaps he saw this as a chance to leak a secret without guilt, hoping Sadie would return to the Clemens family. Whatever the case, Andrew was already poised for what Micah perceived as "betrayal." Micah had Rodolfo make the call to let Andrew know his actions were being monitored. That simple message, which Rodolfo hadn''t fully grasped, made Andrew think twice. Knowing Micah was aware of his meetup with Annika added significant pressure. Micah was confident that Andrew wouldn''t say anythingpromising now.


    When it came to strategic thinking, Sadie had met her match in Micah. Still, her efforts to uncover the truth about him, however misguided, indicated that she cared. For whatever reason, that thought brought him a measure of satisfaction.


    "Andrew!" "Annika!"


    It was the first time they were meeting alone, and at night no less. Andrew felt a mix of nervousness and shyness. Despite having seen so much while following Micah, dating was a new experience for him. "Are you cold?" Annika asked softly.


    "I''m not cold," Andrew replied, looking at Annika. She looked exceptionally beautiful tonight, dressed elegantly, but he didn''t dare say it.


    "I''m cold," Annika said unhappily.


    "Oh." Andrew instinctively responded, then quickly added, "Then let''s get in the car. There''s heating."


    Annika fell silent. She thought he would take off his coat and put it on her, and then she could lean into his arms and get him to talk in the moment of intimacy. But he actually said there was heating in the car. Andrew didn''t think much of it and opened the passenger door directly.


    Annika had no choice but to get in the car. Andrew turned on the heating, adjusted the temperature, and asked with concern, "Are you still cold?"


    "Not anymore." Annika shook her head. She didn''t know what opportunity to look for next. The coat trick was something Arya had taught her.


    "Did you have dinner?" Andrew asked again.


    "Yes." Annika rolled her eyes. Andrew was just asking pointless questions.


    "So, is there something you wanted to talk about?" Andrew asked her nervously.


    "Can''t I just want to see you?" Annika said irritably.


    "No." Andrew quickly exined, "I was just worried you needed something. I wanted to help."


    "Finally, you said something sensible." Annika''s expression softened, and she said shyly, "I don''t really have anything specific. It''s just that we live close now, and there''s nothing much going on here. I just wanted to see you." Andrew felt a bit moved and said softly, "Yeah, we never really had a chance to sit down and talk alone."


    "Well, now we have the chance, don''t we?" Annika mustered the courage to look at him. She said, "If you''re not too busy, you cane over and see me often."


    "How could I not be busy? I''m swamped." Andrew blurted out, then quickly corrected himself, "But I''ll still make time to see you."

 Chapter 1335 Extracting Information

    "What''s got you so busy?" Annika asked, clearly annoyed. "With the Clemens Group crushing it and nopetition from the James Group, what could you possibly be up to?" "Yeah, the business world''s pretty stable, but..." Andrew trailed off, catching on to Annika''s probing.


    "But what?" Annika pushed.


    "I handle a lot of Mr. Clemens'' personal stuff," Andrew said with a grin. "So, I''m always swamped. But I can always make time in the evenings."


    "Oh, alright then." Annika, realizing her subtle prying had failed, switched gears. "Hey, you''ve got something in your hair."


    "What?" Andrew asked, confused. Before he could react, Annika reached out, her fingers running through his hair. The casual intimacy made his heart race.


    "It''s a leaf!" Annikaughed, pulling a dried leaf from his hair. "Were you in the woods or something? How''d you get a leaf in your hair?"


    "Oh, maybe I got it when I was under a tree earlier," Andrew stammered, his face turning red and his breathing quickening.


    "By the way, did you skip dinner today?" Annika asked, pulling a small packet from her pocket and handing it to him. "I made this dessert myself. Try it."


    "You made this?" Andrew unwrapped the packet, taking a small bite. The sweetness warmed him from within. "It''s delicious!"


    "I''m d you like it. I''ll bring you more tomorrow," Annika said cheerfully. "Noah, Nathan, Mia, and those three little girls love it too. Especially those three little girls, they bug me every day to make desserts with them." "Kids are really adorable," Andrewughed.


    "Right? Do you like them too?" Annika asked with a smile. "Ms. James was always worried that Mr. Clemens wouldn''t like those three little girls. Now that she sees them getting along so well, she''s relieved." "Of course, Mr. Clemens may seem cold on the outside, but he''s actually very kind-hearted," Andrew said with some pride when talking about Micah. "The kids all love him."


    "Yes, after Mr. Clemens left, I tucked the girls in, and they said they hope he''lle to tell them stories again tomorrow." Annika smiled, eyeing Andrew. "Will Mr. Clemens visit again tomorrow?" "Probably not," Andrew answered instinctively.


    "Why not?" Annika finally got to the point. She asked tentatively, "When you guys left earlier, he seemed a bit off. Is he sick?"


    "No, he''s fine," Andrew exined calmly. "Maybe his leg went numb while telling stories to the kids, and he might have gotten burned by the tea while chatting with Ms. James in the room." "Is that all?" Annika looked puzzled. She pressed, "But I noticed his eyes seemed a bit ufortable."


    "Maybe some sand got in his eyes when he wasing downstairs," Andrew made up an excuse.


    "Alright then." Annika sighed, seeing she wouldn''t get more information out of him.


    "It''ste. Let me take you home," Andrew said, sensing it was best to wrap things up.


    "You''re leaving?" Annika seemed a bit disappointed.


    "Rn went out on an errand. I can''t leave the house unattended for too long," Andrew exined, thinking of Micah. "Everyone else is so careless. I need to go back and keep an eye on things." "Alright." Annika opened the car door and got out. "I can walk back myself. It''s just a few steps. You should go back."


    "I''ll watch you until you get to the door," Andrew insisted, turning on the car lights to light up her path.


    Annika felt warm inside, waved at him, and quickly walked away.

 Chapter 1336 Dare Not Deceive

    Annika got home and made a beeline for Sadie, spilling every detail about her chat with Andrew.


    Sadie listened closely, then frowned. "No way, did I mess up?" she muttered.


    "I don''t think Andrew was lying," Annika said, still puzzled. "But Mr. Clemens was acting super weird when they left."


    "Keep digging. If once doesn''t work, try twice. If twice doesn''t work, go for a third time," Sadie said firmly. "Find a way to see him again tomorrow." "Okay," Annika nodded, trying to reassure her. "Ms. James, don''t stress too much. Sometimes, no news is good news. Maybe Mr. Clemens really is fine." "Let''s hope so," Sadie sighed. "I''m just scared he''s hiding something from me."


    "You really care about him," Annika said sympathetically. "And I can tell Mr. Clemens cares about you too. Why don''t you guys just make up?" "Making up is easy, but going back to how things were is tough," Sadie said with a touch of emotion. "Plus, there are still a lot of issues between us." "What issues?" Annika asked, confused. "Now that Raymond is gone, no one''s stopping you from being together."


    "Everything that happened in the past can''t just be erased," Sadie replied with a bitter smile. "Even if the hate is gone, the wounds and regrets are still there. And the feud between the James and Clemens families isn''t something that can just end because I say so. Plus, with Tristan missing, what would people think if I went back to the Clemens family? What if Tristanes back?" "That''s true," Annika admitted, feeling stumped.


    "It''ste. Go get some rest," Sadie said, patting her shoulder.


    "Okay," Annika nodded. "You should sleep early too. Be careful with your injured hand, don''t get it wet. Call someone if you need anything." "Got it," Sadie said.


    After Annika left, the room fell silent again. Sadiey in bed, tossing and turning, reying the day''s events in her mind. Micah''s reaction to her injury and their unspoken feelings left her heart heavy and conflicted. She knew he still loved her, but she was scared to go back to him. Still, she couldn''t just watch him suffer. Even if they couldn''t be together, she wanted him to be okay. She was determined to find out what he was hiding.


    Micah was also wide awake. He sat in the dark, the room filled with nothing but his faint breathing. Time dragged on, and as the night deepened, sleep stayed away.


    He was scared that if he closed his eyes, he might never wake up again. From the start of his illness until now, over three months had passed. Today was the first time he had beenpletely blind. Though his sight had returned, the fear lingered. He felt his time was running out and knew he had to settle everything quickly-his family, his business, the kids, and Sadie. He felt in control of everything except when it came to Sadie. She was his one blind spot, the one person who made him feel utterly helpless.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Andrew''s voice came through. "Mr. Clemens, I''m back."


    "Come in," Micah responded.


    Andrew walked in cautiously, first apologizing, then carefully reporting his conversation with Annika. He finished, "She was definitely probing, but I didn''t say anything."


    "If I hadn''t reminded you, would you have said something?" Micah asked sternly.


    Andrew lowered his head, not daring to speak. He knew he couldn''t hide his thoughts from Micah and didn''t dare to lie to him.

 Chapter 1337 The Last Pride

    "Hey, listen up!" Micah''s voice was calm but had that stern edge. He didn''t lose his cool or yell at Andrew. "Feelings thate from sympathy and pity? They''re not stable orsting. I don''t need that!" Andrew dropped to one knee, head down, feeling ashamed. "I''m sorry, Mr. Clemens. I know I messed up."


    "I''ve been in the business world my whole life without ever bowing my head," Micah said, his voice soft but heavy with sorrow. "Even now, facing death, I''m not scared because I''ve lived with pride. Don''t take away myst bit of pride, got it?" "Got it," Andrew mumbled, tears filling his eyes. He bowed his head even lower, feeling the weight of Micah''s vulnerability and trust.


    "Alright," Micah sighed deeply. "You can go now."


    "I''m really sorry," Andrew said, his voice hoarse with guilt, and quietly left the room.


    Micah finished hisst cigarette andy back on the bed. He was tired, and his back hurt. He remembered when Hubert died, how weak he felt. Now, he had no strength left either.


    ''Don''t fall asleep, don''t fall asleep,'' he kept telling himself. He was scared that if he did, he might not wake up. But exhaustion took over, and he drifted into a restless sleep.


    In his dreams, countless demonic hands reached up from the abyss, trying to drag him down. He struggled, his body stiff and powerless, unable to escape their grasp. Raymond''s voice echoed, "Micah, hold on. The entire Clemens Group depends on you. You can''t fall. Hold on for me."


    Micah clung to his willpower, but it was incredibly tough.


    "Micah, are you tired? If you''re tired, take a break. Don''t push yourself so hard," Herbert''s voice came, filled with gentleness and love. In Micah''s memory, Herbert never cared about status or power; he just wanted him to be happy. But Herbert''s early death meant Micah never truly experienced a father''s love. Raymond had filled that void with suffocating pressure and responsibility.


    "Micah, my child,e to mom," his mother''s voice was soothing, filled with extreme gentleness and care. Micah''s mood lightened,forted by memories of parental love. He was so tired, craving rxation. But soon, countless voices filled his ears again.


    "Mr. Clemens, you can''t fall. If you fall, what will happen to VIC Group? What will happen to Clemens Group? What will happen to the Clemens family?"


    "Mr. Clemens, we have entrusted our lives to you. As long as you are here, we are here!"


    Countless voices reminded Micah of the many responsibilities on his shoulders.


    Micah didn''t dare to ck off, didn''t dare to rx, and could only keep pushing forward.


    At that moment, he saw the children''s innocent, pure smiles. They were calling out, "Daddy, Daddy."


    Their adorable faces and sweet voices seemed to have a magical power, healing Micah.


    A pair of delicate hands gently sped his, and Sadie''s soft voice whispered in his ear, "Micah, Micah, don''t be afraid. I''m here with you. I''ll always be with you."


    Strength surged through him. Micah clung tightly to Sadie''s hands, determined to rise back up. But suddenly, those hands withdrew, and instead of lifting him, they pushed him hard into the abyss.

 Chapter 1338 Seeing Through Everything

    Micah shot up from his nightmare, eyes wide and heart pounding. He took a second to get his bearings, trying to shake off the leftover fear. His mind was a nk-whatever had scared him in his sleep was gone, leaving just a bit of anxiety behind. He rubbed his forehead, trying to calm his breathing, and nced at the window where daylight was sneaking through the curtains. Outside, the rain was tapping softly, mixing with the distant hum of morning traffic. He looked at the clock: seven a.m. It was early, but the city was already buzzing. Micah thought about going back to sleep, but a sudden rity snapped him fully awake. He blinked, testing his vision-everything was clear, sharp. Not like the blurry mess from the night before. He wiggled his fingers and toes, stretching to see if his body was okay. No stiffness, no weakness.


    Relief washed over him. Just a false rm, he thought. He wasn''t dying-not yet, anyway. Maybe he could stick around a bit longer. Feeling a new sense of purpose, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, ready to take on the day.


    "Daddy, Daddy!" His kids'' excited voices broke the morning silence. The door flew open as Noah, Nathan, and Mia rushed in, their bright faces lighting up the room.


    "You''re back?" Micah''s face softened as he bent down, arms wide open..


    Nathan and Mia ran into his hug while Noah hung back, watching Micah with aplicated look.


    "Be good, it''s time for school." Micah ruffled Nathan and Mia''s hair. "You''ve already missed half a semester. Starting today, you need to study hard!"


    "Got it, Daddy," Nathan and Mia said.


    But Noah just stood there, silent, his clear eyes flickering with mixed emotions.


    "Noah, what''s up?" Micah smiled at him. "Don''t wanna go to school?"


    "Daddy, did you forget? The school''s curriculum can''t keep up with me anymore," Noah said softly. "I have a tutor for one-on-one lessons."


    Micah chuckled and pulled Noah into the hug too. "Aren''t you bored having lessons at home every day? If you''re bored, go to school with Nathan and Mia to y."


    "We agreed to go tomorrow," Nathan said excitedly. "There''s a school celebration tomorrow. We''re taking Mary, Emma, and Donna. They''ve been bugging us for a long time, and Mommy agreed."


    "I''m so looking forward to it. I wonder what it''ll be like when the three of them go to school," Mia said with great anticipation. "Daddy, do you agree?"


    "If your mom agrees, then I have no objections." Micah kissed Mia''s little face. He turned to Noah. "Noah, are you going?"


    "I''m going tomorrow, too," Noah replied, then added, "Alright, Nathan and Mia, you need to go to school now."


    "Oh no, we''ll bete if we don''t leave now," Nathan said, ncing at his watch and rushing out. "Rodolfo, get the car ready. I''ll grab my backpack." "Nathan, wait for me." Mia hurried out too, but ran back a few steps to kiss Micah''s cheek. "Bye, Daddy. Bye, Noah!" "Bye, Mia!" Noah waved to her.


    "Did you have breakfast?" Micah asked from behind.


    "We ate at Mommy''s house."


    With that, the two kids, with their backpacks, hurriedly ran off.


    Micah watched them leave, then bent down again and gently patted Noah''s head. "Noah, you seem unhappy?"


    "Daddy, are you sick?" Noah''s eyes welled up with tears. "Last night, you couldn''t see, right? You couldn''t see the words in the book, so you made up a story yourself. Is there something wrong with your body? Please tell me." Micah looked at Noah in surprise, his heart aching. Noah was only six, yet he carried more weight than anyone else.

 Chapter 1339 Looking for Tristan

    Even adults couldn''t see through it, but Noah caught on right away. He held it in, yed along with Micah, and covered for him, not wanting anyone to notice Micah''s vulnerability. He waited until now, when everyone had left, to finally ask the question burning in his heart.


    Micah thought, "Poor Noah, how much has he been holding in?"


    Micah felt heartbroken but tried to act casual, patting Noah''s little head and smiling. "Silly boy. Look, isn''t Daddy just fine? I can see your handsome little face, and I can see you''re wearing a light blue shirt and a dark blue knit vest, looking so dashing. How could my eyes have a problem?"


    "Really, no problem?" Noah asked, waving his little hand in front of Micah.


    Micah grabbed his hand, pulled him into a hug, and, holding back his sorrow, gently coaxed, "I''m really fine. Noah, you''re only six years old. You should be living happily and carefree like Nathan, Mia, and those three little girls. You don''t need to worry about grown-up stuff."


    "I know it''s not good," Noah said, choking up. "But I can''t control my brain. Sometimes, I think being too smart isn''t a good thing. I seem to understand everything, but I also seem powerless to do anything."


    Micah hugged him tightly, understanding his feelings all too well. When he was little, he often felt the same way. Clearly, he was just a child, yet he saw through everything between adults. He wanted to protect his loved ones but couldn''t. It would be better to understand nothing and grow up foolishly. Unfortunately, he couldn''t control his brain. This contradictory mindset was the most painful.


    "Noah, no matter what happens, I will protect you," Micah gently patted Noah''s back and said softly. "With Daddy here, you don''t have to be afraid of anything or worry about anything. You just need to grow up happily, okay?" Noah wanted to say okay, but he knew he couldn''t manage it. Micah coaxed him, "Alright, be good. I have to tidy up. Ss ising overter. You go y in the garden for a while."


    "I''ll go back to my study. I have some things to handle," Noah said, looking deeply at Micah. "If you have anything, can you tell me? Maybe I can help."


    "You''ve already helped me a lot, remember? Several new tech products from VIC Group have your contributions," Micah said, patting his little head.


    "I mean..." Noah wanted to say more, but suddenly, there was a knock on the door, followed by Andrew''s voice. "Mr. Clemens, Ss is here."


    "Please take him to the dining room. I''ll be down shortly to have breakfast with him," Micah responded.


    "Okay," Andrew said and went downstairs to greet him.


    "Then I''ll go back to my room." With that, Noah hugged Micah and turned to leave.


    Micah watched his small back, feeling heartbroken but also somewhat relieved. No matter what, at least someone could take over his responsibilities. Even if he really died one day, he believed that Noah could manage the Clemens Group well in the future.


    However, before Noah grew up, someone had to take charge.


    With that thought, Micah''s mood became heavy again. He had to make several preparations now. If Sadie ultimately didn''t return to the Clemens family, he had to ensure the Clemens Group could continue to hold on. At least, it had to hold on for another twelve years until Noah turned eighteen. This was not a short time, and he had to n.


    Micah immediately went to wash up, change clothes, and go downstairs to meet Ss.


    In another room, Noah was operating theputer, searching for Tristan''s whereabouts. He had unintentionally learned from Rodolfo that Micah was looking for someone named Virgil, and that person was Tristan''s close friend, so he had to find Tristan first.

 Chapter 1340 Micahs Will

    Since Raymond passed away, Ss had beenying low at the vi, only stepping out when Micah called for him. During Micah''s two-month treatment, Ss would asionally take charge. He didn''t know the details of Micah''s situation, but he had a feeling it was pretty serious.


    When Micah finally showed up again, Ss had been waiting for him to reach out. Last night, after a call from Andrew, Ss couldn''t sleep, feeling like something big was about to happen. So, he showed up at the vi early this morning. He ran into the three kidsing back from Hillside Vi, chatted with them for a bit, and then watched them race upstairs to find Micah, a warm smile on his face.


    Raymond had loved those kids more than anything. Every time Ss saw them, he felt a spark of hope for the future of the Clemens Group. He kept telling himself not to overthink it-everything would be fine; Micah was fine, the Clemens family was fine, everything was fine.


    "Ss," Micah called out,ing downstairs in afy casual outfit.


    "Mr. Clemens," Ss greeted him, noticing how much weight Micah had lost. "It''s only been a bit over two months. How''d you get so thin?"


    "Sessful weight loss," Micah joked.


    Ss couldn''tugh, managing only a slight smile. "I just saw the three kids. They''ve grown up and are super cute."


    "Yeah, kids grow up fast," Micah agreed. He sat down, and Reba immediately called for breakfast.


    "I had tea with Ryan the other day. He mentioned you came back to thepany a couple of weeks ago," Ss said, watching Micah closely. "How are you? Is your health holding up?"


    "I should be asking you that," Micah replied with a slight smile. "At your age, taking care of yourself is crucial."


    "I''m okay. I''ve been recovering, and my leg is almost healed," Ss reassured him, but he couldn''t shake his worry about Micah''s weight loss.


    Micah sipped his coffee in silence as breakfast was served. "Let''s eat first. We can talk in the study afterward."


    "Sure," Ss replied, his mood turning serious, his appetite fading.


    They had a simple breakfast and then headed to the study. Reba had already set up some fine tea and desserts and then quietly left.


    Andrew wheeled Ss in and stood by, a stack of documents waiting on the coffee table. Micah handed them to Ss, who was stunned as he read through them.


    "What''s this?" Ss asked, bewildered. "Mr. Clemens, what''s going on?"


    "I talked to the doctor. Your health is good, and barring any major incidents, you''ve got a decade or more ahead," Micah said, taking another sip of coffee. "So, I had Anthony draw up a will. If something happens to me, guardianship of my three kids will go to you. You have to help me raise them well!"


    "Mr. Clemens," Ss was shocked, his hands trembling, "What''s going on? Please don''t scare me."


    "Nothing to worry about," Micah replied with a small smile, trying to seem casual. "Just a precaution, you know?"


    "A precaution for what?" Ss was visibly shaken. "You''re still young. The future of the Clemens Group depends on you. You can''t fall."


    As he spoke, Ss''s breathing became rapid. Andrew quickly brought him some medicine.


    "What''s happening?" Ss didn''t direct his distress at Micah, instead demanding answers from Andrew. He lightly tapped the back of Andrew''s head, seeking rification.

 Chapter 1341 There Must Be a Way

    Andrew looked all pouty, but he didn''t dare say a word.


    "Hey, go easy on him," Micah said, staying cool. "Actually, I''ve got a terminal illness and don''t know how much time I''ve got left. Just in case, I made this will."


    "What?" Ss was totally floored. It took him a second to process before he blurted out, all worked up, "What terminal illness? Mr. Clemens, are you messing with me? Don''t freak me out like that. I''m too old for this kind of shock." "I''m dead serious," Micah replied, still calm. "Remember E?"


    "Nelson''s daughter, right? But why bring her up now?" Ss asked, getting anxious.


    "That day, in front of my grandpa, I exposed her n. She couldn''t talk her way out and threw poison at Sadie, which I blocked," Micah started, his voice steady. "Before the cops took her away, she gave me this look-pure hatred. She mouthed that I''d soon join her in hell. I didn''t think much of it then, butter, I got it. I never thought the poison would be so strong. A bit sshed into my eye, and now this."


    "How could this happen? E''s so vicious," Ss fumed, then quickly asked, "Did you find Hubert? Isn''t he great at detoxifying? He helped Sadie and Mia; he can definitely help you..." "It''s toote," Micah cut in, his tone steady. "Hubert passed away."


    Ss staggered back, stunned. "Hubert passed away? When did this happen?"


    "Just a few days ago. Sadie and I handled his funeral," Micah replied calmly. "So now, there''s no cure for my poison."


    "How is that possible?" Ss struggled to ept it. "There must be a way."


    "There''s one of Hubert''s students, named Virgil. We''ve been looking for him, but no luck so far," Andrew chimed in.


    "As long as there''s hope, don''t give up," Ss said excitedly. "I know Virgil; he''s tight with Tristan. If we find Tristan, we can find Virgil."


    "Tristan''s missing too. We''re all looking for him," Andrew said softly.


    "What kind of work are you doing? You can''t even find a person?" Ss yelled, hitting Andrew with his cane. "You and Rn were both taught by me, and this is all you can do?" "I''m sorry, teacher," Andrew muttered, looking totally ashamed.


    Since following Micah, Andrew rarely called Ss "teacher," but getting scolded now made him feel really inadequate. He med himself for not finding Virgil and solving the crisis. Ss''s anger simmered as he looked back at Micah. "So, when you disappeared for two months, were you getting treatment? Didn''t Huberte up with a solution?" "We tried other medical teams then. Hubert had gone to Country E with Ms. James..." Andrew blurted out.


    "Shut it!" Micah snapped, ring coldly. "You think you can just butt in? I''m talking to Ss."


    "I''m sorry," Andrew apologized and quickly stepped aside, not daring to say more.


    "At that time, you should have sought treatment from Hubert. How could you..." Ss sighed deeply. "Does Sadie know about your poisoning?"


    "She doesn''t know," Micah quickly exined. "Back then, Mia was also poisoned and needed Hubert. I couldn''t dy her and Sadie''s treatment for my illness."

 Chapter 1342 Cant Give Up

    "You guys should''ve all gotten treated together as a family," Ss fumed. "They never should''ve gone to Country E. The three of you should''ve stayed here and let Hubert take care of you. That way, no one would''ve been dyed." "Hubert was old and barely hanging on," Micah exined. "He was on hisst legs. After treating the two of them, he copsed. If he had to treat me too, all three of us would''ve been dyed." "But..." Ss started to argue.


    "Enough, Ss," Micah cut him off, trying to calm him down. "It''s all in the past now. No point in dwelling on it."


    "Yeah," Ss muttered, looking down. He still had some resentment towards Sadie but didn''t dare say it out loud.


    He didn''t believe that treating one more person would''ve made Hubert copse sooner. Deep down, he still thought Sadie had dyed Micah''s treatment.


    "I called you here to entrust the entire Clemens family to you," Micah said seriously. "Andrew and Rn have been with me for years and are both brave and resourceful, but they still don''t measure up to you. You can handle the big picture, but because of your status, you mightck some credibility. So, I''ll find a way to establish a position for you."


    "Got it," Ss nodded, going along with Micah''s n. "I''ll fully cooperate with you. As long as I''m alive, I''ll protect the Clemens family!"


    "That''s the spirit," Micah said, pleased. "Take care of your health. You can''t copse before the kids grow up."


    "Yeah," Ss nodded, his eyes getting misty.


    "Alright, you can go back now. I still need to meet with Ryanter," Micah said with a smile. "Take good care of yourself. I''ll let you know once everything''s set."


    "Okay," Ss said, looking at Micah, hesitating to speak.


    "Escort Ss out," Micah instructed Andrew.


    "Yes," Andrew said, pushing Ss out.


    "Ryan hasn''t arrived yet. Take me for a walk in the garden," Ss said, looking at the familiar garden with a touch of nostalgia. "Mr. Raymond Clemens used to love sitting in the garden, lost in thought."


    "Oh, it''s raining. I''ll get an umbre. Please wait a moment," Andrew said. Then he fetched arge ck umbre and, holding it, pushed Ss into the garden.


    The garden was meticulously maintained by professional gardeners and looked beautiful, but Ss had no time to appreciate the scenery. Instead, he asked gravely, "Tell me, is Mr. Micah Clemens''s illness really that serious?"


    Andrew candidly exined the situation. "From the time the problem was discovered until now, it''s been over three months. Initially, he only asionally experienced blurred vision and dizziness, butst night, he was blind for several hours. ording to the doctors, the poison has reached his brain and is affecting his sensory nerves."


    He said sorrowfully, "Not long ago, we held onto a glimmer of hope and went to see Hubert. At that time, Hubert was already at his limit. He was always concerned about Mr. Clemens''s condition and felt deeply regretful. Before he died, he used hisst bit of strength to write a prescription, but unfortunately, he couldn''t finish it. However, before he passed away, he told us that his student Virgil would definitely understand the prescription and find a solution. So, we''ve been trying to find Virgil, but so far, there''s been no news."


    "I''ll think of something too," Ss said, furrowing his brow. "As long as there''s a glimmer of hope, we can''t give up."


    "Yeah," Andrew nodded firmly. "We haven''t given up and are constantly looking for solutions."


    "The Clemens family only has Mr. Micah Clemens left. If he falls, the entire family will copse, and the Clemens family''s century-old foundation will be destroyed." As Ss spoke, his eyes reddened. "I promised Mr. Raymond Clemens that I would protect Mr. Micah Clemens. If anything happens to him, how could I face thete Mr. Raymond Clemens?"

 Chapter 1343 Guarding VIC Group

    Andrew hung his head, feeling pretty down and at a loss for words. Just then, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught his attention. He nced back, quickly pulling himself together. "Ss, Ryan''s here. I''ll walk you to the car," he said. "Alright," Ss nodded. "You go on ahead. I brought some folks with me."


    Since Raymond passed away, the bodyguards and old servants who once looked after him now took care of Ss. But Ss had cut down most of the staff, sending them to help Micah and keeping just a few for himself. He figured he didn''t need that many people fussing over him. Still, Micah respected him a lot and made sure he got the same level of care as Raymond did.


    Andrew walked Ss to the waiting car, handed him off to Ethan, and watched them drive away before heading back to greet Ryan. As Ryan stepped out of his car, he noticed Ss''s vehicle leaving and felt a wave of anxiety. He grabbed Andrew''s arm and asked quietly, "Mr. Clemens called me here. Is something up?"


    For years, no matter how big the issue, Micah always met him at the office or somewhere else. This was the first time he invited him to his home, so Ryan couldn''t help but feel a bit on edge.


    "You''ll find out soon," Andrew said respectfully. "This way, please."


    Ryan followed Andrew to the study, where Reba had already swapped out the teapot.


    Micah was sitting on the sofa, legs crossed, looking over some documents. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and smiled at Ryan. "Ryan, wee!"


    "Mr. Clemens," Ryan greeted, feeling a bit uneasy, "What''s the asion? Why did you call me to your house all of a sudden?"


    "Have a seat," Micah gestured to the sofa opposite him. Reba poured tea for both men and then left the room, leaving a calm but tense atmosphere. Ryan was about to pick up his cup when he noticed a document on the table. His unease grew.


    "This is for you," Micah said, handing over the document. "Take a look."


    Ryan set the teacup aside, put on his sses, and started reading. His expression quickly turned to shock. "Mr. Clemens, what are you doing? You''re so young. Why are you making a will? And you''re asking me to take over your position and manage VIC Group? This..."


    Before Ryan could finish, Micah gently cut him off. "Read it carefully," he said. "It states that if something happens to me, you''ll take over my position and manage VIC Group. Ss will still oversee the headquarters in Country F, and you''ll assist him."


    "What is going on?" Ryan waspletely flustered. "The Clemens Group is stable, and your career is going great. Why make a will now?"


    "Just in case," Micah replied nonchntly. "Life''s unpredictable; who knows what''ll happen tomorrow."


    "But..." Ryan started to argue but was cut off again.


    "Look at the document carefully and see if you have any objections," Micah interrupted. "If you do, Anthony can still make changes. If not, I''ll finalize it."


    "This..." Ryan hesitated, still uneasy and suspecting there was more to Micah''s decision. But he knew better than to push for answers when Micah wasn''t willing to share. Unlike Ss, who had a lifetime of personal connection to the Clemens family, Ryan''s rtionship with Micah was strictly professional.


    "Alright, I''ll take a look," Ryan agreed, pushing his doubts aside and focusing on the document.


    Just then, the attendant led Anthony in. Anthony greeted Micah and Ryan with a bow and started taking notes on any necessary changes to the document.


    Micah leisurely sipped his tea, patiently waiting for Ryan.


    After a while, Ryan finished reading the document and said solemnly, "I''ve read it. I have no issues with it, but the terms seem too generous. I''ve only managed the VIC Group on your behalf for ten years, yet you''re giving me ten percent of the shares. I feel unworthy of them. Even without these shares, I''d still do my best to protect VIC Group."

 Chapter 1344 Split Evenly into Four Parts

    Ryan whipped out a pen and shed through the use about the shares. "Take this out, or I''m not signing," he said, his voice calm but firm.


    Micah let out a heavy sigh, worry lines creasing his face. "Ryan, keeping VIC Group afloat isn''t a walk in the park. With me around, things run smoothly. Handing you my role is doable, but this will only kicks in if I''m gone. You gotta understand, once I''m out of the picture, the group''s gonna be in chaos. You''ll be under a ton of pressure and maybe even in danger. So, giving you ten percent of the shares isn''t too much."


    Ryan shook his head, standing his ground. "Do you think giving me all those shares will make those problems disappear? What needs to be faced will still be there, shares or no shares. Both my daughters are married and living abroad. They''re doing fine and don''t need the money. I wouldn''t even know what to do with all those shares. Having too many will just paint a target on my back, making things even riskier. Just let me live a few more peaceful years."


    Micah felt a wave of emotions. Ryan''s stubborn honesty left him with no room to argue. Over the years, VIC Group had seen a lot of ups and downs. People came and went, but Ryan, always a challenge yet reliable, had been a rock during critical times.


    "Thank you," Micah said, genuinely touched. He didn''t want to get all mushy, but that simple "Thank you" carried a lot of weight.


    "I should be thanking you for your contributions to tech," Ryan replied sincerely. "We couldn''t have pushed tech productsmercially on our own. You used your strengths,bined with the market and your skills, to help me make the most of my remaining energy."


    "It''s a team effort," Micah smiled. "If you don''t want the shares, ask for anything else, and I''ll do my best to make it happen."


    "Nothinges to mind right now. When I think of something, I''ll let you know," Ryan said as he stood up. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll head out. There''s a new product test today, and I need to check it out." "Go ahead," Micah nodded. "See Ryan out."


    "Yes," Andrew replied. He stepped forward and respectfully said. "This way, Ryan."


    Ryan got up to leave, but as he reached the door, he turned back to Micah. "By the way, Mr. Clemens, I''d like to find a chance to meet with Noah alone. I think he has a lot of potential, and I''d love to chat about tech with him." Micah''s eyes lit up. "He''s at home now. Andrew, set it up."


    Andrew immediately took Ryan to find Noah, who was busy tinkering with a small invention. Seeing Ryan, Noah greeted him respectfully, and the two started chatting excitedly in the study. Andrew had Reba stay nearby to assist them and then went downstairs to find Micah.


    As he descended, an attendant rushed up. "Andrew, a Ms. Graham is here to see Mr. Clemens!" he reported.

 Chapter 1345 Who Is That Woman?

    Andrew was caught off guard for a second before he snapped back. "Olivia Graham?"


    "Yep, that''s the name," the attendant replied. He''d been at the vi for ages but didn''t really know Olivia.


    Andrew said, "Keep her busy for a bit. I need to check with Mr. Clemens."


    The attendant nodded. "Got it."


    Andrew rushed to the study to find Micah. Just then, Anthony was showing Micah a new supplementary agreement for review.


    "Mr. Clemens, Ms. Graham is here," Andrew reported quietly. "She''s waiting outside in the yard."


    "How did she find this ce?" Micah frowned.


    "No clue," Andrew said, feeling a bit awkward. "But your address isn''t exactly a secret in the business world. If someone really wanted to find it, they could." Micah was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Invite her to sit in the garden. I''ll be there soon."


    "Yes, sir." Andrew nodded and quickly went to greet her.


    Micah checked the agreement, gave Anthony a few instructions, then went to his room to change before heading to the garden restaurant.


    Olivia was sitting gracefully in a chair, her eyes downcast, lost in thought.


    "Ms. Graham!" Micah called out as he walked over. Olivia quickly stood up to greet him, "Mr. Clemens, sorry to bother you."


    "How did you find my address?" Micah asked with a smile.


    "I asked around," Olivia said, looking a bit embarrassed. "I know it''s wrong, but I..."


    She trailed off, biting her lip shyly.


    Micah got the hint. They had nned to have dinner together, and things were going well until Joe interrupted. After that, he cut off contact, not replying to messages or answering calls. She got anxious and came to find him. "Getting interrupted twice is pretty rude," Micah said smoothly. "Today, I''ll treat you to dinner. You pick the ce."


    "Really?" Olivia was thrilled and tentatively asked, "Can it be at your house?"


    "There are guests and kids at home, it''s not very convenient," Micah declined directly and suggested, "You like the sea, let''s go out on the water."


    "Okay, okay." Olivia nodded eagerly. Even though Micah refused to have dinner at home, he was willing to take her out on the water, which was still a great chance to be alone.


    "Andrew!" Micah turned and instructed, "Make the arrangements."


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," Andrew replied and immediately went to set things up.


    Micah said a few words to Reba, then took Olivia to the car.


    Meanwhile, in the study on the second floor, Noah saw this through the floor-to-ceiling window and frowned, asking the maid beside him, "Who is that woman?"


    "She seems to be a friend of Mr. Clemens," the maid replied.


    "That''s Ms. Graham from Country H, the vice president of the R Group. Young and promising, with a distinguished background," Ryan immediately recognized Olivia. He added, "She''s made quite a name for herself in the business world these past couple of years."


    "I see," Noah responded, not saying anything more.


    "Adults'' business is none of a child''s concern," Ryan said with a smile. "Come on, let''s get back to our discussion."


    "Okay." Noah refocused and continued talking about the new invention with Ryan.


    On the other side, Micah''s car drove down the mountain, heading to the Sapphire Depths.


    In the car, Olivia chatted enthusiastically with Micah about some light and pleasant topics.


    Micah responded here and there, eventually steering the conversation to the Sunvale Sports Complex Project.


    He asked, "These past few days, Duke Louis should have approached you, right?"


    "He did," Olivia replied with a smile. "He offered very good terms, hoping I would invest, but I turned him down."


    "Hmm? Why?" Micah was a bit surprised.


    "If it were just regr businesspetition, I wouldn''t refuse," Olivia answered honestly. "But it involves Ms. James, and she''s your ex-wife. I don''t want to make things difficult for you."

 Chapter 1346 Come Looking for Her

    "It shouldn''t be too hard," Micah said, sounding a bit sorry, "but thanks anyway."


    "No need to thank me, this is my own thing, nothing to do with you," Olivia replied with a smile. "You never mentioned it, I just didn''t want to get involved." "Okay," Micah responded.


    "Mr. Clemens, actually, I came to see you today because..."


    Before Olivia could finish, a white car drove by.


    Micah instinctively turned his head; it was Joe''s white Bentley. His brows furrowed, and he immediately ordered, "Turn around!"


    "Yes, sir." The attendant made a U-turn at the next intersection.


    Olivia was stunned and asked, "Mr. Clemens, did you forget something?"


    "Sorry, I might not be able to take you to dinner today," Micah said with a frown. "You can get off up ahead, we''ll reschedule."


    "But..." Olivia wanted to say something but held back. "It''s okay, you go ahead and take care of your business. Just remember to contact me when you''re done," she said understandingly.


    "Alright," Micah said, sounding a bit sorry, "I''ll call you."


    "Okay," Olivia said with a gentle smile. No matter the situation, she always managed her emotions well.


    The car stopped up ahead, and Olivia got out. Her car was parked by the roadside.


    Micah''s car headed back up the hill toward Hillside Vi.


    Olivia stood by the roadside, watching his car speed away. The smile on her face gradually disappeared, reced by immense disappointment.


    This was the third time. Every time they had a date, it was interrupted. And it was always because of Sadie.


    "That seemed to be Joe''s car just now," the attendant said with a frown. "It''s said that Ms. James lives at Hillside Vi. Mr. Clemens must have seen Joe going to see Ms. James, so he turned back."


    "I know," Olivia muttered. Her face darkened and became uncontrobly gloomy.


    "Then..." The attendant looked at her cautiously.


    "Wait here," Olivia spoke as she got into her car. "Wait for Joe''s car toe down."


    The attendant said, "Yes, ma''am."


    Sadie woke up early, her hand still in pain. With Annika''s help, she managed to wash up and change clothes beforeing downstairs for breakfast.


    The three little girls had gone down the hill with Arya to y, making the house unusually quiet, which Sadie found a bit unsettling.


    "Ms. James, you should drink less coffee; it''s bad for your stomach," Annika reminded her with concern.


    "I didn''t sleep wellst night, and now I''m sleepy," Sadie sighed as she rubbed her temples. "I have things to do today, so I need to stay alert."


    "Things to do? What things?" Annika asked, a bit surprised. Besides taking care of the children, they hardly had anything to do.


    "If you don''t look for trouble, trouble will find you," Sadie muttered. When she woke up in the morning, she had a missed call from Craig. She hadn''t called back, but she felt he would soone looking for her. "Trouble?" Annika was about to press when a female bodyguard hurriedly reported, "Ms. James, Duke Louis is here."


    "How many people did he bring?" Sadie asked.


    "He brought three attendants," the bodyguard said. "Joe didn''te."


    "Invite them in," Sadie said. She put down her utensils and gave Annika a look.


    Annika immediately went to gather people and prepare for any situation.


    Last time, as soon as Sadie left, Craig had sent people to capture them. It was despicable.


    This time, with Craig having the nerve toe here, Sadie naturally had to be fully prepared.


    The gate opened, and the white Bentley drove in.


    Annika led people to greet them. The car door opened, and Craig got out with three attendants, wearing a gentle smile. "Sadie, your ce is hard to find."


    "Duke Louis, long time no see!" Sadie sat on the sofa in the living room, coldly watching Craig. She spoke icily, "You''ve gone to great lengths to find me. What do you want?"

 Chapter 1347 He Will Definitely Return

    "Sadie, can''t an old guy like me drop by for a visit?" Craig said, ncing around and noticing just a few bodyguards. He rxed a bit. "The kids aren''t home, huh? No wonder it''s so quiet." He knew Sadie was all about her kids'' safety. Whenever they went out, she had a whole squad protecting them.


    Now, there were only three bodyguards in the entire vi.


    "Stop looking around," Sadie said, catching on to Craig''s thoughts. She snorted, "Three bodyguards are plenty!"


    Craig coughed awkwardly and forced a smile. "You''re being too distant. I''m here to talk business, not to fight."


    "Duke Louis, you seem to have a short memory," Sadie smirked. "Weren''t you the one who sent people after mest time?"


    "I was just trying to bring you back. Joe couldn''t stand being without you," Craig replied, trying to sound righteous. "You were too paranoid, thinking they wanted to harm you." Sadie sneered, thinking Craig was full of it.


    "What? Not inviting me in?" Craig raised an eyebrow.


    "Please,e in," Sadie gestured.


    Craig stepped in, and Annika stopped his entourage. They tried to push their way in, but a look from Craig made them back off and wait at the door.


    Two female bodyguards stood guard at the door, while Annika stayed inside with Sadie.


    There were also two people upstairs, secretly on alert, but Craig didn''t notice.


    "Sadie, I''m your elder. No need to be so tense," Craig said as he sat down. "Tristan and I go way back!"


    "Enough," Sadie cut him off coldly. "Duke Louis, just get to the point."


    "Fine," Craig nodded with a cold smile. "Let''s cut to the chase."


    He pulled out a document and pped it on the table. "Sign this, and we''re even!"


    Sadie nced at the document and sneered. "You want me to back out of the project without any conditions? You think the hundreds of billions I invested are just a gift to you?"


    Craig responded, trying to sound righteous, "You got those shares because Joe set it up for you. You benefited from it. Plus, because of you, the wedding was canceled, causing big losses for the Louis Family. Not to mention the stress you put Joe through. This amount isn''t unreasonable!"


    Annika watched angrily from the side. If Arya were here, she would''ve probably cursed him out, "Shameless!"


    Sadie shot back coldly, "First, I didn''t gain any benefits. Second, the wedding cancetion wasn''t just my fault, was it? Have you forgotten the scandals caused by Duchess Louis and Barbara? The fact that I kept it quiet is already doing you a favor."


    "That was all Barbara''s doing. What''s it got to do with Amanda?" Craig snapped. "And what do you mean by that? Are you threatening me?"


    "I wanted to part ways nicely, but you made unreasonable demands first, so don''t me me for being tough," Sadie said firmly. "If you want me out of the project, fine, return my investment. Otherwise, no deal!"


    "I didn''t think the James Group was so desperate, fighting over such a small amount of money," Craig mocked. "Looks like Tristan really can''t turn things around!"


    "What''s mine is mine, and no one can take it away," Sadie said through gritted teeth. "And Tristan wille back, just you wait!"

 Chapter 1348 No One Will Dare to Bully You

    Craig felt a nervous twinge at Sadie''s reaction. Did she find out something? But then it hit him the James Group had already tanked. Rumor had it Tristan was lost at sea, nevering back. Despite the sinking feeling, Craig kept up his threat. "He cane back and talk. For now, you better sign this agreement, or else..."


    "Or else what?" Sadie shot back, ring at him.


    "You''re all alone now. Do I need to handle you myself?" Craig taunted. "Do you really think these female bodyguards can protect you?"


    "They can''t, but I can." Amanding voice cut in. Micah walked in, radiating authority and coldness, making Craig shiver. Their run-in at the VIC Group building had left a mark, making Craig''s power y useless without Micah''s approval. Facing a roadblock, Craig had no choice but to pressure Sadie. He thought she might cave for self-preservation. But Sadie stood firm.


    Just as Craig was about to escte things, Micah''s timely entrance changed the game.


    "What are you doing here?" Sadie was visibly surprised. She thought Olivia''s proactive nature would eventually win Micah over.


    Unexpectedly, in a blink, he showed up at her ce.


    "I was just about toe down the mountain when I saw Duke Louis''s car, so I thought I''d join the fun!" Micah said coolly, positioning himself next to Sadie.


    Micah looked at the document with disdain. "Duke Louis, whichwyer drafted this agreement for you? Quite bold. And acting without consulting me, a major shareholder, is against the rules." "Micah, let''s talk in private." Craig frowned.


    "Didn''t we talk about this yesterday?" Micah shot back, "What did I tell you? Seems like you didn''t get the message."


    His point was clear: Sadie shouldn''t be messed with, even he didn''t dare to provoke her. He hoped Craig would show some sincerity and make peace with Sadie.


    But Craig had no intention of making peace and instead came to threaten Sadie, which made Micah furious.


    "This..." Craig stammered.


    "Enough." Micah cut him off. "I wanted to give you a chance to handle this properly, but you don''t seem to respect my wishes. So, I''ll take care of this."


    "Micah, what do you mean by this?" Craig asked, surprised, "How are you going to handle it?"


    "In three days, there will be a shareholder meeting. You''ll get your answer there," Micah dered, tossing the agreement back. "Take your papers and leave for now!" "Micah..." Craig started to speak.


    "Show him out!" Micah cut him off and ordered.


    "Yes!" Annika and Andrew immediately walked over, standing on either side of Craig. They said politely, "Duke Louis, please!"


    Craig''s face turned red with anger, but he didn''t dare to act out. He had no choice but to take the agreement and leave with his people, feeling dejected.


    Watching the car drive out of the yard, Sadie finally looked away and turned to Micah with aplicated expression. "Thank you," she said softly.


    "I''ll handle this." Micah nced at her and instructed Andrew, "Deploy some people here to guard. Without my permission, no unauthorized persons are allowed near!"


    "Yes." Andrew answered and immediately went to make arrangements.


    "What are you doing?" Sadie asked.


    "Don''t you get it?" Micah frowned and dered, "He only dares to be so bold because he thinks you have no power. With my people here, no one will dare to mess with you in the future!"

 Chapter 1349 Protecting Sadie

    Micah''s words hit like a freight train, leaving Sadie fumbling for a response after she thanked him again.


    "Why are you being such a pushover?" Micah''s voice was sharp, his eyes filled with disappointment. "You''re always so tough with me. Why fall apart in front of others?" Sadie, caught off guard, shot back, "How am I being a coward? I stood my ground."


    "Stood your ground? You should''ve ripped that agreement to pieces right in his face," Micah snapped, his anger clear. "He''s walking all over you, and you can''t fight back?" Sadie was left speechless.


    "You only know how to push around your own people!" With that, Micah stormed off, leaving Sadie stunned and at a loss for words.


    As she watched him leave, a deep confusion settled in her heart. Was he still considered one of her people?


    This thought shed through Sadie''s mind, stirring a strange feeling in her heart.


    Micah got into the car and told Andrew, "Get all the shareholders of the gym project to meet me in three days."


    "Got it." Andrew nodded and started making calls.


    Meanwhile, Micah''s phone kept buzzing with calls from Craig. He hung up and blocked the number.


    "All set." Andrew finished the calls and turned to Micah, "Mr. Clemens, what''s the n?"


    "Duke Louis has crossed the line. He knows Sadie is with me, yet he still messes with her." Micah fumed. "I need to show him there are consequences!"


    "Understood." Andrew replied. He knew Micah well enough to know that no matter what his rtionship with Sadie was, he wouldn''t let anyone bully her.


    Especially since Micah had already warned Craig, but Craig still went after Sadie, which made him even angrier.


    In the past, Andrew might have told Micah to cool down, but now, he didn''t. Whatever Micah wanted to do, however he wanted to do it, it didn''t matter as long as he was happy. "It''s still early. Do you want to see Ms. Graham?" Andrew asked carefully.


    Micah thought for a moment and said, "Next time."


    "Alright." Andrew said as he pulled out his phone. "I''ll let her know. She was asking about it."


    Micah said, "Tell her we''ll reschedule."


    Andrew nodded. "Will do."


    By the mountainside, Olivia had been waiting, hoping Micah would show up. But Andrew''s message dashed her hopes, saying Micah couldn''t make it today.


    Feeling let down, a sense of unease settled within her, pushing Olivia toward a decision.


    Her attendant gently reminded her, "Ms. Graham, they''re here."


    Olivia looked up and saw a white Bentleying down the mountain, belonging to the Louis Family.


    Sure enough, when the car saw Olivia by the roadside, it slowed down and stopped. Craig got out with his attendants and walked over, politely asking, "Ms. Graham, what brings you here?" "If Duke Louis hadn''t shown up, I''d be on Mr. Clemens'' yacht right now." Olivia said, her words both tactful and pointed.


    Craig was momentarily taken aback, then quickly caught on. He apologized, "It seems I unintentionally ruined your ns with Mr. Clemens. My apologies!"


    "Duke Louis, are you here to see Ms. James?" Olivia asked with a smile.


    "Yes." Craig said bluntly. "Regarding the gym project, I wanted her to back out voluntarily, but she refused. And with Mr. Clemens involved, it''s now a bit tricky."

 Chapter 1350 Three Benefits

    "I''d advise you not to mess with Ms. James," Olivia said straight up. "Even though Mr. Clemens and she are no longer together, there''s still a connection. If anyone messes with her, Mr. Clemens will definitely step in!" "That doesn''t make sense," Craig said, confused. "Mr. Clemens has aplicated past with Sadie, and now he has you. Why would he still protect Sadie?"


    "You''ll have to ask Mr. Clemens that yourself. I''m curious too," Olivia smirked. "I''m just giving you a heads-up, don''t get yourself into trouble. Mr. Clemens isn''t someone you want to cross!"


    "What do you suggest, Ms. Graham?" Craig asked, staring at Olivia.


    "If I''m not wrong, you didn''t get what you wanted from Mr. Clemens just now, did you?" Olivia said, hinting. "Since you''re still calm, it means Mr. Clemens hasn''t said anything harsh yet. But knowing him, he will soon." Craig was taken aback. He muttered, "Ms. Graham, you mean..."


    "If it''s not yours, don''t force it. I suggest you return the investment funds to Sadie and focus on your work. Maybe there''s still a way out." Olivia said bluntly. "I know your financial situation isn''t great, and you''re counting on this project to turn things around. If you get kicked out, it''ll be a huge loss!"


    "Are you saying Micah wants to kick me out?" Craig eximed, shocked. "No way!"


    "Why not?" Olivia sneered. "You probably forgot his ruthless business tactics. Plus, Joe took Sadie away first, and you made things difficultter. Now you''re ignoring warnings and bullying Sadie. No matter how down and out Sadie is, she''s still the mother of Micah''s kids. You''ve pushed his patience too far. He won''t show you any mercy."


    Hearing her words, Craig was terrified and quickly thanked her. "Thanks for the advice, Ms. Graham. I''ll repay you someday!"


    With that, Craig hurriedly got into the car with his entourage. As soon as the door closed, he called hiswyer. "Return Sadie''s investment funds immediately. No excuses, do it now!"


    As the car started and drove away, Craig opened the window and waved to Olivia in thanks.


    Olivia nodded slightly in return.


    Watching Craig''s car leave, Olivia also got into her car and slowly drove down the hill with her entourage.


    "Ms. Graham, I don''t get it. Why did you advise him?" the entourage asked, puzzled.


    "If he keeps bothering Sadie, Mr. Clemens will keep protecting her, and I won''t have a chance to get close to him." Olivia replied calmly. "Giving him advice is mainly to make him and Joe hurry back to Country C and stop dying my ns. Secondly, it''s a favor that mighte in handy in the future."


    "I see," the entourage nodded repeatedly. "But doesn''t this inadvertently help Sadie?"


    "That''s the third benefit," Olivia smiled. "She''ll eventually find out that I helped her, so she''ll owe me a favor."


    "But if you didn''t help, Mr. Clemens would have stepped in," the entourage asked cautiously. "The problem would still be solved."


    Olivia said, "Sadie might not agree with Mr. Clemens doing that. Besides, if Mr. Clemens really takes action, his methods are too harsh and will cause a stir in the business circle, damaging the Clemens Group''s reputation. She wouldn''t want him to do that, and neither would I."


    Olivia looked out the window at the Half Mountain Vi and raised an eyebrow slightly. She muttered, "By doing this, I gain three benefits. Sadie will thank me!"

 Chapter 1351 Olivias Genuine

    Micah was deep in conversation with Anthony about the gym project''s shareholder contract when his phone buzzed. Sadie''s name lit up the screen. Surprised, he answered quickly, "Hey, what''s up?"


    Sadie''s voice was shaky, "Duke Louis just returned the investment funds to me. Did you have anything to do with this?"


    Micah''s face turned serious, his eyes narrowing. "Since when did Craig start using his brain?"


    "What did you do?" Sadie asked, clearly worried. "Don''t let my problems drag you down. Even though the Clemens Group is solid, if you threaten him and kick him out, it won''t look good if word gets out, and you''ll piss off the royal family of Country C."


    "Are you worried about me?" Micah shot back.


    "I''m being serious," Sadie said urgently. "Can you just talk straight?"


    "I haven''t done anything yet," Micah replied curtly. "Happy now?"


    "Then what''s going on?" Sadie was confused.


    "Maybe someone gave him a nudge," Micah had a hunch and tried to calm her. "But don''t stress about it. It''s sorted, and that''s what matters." "Who gave him the hint?" Sadie pressed.


    "I told you, don''t worry about it," Micah said firmly. "Just take care of yourself."


    Sadie was getting frustrated. "Fine, as long as it wasn''t you. I don''t want to owe you anything."


    "You haven''t owed me enough?" Micah snapped. "Your life is mine."


    "You..." Sadie was speechless. "I can''t deal with you right now!"


    She hung up.


    Micah frowned and told Andrew, "Tell Anthony he doesn''t need toe."


    "What about the shareholders?" Andrew asked.


    "Their schedule stays the same," Micah said, putting his phone down. "Even if we don''t kick Craig out, we need to give him some trouble." "Got it," Andrew went to notify everyone.


    Micah found Olivia''s number and called her back. "Ms. Graham, how about meeting at Velvet Spoon Bistro at six tonight?"


    "Sure, Mr. Clemens!" Olivia agreed happily, then added, "You won''t cancel this time, right?"


    "No," Micah smiled a bit. "Send me the address, and I''ll pick you up."


    "Okay, I''ll send it right away," Olivia said.


    After hanging up, Olivia sent the address almost immediately.


    Micah told Andrew to make arrangements, and Andrew quickly took care of it. He casually asked, "Was it Ms. Graham who gave Duke Louis the hint?"


    "You figured it out too?" Micah smiled. "Olivia''s a smart woman."


    "And her approach is refreshing," Andrew noted. "By stepping in, she avoided more drama for Sadie and you."


    "What''s her angle?" Micah wondered. "Is she trying to make both Sadie and me owe her a favor?"


    "There might be more to it," Andrew suggested. "Given all the cancetions andplications, this could be her way of smoothing things over." "Yeah, she put some thought into it," Micah said lightly.


    Watching Micah closely, Andrew asked, "Do you...?"


    "Olivia''s genuine," Micah interrupted. "Even with her tactics, she values sincerity and can be a good friend."


    "I should still be clear with her, so I don''t waste her time," Micah put down his phone and rubbed his tired eyes. "Make sure tonight''s date is well set up." "Got it," Andrew said.

 Chapter 1352 Scheme (1)

    Micah had been feeling super tiredtely. He''d just woken up and already wanted to dive back into bed.


    Andrew was getting more worried by the day, watching Micah''s condition go downhill. If they didn''t find Virgil soon, who knows what might happen...


    Just thinking about it made Andrew anxious. He set up an evening date and nned to call Rn. Right then, his phone buzzed-it was Annika, wanting to meet up. Andrew had to head to the back hill to meet Annika first.


    After what happenedst time, Andrew was extra cautious, constantly reminding himself not to let Annika trick him into spilling anything.


    Meanwhile, before Annika left, Sadie kept reminding her, "Remember what I said, you have to get the truth out of Andrew."


    "Got it," Annika nodded.


    "Go on," Sadie urged, and Annika hurried off.


    Ever since Sadie identally found out that Micah seemed to have bouts of blindness, she''d been worried about his health. She sent Annika to check it out once, but that mission was a bust.


    Seeing Micah again today, Sadie couldn''t shake the worry-he looked worse, and his eyes seemed constantly cloudy. It made her even more determined, so she sent Annika to meet Andrew again, hoping to get some useful info. Sadie knew Annika was smart but not as sharp as Andrew, so she drilled Annika on techniques and tactics before sending her off.


    Annika arrived at the back hill, and Andrew had just gotten there too.


    Annika hopped into his car and handed him an apple.


    "Thanks!" Andrew said, grinning as he took a bite.


    Seeing him so happy, Annika felt a bit conflicted. Andrew usually seemed so tough, but he was actually easy to please. She had promised to bring him some homemade food, but she didn''t have time to make it today and just grabbed an apple. He was still super happy and satisfied.


    "Thanks for today," Annika started, "Duke Louis was too much. We were ready to act, but Mr. Clemens showed up and sorted it out."


    "Even though their rtionship is strained now, Mr. Clemens still cares a lot about Ms. James. If she''s in trouble, he won''t ignore it," Andrew said seriously.


    He added, "Next time something happens, you need to let me know right away. Today we just happened to run into Duke Louis''s car halfway up the mountain, otherwise, it would''ve been a mess."


    "Ms. James doesn''t want to owe Mr. Clemens anything," Annika sighed. "I also think they both care about each other. There''s no need to keep this stalemate."


    "I get it. The Clemens Family hurt her before, and there''s a family feud. Those are hard to let go," Andrew sighed deeply. "But Raymond is gone, Nick and the Lingston Family are done for. Those grudges should''ve been buried long ago. With Tristan missing, our families need to unite and move forward."


    "I think so too, but Ms. James has too many concerns," Annika sighed. "Maybe she just needs time, to take it slow."


    "We can''t afford to take it slow," Andrew blurted out. "Time waits for no one."


    "What?" Annika looked at him, confused.


    "I mean..." Andrew quickly backpedaled, "the kids are growing up fast. They need both parents. And now, with the James Group in crisis, Ms. James needs Mr. Clemens''s help. We should find a way to bring them back together." "You''re right," Annika nodded. "I think so too."


    "That''s good," Andrew was thrilled. If Annika was willing to help him bring them together, it would be much easier.


    "I have to leave in ten minutes," Annika said, ncing at her watch. "Dr. Rey ising over soon."


    "Dahlia?" Andrew asked. "Is sheing to treat Ms. James''s wound? How is Ms. James''s hand doing?"


    "Not well," Annika sighed. "It''s been hurting a lot these past two days. I even helped her wash her face this morning."

 Chapter 1353 Scheme (2)

    "The wound''s pretty bad," Andrew said, frowning as he pulled out his phone. "I''ll ask Dahlia to get some stronger painkillers ready."


    "No need," Annika quickly replied. "We''ve got some at home."


    "External injuries take time to heal. It should get better in a few days," Andrew advised. "Dahlia''s a top-notch surgeon; she can handle this."


    Annika sighed, "If only Hubert were here."


    "Yeah, if only Hubert hadn''t died," Andrew echoed, his expression softening with shared sorrow. If Hubert were still around, they wouldn''t have to worry so much about Micah''s illness.


    "And it would be good if Tristan were here too," Annika added sadly. "His doctor friend is also very skilled."


    "Are you talking about Riley?" Andrew asked immediately.


    "Yes, Riley," Annika nodded. "Ms. James used to see him when she was sick, and she always got better quickly."


    "Do you still have contact with him?" Andrew asked tentatively.


    "We don''t, but Terry should," Annika said casually. "If Ms. James''s injury doesn''t improve, I''ll call Terry."


    "Terry?" Andrew asked urgently.


    "Yes," Annika nodded.


    Andrew felt a surge of excitement. How had he overlooked this? Riley was friends with Tristan, and Tristan''s trusted assistant, Terry, should be in contact with Riley. And Sadie, Ms. James, was the best person to reach Terry. In other words, if they could contact Terry, they could find Riley.


    "Time''s up, I have to go," Annika said, checking her watch.


    "Okay," Andrew got out of the car and opened the passenger door.


    Annika got out and reminded him, "I''ll head back now. Today might be busy, so I''ll contact you tomorrow."


    "Take good care of yourself," Andrew gently advised.


    Annika nodded and walked away quickly. She knew Sadie was still at home waiting for her news.


    If Andrew contacted Terry, it meant that Micah''s condition was really serious.


    Andrew watched Annika''s figure disappear from sight, then immediately started the car to head back. He had to share this good news with Micah and see if they could find a way to contact Riley through Terry. Meanwhile, Annika hurried back home.


    "Ms. James!" Annika announced, knocking and entering, still catching her breath.


    "How did it go?" Sadie poured her a cup of tea. She advised, "Sit down and tell me."


    Annika took a sip of tea, still panting, and said, "I followed your instructions. At first, he was very guarded, but when I mentioned Riley, his eyes lit up, and his whole demeanor changed. I sensed he really wants to contact Riley, but at the crucial moment, he held back. I think if Mr. Clemens is really in trouble, he''ll contact Terry soon."


    Hearing this, Sadie''s face grew serious. She should have picked up on it sooner. In just two months, Micah had lost so much weight, and his overall condition wasn''t good. If it were just a minor injury, it wouldn''t have gotten this bad. Could he have some incurable disease? But that didn''t seem likely either. The Clemens Family had strong genes; Raymond had lived to 98, and there was no history of cancer in the family. How could he be sick?


    Whatever it was, they needed to find out his condition as soon as possible and figure out a strategy.


    Micah''s pride was too strong. Who knew how long he could hold out?


    "Ms. James," Annika asked softly, breaking the silence, "what should we do now?"


    "Tomorrow, I''ll go to Avalis to pay my respects to Hubert," Sadie decided quickly. "We''ll have a clearer answer then."

 Chapter 1354 Two Choices

    Annika''s eyes went wide. "If Mr. Clemens really has some incurable illness, he must''ve told Hubert before. Pa and Percy would definitely know about it."


    Sadie looked thoughtful. "No wonder he kept visiting Hubert. Hubert always seemed to have some heavy secret before he passed, always hanging around Micah."


    "Ms. James, we don''t know anything for sure yet, so don''t stress. Maybe we''re just overthinking," Annika tried to reassure her. "I saw Mr. Clemens looking fit and fine; he doesn''t seem sick at all." "Let''s talk about it tomorrow when we get to Avalis," Sadie said, changing the subject. "You go arrange the private jet, and I''ll call Pa."


    "Got it," Annika nodded, then asked, "Are we taking any of the kids this time?"


    Sadie shook her head. "The trip''s too long, let''s not drag them along. Just you and me."


    "Okay, got it." Annika replied and went off to make the arrangements.


    "I''m fuming," Arya burst in, clearly upset.


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie asked, her brow furrowing.


    "I thought Mr. Clemens wasmitted, but he''s just out there ying around," Arya fumed. "Rodolfo got sent to pick up Olivia. They even booked the whole Velvet Spoon Bistro and had it decorated." Annika shot Arya a warning look, telling her to be careful.


    "So what?" Sadie said calmly, "Micah and I broke up a long time ago. It''s normal for him to date others."


    "But..." Arya started, but Annika pinched her. She changed her tone, "Alright, maybe I''m overreacting."


    "You''re definitely overreacting," Annika said in a low, angry voice, "If Mr. Clemens finds out Rodolfo spilled the beans, Rodolfo''s done for."


    Arya was stunned for a moment and quickly exined, "He didn''t tell me, I overheard it by ident. Ms. James, he didn''t..."


    "Enough," Sadie cut her off, "The three little girls will wake up from their nap soon. They''re going to Whimsy Wondend Fun Zone with Noah, Nathan, and Mia for dinner. Go get ready." "Yes," Arya hurried out, giving Annika a pleading look, hoping she''d help exin.


    Annika waved her off, telling her to leave quickly.


    After the door closed, Annika carefully tried tofort Sadie, "Ms. James, don''t take Arya''s words to heart. I think Mr. Clemens meeting Olivia is also for the sportsplex project, not a date. He even defended you earlier today." "Doesn''t matter," Sadie shrugged. "He can date whoever he wants. If he''s with Olivia, at least it means he''s not seriously sick, so I don''t have to worry about Noah, Nathan, and Mia losing their dad."


    Annika felt a bit awkward, not sure what to say.


    "You can go now. I''ll call Pa," Sadie said.


    "Sure," Annika replied.


    As Annika left quietly, Sadie''s calm facade slowly turned serious as she dialed Pa''s number.


    Worry for Micah''s health mixed with thoughts of his meeting with Olivia.


    If she had to choose, she''d pick Micah''s health over their rtionship. Maybe this was just how things were meant to be.


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie made the call to Pa, who greeted her eagerly, telling her to take her time and not rush tomorrow.

 Chapter 1355 The Past Events

    After chatting with Pa on the phone, Sadie quickly threw some stuff into a small suitcase, getting ready for her trip to Avalis the next day.


    While she was packing, her phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. She was about to ignore it but then recognized the digits. "Hello?" she answered.


    "Sadie?" The voice on the other end sounded super excited. "Is that really you?"


    Sadie was taken aback. "Masson?"


    "Yeah, it''s me! I can''t believe it''s really you," Masson said, practically tripping over his words in excitement. "I thought I''d never see you again. Where are you? Can we meet up? I just got back to Newark." Sadie thought for a second and decided not to mention Hillside Vi. "Where are you staying? I''lle over."


    "I''m at Serenity Suites," Masson replied quickly. "Are you far? I cane get you."


    "No need," Sadie checked her watch. "Let''s meet at the hotel restaurant in an hour."


    "Perfect, I''ll be there," Masson confirmed.


    "Alright," Sadie said and hung up.


    She then asked Annika to arrange a car to take her straight to Serenity Suites to meet Masson.


    As they drove down the mountain, the sunset painted the sky in fiery colors, lighting up the forest with a stunning glow.


    Staring out at the beautiful scenery, Sadie''s mind drifted back through her past. From her young love with Ronan to her encounters with Micah and Joe, through all the chaos and drama, one thing stayed the same Masson!


    He was there through all the big moments, from her engagement to Ronan, Micahing into her life, to all the personal messes. But after she made her choices, Masson disappeared for years.


    When Ronan and Arianna''s troubles came to light and the families fell apart, Masson came back to help clean up the mess, then vanished again.


    Now, his sudden return stirred up a mix of feelings in Sadie.


    While she was lost in thought, Annika broke the silence with some news. "Ms. James, after Arianna''s release, I found out Mr. rk ns to take her back to Country F." Sadie frowned as she looked over the details. "Arianna did such awful things to Leah and got off with a short sentence. Someone must have pulled strings to get her out." "Yeah, her original sentence was much longer," Annika added. "She even went after you, showing just how spiteful she is."


    Sadie didn''t say anything, just furrowed her brows. She had been a witness in that case and Arianna had threatened her. If it weren''t for Micah''s support, she might have been dead by now. But she still gave evidence to the police out of conscience back then. Arianna must hate her guts.


    "I wonder if Arianna is at Serenity Suites?" Annika mused. "It would be awkward to run into her."


    "Masson is thoughtful; he wouldn''t let that happen," Sadie said calmly. "And even if we do, it''s Arianna who should feel awkward. She''s the one who did all those terrible things, not me." "True," Annika nodded. "By the way, while looking into Arianna''s case, I also checked on Mr. Potter."


    "Oh?" Sadie turned to her.


    "Mr. Potter got two years and was released a few months ago," Annika said softly. "I don''t know if he''s been in touch with the rk family. I remember his parents took his son Billy and moved to Zephyria when it all went down."

 Chapter 1356 Reunion with an Old Friend

    Sadie couldn''t help but feel bad for Billy. "He''s the same age as Mia, but he''s already seen the worst of humanity. That''s gotta mess with his head."


    Annika nodded, looking serious. "Yeah, I heard he stabbed Arianna with a little knife at the wedding? He was, like, four years old then, right?"


    "Yeah," Sadie sighed. "A four-year-old shouldn''t have that kind of hate, but..."


    "You can still find stuff about it online," Annika said quietly. "There are even some photos and videos."


    "After the Potter Family went downhill, they couldn''t afford to pay people to clean up the inte," Sadie said with a bitter smile. "Go handle it and delete all the records about Billy. If he sees it when he''s older, it could really mess him up." "Okay." Annika went off to take care of it.


    As they talked, their car pulled up to Serenity Suites, a new five-star hotel by the coast of The Sapphire Depths. From the windows, you could see the ocean stretching out forever. "Isn''t Velvet Spoon Bistro around here?" Annika remembered. "Arya said Micah was hosting Olivia there tonight."


    Sadie''s face darkened. "What does that have to do with us?" she snapped. "Mind your own business."


    "Yes," Annika quickly looked down, not saying another word.


    Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Sadie?"


    Sadie looked up and saw Masson standing nearby, his eyes bright with excitement. "Masson!" She was thrilled, walking quickly towards him. "Long time no see, you''ve changed!"


    The Masson she remembered, with his artsy vibe, sad eyes, and long hair, was gone. Now he had short hair, wore a suit, and looked confident and handsome. His once sad eyes were now steady. "Two years ago, when Arianna had her ident, thepany got taken over, and my dad got sick from the stress. So, I had to step up and take care of the family," he exined, getting emotional.


    Seeing Sadie, Masson felt a mix of nostalgia and relief. He sighed, "Back then, my family cut me off from the outside world and made me study hard. Because of that, I missed your wedding with Micah and didn''t know about your ident. I''m sorry."


    "Don''t say that." Sadie felt a pang of guilt. "You''ve always helped me, but I never did anything for you. I should have faced my problems head-on."


    Masson looked at her closely. "I heard about the James Group''s impressive secondrgest shareholder, a remarkable girl, but I never thought it was you. I''ve been doing business in Thaloria for the past two years and didn''t keep up with the business scene here, so I missed your news. This time, when I came back to Newark, I heard a friend mention you. They weren''t sure if it was you, so I tried every way to find your number and contact you, and then..."


    Ovee with emotion, Masson hugged Sadie tightly. "Sadie, I''m so happy to see you again."


    "Me too," Sadie said, feeling a wave of nostalgia and warmth. Despite all the hardships, Masson''s genuine affection made her feel like no time had passed at all.


    "The wind is strong out here. Let''s go inside and talk," Masson suggested, putting his arm around her shoulder and guiding her into the hotel. "Sadie, how did you be the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group?" With a bitter smile, Sadie replied, "I''m no longer the secondrgest shareholder of the James Group, but I am now part of the James Family."


    Masson looked worried. "What happened? How have you been these past two years? Weren''t you married to Micah back then?"


    "It''s a long story," Sadie said, and as they settled into a private corner of the hotel lounge, she began to tell him everything.

 Chapter 1357 Each Going Their Own Way

    Masson''s eyes went wide. "Wait, so your mom is Tristan''s aunt? My dad used to talk about her all the time. She was a big deal in the business world back then." Sadie looked genuinely surprised. "Really? No one ever told me my mom was into business. I always thought she stayed out of the family stuff." Masson shook his head, clearly impressed. "No way. Everyone in the James family is a business whiz."


    "Tristan never mentioned it," Sadie said, a bit of bitterness creeping into her voice. Thinking about Tristan always made her feel heavy.


    Masson''s face got serious. "Your brother is the legendary Tristan? I''ve heard a lot about him. People say he''s like a god, turning bad luck into good."


    "Yeah," Sadie nodded, then quickly changed the subject. "So, Masson, how have you been these past two years? Your business must be doing well by now, right?"


    "I''m good, and the business is doing great," Masson smiled. "Honestly, I wasn''t into business at first, but I couldn''t let my dad''s legacy go to waste, so I had to step up." "You''re too modest. Even with that, you managed to run the business so well," Sadie teased. "You must have a natural talent for it."


    Massonughed. "A lot of people say that. I take it as apliment, but hearing it from you really makes me happy."


    "As long as you''re happy." Sadie said sincerely. "Seeing you doing well makes me happy too."


    "So, what are your ns now?" Masson asked gently. "Are you going to keep doing business or live a peaceful life?"


    "I want to find Tristan first," Sadie said sadly. "I still feel like he''s not dead."


    "He''s so capable; he''ll be fine," Massonforted her. "I''ll also try to find out if there are any clues."


    "Thank you," Sadie smiled slightly. "How long are you staying this time?"


    "I was nning to leave tomorrow night," Masson said honestly. "I came back to pick up Arianna from prison."


    "Oh," Sadie replied, keeping her tone neutral. She had always kept her distance from Arianna, who had a reputation for being insidious and vicious.


    Sensing her difort, Masson sighed. "I know you don''t like her. I hated what she did back then too, but she''s still my sister, and I can''t just abandon her."


    "Arianna used to be brilliant at managing the family business, smart and capable. But I never expected her to be so obsessed with love," he sighed heavily.


    "But anyway, she has already received the punishment she deserved. My father asked me to take her to Country F. With us watching over her, nothing like that will happen again." "Let''s hope so." Sadie responded cautiously.


    Masson cleared his throat awkwardly, changing the subject. "Have you been in touch with Ronan?"


    "No," Sadie shook her head. "After I changed my identity, I didn''t contact any old acquaintances. He probably doesn''t know I''m back."


    "Probably not," Masson nodded. "Given his current situation, he likely wouldn''t know about the upper business circles, so he wouldn''t know about you either."


    "Let''s not talk about the past anymore. There''s no need to meet the people from the past either," Sadie sighed. "Let''s just wish each other well."

 Chapter 1358 We Meet Again

    "Yeah, that''s true," Masson nodded, giving her a thoughtful look. "But what about me? I''m part of your past too. Are you still gonna keep in touch with me?"


    Sadie looked at him with a soft smile. "You''re different," she said. "No matter what, you''ll always be my friend."


    "That''s a relief," Masson said, looking a bit embarrassed. "I know I was stubborn and caused you a lot of trouble back then. I''ve grown up a lot these past two years. I get it now-you can''t force love. From now on, I''ll keep those old feelings buried and just be your friend. Whenever you need me, I''ll be there."


    Sadie was touched. "Thanks, Masson. Take care of yourself. I hope you find your happiness soon!"


    "Yeah, I will," Masson nodded. He nced outside. "The night is beautiful. How about a walk on the beach?"


    Sadie checked her watch. "I need to get back. I have to tell bedtime stories to the kids tonight."


    "Alright," Masson said, a bit reluctantly. "I''ll walk you out."


    "Okay," Sadie agreed, standing up and putting on her coat. They headed out together.


    As they walked, Masson heard the sound of the waves and couldn''t help but reminisce about old times, chatting with Sadie about the past.


    Sadie responded with a smile,pletely unaware that a pair of eyes full of malicious intent was watching her from a window upstairs.


    "Ms. James!" Annika whispered and suddenly nudged Sadie.


    Sadie snapped back to reality and looked up. A car was pulling up to the hotel entrance it was Micah''s Rolls-Royce Phantom.


    An attendant got out of the car and opened the door. Micah and Olivia stepped out, one on each side. Olivia was draped in Micah''s coat, looking shy and delicate.


    Micah said something to her and walked toward the hotel side by side with her. After taking a couple of steps, he looked up and saw Sadie and Masson standing inside the revolving door, and he froze.


    "Ms. James?" Andrew looked at Sadie in astonishment, not expecting to see her here. His gaze shifted, and he recognized the man next to her. "Masson!"


    Micah''s brow furrowed as he stepped into the hotel, forgetting about Olivia beside him. Olivia was momentarily stunned but quickly followed him. Andrew and a few attendants also entered through the side door. "Masson!" Micah red coldly. "What are you doing here?"


    "This is my family''s hotel," Masson replied calmly. "I''m catching up with Sadie. I don''t need Mr. Clemens'' permission for that, do I?"


    Micah shot him a cold look, then turned his gaze to Sadie. "Why did youe out with your hand injured? Go back now!"


    "What does it have to do with you?" Sadie retorted, her eyes flicking to Olivia behind him. Her heart burned with jealousy, but she tried to remainposed.


    "Sadie," Micah began, but Olivia stepped in gracefully.


    "Ms. James, we meet again!" Olivia greeted openly.


    "Yes," Sadie replied, slightly curling her lips. "Newark is so big, yet we always seem to run into each other."


    "Since we''ve met, why not have a drink together?" Olivia smiled at her.


    "No need, I was just about to leave." Sadie declined directly. "You guys chat. I won''t disturb you!" She nced at Micah and walked away.


    "Sadie, I''ll walk you out," Masson offered, moving to follow her.


    Just then, something fell from upstairs. As it was about to hit Sadie, a figure darted over like an arrow and pushed her away. There was a loud crash.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew''s exmation and Olivia''s scream rang out simultaneously.


    Sadie spun around to see a ss vase shattered on the ground and blood running down Micah''s head. He had been hit directly, and blood gushed from the wound.

 Chapter 1359 Never Compare to Sadie

    A ss vase came crashing down from above.


    Micah''s blood gushed out like a fountain, instantly covering half his face, and his once pristine white shirt quickly turned a haunting shade of crimson.


    Sadie stared at him in shock, her eyes wide open, feeling as if the vase had struck her heart instead of his head. If Micah hadn''t pushed her away in time, it would have been her lying there, bleeding. Masson waspletely stunned, frozen in ce.


    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew rushed over, helping Micah into the car. "Call Dahlia, quick!"


    "Yes, sir." The attendant immediately made the call.


    "Mr. Clemens, you..." Olivia started crying, her voice trembling. "Why did you do that?"


    "I''m fine." Micah lowered his head, covering the wound. Despite his face turning pale from the pain, he calmly instructed, "Andrew, take Ms. Graham home."


    Andrew answered, "Yes."


    "Don''t worry about these things right now." Olivia said, choking up, "I''ll take you to the hospital."


    "No need." Micah made a rejecting gesture and said, "Don''t forget you still... just go back."


    "But...you..." Olivia wanted to say something, but Micah had no intention of listening. Instead, he pointed at Sadie and forcefullymanded, "Get in the car with me." Sadie stood there like a statue, her face as pale as paper.


    "Sadie," Masson finally reacted and nudged her.


    "Ms. James, get in the car," Andrew urged, helping Micah into the vehicle.


    Sadie, still dazed, followed under the escort of the attendants.


    The car sped away, leaving Masson at the hotel entrance. He watched until the car disappeared from sight, then barked orders at the attendants. "Find out which room that vase fell from. Now." "Yes, sir." The attendant scurried off to investigate.


    Another attendant hesitated but then said, "Mr. rk, the Clemens Family''s bodyguards are already investigating. This incident could attract media attention. Should we...?"


    "Find out the truth first." Masson snapped, "Our hotel had a high-altitude falling object that injured someone. We should first find the culprit and give Micah an exnation. Suppressing the news isn''t the priority right now." The attendant bowed his head, muttering a quick, "Yes, sir," not daring to argue further.


    Olivia, who had collected herself, looked over at Masson. "Ms. Graham, if you don''t mind, I can have someone take you home?" Masson offered gracefully.


    "My people will be here soon." Olivia politely declined, "But thank you, Mr. rk!"


    "You''re wee." Masson bowed apologetically, "You were frightened. I will definitely get to the bottom of this and give you and Mr. Clemens an exnation!" "Thank you," Olivia replied, bowing in return. Her ride arrived momentster, and her attendants hurried over to help her. "Ms. Graham, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine," Olivia said, climbing into the car. From the rearview mirror, she shot Masson onest nce and ordered her attendant, "Find out more about this man." "Yes." The attendant immediately went to handle it.


    "Ms. Graham, what happened? Why is there so much blood on the ground? Where is Mr. Clemens?" another attendant asked.


    "He got injured." Olivia said. The memory of Micah protecting Sadie, without a thought for himself, twisted in her heart. In his heart, her safety was more important than his own life. Olivia thought, ''If he loves Sadie so much, why does he still go on a date with me? Is his gentleness and grace toward me all fake?''


    "Are you alright?" the attendant asked cautiously, "Are you hurt? Do you need to go to the hospital?"


    "Shut up." Olivia frowned in annoyance. Her mind was in turmoil. No matter how perfect she was, it seemed she could neverpare to Sadie. Could it be that she was really going to lose?

 Chapter 1360 Did Something Happen to Daddy?

    The car had been driving forever, and Sadie was just sitting there, frozen, watching over Micah.


    Andrew was pressing his shirt against Micah''s wound, trying to stop the bleeding, but it wasn''t working.


    Eventually, Micah passed out from the blood loss, his body going limp.


    "Micah," Sadie cried, grabbing him, tears streaming down her face. "Don''t do this to me, Micah!"


    "We''re almost at the hospital!" Andrew sounded desperate. "Mr. Clemens, hang in there."


    Just then, the car screeched to a stop. Dahlia and a bunch of medical staff rushed over, yanked the car door open, and got Micah onto a stretcher.


    Andrew and the others followed closely, with Sadie and Annika right there, until Micah was wheeled into the emergency room, and they were left outside, finally able to catch their breath. "Mr. Clemens will be fine, don''t worry," Annika quickly reassured Sadie.


    Sadie stood frozen at the door, her eyes glued to the emergency room light. Her face was pale, and her hands were shaking.


    She couldn''t imagine life without Micah. What about their kids? The thought was too much, filling her with regret and fear.


    Just then, Sadie''s phone rang. She didn''t notice until Annika nudged her and said, "Ms. James, your phone."


    Sadie pulled out her phone with blood-stained hands and saw Nathan''s name on the caller ID. She quickly stepped aside to answer, "Hello!"


    "Mommy, when are youing back?" Nathan''s voice came through, along with theughter of three little girls.


    Mary shouted into the phone, "Auntie,e back soon. We''re waiting for you to tell us a story!"


    "No, Uncle Micah needs to tell us a story!" Emma insisted, sniffling.


    "Good girls," Mia''s voice chimed in. "Mommy, we''re sleeping at your ce again tonight. We''ve already told Daddy."


    "Mommy, is Daddying today?" Nathan asked. "We miss him."


    "We want to hear a story. Last night''s story wasn''t finished," Mia added, whining.


    "Mommy, why aren''t you saying anything?" Nathan asked anxiously.


    "Alright, you''re all being too noisy," Noah came over and scolded. "Go y, give me the phone."


    "Noah, you''re just like Daddy!" Nathan retorted but handed the phone over.


    Noah moved to a quieter spot and spoke earnestly, "Mommy, are you okay? Where are you?"


    Trying to steady herself, Sadie replied, "I''m outside. I can''te back tonight, something came up. Daddy won''t be home either. Be good and go to bed early."


    "Did something happen?" Noah''s voice was full of concern, his intuition sharp as ever. "Did something happen to Daddy?"


    "No, Noah, don''t overthink it," Sadie was saying when a nurse''s voice came from outside. "We need a blood pack, hurry!"


    At that moment, Noah couldn''t hold back anymore and asked excitedly, "Mommy, what happened to Daddy? Don''t hide it from me, tell me now."


    "Noah, don''t worry. Daddy is hurt and in the hospital," Sadie quickly said. "But it''s not serious, just a minor injury. He''ll be fine by tomorrow."


    "I don''t believe you," Noah cried, his sobs breaking through. "Is Daddy sick? I''ve noticed something was wrong for a while. Where are you? I want toe over."

 Chapter 1361 I Have No Right to Mind

    Hearing Noah''s cries, Sadie''s heart just broke. She felt super guilty. If Micah hadn''t pushed her away earlier, if she had been the one hurt, maybe she wouldn''t feel this sad. "Mommy, Mommy, say something," Noah was still crying and pleading on the other end of the phone.


    Sadie tried to calm Noah down. "Noah, Daddy''s just got some minor injuries, nothing serious. I''m at the hospital with him. Everything''s gonna be fine. I promise I''ll be back tomorrow morning." Noah hesitated. "But..."


    "You gotta trust me and be good," Sadie said seriously. "Don''t wake up your siblings."


    Noah nodded. "Okay, I get it." Even though he was worried, he managed to keep it together. With Sadie not home, he had to step up and look after his siblings. He needed to be strong. "I''m gonna hang up now. Get some rest, and don''t worry," Sadie reminded him before hanging up.


    She knew Noah well. He was super responsible. Making him realize his emotions would affect his siblings was the only way to calm him down.


    That''s why she said what she did. In truth, she felt really guilty. If she could choose, she''d rather be the one hurt than have Micah get hurt instead. This guilt was worse than the pain itself. Nathan came out looking for Noah and found him crying quietly in a corner. He rushed over, "Noah, what''s wrong? Why are you crying? What happened?"


    "I''m fine." Noah wiped his tears but couldn''t hide his sadness. "Go back and stay with the girls. Don''t let them see."


    "What happened?" Nathan was worried. "Did Mommy and Daddy fight? Or is Daddy looking for a new mommy?"


    Noah looked up at Nathan with tear-filled eyes. At that moment, he really wished he could be as clueless as Nathan. Maybe then he wouldn''t feel so sad. "Noah," Nathan called out anxiously.


    "It''s none of that." Noah wiped his tears and said, "Nathan, you need to be more mature from now on, okay?"


    "Okay," Nathan nodded quickly. "I''ll be mature and obedient. Noah, don''t be sad."


    Noah wanted to say something, but in the end, he just sighed.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was still anxiously waiting at the hospital. Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Olivia hurried in with a few attendants. The two women locked eyes, their gazesplicated. Andrew stepped forward and asked politely, "Ms. Graham, what brings you here?"


    Olivia frowned, looking serious. "How is Mr. Clemens?"


    "He''s still in emergency care," Andrew said quietly. "He''s badly hurt, but his life isn''t in danger."


    Olivia was worried. "Is there enough blood sma? How are the doctors?"


    "Everything''s fine, don''t worry." Andrew nced at Sadie and said politely, "It''s reallyte. You should go home and rest."


    "How can I sleep?" Olivia sighed. "Don''t worry, I won''t cause any trouble. I''ll leave once Mr. Clemens is out of danger."


    Then, she looked deeply at Sadie and asked, "Ms. James, you don''t mind, do you?"


    "I have no right to mind," Sadie replied softly.


    Olivia sat down on a nearby chair. "That''s good."


    With things said to this point, Andrew couldn''t say anything more and stepped aside.


    "Ms. James, I''ll get you some water," Annika said as she went to get some, and Andrew walked over too.


    Annika couldn''t help butment, "Olivia is really something, finding her way here."


    "She''s just concerned," Andrew said quietly.


    "She went to the hotel with Mr. Clemens. She should be concerned," Annika said sarcastically.

 Chapter 1362 Mr. Clemens Needs Quiet

    "You got it all wrong," Andrew shot a nce at Olivia and mumbled, "After dinner, Ms. Graham and Mr. Clemens were strolling on the beach when she suddenly realized she got her period, so she went to a nearby hotel to handle it." "Even more sneaky," Annika fumed, "Why tell someone about that? Isn''t it embarrassing?"


    Andrew replied, "No, she didn''t even realize it herself. I was the one who noticed."


    "You?" Annika''s face darkened, "You have quite the sharp eyes, huh?"


    "No, she was wearing a white dress and walking in front of me," Andrew exined frantically, but he noticed that the more he spoke, the angrier Annika became. "Don''t be mad; I was helpless in this situation, too." "All you men are no good." Annika said angrily and pushed him away, spilling the water she had just received onto Andrew''s hand.


    "This isn''t the time to talk about this," Andrew shook his hand and advised in a low voice, "When Mr. Clemens is better, you can scold or hit me all you want. Right now, his life is uncertain, so let''s not argue about this."


    "I know," Annika said no more, "I''ll deal with youter." Then, she walked away with the water cup.


    "Ms. James, have some water," Annika said as she handed the water to Sadie.


    Sadie was still staring nkly at the emergency room door. Micah had been in there for an hour and hadn''te out yet. She had no idea how he was doing.


    "Ms. Graham, have some water," Andrew offered a cup of water to Olivia.


    Olivia took the cup but didn''t drink. Her hand holding the cup was trembling slightly. She seemed to be trying hard to appear calm, but that hand betrayed her inner turmoil.


    "He''s out!" A follower eximed, and everyone immediately moved forward.


    The expert surgeon named Xavier Fishe walked out of the emergency room, took off his mask, and said, "Mr. Clemens is not in any life-threatening danger, but he has fallen into aa due to excessive blood loss. He needs to be observed overnight in the hospital."


    "No other issues?" Andrew asked instinctively.


    "The wound has been treated, and it''s not a big problem," Xavier said, "Don''t worry, he''ll wake up by tomorrow morning."


    Sadie and Olivia both breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s good."


    However, Andrew''s face remained very serious. This surgeon didn''t know Micah''s true condition, only the external injuries, which was why he spoke so lightly. He was worried that Micah''s injury this time might trigger other problems. Micah''s toxicity had already affected his sensory nerves, causing blindness. Andrew feared that this injury might lead to otherplications.


    At this moment, Dahlia walked out of the emergency room and said to Xavier, "Dr. Fishe, thank you. I''ll take it from here. You can go rest."


    "Alright, Dr. Rey." Xavier nodded. He knew Dahlia had something to discuss, so he said goodbye to everyone and quietly left.


    Dahlia looked at Sadie and Olivia, then softly said to Andrew, "Mr. Clemens is in aa now and needs quiet. There''s no need for so many people here."


    "I understand," Andrew nodded and turned to Olivia, "Ms. Graham, why don''t you head back first? I''ll let Mr. Clemens know you were here when he wakes up."


    "Alright, I won''t disturb you then," Olivia stood up but didn''t seem to want to leave. Instead, she looked at Sadie and asked, "Ms. James, are you leaving? Let''s go together?"


    Her question was very discreet. Andrew hadn''t intended to ask Sadie to leave, but Olivia''s question clearly implied, "Let''s leave together and not disturb Mr. Clemens'' rest." But the way she asked didn''te off as forceful; it was very polite.


    Sadie was no fool and naturally grasped the subtle message in Olivia''s words, but it didn''t affect her. She replied faintly, "I''ll leave a bitter. Ms. Graham, please go ahead."

 Chapter 1363 Accompanying Him

    Olivia shot Sadie a long look before turning to Andrew. He didn''t seem like he was gonna ask Sadie to leave; he just kept his head down, staying quiet. Olivia got the hint. When they said they didn''t need too many people around, they meant her, not Sadie.


    Even though Olivia felt pretty crappy inside, she kept it cool. "Alright, I''m heading out. Goodbye," she said, giving a nod to everyone before walking away. Andrew told his crew to stand guard outside, leaving just a few people inside. Soon, it got real quiet outside the emergency room.


    "Can I go in and see him?" Sadie asked Dahlia softly.


    "Sure, let''s get you changed," Dahlia nodded. He helped Sadie into a sterile gown and then took her inside.


    Micah was lying on the hospital bed, an IV in his hand, an oxygen mask under his nose, and monitors hooked up to his chest.


    His head was wrapped in bandages. Even though the wounds were treated, the room still reeked of blood.


    Seeing him like that, Sadie couldn''t hold back her tears. She didn''t want to get too close, afraid she''d disturb him, but she also didn''t want to stay too far, worried he wouldn''t see her when he woke up. "Ms. James, Mr. Clemens was calling your name before he passed out. Please stay with him," Dahlia said gently.


    "Okay," Sadie murmured. She slowly walked over, sat by the bed, and looked at Micah with a mix of emotions. "I''ll step out now; I need to talk to Andrew," Dahlia said softly, then left with her assistant.


    Annika stayed with Sadie. Andrew was waiting outside. When he saw Dahliae out, he rushed over. "How is he?"


    Dahlia nced back at Sadie, closed the door, pulled Andrew aside, and whispered, "So far, no otherplications, but it''s still touch and go. Given Mr. Clemens'' condition, we need to keep a close watch."


    "It was already risky enough, and now he''s this badly hurt," Andrew sighed, both angry and worried. "He really doesn''t care about his own life."


    "I heard it was to save Ms. James?" Dahlia asked.


    "Yeah," Andrew nodded and quickly exined what happened.


    "No wonder," Dahlia sighed. "In Mr. Clemens'' heart, the person he cares about most is still Ms. James."


    "But look at him now. How could he be so reckless?" Andrew said helplessly. "I''m really worried sick."


    "What''s done is done; worrying won''t help," Dahliaforted. "We need to find Riley ASAP. I''m also trying to get in touch with some top doctors. Dr. Perez will be here in a few days, and I''ll ask her to take a look. Maybe she''ll have some new ideas." "Alright," Andrew nodded.


    Dahlia said, "I''ll go set up a morefortable room for Mr. Clemens."


    Andrew nodded. "Go ahead."


    Dahlia moved Micah to a private room, and Sadie stayed with him. Annika had someone bring clean clothes from home. Sadie took a shower, changed intofy loungewear, and settled into a chair, quietly watching Micah.


    He was now in a white hospital gown, and his body had been cleaned. Even though there were no visible bloodstains, the smell of blood still lingered.


    Sadie turned off the main lights, leaving just a wallmp to softly light up Micah on the bed.


    Micah was in a deep sleep, his breathing barely audible. Only the heart monitor showed he was still alive.


    Sadie quietly watched him, thinking about how he had risked everything to save her. She felt even more guilty and remorseful.


    She had thought that after everything that had happened, his feelings for her had faded. But in that critical moment, he still saved her without a second thought.


    She gently held his cold, lifeless hand. Then, she ced his hand on her face, hoping to transfer some warmth to him. Tears fell, sliding from his fingertips to his palm, but he remained unaware.

 Chapter 1364 Her Warmth

    Maybe she was too tired. Sadie fell asleep right next to Micah, clutching his hand and pressing his palm to her cheek.


    She thought, ''This way, his hand won''t get cold.''


    It waste, the room was eerily quiet, and they just held hands, drifting off to sleep like they used to, findingfort in each other.


    That night, Micah had a dream. He was lost in a barren desert, with no clue which way to go. Everything around him was gray, and there was no light.


    His whole body ached like it was about to fall apart, and his vision and hearing were shot. He wanted to get out of there, but his sight was blurry, and he couldn''t hear a thing. He tried to move forward, but it felt like he was stepping into an abyss. Every direction he turned was a dead end.


    He felt lost, frustrated, and helpless. Then, out of nowhere, a pair of hands reached out. At first, he was scared, thinking they might push him into the abyss.


    But this time, they didn''t. They gently held his hand and guided him in the right direction. His heart started to calm down, and as he followed those hands, he began to see the light.


    Then, a gust of wind blew those hands away. He tried to grab them, but he couldn''t.


    Micah woke up from the nightmare, slowly opening his eyes to find Sadie lying next to him, clutching his sleeve like she was afraid he''d disappear.


    Micah''s eyes softened. He reached out and gently stroked her cheek, feeling the tear stains. She had cried. Was she sad for him?


    As Micah pondered, a cold wind blew in from the window. He tried to cover her with a nket, but his weak movements were slow.


    At that moment, Sadie woke up. She shivered and called out his name in surprise, instinctively grabbing his hand. But she used too much force and hurt her injured hand.


    She winced in pain, her face turning pale. When she looked up and saw Micah watching her, she suppressed her pain and softly asked, "You''re awake? How do you feel?" Micah didn''t speak, just looked at her with calm and gentle eyes.


    "I''ll call Dahlia over," Sadie said softly and got up to press the call button, but Micah suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. "Micah, what are you doing?" Sadie instinctively struggled, "Let go."


    "If you want me to die right now, just keep moving," Micah''s voice was low and hoarse.


    Sadie froze, not daring to move anymore. She obedientlyy on top of him, carefully propping herself up with her hands, afraid of hurting him.


    "I haven''t held you like this in a long time," Micah muttered, inhaling the fresh scent of her hair, feeling everything so familiar and dear.


    "Stop it," Sadie said anxiously, "Let go of me, you''re still injured."


    "No," Micah said stubbornly like a child, "Not even if I die!"


    "Micah..." Sadie wanted to scold him, but as soon as she opened her mouth, her voice choked up. A wave of sadness surged from her heart, like waves crashing in her chest, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears. "Why did you push me away?" Sadie asked, choking up, "Do you know you bled a lot? Your clothes were all stained red, and everyone was terrified."


    "And you? Were you scared?" Micah murmured as he kissed her hair obsessively. He loved the feeling of holding her like this, loved it very much.

 Chapter 1365 You Have to Take Responsibility

    Sadie opened her mouth but didn''t say anything. She wanted to say that she was terrified too, that she was really scared he might die. If she had a choice, she''d rather be the one hurt. But she couldn''t bring herself to say it. Micah felt a bit let down when she didn''t respond. He cursed, "Sadie, you heartless, ungrateful woman!"


    Then, he bit her shoulder hard. Sadie screamed in pain but didn''t dare to struggle. She was afraid that if she moved, she''d touch his wound. So she justy there, letting him bite her.


    Micah bit down until he tasted blood. Only then did he let go and angrily ask, "Does it hurt?"


    "It hurts," Sadie replied instinctively.


    "Good, it should hurt." Micah''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Pain will make you remember me!"


    Sadie looked at him with aplicated expression. After this injury, his already thin face looked even more haggard, and his deep-set eyes were bloodshot.


    "Why did you save me?" Sadie couldn''t help but ask.


    "I don''t know," Micah sighed, brushing away her messy hair. "Maybe I was just being stupid. I shouldn''t have saved a heartless woman like you!"


    Sadie couldn''t help butugh, but then tears welled up in her eyes. She didn''t want him to see her cry, so she buried her face in his shoulder, silently trying topose herself.


    Micah knew she was crying and that she was moved. But he didn''t do it to move her; he did it impulsively, without thinking.


    In his heart, Sadie had always been his woman. Protecting her was something he should do without any reason.


    But Micah didn''t want to say these things out loud. He just patted her shoulder,forting her like a child. He whined, "You''re crushing me."


    Sadie was amused by him again,ughing and crying at the same time. She hurried to get up, but he held her down, turned her over, and hugged her tightly. He mumbled, "Stay with me a little longer. I''m so tired." "Okay," Sadie said softly. She didn''t dare move, obediently snuggling in his arms. Smelling his familiar scent, she felt very warm.


    At this moment, all the grudges, love, and hate turned into fleeting clouds.


    Sadie just wanted to snuggle with him like this, hoping time would slow down, slow down even more.


    Micah was really weak. Gradually, he closed his eyes and fell asleep again.


    Sadie couldn''t sleep. She justy there with her eyes open, quietly watching her beloved man.


    Perhaps sensing her gaze, Micah slowly opened his eyes. He squinted at her, then leaned in to kiss her.


    Sadie''s body trembled, instinctively wanting to push him away. But as soon as her hands touched his chest, she stopped. She was afraid of touching his wound, so she obedientlyplied.


    Micah''s kiss was gentle, filled with deep affection and a hint of blood from when he had bitten her earlier.


    Sadie tilted her head and leaned against his chest, silently epting his kiss. Her hands rested on his chest, pressed down by his increasingly tight embrace.


    Gradually, his kiss became more passionate, and his hands started to wander. But as soon as he moved, he touched the IV needle, and the pain made him stop.


    He pressed his forehead against hers, licking his lips with lingering desire, and called out in a hoarse voice, "Sadie."


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie asked softly. At this moment, Sadie appeared so endearing in her docility.


    "I got hurt because of you. You have to take responsibility!" Micah pinched her chin andmanded, "You have to take care of me until I recover!"

 Chapter 1366 Fake News

    His words were so bossy, like he was giving orders and not leaving any room for debate.


    Back in the day, Sadie would''ve definitely argued with him, but now, she just nodded softly, "Okay, I''ll take care of you!" "Good girl," Micah murmured. Then he pulled her face to his chest, held her close, and drifted off to sleep.


    If he had known this would make her so gentle, why did he go through all that trouble?


    Sadie snuggled against his chest, not daring to move, listening to his strong heartbeat.


    She thought, ''With a heartbeat this strong, he must be healthy. Maybe I''m just overthinking it?''


    With that thought, she felt a lot more at ease.


    The next morning, Annika was about to knock on the door when Andrew stopped her.


    "Why are you stopping me?" Annika frowned, "I need to bring breakfast to Ms. James."


    "Ms. James probably doesn''t want breakfast right now. Look," Andrew whispered, pointing to the ss window on the door. Annika peeked in and was stunned.


    The two of them were wrapped around each other like lovers in the heat of passion. Yeah, they definitely didn''t need breakfast. "Alright, let''s not disturb them," Andrew said, pulling Annika away and signaling the attendants to guard the door.


    "I should be happy to see them reconcile," Annika muttered, feeling conflicted. "But now, I can''t feel happy."


    "Why?" Andrew asked, confused. "I''ve been looking forward to this day. Didn''t you also say you hoped they would reconcile?" "I..." Annika started to say something but stopped herself. She sighed, "It''s nothing, as long as Ms. James is happy."


    With that, she quickly left.


    Andrew watched her go, feeling puzzled. Women were reallyplicated. Just the other day, she was hoping they''d get back together, and now she changed her mind? What was she thinking? Annika went to the stairwell, eating the breakfast meant for Sadie alone, but her mood was down.


    Before, she saw Sadie wanting to love but not daring to, and Annika was anxious for her. But now that Sadie had really reconciled with Micah, Annika was worried for her.


    Annika was really scared, scared that Micah wouldn''t live long. What would Sadie do then?


    Before, with a gap and distance between them, if Micah died, Sadie might be sad and upset, but she''d recover quickly.


    But now they reconciled, with their feelings rekindled and loving each other deeply, how painful would it be for Sadie when Micah left?


    Thinking of this, Annika couldn''t help but sigh.


    Meanwhile, Andrew was secretly happy. He hadn''t expected that misfortune would turn into a blessing and an injury would actually make Sadie and Micah reconcile.


    He quickly shared this good news with Rn and also mentioned that Terry might know Virgil''s whereabouts.


    Rn replied irritably, "I''m d Mr. Clemens and Ms. James reconciled, but what you said is obvious. Do you think I wouldn''t consider that Terry might be in contact with Virgil? I''ve been looking for Terry all along, but he disappeared with Tristan, and I can''t find him."


    "What? No way!" Andrew eximed, "From what Annika has said, she should have always been in touch with Terry."


    "If that''s the case, there might be more to it," Rn spected. "What I know now is that Terry disappeared with Tristan, but this may be false information."


    "Are you saying that Terry might not have disappeared and has been in contact with Ms. James all along?" Andrew made a bold guess and whispered, "Could it be that Tristan isn''t dead either, and they just created a false impression?" "Possibly," Rn responded. "But I''ve spent so much effort and still can''t find their whereabouts. We might have to start with Ms. James. Think of a way."


    "Okay, I got it," Andrew said as he nced back, "No more talking, Ss is here."

 Chapter 1367 Holding Back from Asking

    Andrew quickly hung up the phone and dashed over to greet Ss.


    "Why didn''t you tell me about this huge incident?" Ss red at Andrew, clearly annoyed. "Do you even take me seriously?"


    Andrew looked down, trying to exin, "I''m sorry. It all happened so fastst night, and Mr. Clemens seemed stable, so I didn''t want to bother you."


    "Stable? What do you mean by that? Isn''t there still..." Ss cut himself off and then asked, "How''s he doing now?"


    "He lost a lot of blood and passed out, but he woke up this morning," Andrew said quietly. "He''s sleeping now."


    "I want to see him," Ss said, and his attendant started to push him toward the room.


    "Hold on, Ss." Andrew quickly stopped them and whispered, "It''s probably not a good time right now."


    Ss frowned. "What''s the problem? Are you saying I can''t go in?"


    "No." Andrew leaned in and whispered, "Ms. James is in there."


    Ss looked surprised and had his attendant push him to the door. He gently turned the knob and peeked inside, seeing two people asleep in each other''s arms on the hospital bed. His expression was somewhatplex, and he quietly closed the door and had his attendant push him away.


    Andrew followed Ss out, and Ss pulled him aside, asking in a low voice, "Tell me the truth, how did Mr. Clemens get hurt?"


    Andrew hesitated. "Well..."


    "Don''t lie to me. I can tell when you''re lying," Ss warned. "And if you don''t tell me, I''ll find out myself."


    Andrew knew he couldn''t hide it, so he told Ss the truth.


    "Why do they always end up in these situations?" Ss grumbled. "Maybe they''re just not meant to be together."


    "I''ve already got people looking into it. Don''t worry," Andrew said. "This wasn''t Ms. James''s fault. Mr. Clemens rushed in to protect her. Anyway, it''s good they''re back together now."


    "Whether it''s a blessing or a curse, who knows," Ss sighed. "Take good care of Mr. Clemens, and let me know if anything changes."


    "Got it, don''t worry," Andrew reassured him.


    After Ss left, Dahlia showed up with a few assistant doctors. She asked, "How''s Mr. Clemens? Is he awake?"


    "He woke up a bit ago. So far, so good," Andrew said.


    "He woke up? Why didn''t you call me?" Dahlia hurried toward the room.


    "Hey, wait a minute..." Andrew tried to stop her, but Dahlia had already opened the door.


    Seeing the scene inside, she was momentarily stunned, then quickly stepped back and whispered to Andrew, "Why didn''t you tell me?" Andrew sighed, "I was just about to..."


    "Andrew!" Micah''s voice interrupted; he had woken up.


    "Yes, I''m here," Andrew quickly responded from the door.


    "Everyone leave ande back in half an hour," Micah ordered, his voice hoarse.


    "Yes, understood." Andrew said and motioned for everyone to leave.


    Inside the room, Sadie rubbed her eyes and tried to get out of bed without touching Micah. But Micah held her tightly, not wanting to let go. He said, "Just a little longer." "It''s time to get up. Everyone outside is waiting." Sadie said softly, feeling a bit embarrassed. She knew Dahlia had juste in, and Micah''s injuries needed attention. "Let them wait." Micah whispered, pressing his forehead against hers, his nose gently brushing against hers.


    "Micah." Sadie cupped his face, hesitating to ask about his condition.


    "Hmm?" Micah''s lips lightly brushed against her cheek.


    "You..." Sadie almost asked but held back. She said, "You need to change your bandages."

 Chapter 1368 Move In with Me

    Sadie knew Micah was stubborn as a mule. Even if something was seriously wrong, he wouldn''t show any weakness in front of them. Asking him would be pointless and might even upset him. So, she decided to drop it.


    "Alright, I''ll let you go," Micah grumbled, reluctantly letting her go.


    Sadie got up, threw on a coat, hit the bathroom to freshen up, changed her clothes, and came back to help Micah wash his face.


    She wasn''t used to taking care of others. For the past couple of years, she''d been living the good life, with everything taken care of for her. But for some reason, when it came to caring for Micah, everything felt so effortlessly familiar and natural.


    Micah felt a warm glow inside as he watched her fuss over him. He thought about how great things were when they were together before, and now, maybe they could get back to that.


    After wiping Micah''s hands, Sadie said, "All done!" and opened the door.


    Andrew, Dahlia, Annika, and some attendants were waiting outside. They greeted her in unison, "Ms. James!" Sadie nodded, "Come in."


    The three of them walked in. Andrew went to tend to Micah, and Dahlia started checking his wounds. Annika whispered in Sadie''s ear, "The private jet is ready. We leave at 2 PM."


    "Got it," Sadie nodded.


    "If there''s nothing else, let''s get out of here," Micah said in a low voice, "It''s too stuffy in this hospital."


    "Mr. Clemens, your wound is really deep and needs to be monitored here. It''s not safe for you to leave now," Dahlia said urgently. "Even though Half Mountain Vi has a medical room, the equipment is limited. It''s better to stay here. In case of any emergencies, we can..."


    "There won''t be any emergencies," Micah cut her off impatiently. "It''s just a minor injury. No need to make a big deal out of it."


    "But..." Dahlia started to argue but shut up when Micah shot her a re. She looked to Andrew for help.


    "Alright, if you want to be discharged, I''ll handle it," Andrew said, following Micah''s orders without question.


    Dahlia was speechless.


    "Good," Micah said, satisfied, then turned to Sadie, "Come here!"


    Sadie frowned. Micah was slipping back into his old ways. As soon as things got a bit better between them, he was back to being bossy. "What do you want?" Sadie asked, walking over to the bedside.


    Micah grabbed her hand andmanded, "Move in with me."


    Sadie asked, "Why?"


    Micah said, "I got hurt because of you. You said you''d take responsibility."


    She was at a loss for words and could only say, "What about the kids?"


    "Of course, they''lle home," Micah said, imagining a family reunion, a smile spreading across his face. "Even though I''mid up, I can still tell them stories."


    "I mean those three little girls," Sadie said worriedly. "I can''t just leave them at Hillside Vi."


    "Those three little girls? They''re a bit noisy, but they''re cute," Micah thought of the three little girls, and his smile grew wider. "Bring them along!"


    "What?" Sadie was shocked. She knew Micah liked kids and was good with them.


    But those were Tristan''s kids. They got along fine when they saw each other asionally, but living together? Could that work?


    "They''re very lively and can''t sit still for a second. It''ll be really noisy," Sadie suggested apromise. "You should rest at home for a few days. I have to go out for a bit. I''lle back to see you in a few days." "Where are you going?" Micah asked, gripping her hand tightly, "You can''t leave!"

 Chapter 1369 Direct Negotiation

    "I''m heading out of town for a couple of days to handle some stuff," Sadie said, dodging the details. "My flight''s at 2 PM today, and I''ll be back tomorrow night."


    "If you need anything done, I can send someone to take care of it," Micah said, gripping her hand tightly. "Please, don''t go."


    "I''m going to pay my respects to Hubert," Sadie confessed. "This is something I have to do myself."


    "Alright," Micah said, reluctantly letting go.


    "I''ll be back soon," Sadie reminded him gently. "Take care of yourself."


    "Okay," Micah nodded slightly.


    "I need to head back and get the kids settled," Sadie said, ncing at her watch. It was already 8 AM, and time was ticking. She squeezed Micah''s hand. "I''ll see you tomorrow night." "Alright," Micah said, understanding but still hesitant. "Take a few people with you. My guys will protect the kids, so don''t worry."


    "Got it," Sadie said, giving him onest look before turning to leave.


    "Mr. Clemens, I''m leaving now." Annika bowed to Micah and hurried to catch up with Sadie.


    Micah watched them go, his expression growing serious.


    "The wound''s treated," Dahlia said, finishing Micah''s bandage and turning to Andrew. "I''ll go arrange for his discharge." "Okay," Andrew nodded. "Go ahead."


    Dahlia left with her team. As the door closed, Andrew poured water for Micah.


    Micah suddenly instructed, "Call Pa and Percy and tell them not to mention my condition to Sadie, no matter what she asks." Andrew was momentarily stunned but quickly caught on. "You think Ms. James is going to pay her respects to Hubert because of this?"


    "Probably," Micah said, his eyes downcast and serious. "Better safe than sorry."


    "Got it, I understand," Andrew said, immediately making the call. After talking for over ten minutes, he returned to Micah. "It''s all exined. You can rest easy." "They''re trustworthy, but I''m worried they might slip up under Sadie''s questioning," Micah said, looking exhausted. "Did you remind them properly?"


    "I did," Andrew nodded. "I told them to urge Ms. James toe back as soon as she''s done."


    "Okay," Micah closed his eyes and started to drift off to sleep again.


    Andrew tucked him in and stayed by his side, deeply worried about his frail condition.


    "Sure enough, Pa''s phone was busy just now," Annika said, looking at her phone in surprise. "Could it be that Andrew called Pa?"


    "Pa and Percy have simple social circles. Besides us, they don''t have many friends," Sadie said, frowning. "Even if they do, it wouldn''t be such a coincidence that her phone was busy just as we left the hospital." "Could it be that Mr. Clemens really..." Annika said, uneasy.


    Sadie remained silent, her expression serious.


    At that moment, Arya drove up to pick them up. As they were about to get in the car, a silver Maybach approached. The window rolled down slowly, revealing a beautiful face. Olivia smiled. "Ms. James, can we talk? It won''t take long." Sadie checked her watch and got into Olivia''s car with Annika, while Arya followed in another car.


    As they drove toward Frost Peak Mountain, Olivia asked directly, "Mr. Clemens has woken up, hasn''t he?"


    "Yes," Sadie replied calmly. "If you''re worried, you can go see him yourself."


    "I will see him, but before that, I want to talk to you," Olivia said straightforwardly. "We''re on the way to your house, so it won''t take up your time. Let''s just chat as friends." "What do you want to say?" Sadie raised an eyebrow slightly. "Feel free to speak directly."

 Chapter 1370 A Declaration of Battle

    "Actually, I''ve known Mr. Clemens for a long time," Olivia said. "A few years back, I met him at a business conference. Right then, I knew I would marry no one but Micah!"


    Even though Sadie had braced herself for this, hearing Olivia say it so bluntly still threw her off. She used to think Olivia was after Micah for his status and power, but now she saw it was love.


    Olivia continued with confidence, "Back then, I was young and couldn''t make my own decisions. But now, as the heir to the Graham Group, I have the power and means to be with Mr. Clemens and be the woman by his side!" Olivia''s words were filled with confidence and determination, almost like a deration of war.


    She looked Sadie straight in the eye and said, "I know you had a marriage and three kids with him, and he might still have some feelings for you, but that doesn''t matter. What matters is that he and I are the perfect match!" Annika, hearing this, was furious and clenched her fists tightly.


    "Ms. Graham, aren''t you overestimating yourself?" Sadie sneered. "There are plenty of girls out there better than you! Besides, no matter how good you are, Micah has to like you." "How do you know he doesn''t like me?" Olivia shot back.


    "If he liked you, you wouldn''t need to be here telling me all this," Sadie snorted. "If you want to win his favor, you should start with him. Talking to me is useless."


    "I know that," Olivia nodded and said coldly, "I came to you just to let you know that from now on, I won''t be as polite and amodating as before. I will take my measures!" "Good luck!" Sadie didn''t want to continue the conversation. She demanded, "Stop the car."


    The Graham Family''s bodyguard slowly decelerated and pulled over.


    "Don''t you think you two arepletely ipatible? Every time he''s with you, he gets hurt," Olivia added. "Like this time, if it weren''t for you, he wouldn''t have gotten hurt." "What does that have to do with you?" Sadie retorted. "He''s willing to risk everything for me. Would he do the same for you?"


    "You..." Olivia was left speechless.


    In the back seat, Annika silently cheered, feeling extremely satisfied.


    By this time, the car had already stopped by the roadside. Olivia quicklyposed herself and said coldly, "Everything in this world changes. Just because he''s willing to risk everything for you now doesn''t mean he always will. Sooner orter, I will be the mistress of the Clemens Family!"


    "Is that so? I''d love to see that." Sadie smiled faintly, got out of the car, and before closing the door, she turned back and said, "Oh, Ms. Graham, next time you want to do something, just do it. There''s no need to inform me!"


    "Is that so?" Olivia looked at her and said meaningfully. "You said it."


    "Goodbye!" Sadie said, then she shut the car door and got into her car.


    Olivia watched the silver Rolls-Royce Wraith speed away in the rearview mirror, then slowly withdrew her gaze and said coldly, "Just wait, Sadie!"


    "She''s quite arrogant," the attendant said unhappily. "The James Family has already copsed. What gives her the confidence to talk to you like that?"


    Olivia said, "In matters of the heart, family background isn''t the most important factor. Besides, Mr. Clemens doesn''t care about that."


    She analyzed objectively. "Her biggest trump card is those three children and her past with Mr. Clemens. But everything has its pros and cons. Her past isn''t just with Mr. Clemens."

 Chapter 1371 The Childs Mood

    The car roared to life and sped off. Arya couldn''t help but ask, "What did Olivia want with Ms. James?"


    "She officially dered war," Annika fumed. "She said she and Mr. Clemens are destined to be together and that starting today, she''s going to make her move." Arya''s temper red. "Is Olivia out of her mind? Who does she think she is?"


    "I almost lost it earlier, but luckily, Ms. James put her in her ce," Annika said cautiously, ncing at Sadie. "You really shut her down!"


    "Damn it, if I had known, I would''ve run her over," Arya said, gripping the steering wheel tightly and gritting her teeth. "Next time I see her, I won''t be so nice!"


    "That''s enough," Sadie said sternly. "What do you mean you won''t be nice?"


    "I..." Arya looked at her weakly through the rearview mirror, not daring to speak.


    "Olivia ispeting fairly, which is much better than being sneaky and underhanded," Sadie said objectively. "With her current abilities, if she really wanted to do something behind our backs, there''s nothing I could do about it." "That''s true," Annika responded softly.


    Sadie thought about Olivia, feeling a bit uneasy. She said, "If she had a bad character, I wouldn''t even consider her a threat. But she''s always polite, and she does things aboveboard. Because of this, I actually see her as a worthy opponent." "I think you''re overthinking it," Arya couldn''t help but say. "Mr. Clemens risked his life to save you. He loves you so much that he doesn''t even care about Olivia. You don''t need to worry."


    Sadie didn''t respond; she just lowered her eyes and looked troubled.


    "How are the kids?" Annika noticed that Sadie was feeling down and quickly changed the subject. "We didn''te backst night. Did they cause any trouble?"


    Arya, who was mainly responsible for taking care of the kids, started talking about this topic. "They were quite a handful. They insisted I tell them stories. I told three stories, but they still wouldn''t let me go. In the end, I had to stay and keep the girlspany."


    Annika chatted with her while observing Sadie''s expression.


    Sadie looked out the window, her gaze veryplicated.


    Soon, they arrived home. It was the weekend, and the kids were all at home.


    Sadie first went to see Mia and the three little girls, yed with them for a while, and then went to Noah and Nathan''s room.


    At that moment, Nathan was diligently doing his homework and asionally asked Noah questions. "Noah, how do you do this problem?"


    Usually patient, Noah was very irritable today and snapped, "Didn''t I exin it yesterday? How do you still not get it?"


    Nathan was stunned by his outburst, his face flushing with anger. He said, "You''re so mean. If you don''t want to exin, fine, but why yell at me?"


    "I exined it once, and you still don''t get it," Noah said irritably. "This problem is so simple, you shouldn''t need anyone to exin it. You should understand it just by looking at it. What''s wrong with you?"


    "You..." Nathan''s eyes welled up with tears, and he pouted, feeling wronged as he ran out, bumping into Sadie at the door. He froze for a moment, then hugged Sadie and burst into tears.


    "Nathan," Sadie hugged Nathan while ncing at Noah. She gently said, "Come on, stop crying. If your sisters hear you, they''ll tease you."


    Nathan tried to hold back his sobs but couldn''t stop sniffling.


    "What happened to Nathan?" Annika hurried over tofort him. "Don''t cry. I''ll take you to have breakfast."


    "Be good. Mommy wille find you in a bit," Sadie handed Nathan over to Annika, watched them leave, and then walked into the room. She said softly, "Noah, we need to talk!"

 Chapter 1372 Seeing Through Everything

    Sadie was always super gentle and patient with Nathan, Mia, and the three little girls, but when it came to Noah, she talked to him as if he were her peer.


    After all, Noah was way ahead of his age in both smarts and emotional intelligence.


    Feeling guilty, he hung his head, walked up to Sadie, and said softly, "Mommy, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have yelled at Nathan."


    "You''re like Nathan''s little teacher, and it''s okay to correct him, but maybe you could be a bit gentler?" Sadie smiled at Noah. "Okay," Noah nodded.


    "I know you''re worried about Daddy and feeling upset, which is why you lost your temper with Nathan." Sadie gently stroked his head, her fingers running softly through his hair.


    She knelt down to his eye level, looking into his eyes with a warm smile. "But think about it," she continued, "no matter what happens, Daddy and Mommy never take out our emotions on you, right?" "Yes," Noah nodded again. "I know I was wrong. I''m sorry, Mommy."


    "Good boy!" Sadie hugged Noah tenderly.


    "Mommy, how is Daddy?" Noah asked cautiously, his eyes red and holding back his sadness. "Is he badly hurt?"


    "A falling vase hit his head, and he bled a lot, but it''s not a big problem. Don''t worry too much," Sadie said softly. "He''ll be discharged soon, and Andrew wille to pick you up. You''ll see Daddy then." "He''s getting discharged so soon?" Noah was a bit surprised. "Why did a vase hit Daddy? Who did it?"


    "He got hurt while saving me. It was something that fell from above, and the specifics are still under investigation," Sadie said. "Andrew will tell us once he finds out."


    "Okay," Noah nodded but couldn''t help asking, "Is Daddy''s injury serious? Besides being hit, is there anything else wrong with him?"


    "You noticed something else wrong with your daddy too?" Sadie asked, a bit shocked. She hadn''t expected Noah to sense something unusual about Micah.


    Noah''s eyes flickered, and his expression wasplicated. After all, he was just over six years old. Although exceptionally intelligent, he was still innocent and didn''t know how to hide his feelings.


    "I noticed it, too." Sadie understood what Noah was concerned about and rephrased her words, "I''m very worried about your daddy, worried that he''s sick and not telling us, so I need to investigate." "Mommy, how are you going to investigate?" Noah blurted out.


    "I need to go to Mount Avalis in Avalis. I want to pay my respects to Hubert and also ask Pa about your daddy. No one else knows about this, so you have to keep it a secret for me, okay?" Sadie instructed, her voice firm but gentle.


    "Okay," Noah said excitedly. "Mommy, you still care about Daddy. That''s great. I thought you wouldn''t care."


    "Silly boy, of course, I care." Sadie patted his little head and sighed. "But your daddy doesn''t want me to know about these things right now, so I have to find out on my own."


    Sadie continued, "Noah, I didn''t want to tell you this, but I know you''re too smart to be kept in the dark. Instead of letting you guess and worry, it''s better to tell you directly."


    "Yes, yes," Noah nodded repeatedly. "Actually, I noticed it a long time ago. When Hubert passed away, we hadn''t arrived yet, but Daddy was already there, which means he went to see Hubert in advance."


    Noah analyzed, "Daddy has never liked socializing. Even with Great-Grandpa, he only went when necessary. You and Mia have been cured for a long time, so unless he had something personal, I can''t think of why he would see Hubert early."


    He recalled, "Andst time, when he was telling a story, Daddy suddenly seemed dazed and paused for a minute. Then he started making things up. I felt like he couldn''t see clearly at that moment, so he made up the story."

 Chapter 1373 It Was a Guests Cat

    Hearing this, Sadie was taken aback. She didn''t expect Noah to be so sharp, catching onto the problem before she even did. The main issue was that she hadn''t been paying attention to Micah, missing a lot of signs and only now realizing the problem. Thinking about it, Sadie felt a wave of guilt.


    "Mommy, I heard they''re looking for a doctor named Virgil. If they find him, he can save Daddy. I also heard he''s a good friend of Uncle Tristan. Do you know him?" Noah finally asked the question that had been on his mind. "Virgil?" Sadie remembered Annika mentioning him too. She furrowed her brows, deep in thought. "I was poisoned once, and Tristan helped detoxify me. His medical skills are really impressive."


    She paused, then added, "But I don''t have direct contact with him. I can find him through other people, though."


    "That''s awesome," Noah said excitedly. "Mommy, you have to find a way to locate Uncle Tristan. Rn and Andrew are practically turning the world upside down looking for him."


    "I get it," Sadie nodded and advised, "Noah, leave this to me. If your daddy is really sick, I''ll find a way to save him. You just take care of yourself and stop worrying, okay?" "Mommy, I can help you gather information," Noah said earnestly.


    "No need," Sadie shook her head gently. "Let the adults handle this. Your job is to take care of yourself. As long as you all are okay, I can focus on taking care of your daddy." "Alright," Noah nodded obediently. "I understand."


    "Good boy," Sadie patted his little face and smiled, "Go find Nathan; he should be waiting to make up with you."


    "Okay," Noah said, a bit embarrassed, and went out to find Nathan.


    Watching him leave, Sadie smiled softly. If there was anything she was proud of, it was her kids.


    Just then, Annika came to the door. She said, "Ms. James, Andrew is here to pick up the three kids." "Okay," Sadie nodded. "Tell them to pack up and go downstairs. I''ll change and be right down." "Got it." Annika immediately went to help the kids pack up their things.


    Sadie changed her clothes and went downstairs to see the kids off. Even though Half Mountain Vi and Hillside Vi were close, the kids were always reluctant to part. Especially the three little girls, knowing that Sadie was going out and Noah, Nathan, and Mia were going home, they all pouted and looked unhappy.


    Nathan and Miaforted them for a long time, promising toe back and y with them tomorrow, which finally made them smile.


    Sadie hugged the kids goodbye, watched the Clemens Family''s car leave, thenforted the three little girls before packing her luggage and heading to the airport.


    This time, Sadie only took Annika and two female bodyguards with her, leaving the others at home to protect the kids.


    On the way to the airport, Sadie got a call from Masson. He said, "Sadie, I found out that it was a guest''s cat that knocked over a vase, causing it to fall and injure Mr. Clemens. The guest is really anxious and is currently in contact with Andrew to discusspensation and an apology..."


    "A cat?" Sadie interrupted, puzzled. "The hotel shouldn''t allow pets, right? Even if a guest brought a cat, how could it have knocked a vase from the window? I checked out the hotel''syout. We were standing directly below a room''s balcony. Why would there be a vase on the balcony? If a guest put it there, it would be on a table, not the edge of the railing, right?"


    She frowned, "So, how did the vase end up falling downstairs? This is too strange."

 Chapter 1374 Someone Else

    Masson replied, "I had the same questions back then. The guest described the whole incident, and I made an animated video based on her description. I''m sending it to you now." He sent the video to Sadie.


    Sadie opened the video. The guest had bought fresh roses and took the vase to the balcony to arrange them.


    Before she could finish, her phone rang. She ced the vase on the edge of the balcony railing and ran inside to answer the call.


    At that moment, a white cat jumped onto the balcony and identally knocked over the vase, which then fell.


    After watching the video, everything seemed reasonable, but Sadie still felt something was off.


    Masson asked, "Did you finish it?"


    "Yeah," Sadie replied. "The video looks fine, but we can''t just rely on one side of the story."


    Masson said, "Of course. I handed over the cat and the culprit to Andrew. It''s up to the Clemens Family to decide whether to involve the police. I also expressed my apologies and my willingness to offer any form ofpensation." "You handled it very maturely," Sadie praised. "Masson, you''ve grown up."


    "I''m almost thirty; I should be grown up by now," Massonughed self-deprecatingly. "Luckily, the room was only on the fourth floor, and the vase wasn''t big. If it had been higher, Mr. Clemens might not have survived."


    "Yes," Sadie recalled the scene of Micah being hit and still felt a bit scared. "Even so, Micah was seriously injured."


    "I''m very sorry," Masson said guiltily. "I went to the hospital this morning to visit Mr. Clemens, but he had already left. I could only ask Andrew to convey my apologies and told him that I would ept anypensation Mr. Clemens needed." "You don''t need to me yourself; it was just an ident," Sadie changed the subject. "Alright, Masson, I''m about to reach the airport. We''ll talkter."


    "Why are you going to the airport? Where are you going?" Masson asked.


    "Going back to the countryside for some business. I''ll be back tomorrow night," Sadie said.


    "Oh, okay. I''m leaving the day after tomorrow. Can we meet when you get back?" Masson said reluctantly. "I have some things I want to talk to you about."


    "We''ll see, depending on the time." As Sadie spoke, the car had already stopped. Annika got out and opened the door. Sadie stepped out while saying, "Masson, I have to go now." Masson said, "Okay."


    After hanging up, Sadie hurried into the airport, with Annika and two other attendants following with the luggage.


    "Calling it an ident, I still find it strange," Annika whispered. "If Mr. Clemens hadn''t pushed you away, that vase would have hit you directly. How could it be such a coincidence?"


    "I find it strange too, but Masson wouldn''t lie to me," Sadie said with a frown, "Maybe he only found the surface and hasn''t uncovered the deeper truth. But Andrew is better at handling these things than we are."


    Annika nodded. "Yes, I agree. He will get to the bottom of it."


    Sadie said, "Let''s board first. We''ll talk about it when I get back."


    Annika said, "Okay."


    The two quickly boarded the ne. Meanwhile, at Half Mountain Vi, Micah watched the simtion video and read the guest''s statement, then sneered, "Trying to y tricks on me!"


    "Do you think it''s Masson?" Andrew asked, puzzled. "He doesn''t seem like that kind of person."


    "It shouldn''t be him," Micah said decisively. "But there''s definitely someone else, and that person wants Sadie dead!"


    "Who could it be?" Andrew frowned and recounted, "Last night, I sent people to investigate, but the hotel refused to let us check the guest rooms to protect privacy. Now Masson has agreed to the investigation, but the culprit is probably already gone."

 Chapter 1375 You Have to Be Good

    Micah dropped his gaze, thought for a sec, and then said, "Keep digging. We gotta find out who checked into the hotelst night." "Got it." Andrew was on it right away.


    Micah rubbed his temples and was about to dive into some paperwork when he heard the kids outside the door. "Daddy, can wee in?" "Come on in." Micah quickly sat up, trying to look lively.


    The three kids carefully pushed the door open. When they saw Micah sitting on the bed with a big bandage on his head, their faces fell. "Daddy." Mia''s little lip trembled, and tears started to roll down her cheeks.


    "Daddy, what happened to you?" Nathan asked, his eyes filling with tears. Noah had told them to be strong and not cry before they came in, so Nathan was trying hard to hold it in, but the tears still spilled over. Noah''s voice cracked as he asked, "Daddy, are you okay?"


    To them, Micah was like a superhero, someone who couldn''t be hurt. Seeing him injured now made them all freak out, like their world was crumbling. "Silly kids, I''m fine," Micah said softly, opening his arms. The three kids rushed into his embrace, but they were extra careful not to touch his wound. "Daddy, who hurt you?" Nathan asked, clenching his little fists, tears streaming down his face. "I wanna go beat them up and get revenge for you."


    "This isn''t something you need to worry about. Let Andrew handle it." Micah ruffled Nathan''s hair and joked, "Save your little arms and legs for saving the world!"


    Nathanughed, a bit embarrassed. "Daddy, you think I''m not good at fighting. It''s okay. When I grow up, I''ll be unstoppable!"


    "Do you even know what unstoppable means?" Micah chuckled. "When you grow up, I won''t be old yet. As long as I''m around, you can''t be unstoppable."


    Noah and Miaughed too, and the tension in the room eased up.


    Nathan scratched his head, his face blushing with shyness. "Yeah, I can never be as strong as Daddy."


    Micah pinched his cheek and then turned to Noah. "Noah, how''s it going with Ryan these past few days?"


    "Ryan truly is an experienced scientist. I''ve learned a lot from him." Then Noah eagerly began to share the knowledge he had gained.


    Micah chatted with him for a bit and then reminded him, "Ryan''s getting old, and his memory isn''t great. Take it slow, be patient, and be polite, okay?" "Got it." Noah nodded eagerly.


    "Mia..." Micah started.


    Before he could finish, Mia jumped in, "Daddy, I''m doing great with my studies, and I''m practicing piano and dancing well too. You don''t need to worry about me."


    She then added, sounding like a little adult, "But you, you need to take care of yourself and get better soon so you can y with us."


    Micah pinched her cheek, his eyes full of love. "Sweetie, why are you starting to nag like your mommy?"


    "Daddy said Mommy is nagging. I''m gonna tell Mommy." Mia pouted, furrowed her little brows, and looked fierce. "I''ll make Mommy put you in time-out!"


    Micah couldn''t help butugh. Looking at Mia, he could imagine what Sadie was like as a kid, so adorable.


    "Daddy." Seeing Micahugh, Mia felt sad again. She choked up and tried tofort him, "You have to be good, listen to the doctors, and stay safe and healthy. You need to watch us grow up and be well, okay?"

 Chapter 1376 Ms. Graham Is Here

    Hearing Mia''s sweet little voice, trying to sound all grown-up and serious, Micah felt his heart just melt.


    He wanted to say something, but as soon as he opened his mouth, a lump of sadness got stuck in his throat, and he couldn''t get a word out. He just hugged Mia tightly.


    Right now, his heart was a mess. He wanted to live a safe and healthy life, watch them grow up, but it felt like he might not make it to that day.


    "Silly Mia, Daddy''s gonna be fine," Noah said, taking a deep breath and trying not to cry. "Daddy''s gonna get better. He definitely will." He was sure that he and Sadie would find Virgil and cure Micah. "Yeah, Daddy just has a little injury; he''ll be better soon, Mia; don''t cry," Nathan tried tofort her.


    Micah pulled himself together, put on a smile, and reassured the kids, "That''s right, I''ll be able to y with you soon. I need to look at some documents now. You guys go y outside." "Okay," the kids nodded obediently and reluctantly left.


    Watching the kids walk away, Micah''s mood got heavy again. He had never been scared of dying, but now he was. He was scared that if he died, the kids would be without a father.


    He was scared that if he died, there''d be no one to teach Noah, no one to box with Nathan, no one tofort Mia. And no one to protect Sadie. He really didn''t want to die!


    At the doorway, Andrew watched this scene, his eyes getting red. He silently decided he couldn''t wait any longer. When Sadie got back, he would tell her the truth and ask her to contact Virgil as soon as possible to treat Micah. He was about to call Annika when a servant came to report, "Andrew, Ms. Graham is here."


    Andrew was surprised and muttered, "Why is she here again?"


    "What should we do? Her car is blocking the gate," the servant asked.


    "I''ll go ask for instructions." Andrew went to Micah''s room and reported, "Mr. Clemens, Ms. Graham is here."


    "Okay, let her in," Micah was looking at his phone. Olivia had sent several messages saying she wanted to visit him, so he wasn''t surprised she came to the house.


    "Should I bring her to the garden or...?" Andrew asked cautiously.


    "Bring her to the study," Micah said, forcing himself to get out of bed.


    "Yes," Andrew quickly gave the orders and then helped Micah change clothes.


    Soon, the servant led Olivia into the vi. Olivia brought two attendants carrying severalrge boxes of gifts, which looked very precious and rare.


    Andrew went downstairs to greet her, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then led her upstairs to the study.


    Thest time Olivia came, Micah only let her wait in the garden restaurant. This time, inviting her inside made her feel ttered as if her rtionship with Micah had taken a step forward. "Ms. Graham, please!" Andrew opened the study door and led Olivia inside.


    Olivia''s attendants waited outside.


    Seeing Micah sitting in the chair, Olivia was somewhat surprised. She thought he would benguidly resting in bed and unable to move, but he seemed quite spirited. She greeted, "Mr. Clemens." "Last night doesn''t count as standing you up, right?" Micah said with a slight smile.


    "No," Olivia replied with an embarrassed smile, joking, "I didn''te chasing after you for that."


    "That''s good," Micah spoke as he gestured for her to sit down.


    Olivia handed the gifts to Andrew, then sat in the leather chair opposite Micah, and teased, "Feels like we''re discussing business."


    "I am indeed a bit unromantic," Micah replied with a self-deprecating smile.

 Chapter 1377 Hidden Truth

    "I just feel so heartbroken," Olivia''s face fell as she looked at Micah with a mix of sadness andpassion. She said softly, "You don''t have to treat me like a stranger. No matter what you''re going through, it won''t change how I see you. You''re still like a god to me." Hearing someone confess so boldly and directly for the first time, Micah couldn''t help but be a little stunned.


    Micah had always been in a high position, so he was super strict with himself and kept his emotions in check. He rarely got close to women.


    In the past, Amelia and E were just people he had to deal with; he never had any real feelings for them.


    So, besides Sadie, Olivia was the only woman he had willingly spent time with.


    It must be acknowledged that Olivia was almost perfect. Her background, knowledge, temperament, and looks were all top-notch. More importantly, her dedication to Micah was rare.


    "Sorry, it was rather abrupt of me to say that," Olivia said, noticing Micah''s silence and feeling a bit flustered.


    She added, "I just wanted to say you don''t always have to act tough. We''re all human; we all feel pain." Her voice was soft and a bit shaky, maybe from nerves or heartache.


    "Thank you," Micah finally said. "Is there something you need from me?"


    "I just wanted to check on you," Olivia quicklyposed herself, worried she might annoy him. "Seeing that you''re okay, I''m relieved."


    "Okay, thank you," Micah said again, not sure what else to say.


    "One more thing," Olivia remembered. "I heard Joe is missing. Duke Louis is looking for him everywhere. You should be careful."


    "Joe is missing?" Micah was surprised and immediately told Andrew, "Go check it out."


    "Yes," Andrew replied and went to investigate.


    Olivia exined, "I heard some things happened in Country C that really affected Joe. He even tried tomit suicide by slitting his wrists. They saved him, but he''s still traumatized."


    She added, "He seems to have depression. Duchess Louis had several experts look at him, but they kept it quiet. This time, he followed Duke Louis to Newark to find Ms. James. He met you and, in a moment of agitation, identally hurt Ms. James. After that, Duke Louis scolded him, and he ran away."


    "Is it that serious? It''s just a breakup," Micah said, feeling a bit speechless.


    "It seems to be more than just a breakup," Olivia said meaningfully. "I heard there were some scandals in the Louis Family. Because of this, Ms. James fell out with them. Didn''t she tell you?" "What scandals?" Micah asked.


    "I''m not sure about the details," Olivia shook her head. "It has to do with Joe. The Louis Family kept it very secret. I don''t know much."


    Micah didn''t speak, just frowned. Since it involved Joe, it also involved Sadie. He always found it strange why Sadie had such a falling out with the Louis Family.


    Even if it was because Tristan went missing and the Louis Family neglected her, it shouldn''t have led to her being put under house arrest andter being hunted down.


    Moreover, why did Joe attempt suicide and now suffer from depression? There was probably more to the story. But Sadie never mentioned it. What exactly happened between Sadie and Joe?

 Chapter 1378 Began Emergency Treatment on Micah

    "Mr. Clemens!" Andrew rushed in, breathless. "I just checked, and like Ms. Graham said, Joe''s missing. Plus, he''s got depression, and it looks like the Louis Family is hiding something big." Micah snapped, "I need details, Andrew. Is that all you''ve got?"


    Andrew stammered, "Yes, yes, I''ll dig deeper right away."


    "Get out!" Micah''s temper red, and he was visibly agitated.


    This injury made him realize Sadie still cared about him, and their rtionship started to improve. But now, knowing there was some secret between Joe and Sadie, Micah felt restless again. He remembered the scene at the Grapetown Heights winery, and it felt like a knife to his heart. The pain was suffocating.


    "Mr. Clemens," Olivia said apologetically, "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have told you. I was just worried Joe might harm you, so I wanted to warn you."


    "I get it, thanks," Micah pulled himself back to the present and thanked her. "I''ve been so caught up with my stufftely, I forgot to keep an eye on things. Thanks for the heads-up."


    Olivia looked at him tenderly, "No need to thank me. On the 1st of next month, my project''sunching, and I''m hosting a banquet. Think your injury will be better by then?" "There are still nine days. I should be fine," Micah agreed, "I''ll be there."


    "That''s great," Olivia beamed. "Only thirty people are invited, all big shots from politics and business. My dad will be there too, and you''re the most important guest. Hope to see you there!" "Alright, I''ll be there on time," Micah nodded.


    "Then I''ll let you rest," Olivia stood up, concerned. "Take care of your injury. I want to see you at the banquet on the 1st."


    "I''ll definitely be there, don''t worry," Micah assured her.


    "Deal!" Olivia smiled and extended her hand.


    Micah hesitated but then shook her hand.


    Olivia smiled joyfully and reluctantly left.


    Andrew escorted her out, then returned to the study and handed Micah the investigation report, looking guilty. "All we have is what Ms. Graham said. The Louis Family is tight-lipped, and we can''t find any more info right now." Micah didn''t even look at it and tossed the report aside. He got up to go back to his room, but the pain from his wound made his face pale.


    "Mr. Clemens," Andrew hurriedly supported him.


    Micah bent over, one hand on the sofa, the other holding his head, his face contorted in pain.


    "I''ll call Dahlia right away." Andrew thought Micah''s head wound was acting up and was about to call Dahlia.


    "No need!" Micah stopped him, then copsed onto the sofa. "It''s not the wound, it''s..."


    He couldn''t finish; the pain was so intense he couldn''t speak. He gritted his teeth, leaned on the sofa, and started sweating profusely.


    "Is it the poison acting up?" Andrew looked at him anxiously. "How could this be? It wasn''t this painful before. Mr. Clemens..."


    Before Andrew could finish, Micah copsed on the sofa, unconscious.


    Andrew hurriedly called Dahlia. She was already at Half Mountain Vi and immediately brought medical staff over.


    Rodolfo, Oliver, and the others quickly stood guard outside the children''s rooms, finding an excuse to keep them froming out, avoiding them seeing this scene.


    Dahlia and the medical staff began emergency treatment on Micah.


    Andrew stood by, trembling with anxiety. He couldn''t keep it a secret any longer; if things continued like this, Micah might not make it.


    Andrew quickly went to the side to call Annika, but the call couldn''t get through.

 Chapter 1379 Hope

    In the evening, the private jet touched down in Avalis, where the airport looked pretty deserted.


    Sadie led Annika and the others off the ne. The car they had arranged earlier was already waiting nearby, and the three of them headed straight for Mount Avalis.


    On the way, Annika checked her phone and saw a bunch of missed calls. Just as she was about to call back, she noticed a few ck modified cars tailing them. "Ms. James," she called out softly. "I see them!" Sadie, keeping an eye on the rearview mirror, calmly ordered, "Don''t go to Mount Avalis. Change the route." She didn''t want to drag Pa and Percy into this mess. "Got it," Annika replied. Their car changed direction, trying to shake off the ck modified cars.


    "Who are these people?" Annika wondered aloud. "They don''t look like they''re from Country E."


    "Let''s lose them first," Sadie said, still calm, eyes glued to the rearview mirror. She wanted to figure out who these people were, but with their limited manpower and no weapons, it seemed tough.


    The other side had five modified cars and over twenty people,ing at them aggressively. But they didn''t use weapons, clearly trying to corner Sadie''s car to capture them alive. While the chase was intense, back at Half Mountain Vi, Micah had fallen into a deep sleep again.


    Rn, hearing the news, rushed back. Seeing Micah in this state, he punched the wall in frustration and said worriedly, "We can''t go on like this. I''ve decided to go to Country E to find Virgil." "We''re on the same page," Andrew immediately said. "Virgil must be in Country E. I''ll find his exact location as soon as possible and let you know. You can bring him back then." "Alright," Rn nodded. "Do it quickly. Don''t dy any longer. Even if Mr. Clemens kicks us out of the Clemens Family, we need to save his life first."


    "I understand," Andrew''s voice choked. "I didn''t dare betray him before, but now, I can''t worry about that anymore."


    Rn said, "Alright, let''s split up. I''m heading to the airport now."


    Andrew reminded, "Take more people with you and stay in touch."


    After their discussion, Andrew took a deep breath,posed himself, and went to the room.


    Dahlia covered Micah with a nket and turned to Andrew. "I want to ask Dr. Perez toe to Newark early to take a look at Mr. Clemens'' condition. Maybe she will have a solution." "Then contact her quickly," Andrew agreed. He was desperate, willing to grasp any possible hope.


    "I''m just afraid she won''te. Mr. Clemens called her before, and she agreed toe. I''m worried I can''t persuade her..." Before Dahlia could finish, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID, surprised. "It''s Ms. Graham." "What''s she calling you for at this time?" Andrew was a bit annoyed.


    "She asked for a number this morning, saying it was about Mr. Clemens'' condition and that she could be contacted anytime," Dahlia replied, then answered the call, "Hello, Ms. Graham."


    Olivia said, "Dr. Rey, I couldn''t reach Andrew, so I''ll be brief. I''ve invited Dr. Perez to see Mr. Clemens and arranged a private jet for her. Her ne is about tond. I''m at the airport to pick her up. Can you ask Mr. Clemens if it''s convenient for Dr. Perez to visit his home tonight?"


    "Of course, it''s convenient," Dahlia was overjoyed. She thanked her sincerely, "I was just about to ask Dr. Perez, worried she wouldn''t agree. I didn''t expect you to invite her first. That''s wonderful."


    "That''s good. I was afraid Mr. Clemens would me me," Olivia sighed in relief. "Can I apany Dr. Perez when shees over?"


    "Of course. When will you arrive? I''lle to pick you up," Dahlia responded excitedly. Gabrie''s arrival undoubtedly brought new hope.


    Even if Gabrie couldn''tpletely cure Micah''s condition, she could at least stabilize it and prevent it from getting worse.

 Chapter 1380 No Leader

    "Probably about an hour," Olivia guessed. "The airport''s pretty far from Half Mountain Vi, and the ne''s still taxiing. It''ll take a bit to get out of there." "Hurry up!" Dahlia blurted out.


    "Did something happen to Mr. Clemens?" Olivia asked, sounding worried.


    "Mr. Clemens fainted," Dahlia admitted. She knew there was no point in hiding it; Olivia would find out soon enough when she got there.


    "How did that happen?" Olivia was immediately anxious. "He was fine when I left this morning."


    "It''s a long story," Dahlia dodged. "We''ll talk when you get here."


    "Alright, I''ll get there as soon as I can," Olivia said.


    "Thank you!" Dahlia replied.


    After hanging up, Dahlia turned to Andrew. "They''ll be here in about an hour. We can''t hide his condition."


    "Of course, we can''t hide it from Dr. Perez. She needs to treat him properly. But we can tell Ms. Graham it''s just an external injury," Andrew said thoughtfully. "Even if Dr. Perez and Ms. Graham are friends, Mr. Clemens'' condition takes precedence. She should understand and keep quiet."


    "You''re right," Dahlia nodded. "Dr. Perez showing up now is a big help."


    "We owe Ms. Graham a favor this time," Andrew sighed.


    "You take good care of Mr. Clemens. I''ll go make some preparations," Dahlia said.


    Andrew nodded. "Alright."


    Dahlia left, and Andrew stayed in the room with Micah.


    Micah was sleeping deeply, his breathing weak, like he could die at any moment.


    Andrew was in turmoil. He knew that Gabrie''s arrival could only stabilize the worsening condition, not cure it. To truly solve the problem, they needed to find Virgil.


    Rn had already set off for Country E, and Andrew needed to quickly find out Virgil''s whereabouts.


    Thinking of this, Andrew dialed Annika''s number. The phone kept ringing, but no one answered.


    Andrew found it strange. The fact that the call went through meant they hadnded. So why wasn''t anyone answering?


    Ordinary people might miss a call, but Annika, like him, was a well-trained bodyguard who always stayed in close contact with their employer orpanions.


    Unless something unexpected happened, it was almost impossible for her not to answer.


    ''Something unexpected happened?'' The thought shed through Andrew''s mind, and he panicked. Could something have happened to them?


    Andrew quickly dialed Sadie''s number, but no one answered that either.


    He immediately called Pa. This time, the call was answered quickly, "Hello!"


    "Pa, have Ms. James and the others arrived?" Andrew asked directly.


    "No," Pa said urgently. "I find it strange too. They should have called us when they got to the mountain, but there''s been no contact. I tried calling Sadie and Annika, but no one answered."


    It seemed something had indeed happened. Andrew''s face changed, but he didn''t show it. He said calmly, "Don''t worry. Maybe something else dyed them. Let me know as soon as they arrive." Pa responded, "Okay, I will."


    After hanging up, Andrew immediately ordered Oliver and Ethan to take people to Avalis to find Sadie and the others, instructing them to ensure their safety.


    Oliver and Ethan set off with ten people right away.


    At this moment, the Clemens Family was surrounded by crises, and even Andrew felt unprecedented fear and anxiety.


    In the past, no matter what happened, as long as Micah was there, they always felt confident, as if they could solve any problem.


    But now, with Micah down, everything felt like a mountain pressing down on them, catching them off guard.


    Just then, a servant hurriedly reported, "Andrew, Ms. Graham and Dr. Perez are here."


    Andrew urged, "Bring them in quickly."

 Chapter 1381 Sadie Is Nothing But Trouble

    Upon hearing that Micah had fainted, Olivia made what was supposed to be an hour-long drive in just half an hour.


    Gabrie stumbled out of the car, clutching her chest and dry-heaving, almost puking.


    "Dr. Perez, what''s wrong?" Dahlia asked, looking shocked.


    "Car sickness," Olivia said coolly. "Get her some hot coffee. She''ll be fine."


    "Alright, alright." Dahlia nodded and quickly got someone to make the coffee. She knew Olivia''s driver must''ve floored it to get to Half Mountain Vi so fast.


    The twisty mountain roads of Frost Peak Mountain were tough enough, and with the rush, Gabrie must''ve felt like she was on a roller coaster.


    Gabrie sipped the coffee, but before she could even sit down, Olivia was already pushing her to go check on Micah. She had no choice but to put down the cup and head upstairs with her assistant. "Ms. Graham, Dr. Perez," Andrew hurried over. "Sorry to trouble you!"


    "Andrew, this is Dr. Perez." Olivia introduced them and then asked, "How''s Mr. Clemens?"


    "Still out cold," Andrew said, frowning and speaking in Sunvalenguage, "Dr. Perez, please help!"


    "I''ll take a look," Gabrie, always hands-on, went straight in. "Someone fill me in on what''s going on."


    "Coming," Dahlia followed her in.


    Olivia wanted to go in too but Andrew stopped her. "Ms. Graham, you''ve had a long day. Why don''t you rest in the guest room first?"


    "I want to see Mr. Clemens," Olivia insisted, her eyes darting past Andrew''s arm toward the room. As soon as Dahlia went in, she shut the door, and two attendants stood guard outside. The whole setup was super strict. "Mr. Clemens is being treated. Only the doctors can go in," Andrew exined. "I know you''re worried. I''ve got a guest room ready for you. You can rest tonight, and when Mr. Clemens wakes up tomorrow, you can see him." "Alright," Olivia nodded, thinking it was a good chance to stay put. "Thanks!"


    "You''re wee. I''ll show you to the guest room," Andrew said, leading her upstairs. "I''ve also got rooms for your team, so don''t worry."


    "Thanks," Olivia said.


    Olivia and her team stayed at the Clemens Family ce.


    Andrew even had Reba prepare dinner for them. Once everything was sorted, he went to check on Micah.


    Olivia noticed two maids outside her room, saying they were there to serve her anytime.


    But she knew Andrew had them there to keep an eye on her, to stop her from wandering around.


    All this caution made Olivia even more uneasy, her face serious.


    "I''ve heard the Clemens Family has a lot of rules, but I didn''t think they''d be this strict," one of her team whispered. "A bodyguard every few steps, two maids guarding each room. It''s like a pce."


    "Are they worried we''ll attack Mr. Clemens?" another team member wondered.


    "Probably not," Olivia said, pacing the room. "I''m afraid Mr. Clemens''s condition is really bad. They''re worried the news might leak. His health affects the whole family and thepany''s future. If word gets out that something happened to him, Clemens Group''s stock will tank."


    One team member muttered, "I saw Mr. Clemens this morning, and he seemed fine. How did it get this bad? Was the vase hit that serious?"


    "Try getting hit on the head with it," Olivia snapped.


    The team member quickly shut up.


    "Order to detain the perpetrator and everyone involved," Oliviamanded sternly.


    "Yes," the team member immediately made a call.


    "Sadie is nothing but trouble!" Olivia fumed. "If it weren''t for her, Mr. Clemens wouldn''t be like this."

 Chapter 1382 Preparing for the Funeral

    "Hey, should we teach her a lesson?" the attendant asked, a bit hesitant.


    "No, we can''t mess with her," Olivia frowned. "Even though she''s a pain, Mr. Clemens cares about her. If something happens to her, he won''t be okay." "Got it," the attendant nodded, not daring to say more..


    "I wonder how Mr. Clemens is doing," Olivia muttered. She was anxious and wanted to go check, but she knew Andrew might not let her see Micah, so she gave up.


    She kept reminding herself to stay calm. If she wanted to be thedy of the Clemens Family, she couldn''t lose her cool. Otherwise, even the bodyguards and servants would look down on her. Still uneasy, Olivia opened the door and told the maid outside, "Please, if Mr. Clemens wakes up, let me know right away."


    The maid replied respectfully, "Yes, Ms. Graham, don''t worry. We''ll report to you immediately if there''s any news."


    "Alright, thank you." Olivia said, ncing downstairs; it was very quiet, and they were probably still treating him.


    Andrew entered Micah''s room and asked worriedly, "How''s it going?"


    "Keep your voice down," Dahlia reminded him softly.


    Andrew didn''t dare speak and stood quietly to the side, waiting.


    Gabrie reviewed Micah''s test reports, examined his wounds and current condition, and looked very serious. She sighed, "You overestimate my medical skills. I''m afraid I can''t do much." "Dr. Perez, please think of something. You can do it," Dahlia pleaded anxiously.


    "I can only stabilize Mr. Clemens'' condition for a short time, preventing it from getting worse, but curing him is impossible," Gabrie said bluntly. "You need to find a more skilled doctor, but the chances are slim."


    Andrew felt a chill in his heart. He had hoped for a miracle, but Gabrie had extinguished that hope.


    "Let''s stabilize his condition first," Dahlia said gravely. "Thank you, Dr. Perez."


    "I need some equipment. Prepare it for me," Gabrie said decisively to Dahlia. "I need to perform a minor surgery on Mr. Clemens. If it goes well, it should stabilize him for a while."


    Dahlia hurriedly said, "Alright, I''ll get it ready right away."


    That night, the atmosphere in the Clemens Family was incredibly tense. All the bodyguards and servants were on edge, waiting to get through this difficult night.


    Andrew, Dahlia, and Rodolfo stayed up all night, keeping watch over Micah.


    At 1:30 AM, Gabrie performed a minor surgery on Micah and administered some other treatments. Finally, she instructed Dahlia, "This minor surgery can only temporarily slow the spread of the toxin. You must take good care of him and make sure he doesn''t get injured again, or even Jesus won''t be able to save him."


    "Understood," Dahlia nodded heavily.


    "He needs to rest and avoid exerting too much physical effort to prevent the toxin from spreading further," Gabrie continued to advise. "As for medication, just follow the previous regimen. There''s no particrly effective drug right now anyway."


    "Alright, got it." Dahlia answered and felt even more burdened. Gabrie''s words were not optimistic about Micah''s condition.


    "Forgive me for being blunt," Gabrie hesitated but finally said, "This surgery can at most stabilize him for a month, but after that, it''s uncertain. I suggest you take care of any necessary matters within this month, including his will..." Before Gabrie could finish, she saw the grim faces of Andrew and the bodyguards and stopped. "Forget I said anything."


    "Dr. Perez, I''ll take you to the guest room to rest," Dahlia said as she quickly escorted Gabrie out.

 Chapter 1383 One Month Deadline

    "I''m not going to the guest room," Gabrie said, trying to keep things simple. "There''s nothing pressing for me right now. I''ll just check into the hotel. Ms. Graham has already set it up. If anythinges up, just give me a call." "Alright, I''ll have someone take you to the hotel," Dahlia said, signaling for two attendants to escort Gabrie. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow afternoon, if you can, could youe to my hospital to see another patient?" "The one still in aa? Sure," Gabrie replied bluntly. "Mr. Clemens called me about it before. I didn''t think he''d get worse."


    "None of us did," Dahlia sighed. "And please, keep Mr. Clemens'' condition confidential. If word gets out, it could be bad." "Don''t worry, I get it," Gabrie said seriously. "If it leaks, not only is my career over, but my safety''s at risk too!"


    "Not even Ms. Graham can know," Andrew emphasized. "You can''t tell anyone."


    "Got it, I understand," Gabrie nodded. "I won''t cause myself any trouble."


    Dahlia cleared her throat. "I''ll see you out."


    "Okay," Gabrie nodded and quickly headed downstairs, eager to leave.


    "To keep you safe in Newark, I''ll assign two people to protect you until you leave," Andrew said, arranging for two bodyguards to follow her.


    "Alright, I''ll follow your arrangements," Gabrie replied. She knew the real reason was to keep an eye on her, but she didn''t mind.


    "Thank you, you''ve worked hard," Andrew said, giving her a salute before heading upstairs.


    Dahlia saw Gabrie into the car, told the attendants to take good care of her, and then went back inside.


    As she walked up the spiral staircase, a voice called from upstairs. "Dr. Rey!"


    Dahlia looked up, surprised. "Ms. Graham, you''re still awake?"


    "I''ve been waiting for news about Mr. Clemens," Olivia said, stepping out of her room. "How is he? Has he woken up?"


    "Not yet," Dahlia walked over and whispered, "He probably won''t wake up until morning. After Dr. Perez''s treatment, his condition is stable now, so you don''t need to worry too much." "That''s good," Olivia sighed in relief. "Can I go in and see him?"


    "Sorry, Gabrie said not to disturb him before she left," Dahlia refused. "You should get some rest. We''ll let you know when he wakes up."


    "Alright," Olivia sighed, a bit disappointed, ncing at Micah''s room. Four attendants stood outside, looking serious.


    "Andrew is with Mr. Clemens," Dahlia reassured her. "I just saw Dr. Perez off and was about to go in and keep watch. Don''t worry, he''ll be fine."


    "Okay," Olivia nodded. "I''ll go rest now. Let me know when he wakes up."


    "Got it," Dahlia nodded. She watched Olivia leave and then went to Micah''s room.


    Andrew had dismissed everyone and stood alone by the bed.


    Dahlia whispered, "I''ll watch him. You should get some sleep."


    Andrew shook his head, his eyes red from stress and sleepless nights. "I can''t sleep," he croaked. "Gabrie said this minor surgery will only stabilize him for a month. We have to find Virgil within that time, or else..." Dahlia nodded, her expression serious but calm. "I understand, Andrew. But right now, we have no choice but to rely on Ms. James. She''s the only one who can find Virgil."

 Chapter 1384 Self-Comfort

    Andrew nodded. "You''re right."


    Then it hit him-Sadie and the others had been MIA all night. He quickly dialed Annika, but her phone was dead. Sadie''s phone was off too.


    "Damn it," Andrew muttered, anxiety creeping in. If something happened to Sadie, it would be a disaster.


    "Is something wrong with Ms. James?" Dahlia asked, her voice urgent.


    "She''s out of contact," Andrew said, frowning. "I think they might''ve been attacked. I''ve already sent people to help, but no word yet."


    "You need to find them fast. Don''t let anything happen," Dahlia said, her worry evident. "Mr. Clemens risked his life for Ms. James. If something happens to her, then he..." "I know," Andrew cut in, his voice tight. He stepped outside to call Ethan and Oliver.


    They soon reported back, saying they had justnded in Avalis and were looking for Sadie. No leads yet, but they were definitely being tailed as soon as they got off the ne.


    Andrew told them to find Sadie and bring her back safe. After hanging up, he was still on edge.


    Dahlia tried to reassure him, "Ms. James isn''t the same as before. She''s tough. Plus, her bodyguards are top-notch. Nothing will happen." "Let''s hope so," Andrew muttered.


    Meanwhile, Micah was out cold in the bed, clueless about everything going on.


    No one slept that night. Even though Gabrie said Micah''s condition had stabilized, everyone was still on edge because he hadn''t woken up.


    Andrew and Dahlia stayed in the room until dawn. The sunlight crept through the floor-to-ceiling windows, adding a bit of warmth.


    Dahlia went to close the window, and Andrew adjusted Micah''s nket. Seeing he was still out, worry gnawed at him, "It''s already seven. Why isn''t he awake yet?" "Let''s give it a bit more time." Dahlia took a warm towel and gently wiped Micah''s face.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by a servant''s voice, "Ms. Graham, breakfast is ready. Pleasee downstairs to eat."


    Olivia said, "I want to see Mr. Clemens."


    The servant hesitated. "But..."


    Andrew and Dahlia exchanged a look. Dahlia quickly put away the medical equipment and went to open the door. She greeted, "Good morning, Ms. Graham." "Good morning. I hope I''m not intruding?" Olivia said, looking apologetic.


    "No, not at all," Dahlia quickly replied. "Mr. Clemens hasn''t woken up yet."


    "Can I see him?" Olivia pleaded, "I didn''t sleep all night. I''m really worried. I just want to see him for a moment."


    Dahlia''s heart softened. It was rare for someone of Olivia''s status to plead so humbly. She couldn''t refuse. "Well, pleasee in."


    "Dahlia..." Andrew started to protest, but Dahlia had already opened the door, so he let it go.


    Olivia told her attendants to wait outside and walked into the room alone. Seeing Micah lying in bed, she felt a lump in her throat, and her eyes welled up. She was about to step forward but then froze. She noticed the photo on the wall above the bed. It was a wedding photo of Micah and Sadie. They were gazing at each other lovingly by the seaside, their eyes full of affection.


    Micah was holding Sadie from behind, looking down at her with a tenderness and warmth that Olivia had never seen before.


    "Oh, that was taken two years ago when they got married," Andrew exined softly. "Mr. Clemens has always kept it in the room and never took it down."


    Olivia''s expression stiffened, and her eyes became a bit unfocused, but she quickly regained herposure and smiled, "It''s all in the past. It doesn''t matter."


    It seemed like she was saying it to Andrew, but it was more like she was saying it to herself, a form of self-constion.

 Chapter 1385 An Outsider

    Andrew cleared his throat, feeling super awkward and not knowing what to say.


    "Ms. Graham, Mr. Clemens hasn''t woken up yet. Why don''t you grab some breakfast?" Dahlia suggested gently.


    "I''m not hungry," Olivia replied, her eyes full of affection for Micah. "I want to stay here with him. Don''t worry, I won''t disturb him." Dahlia exchanged a helpless look with Andrew.


    Andrew, just as lost, knew they couldn''t just kick her out. Since she brought the doctor, they had to let her stay. "Alright then," he finally said. Dahlia moved a chair to the bedside. "Ms. Graham, please sit."


    Olivia sat by the bed, quietly watching Micah, her eyes filled with pain.


    Dahlia poured her a ss of water and continued to wipe Micah''s body with a warm towel.


    "Let me do it," Olivia offered. She took the warm towel from Dahlia and gently wiped Micah, from his cheeks to his neck and then to his arms, her movements as gentle as a breeze. Dahlia and Andrew watched from the side, feeling a bit awkward.


    Just then, an attendant came to report something to Andrew, so he had to leave.


    Olivia handed the towel back to Dahlia. "Could you please get a fresh towel? This one has cooled down."


    "Okay," Dahlia nodded and took the towel to the bathroom.


    Now it was just Olivia and Micah in the room. She gently stroked his slightly furrowed brow, as if trying to smooth out his worries.


    Micah seemed to sense something; his brow moved slightly, and his hand twitched.


    "Mr. Clemens," Olivia called softly, overjoyed as she held his hand. "Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    Micah appeared to be having a nightmare, gripping Olivia''s hand tightly. He woke up, his body trembling, sweat pouring down his forehead. Olivia''s heart broke seeing him like this.


    She held his hand tighter, cupping his face with her other hand, anxiously whispering, "It''s okay, it''s okay, I''m here."


    Her soothing voice seemed to work. Micah gradually calmed down and slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry. His lips moved slightly, as if trying to say something.


    "What did you say?" Olivia leaned in closer to hear.


    "Sadie... Sadie," Micah murmured in a low, hoarse whisper.


    Olivia was stunned. Her enthusiasm was instantly doused, leaving her cold from head to toe. She looked at Micah with sadness, feeling deeply hurt. No matter what she did, it seemed like Sadie was always on his mind. "Mr. Clemens is awake," Dahlia announced as she came out of the bathroom, hurrying over to check on him. Olivia reluctantly stepped aside and watched silently.


    "I''ll get the medical kit," Dahlia said, going to retrieve it to measure Micah''s blood pressure and temperature. Olivia took the warm towel and continued to wipe Micah''s body.


    As his vision cleared, Micah realized the person beside him wasn''t Sadie but Olivia. He instinctively withdrew his hand. Olivia''s heart sank, but she masked her disappointment. "I just want to take care of you, nothing else," she said softly. "Thank you..." Micah replied weakly.


    Andrew, who had heard that Micah was awake, rushed back into the room. Micah weakly raised his hand, making a gesture toward Andrew.


    Andrew understood immediately. "Ms. Graham, I need to change Mr. Clemens'' clothes. Perhaps you could..."


    "I understand." Olivia forced a smile. She knew Micah wanted her to leave. Whether it was to avoid showing vulnerability or to maintain his distance, it was clear she was still an outsider in his world.

 Chapter 1386 Personal Gratitude

    But Olivia wasn''t about to let these little things get her down. She had reached her current position because she could endure what others couldn''t. She shed a smile and said softly to Micah, "I''m heading out now. You get some rest, and I''ll check on youter."


    Micah weakly nodded.


    Olivia gave a nod to Andrew and Dahlia, then turned and left.


    Andrew really admired her. No matter what was going on, Olivia was always so polite and kept her cool, something most people couldn''t pull off.


    "Mr. Clemens, let me check your blood pressure," Dahlia said, then started doing all sorts of tests on Micah.


    Standing by the bed, Andrew felt a wave of relief seeing Micah awake and on the mend. He said, "It''s good to see you awake. You have no idea how worried we were."


    Micah squinted and asked weakly, "What time is it?"


    "It''s 7:30 in the morning," Andrew said after checking his watch. "The kids are up and just went downstairs for breakfast. I told them you were still resting and to be good and not disturb you..."


    "Is Sadie here??" Micah cut in, struggling to speak.


    Andrew hesitated, exchanged a look with Dahlia, and calmly said, "Ms. James got to Mount Avalisst night. She''s busy paying respects to Hubert. I talked to Annika on the phone, and they said they might be back a bitter." Micah nodded and closed his eyes to rest.


    Andrew let out a quiet sigh of relief but was still pretty anxious. This was the first time he''d lied to Micah. Given Micah''s poor health, he couldn''t let him worry and make things worse.


    Micah was awake for a bit before drifting off again, but his condition seemed stable. Andrew told Dahlia to rest up and get ready for the night shift.


    Dahlia left two reliable medical staff to look after Micah and then went downstairs.


    "Dr. Rey!" Olivia called out as she walked up to Dahlia, putting down her tea. "How''s Mr. Clemens?"


    "He''s stable," Dahlia said gratefully. "Thank you. It''s a good thing you brought Dr. Perez."


    "You''re wee. It was the right thing to do," Olivia sighed in relief and added, "If you need anything else, just let me know."


    "Don''t worry, I will," Dahlia nodded.


    "Then I''ll be going now," Olivia said, ncing upstairs reluctantly. "I can''t do much by staying here and might just get in your way."


    "Not at all," Dahlia said, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    "I''lle back when Mr. Clemens is ready to see me," Olivia said with a small smile before turning to leave.


    Dahlia walked her to her car, watching as it drove away before heading back inside.


    "She left?" Andrew asked,ing downstairs.


    "Yeah," Dahlia said, feeling guilty. "If it weren''t for her bringing Dr. Perez in time, things could''ve been really bad. Now that we''ve used her help, it feels wrong to just send her away."


    "When Mr. Clemens gets better, we can thank her properly," Andrew said. "There''s not much we can do right now."


    "That''s true," Dahlia nodded. "I''m going to rest now. Keep a good watch on Mr. Clemens and call me if anything happens." "Alright," Andrew agreed.


    After Dahlia left, Andrew told Rodolfo to take the three kids to Hillside Vi for a couple of days, saying the three little girls missed them.


    In reality, he was worried that seeing Micah so sick would make the kids anxious, and he also feared that Micah would worry about the kids, affecting his condition.


    Rodolfo got what Andrew was trying to do and went to the garden to find the three kids, coaxing and persuading them to go to Hillside Vi.


    Nathan said he wanted to go upstairs to tell Micah, but Rodolfo quickly found an excuse to say no. Nathan was about to argue when Noah said, "Daddy is still sleeping. We shouldn''t disturb him!" "Alright then," Nathan said, not arguing further, and happily hopped into the car.

 Chapter 1387 Waking Up

    Micah slept fitfully throughout the day, waking up now and then to ask about the time and check on the kids and Sadie.


    Every time he was told they were okay, he''d drift back to sleep. He wasn''t hungry at all, just sipping some water to take his meds.


    Around nine in the evening, he woke up again. "Is Sadie back yet?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.


    Andrew, always the picture of calm, replied, "Annika said they''ll be at Mount Avalis for two more days. Ms. James was worried about you, but I told her you were fine and getting better." "Don''t tell her about my condition," Micah ordered right away.


    "Got it," Andrew nodded repeatedly. He knew this would stop Micah from asking more questions. Truth was, Micah was too sick to be his usual sharp self. Otherwise, Andrew wouldn''t have been able to fool him. "Stop calling, or Sadie will get suspicious," Micah said tiredly, closing his eyes. "If shees back, let me know."


    "Will do, you can rest easy," Andrew said, tucking him in.


    Micah fell asleep again. He''d been out for over twenty hours and still looked beat.


    But his condition was slowly getting better, showing that Gabrie''s surgery had worked.


    Andrew hadn''t slept for a day and two nights. Others told him to rest, but he couldn''t rx and insisted on watching over Micah himself.


    Every two hours, he checked in with Oliver and the others about Sadie and Annika, but they were still searching with no news.


    Andrew sent more people to Avalis to look for them. At this point, nothing could happen to them.


    The next morning, Micah woke up feeling a lot better. Opening his eyes, he immediately said he was hungry and wanted Reba''s homemade pasta. Overjoyed, Andrew quickly called Reba to the kitchen. Reba, who hadn''t slept well worrying about Micah, was moved to tears when she heard he was asking for food. She rushed to the kitchen, eager to cook for him.


    Andrew helped Micah sit up. As he stretched, Micah sighed, "I feel like I''ve slept forever. My bones are aching."


    "You''ve been out for a day and two nights," Andrew said with a smile. "But now you''re fine. You look much better."


    "Yeah, I feel full of energy," Micah said, rubbing his eyes. "Run me a bath, I need a good soak. I feel all grimy."


    "Right away," Andrew responded, heading to the bathroom to get it ready.


    Micah reached under his pillow for his phone and checked his calls and messages. There were only concerned messages from Olivia and nothing from Sadie. He felt a bit disappointed but quickly reminded himself that this was typical of Sadie, so he didn''t hold it against her. He decided to call Sadie, but her phone was off. He thought, ''Maybe she''s on the ne back? That''s why her phone is off?''


    "Mr. Clemens, the bath is ready," Andrew said,ing out of the bathroom, ready to help him.


    Micah asked casually, "Did Annika call you?"


    Andrew, sticking to his story, said, "Yeah, they called. They''re still in the mountains."


    But as the lie left his mouth, he saw a change in Micah''s expression. "Mr. Clemens, I..."


    "Bastard!" Micah kicked him to the ground with surprising force. He snapped, "How dare you lie to me?" Now fully awake and clear-headed, Micah wasn''t so easily fooled.


    Andrew hesitated. "Mr. Clemens, I..."


    "Tell me the truth!" Micah demanded, pointing at him like an enraged lion.


    Andrew, thoroughly intimidated, couldn''t lie anymore. "Ms. James... she went missing the night beforest."

 Chapter 1388 He Wont Act Recklessly

    "What the hell?" Micah''s face twisted with rage. "What''s going on?"


    Andrew carefully reported the details to him. As soon as Micah got the gist, his fury erupted. He grabbed the ashtray next to him and chucked it at Andrew. "You bastard! Something this big happened, and you kept it from me?" Andrew kept his head down, not daring to speak.


    "Get a private jet ready. I need to go to Avalis," Micah demanded, already moving to change clothes.


    "Mr. Clemens, please calm down," Andrew pleaded, trying to dissuade him. "Dr. Perez said you need to rest. You can''t even exercise, let alone travel. Otherwise, there''s no hope for you."


    "Get out!" Micah shouted, not listening at all.


    "I''m begging you, please listen to me," Andrew was desperate, clutching Micah''s leg anxiously. "You have no idea how close it was this time. If Ms. Graham hadn''t brought Dr. Perez over in time, you would already be..."


    Andrew couldn''t bring himself to say the word. After a pause, he continued, "I''ve already sent two teams to find Ms. James. If you''re still worried, I''ll send Rodolfo with more people to look for her. But you really can''t go. Think about the kids. If something happens to you, what will be of them? Besides, in your current state, you might not be able to do anything useful out there. If Ms. James returns and you''re gone, then she..." These words managed to calm Micah down.


    "Rodolfo can''t go; he needs to protect the kids," Micah quickly regained hisposure. "Where''s Rn?"


    "Rn went to Country E to find Virgil," Andrew said hastily. "I''ve already sent Ethan and Oliver. They are very experienced."


    "They''re not capable enough," Micah decisively ordered. "You go personally and make sure to bring Sadie back safely."


    "Me?" Andrew was stunned. "What about you? There''s no one around you."


    "There are so many people at home; how can there be no one?" Micah said unhappily. "Do you think I can''t manage without you?"


    "That''s not what I meant, but..." Andrew was about to say more.


    "I told you to go, so go," Micah interrupted impatiently. "Are you refusing to follow my orders now?"


    Andrew had no choice but to bow his head and ept the order. "Alright, I''ll set off immediately."


    "Take more people with you," Micah instructed. "I''ll give you three days. You must bring her back safely, or don''te back at all." "Yes," Andrew nodded heavily. "I''ll arrange it right away."


    "Go," Micah waved his hand.


    Andrew immediately went out to arrange the personnel. When Dahlia heard he was going to Avalis, she couldn''t help but get anxious. She said, "How can you leave? With you and Rn both gone, who will protect Mr. Clemens?" "I understand, but I can''t go against him," Andrew sighed helplessly. "You know, once he gets angry, no one can persuade him."


    Dahlia sighed deeply, "What should we do then?"


    "I''ll call Ss. You arrange the private jet," Andrew suggested. "Make sure Mr. Clemens is never alone. You must stay by his side at all times. Nothing can happen to him."


    "I know," Dahlia nodded repeatedly. "Go make the call. At this point, we must ask Ss to watch over Mr. Clemens."


    "Okay." Andrew nodded. He hid in a room to call Ss and exined the situation in detail.


    Ss was so angry he almost fell out of his wheelchair, but fortunately, his attendant caught him.


    "Ss, please don''t get upset," Andrew hurriedly tried to calm him down. "Mr. Clemens can''t go out for a while; he must rest at home. So, my absence won''t be a big problem. I''m just worried that his stubbornness will get the better of him, and he''ll do something impulsive. That''s why I''m calling you. With you here, he won''t act recklessly."

 Chapter 1389 Decided to Stay Quietly

    "Don''t sweat it, even if it costs me my life, I''ll keep him in check," Ss said, determined. "As long as I''m here, he ain''t going anywhere. He''ll stay home and rest." "Exactly," Andrew nodded like a bobblehead. "Make sure he stays put and recovers. No matter what, don''t let him step out of the house."


    "Got it," Ss said quickly. "I''ll head over right now."


    "I''ll wait for you to get here before I leave," Andrew said.


    After hanging up, he finally let out a sigh of relief. With Ss around, things would be smoother.


    "Where''s Andrew? Why hasn''t he left yet? What''s he stalling for?" In the room, Micah was losing his temper again.


    Andrew gestured to Dahlia, signaling her not to mention his presence, and then he hid in the room, packing his luggage. He intended to dy until Ss arrived before setting off.


    Ss didn''t waste any time. He showed up quickly, bringing along his crew-a total of twelve people in four cars. They pulled up to Half Mountain Vi with an air of determination, unloading several boxes of luggage, clearly preparing for a long stay.


    Micah watched the scene unfold from his window, his expression growing darker by the second. "I knew that bastard Andrew was up to something, bringing Ss to keep an eye on me," he muttered, seething.


    "Andrew means well," Dahlia said timidly.


    "You knew all along, didn''t you? And you helped him deceive me?" Micah''s re was icy.


    Dahlia lowered her head, not daring to respond.


    "Get out," Micah said coldly. When he was angry, he would often hit or scold Rn and Andrew, but he was usually kinder to Dahlia.


    Dahlia said, "I need to stay here and watch over you in case you..."


    Micah impatiently snapped, "Get out!"


    Dahlia had no choice but to leave and let other attendantse in.


    Micah was speechless, wanting to throw another fit, but seeing his subordinates'' fearful expressions, he ultimately held back his anger.


    He didn''t like being watched so closely, but he knew everyone was concerned for his safety. Right now, he was prone to idents, and if anything happened, they couldn''t bear the responsibility.


    Andrew greeted Ss at the door, relief all over his face. "Ss, thank God you''re here. Mr. Clemens has thrown several fits already. If I don''t leave soon, he''s going to tear me apart. The house is in your hands now; I need to head to the airport." "Now I get why Mr. Raymond Clemens always gave Sadie a hard time when he was alive," Ss frowned and sighed. "She''s nothing but trouble!"


    "Please don''t say that," Andrew urged. "You used to always protect Ms. James, and you need to keep doing that."


    "I''m just worried," Ss said, his tone both angry and anxious. "Look at Mr. Clemens-he''s in this state, and she''s causing so much chaos."


    "She doesn''t mean to," Andrew responded. "Unexpected stuff alwayses out of nowhere."


    "Forget it. Let''s not talk about it," Ss urged. "Go quickly and bring Sadie back so Mr. Clemens can be at ease."


    "Understood." Andrew nodded. He left hurriedly with his subordinates, taking most of Ss''s people to bnce the manpower at home.


    Micah, knowing Andrew had rushed to the airport, finally felt at ease and went to take a shower.


    Reba had someone clean up Raymond''s old room for Ss to stay in and prepare his favorite food.


    Ss didn''t go to see Micah. He knew that Micah didn''t want to hear him nagging right now, and anything he said would be in vain. So, he decided to just stay quiet here.


    Meanwhile, Dahlia stayed on high alert, ensuring that other doctorsmunicated with Gabrie and took her to visit Serena at the hospital.


    In the afternoon, Jonny called to express his gratitude.


    Dahlia said, "Don''t thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Ms. James and Mr. Clemens. They arranged everything for Serena."


    Jonny said, "Please convey my gratitude. I''ll definitely visit to thank them in person when I get the chance."


    "Just take good care of Serena," Dahlia replied.

 Chapter 1390 Vulnerabilities

    In the next few days, Micah stayed home to recover. Gabrie said there wasn''t any real treatment or meds for his condition. The minor surgery he had, where they made a cut behind his ear to drain the blood clot, meant he needed a lot of rest.


    Dahlia was glued to Micah''s side, even when he went downstairs to eat, with a bunch of attendants in tow, worried he might fall.


    Ss kept nagging him, "Be careful, be careful, don''t fall."


    Micah was getting fed up. He was a grown man, but they treated him like he was made of ss. It was driving him nuts!


    He lost his cool a few times, but every time, Ss would get all teary-eyed and start pleading with him, bringing up Raymond and choking up.


    Micah couldn''t handle that and would immediately calm down and go along with it. But once he was back in his room, he''d curse Andrew under his breath.


    Andrew knew him best and knew his vulnerabilities, so before he left, he made sure Ss was there to keep him in line.


    It worked. Micah couldn''t blow off steam and had to focus on getting better.


    The kids came back every day to eat with him. Thanks to Ss''s reminders, they behaved and didn''t dare bump into Micah, worried they might hurt him. The rest of the time, the kids yed with the three little girls at Hillside Vi.


    Arya took all six kids to fly kites in the back hills.


    With the eagle Coco and the parrot Little Coco joining in, the game was extra fun, and the kids had a st.


    Only Noah always sat alone on a swing under a tree, messing with something on his tablet.


    So, two peaceful days went by. On the third day, Micah still hadn''t heard from Sadie, and he was getting anxious. Early in the morning, he called Andrew. Andrew said they had found some clues about Sadie and were looking for her, telling him not to worry.


    Micah ordered that Sadie must be found and brought back before dark.


    Andrew confidently promised to get it done. Only then did Micah feel a bit better.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door. "Mr. Clemens, Ms. Thomas is here."


    "Bring her to the study," Micah said. He put down his phone and started changing clothes.


    Dahlia helped him to the study, and soon, the servant brought Olivia in.


    "Mr. Clemens." Olivia smiled with relief, seeing Micah looking more like his old self. "Seeing you like this, I feel at ease!"


    "I heard you brought Dr. Perez at a critical moment," Micah said sincerely. "Thank you!"


    "No need to thank me," Olivia replied gently. "It was just a small effort."


    "Dr. Perez isn''t easy to get. It takes money and connections," Micah looked at her intently. "Most importantly, you thought of this in advance, which is rare!" Even Micah himself hadn''t thought of asking Gabrie to stabilize his condition first, but Olivia had.


    Olivia smiled. "Your matters are more important to me than my own."


    Hearing such a heartfelt confession, Micah didn''t know how to respond and stayed silent.


    Olivia, sensing the weight of her words, quickly changed the subject. "Rx, I don''t want to cause you any pressure or trouble because of this."


    She smiled lightly and then continued, "By the way, I came here this time because I have something to discuss with you."


    "Okay, go ahead," Micah said, looking up at her.


    Olivia hesitated for a moment and then spoke with difficulty, "Actually, from my perspective, I shouldn''t bring this up, but..." "Don''t worry, I trust youpletely," Micah reassured her. "What is it? Just say it."

 Chapter 1391 Saw Everything Clearly

    "I heard..." Olivia paused, picking her words carefully. "Joe''s been tailing Ms. James. Is she safe now?"


    "Joe?" Micah''s face darkened, suspicion ring in his eyes. He always found it odd.


    Thanks to Tristan''s arrangements, folks from Country E didn''t take Sadie seriously. She didn''t have any known enemies. So why would someone be after her? Turned out, it was Joe!


    "Seems like he''s got some mental issues and has blown a lot of cash hiring people to track Ms. James. I have no clue what he''s nning," Olivia said, her tone meaningful. "I''ve had people keeping tabs on the Louis family because Duke Louis has always wanted to team up with me. That''s how I stumbled upon this info."


    "I get it." Micah nodded, "Thanks for the heads-up."


    "If anything happens to Ms. James, you might want to look into this angle," Olivia said softly. "This has nothing to do with me, but I know you care about her safety, so I thought I''d mention it." "It''s okay, thank you." Micah thanked her sincerely.


    "I won''t keep you any longer." Olivia stood up to leave, "Take care, and I hope to see you at my party in a few days!"


    "Sure." Micah nodded and told Dahlia to see her out.


    Downstairs, Olivia ran into Ss, greeted him respectfully, and chatted for a bit.


    Ss had a good impression of her. After she left, he remarked to Dahlia, "Ms. Grahames from a respectable family, is generous and polite, and seems like a good match for Mr. Clemens." "That''s true, but Mr. Micah Clemens still likes Ms. James," Dahlia replied softly. "Ss, why are you starting to worry about these things like Mr. Raymond Clemens used to?"


    "I''m just thinking out loud." Ss sighed, "I remember Mr. Raymond Clemens'' lesson well. Matters of the heart can''t be meddled with by outsiders."


    "That''s right." Dahlia breathed a sigh of relief, "Let Mr. Micah Clemens make his own choice."


    "Yeah," Ss nodded, sighing again. "I just now understand what Mr. Raymond Clemens went through. It''s easy to worry and get anxious when you care."


    "I get it." Dahlia smiled, "Alright, I''ll go upstairs to keep Mr. Clemenspany. You keep practicing your calligraphy."


    Dahlia went to the study and found Micah sitting on the sofa, staring nkly at his phone, lost in thought.


    Dahlia poured him a ss of water and asked softly, "Mr. Clemens, want to take a walk in the garden?" Micah didn''t answer and kept staring at his phone.


    Dahlia didn''t dare disturb him and stood quietly by his side. She knew Micah was waiting for Andrew''s call.


    At that moment, Andrew and arge team arrived at a vi in a small town.


    After several days of investigation, he learned that Sadie and Annika had been taken by a group of foreigners and were being held in this vi.


    Andrew had Oliver and Ethan surround the vi, then led a few people to prepare to break in.


    Just then, Micah suddenly initiated a video call. Fortunately, Andrew had already turned off the call alert. He quickly answered, "Mr. Clemens." "Keep the video call on. I want to see what''s going on inside," Micah ordered.


    Andrew hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Yes!"


    Andrew, holding his phone, silently crossed the yard and slipped into the vi, finding it very quiet inside, with signs of cooking in the kitchen.


    Andrew carefully pushed open the kitchen window and peeked in, only to see Sadie wearing a sexy camisole dress, cooking.


    At that moment, Joe, shirtless and wrapped in a towel, walked over and hugged Sadie tightly from behind, kissing her neck obsessively. "Sadie, thanks for making dinner for me. I love you so much." The phone camera captured the entire scene. On the other end of the call, Micah saw everything clearly.

 Chapter 1392 Make the Same Mistake

    Andrew stood there, totally floored, his heart racing like crazy. When he finally snapped out of it, he quickly ended the video call, scared out of his mind about what Micah had seen. On the other end, Micah was a raging storm. He chucked his phone against the wall, smashing it to bits.


    "Mr. Clemens, calm down. Maybe it''s just a misunderstanding," Dahlia said quickly. "Ms. James isn''t like that."


    "She is like that!" Micah roared, his anger boiling over. "When I was on the brink of death, I did everything to find her, but she couldn''t wait to jump into bed with Joe. Now, I get hurt saving her, and she uses the excuse of mourning Hubert to secretly meet Joe. Three days and nights, she..."


    Micah''s rant was cut short as a searing pain exploded in his head. It felt like a hammer was trying to split his skull. He clutched his head, gritting his teeth, his face twisted in agony.


    "Mr. Clemens, calm down!" Dahlia urged frantically. "You can''t get worked up. Your condition will rpse. You have to calm down."


    Micah wanted to calm down, but rage and pain consumed him. Veins bulged on his forehead and hands, blood trickled from his nose, and the small wound behind his ear started bleeding too.


    Terrified, Dahlia quickly called Gabrie but couldn''t get through. She dialed Olivia instead. "Ms. Graham, Mr. Clemens'' condition has rpsed. Please bring Dr. Perez over." Olivia eximed, "How did this happen? I just left..."


    Dahlia hurriedly interrupted, "No time to exin, hurry!"


    "Okay, I''ll have someone bring Dr. Perez over immediately," Olivia said as she quickly called her team, instructing them to bring Gabrie up the mountain as fast as possible. After hanging up, Olivia immediately ordered, "Turn back, quickly."


    "Yes, ma''am." The driver floored it, whipping the car around.


    "I shouldn''t have told him all that," Olivia regretted deeply. "I didn''t think it would upset him so much."


    "It''s not your fault. You were just providing necessary information," the driver reassured her. "We just don''t know what Sadie and Joe did to make Mr. Clemens so angry."


    "I shouldn''t have been so hasty," Olivia berated herself. "Even though I have dirt on Sadie and could take her down, it also hurts Mr. Clemens. If anything happens to him, I''ll never forgive myself." The driver said, "Dr. Perez is on the way; everything will be fine."


    Olivia urged, "Drive faster!"


    Half Mountain Vi was in chaos again. Ss was a bundle of nerves upon hearing about Micah''s rpse.


    Olivia rushed in, informing them that Gabrie was en route. She calmed Ss as best as she could and helped Dahlia take care of Micah, embodying the demeanor of a perfect hostess. Meanwhile, in Avalis, after ending the video call, Andrew was ready to storm the vi when he overheard Sadie pushing Joe away in annoyance. "Three days of acting, and you''re still not done?" "How is this acting?" Joe''s eyes were filled with pain. "You are my wife; we are a couple. Were the past three days of you taking care of me and being good to me all fake?"


    "Joe, wake up," Sadie said angrily. "If you hadn''t kidnapped Annika and the others, threatening me to y your wife for three days, I would rather die than do this!"


    "Sadie, why are you treating me like this?" Joe sounded heartbroken. "I love you so much. Do you really hate me that much?"


    "You used to be pure and kind. How did you be like this?" Sadie''s voice was weary. "I know it was my fault at the beginning. I shouldn''t have epted your proposal or used your feelings. But a mistake should be corrected in time. We can''t keep making the same mistake."

 Chapter 1393 Stubbornly Persisting

    "I don''t think this is a mistake," Joe said firmly, "If it weren''t for Micah, we''d be so happy."


    Sadie was at a loss for words. She knew Joe wouldn''t listen no matter what she said.


    For the past three days, she''d said everything she could and exined all the reasons, until she was exhausted. But he was still stubborn.


    "Sadie, believe me, I''m the only one who''s always been true to you." Joe cupped her face, looking at her with deep affection. "Look at Micah, how many women are around him? First, it was the Lingston sisters, and now there''s Olivia. But for me, from the beginning until now, there''s only ever been you in my heart."


    "Don''t you have Barbara too?" Sadie shot back coldly.


    "That''s different. I never liked her." Joe''s face twisted with emotion. He shouted, "I saw her as you. That incident was a disgrace to me. I will never make that mistake again. Believe me, I''ve never betrayed you in my heart. The only person I''ve ever loved is you..."


    "Enough, Joe," Sadie cut him off, speaking seriously, "None of this matters. I''ve always seen you as a good friend, in the past and now. I don''t want to destroy thest bit of friendship we have left!"


    Joe frowned at her. "What do you mean?"


    "Tell your people to release Annika and the others," Sadie said, not wanting to argue anymore. "I have a lot to do and can''t keep ying this game."


    The reason Sadie had yed along wasn''t just because he had kidnapped Annika and the others. She also felt guilty toward him and decided to fulfill his dream. But now, time was up, and she didn''t want to continue the act. "ying?" Joe''s hurt resurfaced. "How can this be ying? I''m sincere."


    "Enough is enough," Sadie said, her patience wearing thin. "Joe, I''ll ask you one more time: will you release them or not?"


    "I can release them, but you can''t leave," Joe held Sadie''s shoulders, pleading, "Sadie, give me one more chance. I will love you properly, believe me."


    Sadie couldn''t listen anymore. She pushed him away and then took out a knife, pressing it against his neck. She ordered the hitmen outside, "Release them immediately!"


    Joe was stunned. He had never expected Sadie to press a knife against him.


    No matter what happened, he couldn''t bear to hurt her. Even when she wanted to leave, he threatened his parents with his life to let her go. But now, she was doing this to him?


    The hitmen, seeing the situation, immediately aimed their guns at Sadie, shouting in Sunvalenguage, "Drop the knife!"


    "Joe, I told you Sadie wouldn''t behave," one hitman coldly stared at Sadie, "See, you slipped up, didn''t you?" "Shut up!" Joe shouted angrily.


    "Release them now," Sadie demanded, her anxiety mounting. Micah was injured and waiting for her at home, Pa and Percy were probably worried sick, and there were three kids depending on her. "Sadie, do you hate me that much?" Joe looked at her with pained eyes, not dodging but moving closer to the de. "Go ahead; if I can die by your hand, I have no regrets!" "Joe..." Before she could speak, Joe took a step forward, and the knife cut a wound on his neck, blood slowly trickling out. Sadie was stunned, staring at Joe in disbelief. "Stop!" Several hitmen hurriedly aimed their guns, ready to pull the trigger.


    "Put the guns down," Joemanded, his voice strained.


    The hitmen hesitated. "Joe..."


    "I said, put the guns down!" He shouted with authority. "Anyone who hurts her, I''ll kill them myself!"

 Chapter 1394 Returning Your Life

    The hitmen didn''t dare mess with Joe, and they sure as hell weren''t about to drop their guns, worried Sadie might hurt him.


    If anything happened to Joe, they''d be in deep trouble.


    "Joe, I don''t want to hurt you," Sadie said, feeling a pang of guilt as she saw his wound bleeding. "If you don''t want me to hate you, let them go." "Alright," Joe agreed right away, turning to the hitmen. "Let them go."


    The two hitmen quickly brought Annika and the other two female bodyguards of the James Family over.


    But they didn''t release them; instead, they used them as leverage against Sadie. "Drop the knife! Or I''ll kill them."


    "Ms. James, don''t worry about us, just go," Annika shouted anxiously.


    "You think I don''t know?" Sadie pressed the knife against Joe''s neck and yelled, "On the surface, you''re hired by Joe, but in reality, you take orders from Duke Louis. If anything happens to Joe, what do you think will happen to you?" "You..." The hitmen were visibly shaken by Sadie''s revtion, their confidence wavering.


    "You..." Joe was stunned. He had trusted these men, thinking they were loyal to him. Now, he realized they were actually spies nted by Craig. "Let them go," Sadiemanded again.


    The hitmen had no choice but to release them. In their eyes, Annika and the two female bodyguards'' lives were far less important than Joe''s. They could always capture them againter, but if something happened to Joe, it would be a big problem.


    "Ms. James," Annika and the two female bodyguards hurried to her side. Annika quickly took off her zer and draped it over Sadie''s shoulders. Sadie pushed Joe forward while Annika and the two female bodyguards kept an eye on the hitmen.


    Outside the window, Andrew and his team were still lying in wait, looking for the right moment to strike.


    "Let him go." The hitmen, holding their guns, cautiously followed Sadie, afraid she might harm Joe.


    The group reached the courtyard in a tense standoff, and two hitmen circled behind, trying to ambush Sadie.


    At that moment, Andrew sprang into action, quickly taking down the two men and engaging in a fight with the other hitmen.


    Seeing Andrew arrive, Annika felt a wave of relief.


    Sadie pushed Joe away, trying to leave with Annika and the others, but Joe clung tightly to her hand, his desperation clear. "Sadie, don''t go!"


    "Let go!" Sadie struggled fiercely.


    "No, don''t leave me," Joe cried, shaking his head. "I can do anything for you, even die."


    "Let go!" Sadie pried his hand, trying to shake him off.


    "Sadie..." Joe still wouldn''t let go.


    Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.


    A hitman had fired at Sadie.


    "Ms. James!" Annika dashed over with lightning speed, shielding Sadie with her own body.


    The loud gunshot echoed. Blood sttered everywhere. Sadie waspletely stunned.


    Annika had been shot in the chest and copsed.


    "Annika!" Sadie quickly held her, her voice breaking with panic. "Annika, hold on!"


    Joe was momentarily stunned and then turned to the hitman, roaring, "What are you doing? Didn''t I say not to shoot her?" "She was trying to kill you," the hitman retorted confidently.


    "You... go to hell!" In a fit of fury, Sadie picked up a gun from the ground and fired several shots at the hitman. He fell instantly.


    "Sadie, listen to me..." Joe started to exin, but Sadie pointed the gun at him, her eyes zing with anger and despair.


    She shouted angrily, "Joe, are you trying to drive me to death?"


    "No, Sadie, I''m not," Joe shook his head in fear. "I''d rather die than be separated from you."


    "Then go die," Sadie said, pulling the trigger but unable to follow through.


    Finally, sheughed and cried simultaneously, her emotions in turmoil. "Forget it. It''s my fault you became like this. I''ll give my life back to you; just let me be free!" With that, Sadie turned the gun on herself.


    "Sadie, no!" Joe screamed in horror.

 Chapter 1395 Shot

    Joe lunged to stop her, but as the gun went off, a dart zipped through the air, hitting the gun in Sadie''s hand. It ttered to the ground, the bullet missing its mark. Joe dropped to his knees, his whole body going limp with relief and fear, sweat pouring down his face. It felt like his heart had shattered from that silent shot. "Ms. James," Andrew called, rushing over to take Sadie and the unconscious Annika away.


    This time, Joe didn''t try to stop them. He just stared at Sadie in despair, watching her silhouette fade from view.


    He finally got it¡ªshe''d rather die than be with him. No matter what he did, he could never win her heart. Everything he did only made her feel annoyed and disgusted. "Annika, Annika!" Andrew cried out as he got into the car, holding Annika tight, his eyes glued to the bloodstain spreading across her chest. "It''s all my fault for not protecting you." "Get to the hospital, quick!" Sadie urged, her voice shaking with urgency.


    "Yes," Andrew responded, his voice firm but his heart racing.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky a blood-red shade, Sadie''s heart felt as deste as the approaching night.


    She med herself for not being decisive and ruthless enough, for her indecisiveness that dragged those she cared about into danger. First Arya, now Annika.


    If anything happened to Annika, she would never forgive herself.


    The car screeched to a halt at the hospital, and Andrew rushed in, shouting frantically, "Somebody help!"


    Andrew had been by Micah''s side for over a decade, developing a calm and steady demeanor. Except for matters concerning Micah, he had never lost control like this.


    Over the past few months, his feelings for Annika had been ambiguous, and he always maintained a passive stance, seemingly indifferent to the rtionship.


    To outsiders, it appeared that he didn''t care much about the rtionship. But now, he could no longer hide his emotions. His anxiety, heartache, and panic all revealed how much he cared. Sadie followed the doctors closely, repeatedly urging, "You must save her; she can''t have anything happen to her."


    "Don''t worry, we''ll do our best," one of the doctors reassured her.


    Sadie waited anxiously outside the ward, her thoughts consumed by worry and self-reproach.


    Meanwhile, Andrew tried calling Micah, but there was no answer. He figured Micah might be angry.


    With Annika''s life hanging by a thread, Andrew couldn''t think about anything else and put his phone away to wait outside the ward.


    Back at Half Mountain Vi, chaos reigned as Olivia summoned Gabrie as quickly as possible.


    Upon hearing about the situation, Gabrie fumed, "I told him he should rest and avoid stress, and stay still. It''s only been a few days, and now he''s having another episode?"


    "Dr. Perez, please don''t be angry. Come and take a look at Mr. Clemens first," Olivia urged anxiously.


    "If it weren''t for the money, I wouldn''t bother. With such an uncooperative patient, even Jesus would have a hard time saving him," Gabrie grumbled as she hurried inside to examine and treat Micah. Outside, Ss paced frantically, questioning Dahlia about what happened.


    Dahlia didn''t dare mention that it was because of Sadie. She could only say that Micah received a call, got agitated, and copsed. For specific details, they would have to wait until Micah woke up to exin. Ss immediately knew it had something to do with Sadie, his face turning livid with anger.


    But in front of outsiders, he couldn''t say much. He just instructed everyone to keep quiet and not disturb Gabrie''s treatment.


    He had now decided that for Micah''s safety, he needed to have a serious talk with Sadie.


    At this moment, Sadie had no idea about Micah''s condition. She was anxiously waiting at the hospital, just hoping that Annika would be okay.


    At midnight, the doctor finally came out of the emergency room, took off his mask, and said, "The patient is out of danger. Fortunately, the bullet didn''t hit the heart, so there''s no life-threatening risk!"

 Chapter 1396 Answering the Phone

    "That''s a relief," Sadie finally let out a breath, feeling the tension ease from her shoulders.


    If Annika hadn''t pulled through, Sadie knew she''d never forgive herself.


    After everything they''d been through, Sadie, Annika, and Arya were like sisters.


    Everyone she cared about-Edmond, Brenda, Tristan-had left one by one. She couldn''t handle losing anyone else.


    "Can I go in and see her?" Andrew asked quickly.


    "Yes, but you need to put on a germ istion suit," the doctor reminded him. "Also, since this involves a gunshot wound, we''ve already called the police. They''ll be here soon, and you''ll need to cooperate with their investigation." Andrew was momentarily taken aback but then nodded, "Okay, of course."


    "Thank you." The doctor sighed in relief. He''d been worried Andrew and the others might cause trouble, but they were so cooperative that it seemed they weren''t bad people.


    Sadie also wanted to see Annika, but she knew Annika needed Andrew more right now. So, she waited outside.


    "Ms. James, have some water," Oliver appeared, offering her a cup.


    "Thanks," Sadie replied, then asked, "Why are you here?"


    "A few days ago, when you went missing, Andrew got worried something bad had happened to you. He sent us to find you. When we couldn''t, he came himself," Oliver exined briefly. "Did Andrew send you, or was it Micah?" Sadie asked, puzzled.


    "Andrew," Oliver replied quickly, but then hesitated. "Mr. Clemens, he..."


    Before Oliver could finish, Ethan gave him a subtle nudge, silencing him immediately.


    "What happened to Micah?" rm bells went off in Sadie''s mind. "Did his wound get worse?"


    Oliver looked down, avoiding her gaze. Ethan and the others were also conspicuously quiet.


    "Give me your phone," Sadie demanded. Her and Annika''s phones had been discarded by Joe''s men, cutting off their contact with Micah.


    Reluctantly, Oliver handed her the phone. Sadie dialed Micah''s number, her fingers trembling.


    The phone rang endlessly without an answer, heightening her anxiety. She redialed, heart pounding.


    Finally, someone picked up, but it wasn''t Micah. A pleasant female voice spoke, "Hello?"


    Sadie froze for a moment before recognizing the voice. "Olivia?"


    "Sadie?" Olivia sounded surprised. "Do you need something?"


    "Where''s Micah?" Sadie asked, struggling to keep her voice steady.


    "He''s not avable right now," Olivia responded coolly. "If you have something to say, you can tell me, and I''ll pass it on."


    "Never mind." Sadie hung up, frustration boiling over.


    Why would Micah''s phone be with Olivia? It was already past midnight; why were they together at this hour?


    And since Sadie had called from Oliver''s phone, Olivia couldn''t have intentionally answered to spite her.


    What did this mean? The more Sadie thought about it, the more uneasy and angry she became.


    Countless intimate scenes between Micah and Olivia shed through her mind. Thinking of them now lying in bed together, she felt a burning rage in her heart.


    "Ms. James," Andrew emerged from the emergency room, breaking her thoughts. "You should get some rest. I have to coordinate with the police for the investigation. Also, if Annika''s condition stabilizes by tomorrow morning, we can arrange for a medical ne to take her back to Newark."


    "Okay, thank you," Sadie nodded, trying to regain herposure. "You take care of the police; I''ll stay with Annika."


    "Alright," Andrew replied before hurrying off.

 Chapter 1397 Captured Those People

    Sadie handed the phone back to Oliver and then took Jessica and Aurora into the ward to look after Annika.


    She had a million questions swirling in her head, but grilling Ethan and Oliver wouldn''t get her anywhere. They were just as clueless as she was.


    Right now, Annika was the priority, lying in the emergency room, her life hanging by a thread. Sadie''s heart ached, and she wasn''t in the mood to argue with Olivia over the phone. She decided to focus on the immediate crisis; everything else could wait until they got back to Newark,


    The night dragged on without a wink of sleep.


    By morning, Andrew returned, looking exhausted but determined. He had sorted everything out with the doctors, and now they could safely transport Annika back.


    To ensure her safety, Andrew hired a doctor and several medical staff to apany them on the journey.


    At 9:30 AM, the group boarded a private jet bound for Newark. On the ne, Andrew and Sadie stayed close to Annika, who was resting under a pile of warm nkets. "Thank goodness she''s okay," Sadie murmured, gently wiping Annika''s cheeks with a warm towel.


    "Ms. James, there are a few things I need to discuss with you," Andrew said softly.


    "Go ahead," Sadie responded, meeting his gaze.


    Andrew took a moment to gather his thoughts, then spoke firmly. "First, Joe and his men have been captured by my team. I''ve arranged for them to be transported back to Newark to face Mr. Clemens." Sadie was taken aback. When the incident happened yesterday, everything was so chaotic, and Annika was injured, so she hadn''t thought much about it.


    She assumed Andrew had been busy all night cooperating with the police investigation. She hadn''t expected that he had managed to capture Joe and those assassins. No wonder he was Micah''s most capable assistant.


    "I''m telling you this because it''s something you should know," Andrew continued, his voice steady. "They dared to hold you and Annika hostage and even harmed Annika. On a personal level, as a man, I can''t let this go unavenged! Professionally, Mr. Clemens ordered me to rescue you, so I captured everyone involved to prevent future incidents. But Joe was once your fianc¨¦, and out of respect for you, I felt it was necessary to inform you."


    "Andrew, hearing you say this, I feel a sense of relief" Sadie replied, appreciating his thoroughness and integrity. "You are responsible and caring, and I trust you with Annika''s future safety. But there''s something I need to rify. Joe was indeed my fianc¨¦, but we never had a real rtionship. After everything that happened, we have already separated."


    "Wait a minute," Andrew interrupted her, asking in shock, "Are you saying you never had a real rtionship? Then, that time at Grapetown Heights Vineyard, you two..."


    "That was a misunderstanding," Sadie interrupted, her voice tinged with regret. "There are some unsavory details I won''t go into now. Essentially, from beginning to end, nothing actually happened between us. I was hesitant to act against him because I felt partially responsible for his downfall. If I hadn''t agreed to his proposal, maybe he wouldn''t have turned out this way."


    She continued, "But my guilt doesn''t excuse his actions. Hence, I have no objection to you capturing him and those assassins. However, the true mastermind is Duke Louis, not Joe. Capturing Joe is merely an inconvenience and might escte matters. When we reach Newark, I suggest you hand Joe over to me. I''ll handle him and negotiate directly with Duke Louis."

 Chapter 1398 Give Me a Straight Answer

    "Ms. James, let''s cut to the chase," Andrew said seriously. "By now, you should know Duke Louis is the kind of guy who ditches loyalty for a quick buck. Right now, you don''t have any support, and he won''t take you seriously. If you try to


    negotiate with him, it''ll be a waste of time and might even piss him off."


    "Yeah, you''re right." Sadie nodded, deep in thought. She remembered how Craig almost swiped the entire ROI if Micah hadn''t stepped in. Craig was a total jerk; negotiating with him was pointless. Andrew had a valid point. "Let us handle this," Andrew suggested, his voice firm but kind. "Trust me, from what I know about Mr. Clemens, he won''t hurt Joe, especially since..." He paused, feeling awkward. "Especially since he knows you and Joe aren''t actually involved. He''ll go easy."


    "Alright then," Sadie nodded.


    "The second thing," Andrew nced at Annika''s resting face before turning back to Sadie, "I need you to trust me with Annika. I promise I''ll take good care of her. Please believe me."


    Sadie looked at him, touched by his sincerity. "I do believe you, but..."


    "I get that you need her right now," Andrew interrupted gently. "I''m not talking about this moment-once the issues with the James Family are sorted out and everything calms down."


    "As long as she''s okay with it, I have no objections," Sadie said, feeling relieved. "I''m d you brought this up seriously."


    "Thank you," Andrew nodded, grateful for her trust. "The third thing is..."


    He hesitated, unsure about bringing up Micah''s situation. If he did, Micah might kick him out of the Clemens Family when they got back, knowing Micah''s temper. It wasn''t about him; Micah needed him right now. Andrew couldn''t leave. "Are you trying to talk to me about Micah?" Sadie guessed, pushing him. "I already know about his condition."


    "What? You..." Andrew almost blurted out but caught himself, pretending not to understand. "What do you know? I don''t get it."


    "Stop pretending," Sadie said, testing him. "Pa already told me. I know you warned her and Percy not to tell me the truth, but think about it-who''s Pa closer to, me or you?"


    Andrew lowered his head, looking conflicted. Sadie had a point. Pa was naive and didn''t care about power or status. She only knew Sadie was the closest person to her.


    So, the Clemens Family''s warnings might not have any effect on her. If Sadie coaxed her, she might spill the truth.


    Sadie continued, "When I got off the ne, Joe''s people were tracking me. Pa called to check if I had arrived. She heard gunshots on my end and started crying. I took advantage of that moment to question her about Micah''s condition. She couldn''t handle my pressure and told me everything."


    Sadie watched Andrew''s expression, her tone softening to coax him into trust. "Andrew, I know you''re loyal to Micah and afraid to betray him by telling the truth. But think about it: if something happens to Micah and you keep quiet, will you live with regret forever?"


    Andrew hesitated. "I..."


    Sadie pressed on, "I know you''ve had Rn searching everywhere for Virgil, but without me, you won''t find him even if you turn the world upside down."


    Her eyes locked onto his, saying, "Give me a straight answer. What''s really going on with Micah? If you exin everything clearly, I''ll help you find Virgil."

 Chapter 1399 Finally Understood

    "Mr. Clemens, he..." Andrew hesitated, then finally spilled the beans, "He doesn''t have much time left."


    "What did you just say?" Sadie was floored, her eyes wide with shock.


    "Here''s the deal," Andrew started, his voice heavy with sadness.


    Three months ago, Micah started having vision problems andter found out he was poisoned. He agreed to Sadie''s terms and went into hiding to get treatment, suffering through unbearable pain in silence.


    After two months of brutal treatment, he only got a little better. When he heard about Sadie and Joe''s uing wedding, he pushed himself to go to Grapetown Heights to find her, only to see something that broke his heart. He took the kids away on purpose, making here to him, and then stirred up trouble to piss off the Louis Family, all to force her back to him.


    He wanted her toe home so that after he was gone, she could take care of the family as the head of the Clemens Family.


    It took Andrew a whole hour toy it all out, including the fact that Micah and Olivia never had an affair. He only used Olivia to make Sadie jealous andter tried to clear things up with Olivia, but something always got in the way. This time, Olivia brought Gabrie to treat Micah, so Andrew had Olivia stay for a bit.


    After hearing all this, Sadie was in tears. She never imagined Micah had gone through so much pain alone while she misunderstood him the whole time.


    Even so, at the crucial moment, he still risked his life to save her.


    Sadly, when his illness red up again, she wasn''t there, and he ended up worrying about her instead.


    "Ms. James, I know telling you this now goes against orders, but I really had no other choice," Andrew said, his voice pained as he lowered his head. "Mr. Clemens''s condition is really bad. If we don''t find Virgil soon, there''s no hope." Sadie''s hands were shaking. After hearing the whole story, she felt like her insides were in knots.


    She hated herself for not letting go sooner, for not forgiving Micah earlier, for not making up with him sooner.


    If she had realized earlier, she could have found Virgil sooner, and Micah''s condition wouldn''t be this bad.


    "Ms. James," Seeing that Sadie remained silent, Andrew, worried that she was still dwelling on past grudges, anxiously urged, "I know the Clemens Family treated you badly before, but all that hate is in the past. Mr. Raymond Clemens, Nick, and the Lingston sisters are all gone. What else can''t you let go of? Can you really stand to see Mr. Micah Clemens die young? Can you let the kids grow up without a dad?"


    "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Sadie finally spoke, her voice shaking with emotion, "Why wait until now to tell me something this important?"


    "I..." Andrew was caught off guard and exined, "Mr. Micah Clemens kept saying you must not know. He wanted you toe back to the Clemens Family because you loved him, not out of pity."


    "Foolish fellow!" Sadie gritted her teeth in anger.


    "He said he''d rather die with pride than live in humility," Andrew replied, feeling deeply ashamed as he thought of Micah. "I was in a tough spot too, trying every way to find Virgil, hoping for a perfect solution."


    "You won''t be able to find Virgil." Sadie took a deep breath and said firmly, "Only I can find him."


    "Really? You can?" Andrew was overjoyed.


    "It''s tough, but for Micah, I have to find him," Sadie said anxiously. "How much longer until we reach Newark?"


    "We''re almost there. The ne''s about tond," Andrew said, hope filling his voice.

 Chapter 1400 The Clemens Familys Hope

    "Leave finding Virgil to me," Sadie said, ncing at her watch. "Once we get back, I''ll call Jesse and Terry."


    "That''s awesome, thanks, Ms. James!" Andrew couldn''t hide his relief. "With you stepping in, Mr. Clemens will be saved..."


    "Hold on," Sadie interrupted, her brow furrowing. "You said Micah''s condition was stable when you left?"


    Andrew nodded. "Yeah, he was really worried about you and wanted toe find you. I had to practically beg him to stay put..."


    "That''s not the point," Sadie cut him off, looking anxious. "Was his condition really stable?"


    "It was pretty stable. Dr. Perez said as long as he didn''t move around too much, he''d be fine in about a month," Andrew said seriously.


    "But..." Sadie looked more worried. "Last night, when I called Micah, Olivia answered."


    "What?" Andrew was stunned. "No way! When I left, Ms. Graham had already gone. Could she havee back? But don''t worry, Mr. Clemens is sick now; nothing could have happened between them." "That''s not what I''m worried about," Sadie said gravely. "I''m worried his condition has rpsed."


    Andrew''s face fell. "That... could be it. When I got to the vi, he asked me to turn on the video, and I did. Later, it captured you and Joe..."


    He trailed off, looking ashamed. "It''s all my fault. I should never have turned on the video. How could I have been so stupid?"


    "It''s not your fault," Sadie said, though her tone was cold. "I think someone said something to him."


    "You mean Ms. Graham?" Andrew asked quietly. "I didn''t think she''d she seems pretty straightforward."


    "Exactly. Straightforward enough to tell the truth, not lies," Sadie replied with a bitter smile. "That''s why Micah trusts her, and why I can''t easily deal with her." Andrew hesitated. "Well..."


    "But now isn''t the time for this. Finding Virgil is more urgent." Sadie cut through her unease. "After we get off the ne, you settle Annika. I''ll head back to Half Mountain Vi."


    "Okay," Andrew agreed quickly, then asked worriedly, "What about Mr. Clemens... can you..."


    "Don''t worry." Sadie smiled faintly. "I know what to do."


    "That''s good," Andrew sighed, finally rxing.


    Half an hourter, the private jet touched down at Newark Airport. Andrew had already arranged for doctors from Peace Hospital to meet them. They swiftly transported the unconscious Annika to the hospital, with Andrew and a few attendants in tow.


    Meanwhile, Oliver and Ethan escorted Sadie back to Half Mountain Vi.


    Right before parting, Andrew bowed deeply. "Ms. James, the Clemens Family''s hope rests on you!"


    "Don''t worry," Sadie nodded. "Annika is in your hands now."


    Andrew nodded earnestly. "Okay."


    On the way back to Half Mountain Vi, it was drizzling.


    Sadie switched to a new phone, inserted her SIM card, and immediately contacted Jesse.


    But Jesse didn''t respond for a long time, so she contacted Terry, asking them to call back as soon as they got the message.


    She knew they were in Country E, which might cause dys, but she trusted they''d reach out as soon as they could. She could only wait patiently.


    Soon enough, the car drove into Half Mountain Vi''s drive. Sadie stepped out, noting several new faces amongst the bodyguards. They weren''t from the Clemens Family; they were from the Graham Family!

 Chapter 1401 Arent You Leaving Yet?

    Back in the day, Sadie would''ve been fuming. She might''ve even thrown some sarcastic jabs at Micah and stormed off. But now, knowing the truth, she feltpletely different. "Ms. Roth, you''re back!" Reba''s excited voice cut through the tension.


    Sadie looked up and saw Reba, the only one in the room who seemed genuinely happy to see her. "It''s good you''re back. Mr. Clemens was so worried about you."


    "Where is he?" Sadie asked, just as she was about to step inside, but someone blocked her path.


    Raymond''s old crew, now working for Ss, stood in her way.


    "Ms. James, if you don''t mind, I''d like a word with you," Ss said, his tone humble but firm.


    "Ss..." Reba started to speak up for Sadie, but one look from Ss made her back down.


    "Ss, let me see Micah first. We can talkter, okay?" Sadie said.


    She respected Ss. When Raymond gave her a hard time, Ss was the one who asionally had her back.


    "Mr. Micah Clemens was so angered by you..." Ss''s voice shook with emotion. "The first time, he got hurt saving you, which triggered his condition. I didn''t say anything then. But now, after he barely made it back from the brink of death, you upset him again, causing him to..."


    Ss''s eyes reddened with anger and resentment. "Sadie, when Mr. Raymond Clemens was around, he often made things difficult for you. I always told him to be fair. But now, seeing Mr. Micah Clemens like this, I can''t tolerate you anymore." "What happened to him?" Sadie was even more anxious and tried to push past them. "I need to see him!"


    "Stop right there," Ss ordered angrily. His men moved to block her, but she shoved them aside. "Who dares to stop me?"


    "You..." Ss started, but a cold voice from upstairs interrupted him. "Who''s making all that noise?"


    Sadie looked up to see Olivia standing by the railing on the second floor, looking down at her with disdain. "Sadie, barging into someone else''s house without permission, don''t you think that''s quite rude?"


    Sadie shot her a cold re. "Since when do you get to speak?"


    "It''s not up to you to decide whether I get to speak or not," Olivia said as she slowly descended the stairs. "Mr. Clemens is undergoing treatment and needs peace and quiet. Please leave immediately and don''t disturb him." Sadie snapped, "Who do you think you are?"


    "I''m the one who called the doctor and saved Mr. Clemens''s life," Olivia replied coolly. "Ask the people in this house whether they want you to stay or me."


    Sadie was about to argue when Ss cut in. "Of course, Ms. Graham, you should stay. Mr. Clemens had two episodes. If it weren''t for you bringing in Dr. Perez, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Now, Dr. Perez only listens to you. If you leave, what will happen to Mr. Clemens?"


    "Did you hear that?" Olivia looked at Sadie smugly. "Aren''t you leaving yet?"


    Sadie felt a chill in her heart. She''d only been gone for three days, and now it seemed like Olivia had taken over.


    She nced at the bodyguards and servants in the hall, all of whom had their heads down, not daring to speak.


    Only Reba looked at her with tear-filled eyes but didn''t dare to say anything.


    Just as Sadie, both angry and heartbroken, was about to call Andrew, several young butmanding voices rang out, "Who dares to make my mommy leave?"


    Sadie turned to see Noah, Nathan, and Mia, with Ethan, getting out of the car and running over to stand protectively in front of her.

 Chapter 1402 Protecting Mom

    Nathan, like a little lion ready to pounce, clenched his tiny fists and red at Olivia. "You meandy, this is my house! You can''t make my mom leave!"


    Mia ran over to Ss, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his hand. "Ss, how can you let an outsider bully my mom? You''ve always loved us the most. You can''t do this." "Sweetheart, don''t cry," Ss said, quickly wiping away her tears.


    "Noah looked at Olivia with a calm butmanding presence. "Ms. Graham, right? Thanks for bringing a doctor for my dad. We''ll repay you double for the expensester. Once he''s better, our family will thank you personally. But for now, you need to apologize to my mom."


    Olivia was taken aback by the kids'' reactions. She quickly tried to exin, "Kids, I didn''t bully your mom. Your dad needs peace and quiet for his treatment, and your mom was a bit noisy, so I asked her to step out..." Noah cut her off coldly, "This is my home. You don''t get to make decisions here."


    "You..." Olivia was so mad she couldn''t find the words, her face turning bright red. "My mom is always gentle and well-mannered. She wasn''t noisy," Noah said calmly. He then turned his scolding to Ss. "If anyone was loud, it wasn''t her!"


    Ss''s face turned red, but he didn''t dare to speak. When Raymond was alive, he doted on Noah the most and always said Noah was exceptionally smart, so no one dared to provoke him.


    Olivia was left speechless by Noah''s words, her face darkening. She wanted to argue but didn''t know what to say. Plus, everyone was watching her, so she couldn''t keep arguing with Noah.


    She decided to back down, bowing her head to apologize to Sadie. "Ms. James, I''m sorry for my earlier words. I was just really anxious to save Micah. Please forgive me!"


    It was a good excuse. True or not, she did save Micah.


    Sadie couldn''t be too harsh, or else Ss and the servants might think she was heartless. She replied, "Ms. Graham, you''re too kind. You saved Micah, and I should be thanking you. You just seemed a bit too anxious earlier." Sadie knew how to y the game, too; these tactics weren''t exclusive to Olivia.


    "It was my fault," Olivia said, still bowing her head.


    "You are indeed polite, but I''m used to being wild, so I won''t bow and apologize back," Sadie said with a slight smile. "Since Dr. Perez is still here, let''s leave the treatment to her. As for the household..."


    Sadie turned to Ss. "Ss, let''s not trouble Ms. Graham anymore, okay?"


    "But Ms. Graham..." Ss started to speak but noticed Noah''s intense gaze. He changed his words, "Ms. Graham, you brought Dr. Perez to us, and the Clemens Family is very grateful. We''ll definitely visit to thank youter. You''ve worked hard these past few days; go home and rest well."


    Everyone in the Clemens Family knew that while Ss could control Micah, Noah could control him.


    Olivia suppressed her anger, forced a smile, and looked up at Sadie, her eyes cold as ice. "Alright then, I won''t disturb you any longer."


    Sadie stepped aside and made a "please" gesture. "Ms. Graham, take care. I won''t see you out!"

 Chapter 1403 The Head of the Household

    Olivia stormed off with her crew, clearly pissed.


    Sadie watched her go, feeling pretty smug. Olivia had always been respectful, and Sadie didn''t want to make things tough for her. But today, Olivia had crossed the line. No more Miss Nice Girl. Still, Olivia was impressive. She''d managed to win over the Clemens Family in just a few days.


    Good thing the kids were there to back her up, or Sadie would''ve been in real trouble.


    Thinking about it, Sadie turned to Ethan and asked, "How''d youe up with bringing the kids over?"


    "Andrew figured you might run into trouble if you went home alone, so he told me to bring the kids," Ethan said softly. "I drove over from Hillside Vi."


    "Smart move," Sadie said quietly.


    "Mom, you should go check on Dad," Noah said, taking charge. "Nathan, Mia, you two go upstairs and y. Be quiet, and don''t bother Dad."


    "Okay," Nathan and Mia said, nodding and heading upstairs.


    Noah turned to Ss. "Ss, can we talk?"


    Ss, looking a bit scared, nodded. "Sure."


    "Reba, could you get some good tea for Ss?" Noah asked, then smiled at Ss. "You like tea, right?"


    "Yes, I''ll get it right away," Reba said, hurrying off.


    "Yeah, it''s rare you remember," Ss said softly. He was always a bit intimidated by Noah. The kid had a natural authority, even at his age. His gaze was sharp, and he was good at handling things.


    Ss remembered Raymond praising Noah, saying the Clemens Family''s descendants were getting better with each generation, and Noah was already stronger than Micah at his age.


    Sadie felt relieved seeing Noah handle Ss and get Nathan and Mia settled. She headed upstairs to find Micah.


    Four bodyguards and two maids were outside the master bedroom. They knew what had happened downstairs and bowed when they saw Sadie, letting her in.


    "Micah!" Sadie called out, but stopped short.


    Micah was lying on the bed, not moving. Gabrie was treating his wounds, with Dahlia and another medical staff helping.


    Gabrie nced at Sadie and said in Sunvalenguage, "Quiet!"


    Sadie softened her steps and stood by the door, not daring to make a sound.


    After a while, the wounds were treated.


    Gabrie sighed and told Dahlia in Sunvalenguage, "We saved his life. He needs to stay in bed for at least three days. No stress or movement, or else don''t call me again; there''s only so much I can do." "I understand, thank you, Dr. Perez," Dahlia said softly. "I''ll see you out."


    "No need, I''ll go myself," Gabrie said. She washed her hands and left with her assistant. As she passed Sadie, she gave her a long look but said nothing.


    Sadie felt a bit weird but figured Gabrie med her for Micah''s condition.


    Everyone left, and the room got quiet. Dahlia hurried over to Sadie, "Ms. James, you''re finally back. After Mr. Clemens was injuredst time, we thought he was fine, but it turned out he was hit in a critical area, so..." Sadie cut in gently, "I understand." She knew Dahlia was worried she''d find out about Micah''s poisoning, so she quickly made an excuse to cover it up.


    Sadie didn''t let on that she knew and pretended to be clueless. Maybe that way, everyone would feel more at ease.

 Chapter 1404 Heartache

    Dahlia, worried that Sadie might identally hurt Micah, kept reminding her, "The main thing is that the wound is connected to some important nerves, so it''s pretty dangerous. You heard what Dr. Perez said earlier. We all need to be extra


    careful right now."


    "I get it," Sadie nodded. "Don''t worry, I''ll be careful."


    Dahlia added awkwardly, "And with everything going on, the medical staff and I need to stay by his side 24/7."


    "I understand." Sadie knew Dahlia was still worried about potential mistakes since Micah''s life was on the line.


    "That''s good," Dahlia finally sighed in relief. "You should go see Mr. Clemens. I''ll tidy up here."


    Sadie nodded. "Alright." She walked to the bedside and saw the unconscious Micah, feeling deeply regretful.


    If she had figured things out earlier, if she had forgiven him sooner, he wouldn''t be in this state. He had done so much for her behind the scenes, silently enduring so much pain, yet never letting her know.


    She had always thought he was just domineering and forceful, trying to keep her by his side. Only now did she realize his good intentions.


    Andrew was right; the past grievances and feuds were over. Those people from the past were gone, and it was time to let go.


    "Ms. James, have some tea," Dahlia said as she poured Sadie a cup. "Did you just get back? Are you hurt?"


    "Yes, I just got back. I''m fine." Sadie then asked, "When will he wake up?"


    "Dr. Perez said maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow morning. It''s hard to say," Dahlia''s voice was very soft, afraid of disturbing Micah. "Mr. Clemens was really in danger this time. I almost thought..." Halfway through her sentence, Dahlia stopped and quickly changed her words, "That vase hit Micah''s critical spot. If it weren''t for Dr. Perez, the consequences would have been unimaginable."


    "It''s all my fault..." Sadie muttered. She felt extremely guilty. Micah already had an old ailment, and being hit by the vase was like a trigger, affecting the nerves in his brain and making the situation dangerous.


    "Don''t say that," Dahliaforted softly. "It was just an ident. You can''t me yourself."


    "I came straight here after getting off the ne and haven''t had a chance to change clothes," Sadie realized that she might bring bacteria to Micah. "I''ll go to the guest room to freshen up ande back." "Alright," Dahlia said and had a servant take Sadie to the guest room.


    Sadie went to the guest room but didn''t rush to freshen up. Instead, she tried calling Jesse and Terry, but neither of their phones could be reached. Anxious, she tried to contact Tristan''s other subordinates, but she couldn''t get through to any of them either.


    Sadie panicked and immediately called Arya, instructing her to find a way to contact someone around Tristan, even a minor attendant, as soon as possible.


    Arya asked what had happened, but Annika told her not to ask too many questions and just do as instructed. Arya, rarely seeing her so anxious, immediately went to handle it.


    Sadie took a shower, changed intofortable clothes, and went to Micah''s room.


    By then, Dahlia and several medical staff had already tidied up the medical supplies and were using a warm towel to wipe Micah''s body.


    Sadie stepped forward and said, "Let me do it."


    Dahlia handed her the warm towel and softly reminded her, "Be careful not to touch his head."


    "I know," Sadie carefully avoided Micah''s head and wiped his body. But when she reached his hands, she couldn''t help but pause.


    The back of his hands was full of needle marks, with bruises left from the injections, and even his wrists had many needle marks. And she had never noticed.


    Sadie felt immense guilt, her nose tingling and her eyes reddening. She unbuttoned his cor to wipe his body and found that his chest was also covered in bruises.

 Chapter 1405 Take Good Care

    So, all these signs showed he''d been getting treatment this whole time, but she hadn''t noticed a thing. It wasn''t until he had an episode and went partially blind that she finally caught on. Thinking about it, Sadie felt extremely guilty. Micah''s condition had gotten really bad. If he could be cured, that''d be great.


    But if he died because of this, she''d never forgive herself.


    "Ms. James, let me handle it," Dahlia quickly made up an excuse, worried Sadie might find out something. "Your hand''s still hurt. If it gets wet, it could be a problem."


    "If it gets wet, the worst that could happen is the wound gets worse," Sadie took a deep breath, her voice breaking, "But his life is on the line. I don''t know how much longer I can take care of him." Dahlia was shocked. She asked, panicking, "Ms. James, you, you already..."


    "I already know," Sadie sighed sadly. "You should''ve told me sooner."


    "How did you... Was it Andrew who told you?" Dahlia was flustered. If Micah woke up and found out Sadie knew, he might get mad.


    "It wasn''t him," Sadie lied. "I forced Pa to tell me. Plus, I''m not dumb. In his state, how could it just be because of a vase?"


    "Since you know, can you help contact Virgil?" Dahlia asked. She couldn''t worry about anything else now. They all just wanted Micah to survive.


    "I''m on it," Sadie said softly, gently stroking Micah''s face. "No matter what, I have to find Virgil!"


    "That''s awesome," Dahlia was thrilled. "I''ve always said we should tell you. Only you can find Virgil."


    "Leave finding Virgil to me. Once I have a lead, I''ll fly to Country E right away," Sadie told Dahlia. "And when he wakes up, act like I don''t know anything, or he''ll feel pressured."


    "Got it," Dahlia nodded. "I think so too. Mr. Clemens has a lot of pride. If he knows you know about his condition, he might not handle it well."


    "So you and Andrew need to watch what you say and do," Sadie advised.


    "Understood," Dahlia smiled through her tears. "Now I can finally rx a bit. Otherwise, you and Mr. Clemens always fighting would also affect his condition."


    "It won''t happen again," Sadie promised, cupping Micah''s face and gently caressing his dry lips, feeling heartbroken. She silently vowed to take good care of him and never make him sad again.


    Seeing Sadie like this, Dahlia felt relieved. She knew the key to their rtionship was with Sadie.


    Even though Micah seemed cold, he had deep feelings for Sadie. As long as Sadie was willing to let go of the past, they''d definitely reconcile.


    Seeing that Sadie understood the situation, Dahlia didn''t disturb them anymore. She quietly left the room but told Sadie before leaving that there was a call bell by the bedside. If anything happened, just press the bell, and they''de right away.


    Sadie stayed in the room with Micah, thinking about everything that had happened. Her tears slowly fell.


    Downstairs in the study, Noah bluntly asked Ss, "Ss, do you have some misunderstanding about my mom?"


    "Noah, adult stuff can beplicated and hard to exin," Ss said softly. "But I won''t hurt Sadie."


    "Sometimes, being cold and distant is also a form of mental abuse," Noah looked at Ss and sighed, "Even if you don''t bully my mom like Great-Grandpa did, your rejection still makes her sad."

 Chapter 1406 Not as Good as a Child

    Ss was totally caught off guard by Noah''s words and didn''t know what to say for a moment.


    Noah took his time, "Ms. Graham is pretty great. She''s not as hot-headed as Amelia or as sneaky as E. She''s ssy, smart, capable, and pretty straightforward."


    He continued, "But no matter how awesome she is, she''s not my mom. Nathan, Mia, and I will always have just one mom, and my dad only loves her. You know that." I


    "Yeah, I get it." Ss nodded a bunch of times. "I won''t get in the way. I just hope your dad gets better soon and that your mom doesn''t argue with him or stress him out, ''cause that could make things worse."


    "That''s what I want too." Noah''s face got serious when he talked about Micah''s illness. "Don''t worry, Mom''s just as worried about Dad as we are. She''s been trying to find a doctor for him." "Really?" Ss''s eyes lit up. "Is she looking for that..."


    "Virgil." Noah finished for him. "Only Mom can find him."


    "Right," Ss said quickly. "The main thing now is to find Virgil ASAP."


    "Mom will figure it out," Noah said calmly. "The doctor Ms. Graham found can only help for now. Only Mom can really save Dad. So, Ss, do you get who the real boss of this house is?" "Yeah, I get it." Ss nodded again and again. "Don''t worry, I understand."


    "Thanks, Ss." Noah slid off the sofa and gave Ss a deep bow. "On behalf of Nathan and Mia, thank you!"


    "Oh, Noah, no need to thank me!" Ss said as he quickly helped him up.


    "Dad respects you a lot, and we love you too. Your support and blessing will make our family stronger." Noah looked at Ss sincerely.


    He reminded, "And now that Dad is sick, we need your help with a lot of things at home. You have to be on our side!"


    Ss agreed, "You''re right." He felt really ashamed. Noah''s words seemed simple but had a lot of meaning.


    If they weren''t united, it would be easy for others to take advantage. Now that the Clemens Family was in such a tough spot, they had to stick together.


    After talking with Ss, Noah went to find Nathan and Mia, telling them to be sensible and well-behaved, to be quiet at home, and not to make noise, especially around Micah and Sadie. Besides going to school, they should spend more time at Hillside Vi with the three little girls and make less noise at home to avoid disturbing Micah.


    Nathan and Mia, even though they didn''t know what was going on, nodded obediently, showing they understood. They trusted that Noah was never wrong.


    In the evening, Andrew came back and had a long talk with Ss.


    Ss learned that Sadie already knew about Micah''s condition and was doing her best to find Virgil, which made him feel a lot better.


    Andrew exined the situation in Avalis, hoping Ss could be more understanding of Sadie and stand with them to face this tough time.


    Ss nodded repeatedly, showing his support. He remembered Noah''s words and felt really ashamed. Everyone always thought he was wise, but in some things, he wasn''t as sharp as Noah. Ss kept thinking about it and decided that since Sadie was at home, there was no need for him to stay.


    Andrewforted him and arranged for someone to take him back, saying they would bring him back once Sadie left. Someone had to be in charge at home.


    Ss nodded in agreement, ready to be called on at any time.

 Chapter 1407 Secretly Resolving

    Everything at home was finally sorted out, so Andrew headed over to see Micah.


    On the way to the hospital with Annika, Andrew had already called Rodolfo and found out that Micah had fainted again.


    He knew things would be chaotic at home and that Sadie might face some trouble when she got back, so he had Ethan go to Hillside Vi to pick up the three kids and bring them home to keep Sadie safe. Now, things were finally under control. Olivia had left, and Ss had gone back for a bit.


    The house was quiet, and Reba and the servants all let out a sigh of relief. Sadie''s return made the cold vi start to feel like a warm home.


    Andrew filled Sadie in on Annika''s condition. Annika had woken up in the afternoon, and Arya had taken a bunch of female bodyguards and the three little girls to the hospital to keep Annikapany. The ward was so noisy with all the women that Andrew didn''t dare to stay and had to slip out.


    Thinking about it made Sadieugh. Arya was way more lively than Annika; wherever she went, it was always a party.


    Because of that, the three little girls loved hanging out with her, so Sadie had her take care of them. When they were together, they were happy every day, and Annika''s condition could improve faster.


    But Sadie missed the three little girls a lot since she hadn''t seen them for days. She also felt a bit guilty; Tristan had trusted her with them, but she was always busy and didn''t have time to be with them. She could only wait until things calmed down to spend some quality time with them.


    Just then, Sadie''s phone buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, she quickly answered, "Hey, Jesse!"


    Jesse asked, "Ms. James, you needed me?"


    Sadie said, "Yeah, how''s it going on your end? Any news on Tristan?"


    Jesse replied, "Not yet, but I can confirm Mr. James isn''t dead!"


    "Really? That''s awesome!" Sadie was thrilled. "I knew Tristan would be okay."


    Jesse said, "His enemies are also after him, so we can''t make any sudden moves. We have to wait for the right moment."


    Sadie said seriously, "Yeah, be super careful. Don''t let his enemies track Tristan through you."


    Jesse responded, "Got it. Ms. James, you take care too."


    Sadie said softly, "I will. There''s something I need to ask you."


    Jesse said, "Go ahead."


    Sadie asked, "Do you know where Virgil is?"


    Jesse replied, "Virgil? He''s really mysterious; no one seems to know where he is."


    Sadie pressed further, "Does anyone know how to contact him?"


    Jesse asked, "What''s going on?"


    Sadie replied cautiously, "Someone really important is seriously ill, and only Virgil can save him. This is crucial, Jesse. Think hard, who can contact him?" Jesse said, "I''ll ask Terry, but I doubt he knows either. Probably only Mr. James knows."


    Sadie urged, "Please contact Terry first and get any info you can. Hurry."


    Jesse answered, "Okay, I''ll reach out to him right away and let you know if I hear anything."


    After hanging up, Sadie felt a bit down. Jesse and Terry were Tristan''s trusted aides. If even they didn''t know where Virgil was, then probably no one did.


    Of course, Tristan must know, but he was missing. By the time they found him, Micah might already... Thinking of this made Sadie really anxious.


    "Ms. James, don''t worry. We''ll figure something out," Andrewforted her.


    "Time waits for no one." Sadie looked at the unconscious Micah, thought for a moment, and made a decision. She said, "When he wakes up, I have to go back to Country E."


    "What?" Andrew was shocked and quickly tried to talk her out of it. "Mr. James went through a lot to get you out of the James Family''s vendetta to keep you safe. Going back now would be really dangerous." Sadie said seriously, "Tristan''s people are there; it''ll be fine."


    Then she sighed, "Actually, what I worry about most are the kids, especially the three little girls. Tristan trusted me with them, but I haven''t taken good care of them."

 Chapter 1408 Waking Up from a Nightmare

    "Don''t sweat it about the kids, we''ll take good care of them," Andrew said seriously. "But heading to Country E is way too risky for you. You have no idea how much you mean to Mr. Clemens. If something happens to you, finding Virgil would


    be pointless."


    Sadie felt a bit touched hearing this. She had no clue she was that important to Micah.


    "I think we should figure out where Virgil is first," Andrew suggested. "Rn''s already in Country E. As soon as we get any news, he can act immediately and bring Virgil back to Newark quickly."


    "You don''t know how tricky Virgil is," Sadie said, frowning. "He seems like a doctor, but he''s actually a mysterious guy with loads of money. No one knows who he really is. When he treated me, he always wore a mask, so I never saw his face." She paused and then continued, "Plus, he''s got a weird personality. Except for Tristan, he doesn''t respect anyone. Even if we find him, he might note to Newark with Rn."


    "What?" Andrew felt even more uneasy. "That''s really a problem."


    Sadie sighed, "Let''s find some clues first. Even if I invite him personally, he might note, unless..."


    "Unless what?" Andrew asked urgently.


    "Unless Tristan invites him," Sadie said with a glimmer of hope. "The best scenario now is to find Tristan first, and then have Tristan invite Virgil for me."


    "Mr. James might not save Mr. Clemens," Andrew said, not very confident.


    "It''s easier to ask him than Virgil," Sadie said, holding onto a bit of hope. "Tristan may seem cold, but he''s still good to me. Virgil, on the other hand, is different; I have no connection with him, and he probably won''t care about me. I just don''t know if, given Hubert''s rtionship, he might make an exception. After all, Hubert drove him away back then, and they haven''t talked for ten years. It''s reallyplicated. Anyway, let''s find him first."


    "That''s true," Andrew sighed. He had thought finding Virgil would be enough, but now he realized that even if they found him, he might not be willing toe. This was really tough.


    "Alright, you must be exhausted these past few days," Sadie changed the subject. "Go rest, I''ll stay with him."


    "Okay," Andrew nodded to Sadie and left.


    Sadie stayed in the room with Micah, just quietly being there with him, which was already very rare.


    She thought of all their past experiences, the love and hate, the happiness and sweetness, as well as the pain and resentment.


    Those past events now seemed like a story when she thought about them.


    No matter what, everything was in the past. As they said, now she should cherish the people around her.


    As Sadie thought about this, she fell asleep beside Micah. She was probably too tired. She hadn''t slept for almost three days since being kidnapped, and today was the fourth day. So, she slept very deeply, not even knowing when Micah woke up.


    Micah woke up from a nightmare, drenched in cold sweat. He dreamt that Sadie married Joe. He rushed to the church to stop the wedding, but Sadie pointed a gun at him and told him to get lost. Joe stood by and urged Sadie to shoot. Micah didn''t believe she would shoot and tried to win her back, talking about their three kids and the beautiful moments they had shared, hoping she would return to him, but she wouldn''t listen.


    In the end, she used him of hurting her with deep hatred, said she loved Joe, and that she was going to marry Joe, telling him to get lost.


    In their struggle, she mercilessly shot him in the heart. Then, he woke up with a start.

 Chapter 1409 Her Embrace

    The room was dim, with just the emergency light on the floor giving off a faint glow.


    Micah slowly opened his eyes, staring nkly at the ceiling, the scenes from his dream still fresh in his mind.


    In the dream, Sadie was cold and ruthless, her face like ice, and her eyes filled with hatred, all terrifyingly real.


    Micah''s heart felt like it was being ripped apart, the pain suffocating. This pain gradually turned into hatred, and his hands slowly clenched, as if he were thinking that if Sadie appeared before him at this moment, he would strangle her. But his arm felt heavy and numb, like something was pressing down on it, making it impossible to move.


    He struggled to move, trying to pull his hand out, while turning his head to look. He was stunned. Was he dreaming? Was this Sadie? How could she be here?


    Even though she was lying by the bedside, sleeping soundly with her face hidden, only her head and body visible, Micah was sure it was her.


    They had shared a bed so many times that he was very familiar with her figure, posture, and even her scent. He didn''t need to see her face to recognize her at a nce.


    Micah frowned at Sadie, his mind racing. He remembered that when Andrew video-called him, he saw her with Joe, both barely dressed, entwined in each other''s arms. That scene made his blood boil, almost killing him with rage. But now, how could she be here?


    Could it be that his memory was wrong? Had he not video-called Andrew, and she wasn''t with Joe? Had he been unconscious for a long time, and she had returned from Mount Avalis?


    No, Micah quickly dismissed this thought. He clearly remembered watching the video, that scene like a red-hot branding iron, deeply imprinted on his heart.


    There was no mistake. But if that was the case, why was she here now?


    Micah was still pondering. Just then, Sadie stirred, turned over to face Micah, and continued to sleep.


    Micah looked at her beautiful face, his heart filled with a tumult ofplex emotions-resentment, anger, doubt, confusion, and unwillingness.


    A surge of anger and impulse rose within him. He wanted to reach out and grab her, to demand why she had deceived and betrayed him.


    But as soon as he moved his hand, his whole body felt like it was falling apart with pain.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was also awakened by his movement. She sat up suddenly, looking at Micah on the hospital bed in shock, taking a while toe to her senses. She eximed, "You, you''re awake!"


    She reached out to touch his face, anxiously asking, "How do you feel? Does it hurt anywhere? I''ll call the doctor right away."


    She was about to press the call button. But her hand was held by Micah. He had no strength, only able to hook her finger, struggling to say, "No, no need!"


    Sadie carefully observed him, seeing that he was stable, she breathed a slight sigh of relief, "Really okay?"


    Micah nodded with difficulty.


    Sadie hugged him tightly, choking up as she whispered in his ear, "That''s great! You scared me to death. I thought you would never wake up again."


    Her embrace was warm and familiar, carrying aforting scent. Micah felt momentarily confused, as if they were still the loving couple they once were. He loved her, and she loved him.


    But soon, he regained his rity. He hadn''t forgotten what he saw.


    He shifted his body, trying to break free from her embrace, and attempted to speak, wanting to question her, "You, you and..."


    "What''s wrong? Am I holding you too tight?" Sadie asked, thinking she had made him ufortable, quickly released him.


    She gently cupped his face and soothingly said, "You need to rest well, okay? The doctor said you can''t get out of bed for three days."

 Chapter 1410 Come Clean

    Micah shot her a confused look. How could she act like nothing happened? It was like they were still at the hospital, getting along just fine. But she had clearly gone to see Joe, and they even... Sadie shrugged off her coat, slipped under the covers, andy down next to Micah, yawning. "Alright, let''s sleep. I''m beat. Haven''t slept in four days."


    Like a little kitten, she snuggled up to him and drifted off.


    Micah kept staring at her, even though his mind screamed that Sadie had lied and betrayed him, and he couldn''t forgive her. But his body moved closer to her, making her sleep morefortably. Sadie instinctively cuddled into his arms, but remembering his injury, she quickly pulled away, mumbling sleepily, "Oh, I can''t get too close. I might hurt your wound." Her soft voice tugged at his heart. Micah justy there, watching her. Despite the questions swirling in his mind, he still savored this moment of warmth. Let him deceive himself this once.


    Micah closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep. The two of them slept quietly together.


    In the middle of the night, Sadie kept snuggling into Micah''s arms but would always pull away cautiously.


    Worried about touching his wound, she eventually turned over, facing away from him, and curled up at the edge of the bed.


    This distance made Micah feel empty. He had been asleep but now woke up, stiffly reaching out to pull her into his arms. However, he had no strength, and moving even a little tugged at his wound, causing intense pain. He reluctantly withdrew his hand, closed his eyes, and tried to fall asleep. But he was still angry, a bit furious, so he tried to use his foot to pull her closer, attempting various ways to get her by his side. None of it worked.


    Instead, he ended up feeling a bit tired and coughed a few times.


    "What''s wrong?" Sadie woke up immediately, hurriedly leaning over and touching his forehead. "Are you feeling unwell?"


    Dahlia had instructed her to keep an eye on Micah''s temperature. If he had a fever, even a low one, Sadie had to notify Dahlia immediately. Otherwise, the consequences could be severe.


    So, when Sadie was startled awake, the first thing she did was touch Micah''s forehead and cheeks.


    "No." Micah was secretly pleased that she finally came over, but that matter still felt like a thorn in his heart, making him ufortable. He took the opportunity to ask, "These three days, where did you go?"


    He was very weak now, and even a single sentence had to be broken into several parts.


    Sadie, fully awake from his question, thought for a moment and seriously exined, "I was followed as soon as I got off the private jet. After a night of chasing, I was eventually captured by Joe."


    Sadie told Micah the whole story in detail, including agreeing to pretend to be Joe''s wife for three days, without any concealment or omission.


    After hearing the whole story, Micah''s face looked very grim. Even though the truth wasn''t as bad as he had imagined, it still made him very angry.


    After finishing, Sadie quickly added, "I know you''re very angry, and I know this incident has upset you, but now, there are two things I want to tell you."


    "First, Joe and I never had any physical rtionship from beginning to end. That time at Grapetown Heights was actually a plot orchestrated by Duchess Louis, and I was reced that night. The person who actually slept with Joe was his cousin, Barbara."

 Chapter 1411 Make It Clear

    "Second..." Sadie started, but Micah grabbed her hand, his voice shaky, "Why didn''t you say anything back then?"


    "I didn''t get it at the time. I thought I was being set up," Sadie admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I knew deep down nothing happened, but all the evidence said otherwise. I was confused and scared to tell you." "Really?" Micah was a bit agitated.


    "If you don''t believe me, check for yourself," Sadie said, not wanting to exin further. "When I got back to the Louis Family''s castle, Barbara tried the same trick again, but I caught her. I set up a mini camera and recorded everything. With that evidence, I made Joe''s parents call off the engagement. Joe took it hard and ended up with depression. He''s not in a good ce now."


    Sadie sighed. "I feel partly responsible, but the real problem is with Duke Louis, his wife, and Barbara."


    Micah was finally convinced. He''d always wondered why Craig let Sadie go and why things got so tense. Now it all made sense.


    "That''s the first thing," Sadie rubbed her tired eyes. "The second thing is, I won''t have any more contact with Joe. I hope you can let this go."


    "Really?" Micah asked again, still skeptical.


    Sadie frowned. "You don''t believe me?"


    Micah hesitated. "I hope... you... keep your word..."


    "I will, don''t worry," Sadie cut him off and sighed. "Joe''s not well. The best thing is to stay away and let him get the help he needs."


    "You still... care about him," Micah said, voicing his biggest fear.


    "Why are you stuck on this?" Sadie said, frustrated. "I care about him as a friend, nothing more."


    Micah made a gesture to stop, not wanting to talk about it anymore.


    Since Sadie had exined everything and promised to stay away from Joe, he didn''t want to push it. Everything was clear now, and Micah felt a bit better. But he still wasn''t ready to forgive Sadiepletely, so he kept up his cold demeanor.


    "Are you feeling okay?" Sadie asked, watching him closely.


    "Yeah," Micah replied shortly, closing his eyes and keeping his distance.


    "Then let''s sleep," Sadie said, sounding tired. She yawned, curled up under the covers, and kept her distance from Micah.


    Micah moved closer, but Sadie thought she bumped into him and turned away, moving even further away, almost out of the covers.


    Micah was speechless. Sadie really didn''t get romance.


    That night, they both slept fitfully, pushing and pulling.


    Around nine in the morning, Sadie woke up to some noise. She groggily opened her eyes and saw Dahlia bringing in some medical staff to check on Micah. Micah gestured for them to be quiet, not wanting to wake Sadie.


    But Sadie was already awake and quickly got out of bed. "I was so tired, I overslept."


    "It''s okay, Ms. James. You go freshen up, and I''ll check on Mr. Clemens," Dahlia said awkwardly.


    "Okay," Sadie said and quickly ran out.


    Micah watched her leave, feeling a bit disappointed.

 Chapter 1412 Add an Extra Blanket

    "The bathroom''s got all your meds and supplies, so Ms. James went to the guest room to freshen up," Dahlia said, catching onto Micah''s thoughts. "I''ll have someone clean it upter, and she can use the master bathroom tonight." Micah gave a slight nod.


    "Should we put a small bed next to him?" one of the nurses suggested. "That way, Ms. James can stay with him at night without disturbing Mr. Clemens'' rest or touching his wounds."


    "Yeah," another nurse agreed. "Mr. Clemens'' condition is delicate; any contact with the wound could be disastrous..."


    "Enough with the nonsense," Micah cut them off, ring coldly.


    The nurses turned pale, quickly lowered their heads, and didn''t dare speak again.


    Dahlia, trying to ease the tension, stepped in. "Since the check-up is done, you can go tidy up the medical supplies in the bathroom."


    "Yes, Dr. Rey," the nurses said as they headed to the bathroom.


    Dahlia took Micah''s temperature and said softly, "Actually, they have a point. If your wound gets touched again, it could be serious. How about we just add an extra nket instead of a small bed?"


    Micah was about to snap at Dahlia when Sadie walked back in. Freshly washed, her skin looked delicate. As she applied moisturizer, she said, "Good. I was thinking of sleeping on the sofa tonight, but it''s too hard and ufortable. Adding a small bed would be nice. The room is big enough to fit one."


    Dahlia noticed Micah''s displeased expression, but Sadie didn''t and kept measuring the space beside the bed, muttering, "A 4.5-foot bed would fit just fine, but it might look a bit odd. He''s a perfectionist and probably wouldn''t like it." She paused, then continued, "Never mind, I''ll sleep on the sofa. Just add an extra cushion for me, and make sure the nket is warm; I get cold easily."


    "Ms. James," Dahlia quickly interjected, seeing Micah''s face darken, "the sofa is too far. If Mr. Clemens feels unwell, you might not notice. It''s better to sleep on the bed. I''ll add an extra nket for you." "You''re right," Sadie agreed, realizing the truth. If she hadn''t been observantst night, she wouldn''t have known Micah woke up so many times.


    Seeing Micah''s indifferent expression, Sadie thought he was annoyed with her and quickly assured him, "Don''t worry, I''ll be very careful tonight and won''t touch you."


    Micah rolled his eyes, too tired to scold her and not wanting to continue the conversation.


    "Alright, it''s settled then," Dahlia said, noticing Micah''s expression had finally improved a bit. "Ms. James, I''ve had the bathroom cleaned. Starting today, you can use it here instead of the guest room."


    "Really? That''s great," Sadie said while looking at her phone. "I''ll have someone send over some clothes. I''ve been wearing a robe sincest night and feel embarrassed to go downstairs." "I''ve already arranged for new clothes," Dahlia quickly said. "All your personal items are ready."


    "I still prefer using my own." Sadie called Arya to send her things.


    On the other end of the line, Arya reported, "Ms. James, I''ve been trying to contact people around Mr. James. Only Jesse responded, saying he has coordinated with you. No other updates." "Got it. Just prepare the clothes first," Sadie said as she checked her messages.


    Jesse had sent her a message saying he had contacted Terry, asking Terry to help locate Virgil. And Terry was on it.

 Chapter 1413 Awaiting Your Decision

    Sadie felt a secret thrill in her heart; finally, some progress!


    Since she had reached out to Terry, it meant Tristan would soon hear about it. If Tristan''s situation allowed, he should contact her soon. Then, she would ask him to help find Virgil. "What are you smiling about?" Micah suddenly snapped.


    "Huh?" Sadie snapped back to reality, quickly deleting the message. She replied, "Nothing, you get some rest. I''m going to have breakfast."


    With that, she quickly left.


    Micah looked really pissed. Even though the misunderstanding between them had been cleared up, he still felt uneasy and insecure. But Sadie acted like nothing was wrong, not caring about him at all. At that moment, Andrew hurried over. Seeing that Micah was awake, he was overjoyed. "Mr. Clemens! I''m so d you''re awake. You had me worried sick."


    "Andrew, stay with Mr. Clemens. I''m going to call Dr. Perez," Dahlia spoke up. She nned to talk to Gabrie about Micah''s condition and ask about the follow-up medical n.


    "Alright, go ahead," Andrew nodded.


    Dahlia left with the medical staff, and Andrew happily stepped forward, saying, "Ms. James exined everything to you, right? This was just an ident. Nothing actually happened between her and Joe." "I know," Micah nodded and didn''t want to talk about it anymore.


    "How are you feeling?" Andrew asked cautiously. "Does anything hurt?"


    "Everything hurts," Micah sighed. He was so proud, but now he could only lie in bed like a puppet, unable to move.


    Andrewforted, "It should get better in a couple of days. Dr. Perez said that after three days in bed, you''ll be able to get up."


    Micah closed his eyes and responded, "Okay."


    Andrew continued, "Also, we got news from Rn that there are leads on Virgil. We believe we can find him soon."


    Andrew made up a lie. It wasn''t Rn who found the leads on Virgil; it was Sadie who had made progress, but he didn''t dare let Micah know.


    "Even if... we find him, he might... not be willing... toe to... Newark," Micah struggled to say this. Although his physical strength wascking, his mind was still clear.


    Andrew reassured, "We''ll find a way. No matter what, there''s finally some progress. You need to have faith and fight this illness. The kids need you, and Ms. James needs you too."


    "Sentimental nonsense!" Micah red at him, not wanting to hear such sappy words. In his heart, he desperately wanted to find Virgil and receive treatment, but repeated disappointments had made him afraid to hope.


    Besides, he knew his condition. His illness had worsened, and even if they brought Virgil, it might not save him.


    "Alright, alright, I won''t say any more," Andrew knew Micah''s proud nature and quickly changed the subject. "There are a few things I need to report to you."


    Micah said, "Go ahead." Only when discussing business could Micah muster some energy.


    Andrew reported, "First, the shareholders of the stadium project arrived at Noble Summit Estate two days ago. Because you were unconscious, we didn''t disturb you. Today, they found out I was back and asked about your condition." "Second, Joe hired thugs to kidnap Ms. James and used the safety of Annika and the others to threaten her. Later, Ms. James took Joe hostage and escaped. In the chaos, his men shot at Sadie."


    He paused then continued, "At the critical moment, Annika took a bullet for Ms. James. Although Annika is now out of danger, I felt the situation was severe and was furious, so I captured Joe and his men. They are now in Newark, awaiting your decision."


    "Well done!" Micah''s face darkened. "She didn''t... tell me... these... details."

 Chapter 1414 Make You Whatever You Want

    Andrew muttered, "Ms. James is too kind-hearted and probably doesn''t want to push things too far. But as a man, I can''t just let this slide. Sure, the guy who shot Annika got taken out by Ms. James, but the real viins are still the Louis Family." He continued, his voice icy, "I did some digging. Those hitmen were supposedly hired by Joe, but they were really taking orders from Duke Louis. He messed with Ms. James before and got punished by you. He might''ve returned the investment funds, but he wasn''t happy about it and kept plotting against Ms. James. You''ve warned them over and over, but they keep crossing the line, like they don''t take us seriously!"


    Micah raised his hand, his voice filled with anger, "You go... run the shareholders'' meeting. Tell them... we''re stripping the Louis Family of their shares, and the Clemens Group... will never... work with them again!" "Got it!" Andrew nodded firmly.


    "And Joe," Micah added, frowning, "keep him... locked up for at least half a month."


    "Yes!" Andrew replied.


    Micah waved his hand weakly. "Go now."


    "I''ll get on it. Ms. James should be here soon..." As Andrew was speaking, Sadie walked in, followed by Reba with a food cart, smiling, "Mr. Clemens, d to see you''re awake. Ms. James made you some porridge." "Smells good," Sadie said with a smile.


    "Ms. James, I''ll leave Mr. Clemens to you. Got some things to handle," Andrew said, bowing to Sadie before hurrying out. Reba also found an excuse to leave.


    Sadie lifted the silver cover, revealing a bowl of porridge. It looked more like soup.


    "You''re... giving me... this to eat?" Micah frowned, feeling like Sadie was treating him poorly.


    He''d been in aa for three days without a drop of water, and now he was so weak from hunger. She was giving him this? If this wasn''t mistreatment, then what was?


    "The doctor said you can only have liquids for now," Sadie gently exined. "I know you don''t like sweet things, so this is all you can have."


    "Can''t it be some other kind of soup?" Micah looked at the soup with disdain.


    "You haven''t eaten for days. You can''t have anything too greasy now," Sadie said, sitting by the bed with the soup. "Be good."


    Micah had no choice but to obediently drink the soup.


    Sadie, like caring for a child, blew on the soup to cool it before feeding him, afraid he might get burned. She even ced a napkin under his chin to prevent the soup from dripping on him. "I''m not... a baby!" Micah said, somewhat speechless.


    "I''m used to it. It''s easier this way," Sadie said with a smile. "When Noah, Nathan, and Mia were little, I used to feed them like this. Now they''re almost seven years old."


    "In two months... they''ll be seven," Micah sighed, thinking about the kids'' uing birthday and wondering if he could hold on until then.


    "Yeah, time flies," Sadie said as she fed him the soup and chatted with him. "You need to get well. Once you''re better, we can go back to Blissful Lane 1 together. Brenda''s things are all there. I''ve been wanting to organize them but haven''t had the time."


    "Okay," Micah nodded, looking up at her, thinking how wonderful it would be if she could always be this gentle.


    "I know the soup doesn''t taste great, but you have to bear with it. After these three days, I''ll make you something delicious," Sadie coaxed him.


    "And pizza too!" Micah remembered the pizza she used to make, which was also very tasty.


    "Sure, once you''re better, I''ll make you whatever you want," Sadie said with a cheerful smile.

 Chapter 1415 Speak with Mr. Clemens Alone

    the window.


    The two of them seemed like an ordinary couple, with the husband being ill and the wife taking meticulous care of him. They''d talk about old times and dream about the future, and their days were as bright as the sunlight streaming through Right now, the vibe was super cozy.


    Micah felt at peace. He loved this calm and wished it couldst forever, without any changes.


    Sadie looked into Micah''s eyes and suddenly asked, "Micah, would you still want to marry me?"


    "Huh?" Micah thought he misheard and wondered if he was imagining things.


    "Forget it if you didn''t hear," Sadie rolled her eyes, wiped his mouth with a tissue, and started to get up.


    But then, Micah grabbed her hand and weakly asked, "What did you just say?"


    "I said..." Sadie began, but there was a knock on the door, and the servant announced, "Mr. Clemens, Ms. Graham is here."


    Sadie''s face darkened at the name, and she looked at Micah.


    Micah was about to say something when Sadie responded, "Let her in!"


    "Yes." The servant went to get her. Micah didn''t object. He just looked at Sadie and asked, "What were you about to say?"


    "Nothing." Sadie didn''t want to say it anymore. She said faintly, "You have a guest, I won''t bother you."


    With that, she pushed the dining cart and started to leave.


    Micah wanted to stop her, but she had already opened the door. At that moment, the maid was leading Olivia over, just about to knock.


    The two women met face to face, and there was clear tension in their eyes.


    Olivia nced at the dining cart Sadie was pushing and sneered. She didn''t say anything, but her expression was clear. She was mocking Sadie for looking like a servant!


    "Ms. James!" The maid greeted Sadie and led Olivia inside.


    Sadie, feeling indignant, suddenly decided not to leave. She handed the dining cart to the servant outside and then turned back into the room.


    "Mr. Clemens, it''s so good to see you awake. How are you feeling?" Olivia walked to the bedside, concerned, and reached out to touch Micah''s forehead. "Are you still running a fever?" Micah turned his head slightly, avoiding her hand.


    "Ms. Graham, you''re too kind," Sadie''s voice came from behind, dripping with sarcasm. "Not only did you help call the doctor, but you''re also so concerned about the father of my children." Olivia frowned and looked back at her. "Didn''t you leave?"


    "This is my children''s home, where would I go?" Sadie replied calmly, then told the maid, "Natalie Scott, please serve our guest some tea."


    "Yes, Ms. James," Natalie answered and immediately went to pour tea for Olivia.


    Olivia''s face darkened with anger, and she said furiously, "Ms. James, there''s no need to go through the trouble. You and I are both guests here."


    She wanted to remind Sadie that in the Clemens Family, she was a thing of the past and had no right to act as the hostess.


    Sadie smiled faintly. "I''m not like you. This home belongs to my three children, so I am effectively three-fifths of the owner."


    Olivia sneered coldly, unwilling to continue the conversation. "I need to speak with Mr. Clemens alone, please leave."


    Sadie ignored Olivia and looked at Micah. She asked, "Do you want me to leave?"


    Micah had been silently listening to the two women exchange barbs. It was the first time he had seen Sadie directly confront her rival in love, indicating that she had truly changed her mind.


    But why had she changed so suddenly? Not only had she been honest about her rtionship with Joe, but now she was also actively fighting for him. Could it be that she knew about his illness? Thinking of this, Micah''s expression changed.

 Chapter 1416 Unexpected

    "You saw it all." Olivia spread her hands, a mocking look on her face. She thought, ''Mr. Clemens doesn''t even want to deal with you, so why are you acting like you''re in charge here?''


    Sadie was about to speak. "Micah..."


    "Leave first," Micah cut her off.


    "You..." Sadie was stunned. Did he really just tell her to leave?


    Olivia''s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile.


    Sadie shot Micah an angry re, then turned and left.


    Watching her go, Olivia felt a sense of victory. But when she turned to face Micah, she put on a graceful, elegant, and humble demeanor, even managing a wry smile. "Ms. James might have some misunderstandings about me." "It doesn''t matter," Micah said, looking at her. "Thanks for saving me."


    Olivia looked at him tenderly and replied gently, "Don''t be so formal with me, we''re close. By the way, I told my dad to push the banquet back a week."


    "Why?" Micah asked.


    Olivia said thoughtfully, "You''re sick now. If we hold it as nned, you won''t be able to attend. A week''s dy should be fine."


    "Okay," Micah agreed, then asked, "Did youe to see me today just for this?"


    "Mostly to check on you," Olivia''s mood dipped a bit. "You''re so seriously ill, I really want to stay and take care of you, but Ms. James... she doesn''t seem very happy."


    "Oh, really?" Micah''s interest was piqued. "What did she... do to you?"


    Olivia looked very aggrieved. She said softly, "Yesterday when she came back, she argued with Ss downstairs. I reminded her to keep it down, and she got very angry, then argued with me. I had to leave."


    Micah frowned. "How could she... argue with Ss?"


    "Yeah, I thought everyone respected Ss, but Ms. James''s temper..." Olivia trailed off and then changed the subject. "Forget it, let''s not talk about this. By the way, Duke Louis called me again today. I didn''t answer, but he''s still trying to contact me. I don''t know what he wants to say."


    "This matter... you''d better... not get involved," Micah said bluntly.


    "Okay, I''ll listen to you," Olivia nodded repeatedly, then added, "Luckily Ms. James is fine. Earlier, we heard Joe hired someone to follow Ms. James, and she disappeared for three days. I was really worried..."


    "What exactly... are you trying to say?" Micah interrupted her.


    Olivia was stunned, then quickly recovered, "Nothing, I was just thinking, Duke Louis keeps contacting me, could it be rted to Joe?"


    Micah looked at her deeply and said seriously, "I said, this matter... has nothing to do with you. You''d better... not interfere. Also, when I first... got to know you... I thought you were... honest, and I appreciated that. But now, the way you talk... is sarcastic, and I really don''t... like it!"


    Olivia''s face changed, and she hurriedly exined, "Mr. Clemens, don''t misunderstand, I just..."


    At that moment, Andrew knocked on the door and came in with a document. Seeing Olivia there, he greeted, "Ms. Graham, you''re here!"


    "Yes," Olivia responded softly.


    Andrew sensed the tension and prepared to leave. He asked, "Should I... leave?"


    "You came... just in time," Micah said, turning to Andrew. "Yesterday, did Ss give... Sadie a hard time?"


    Olivia was dumbfounded. She had thought that by telling Micah about Sadie arguing with Ss, Micah would think Sadie was disrespectful to Ss and be disappointed in her. Unexpectedly, he actually questioned if Ss had given Sadie a hard time?

 Chapter 1417 Never Thought of Loving Anyone Else

    "There''s been a bit of a mix-up, but it''s all sorted now," Andrew said awkwardly, ncing at Olivia and speaking cautiously. "Should I fill you inter?" "Right now," Micah demanded.


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," Andrew replied, lowering his head. He exined, "Ss was pretty mad at Ms. James because of your illness. You got hurt saving her, and just as you were getting better, she upset you again, causing a rpse, so..." Andrew nced at Olivia and continued, "When Ms. James came back, Ss gave her a hard time, but then Noah and the others showed up and sorted things out."


    "What were you doing at the time?" Micah red at him coldly.


    "After getting off the ne, I took Annika to the hospital first," Andrew said weakly. "Annika''s condition was really critical, and someone had to..." "Enough," Micah cut him off. "Get out."


    "Okay, I''m going. If you need anything, just let me know." Andrew nodded and hurriedly left, not wanting to make him angrier.


    The atmosphere was tense, and Olivia didn''t dare to speak. She suddenly realized that Micah had seen right through her.


    She regretted losing herposure out of impatience. Now, it was backfiring, making Micah dislike her even more. What should she do?


    "At your dinner party, I will... give you... a big gift," Micah said seriously, looking at Olivia. "To thank you... for bringing Dr. Perez at a critical moment... and for your...panionship and care during this time." "Mr. Clemens, I..." Olivia started to speak.


    "Ms. Graham!" Micah interrupted her, continuing, "You are a... good girl. I know... your feelings, but I... am not right for you. We can... be just friends, but you shouldn''t... put your heart... on me anymore!" "No, Mr. Clemens, listen to me..." Olivia hurriedly argued.


    But Micah cut her off, "I''m tired." Then he closed his eyes wearily.


    His attitude clearly showed he was done talking, but Olivia wasn''t ready to give up.


    Her eyes were moist, and she held back her sorrow, controlling her emotions, and cautiously asked, "I know you''re very weak right now and not up for talking much. I just want to ask onest question." "Go ahead," Micah opened his eyes and looked at her.


    "Are you rejecting me because of Sadie?" Olivia''s tears welled up. She asked hopefully, "If it weren''t for her, would you like me?"


    "That''s two questions," Micah said seriously. "I don''t answer... hypothetical... questions, but I can tell you, Sadie is my first and only woman. Because of her, I learned to love. I never... thought about liking... any other woman! Not before, not now, and not in the future!"


    Olivia couldn''t hold back her tears anymore. She cried silently, biting her lower lip to keep from making a sound.


    She covered her face and quickly walked away, as if escaping from this unbearable truth.


    Micah watched her leave and couldn''t help but sigh. Finally, it was clear. Women were really troublesome; hopefully, this wouldn''t happen again. He closed his eyes, wanting to sleep.


    At that moment, the door was pushed open, and Sadie rushed in, asking excitedly, "Why did Olivia run out crying? What did you do to her?" Micah slowly opened his tired eyes, looked at her coldly, and said nothing.


    "Oh, you''re in this state, so naturally, you couldn''t have done anything to her," Sadie said, realizing the situation.


    Then she curiously asked, "Did you say something to her?"


    Micah got angry seeing her questioning look, red at her irritably, and didn''t want to respond.

 Chapter 1418 Speechless

    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Sadie leaned in, curiosity all over her face. "What exactly did you say to her?"


    "You''re noisy," Micah grumbled, frowning.


    "Let me guess," Sadie was on a mission now. "She confessed to you, and you turned her down?"


    Micah just closed his eyes, ignoring her.


    Sadie huffed, "No way, that''s not it. I saw you liked her. You even asked me to leave earlier, like you were protecting her."


    Jealousy crept into Sadie''s voice as she kept guessing, "Did you two have a fight? Was it because of me?"


    "Are you done yet?" Micah was about to lose it.


    "Fine, I''ll stop," Sadie yawned, lifting the nket and crawling in. "I''ll take a nap while the kids aren''t here."


    She had just settled in when she remembered something and quickly moved aside.


    Micah nudged her with his foot, "What were you trying to say earlier?"


    "What?" Sadie mumbled, hugging a pillow with her eyes closed. She was already half-asleep. She hadn''t slept well in days and was exhausted. "You... earlier... you called my name and said something..." Micah pressed. He really wanted to hear it again.


    He urged, "Come on, what was it?"


    "No, did I? I don''t remember," Sadie denied.


    "You..." Micah was so frustrated he could grind his teeth. If he were in better shape, he would''ve flipped her over and spanked her. But he couldn''t move. Sadie patted his shoulder gently, like soothing a child, and murmured, "Alright, go to sleep. The doctor said you need rest to recover."


    "Sadie, you..." Micah started, but Sadie was already asleep, snoring lightly.


    He stared at her in disbelief. Did she just fall asleep mid-conversation? Micah was speechless.


    But looking at her sleeping face, a faint smile crept onto his lips. She seemed like the old Sadie again, a bit silly and much more lively.


    This was good. At least she was by his side.


    Micah moved closer, letting her head rest on his shoulder. Sadie instinctively snuggled into his arms, breathing in his scent, and slept even more soundly. Micah rubbed his chin against her forehead, gently kissed her hair, and then gradually fell asleep too.


    Time passed quietly and beautifully. They did nothing, just cuddled and slept together, feeling very happy.


    In the afternoon, Sadie was awakened by the rm clock. She woke up with a start, hurriedly turned off the rm, afraid of waking Micah. But he woke up anyway. "Sorry, did I wake you?" Sadie rubbed her eyes and got out of bed.


    She said softly, "I promised to go to Hillside Vi tonight to cook for the kids. They''re almost out of school, so I need to hurry over."


    Micah frowned, "Why not stay here?"


    Sadie tied up her long hair and went to the bathroom to freshen up, replying, "Not just Noah, Nathan, and Mia, but also those three little girls. I haven''t spent time with them in a while." Micah said, "Bring them all over here." He didn''t want her to leave. He only felt secure when she was around.


    "Hmm?" Sadie was brushing her teeth and didn''t hear him.


    Micah had to wait until she came out to speak again.


    Soon, Sadie finished freshening up, wiped her face, and changed clothes behind the screen. She asked, "What did you say earlier?"


    Micah patiently repeated, "I said... bring those three little girls over here too."

 Chapter 1419 Say It Out Loud

    Sadie was taken aback. "Seriously? Those kids are Tristan''s, your arch-enemy!"


    Micah just stared at her, not saying a word.


    Sadie chuckled. "But those three adore you. They were begging to hear your stories earlier."


    Micah replied, dead serious, "Bring them over. I''ll tell them stories every day. No need for all this running around."


    Sadie smirked, teasing, "So, are we making up or what?"


    Micah red at her, frustrated. He knew she wanted him to say it out loud: "Come back, I beg you, stay with me, be the mistress of this house, don''t leave again." Sadie, always the clever one, knew exactly how to push his buttons.


    "Maybe I was overthinking," Sadie said, feigning disappointment. "You rest up. I''ll be at Hillside Vi with the kids for a few days. Andrew will keep youpany." "What?" Micah got flustered, speaking more quickly. "Who needs him? You cook and thene back."


    Sadie shook her head, "No can do, I promised to tell them stories." She grabbed her coat, changed her shoes, and headed out. "If you get bored, watch some TV," she added. "Sadie..." Micah started, but she was already gone, leaving him alone.


    Just then, Andrew walked in. "Mr. Clemens, Ms. James went back to Hillside Vi. I''ll be keeping youpany tonight..."


    Andrew stopped, seeing Micah''s furious re.


    Andrew gulped, "W-what''s wrong?"


    "Get out!" Micah shouted.


    Andrew hesitated, "Dahlia went to see Dr. Perez. If I leave, you''ll be alone. Let me stay. I promise, I won''t say a word." He mimed zipping his lips.


    Micah sighed, frustrated, tried to move, but his body was still stiff and sore. He had no choice but to stay put.


    Andrew quickly moved tofort him. "Don''t move. Just two more days, and you''ll be fine."


    But two days felt like an eternity to Micah.


    Sadie rushed back to Hillside Vi and started cooking dinner.


    She didn''t know many recipes, but she put her heart into it, and the kids loved it.


    Reba came over to help, making pizza and roast chicken, along with some of Brenda''s old recipes.


    In the evening, the kids came back.


    The table was already set with a feast. As soon as the kids got out of the car and smelled the food, they cheered and ran inside. Mia called out, "Mommy, Mommy!"


    The three little girls shouted, "Auntie, auntie!"


    The five kids chattered non-stop around Sadie, except for Noah, who quietly sat at the table, working on hisputer after washing his hands. "Alright, alright," Sadie said, holding the sd bowl high as she moved to the table with the kids in tow.


    After setting the bowl down, she wiped her hands and hugged the kids.


    "Nathan, Mia, be good. I made lots of yummy food. Go wash your hands first."


    Nathan and Mia replied together, "Okay, Mommy."


    "Mary, Emma, Donna,e here," Sadie called, hugging the three little girls. "Let me see, have you lost weight?"


    "I eat lots of bread, meat, and fruit every day," Mary said, counting on her fingers. "And a little cake, candy, and pizza."

 Chapter 1420 Not in Country E

    "Auntie, me too!" Emma squeezed into Sadie''s arms and said, "I eat so much every day, I''ve even gained two pounds." "Really? Let me hug you." Sadieughed and hugged Emma, "Oh my, you really have gained weight. Good job, Emma!" Sadie turned to Donna, "Donna, what about you?"


    Unlike Mary and Emma, Donna didn''t rush to show off. She stood quietly to the side, and now that Sadie asked her, her nose twitched, and her eyes turned red. She choked up, "Auntie." "What''s wrong, sweetie?" Sadie quickly hugged her and asked anxiously, "Why are you crying? Did someone bully you?"


    "Auntie, I miss Mommy." Donna shook her head and choked up, "When can we see Mommy?"


    Hearing this, Mary and Emma''s eyes also turned red, and then tears started to fall.


    Sadie murmured, "Good girls, don''t cry." She quickly hugged the three children but didn''t know how tofort them.


    She had left Country E with the three children over two months ago. Although the children were young, they always remembered their mother.


    However, up until now, there was no urate news about Tristan, and the children''s mother waspletely out of touch. Sadie really didn''t know how to exin it to them.


    Sadie soothed, "Mary, Emma, Donna, don''t cry. I will definitely help you find your mommy and daddy."


    At this moment, Mia came over tofort the three little girls. "Don''t cry, it''ll be okay."


    "I want to find Mommy." Donna said with her head down, sobbing, "I want to call Mommy."


    "Do you remember your mommy''s phone number?" Sadie said as she quickly took out her phone, "Tell me the number, and I''ll call for you."


    "I''ll do it myself." Donna insisted as she took Sadie''s phone and dialed a number.


    However, the call couldn''t go through.


    Donna cried even harder, "Mommy doesn''t want us anymore."


    Mary and Emma immediately started crying too. "Mommy."


    Sadie panicked and hurriedlyforted them, "Don''t cry. How about this, I''ll start looking for your mommy today. We will definitely find her."


    Sadie thought, ''The three little girls'' mommy should be an ordinary girl. Maybe because of her status, Tristan doesn''t marry her. So, after he got into trouble, he might have sent her somewhere to avoid implicating her. However, as long as I know her phone number, I should be able to find her.''


    Even if Sadie couldn''t, there were still Jesse and Terry. They must have some clues.


    "Really, auntie?" The children, filled with hope, immediately beamed with joy.


    "Of course it''s true." Sadie kissed the three children''s little faces, reassuring, "I keep my promises!"


    "Auntie, you''re so nice." The children hugged Sadie, moved.


    Sadie said softly, "Alright, go wash your hands with Mia, and thene back to eat." She asked Mia to take the three little girls to wash their hands, with a few maids following them.


    The dining room quieted down, and Sadie took off her apron, ready to sit at the table.


    "Mommy, have a seat!" Nathan offered, very gentlemanly, pulled out a chair for Sadie.


    Sadie sat down and noticed Noah was still focused on hisputer. Curious, she asked, "Noah, what are you working on?"


    "I''m looking for Uncle Tristan." Noah replied as he pushed theputer toward Sadie, "I found out that he is not in Country E at all."


    "What?" Sadie was stunned and quickly asked, "How did you find that out?"


    Noah answered, "When we were in Country E, I was working on an invention rted to a positioning system. During my experiments, I identally linked Uncle Tristan''s phone and the phones of people around him."


    He paused, then continued, "Although his phone was abandoned after he got into trouble, I tracked itsst location to the international airport. Then, I used the locations of other people to trace step by step and confirmed that he is not in Country E."

 Chapter 1421 Their Mommy Is a Superwoman

    "Really? Where is he now?" Sadie asked urgently.


    "No clue," Noah replied, shaking his head with a frustrated frown. "I''m still trying to figure it out."


    Sadie muttered, "If he''s not in Country E, then where could he be?" She was super confused.


    Could he have been taken somewhere else after everything went down?


    Noah sighed, "Uncle Tristan is super careful. Tracking him down is tough. This is the hardest thing I''ve ever had to do!"


    Sadie almostughed out loud. "You''re not even seven, talking like you''ve seen it all."


    Noah scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "By the way, Mom, weren''t you helping those three little girls find their mom? Give me her phone number, and I''ll see if I can track it." "The phone''s off," Sadie said, pulling out the number and handing it to him. "You didn''t link it to any location services before, so you probably can''t track it, right?"


    Noah said, "I''ll give it a shot." He jotted down the number and entered it into the system. He couldn''t find anything, but he wasn''t ready to give up just yet. Just then, the three little girls came back. They asked, "Auntie, we''re hungry. Can we eat now?"


    "Of course you can," Sadie said, quickly lifting them into their high chairs. "Sit tight, let''s dig in. I made lots of yummy food today, including your favorite pizza." The three little girls were practically drooling. They cheered, "Awesome, we love it!"


    The maid helped roll up their sleeves, put on cute little piggy bibs, and served their food. Then the whole family happily started their dinner.


    "Noah, eat first," Sadie said, handing Noah a slice of pizza.


    Noah had to put down hisputer and go wash his hands before eating.


    When the family was together, it was always lively and joyful. They chatted while eating dinner, talking about fun things that happened at school. Recently, the three little girls had been too bored at home, so they started going to the early education center at Noah''s elementary school. Since they were too young for kindergarten, they just yed with other kids at the early education center every day.


    Even though they were young, they were super smart and knew a lot, so they often found the other kids too childish.


    Today, Donna even brought Little Coco to the early education center, attracting a crowd of kids who all wanted to touch Little Coco''s feathers.


    Little Coco was so overwhelmed by the kids that it flew up to the roof and wouldn''te down. It wasn''t until Nathan and Mia came to pick them up after school that they managed to coax Little Coco down. Sadie couldn''t help butugh as she patted Little Coco''s head tofort it. "Little Coco, you had a rough day."


    Little Coco nodded its green head sadly, looking like it was about to cry.


    Donna announced loudly, licking her lips while holding a small spoon. "So we decided not to bring Little Coco to the early education center tomorrow. We''re going to bring Coco instead!"


    Sadie almost spat out her soup. She said, "No, you can''t bring Coco to school. It will scare the other kids."


    Mary tilted her head adorably and said, "It won''t. Coco is very well-behaved and listens to us. It won''t scare anyone."


    "Yeah, my mommy''s eagle is scarier than Coco. Coco is very gentle," Emma mumbled through a mouthful of chicken wing.


    "My mommy even has a pet python, and a big leopard!" Donna added nonchntly after swallowing a bite of pizza. Sadie was stunned, thinking, ''Who exactly is their mother?''


    "You can''t believe everything kids say," Nathan said dismissively. "They also said their mommy is a superwoman."

 Chapter 1422 Found a Clue

    "Their mom is so mysterious," Mia chuckled, "I bet they mixed up TV characters."


    "Could be," Noah agreed, not buying a word from the three little girls. "Science says kids at two and a half can''t really remember stuff clearly. They mix up real life and stories." "Yeah, that''s true," Sadie nodded. "Sweeties, listen up. You can''t bring Coco to school, okay? Be good!"


    The three little girls nodded, a bit bummed out. "Okay, we''ll listen."


    "Good job!" Sadie patted their heads. "I''ll find a way to contact your mommy, don''t worry!"


    "Thanks, auntie," they said.


    After dinner, Sadie yed with the kids in the garden for a bit, then went to their room to tell them a story. Once they were asleep, she went to her room to call Terry. Sadie had said she''d stay at Hillside Vi for a few days, not just to be with the kids, but mainly to find Riley ASAP.


    Lately, she''d been with Micah, looking happy on the outside but super anxious inside.


    Andrew had told her Gabrie''s surgery would only keep Micah stable for a month. After that, who knew?


    Days were ticking by, and they still hadn''t found Riley. She was really worried. That was why she came back to Hillside Vi to figure something out.


    When she couldn''t reach Terry, she called Jesse. It took a while for him to pick up.


    "Ms. James, what''s up?" Jesse answered.


    "I tried calling Terry, but no luck. Is he busy?" Sadie asked.


    "Probably," Jesse sounded a bit troubled. "Ms. James, Terry told me today that given the current situation, it might not be a good time to look for Riley." "Why? This is life or death," Sadie said, worried.


    "Who''s sick?" Jesse asked, confused.


    Sadie didn''t answer. She didn''t want to say it was Micah. Even though Jesse had been saved by Micah before and might not mind, Terry was a different story.


    Micah had fought hard with Tristan before. Now that Tristan was in trouble, how could they risk helping Micah find Riley?


    "Is it Mr. Clemens?" Jesse guessed.


    "Yeah," Sadie decided toe clean. "He''s been poisoned because of me, and he''s the father of my kids. I can''t ignore this."


    "I get it, but..." Jesse seemed torn. "How about this, I''ll talk to Terry again and see if we can figure something out. Meanwhile, you should look for another doctor too." "Thanks. Please have Terry call me when he can," Sadie said.


    "Alright," Jesse agreed.


    After hanging up, Sadie felt uneasy. She guessed Terry might have figured out she wanted to save Micah, which was why he had refused.


    Plus, Terry was probably with Tristan now, so Tristan likely knew too. But given his current situation, he probably didn''t want to deal with this.


    If she could see Tristan, she could plead with him in person, but she hadn''t been able to meet him or contact him directly, which made things tough.


    Sadie sighed deeply, feeling really frustrated.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Noah''s voice called out, "Mommy!"


    "Noah,e in," Sadie quickly replied.


    Noah walked in with aptop, looking excited. "I found out the three girls'' mom is in our country."


    "Really? Which city?" Sadie asked eagerly.


    "Not sure yet, but I found out she entered the country," Noah said, showing Sadie a bunch of graphs. "I think she''s with Tristan."


    Sadie said, "So, if we find her, we''ll find Tristan?"

 Chapter 1423 Pretentious Man

    Noah nodded. "Yeah, maybe, but we can''t be sure! Finding the girls'' mom is definitely easier than finding Tristan."


    Sadie thought for a moment and said, "Let''s start with her. Even if we don''t find Tristan, at least we can help the girls find their mom."


    Noah looked at theputer, determined. "Exactly. I''ll figure something out, but it might take a bit."


    "No rush, I''ll wait." Sadie cupped his face and kissed him. "You''re amazing, kiddo!"


    Noah blushed. "Mom,e on, I''m not a kid anymore."


    "Oh, still shy, huh?" Sadie teased,ughing. "You''ll always be my son, no matter how old you get."


    "Stop teasing me," Noah said, hugging theputer and running out.


    Sadieughed heartily. They hadn''t found the person yet, but Noah had made progress, which was good news. She believed they would soon find Riley and cure Micah. With that good mood, Sadie slept soundly that night.


    But over at Half Mountain Vi, Micah couldn''t sleep.


    He was fuming all night, ring at Andrew on the sofa and finding excuses to snap at him.


    Andrew was miserable, silently praying Micah would fall asleep so he could too.


    But it was past one in the morning, and Micah was still awake. He wanted to turn over but couldn''t move and was about to lose his temper.


    Andrew weakly suggested, "How about I go get Ms. James back?"


    Micah''s anger paused, and his expression softened, though he tried to stay indifferent. "I didn''t say that."


    After a day of rest, he was more spirited and spoke more fluently.


    "Of course, you didn''t think of that." Andrew, being clever, followed his lead. "I just wanted to visit Annika at the hospital, so I thought of bringing her back." "What? Now that you have a girlfriend, you don''t care about your boss?" Micah red at him coldly.


    "I wouldn''t dare." Andrew silentlymented. He was clearly helping Micah, yet Micah was still bullying him.


    He said, "Of course, guarding the boss is more important. So, should I not go get her?"


    "Go get her." Micah almost blurted out but then changed his tone. "Otherwise, you''ll me me for not being considerate of you as a boss!" "How could I dare..." Andrew started to speak but, seeing Micah''s expression change, quickly corrected himself. "I''ll go get her right away." "Call her right here, on speaker," Micah demanded. He really wanted to hear how Sadie would respond.


    "Yes," Andrew nodded and tried dialing Sadie''s number, muttering to himself, "I wonder if Ms. James is asleep; it''s already past one in the morning." The phone was connecting, and the "beep beep" waiting tone tugged at Micah''s heart.


    He stared at Andrew''s phone, hoping to hear Sadie''s voice.


    But one second, two seconds, five, ten, twenty seconds passed. The call was disconnected. Micah''s heart sank.


    "It seems Ms. James is asleep." Andrew looked at him and suggested cautiously, "Should I call again?"


    "No need," Micah said, a bit gloomy and a bit angry. Sadie was sleeping soundly without him, showing she didn''t care about him at all. "Maybe Ms. James wille back first thing in the morning," Andrew cautiouslyforted him. "Even if she doesn''t, she''ll call me back." "Who cares if she calls back or not," Micah said irritably. "Go to sleep."


    "Yes." Andrew breathed a sigh of relief, put down the phone, and prepared to sleep.


    Micah said, "If she calls back in the morning, just say you called her yourself; it has nothing to do with me."


    The more Micah thought about it, the angrier he got, and he started to lose his temper again.


    He med, "It''s all your fault. I was about to fall asleep, and you had to make a call!"


    Andrew''s mouth twitched, feeling speechless.

 Chapter 1424 Ms. James Will Be Back Soon

    The next morning, Sadie woke up to find a missed call from Andrew. She freaked out a bit and called him back right away. "Hey, Andrew, did you call mest night? What''s up? Is Micah worse?" she asked, her voice full of worry.


    "No, no," Andrew said, ncing at Micah and choosing his words carefully. "I just wanted to check on Annika. I called to see if you were awake, and if you were, I was gonna ask you toe back and keep an eye on Mr. Clemens." "Oh, you scared me," Sadie sighed in relief. "I thought something bad happened to him."


    "He''s okay," Andrew started, but then quickly corrected himself after seeing Micah''s expression. "Well, he was finest night, but this morning he''s not feeling too great again."


    "What happened?" Sadie asked, her anxiety spiking. "Did you call the doctor? I''ming over right now."


    "Yeah, let''s talk when you get here," Andrew replied.


    After hanging up, Andrew noticed the satisfied smile on Micah''s face and knew his n had worked. He let out a sigh of relief. "Ms. James will be back soon to keep youpany, so..."


    Micah cut him off, surprisingly agreeable. "Once she''s back, you can go be with Annika. You shouldn''t leave your girlfriend alone in the hospital; that''s not cool."


    Andrew''s face lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Clemens," he said, genuinely grateful.


    "But be careful with your words," Micah reminded him. "I didn''t force her toe back."


    "Got it, I understand!" Andrew nodded eagerly.


    Micah grumbled, "Help me freshen up first. I''ve been lying here for days and must smell awful."


    Andrew nodded. "Okay."


    Sadie didn''t even have time for breakfast with the kids and rushed back to Half Mountain Vi.


    She jumped out of the car, dashed upstairs, and burst into the room, looking all flustered.


    "Micah..." She stopped, stunned.


    Micah was lying in bed, casually munching on pizza made by Reba.


    As soon as he saw Sadie, he quickly put on a serious face and pretended to be weak. "No appetite... take it away..."


    Andrew hurriedly took the pizza away, acting all worried. "Mr. Clemens, what will we do if you can''t eat anything every day?"


    "What happened?" Sadie asked, rushing over. "Is the wound hurting again? Or are there other symptoms? Andrew, did you call the doctor?"


    Andrew sighed. "It''s just the wound hurting so much he couldn''t sleep all night. I suggested calling the doctor, but Mr. Clemens refused."


    "How can you not call the doctor? Call Dr. Perez right now," Sadie urged, her voice rising with concern.


    "I did," Andrew said, ncing at Micah. Pretending to be downcast, he added, "Dr. Perez said she''s done all she can, and now there''s nothing more she can do. We just have to endure it." "Isn''t there any pain medication?" Sadie asked, looking at Micah with deep concern.


    "The pain medication isn''t working anymore," Andrew replied, sounding more pitiful. "The main issue is the deep wound on his head."


    Micah dry-coughed a few times, signaling Andrew to stop. He had only been hit by a vase, but Andrew''s description made it sound like he was on the brink of death, and Sadie might start to get suspicious. Of course, at this moment, he didn''t know that Sadie already knew his true condition.


    "It''s all my fault," Sadie said, her voice heavy with guilt. "You can''t eat pizza; you shouldn''t have greasy food these days. I''ll make you some porridge."


    With that, she turned to leave.


    "Ms. James," Andrew quickly stepped in. "I''ll have Reba do it. You stay with Mr. Clemens."


    Sadie hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay, fine," she agreed, sitting down by Micah''s bedside. She gently touched his forehead, her brow furrowing with concern. "Let me see, do you have a fever?" Micah managed a weak smile. "I won''t die," he muttered, though his voicecked its usual strength.


    Despite his words, Micah still looked extremely fragile. He had noticed that the weaker he pretended to be, the more worried Sadie became. Seeing her worry made him very happy.

 Chapter 1425 Watch Me Ruin the Clemens Family

    When Sadie heard him say that, she felt a pang of sadness, her nose tingled, and she couldn''t help but hug him tightly.


    She was super anxious and sad. She was just pretending not to worry about him because she didn''t want him to know she was already aware of his illness.


    In reality, she was counting down the days. The one-month deadline Gabrie mentioned now had only 26 days left. She had to get Riley to Half Mountain Vi within those 26 days. Otherwise, Micah would really be in danger.


    "I''m fine," Micah said, seeing Sadie like that and panicking a bit, wondering if he had overdone it. He quickly added, "I was just teasing you."


    Sadie didn''t say anything, just held him, burying her face in his shoulder, not daring to let him see the tears in her eyes.


    Micah felt uneasy. Did she know something?


    "If that vase hadn''t hit you, you wouldn''t be like this," Sadie said, her voice filled with deep regret.


    She couldn''t shake the thought that if the vase hadn''t struck Micah, he would be in better shape, with less risk involved.


    "Yeah, I did it to save you," Micah replied, seizing the moment. "So you have to take responsibility for me!"


    Sadieughed softly, gently pinching his cheek. "You said the same thingst time in the hospital. How do you want me to take responsibility? Take care of you? Aren''t I taking care of you now?" "Not just now," Micah said, his tone turning serious. "I want you to take care of me forever, until I die!"


    "Stop talking nonsense," Sadie snapped, her expression hardening. "Don''t talk about dying."


    "I..." Micah began.


    "I''m telling you, if you die," Sadie interrupted, her voice rising with anger, "I''ll take our kids and marry another man. I''ll make sure they call someone else daddy."


    Micah''s eyes red with anger, his face flushing. "How dare you?" he growled, his gaze intense enough to almost spit fire.


    "Just watch me," Sadie deliberately provoked him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Not only that, I''ll spend your money, live in your house. Anyway, there''s no one left in the Clemens Family; all the assets belong to my kids. I''ll spend it however I want."


    "Sadie, you..." Micah''s face flushed with anger. He wanted to hit her, but his whole body was stiff, and he couldn''t move at all.


    "What?" Sadie pulled his cheek and said fiercely, "You can''t even move now. I can do whatever I want to you."


    "You..." Micah was so angry he was about to explode, his eyes almost popping out.


    "Angry? If you''re angry, then get better quickly!" Sadie saw his angry and helpless look and wanted tough, but she continued to threaten him.


    "Cooperate with the treatment, live well, so you can argue and fight with me in the future. Otherwise, you''ll just have to watch me ruin the Clemens Family!"


    Hearing this, Micah''s anger instantly dissipated, and he was touched. He struggled to extend his stiff hand and pulled her into his arms.


    He knew she was provoking him, she wanted him to live well, so she said these things to provoke him.


    Maybe she already knew his real condition, maybe she was worried something would happen to him.


    He didn''t want to ask, didn''t dare to ask, and didn''t want to expose it.


    No matter what, it was good to have her by his side, it was good that she loved him.


    At this moment, Reba knocked on the door and came in. Seeing the two tightly embracing, she quickly turned around, hurriedly saying, "Sorry, I''ll leave now." "Wait a minute." Sadie hurried over to greet her, "Reba, give me the porridge."


    "Okay, Ms. James," Reba smiled at her apologetically, put the porridge on the table, and then left in a hurry.


    "Alright, time to drink the porridge," Sadie said, scooping a bowl of steaming porridge.


    She sat by the bed and gently brought a spoonful to Micah''s lips. "Be good, open your mouth."


    Micah frowned, feeling a wave of frustration wash over him. He thought to himself, ''This is miserable, having porridge every day!''

 Chapter 1426 Stalemate

    For the next couple of days, Sadie was all about taking care of Micah. But every evening, she''d head back to Hillside Vi to have dinner with the kids.


    After dinner, she''d hang out with the kids, tell them a story, and then head back to Half Mountain Vi to be with Micah.


    One morning, she took some time to visit Annika and Serena at the hospital. Annika was doing okay and had made things official with Andrew.


    Andrew made sure to visit her every day, taking care of her with so much love and care. Even Arya was a bit jealous.


    Andrew might not be as young and dreamy as Rodolfo, but he had this solid, dependable vibe.


    Their love started because they faced life and death together. Now, having gone through it again, they really knew how to cherish each other. Sadie was genuinely happy for them, seeing their strong bond. As for Serena, after Gabrie''s surgery, she was getting better too. But Gabrie mentioned that Serena''s recovery would take time and couldn''t be rushed.


    Jonny stayed hopeful and even made a special trip to thank Sadie and Micah, showing his gratitude.


    Things seemed to be looking up, but there was still no sign of Tristan and Riley. Now, even Terry and Jesse were out of touch.


    Noah''s tracking efforts hit a wall, and he was stuck. He said it was the toughest problem he''d ever faced!


    Sadie didn''t want to push him and tried to contact Jesse, but soon realized that doing so might expose their location and put Tristan in danger.


    For the moment, they were at an impasse.


    Sadie worried every day but had to act strong and cheerful in front of Micah and the kids to keep the mood light.


    When Andrew heard about the situation, his hope was crushed again, and he was really anxious. He started looking for renowned doctors to see if there were any other experts who could help. Five days flew by. Micah was doing much better; he could get out of bed and take care of himself, but he still had to be careful with his diet.


    Sadie made different kinds of porridge for him every day. At first, he liked it, but soon he got so sick of it that just seeing porridge made him want to puke.


    Sometimes he''d sneak other food behind Sadie''s back, but the staff always told on him.


    Sadie would storm over,dle in hand, hands on her hips, looking like an angry little wildcat.


    Micah would quickly shove the food in front of Andrew and even give him a hard p on the back of his head.


    He''d scold, "Andrew, you''re always sneaking food and trying to get me to eat with you. Do you think I''m that kind of person?"


    Andrew''s mouth would twitch, almost in tears, but he''d admit it. "It''s my greediness, I wanted to eat, it''s my fault."


    "You,e here." Sadie red at Micah, then reminded him patiently, "It''s not that you can''t eat, but you can''t eat just anything right now, understand? Your wound hasn''t healed yet."


    "Got it, got it." Micah nodded repeatedly, very obedient.


    Sadie smiled. "Good! Come downstairs and have some porridge." She stood on tiptoe, kissed his chin, and then left first.


    Micah sighed helplessly, turned his head, and looked longingly at the pizza in front of Andrew, feeling super bummed.


    He thought, ''Really, what''s the use of having money? Without good health, I can''t enjoy anything. Health is still the most important!'' Micah was thinking about these truths.


    In the past, Raymond would nag him about this every day, and he found it annoying, thinking he''d never have such worries.


    He even thought that when he was seventy or eighty, he''d still be healthy and strong.


    But now, his body was already having problems.

 Chapter 1427 Hosting a Grand Banquet

    The tough days dragged on for another three days, but Micah''s condition got way better. He was not only moving around freely but also finding a few hours each day to handle his work. Dahlia had a video call with Gabrie to chat about how Micah was doing. Gabrie mentioned that Micah could pretty much eat normally now, as long as he didn''t get hurt again or overdo it. Dahlia shared the good news with Micah, who was thrilled and immediately told Reba to whip up some steak, roast turkey, and all sorts of delicious food.


    Reba quickly informed the kitchen staff to get cooking.


    Micah was in a great mood today and told Rodolfo to pick up the kids. He wanted all six of them toe to Half Mountain Vi for dinner tonight and nned to take them to the mountain top for fireworks after dinner. Rodolfo got on it right away and casually mentioned that Annika was being discharged today and that Andrew and the others would be home soon.


    Hearing this, Micah invited everyone over and asked the staff to set up the garden restaurant, deciding to throw a joint dinner party for both Half Mountain Vi and Hillside Vi.


    Rodolfo was excited and quickly went to extend the invitations.


    Reba and the staff were also thrilled and immediately started preparing. It had been a while since they had hosted a party, and everyone was eager for some fun.


    In no time, Half Mountain Vi was buzzing with activity, like there was something big to celebrate, with everyone busy.


    Some were decorating the vi, others were shopping, some were prepping ingredients, and a few were picking up the kids.


    Sadie watched the lively scene and saw how happy everyone was. Even the usually cool Micah had a rare smile on his face, so she couldn''t bring herself to stop them. "Are you happy?" Micah asked, holding Sadie as they watched the staff decorate the yard.


    Sadie smiled, a bit forced. "Of course."


    Another eight days had passed, and there were only 18 days left until the date Gabrie mentioned, yet there was still no news of Riley. She really couldn''t feel happy. Although Micah seemed quite spirited these days, he was actually still losing weight and was now even thinner than before he got injured, which pained her to see him like this.


    But he didn''t seem to mind at all. Instead, he had be more optimistic and cheerful, kinder and more approachable to everyone, and he didn''t scold Andrew and Rodolfo as much anymore. Perhaps he knew he didn''t have much time left. Thinking of this, Sadie felt deeply saddened.


    Micah, in his good mood, made a request to Sadie. "I remember you made a dish before that was really delicious. Aren''t you nning to show off your skills again today?"


    "Do I need you to tell me?" Sadie rolled her eyes at him and added with a smile, "I''ve already asked Reba to help prepare the ingredients. Once Andrew is back, I''ll start cooking."


    Micahughed. "That''s great!" He was particrly happy tonight, as if he was really celebrating something.


    Nathan and Mia called out, "Daddy, Mommy."


    The three little girls called out, "Auntie, Uncle Micah!"


    At this moment, Rodolfo and Arya returned with the kids, and the yard instantly became lively as a group of children ran toward them.


    Micah bent down and opened his arms to them. Nathan and Mia were about to jump into his arms but were stopped by Noah. "Be careful of Dad''s injury!"


    The two kids came to a sudden halt, standing in ce, unsure of what to do.


    Meanwhile, the three little girls had already jumped into Sadie''s arms, chattering andpeting to tell her about the interesting things that happened today. Coco circled overhead, letting out a few aggrieved cries beforending on a tree branch.


    Micah called to the children. "Noah, Nathan, Mia,e here!"


    The three children walked over and carefully jumped into his arms, making sure not to touch his wound.


    "Daddy, are you feeling better?" Mia asked softly, holding Micah''s face with her small hands. "Does the wound still hurt?"

 Chapter 1428 The Banquet

    "All better, no more pain," Micah said, flexing his arm muscles on purpose. "Check out these guns!"


    Mia cheered, "Wow, that''s awesome! Daddy, you''re awesome!"


    "I can practice piano with you now." Micah gave Mia''s cheek a yful pinch and then hugged Nathan. "And Nathan, I can y ser with you too."


    He turned to Noah and said gently, "And Noah, if you have any new problems, just let me know."


    Sadie, worried Micah might be ufortable crouching for too long, quickly stepped in to shoo the kids away. "Alright. Noah, Nathan, Mia, take your cousins on a tour. It''s their first time here, and you guys are the little hosts, so show them around."


    "Okay!" Nathan and Mia nodded eagerly and took the three little girls to explore the yard.


    Noah looked at Micah, hesitated, but then said, "Dad, I''ll go help with the girls too."


    Micah gave him a gentle pat on the butt andughed. "Go on, have fun."


    Noah ran off with a smile, but inside, he felt sad. He knew Sadie was sending them away on purpose, and he also knew Micah''s illness hadn''t really improved.


    Micah asked, "Why''d you send them away?" As he stood up, he felt dizzy and almost fell, but Sadie caught him just in time.


    To calm him down, she pretended to be rxed and said, "See, your leg''s gone numb, right?"


    She added, "Think about it. After that vase hit you, you lost so much blood. Now you''re anemic. Of course, you''d feel dizzy after crouching for so long."


    They both knew it was because of his weakened body, but neither of them said it out loud.


    "You''re not old yet, why are you so naggy?" Micah rolled his eyes at her but then put his arm around her shoulder and whispered suggestively, "I''ve got my strength back. Tonight, we can..." "Andrew and Annika are back," Sadie suddenly interrupted him and hurried over.


    Micah''s words were left hanging, and he stood there awkwardly.


    But seeing Sadie happily greeting the people from Hillside Vi for the dinner party, he smiled. Her happiness was his happiness.


    After everyone worked hard to prepare, the dinner party finally began.


    Tonight, for a rare asion, Micah invited the bodyguards and servants to join them at the table. He raised his ss and said, "Thanks for all your hard work!"


    In his twenty-eight years, he had never been so approachable.


    The bodyguards and servants who didn''t know the full story were touched, while those who did felt endless sorrow.


    They knew Micah was doing this because he didn''t have much time left. He wanted to thank these loyal people before he left.


    Behind this seemingly happy asion was endless sadness. But he bore it all alone, not wanting anyone to know.


    Sadie felt a pang of sorrow but still raised her ss with a smile.


    Andrew and a few informed attendants did the same, pretending to know nothing.


    Everyone was ttered and quickly stood up to respond. "Thank you, Mr. Clemens!"


    "Please, sit down." Micah gestured for everyone to sit. He announced, "We''re all family here, so rx and enjoy!"


    The three little girls pped their hands and cheered. "Yay, we can finally eat!"


    The atmosphere immediately became lively. Music started ying, and the dinner party officially began.


    Everyone enjoyed their meal happily. Sadie cut a piece of steak for Micah and said gently, "I cooked this myself. Try it." Micah was a bit surprised. He raised an eyebrow. "You cooked this? I thought you could only make a few simple dishes." He took a bite and praised, "Oh, it tastes really good!"


    Sadie smiled. "As long as you like it. I burned several steaks before I got this one right."

 Chapter 1429 A Family

    Micah gazed at Sadie with a soft smile. "You know, you don''t have to go all out. As long as there''s food, it doesn''t matter who cooks it."


    Sadie shot back yfully, "But I want to cook for you. Is that a problem?"


    Micah chuckled. "Alright, whatever you say."


    He had mellowed out a lot; gone were the days of being overbearing. Life''s too short to waste on arguments. He just wanted her to be happy by his side. Her happiness was his happiness. Sadie nced over at Annika and Andrew, Arya and Rodolfo, then leaned in to Micah. "Can we talk? I''ve already given the green light for these two couples to date. Any objections?" Micah sighed, "You''ve already decided. What can I say? You''ve got Half Mountain Vi and Hillside Vi under your thumb now!"


    Sadie grinned. "You don''t seem thrilled about it." "Convince me with some sincerity," Micah teased. Sadie blinked, confused. "What kind of sincerity?"


    Micah leaned in, his hand brushing her arm. "What do you think?"


    Realizing his meaning, Sadie quickly pulled away. "You''re still recovering. Don''t get any ideas."


    "I''m fine," Micah said, pressing her hand to his chest so she could feel his steady heartbeat.


    "Stop it," Sadie blushed. "People are watching."


    "Then let''s wait until we''re back in the room," Micah teased, giving her cheek a yful pinch before returning to his meal. Everyone was in high spirits tonight, even the servants had a bit of wine.


    The kids, after eating, ran off to y. Arya and Rodolfo kept an eye on them but couldn''t help sneaking nces at each other. Andrew was doting on Annika but kept checking to see if Micah needed anything.


    Micah noticed and said, "Your job tonight is to take care of the guests."


    "Yes, Mr. Clemens," Andrew replied, grateful. Micah could be tough, but he had his considerate moments.


    "Annika, how''s your wound healing?" Sadie asked with concern.


    "It''s healing well, Ms. James. Don''t worry," Annika smiled. "But you look like you''ve lost weight."


    Sadie touched her face. "Really?"


    "You''ve been taking care of me, working too hard," Micah raised his ss to her, joking, "Eating porridge with me every day must''ve made you lose a few pounds."


    "Are you saying I''m mistreating you?" Sadieughed. "You''ve been on porridge for so long. Starting today, you can eat other things, but no spicy food and less alcohol." "She''s not even old yet, and she''s already nagging," Micah pointed at Sadie and asked Annika and the others, "How do you put up with her?"


    "Ms. James is amazing," Annika quickly defended. "I won''t find a better boss."


    "Mr. Clemens is great too," Andrew added instinctively.


    Annika shot him a look that said, "Are youpeting with me?"


    Andrew quickly looked away, not daring to meet her eyes.


    Sadieughed at their yful banter.


    "We''re all great," Micah said, trying to ease the tension. "We''re all family, no need topete."


    "Who says I''m family with you?" Sadie retorted but smiled.


    Micah cupped the back of her head, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply.

 Chapter 1430 Getting Married

    After the banquet, everyone piled into their cars and headed up to the mountain to set off fireworks. Andrew had brought a ton of them, and they all lit them up together at the peak. The sky exploded with color, lighting up Frost Peak Mountain.


    The kids were jumping around, pping, and screaming with joy.


    Little Coco was hiding in Mia''s hoodie, shaking with fear, but every now and then, it would poke its head out to peek at the sky.


    Coco was perched on a branch, looking all calm and collected, but its ws were trembling a bit, giving away its fear.


    Animals always freak out over fireworks, but no matter how old people get, fireworks are always a st to watch.


    Rodolfo and Arya, Andrew and Annika, were all caught up in the romance of the moment.


    Arya pointed at the sky, shouting like a little kid. "I heard if you make a wish when the sky''s full of fireworks, it''lle true. Let''s make a wish!"


    So everyone followed her lead and made a wish. Sadie crossed her hands over her chest, closed her eyes, and made a wish.


    Micah held Sadie, quietly watching the fireworks, a faint smile on his lips, but his eyes were losing their sparkle.


    He''d been groomed to be an heir since he was eight, and now, twenty yearster, he''d made a name for himself, dominating the business world with pride, never losing, never fearing anything.


    But now, he was scared. Scared that all this happiness was just a dream, scared it would shatter, scared he wouldn''t live much longer and would have to leave his kids and Sadie.


    For the first time, Micah, who never believed in fate, made a wish on the fireworks, hoping desperately that he could keep on living. He still had so much to do and so much love to give. He didn''t want to die! "I''m done!" Sadie whispered. She opened her eyes and stood on tiptoe to kiss Micah.


    "What did you wish for?" Micah asked, looking at her tenderly, the glow of the fireworks making her look even more enchanting.


    Sadie smiled lovingly at Micah. "I wished that we would always be together!"


    Micah stayed silent, just held her tightly. He wanted to tell her he might not be around much longer, that she might have to support the family on her own.


    But he couldn''t bear to break this happiness. Even if it was selfish, he wanted to cling to this fleeting joy.


    Sadie held Micah, feeling a bit sad again, but she tried to control her emotions, raised a smiling face, and softly asked, "Micah, do you still want to marry me?"


    This time, amidst the noisy fireworks, Micah clearly heard the words. He replied seriously, "I do!"


    He didn''t doubt his ears, nor did he continue to ask, but seized the moment to say the words he''d hidden in his heart for more than two years, seriously. "Let''s get married again. I''ll give you aplete wedding!" Sadie choked up. "Okay!" She was moved to tears.


    No matter what the future held, she wanted to cherish the present. Even if it was just a day, two days, a month, they wanted to be together and make the most of it!


    This decision made both of them happy, and Micah immediately shouted, "Andrew!"


    "Yes!" Andrew answered and quickly walked over, "Mr. Clemens."


    "Tomorrow, no, start preparing for the wedding now. I''m getting married!" Micah said loudly, wanting everyone to hear.


    Andrew was stunned for a moment, then excitedly stammered, "Really? You two are really getting married?"


    Micah red at him and urged, "Of course. Hurry up and prepare!"


    Andrew nodded repeatedly. "Yes, I''ll get right on it."

 Chapter 1431 Together Forever

    Everyone was stoked to hear the good news. They all cheered, "That''s awesome!"


    Mia pped her tiny hands,ughing and crying at the same time. "That''s awesome! Daddy and Mommy are finally getting married!"


    "I''m gonna be the first kid in our ss to go to my parents'' wedding," Nathan said, buzzing with excitement. "I''m inviting all my girlfriends to the banquet!"


    Noah didn''t say a word, just looked at Micah and Sadie with tears in his eyes and a big, happy smile. He''d been waiting for this day forever.


    The three little girls were perched on a big rock, watching the fireworks. When they heard the news, their eyes went wide with curiosity. "Arya, what''s marriage?" they asked. "Marriage is..." Arya thought for a moment and then exined, "It''s when two people decide to be together forever and never split up."


    "Wow, so can Emma, Donna, and I get married too?" Mary asked, resting her chin on her hand.


    "No," Arya quickly said. "Marriage is a promise between two adults who love each other to always be together!"


    "Oh," the three little girls said, still curious. Emma asked, "Can our Daddy and Mommy get married too?"


    "Of course, if they want to," Arya replied with a smile.


    "But Daddy doesn''t seem to like us," Mary said, feeling a bit sad. She pouted, "He always fights with Mommy."


    "They''re not like Uncle Micah and Auntie, who kiss and hug. They don''t seem to get along that well," Emma added, looking down. "Does that mean they won''t get married?" "Mommy doesn''t want Daddy anyway," Donna chimed in. "Daddy''s mean and never smiles. Mommy''s so cute; she should marry someone cuter!"


    Emma and Mary nodded in agreement. "That''s right."


    The three little girls started counting on their fingers who would be a better match for their mom.


    Arya listened, feeling both amused and helpless.


    The fireworks kept lighting up the sky, adding a touch of happiness and joy to the beautiful night.


    Micah and Sadie held each other tight under the fireworks.


    All the past grudges and fights had blown away with the wind. Now, they just wanted to cherish each other and this beautiful moment.


    That night, Micah and Sadie were wrapped up in each other, as if wanting to merge into one another.


    In the room, with the dim lighting, the sounds of heavy breathing, and their intertwined shadows on the wall, it was like a beautiful painting, capturing their love.


    It wasn''t untilte at night that Micah finally stopped, holding Sadie and kissing her tenderly.


    "Are you tired?" Sadie whispered, gently cupping his face.


    "Silly, how could I be tired?" Micah murmured, gently biting her lip, his hands roaming over her body.


    "The doctor said you shouldn''t overdo it," Sadie reminded him, worried. "Go to sleep."


    "It''s only been twice," Micah grumbled, still unsatisfied, his hot hands slowly exploring Sadie''s body. "I want more."


    "No," Sadie quickly pressed down his hand. She whispered, "You''re not fully recovered yet. You really can''t overdo it. It''s been a whole night already..."


    Before Sadie could finish, Micah''s passionate kiss silenced her. He flipped her over and pressed her beneath him, his fiery actions sweeping over her once again. Sadie wanted to push him away but didn''t dare to use too much force.


    "Just this once," Micah bit her neck and whispered softly, "Onest time, and I''ll let you go."


    "But your body..." Sadie hesitated, her voice soft.


    "Silly, if you cooperate a bit, I won''t be tired," Micah coaxed and guided her. "Be good, get on top!"

 Chapter 1432 Sweetness

    Sadie was on the brink of tears but had to y along.


    Even though Sadie was a mom, she was still pretty green in this area since she hadn''t had much hands-on experience.


    Micah wasn''t exactly a pro either, but guys just seemed to have a knack for this stuff.


    The next morning, Sadie slept in past ten. She groggily reached for the pillow next to her and realized Micah was already up.


    Hearing the water running in the bathroom, she figured he was taking a shower and didn''t think much of it.


    Rubbing her eyes, she nced at the clock on the wall and was shocked to see it was almost eleven.


    She quickly got out of bed, threw on a robe, and headed to the bathroom, only to find it empty, though the faucet was still running.


    Feeling uneasy, she hurried to look for Micah, checking the dressing room and the study, but he was nowhere to be found.


    Sadie rushed outside just as Reba was pushing a breakfast cart and about to knock on the door.


    Reba smiled. "Ms. James, you''re up? Perfect timing, I made you breakfast."


    Sadie asked urgently, "Where''s Micah?"


    "Mr. Clemens went to the office early this morning. He said you were really tiredst night and told us not to disturb you so you could sleep in," Reba replied with a smile. "He also asked me to prepare some food for you when you woke up."


    Sadie said, "Oh, thank you, Reba." Her face blushed, and she silently cursed Micah for sharing everything.


    "You''re wee, it''s my job," Reba said as she pushed the cart inside, set the items on the table, and asked with a smile, "Would you like someone to help you with your bath?"


    "No, no need," Sadie said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I can handle it myself."


    "Shall I have someonee in to tidy up the room then?" Reba said knowingly, "You go take your bath, and by the time you''re done, the room will be clean."


    "Okay, thank you!" Sadie said, blushing, nced at the messy bed, and quickly walked into the bathroom.


    She was about to take a bath but felt uneasy when she saw the water stains on the floor. Micah was always so meticulous; how could he forget to turn off the faucet before leaving? Was he feeling unwell this morning because he was too tiredst night? Was his condition acting up again?


    The more Sadie thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. She quickly took a shower, put on her robe, and went out to find her phone to call him.


    A maid asked, "Ms. James, are you looking for something? Do you need help?"


    By now, the room was clean, and the maids were changing the flowers in the vase.


    "Where''s my phone?" Sadie asked.


    "It''s charging here," the maid replied and quickly handed her the phone.


    Sadie was about to call Micah when his call came in first. She quickly answered, "Hello!"


    "You''re awake?" Micah''s gentle voice came from the other end.


    "Yes," Sadie said, feeling a bit shy.


    The two maids quickly bowed to her and then quietly left.


    "Are you hungry? Hurry and eat something," Micah said considerately.


    Sadie''s voice unconsciously became soft. "I know. Why didn''t you wake me up this morning? I woke up and thought you were in the shower."


    Micah said gently, "I''ve been sleeping too muchtely, so I can''t sleep much now. I woke up this morning and saw you sleeping soundly, so I didn''t want to wake you. Be good, eat something, and go enjoy the sun in the garden. I''ll be back tonight to keep youpany!"


    Hearing his normal voice, Sadie felt more at ease and filled with happiness and sweetness. She said gently, "Okay. Don''t work too hard, take care of yourself."


    "I know, I need to save my energy to take care of you when I get back," Micah teased her on purpose.


    "Micah, seriously!" Sadie felt her cheeks heat up. "Stop it!"

 Chapter 1433 Admitting the Mistake

    Micah grinned, "Alright, I won''t mess with you anymore. Go eat, be good!" "Okay, I''ll make dinner tonight. Wait for you toe home," Sadie said softly.


    Micah chuckled, "Great!" He felt a warm happiness in his heart. This was the life he wanted, a family together, caring for and supporting each other. Sadie held her phone, feeling happy. She regretted not letting go of the past sooner and cherishing her current life.


    Some things were self-imposed constraints, but people often needed to experience them personally to grow.


    Sadie had breakfast and went downstairs to prep ingredients. She nned to cook all the dishes she knew and have the kids over for a family dinner. Reba and a few maids helped her, and everyone was in high spirits.


    In the evening, the kids came back, and the house instantly became lively.


    The bodyguards and maids at home were delighted to see the kids and immediately prepared snacks and juice for them.


    Sadie chatted with the kids and learned that the three little girls had brought their eagle, Coco, to school, which scared the teacher so much that she fainted.


    Sadie was helpless and quickly reasoned with the three little girls, "Mary, Emma, Donna, didn''t you promise mest time? You can''t bring Coco to school. We need to understand that teachers and ssmates are different from us. They are just ordinary people who have never seen an eagle up close. They would be scared to see Coco!"


    The three kids sighed after hearing this.


    Mary pouted, "I asked my ssmates yesterday. I told them I had an eagle at home and asked if they wanted to see it. They all raised their hands and said we should bring Coco to school, so we did." "Yeah, some ssmates even said if we didn''t bring Coco, we were lying," Emma said indignantly, frowning. "So we brought it today to show them."


    "Exactly!" Donna nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Mommy said we should be honest and trustworthy kids, and we did it!"


    Sadie didn''t know what to say for a moment. The kids seemed to have a point.


    Mary grumbled, "Who knew the teacher would be so scared and faint? And a few ssmates fainted too, and they were the ones who called us liars the loudest yesterday!" Emma nodded repeatedly. "Exactly!"


    "Now we''ve proven we weren''t lying, and we''re happy," Donna raised her hands and cheered, "We are honest and trustworthy kids!"


    Sadie didn''t know what to say. Just as she was about to speak, Mia walked over after washing her hands and sternly said to them, "Mary, Emma, Donna, what did I tell you on the way here?"


    The three little girls looked at each other, stuck out their tongues, and didn''t dare to speak.


    Mia exined patiently, "Being honest and trustworthy is right, but it has to be for the right and good things. For example, if a thief or a bad person asked you to do something bad, and you identally agreed, would you still help them?" Mia''s words left the three little girls speechless.


    Mia continued to guide them. "We need to weigh right and wrong first before deciding, right?"


    "But bringing Coco to school wasn''t doing something bad," Mary muttered as she raised her hand weakly.


    Mia continued, "My mommy already exined to you. Ordinary people haven''t seen an eagle up close. They would be scared to see one. So, several teachers and ssmates fainted. They are your teachers and ssmates. Don''t you feel guilty that they fainted?"


    The three little girls realized their mistake. They muttered, "We do..."

 Chapter 1434 Find a Way

    "Hey, good girls,e grab some dessert," Nathan jumped in, trying to lighten things up. As the older brother, he always spoiled the three little girls. Mia sighed, shaking her head. "Nathan always does this. He never reasons with them, just spoils them. Looks like I''ll have to be the bad guy!" Sadie chuckled, giving Mia a pat on the cheek. "Poor you. Go get some dessert."


    Mia nodded. "Alright, I''ll take them to wash their hands first." Ever since Mia became an older sister, she had been super responsible.


    Nathan helped out with the three little girls too, while Noah, carrying hisptop, headed upstairs and asked a servant to bring his dessert to his room. Sadie, concerned, asked, "Noah, aren''t you gonna have dessert with us downstairs?"


    "Myptop''s about to die, and I have some work to do. I''ll head back to my room first," Noah replied, hurrying upstairs.


    Sadie knew he was stressed about finding Riley and felt a pang of heartache. Given the situation, they had to try everything that might help.


    Seeing the servant about to take Noah''s dessert, Sadie decided to take it herself.


    She knocked on the door, and Noah, typing away at his desk, said without looking up, "Just put it on the table, thanks!"


    Sadie ced the dessert on the table but didn''t leave. Instead, she sat quietly beside him.


    "You can go now," Noah said, ncing up and then pausing in surprise. "Mom! It''s you."


    "I brought you some dessert," Sadie said gently. "Don''t overwork yourself. Have some dessert first."


    "Okay," Noah nodded, saved his work, went to wash his hands, and then came back to eat the dessert.


    "Noah, are you looking into clues about their mom?" Sadie asked, gently brushing his hair from his forehead.


    "Yeah, I feel like the clues are right in front of me, but I can''t break through," Noah said, frowning with anxiety. "Dad''s health is getting worse. Andrew said we only have sixteen days left. We have to find Riley. Right now, I can only try to find the three little girls'' mom first, then Uncle Tristan, and then Riley."


    "Noah, don''t stress too much," Sadie quicklyforted him. "Andrew and Rn are also trying to find a way. I''m trying too. We can''t put all the pressure on you. You''re just a kid; just do your best."


    "But I want to save Dad," Noah said, his voice choked with emotion as he thought about Micah''s illness. "You and Dad finally reconciled and are about to get married. We''re about to have aplete family. I don''t want Dad to die." As he spoke, tears started to fall.


    Sadie hugged him tightly. "Noah! It''s all my fault. If I had noticed the problem earlier and stayed in Newark for treatment instead of taking Hubert to Country E, maybe your dad wouldn''t be like this." "Now''s not the time to talk about this. We need to find a solution," Noah said urgently. "Mom, try to contact Jesse and Terry again."


    "I know," Sadie nodded, her voice heavy with concern. "I try to contact them every day, but..."


    Sadie was in a tough spot. If she didn''t reach out, Micah would lose hisst chance. But if she did, it might put them in danger.


    Noah noticed the tension in her eyes, the way her fingers fidgeted nervously. "Have they lost contact? Is someone tracking their whereabouts throughmunication?" he asked, his brow furrowing in thought. "Yes," Sadie confirmed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "It''s really tough right now, but I still want to go to Mount Avalis." She nced up, determination flickering in her gaze. "Maybe there''s a chance."

 Chapter 1435 Signing It

    "Why are you heading to Mount Avalis?" Noah asked, looking confused, his brow all scrunched up. "Hubert''s already gone."


    Sadie sighed, "I was thinking, maybe Hubert''s ce on Mount Avalis has some records about the antidote. Plus, Pa and the others know some medical stuff. I want to ask them toe and help your dad, to stabilize him for now." She paused, then continued, "Even if they can''t cure him, they can handle any emergencies. It''s better than just sitting around waiting for the worst."


    Noah nodded. "Alright, Mom, you should go then. Don''t worry, I''ll handle things here."


    Sadie hugged him tight. "I''ll talk to your dad about it tonight. Now, be good, finish your dessert before you get busy, and don''t overdo it. I''m heading downstairs."


    "Okay, Mom," Noah replied, his voice steady.


    As soon as Sadie went downstairs, Micah walked in. He was immediately swarmed by a bunch of little girls, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the yummy snacks and pretty dolls he brought. "Wow, so pretty!" the three little girls squealed with joy. "Uncle Micah, are these for us?"


    "Yep, little gifts for you. Wee to my home," Micah said warmly, bending down to gently pat their heads.


    "Thank you, Uncle Micah!" they chorused, grinning up at him.


    "Mia, Nathan, you guys pick something too, see if there''s anything you like to eat," Micah called out to Nathan and Mia.


    "No thanks, I''m a boy. I don''t y with girls'' toys, and I don''t like snacks," Nathan dered, puffing out his chest proudly. Micahughed. "I''ll y ser with you tonight."


    "Awesome!" Nathan nodded eagerly.


    "No way!" Sadie''s voice rang out, firm and authoritative. "Your dad has to be with me tonight. Nathan, be good and y with Rodolfo."


    "Alright, being with Mom is important," Nathan said understandingly, winking at Micah. "Dad, take good care of Mom."


    Micah chuckled, pinching Nathan''s cheek affectionately.


    These past few days had been the happiest Micah had ever known, with everything filling him with a sense of joy and warmth.


    Seeing him so happy, Sadie couldn''t help but feel a pang of sadness.


    She always felt that he was finding joy in hardship. His time was running out day by day, and if this continued, she feared she would lose him forever.


    "What''s wrong?" Micah turned around and saw Sadie''s worried look. He affectionately pinched her cheek. "Didn''t buy you a toy, so you''re unhappy?" he teased. Sadie shyly smiled and habitually held his arm. "Why did youe back so early today?"


    "I missed you," Micah replied, leaning in to kiss her.


    "Oh, that''s so mushy," Mia eximed, covering her eyes and running away.


    Nathanughed, running out to y.


    "In front of the kids...," Sadie began, but Micah kissed her deeply, cutting her off.


    Micah held her waist with one hand and cupped her face with the other, kissing her deeply.


    But the kiss onlysted a few seconds. In the living room, with so many people watching, she was too nervous to breathe.


    "Let''s go to the room," Micah whispered seductively, biting her earlobe gently. "I have something to tell you."


    "Okay," Sadie nodded with a flushed face. "I also have something to tell you."


    The two held hands, fingers interlocked, and went upstairs together. The servants and bodyguards saw them and were very envious, but also happy for them. Back in the room, Micah took out a stack of documents, handed her a pen, and directly ordered, "Sign it."


    "What is this?" Sadie asked, trying to take a look.


    But Micah pressed his hand on the papers and urged, "Sign it quickly!"

 Chapter 1436 Mrs. Clemens

    "What are you doing?" Sadie asked, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Are you afraid I''ll see it?"


    "Just sign it," Micah urged, his tone insistent. "Are you afraid I''ll harm you?"


    "No," Sadie replied confidently, knowing he wouldn''t harm her. She signed her name without hesitation. After signing, Micah handed her an ink pad for her fingerprint. Sadie obediently pressed her fingerprint onto the document. As Micah moved to take the contract, she caught a glimpse and realized it was a share transfer agreement. She was stunned for a moment and hurriedly asked, "What is this? What are you doing?"


    "Afraid I''ll sell you?" Micah teased, putting away the contract. "Don''t worry, you''re so skinny, you wouldn''t fetch much money. Besides, I can''t bear to."


    He kissed her on the forehead and then turned to leave.


    "Where are you going?" Sadie called after him, concern in her voice.


    "The study. I''ll be back soon," Micah replied without looking back.


    He wanted to quickly arrange everything for after his death, including these will-rted procedures. With such arge estate, he worried he wouldn''t have enough time to settle everything before his time ran out. Although Sadie didn''t see the words on the contract clearly, she understood what it was and what Micah was doing. He knew he didn''t have long to live, so he wanted to settle everything within the limited time he had. The more she thought about these things, the more anxious Sadie felt. Just then, Pa called.


    Sadie quickly answered, "Hello! Pa."


    "Sadie, it''s so good to hear your voice. Are you okay?" Pa''s voice was filled with concern.


    Previously, Sadie had been kidnapped by Joe, and after being rescued, many things happened. She hadn''t had time to call Pa, only letting her subordinates inform Pa.


    "I''m fine," Sadie reassured her quickly. "Pa, I''m sorry, I''ve been too busy these past few days to call you. I had someone call you, did you get the message?"


    "I got it. I knew you were okay, but I still wanted to confirm it personally to be at ease," Pa said, relief evident in her voice.


    "Thank you," Sadie felt a warm glow inside. Then she asked, "Pa, did Hubert leave behind some books? Are there any about detoxification? Also, does he have Riley''s information?"


    "There are books, but I don''t know if they''re useful," Pa replied hurriedly. "As for Riley''s information, I hadn''t thought of that. I''ll look for it. I''m just sorting through Mr. Henry''s belongings these days."


    "I''lle over in the next couple of days," Sadie said, seeing a glimmer of hope. "Don''t throw those things away; they might be useful."


    "Okay," Pa nodded repeatedly. "But be careful this time when you go out. Don''t let anything happen again. Last time, you scared Percy and me to death."


    "It''ll be fine, don''t worry," Sadie reassured her.


    After ending the call with Pa, Sadie hurried to the study to find Micah.


    Just as she was about to knock on the door, it opened, and Anthony walked out, bowing his head in greeting when he saw her. "Mrs. Clemens!"


    Sadie was stunned and hadn''t reacted yet when she heard Micah''s heartyughter from behind her. "Well done!"


    Anthony bowed to Micah and Sadie and then left.


    Sadie walked into the study, blushing, and asked, "What did he just call me?"


    "Mrs. Clemens," Micah replied with a grin. "Everyone around me knows we''re getting married. You can''t escape being Mrs. Clemens!"


    "It hasn''t been announced yet. How does even Anthony know?" Sadie asked, though she looked very happy.


    "The senior management within the group knows," Micah said, pulling her into his arms. "Get up early tomorrow morning, tidy up a bit, ande to thepany with me."


    "To thepany?" Sadie felt even more uneasy. "What for?"


    "I''m getting married, so I should introduce you to the group. Besides, you''re not busytely, soe to thepany and help me with some things," Micah said, gently squeezing her cheek. "You need to ease my burdens! Got it?"

 Chapter 1437 Pretending Not to Know

    Sadie understood in her heart that Micah was doing this to familiarize her with thepany''s operations so that when he died, she could support the Clemens Group.


    Thinking about this made her feel very bitter, but she didn''t express it. Instead, she responded with a smile, "Got it, but I want to go to Mount Avalis first. Last time I wanted to visit Hubert''s tombstone, but I couldn''t make it. I feel guilty and still want to pay my respects."


    Micah squeezed her hand gently. "Goter," he said, his voice soft. "I don''t want you to leave right now."


    "I''ll just go for a day. I''ll have Arya arrange a private jet for the morning, and I''ll be back by evening," Sadie quickly said. "Don''t worry, I''ll bring more people this time. Nothing will go wrong."


    The truth was, she didn''t want to be away for too long, not now. Micah didn''t have many days left, and she wanted to stay by his side.


    "Alright," Micah relented. "I''ll have someone escort you, and I''ll arrange the private jet."


    "Then I''ll leave early tomorrow morning," Sadie said.


    "Okay, I''ll have it arranged," Micah kissed her forehead and said, "Go spend some time with the kids. I need to handle some documents."


    "Okay," Sadie nodded and left the study, and the smile on her face quickly faded, feeling very heavy-hearted.


    In fact, she might not gain anything from this trip to Mount Avalis, but she still wanted to try her luck, hoping for a miracle.


    "Mrs. Clemens, dinner is ready," Reba''s kind voice interrupted her thoughts.


    Sadie was taken aback for a moment and asked, "Reba, what did you call me?"


    "Mrs. Clemens," Reba said with a smile. "You''re going to marry Mr. Clemens soon. We should have started calling you that a long time ago."


    "Mrs. Clemens!" At this moment, the attendant Oliver came in to report, "The private jet is ready. It will depart at 8 AM tomorrow and return at 9 PM. Is that okay with you?" "That''s fine," Sadie nodded. "Thank you!"


    "Mrs. Clemens, I''ll prepare your luggage," the maids also called her that.


    For a moment, everyone in the room changed the way they addressed her, making Sadie feel a bit overwhelmed and shy.


    "Get used to it slowly!" Reba patted the back of her hand affectionately. "I''ll go call the kids for dinner."


    "I''ll go. They''re too noisy," Sadie suggested gently. "You go upstairs and call Micah."


    "Okay, Mrs. Clemens," Reba nodded with a smile and then went upstairs.


    Sadie went to the garden to find the kids. She had just taken a few steps when she heard Reba''s scream from upstairs. She was startled and quickly ran back, "What happened?" she asked. "Nothing, Mrs. Clemens. I identally broke something," Reba called out, trying to sound calm.


    Sadie ran to the stairs and met Reba halfway. "Where''s Micah?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.


    Sadie quickly walked toward the study. At this moment, Andrew came out of the study, smiling, "Mr. Clemens is changing clothes. He''ll be down soon."


    "Is he okay?" Sadie''s heart was pounding, and she felt herposure slipping.


    Andrew said, "He''s fine. You go down first. We''ll be right there."


    "Okay," Sadie nced at the door and then reluctantly turned to go downstairs.


    Those few dozen steps felt like a winding, rugged mountain path, and each step was very difficult for her. It felt like a stone was pressing on her heart, making her feel suffocated. She knew that something must be wrong with Micah, but Andrew and Reba were covering for him, not letting her and the kids know.


    She was very worried about him and wanted to go in and hold him, but she knew that would add to his psychological burden.


    His pride was higher than anyone else''s. He didn''t want her to see his vulnerable and helpless side.


    So, she could only pretend not to know, even though she was very worried inside.

 Chapter 1438 Pressure

    The children washed their hands, sat at the table, and looked at the sumptuous dinner in front of them, drooling with hunger but not daring to eat first. They were all waiting for Sadie and Micah to join them. Sadie was helping in the kitchen, and everything was ready, but Micah hadn''te down yet. She felt very uneasy and wanted to go check on him.


    At that moment, Rodolfo came to report, "Mrs. Clemens, Mr. Clemens has something to deal with. He asked you and the children to start dinner without him."


    Hearing this, Sadie''s hands trembled. She knew that Micah''s condition must have worsened. But she didn''t dare to show it; she couldn''t scare the children. She had to stay calm.


    "Okay, I understand." Sadie forced herself to control her inner panic and said calmly, "Reba, save some dinner for Micah and Andrew. Let''s eat first."


    "Yes, Mrs. Clemens." Reba''s voice was choked with emotion, but she was also trying to be strong.


    Sadie called the children to dinner. "Alright, kids, let''s eat."


    The three little girls were too young to think much about it and soon obediently started eating.


    Mia asked with concern, "Mommy, why is Daddy so busy?"


    "Yeah, can''t he eat first and then work?" Nathan looked upstairs worriedly, suggesting, "How about I take some food to Daddy?"


    "No need." Sadie quickly stopped him, "Your daddy is working. We shouldn''t disturb him. He''lle down when he''s done." Nathan hesitated. "But..."


    "No more talking. Just eat, okay?" Noah suddenly snapped.


    Nathan was taken aback and then pouted in grievance, "Noah, why are you yelling at me again?"


    "Eat." Noah red at him seriously.


    "Noah, you''re so grumpy now." Nathan said angrily, "You lose your temper every day and yell at me. I hate it!"


    "Nathan..." Sadie wanted tofort Nathan, but Noah suddenly got up and walked out.


    "Mommy, look at him." Nathan pointed at Noah excitedly, "He yelled at me for no reason and now he''s storming out. It''s too much!" "Nathan,e on, don''t get upset." Sadie hugged Nathan, "I''ll go check on Noah. You guys eat first, okay?"


    With that, Sadie hurriedly followed Noah out.


    Noah ran to theke in the garden and started punching and kicking a big tree. His little fists were bleeding, but he didn''t stop. Sadie watched him from a distance, not stopping or disturbing him, but tears couldn''t help but fall. She felt heartbroken for Micah and Noah. Nathanined that Noah had been irritable and yelling at himtely, but in reality, Noah was just under too much pressure.


    He knew Micah''s illness had rpsed and that Micah''s condition was very serious. He was trying everything to find Riley but had made no progress.


    He was anxious and worried. So, when faced with Nathan and the others'' immaturity, he became irritable and angry.


    Sadie understood Noah''s feelings and his stress. She felt heartbroken that such a young Noah had to bear so much pressure alone.


    Noah punched and kicked the tree trunk and then sat on the ground and cried. "Why, why?"


    Sadie didn''t go up tofort him. She just stayed with him from a distance, quietly watching him, waiting for him to vent all his emotions. Maybe then he would feel a little better.


    After a long time, Noah finished crying, wiped away his tears, and looked up at Sadie, "Mommy, when are you going to Mount Avalis?"


    Sadie said, "I''m going early tomorrow morning."


    She walked over, helped him up, wrapped his injured hand with a handkerchief, and choked up, "Noah, I know you''re sad and under a lot of pressure. I don''t know how tofort you. I just hope you can be okay. Leave everything to me, alright?"

 Chapter 1439 Does She Have Any Other Methods?

    Noah, his young voice a bit raspy, suggested, "Mommy, let''s work together. We''ll figure this out!"


    Sadie, her heart aching for him, said, "Noah, you''re still so young. I don''t want you to feel pressured."


    Noah insisted, his brow furrowing, "I want to save Daddy. I''m not giving up on this. I''ve already asked Mr. Wood for help."


    "Alright, we''ll find a way together," Sadie said, pulling Noah into aforting hug. "Let''s go back inside. I''ll put some medicine on your hand."


    Noah agreed, following Sadie obediently, "Okay. Mommy, you should check on Daddy. Is he..."


    Sadie, her voice catching and her eyes misting up, said softly, "He doesn''t want us to see him. Let''s not add to his stress, okay?"


    "Alright," Noah said, lowering his head.


    Back in the dining room, Nathan saw Noah and turned away, clearly upset.


    "Noah, what happened to your hand?" Mia asked, noticing the injury and rushing over. "You''re hurt!"


    "What happened?" Arya asked, hurrying over to check. "Noah, how did you get hurt?"


    "Take him to put some medicine on it," Sadie instructed.


    "Yes," Arya said, leading Noah to apply the medicine.


    Nathan, despite his earlier anger, couldn''t help but feel worried when he saw Noah''s injured hand. He quickly followed and offered, "Noah, let me help you."


    Noah apologized, "Nathan, I''m sorry about earlier. I didn''t mean to lose my temper with you."


    "It''s okay, I''m used to it," Nathan replied with a shrug. "After all, you''re my brother. If you''re mean to me, there''s nothing I can do."


    Noah teased, "When you put it that way, it makes sense."


    Nathan pouted, "You''re so mean."


    Noah couldn''t help butugh.


    Kids'' friendships could break in an instant and mend just as quickly.


    Sadie watched the two of them with relief, then continued to eat with the children. In reality, she had no appetite and kept ncing upstairs, worrying about Micah.


    Upstairs, in the study, Micah leaned on the sofa, his face as pale as a sheet, looking extremely weak.


    "Dahlia is on her way. Please have some water first," Andrew said, supporting Micah and helping him drink.


    Micah made a slight gesture, indicating he didn''t need it. He had been lying on the sofa for half an hour, moving from initial shock to gradual recovery, his consciousness bing clearer. "This can''t go on," Andrew said, his eyes red. "You should go to the hospital."


    Micah closed his eyes, too weak to speak.


    When he copsed, hisst words to Andrew were to not let Sadie and the kids know. He didn''t think about anything else. He didn''t even dare to hope he could continue living. "Mr. Clemens," Andrew said, looking at Micah with moist eyes. If he could, he would have dly traded his life for Micah''s.


    Downstairs, Dahlia hurried in with her assistant.


    Seeing Sadie and the children, she slowed her pace and pretended to exin casually, "Mrs. Clemens, I''m here to change Mr. Clemens'' medication."


    "Go ahead," Sadie said, her heart heavy but trying to stay calm.


    "Yes," Dahlia nodded, bowing her head and quickly going upstairs.


    "Hurry!" Rodolfo, who had been waiting in the hallway, urged.


    Pushing the door open, Dahlia''s legs went weak when she saw Micah on the sofa. She hurried over, knelt down to check on him, and administered the medication. "What is this medication? Will it work?" Andrew asked.


    "I spoke with Dr. Perez before I came," Dahlia said softly. "She suggested trying this medication."


    "What else did she say?" Andrew pressed. "Does she have any other methods?"


    Dahlia shook her head dejectedly, not saying a word.


    After taking the medication, Micah gradually fell asleep, looking much more peaceful than before.


    Dahlia covered him with a nket and said softly, "Let him sleep. He''ll feel better when he wakes up."

 Chapter 1440 Dont Be Afraid

    "What''s Dr. Perez saying? Why did Mr. Clemens suddenly go into shock?" Andrew asked, his voice trembling with concern.


    Dahlia replied somewhat pessimistically, "She said that Mr. Clemens'' current condition, just being in shock, is actually a good sign. If it weren''t for his strong physical condition, he might have already..." She trailed off, unable to finish the Hearing this, Andrew punched the wall in frustration.


    thought.


    With a "thud," the wall shook, and everyone''s hearts trembled.


    Everyone stood there, feeling utterly oppressed and distressed by the situation.


    Dahlia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I''ve been contacting doctors from all over the world, and Dr. Perez is helping me find some experts. But as soon as they hear about Mr. Clemens'' condition, they all back out. I''m really anxious too. In this situation, we can''t just experiment recklessly."


    Rodolfo asked softly, "Any news from Rn?"


    Andrew shook his head, "No."


    Dahlia asked, "What about Ms. James?"


    Andrew exined, "Ms. James has been trying to find a solution, but we''ve lost contact with Jesse and Terry. Tristan''s enemies have been hunting him down; they must have cut offmunications."


    Dahlia frowned. "What are we going to do?"


    Rodolfo said quietly, "Ms. James is going to Mount Avalis tomorrow, probably to seek help from Hubert. I heard from Arya that Hubert left many medical records on the mountain. They might be useful. Also, Ms. James wants to check Hubert''s study to see if there''s any way to contact Riley."


    Andrew nodded repeatedly, "Yes, that''s a good n. Maybe we''ll find something useful."


    Dahlia''s hope was rekindled, "Let''s hope so. Time is running out. If we can''t find Riley soon, then really..."


    Andrew interrupted, "Let''s not talk about this now. You should stay here for the next few days. If anything happens to Mr. Clemens, we need you close by to treat him immediately. I''ll take him back to his room." "Okay," Dahlia agreed, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her worry.


    Dahlia came downstairs and told Sadie that Micah had been given medication and was now weak and asleep.


    Sadie hurried upstairs to check on him. At this moment, Micah was lying in bed, sleeping peacefully.


    Andrew, worried she might be anxious, carefully exined, "Mr. Clemens is just very tired. He''ll be fine after some rest." Sadie''s voice choked up, "Don''t hide it from me. Did he faint?" She looked at Andrew, her eyes pleading for the truth.


    Andrew said in a low voice, "No. He went into shock."


    Sadie closed her eyes and swallowed a sigh, trying topose herself.


    Andrew reassured her, "Mr. Clemens has taken his medication. He should wake up by tomorrow morning. Stay with him. I''ll leave you two alone."


    Sadie nodded, turning her gaze to Micah on the bed, feeling both heartbroken and anxious.


    Feeling uneasy, she couldn''t help but try calling Tristan again, but still couldn''t get through. The same happened with Jesse and Terry''s numbers.


    Holding her phone, Sadie sat on the bed, feeling very dejected. Her only hope now was to go to Mount Avalis tomorrow and see if she could find any useful clues in Hubert''s study.


    Sadie changed Micah into his pajamas, wiped his body, and then sat by the bed, quietly watching over him.


    Looking at his gaunt face, she couldn''t help but burst into tears.


    She deeply regretted not letting go of her hatred sooner, not noticing Micah''s condition in time, and not staying in Newark.


    If she had stayed back then, Hubert could have treated Micah, and maybe he would have already recovered by now. He wouldn''t be suffering from the pain of illness, nor would his life be in danger. She felt truly guilty, deeply guilty. As she thought about it, her tears unknowingly fell onto Micah''s face.


    She hurriedly reached out to wipe them away, and at that moment, a warm hand grasped hers. A low, hoarse voice slowly sounded, "I''m not dead yet, don''t be afraid."

 Chapter 1441 You Will Always Be My Woman

    Hearing these words, Sadie''s heart trembled, and she could no longer control her emotions. Shey on top of him and cried uncontrobly. Micah, his eyes closed, weakly reached out and gently held her.


    In truth, he knew that she had known all along. They just hadn''t exposed each other.


    He didn''t want her to worry, and she didn''t want him to be uneasy, so they both kept things from each other out of consideration for one another. But at this moment, Micah suddenly understood that his previous concerns and worries were unnecessary.


    He had feared that Sadie would stay with him for the sake of the children and responsibility, but now he realized that she loved him.


    Sadie''s tears soaked Micah''s cor. Her sorrowful cries and warm tears all proved her love for him.


    Although he felt sorry for Sadie, a warm smile appeared on his lips. Because he suddenly felt that his life wasplete.


    He had a peak career, adorable children, and a lover who loved him deeply. He had everything he wanted.


    The only regret was that he couldn''t apany them until old age. Thinking about it now, he still felt it was a great pity.


    After crying for a long time, Sadie finally stopped. She buried her face in his shoulder, groped for a stack of tissues to wipe her nose and tears, and then slowly lifted her head. Micah, looking at her disheveled appearance, gentlyughed, "So ugly!"


    Sadie, still wiping her nose and tears, retorted, "You''re the ugly one!"


    Micah looked at her with eyes full of affection, "Silly girl! Go take a shower."


    Sadie nodded, "Okay."


    She went to the bathroom to take a shower, tied up her long hair, wrapped herself in a towel, and came out.


    Without drying off, she slipped into the bed, carefully snuggling up to Micah''s burning body.


    Micah reached out to hold her shoulder, pulling her into his arms, and lowered his head to kiss her forehead.


    Sadie curled up in his arms like a kitten, obedient and gentle. She couldn''t do anything now but apany him like this, feeling his heartbeat, which made her feel secure.


    At this moment, neither of them spoke. They just quietly held each other, enjoying a moment of peace.


    Micah, feeling her soft body rubbing against him, inevitably got a bit restless. He whispered, "I want to make love to you."


    Sadie, very serious this time, said, "No. We did it too muchst night, and today you..." As soon as she spoke, her voice choked up again.


    Micah reassured her, "It has nothing to do with that, Sadie!"


    His hand slid up and down her body. Her skin was smooth and delicate, and the wonderful touch made his heart flutter.


    Sadie, lifting her head to kiss his chin, suggested, "Stop moving around. Go to sleep!"


    Micah, biting her earlobe, his hot hand slowly exploring her body, whispered, "How can I sleep like this? Call me honey!"


    Sadie gently called him, her voice soft and charming, "Honey!"


    Micah, with a satisfied smile, said, "Say it again!"


    Sadie repeated, "Honey, honey."


    Micah lowered his head to kiss her, but Sadie got a little nervous and hurriedly pressed against his chest. She hesitated, "Micah, no, your body..." Micah reassured her, "I just want to kiss you."


    He lovingly kissed her forehead, eyes, cheeks, and lips, leaving his marks on her body.


    Sadie tenderly leaned into his arms, enduring his gentle kisses.


    When he kissed her earlobe, he whispered in her ear, his voice firm. "Remember, you will always be my woman. Even if one day I die, you will still be mine." Sadie, with tears in her eyes, nodded, "Okay."


    She no longer argued with him about life and death but obeyed all his words. As long as he wanted, as long as he was happy, she was willing to do anything.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1442 Finally a Breakthrough

    In the morning, when Micah woke up, Sadie had already left. He reached for the pillow beside him, finding it cold and empty, and couldn''t help but feel a sense of loss. Suddenly, it seemed his heart felt just as hollow. His phone buzzed. He picked it up and saw a text from Sadie.


    Sadie: [Honey, I''m boarding the ne. I''ll be back tonight. Be good, rest well, and wait for me!]


    The kind and gentle words felt like a ray of sunshine warming his heart. Micah was instantly moved, a charming smile appearing on his lips.


    He had never known that Sadie could be so sweet. If time could slow down a bit, if his life couldst a bit longer, it would be more perfect. Thinking of this, Micah immediately got out of bed despite his weak body. He couldn''t waste any more time; he had many things to take care of.


    On the other side, Sadie arrived at Mount Avalis in the afternoon. Pa and Percy were waiting for her at the vige entrance. Seeing her car approach, they waved at her excitedly. Sadie got out of the car and chatted with them as they walked home. She had missed the chance to pay respects to Hubert a few days ago, and now she needed to go.


    Afterward, the group returned home. The attendants stayed outside while Percy went to cook, and Pa took Sadie to the study.


    The old wooden bookshelf was filled with various books, some of which were handwritten. There were also some bottles of wine and homemade medicine, all neatly categorized. Pa introduced everything to Sadie, checking if there was anything she could use.


    "Did Mr. Henry ever mention Riley to you?" Sadie asked while searching through medical books. "What does he look like? How old is he? Where does he live? Do you have any contact information, even old ones?"


    "Rn already asked me these questions," Pa replied truthfully. "Mr. Henry rarely mentioned Riley. Whenever he did, he got angry and said Riley was a disobedient student and didn''t say much more." "Think carefully, is there any other clue?" Sadie persisted.


    "As for age," Pa said, thinking hard, "I remember Mr. Henry once scolded Riley, saying he thought he had mastered all his medical skills and were eager to leave. He also called Riley an arrogant child, not yet an adult." Pa counted on her fingers and muttered, "Riley left in the second year after I became Mr. Henry''s student. I was 14 then, so he was about my age when he left."


    "No way," Sadie was shocked. "Pa, you''re only 19 now. Are you saying Riley is about your age?"


    "Maybe Riley''s a bit older than me?" Pa scratched her head and shrugged. "Anyway, he''s quite young."


    "An underage person should be under 18. Even if he was 18 before, he would only be 23 now," Sadie was puzzled. She muttered, "The legendary Riley is only 23? I thought he was much older."


    "No," Pa shook her head repeatedly. "He''s young. When Rn asked me, he didn''t ask about Riley''s age, so he probably thought Riley was middle-aged too."


    "This is good news. Finally, a breakthrough," Sadie said excitedly and urged, "Pa, are there any other clues? Think hard."


    "Other clues..." Pa frowned, thinking hard. "I really don''t know anything else."


    "Riley has another characteristic," Percy brought in tea, suddenly chiming in. "Liking to raise wild animals."


    "Yes, yes," Pa nodded and recalled with lingering fear. "When I went up the mountain, Mr. Henry''s backyard had a wolf that Riley had raised. Mr. Henry asked me to feed it, and I was scared to death. Later, Mr. Henry released the wolf."

 Chapter 1443 Rileys Photo

    Upon hearing these words, Sadie couldn''t help but think of Tristan, who also had a penchant for keeping such fierce beasts. It was no wonder he got along well with Riley. Sadie pressed, "Anything else?"


    "Nothing else, really," Pa replied earnestly, shaking her head. "Actually, Rn called the day before yesterday asking about these things. I thought about it for a long time but didn''t remember these two details at the time." "It''s okay, I''ll tell him," Sadie reassured her.


    Sadie quickly called Rn to ry the clues Pa had provided, then continued her search through Hubert''s study for more information.


    Suddenly, she discovered an old photo showing a figure crouched next to an injured wolf pup.


    The image, taken from afar and at an angle, was water-damaged, yellowed, and discolored, making it even harder to see clearly.


    However, it was still possible to discern that the figure was somewhat slim and petite, resembling a teenager. They were dressed in camouge pants, an army green short-sleeved T-shirt, ck shoes, had short hair, and wore a straw hat. "Who is this?" Sadie asked Pa urgently.


    "This is Riley," Pa responded excitedly. "Sadie, how did you find it?"


    "Is this Riley?" Sadie eximed. She quickly took the photo to the light to examine it more closely. It was so blurry that, apart from a slender back, nothing else could be seen clearly.


    Pa nodded. "Yes. When I first came here, this photo was already in the study. Later, I didn''t know where it went. How did you find it?"


    "Are there any other photos?" Sadie asked, her excitement evident. She immediately took a picture of the photo with her phone and sent it to Rn and Andrew, asking them to follow up on the clue.


    "No, just this one," Pa said confidently. "Mr. Henry said it was taken by a group of college students who happened to pass by. Theyter sent the photo over, saying Riley didn''t like taking pictures."


    Pa sighed deeply, "When Riley went down the mountain to learn other things, Mr. Henry was very upset, thinking Riley had already mastered the essence of medicine. Riley didn''t listen, and they had a big falling out over it."


    "Yes,ter Mr. Henry didn''t acknowledge Riley as a student anymore," Percy interjected as he came over to get something. "All these years, Mr. Henry never mentioned Riley. If it weren''t for Mr. Clemens..." Percy abruptly stopped, realizing he might have said too much.


    Sadie understood they were still trying to keep things from Micah and sighed, "I''vee to find Riley. Do you think I don''t already know?"


    "Oh, right," Percy and Pa exchanged nces, shifting ufortably and suddenly realizing.


    The two of them were fairly simple-minded, still thinking in a rather naive and immature manner, so they hadn''t considered many aspects.


    "By the way," Sadie changed the subject, "what are your ns next?"


    "We don''t have any other ns for now, just to fix up this house," Percy replied. "It leaks when it rains, and I''m afraid it will ruin the books Mr. Henry left behind."


    "I want to ask you toe down the mountain with me," Sadie said, her voice tinged with sadness. "Micah''s illness is getting worse, and we haven''t found Riley. I''m afraid something might happen to him."


    "Sadie, if you need us, of course, we''re willing to help," Percy said quickly, ncing at Pa for confirmation. "But I still want to fix the house first before leaving. It might take a few days. Is that okay?"


    "Sure, of course," Sadie nodded quickly, giving them a reassuring smile. "I''ll send someone to pick you up then. Today, I''ll take a few books back, along with this photo."


    "No problem!" Pa and Percy agreed in unison.

 Chapter 1444 Treating the Illness

    In the evening, Sadie found a few medical books about detoxification, took the old photo, and left Mount Avalis.


    The sunset wasred, casting a warm hue on the path down the mountain.


    Sadie watched Pa and Percy gradually disappear in the rearview mirror, finally looking away to the old photo in her hand. She had sent the photo and the relevant information to Rn, hoping to provide some clues to find Riley as soon as possible. Time waits for no one; now, only 14 days remained.


    Sadie, with a heavy heart, anxiously urged, "Drive faster, let''s get back sooner!"


    "Yes, Mrs. Clemens."


    Micah had slept all day at home and only managed to get up in the evening to take a shower ande downstairs to dine with the children.


    He thought he had regained his strength, but as he descended the stairs, his legs gave way, and he almost fell. Fortunately, Andrew caught him in time.


    "Mr. Clemens, I have something to report."


    Andrew pretended to report to Micah while actually supporting him with his strength.


    None of attendants or servants noticed anything.


    As soon as they got downstairs, a group of children surrounded them.


    "Daddy, Daddy!"


    "Uncle Micah!"


    "Good!" Micah gently pushed Andrew away and bent down to hug the children, but as soon as he squatted, he felt dizzy.


    "Mr. Clemens," Andrew said, very concerned.


    "You''re too noisy," Noah suddenly shouted, "Everyone, go back to your seats, quickly!"


    The children were stunned, pouting in grievance, but obediently returned to their seats.


    While the little ones were climbing onto their chairs, Andrew took the opportunity to help Micah sit down and then chatted with the children with a smile, "Kids, did you have fun at school today?"


    "Yes."


    "We had exams today, and I got full marks in all subjects."


    "Me too."


    "We learned to sing today."


    "And we learned to draw."


    The children were all talking to Andrew about school, except for Noah, who silently brought a cup of warm water to Micah, "Daddy, drink some water!" "Thank you, Noah."


    Micah was in poor spirits and didn''t have the energy to chat with the children.


    So Andrew deliberately chatted with the children to distract them.


    Noah noticed all of this.


    Seeing Micah''s weak and exhausted state, Noah felt very distressed but didn''t dare to show it. He could only ask, "Daddy, are you too tired?" "I''m okay." Micah patted his little head, "It''s time to eat, go sit down."


    "Okay." Noah returned to his seat.


    Reba and the servants brought out thest dish, and everyone began to eat.


    Micah had no appetite and barely tasted a few bites before preparing to go upstairs. But as soon as he stood up, he copsed. "Mr. Clemens!"


    This time, although Andrew tried to catch Micah in time, it was toote; Micah fell directly by the dining table. "Daddy!"


    This was the first time Micah had copsed uncontrobly in front of the children,pletely unprepared. Suddenly, the whole room was in chaos.


    Andrew immediately took Micah back to the bedroom and called Dahlia to handle the situation.


    Nathan and Mia huddled by the bed, trembling and crying but covering their mouths to avoid making noise.


    Noah stood in the corner, not daring to approach, but tears kept streaming down his face.


    Reba and the servants were all in a panic.


    Only the three girls seemed oblivious, still eating at the dining table.


    "Is Micah sick?"


    "It seems."


    "Definitely."


    "Micah seems really sick."


    "How silly, why didn''t Sadie call Mommy to treat him?"

 Chapter 1445 The Final Time

    Everyone was busy with their own tasks. Even though Arya and a few female bodyguards were watching over the three little girls, they cared about what was happening upstairs. They were all worried about Micah, so no one noticed what the three little girls were saying.


    After some twists and turns, things finally settled down.


    But this time, even Dahlia cried, "I really don''t know what to do now. I called Dr. Perez, and she told us to ept the fate. I..."


    "There must be a way," Andrew insisted, "I''ll call Rn now. He told me today that Ms. James gave him some new leads. Maybe..." As Andrew was speaking, Rodolfo hurriedly came. "Ms. James is back."


    Andrew quickly went out to greet her.


    At this moment, Sadie got out of the car.


    Seeing the worried faces of the bodyguards and attendants, her heart sank, and she hurriedly ran into the house.


    "Ms. James!" Andrew met her on the stairs.


    "How is he?" Sadie urgently asked.


    "Mr. Clemens fainted again during dinner, but his condition is rtively stable now," Andrew''s voice trembled uncontrobly, "But if this continues..." Sadie''s face stiffened, and she quickly ran into the bedroom. Seeing the weak Micah lying on the bed, her heart couldn''t stop trembling. "Mommy."


    The children had been taken out earlier, but now they knew Sadie was back, they came toher, crying.


    "Mr. Clemens fainted at the dinner table, and the children were all scared," Andrew reported in a low voice.


    Seeing the children crying and trembling, Sadie couldn''t help but feel heartbroken.


    She squatted down to hug them and pretended to be strong, "Noah, Nathan, Mia, don''t cry. Your daddy will get better!"


    The children tried to hold back their tears but couldn''t stop sobbing.


    "Mommy, will Daddy die?" Mia asked.


    "No, he won''t," Sadie choked up as she answered, "He will get better. Mommy will save him."


    "But..."


    "No buts," Noah interrupted Mia, crying and speaking excitedly, "Mommy said he will get better, so he will. We have to believe in Mommy!"


    Mia covered her mouth, crying and trembling but not daring to make a sound.


    "It''s all my fault. I must have been too naughty and made Daddy sick," Nathan regretted and said, "If I behave, will Daddy get better?"


    "He will, Nathan," Sadie patted his little head, took a deep breath, and pretended to be strong, "Alright, Mommy needs to discuss something with Andrew. Go back to your room first." Annika and the maids silently took the children away.


    The children looked back every few steps, their eyes filled with tears.


    Sadie stood up, wiped away her tears, and began to give orders, "Reba, tell everyone to rest early. Don''t worry, everything will be better by morning."


    "Yes, Mrs. Clemens," Reba quickly went to carry out the order.


    "Rodolfo, go outside and keep watch," Sadie instructed.


    "Yes, Mrs. Clemens," Rodolfo bowed his head and left.


    In the room, only the sleeping Micah, Dahlia, and Andrew remained.


    "Dahlia, tell me the truth. How much time does he have?" Sadie asked Dahlia.


    "I spoke with Dr. Perez today. He said the current situation doesn''t look optimistic," Dahlia choked up and said, "ording to the previous prognosis, Mr. Clemens only has 14 days left. His condition will deteriorate daily." "If we can''t find Riley soon, the consequences will be unimaginable," Andrew said sadly, "But we are really at a loss now."


    "I''ve found some clues," Sadie quickly took out the medical books and handed them to Dahlia, "Dahlia, take a look. Are these medical books useful?"


    "And this." Sadie handed a photo to Andrew, "This is a photo of Riley. See if you can find any clues from it."

 Chapter 1446 The Main Culprit

    Andrew took the photo and, upon closer inspection, was quite surprised. "Is this Riley? This is clearly a young boy; he looks underage." "This was taken a few years ago," Sadie calcted. "About seven or eight years ago."


    "Then he''s still very young, which means he''s only in his twenties now," Andrew was very surprised. "I always thought Riley was middle-aged."


    "Me too," Sadie nodded. "So, we''ve been looking in the wrong direction. You should go investigate again. I''ve sent the photo to Rn, but see if you can dig up anything from other sources."


    "Yes," Andrew hurriedly took the photo and left.


    "Ms. James, I need to show these books to other medical experts. I don''t quite understand," Dahlia said, holding the books. "Also, would you mind if I scanned the books and sent them to Dr. Perez for her to take a look as well?" "At this point, there''s nothing to mind," Sadie said. "Go ahead."


    "Yes."


    Everyone left, and Sadie looked at Micah lying on the bed, feeling very down.


    She walked to the bedside, tucked him in, gently stroked his face, and softly said, "I will save you, I promise!"


    At that moment, Sadie''s phone suddenly vibrated. It was a call from Masson. She took the phone to the balcony to answer it. "Masson!"


    "Sadie, sorry, am I disturbing you?" Masson was always so gentle and considerate.


    "It''s okay. Do you need something?" Sadie asked softly.


    "I''ve been messaging you these past few days, and you haven''t replied. I was a bit worried. But mainly, I wanted to tell you that I''m returning to Country F tomorrow. I was wondering if you had any time..." "Masson, I''m sorry, I don''t have any timetely. Be safe!"


    "Alright," Masson sounded a bit disappointed. "Let''s keep in touch. If you ever need anything, you can always reach out to me."


    "Thank you." Sadie was about to hang up when she suddenly heard a voice on the other end, "Ms. rk, you can''t go in there, Ms. rk."


    "Masson, I don''t want to go back to Country F. I want to stay in Newark. I need to find Ronan."


    "Arianna!" Masson called out, then softly said to Sadie, "Sadie, I have to go. Sorry."


    "Goodbye." Sadie hung up the phone withher brow furrowing. The voice just now was Arianna''s.


    Even after a long time, she was still hung up on Ronan. That was quite devoted.


    But if someone was too malicious, they probably won''t have a good ending.


    Sadie was about to go back inside when she suddenly noticed the flower pot on the balcony, recalling the incident when Micah was hit by a vase at the beach hotel.


    Masson concluded that a cat had identally knocked over the vase through investigation. She always felt something was wrong, but with Micah''s severe illness, she hadn''t investigated further.


    But now, she suddenly thought, ''Could it have been intentional? And that person... Could it have been Arianna?''


    This thought shed through her mind, making Sadie''s heart tighten. If someone had indeed done it on purpose, this matter couldn''t be left unresolved.


    If it weren''t for being hit by the vase, Micah''s condition wouldn''t have deteriorated so quickly. The person who dropped the vase was actually the main culprit. She couldn''t let this go easily!


    With this in mind, Sadie immediately went to find Andrew and told him her suspicions, asking him to reinvestigate.


    "Got it. I''ll take care of it right away," Andrew nodded. "I''ve already had this photo developed. Here''s the original."


    "Okay," Sadie took it. "Go ahead."


    Andrew nodded again and hurried off.


    Sadie was nning to return to the room to be with Micah. But Just as she stepped out of the study, she suddenly saw Donna holding a doll, barefoot,ing out of the room. "Sadie."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1447 Is Riley Male or Female?

    "What''s wrong, Donna?" Sadie quickly walked over and picked up Donna. "It''s sote, why aren''t you sleeping?"


    "I had a nightmare, I''m scared." Donna clung to Sadie''s neck, lying on her, and cried, "Sadie, I miss Mommy."


    "Good girl. I''m trying to find your mommy, and we''ll find her soon." Sadie gentlyforted Donna. "Let''s go back to sleep, okay?" Sadie carried Donna back to the room, ced her on the small bed, and covered her with a nket.


    Donna suddenly saw the photo and curiously asked, "Hey, what''s this?"


    "It''s a photo." As Sadie answered, Donna reached out and took the photo. Upon closer inspection, she said, "This... looks like..."


    Her eyes widened in shock, and she shouted, "It''s Mommy!"


    "Uh." Sadie was stunned for a moment and said, "How could this be your mommy? This is a boy."


    "No, this is Mommy, it is Mommy."


    Donna kept repeating withher clear eyes fixed on the photo.


    "Alright, stop making a fuss." Sadie didn''t take her words seriously. "Be good and go to sleep!"


    Saying this, she got up to cover Donna with the nket and prepared to take the photo away, but Donna clung to it tightly, refusing to let go. "This is Mommy''s photo, Sadie, can you give it to me?" Donna said.


    "Good girl, Donna, this photo is very important to me, I can''t give it to you." Sadie gently pulled the photo away. "Alright, go to sleep now!" "But..."


    Sadie made a shushing gesture, signaling her not to wake up Mary and Emma next to her.


    Donna had no choice but to pout and obediently go to sleep.


    Sadie kissed Donna''s forehead, got up, and left. As she closed the door, she gently waved to Donna, signaling her to sleep. Donna''s clear eyes stared unblinkingly at the photo, filled with tears.


    Sadie was about to return to her room with the photo when she noticed a small figure at the door, seemingly waiting for her. "Noah!" Sadie walked over quickly. "Why aren''t you sleeping?"


    "I can''t sleep." Noah looked at Sadie sadly withhis eyes being red and teary. "Mommy, is Daddy''s condition really bad?" Noah asked. Sadie lowered her head, not knowing what to say.


    "I''m so useless, I still can''t find Tristan." Noah was very frustrated, tears welling up in his eyes. "If I could find Tristan, maybe Daddy could be saved."


    "This isn''t your fault." Sadie hugged Noah,forting him. "You''re still just a child, you''ve already done your best." "But..."


    "Don''t worry, I''m working on it. Mommy will definitely save your daddy." Sadie took out the photo tofort him. "Look, I''ve already found Riley''s photo. Now I''ve sent the information to Rn again, and I''m sure we''ll have clues soon." "What photo? Let me see." Noah took the photo and looked at it carefully. "Is Riley this young? He looks like a girl."


    "How could it be a girl? It''s clearly a boy." Sadieughed and said, "This was taken when Riley was young."


    "No, it''s a girl." Noah pointed at the photo and continued, "Even though she has short hair and dresses like a boy, look at her shoes."


    Sadie looked closely, Riley in the photo was wearing sandals with a flower on them.


    "Not just the shoes, but her bone structure also looks like a girl''s." Noah was very certain. "Mommy, did you get the wrong photo? Or was Riley originally a girl?"

 Chapter 1448 Riley

    Upon hearing this, Sadie''s mind buzzed, triggering a flood of information.


    ''He has another trait; he likes to keep wild animals.''


    ''Mommy''s eagle is much fiercer than Coco!''


    ''Mommy also has a leopard!''


    ''Mommy is so amazing, so amazing.''


    ''This is Mommy, this is Mommy.''


    ''This is a photo of Mommy, Sadie, can you give it to me?''


    Thinking of these, Sadie got excited and immediately pulled Noah to go find Donna in their room.


    Just as she was about to knock, she heard the children talking inside.


    "Mary, Emma, I just saw Mommy."


    "What? Really? Where is Mommy?"


    "Hurry, take us to Mommy."


    "Mommy''s not here; I saw a photo of Mommy."


    "A photo?"


    "Yes, the photo is with Sadie. I want Sadie to give it to me, but she doesn''t want to..."


    "Then let''s go find Sadie together."


    Hearing this, Sadie hurriedly pushed the door.


    "Ah!"


    The three children were sitting on the small bed, chatting with a nightlight. The sudden opening of the door startled them, but they calmed down when they saw it was Sadie. "Sadie, you scared us to death!"


    "Mary, Emma, Donna, take a look again. Is this really your Mommy?"


    Sadie turned on the light and handed the photo to the three children.


    "Yes, it''s Mommy!"


    "It''s Mommy!"


    "No, that''s old Mommy. Mommy grew her hair outter."


    "Anyway, it''s Mommy!"


    "Is this your Mommy?" Noah was shocked and quickly asked, "Is your Mommy a doctor?"


    "Yes, lots of peoplee to Mommy for treatment," the three little girls answered seriously. "Is Micah sick? Sadie, why don''t you ask Mommy to treat Micah?" "Wait a minute, let me think!"


    Sadie was excited and could hardly believe it. The Riley she had been searching for so long was actually a woman and the mother of Tristan''s children!


    She thought, ''Could it be a mistake? Was the photo wrong? Or were the children mistaken?''


    She couldn''t just conclude based on a few words from three two-and-a-half-year-olds.


    "Mary, Emma, Donna, let me ask you, what is your Mommy''s name?" Noah also found it unbelievable and continued to ask.


    "Everyone calls Mommy Riley."


    "Daddy calls Mommy a nasty woman!"Donna mimicked Tristan''s cold demeanor and said through gritted teeth.


    "Riley!" Sadie''s heart skipped a beat, further confirming her suspicion. "Could your Mommy be Riley?" "Yes!" Mary nodded seriously.


    Sadie was almost certain this time, but she still found it hard to believe. She immediately took out her phone and called Pa.


    The phone rang for a long time before it was answered, and Pa''s sleepy voice came from the other end, "What''s up, Sadie?"


    "Pa, let me ask you, is Riley a man or a woman?" Sadie asked urgently.


    "Uh." Pa was stunned for a long time before she came to her senses. "Why are you asking this all of a sudden? Isn''t he a man? Mr. Henry always referred to him as ''that guy''..." "Can you find a way to confirm it?" Sadie was very anxious.


    "Yes, L Donovan seems to have met him before. I''ll ask her in the morning." Pa responded.


    Sadie said, "Let me know once you find out."


    Pa responded, "Okay."


    After hanging up, Sadie calmed the children and immediately went to find Andrew.


    "Andrew, process this photo and post it online to find this person!"


    "What? Online?"


    "Yes, only in this way can she see it ande to us."


    "Okay, I''ll do it right away."

 Chapter 1449 Lure Her Out

    That night, Sadie couldn''t sleep at all. She was waiting for news from Pa and also keeping an eye on Andrew. She was now almost certain that Mary, Emma, and Donna''s mom was Riley.


    And Riley was very likely with Tristan now.


    Given the current situation, finding Tristan and Riley was very difficult.


    She might use this method to lure Riley out!


    At 6:30 in the morning, Pa called, "Sadie, I went to find L first in the morning. It turns out Riley is really a girl!"


    She paused, then continued, "L said she was found by Mr. Henry at the foot of the mountain when she was three years old and was raised as a boy. Mr. Henry got used to calling her ''little guy,'' so..." "What''s her name?" Sadie asked anxiously.


    "Mr. Henry named her Riley. When she became famous, she changed her name to Riley Newman."


    Sadie waspletely convinced. "I see. Thank you, Pa!"


    Hanging up the phone, Sadie was ecstatic. She could be sure that the mother of the three girls was Riley!


    When Riley treated her back then, she was always unconscious. Every time she saw Riley, she was wearing a cloak and mask, making it impossible to see her face.


    She always thought Riley was a small-framed man. Who would have thought...


    It was really a mistake. She had gotten the most basicmon sense wrong. No wonder she couldn''t find Riley.


    "Ms. James, the notice has been sent out globally, but..." Andrew was a bit worried. "Will this cause trouble for Mr. James? Will his enemies find him because of this?" "Whatever," Sadie said.


    "Huh?" Andrew was a bit confused, not understanding what Sadie meant.


    "If they find him, then the Clemens Family will fight alongside the James Family," Sadie said assertively. "I don''t believe Tristan''s enemies can take on both the James Family and the Clemens Family!" "That''s true," Andrew suddenly realized, repeatedly praising, "Ms. James, you''re brilliant!"


    Instead of overthinking, it was better to directly search for the person.


    If Tristan''s enemies were indeed drawn out, the Clemens Family would fight alongside them and face the enemy together.


    No matter how powerful the enemies were, they would not be afraid.


    "But I haven''t told Micah about this yet," Sadie said, feeling a bit uneasy. "Will he be angry?"


    "No, the Clemens Family listens to you," Andrew said with a smile. "We all follow your lead!" As long as Micah could be cured, everything was worth it.


    Moreover, it was a good opportunity to resolve the feud between the James Family and the Clemens Family!


    "Keep a close watch. Inform me immediately if there''s any news," Sadie instructed. "Especially three girls. Be alert for any strangers approaching them." Sadie said.


    "Are you saying Riley might see the news and look for them out of concern for the kids?" Andrew immediately understood.


    "Yes," Sadie nodded. "The reason she hasn''t shown up is probably because she''s worried about implicating Tristan. But when she sees this news, she probably won''t be able to hold back. They should realize that if I''m going to find her with all my strength, it must be something important."


    "Tristan might know it''s for Micah. But as a mother, Riley will definitely worry about the kid''s safety and look for them."


    "Got it," Andrew said excitedly. "This is a brilliant move!"


    Sadie said, "Now we just have to wait for her toe to us," Sadie sighed. "I hope shees soon. We don''t have much time."


    "If..." Andrew thought for a moment and cautiously asked, "If she doesn''te, what then?"


    "Don''t worry, I have a n B," Sadie said confidently. "Noah has been tracking their whereabouts. As long as Riley contacts me, Noah can trace the exact location."

 Chapter 1450 The Passage of Time

    "That''s great!" Andrew eximed excitedly, "Ms. James, you are so thoughtful."


    Sadie said, "In the past, he fought alone. This time, I will stand by his side and go through it with him!"


    Sadie looked at Micah on the hospital bed, full of confidence.


    "It''s really wonderful to have you here," Andrew said with deep emotion, "Mr. Clemens didn''t misjudge you!" "Of course," Sadie said with a smile, "Alright, go ahead. I''ll stay with him."


    "Yes."


    Sadie hadn''t slept all night. Now everything was arranged, she could finally take a breath.


    She took a shower, changed into her pajamas, and returned to the bedroom. Micah was still asleep.


    She lifted the nket and carefullyy down beside him, afraid of waking him, but couldn''t help reaching out to gently stroke his handsome face.


    Then she leaned in, gently kissed his cheek, and whispered, "I will save you, I promise."


    Micah seemed to hear her and moved slightly.


    She held him and fell into sleep.


    Sadie was so exhausted that she slept very deeply, so deeply that she didn''t notice when Micah woke up beside her.


    Micah woke up from a nightmare, drenched in sweat. He instinctively looked to his side and saw Sadie snuggled up next to him, which made him calm gradually.


    He had a dream where he was in an endless dark ce, trying to find a glimmer of light anda way out, but couldn''t find anything.


    He walked forward aimlessly, but as he walked, he found himself standing at the edge of a cliff, one misstep away from falling into the abyss.


    He hurriedly stopped, afraid to move forward, but didn''t know where to go.


    At that moment, a glimmer of light appeared behind him. He immediately turned around to walk back, but suddenly, a pair of hands pushed him from behind, and he fell into the abyss, shattering into pieces.


    That feeling was so familiar, as if it had really happened.


    So, when he woke up, his eyes were full of fear. But when he saw Sadie beside him, he gradually calmed down.


    He feared nothing with her.


    He reached out, gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her forehead and hair, smelling her fresh scent, feeling very happy.


    At this moment, he really wished time could slow down.


    However, time doesn''t stop; it keeps slowly passing by.


    Riley didn''t show up, nor did she contact Sadie.


    The global search warrant caused a huge stir online, and many people came forward with leads, but unfortunately, there was no progress.


    Andrew and the others were anxious, and Noah was always ready, thinking that once Riley appeared, they could track her down.


    However, three days passed with no news.


    Everyone was a bit frustrated, even suspecting that something might have gone wrong somewhere.


    Micah''s state had improved a lot over the past few days. He went to thepany every day, meeting with the senior management of the group, including Ryan and Ss, to give them various instructions.


    He was desperate for his condition anymore. Now, he just wanted to take care of everything, leaving Sadie with a stable and thriving Clemens Group.


    At the same time, he was hastily arranging the wedding, at least to give Sadie a wedding before he died.


    Time passed by.


    One day, Chloe came to remind Micah, "Mr. Clemens, regarding your schedule, tonight is the Graham Group projectunch dinner. Ms. Graham called earlier to ask if you could attend tonight?" Micah had almost forgotten about it. Hearing Chloe''s reminder, he remembered and nodded, "Yes, did you prepare the gift?"

 Chapter 1451 Announcing the Wedding

    "Yes." Chloe handed a delicate box to Micah.


    "Alright, go make the arrangements," Micah instructed.


    "Yes." Chloe replied.


    After Chloe left, Micah opened the box, looked at the documents inside, and fell into thought.


    He knew what he was doing was risky, but he still wanted to take a gamble.


    At that moment, his phone rang. It was Olivia.


    Micah answered immediately, "Hello."


    "Mr. Clemens, see you tonight." Olivia said.


    Olivia''s voice had a bit of distanc, but it also carried a sense of anticipation.


    Since Micah had confessed to herst time, she hadn''t bothered him again.


    After all, she was a well-educateddy from a prestigious family. Although she deeply loved Micah, she wouldn''t cling to him.


    She knew that the more she clung to Micah, the more it would annoy him.


    So she chose to quietly step back, enduring the loneliness each night on her own, rather than making him feel irritated.


    Even if they couldn''t be together now, she wanted to leave a good impression on him.


    Maybe in the future, she might have a chance.


    "See you tonight." Micah responded simply, then hung up the phone and continued working.


    At that moment, the doorbell rang outside with no report.


    Micah nced at the surveince monitor beside him and was stunned.


    He quickly used voice control to open the door and got up to greet the visitor, "Why are you here?"


    "Micah!" Sadie walked in with two insted lunch boxes with a bright smile. "Are you hungry? I made lunch for you. Come and try it."


    "You''re so great!" Micah watched Sadie opened theyers of the insted containers, revealing a variety of delicious dishes.


    Micah said with a charming smile. "They are my favorites."


    "I spent the whole morning." Sadie handed him the utensils. "Have a try."


    "Okay." Micah tasted a bit of everything and nodded with a smile. "You''ve improved!"


    "Haha, of course. I''ve been cooking every day." Sadie propped her chin on her hand, feeling very happy to watch him. "Let''s have Mexican food for dinner. I''ve already asked Reba to prepare the ingredients. The kids said they wanted itst night."


    "I have to attend a banquet tonight," Micah said casually. "I might be backte."


    "What kind of banquet?" Sadie frowned.


    Lately, whenever Micah went to thepany, she was always worried, reminding Andrew to keep a close eye on him and make sure nothing went wrong every day.


    She found an excuse to bring him lunch, actually to check on him.


    And now he wanted to attend a banquet?


    "The Graham Family''s," Micah answered honestly. "Olivia helped me before, and I promised to attend this banquet. They even postponed it for me. It would be improper not to go."


    Sadie was a bit unhappy but felt Micah was right, so she didn''t say much. "Fine, go if you must."


    "Jealous?" Micah looked at her with a mischievous smile.


    "No." Sadie rolled her eyes at him and threatened yfully, "Juste home early. If you''rete, I won''t let you in."


    "Okay." Micahughed. "I''ll deliver a gift and repay the favor, thene back."


    "Be back by nine," Sadie gave him a strict order. "Remember!"


    "Got it." Micah affectionately touched her face and fed her some food. "You should eat too."


    After lunch, Micah took Sadie to attend a board meeting, formally introducing her to everyone and announcing their wedding next Monday. Thepany executives were happy to hear this.


    Lately, they had been worried about Micah, who looked increasingly gaunt and haggard, fearing he might copse at any moment.


    But now, everyone was happy for Micah to have a wedding.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1452 The First Dance

    Sadie was quite surprised. She knew Micah was nning the wedding, but the date hadn''t been set yet.


    She hadn''t even thought about it, and today, Micah directly announced the wedding date in front of the board.


    Next Monday, the 17th, they were getting married!


    It felt like a dream, so wonderful that it seemed unreal.


    After the meeting, Micah escorted Sadie downstairs.


    In the elevator, he held her and gently reminded her, "Go home and get some rest. You don''t need to cook yourself. Don''t wear yourself out." "Got it," Sadie hugged him, "I''ll be waiting for you!"


    "Don''t worry, I won''t get lost," Micah kissed her forehead and said, "Be good!"


    When Sadie got into the car, Micah was still standing at the door, smiling and waving at her. She waved back at him.


    As the car started and drove away, she kept looking at him longingly through the rearview mirror.


    For some reason, even though Micah was just going to a banquet, she felt uneasy and worried that something might happen to him.


    Thinking of this, Sadie called Andrew, "Andrew, be careful at tonight''s banquet. Nothing can go wrong."


    "Don''t worry, I know," Andrew replied in a low voice, "It''s a special time right now, and we can''t afford any idents. We''re all being very cautious."


    "That''s good," Sadie breathed a slight sigh of relief, "Micah is attending this banquet mainly to return a favor to Olivia. Once the gift is given,e back. Don''t stay too long." "Got it."


    After hanging up, Andrew made special arrangements.


    Although Micah was just making an appearance, he still brought a lot of people, with a dozen bodyguards surrounding Micah.


    He didn''t believe anything could go wrong.


    In the evening, Micah appeared at The Sapphire Depths hotel.


    Andrew was quite surprised. He didn''t expect Olivia to hold the banquet at the rk Family''s hotel, the same ce where Micah was injured by a vase.


    And Masson, as the hotel''s owner, was invited to the banquet at thest minute.


    "Ms. Graham is really impressive," Andrew sighed in a low voice, "In just a few days, The Graham Family has connected with the rk Family. Their rtionship is quite harmonious now, and there seems cooperation!" "A good businessman can seize any business opportunity." Micah said with a faint smile.


    Olivia had a talent for business. The rk Family, as a newly rising power, was the best partner, much better than the declining Louis Family.


    "Well, Ms. Graham is indeed an excellent businesswoman," Andrew sighed.


    "Mr. Clemens!"


    At this moment, Olivia walked out quickly, enthusiastic and friendly.


    It had been a while since theyst met, and she looked a bit thinner.


    Tonight, she wore a white tight-fitting mermaid dress, showcasing her sexy and graceful figure.


    Coupled with her charming and attractive face, she looked noble and pure, beautiful and enchanting!


    "Ms. Graham, congrattions!" Micah shook her hand, polite yet distant.


    "I thought you wouldn''te tonight," Olivia looked at Micah with deep affection, "I''m so happy to see you!"


    Micah smiled and said, "It sounds like I won''t be here tomorrow."


    "No, I didn''t mean that," Olivia hurriedly exined, "I thought you hated me, so..."


    "Ms. Graham, you''ve helped me a lot. How could I hate you?" Micah interrupted her, gracefully handing over a gift, "Congrattions on the sessfulpletion of your first project in the country!" "Thank you," Olivia took the gift, holding it like a treasure, "Can I open it?"


    "Of course," Micah nodded with a smile.


    Just as Olivia was about to open the gift, a spotlight shone on her and Micah.


    Almost immediately, music began to y, and the emcee announced in Sunvale, "Will our two distinguished guests please honor us with the first dance?"

 Chapter 1453 I Can Help You

    Olivia seemed a bit surprised but looked at Micah with anticipation.


    Micah gracefully made an inviting gesture towards Olivia.


    Olivia happily stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Micah''s waist.


    The two embraced intimately, dancing a romantic waltz.


    People around them instinctively made way, leaving the dance floor to the well-matched pair.


    Andrew watched from the side, his brow slightly furrowed.


    Micah was still weak, and dealing with some documents every day was already exhausting enough. Now he was dancing... "How is Mr. Clemens?"


    At this moment, a pleasant voice came from behind.


    Andrew turned around and greeted politely, "Mr. rk, Mr. Clemens is quite well."


    "That''s good," Masson said apologetically. "I saw he was weak and thought hehadn''t recovered yet."


    "Aren''t you supposed to return to Country F, Mr. rk?" Andrew asked.


    "I was supposed to leave yesterday, but I received an invitation from Ms. Graham, so I decided to stay a few days." Masson looked around, searching for something. "Is Sadie not here tonight?" "Ms. James is about to get married, so it''s inconvenient for her to go out." Andrew answered.


    Andrew knew Masson was still thinking about Sadie, so he deliberately mentioned the wedding, as it would soon be announced to the public anyway.


    "Get married?" As expected, Masson was very shocked. "With whom?"


    "Of course, with Mr. Clemens," Andrew said with a smile. "Who else could it be?"


    Masson frowned deeply and said nothing. He just took out his phone and started sending messages.


    Andrew knew he must be messaging Sadie.


    Meanwhile, the music continued to y melodiously.


    All the guests gathered around, smiling as they watched the couple dancing in the center of the dance floor.


    Olivia looked at Micah with deep affection, her smile was gentle.


    "There''s a rumortely that your sister ispeting with you for the heir position?" Micah suddenly asked.


    Olivia was stunned and replied, "Where did you hear this news, Mr. Clemens?"


    "If I want to know, I will naturally find out," Micah looked at her deeply. "So it seems to be true."


    Hearing this, Olivia couldn''t help but feel a bit flustered, but she quickly regained herposure. "In a big family, such things are inevitable. My father is getting old and ns to give the position to me. My sister has some objections, but it''s not a big deal."


    "Is that so?" Micah smiled, "If it''s not a big deal, why didn''t your fathere tonight?"


    "I..." Olivia was momentarily nervous.


    If it were someone else, she could handle it easily, but Micah''s eyes were like an eagle''s, sharp and piercing, leaving her nowhere to hide.


    "Ms. Graham, you saved my life. If you need my help, I will not hesitate!" Micah said meaningfully.


    "Really?" Olivia was very surprised. "As I remember, Mr. Clemens, you don''t like to interfere in family affairs."


    "That''s right," Micah nodded. "So, it''s a fair exchange."


    "What do you mean?" Olivia was slightly taken aback, then quickly understood. "Shall we go to the back hall to talk?"


    "Alright." Micah replied.


    Before the dance was over, Olivia took Micah''s arm and went to the back hall.


    The guests quickly made way for them, watching them leave, and many began to whisper.


    "It looks like Mr. Clemens and Ms. Graham have a rtionship."


    "That''s right. Mr. Clemens usually doesn''t like attending such parties, but he made an exception for Ms. Graham''s party tonight. It shows they have a deep connection." "Indeed. Mr. Clemens hasn''t been out in the past six months, and it''s quite surprising to see him at a party tonight."


    "Are they dating?"


    "Possibly. They look so well-matched, like a perfect couple."

 Chapter 1454 Wanting to Be Your Woman

    Andrew listened to these words and couldn''t help but feel a bit worried, so he quickly followed.


    At the same time, Masson, who was on the phone with Sadie, also heard the discussions, and naturally, Sadie on the other end of the line heard them too. "Sadie, don''t pay attention to them. They must have misunderstood," Masson hurriedly reassured. "I saw Mr. Clemens just dancing, it''s nothing..." "Where is he?" Sadie asked.


    "It seems he went to the back hall with Ms. Graham. Hello, are you still listening, Sadie?"


    Before Masson could finish, Sadie hung up the phone. She grabbed her phone and rushed out, "Get the car ready."


    "Ms. James, what''s wrong?"


    At this moment, Annika and Arya happened to being upstairs with a few kids.


    "I''m going right away."


    Annika reacted quickly, immediately grabbed the car keys, and followed Sadie.


    The two drove straight to The Sapphire Depths hotel.


    Annika looked at Sadie''s face and softly said, "Ms. James, don''t worry. I believe Mr. Clemens wouldn''t do anything with Ms. Graham, given his condition."


    "Of course, I know he wouldn''t," Sadie frowned. "I''m worried it''s a trap. In his current state, any more injuries could be disastrous."


    "That''s true," Annika nodded, then cursed, "That Andrew, he should have been watching Mr. Clemens more closely."


    "It''s not his fault," Sadie said angrily. "me Micah. He knows his own condition and still went to dance with Olivia!"


    "Don''t be mad, Ms. James," Annika quicklyforted. "I''ll drive faster; we''ll be there soon."


    "Don''t go too fast, your gunshot wound hasn''t fully healed yet," Sadie sighed. "Men really never let you have a moment of peace!" "Exactly!"


    In the lounge of The Sapphire Depths hotel.


    Olivia personally poured water for Micah and gently said, "Mr. Clemens, there are no outsiders here, you can speak freely."


    "Let''s get to the point," Micah nced around the room to make sure there were no issues, then directly said, "I want to make a deal with you!" "What kind of deal?"


    While important matters were being discussed inside the room, outside, Andrew and Oliver, along with a few bodyguards from The Graham Family, were tightly guarding the area, not allowing any strangers to approach. It seemed everything was tightly secured, almost impossible for any idents to happen.


    However, inside the room, just as Micah finished exining his n, he noticed something was off with Olivia.


    Her face was flushed, her eyes were dazed, her lips slightly parted, and she kept fanning herself with her hand. "What''s wrong with you?" Micah frowned at her.


    "I''m hot," Olivia kept inching closer to Micah. "Mr. Clemens, what did you just say? I didn''t understand."


    "You seem a bit off," Micah moved aside. "Forget it, let''s talk another day."


    As he spoke, he stood up to leave, but Olivia suddenly pounced on him like a wildcat, her soft body tightly wrapping around him, her beautiful face slowly approaching. "Mr. Clemens, don''t go."


    "Ms. Graham, what are you doing?"


    Micah tried to push her away, but she grabbed his wrist and pinned him on the sofa, her seductive red lips brushing against his cheek, whispering softly in his ear.


    "I want to be your woman."


    "Have you been drugged?"


    Micah realized something was wrong and tried to push her away, but he found himself feeling weak all over.


    He looked at the cup on the coffee table, could it be...


    "Mr. Clemens," Olivia clung to him tightly, refusing to let go. "Don''t go, don''t go."


    As she spoke, Olivia tried to kiss him. Micah dodged her kiss, pushed her away with all his strength, and got up to leave.


    But suddenly, he felt a wave of dizziness in his head and then copsed softly onto the sofa.

 Chapter 1455 Counterattack

    "Mr. Clemens, Mr. Clemens?"


    Olivia shook Micah in shock,pletely unaware that a shadowy figure had emerged from the wardrobe and was slowly approaching her.


    Olivia sensed the danger and instinctively turned around.


    However, before she could see the figure clearly, she was knocked unconscious with a blow.


    The person was dressed in a hotel attendant''s uniform, wearing a baseball cap, and holding a sharp, gleaming dagger.


    He kicked Olivia aside and menacingly approached Micah.


    "Micah, I am in this situation today all thanks to you and Sadie. Unfortunately, Sadie isn''t here today, so she escapes this time. I''ll kill you first, then find her for revenge!" With that, she raised the dagger and stabbed fiercely at Micah.


    At that moment, with a "bang," the door was kicked open, and a dart flew in, striking the person''s wrist.


    "Ah!" The person screamed in pain, and the dagger fell to the ground.


    Micah, who was on the sofa, opened his eyes and kicked her away, shouting angrily, "Arianna, so it really is you!"


    Andrew rushed in with a group of attendants, followed by the Graham Family''s bodyguards and a shocked Masson!


    "What, what''s going on?" Masson looked at the person in front of him in shock, "Arianna, what are you doing?" Before Arianna could answer, Andrew had already subdued her.


    He swiftly snatched off her baseball cap and pinned her to the ground, shouting angrily, "I knew it was you who threw the vasest time, but I had no evidence. This time, I finally caught you!" "Micah, you deliberately set a trap for me to fall into." Arianna shouted angrily, "You were lucky I didn''t kill youst time!"


    "Shut up." Andrew stepped on her, "You''re still being stubborn even at death''s door."


    "If you have the guts, kill me now." Arianna struggled and roared like an enraged cat, "Even if you send me to the police, I''ll only be locked up for a few days. Masson will get me out." "Arianna." Masson was furious, "So it was really you who threw the vasest time. Why did you do it?"


    "Why?" Ariannaughed mockingly, "Sadie and Micah ruined my family and left me with nothing. You ask me why?"


    "I spent 28 months in prison. Do you know what those 28 months were like for me?"


    "I was three months pregnant, but after being stabbed, I can never have children again. All because of Sadie!"


    "And Micah, if it weren''t for him going after our rk Family, Ronan and I wouldn''t be in this situation."


    "They are my enemies. How can I watch them live happily in this world?"


    "I want to drag them to hell with me, to hell!"


    Arianna shouted furiously, her face twisted, her eyes fierce, like a wild beast gone mad.


    "Arianna, everyone must pay for what they have done. If you did something wrong, you must bear the legal consequences. Don''t be stubborn anymore."


    Masson walked in, squatted in front of her, and anxiously advised, "Be good, apologize to Mr. Clemens, and thene back to Country F with me."


    "I won''t go to Country F. If I go, I can''t get my revenge." Arianna shouted excitedly, "If I go to Country F, you''ll lock me up and make me undergo psychological treatment. I won''t be able to find Ronan or get my revenge. What''s the point of living?"


    "Arianna..."


    "Mr. rk," Micah said coldly, "There''s no need to waste any more time. Arianna''s crimes are too severe; she cannot be spared!"


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