LOGINA faint, gentle smile appeared on Howard’s handsome face. "Cindy, I just came to see little Charles."Cindy’s brows furrowed. "How do you have the nerve to show up?" Her eyes held a distinct chill.Jacob looked at the beautiful Cindy, a flash of admiration crossing his eyes. He said with a charming smile, "Miss, Howard is the child's father and has visitation rights. We only came to take a look; we aren't here to cause trouble."Only then did Cindy really look at Jacob. She had to admit, all of Benjamin’s friends were stunning—each one more handsome and alluring than the last.Using his charm as a convenient excuse to back down, she softened her stance, though her tone remained sharp. "Fine. For the sake of your handsome face, I’ll let you both in."She carried little Charles inside, followed by Howard and Jacob. After the two men greeted Irene, Howard sat down beside Cindy."Charles wasn't too frightened after he got back, was he?" The thought of Dominic’s actions still made his bloo
Amanda nodded softly. "Yes. I need to be well-rested to perform Tara’s surgery properly."She sent a message to her assistant, Skye.Amanda: [Skye, I have a surgery tonight. Come and assist me.]She rarely called on Skye unless it was a major operation.Skye: [Amanda, you finally reached out! I’ll be there.]Amanda sent the address and a list of necessary supplies to Skye before lying back down to sleep.Benjamin stayed awake. After ensuring she was sound asleep, he kissed her forehead tenderly and slipped out of bed. He went to the study and called Robin."Sir.""Any movement from Jordan?" Benjamin asked, standing by the window."Sir, he’s preparing for the Global Business Summit. It’s a perfect breakthrough for him, and he won’t miss the chance. The pharmaceuticals produced under his name are quite famous; it won't be hard for him to secure partnerships."Benjamin instructed, "Understood. The moment Patrick returns, contact me. Block every opportunity Jordan has. I want to force the
Benjamin replied with a cold detachment, "I will be there."As soon as the words left his lips, he pulled Amanda away.Cindy couldn't resist a parting shot. "Miss Parker, did you really rush all the way over here just to ask if Benjamin is going to the summit?"Joey maintained her smile. "Indeed. My father is coming for the event to discuss a partnership with the Schmidt Group. I simply wanted to confirm if Benjamin would be attending.""Oh! So that’s how it is. Well, I wish you a happy partnership," Cindy said with a beaming smile. There was no fun in exposing her outright; Cindy preferred to watch her act. Since Joey had the nerve to lie, they certainly had the nerve to pretend to believe her."Ah! Come to think of it, the summit is only a few days away." Cindy turned to Irene. "Auntie, let's go to Maison L tomorrow and pick out a stunning outfit for Amanda. We'll make sure she’s the most beautiful woman by Benjamin’s side."Irene nodded with a smile, catching Cindy’s drift. "Of cou
Benjamin sat down and said, "I’ve already called your assistant; he’ll be here shortly to take care of you.""Alright." Howard managed a small smile, then turned his gaze toward the expressionless Amanda. "Amanda, I’m sorry. I almost cost you your life. And thank you... for taking such good care of Charles." He apologized and thanked her with absolute sincerity.Amanda remained silent. Howard didn't push her.It wasn't until Howard’s assistant, Peter, arrived that Benjamin finally led Amanda away.The moment they left, Howard couldn't wait to instruct his assistant: "Peter, go find out which country Amanda just returned from."Peter looked at him with concern. "Mr. Ashford, you’re injured and need rest. I’ll have someone else look into it."Howard shook his head. "I don't trust anyone else with this. Go yourself. Keep it discreet—do not let Benjamin find out."Amanda would have certainly settled Fanny somewhere safe before returning to the country. Tara was out looking for medicine, b
Squelch...It was the sound of flesh being torn open.The dagger in Dominic’s hand plunged deep into Howard’s shoulder."Ugh..." Howard let out a muffled groan. After a momentary flash of numbness, a soul-tearing pain surged through him.Time seemed to freeze in that instant.By the time Calvin reacted, he delivered a furious kick that sent Dominic sprawling to the ground. No one had anticipated that he had a hidden blade concealed up his sleeve.Despite his burly frame hitting the dirt, Dominic laughed hysterically. He stared at Howard with eyes full of hatred. "Howard... even if I die, I’m dragging you down with me!"Two SWAT officers lunged forward, pinning him down and beginning a thorough body search to ensure he had no other hidden weapons.Seeing that his son was unharmed, Howard managed a weak smile. "Charles, don't cry... Daddy’s here."Calvin looked at the dagger protruding from his back and said, "Mr. Ashford, Amanda is outside. I’ll call her in immediately."Howard shook h
"Hello!" Howard answered the call instantly."Hehe... Howard. If you want to save your son, give me a hundred million. I want to see the money within an hour, or I’ll kill him. I have your mother to thank for letting me know you had a son—he’s become my greatest leverage."Dominic’s laugh was wicked and distorted. Howard’s face darkened, his eyes swirling with a murderous intent so thick it was palpable."Dominic, if a single hair on my son’s head is harmed, I will take you down to hell with me." Death held no terrors for Howard. He had long wanted to join Fanny in the afterlife.But his son was alive. He couldn't leave him behind. If the boy lost his father too, his life would be too pitiful."Hehe... even if you want to die, I’m not coming with you. As long as you give me the money, I won't touch the boy. I want cash. One hour. Once the money is ready, I’ll tell you where to drop it. Don't call the police. You know the consequences if you do."The line went dead. Howard’s gaze was l







