Chapter 4: A Winning Ticket?

"Joanne?"

Joanne Harrington looked at her mother, who was visibly upset, with concern in her voice.

Yvonne Harrington couldn't remember the last time she had lost her composure like this. She always appeared to be a simple and unassuming person, but the more radiant her smile, the more the hidden pain within her would ravage her heart during the night. Every time she recalled it, the pain seemed to break through her rationality, eating away at her mind and dragging her into an endless abyss of suffering.

*Ring, ring—*

The sudden sound of her phone broke Yvonne Harrington's train of thought.

"Aunt?"

Yvonne Harrington quickly answered, recognizing the familiar voice on the other end. After a brief conversation, she hung up, her mood somewhat stabilized. Looking at the two adorable children in front of her, she spoke with a serious expression.

"Aunt called. The house is ready. We'll move in the day after tomorrow!"

"Is the house big? Is it comfortable?"

Joanne Harrington fired off two questions in quick succession.

"Does that mean if the house is big and comfortable, you can live by yourself without your mom?"

"Joanne, I really don't know what to do with you..."

Joanne Harrington shook her head worriedly at Yvonne Harrington's non-sequitur response.

Yvonne Harrington gave her a sweet smile.

After finishing their meal, they returned to the guest room to rest. Two days later, they got into the car and headed back to the familiar house.

The house was on the 8th floor, fully furnished and spotlessly clean. Before returning to China, Yvonne Harrington had informed her aunt, who had moved out after her son's marriage to a larger home, leaving this place for Yvonne Harrington. The aunt had also arranged for a cleaning service to tidy everything up before they arrived.

Yvonne Harrington's job situation was also resolved. Her reputation had been established at Paris Fashion Week with her 'Starry Sky' dress, and many high-end design companies in China were interested in her. However, after careful consideration, she finally decided to join the 'Y.H' studio. The studio, known for its exclusive high-end custom designs, was highly favored by the upper echelons, and although it wasn't as famous as some large corporations, its future was promising.

The name 'You & Home' was particularly appealing to Yvonne Harrington, symbolizing that wherever you are, there is home. She made her decision to work there while still in LA.

...

The 120-square-meter, two-bedroom apartment felt spacious. After unpacking most of their luggage, Yvonne Harrington went out. When she took the two children to the supermarket to buy daily necessities and groceries, they once again attracted various gazes from passersby—some admiring, some envious, and others curious.

Yvonne Harrington was used to such attention. She calmly finished her shopping and left with the children. On their way back, they passed through Times Square, where a host's enthusiastic shouting caught the children's attention. Before Yvonne Harrington could stop her, Jodie Harrington had already run far ahead.

Yvonne Harrington hurriedly chased after her.

On the makeshift stage, it seemed there was some kind of lottery event. Jodie Harrington smiled sweetly and called out "Uncle" in her soft, sweet voice, melting the host's heart. He immediately handed her a number.

"The first prize goes to... Number 8! Congratulations!"

When the host's joyful voice reached Yvonne Harrington's ears, she looked down and saw the piece of paper Jodie Harrington had thrust into her hand.

Number 8? Isn't that me?!

Damn!

Did I win?

A bag of rice was thrown in front of her. Yvonne Harrington smacked her lips; she had actually won a bag of rice.

"Thank you... Thank you..."

Jodie Harrington's childish voice expressed gratitude, and the crowd below cheered even louder. Jodie Harrington and Joanne Harrington were dragged to the center for an interview, and the audience couldn't resist taking photos with their phones.

Yvonne Harrington's forehead creased with a black line. This... How long will this take...

...

At that moment, a bright yellow Cayenne pulled up by the roadside. It wasn't unusual to see luxury cars here, as Times Square was at the city's center, surrounded by a circular road network. Across from the iconic square and the massive shopping center was the prestigious 'Douglas Family' Group, one of the top state-owned enterprises.

The towering building, with its gleaming blue glass, was imposing both day and night.

The Douglas Family Group was unique and extremely luxurious. Just looking at the grand entrance, one could only describe it as "extravagantly opulent."

"After all these years, she actually dared to come back."

A beautiful woman with a sarcastic look in her eyes gazed out the window. The LED screen in the shopping mall displayed the face of the winner, and she narrowed her eyes. She gritted her teeth, mentally cursing those three words: Yvonne Harrington!

Sherry Harrington had thought she would never return, but things didn't go as expected.

"Achoo!"

Yvonne Harrington sneezed on the stage, frowning. It wasn't cold, so did someone just curse her?

In the car, Sherry Harrington put the finishing touches on her makeup, ensuring she was flawless before getting out.

"Miss Harrington, should I inform Mr. Douglas first?"

"No need!"

Sherry Harrington rolled her eyes, opened the door, and stepped out, walking gracefully into the Douglas Family building on her ten-centimeter stilettos.

This place symbolized the highest honor, as it was the headquarters of the Douglas Family Group. Anyone who entered this building was either a high-ranking executive or an investor, and being here already proved your status.