LOGINSometimes, Maria couldn’t help thinking her son had taken after her a little too well—always quick with words and playing angles in everything he did.There were even things Maria herself hadn’t thought of, yet Edwin could lay them out one by one without missing a detail.In other words, Edwin was even more shameless than her.He was thicker-skinned, and completely without restraint in what he did.Thinking of this, Maria couldn’t help but find it a little ironic.Philip had been wise and formidable all his life, yet he had ended up with a son like this.Who knew what he must be thinking inside?But that wasn’t something Maria should be worrying about right now. Her attention was entirely on Philip, and on how they were treating Edwin.No matter what, Edwin was still her biological son.He wasn’t someone others could casually slander.Right now, what mattered most was steadying herself and figuring out how to handle the situation.At the thought of this, Maria felt helpless.How had th
Edwin instantly lost his composure. He raised his hand and pointed at Lucas.“Obviously he’s the one who did something wrong. Why are all of you looking at me like I’m the one to blame?”Edwin could hardly believe what he was saying. “So what, is it my fault that he disrespects me? Or am I the one who did something wrong?”By the time he finished speaking, Edwin even felt like the world had turned into something completely unfamiliar.Why was it that Lucas was the one in the wrong, yet everyone was looking at him as if he should be the one taking responsibility?Would he never truly belong in the Carter family?The thought made Edwin feel absurd. It seemed his place in this family had always been insignificant.Because no one had ever taken him seriously.To everyone else, he was nothing more than a background figure—just someone who existed to make Lucas stand out.But Edwin had always been proud. How could he possibly accept being reduced to Lucas’ shadow?And then there was Yvonne.
Seeing Edwin really about to drag Maria out, Philip’s voice cut through the room, low and heavy.“Stop right there.”Edwin froze mid-step.Before Philip could say anything, he struck first.“What, regretting it now?”“I’m telling you, it’s too late.”He turned back, each word deliberate.“When you shoved my mother just now, did you think about the consequences?“And now you want to keep me here? Not happening.“I’m not that cheap. I’ve got my pride.”Silence fell.Everyone stood there, momentarily stunned.Even Maria looked at him, caught off guard.This wasn’t like him.It was almost theatrical.She nearly reached up to rub her temples.What was wrong with him today?He was like a lit fuse—one spark and he went off.And more than that, something felt off.He hadn’t even asked what was going on, just walked in and took her side without question.It didn’t make sense.Had he changed?But that didn’t feel right either.When had he ever been this protective?Then what exactly was he so an
Everyone fell silent.Why did Edwin have to show up now of all times.?A flicker of awkwardness crossed Philip’s face.Meeting Edwin’s gaze, even he felt a trace of unease.But the next second, he straightened.He hadn’t done anything wrong, so why should he feel judged?“You ungrateful brat. How dare you speak to me like that?”He snapped first, cutting through the tension.Edwin turned, his expression cold.“Did I say anything wrong?“I saw it with my own eyes. You pushed my mother. If I hadn’t come in time, she’d already be on the floor.“You’re old. When you fall, you end up in the hospital for a month. Do you think she’s young?“She’s been running around taking care of you, looking after everything, wearing herself down, and what does she get from your family?”The more he spoke, the more agitated he became, anger spilling over.“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do. You want to drive her out. Shat does that get you?“She’s just an ordinary woman. What threat could sh
Seeing this, Edward rubbed his nose, feeling a little wronged.Why was his wife siding with their son too?At this point, he seemed completely isolated.Neither his son nor his wife was on his side.But more importantly, he had been planning to take his wife out for a candlelight dinner that evening. How could he waste all his time here?“Fine then, we’ll go with what you say.”He had no choice. In this household, there were things he still had to listen to Diana about, and he knew himself well—he had always been the type to give in to his wife.He often listened to Diana.Seeing him comply so easily, Diana’s mood visibly improved.“That’s more like it. Haven’t you noticed? Our son clearly has something important to announce today. He’s gathered so many people—there has to be a reason.”Edward began to feel something was off.He had actually noticed it earlier, but he was a bit slow to pick up on such things and had not paid much attention. Most of his focus had been on his wife anyway
Lucas pulled Aurora to his side.“Wait a bit. There’s still someone who hasn’t arrived.”“There’s still someone?”Aurora frowned instinctively.She looked around and realized that everyone who should and should not be here from the Carter family was already gathered.Even Maria was here.Who else could possibly be missing?In the next moment, it clicked.There was indeed one person who had not arrived, and that person’s identity was crucial.Wasn’t it Edwin?Aurora suddenly understood.Standing beside her, Lucas noticed the shift in her expression and nodded inwardly.As expected of the woman he had chosen—just a hint was enough for her to see through everything.And she never pressed him with unnecessary questions.A woman like this was easy to be with.Lucas patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. Today’s outcome won’t disappoint you.”“I trust you.”Aurora had never believed that Lucas would let her down.But there had been too many things happening online lately, and they had barely had
But this was no longer about simple disagreements—it had already dug its way into old wounds from years ago.“Forget it, Mr. Lee. You don’t need to persuade me anymore. My mom and I both know where we stand.”Aurora let out a quiet, self-mocking laugh.“So many years have passed, and she still refus
“What’s that supposed to mean?”Yvonne frowned, completely confused.But Michelle held her hand, quietly signaling her to calm down.Yvonne turned to her. “Mom, what does he mean by that?“Why don’t I understand anything you’re talking about? Did you make some sort of deal with him?”Her voice carri
Who wouldn’t want a walking goldmine like that in their company?Unfortunately, his daughter just wasn’t that lucky.Charles turned to Michelle with a warning. “Don’t ever say things like that again.”“Since our daughter doesn’t have that kind of fortune, we’ll just find her another good match.”“No
“I think we should tighten the security around the villa,” Kenneth said firmly.Judy hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble? What if he just came once and doesn’t show up again?”Though she said it that way, she knew perfectly well Joseph wouldn’t stop at one visit. He’d be back again and aga







