LOGINThe atmosphere in the master bedroom of the Ashford residence suddenly became silent and filled with anxiety. Camelia had just finished straightening her clothes in front of the large mirror when her smartphone on the vanity began to vibrate loudly.A call from the private secretary of Lancaster Group brought sudden and shocking news: Grandma Wen had been rushed to the ICU of a private hospital in Manhattan after suffering a sudden heart attack. The elderly woman's condition was reported to be extremely critical. The doctor said that the overwhelming emotional pressure and tremendous stress caused by the collapse of her business plans and the threat of legal action had severely impaired the functions of her vital organs.Camelia stood frozen in front of the door, holding her thick coat with fingers that trembled slightly. Although her life over the past ten years had been shrouded in the old woman's deception and strict control, the humanity within Camelia's heart could not erase the
The soft hum of Aurora's electric bicycle gradually faded into the distance from the bakery courtyard, leaving Joye still standing stiffly beside the wooden table. The morning breeze blew slightly stronger, lifting the fine strands of hair around her cheeks that were still damp from the remnants of her tears.The steady yet slightly heavy footsteps of someone walking out from behind the bakery's glass door could be heard. A middle-aged woman with a worn apron tied around her waist approached. Joye's mother—a woman with stern facial features that concealed deep traces of exhaustion—stared coldly at Aurora's departing figure before turning her gaze toward her only daughter."That girl is the daughter of the Ashford family, isn't she?" her mother asked in a flat voice devoid of warmth.Joye did not answer. She merely lowered her head, wiping away the remaining tears on her cheeks with the back of her trembling hand."Listen to me, Joye," her mother said, her tone gradually becoming sharp
The silence of the night continued to deepen inside the main study of the Ashford residence. The warm golden glow of the desk lamp illuminated stacks of important documents and the layout of the reception hall spread across the thick teakwood desk.Calvin stood near the large window, holding a cup of black coffee that had begun to cool. His gaze wandered through the darkness of the backyard garden, faint wrinkles forming on his forehead. The sound of steady footsteps approached, signaling Juna's arrival as he entered the room carrying a thick, gold-covered folder."You're not asleep yet, Calvin?" Juna asked softly as he placed the folder on the edge of the desk.Calvin slowly turned around, looking at his brother-in-law with a thoughtful gaze. "I'm thinking about the party, Juna. Will the grand banquet between the Ashford and Collyn families still be held as scheduled this week?""Of course," Juna replied without hesitation, leaning his back against the edge of the desk. "All the prep
The pounding on the upstairs bedroom door of the Ashford residence had long since subsided, but the atmosphere inside the guest room was still shrouded in a suffocating chill.Revaline sat curled up on the large bed. Her knees were pulled tightly against her chest, while her beautiful face was swollen from the tears that refused to stop falling. The humiliation that had struck her at the dinner table still burned painfully in her chest. Daven's cold words continued to replay endlessly in her mind, crushing the pride she had always held so dearly.The bedroom door suddenly opened slowly. Grandfather Chandler stepped inside with the help of his silver cane. The old man let out a long sigh, looking at his only granddaughter with an expression filled with deep pity and concern."Revaline..." Grandfather Chandler called gently as he walked closer and sat down on the edge of the bed.Revaline slowly raised her head, her reddened eyes staring at her grandfather with such clear despair. The g
The atmosphere in the dining room of the Ashford residence instantly froze. Aurora’s words, pouring out amid her streams of tears, still echoed loudly, leaving behind a thick and heavy silence. Calvin stared at his biological daughter with eyes filled with guilt and profound sadness. He understood all too well how deep the wound Aurora had carried after growing up for ten years without a father by her side.Camelia held Calvin’s fingers beneath the table, trying to comfort her husband, while Daven lowered his head and let out an exceedingly heavy sigh.However, in the midst of the tension that was rapidly escalating, Revaline, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly straightened her back. The shock caused by Aurora’s outburst gradually faded, replaced by a reckless glint burning in her chest. Her mind spun rapidly as she tried to take advantage of the heated situation.Clack.Revaline pushed her chair backward, then stood stiffly as she stared at Aurora, who was still standing
The crystal chandelier above the long mahogany dining table illuminated the luxurious dinner spread in the Ashford residence. The aroma of roasted meat, warm cream soup, and carefully selected spices filled the spacious room. Every member of the family had gathered around the table, creating a warm scene that had been absent from the household for ten long years.However, amid the faint clinking of spoons and porcelain, there was one corner of the table that seemed to be shrouded in a cold atmosphere.Revaline sat stiffly beside Grandfather Chandler. Her fingers merely stirred the cream soup in her bowl without any intention of taking even a single bite. Her beautiful face was deeply sullen, her lips remained tightly pursed, and her eyes cast cold glances toward Daven's and Aurora's plates alternately.Grandfather Chandler, who noticed the behavior of his only granddaughter, stopped moving his spoon. The old man turned his head and looked at Revaline, faint wrinkles appearing on his f







