Nevertheless, Caroline hid the matter from her adoptive parents and brothers, worried that they would become bloodsuckers.Never had she expected that she would turn out to be the Fishers’ daughter. She was born into an affluent family, but her adoptive father was so wicked that she swapped her with Celine. Consequently, she grew up in a horrible environment.Even though she was reunited with her biological parents and three elder brothers, that did not prevent them from continuing to love Celine.Considering Celine’s biological father’s deed, even if her mother had punished him, her mother could not bear to part with Celine. Therefore, her mother continued to keep her in the family to be the second young lady of the Fishers.Caroline and Celine were born on the same day, but Celine was born ten minutes earlier than Caroline.Since Caroline was related to the Fishers, she would take over the position of the head of the family. Therefore, she was accepted as the eldest young lady o
“Madam Fisher.” Hayden spoke in a raspy voice, “As I see things, Ms. Caroline Fisher is a delicate piece of art that needs to be handled with care. The last thing I want is for my security detail to knock over Ms. Caroline.” Since Caroline had caught Hayden’s eye, Hayden kept planting the idea in her brother’s head to go after Caroline. Hayden took a liking to the person Caroline was. Many took things at face value, having the opinion that Caroline was not up for the daunting task of taking over as head of the household. The Fishers owned many businesses that were managed and run by the head of the household. Caroline gave the impression of someone weak, small, and green. Hayden saw through Caroline for who she really was though. Nevertheless, Hugh said that the Fisher family had hidden depths, and going forward with dating Caroline would embroil them in the Fishers’ internal strife. Now that Hayden had witnessed Madam Fisher’s attitude toward Caroline, she had to admit
Hayden then turned on her heel to leave. “You will be mine sooner or later. I’m just enjoying the privilege in advance.” Demonstrating utter audacity, Kevin tagged along with Hayden. He would gleefully say hello upon meeting any acquaintances. Since Kevin followed Hayden around like a puppy, these other well-acquainted CEOs could only nod instead of sharing a full-blown conversation with Kevin. Kevin clung to Hayden so tightly that the latter could not shake him off. Hayden’s security detail could not stop Kevin either. They had to engage with Kevin to restrain him, only to realize that they were no match for Kevin. It was said that the boys of the York family were raised to excel academically and athletically. The public took it that the York boys would merely have a few years of self-defense under their belt, but Hayden’s security team did not expect Kevin to be a highly skilled professional in the sport. “Mr. Kevin.” Hayden got a headache from trying to get Kevin out o
Kevin’s reply threw Hayden for a loop. It was unexpected for the question to come from Kevin. Hayden was right to suspect that Kevin knew she was a woman!How did he find out? Still, Hayden managed to pull herself together in a second. She firmly uttered, “I am a man. I can tell you straight in the face that I am a man.” She had been one for more than two decades. Hayden believed Kevin would not be able to read her tell. If Kevin could pick a flaw out of her disguise, Hayden could always improve the façade. Kevin kept a smile on his face. He walked around the coffee table to get to Hayden. Kevin looked at Hayden from a standing position. Not liking the fact that he was looking down at her from a height, Hayden stood up and met him at eye level. It appeared she and Kevin were of similar height. Truth be told, Kevin was slightly taller than her. “You said you’re a man, Hayden. Would you dare to take your clothes off in front of me?” Kevin leaned in, getting a l
Kevin took his time in removing his belt as he replied, “You’re not happy to take off your clothes to prove that you’re a man, but I’m happy to do so.” With Kevin close to pulling his pants down, Hayden retorted with a grimace, “I apologize. That came out wrong. You’re a real man.” Kevin was only trying to spook her. It was not like he was really going to take off his pants in front of her. Now that Hayden had apologized, Kevin fastened his belt and said, “I’m more likely to go for it than you are. You act with integrity and transparency. As a matter of fact, you’re a doer, but you seem to overthink and dawdle at taking off your clothes like a woman.” Hayden scowled. “Don’t tell me you’re a woman, Mr. Hayden.” “I can say the same about you.” Kevin chuckled. “I will cling to you more if I’m a woman. I’ll be all over you until you take me as your wife.” “I’m not interested in you. Please don’t follow me around. You are a massive distraction to my life and work.” Hay
Hayden responded, “Your name will be on the list of wedding invitations when the day comes. You will be my best man, but I expect a huge wedding gift.” Kevin laughed. “Of course. I won’t forget the wedding gift. My only concern is that I may never have the chance to become your best man, but I can be your groom. You can keep all the wedding gifts though.” With Hayden gritting her teeth in rage and tempted to kick him out, Kevin happily took off. Something good came out of tonight. One thing was for sure, his nana did not lie to him about Hayden’s gender. She was a woman. Once Kevin was gone, Hayden slammed the door with a loud bang. Hayden was not in a hurry to get downstairs in case others might catch her together with Kevin. There would only be gossip if they were seen together. She sat back down on the sofa, sinking her back against the seat. Furrowing her brows, Hayden fell deep into thought. How did Kevin know she was a woman?Ring, ring, ring…The phone rang.
Sophia was shocked. She anxiously followed up with questions, “Kevin knows you’re a woman? How did he find out?” It was the first time anybody ever doubted that her daughter was not a man. Once the shock subsided, Sophia was hit with a wave of a pleasant surprise. For Kevin to suspect her daughter’s gender, it could only mean that Kevin believed Hayden was a woman. It was probably why Kevin was wooing Hayden now. In that case, Sophia’s daughter had a chance to marry into the York family so long as Kevin had no interest in the wife candidate Old Mrs. York picked for him. Sophia was on a roller coaster of emotions. Getting a headache, Hayden replied, “I don’t know what started the suspicion, but I’m certain that I gave away nothing.” The longest time she ever spent with Kevin was over the weekend. Oftentimes, it was only an occasional encounter that was kept brief. They had not hung out a lot. Other people who had been in Hayden’s company daily never suspected she w
Sophia said, “Yeah. The Yorks raised outstanding children.” Since Kevin was wooing her daughter and had his doubts about her daughter’s gender, Sophia finally saw hope again. Sophia had always admired Kevin. “Donald, what’s your take about Kevin seeing through Hay’s disguise? She’s been playing a man for over two decades. I wouldn’t believe she’s a woman if she didn’t come from my womb. Hay puts on a convincing show.” “What did Hay say?” “Apparently, Kevin had a gut feeling that she wasn’t a man.” Donald gleefully praised Kevin once more. “The boy has a discerning eye and a keen intuition. He’s definitely raised well.” Sophia had no words. “Honey, it doesn’t matter how Kevin saw through Hay’s disguise. The only thing that matters is that Kevin doesn’t swing the other way, and he’s pursuing our daughter. I’m in favor of this son-in-law.” “Me too.” Sophia grew certain that Kevin would make a good son-in-law. Although nothing concrete had happened between Kevin and H
Lilian often messed with the medicinal herbs her master cultivated, which led to her being chased and scolded by him.It seemed her son had inherited her restless nature.“How’s Sonny been lately?”Liberty had been on edge these past few days because Caroline had been preparing to lure her three brothers into a trap and had not had time to call her son.“Same as usual, but it seems like things have soured again with the Browns.”Serenity added, “Sonny still answers when Hank calls him, but he doesn’t seem happy when his grandparents visit. He doesn’t like going to the Browns’ place, and he doesn’t want to take their calls either.“Hank’s mother and sister are truly incorrigible. They must have been badmouthing you and Duncan in front of Sonny again, which is why he’s upset with them.”During the holidays, Sonny had stayed with the Browns for a few days and started to warm up to them.However, who would have thought that the mother and daughter would start spouting nonsense in f
Once the baby was born, he would apply the knowledge he had learned over the past few months to care for the baby. He was determined to be a competent and responsible father.Serenity released her arms from around him and shifted to her side.Zachary let go, too, allowing her to turn.Then, she planted countless gentle kisses on his face.“Babe, with you here, the baby and I will be just fine. Don’t worry too much,” Serenity comforted softly after kissing him.“You are my rock. If even you are nervous, I’ll start feeling anxious too, and that won’t be good.”Hearing this, Zachary immediately said, “Seren, don’t worry. I’ll protect both of you. Alright, I won’t be so nervous anymore.”He gently touched her rounded belly again. “Lil’ Bun should be a calm kid. He’s not that mischievous.”He felt that the baby’s movements were not too intense.Serenity wanted to tell him that there were times when the baby kicked more vigorously, but she decided against it, knowing it would only m
“Just hit the gym a few more times. Lately, you’ve been spending less time there.”Every day after work, he would come home and orbit around her. As a result, he had less time to work out.It was normal to gain a few pounds eating well and exercising less. Did he really think he could eat anything without gaining weight?The reason he could maintain a model-like physique before was that he exercised daily.“Ow.” Serenity suddenly cried out in pain.This startled Zachary so much that he nearly jumped up, asking anxiously, “Is it stomach pain? Are you going into labor? Let’s go to the hospital right away.”He was about to pick her up, but Serenity stopped him by pressing his hand.“Don’t be so nervous, Zachary. It's not time yet. It’s not happening so soon. It’s just the baby kicking again. His kicks are getting stronger.”As she entered the later stages of pregnancy, the little one inside her was growing stronger. Sometimes, a couple of kicks from the baby could actually hurt.
Zachary, afraid that his wife might refuse to spend time with him at his office in the future, emphasized that he was not busy today.He had already cleared his morning schedule because he needed to accompany his beloved wife for her prenatal checkup.His secretary was well aware of Serenity’s checkup dates. Whenever he saw Serenity turn up at the office with his boss, his secretary would quietly adjust his schedule.Sometimes, on the day of the Serenity’s checkup, his secretary would not schedule any appointments for Zachary at all.Even if appointments were scheduled, Zachary would request they be canceled or rescheduled.Now, in Zachary’s eyes, his wife’s matters were the most important.With Alex now able to share the workload, Zachary felt that he, as the eldest of his generation who had shouldered the bulk of the burden for so many years, deserved a break.Plus, there was the elite team the company had trained; if not now, then when would they be put to use?Everyone was
Tony turned around and left.Only after hearing the door close did Carrie dare to open her eyes.She had woken up while Tony and his son were on the phone, but she did not dare move, fearing that Tony might suspect her of eavesdropping.Just now, when that old lecher stood by the bed looking at her, there was definitely a murderous glint in his eyes. She could feel it.Sooner or later, he would kill her.Carrie was filled with panic. She wanted to escape but was afraid she would not succeed. No one was there to help her.For a moment, Carrie even considered running to Camryn to confess everything, but she quickly dismissed the thought. The reason she ended up in this situation was entirely due to Camryn.She and Camryn were sworn enemies. Their conflict would not end until one of them was dead. However, even if she died, she would drag Camryn down with her.-Meanwhile, in the CEO's office at York Corporation, Zachary, seated at his desk, kept glancing up at his pregnant wife.
“You should have gotten rid of them all back then and cultivated a network of people loyal only to you.” Manny felt that his father should not have spared those people in the first place.Tony said, “There were too many of them, all relatives and friends with the same goal as us. We couldn’t eliminate them all at once.”Back then, he had incited everyone to join him in wiping out the entire main family, sparing neither the elderly nor the children.It was because they were all from the collateral branches, jealous of the main family’s long-standing control, and shared a common goal that his conspiracy succeeded.He had also spent over a decade waiting for the right opportunity.Who would have thought that even after wiping out the main family, he still could not obtain the family seal, token, or totem? Without these, he could not become the true head of the family and could only act as a proxy. Many of the connections loyal to the head remained inaccessible.Moreover, much of the
It was his father. Manny composed himself and picked up Tony’s call as he walked toward his car.“Hey, Pops.”“How’s it going, Manny? Has there been any progress?”Tony was still in Carrie’s room at the moment, but had gotten up and walked to the balcony to call his son.Carrie was still fast asleep, though her face was set in a frown. She was obviously discomfited.Tony had pestered her for the majority of last night, so it would be weird if she did not feel any discomfort.Despite her begging, Tony would not let her go. He even forcefully drugged her to make her mess around with him while out of it. He was simply an old pervert.Before she passed out, she cursed him in her heart. However, she knew that Tony only treated her so roughly because she was just his mistress—a tool for him to vent his frustrations on.If she really was his wife, he definitely would not treat her like this.In the past, she had ambitions of taking Mrs. Longbottom’s place and becoming the real missus
Tati also finished her plate of pastries.She followed Isabella out.“Isa, you’re always so busy and exhausted. If you’re feeling even a little unwell, you should have a good rest. Stay home for the day. I can handle the work you have on hand. It’s the same either way.”Tati wanted Isabella to take the day off so Isabella could spend some time with Austin and nurture their relationship.However, Isabella still declined Tati’s kind offer.She said, “Not today. There’s an important meeting today, and I have two important clients to meet. I’m fine, really. Don’t worry. From now on, I won’t touch alcohol.”Given her current status and position, no one would dare to force her to drink during social engagements.Many people also knew that Isabella would not drink outside her home, fearing that she might fall victim to someone’s schemes.However, Isabella would occasionally make an exception. When she was in a good mood, she would have a couple of drinks.Hearing this, Tati stopped t
Austin still smiled gently and said, “It’s all thanks to Ms. Isabella’s guidance.”He felt that he had indeed improved a lot.Grandma May really understood him well. The wife she picked for him could actually help improve his culinary skills.“After eating the sweets, I feel much better.” Tati picked up another piece of pastry and ate it.Austin quietly retreated, not wanting to disturb their conversation and also to avoid overhearing their private matters.“Just ignore him. Are you really going to skip work because of him?”Isabella added calmly to Tati, “If you let him provoke you, he’ll only cling to you even more. If you act like he doesn’t exist and don’t respond no matter what he does, he’ll naturally give up once he sees that you’re completely unresponsive.”Tati said, “I’m afraid that he’ll go and bother Edith and Eleanor if he doesn’t get anywhere with me. They don’t have the same resolve as we do.”She, therefore, decided to bear the brunt of it.“Every time I see hi