Hayden had also given Liberty a considerable amount of help both overtly and covertly.The people of Jensburg could clearly see that this Ms. Hunt from Wiltspoon was the offspring of the Fishers’ previous matriarch and that she had returned to compete against the Fishers on their turf.Liberty was setting up her business in the same industry as the Fishers’ most important business, and was obviously trying to steal their share of the pie.Some Fisher family members had secretly begun to defect to Liberty’s side.Caroline smiled and picked up her teacup once more. Gracefully, she savored the fragrant tea.Ring, ring, ring!Caroline’s phone began to ring.She put down her cup and picked up her phone to look at the caller ID before saying to Hayden, “It’s my mother. Maybe she doesn’t want to continue taking care of my father in the hospital anymore.”Belinda had forced her father to be hospitalized.The old couple seemed fine on the surface, but behind closed doors, they were no
“Alright. I’ll head to the hospital in a bit. You should head home and rest.”Caroline did not refuse and instead agreed to go to the hospital to take care of her father.Belinda was silent for a moment before she said, “You can head back after spending just an hour or so with him. There’s no need for you to take care of him personally. He’s not fond of you even though you’re his biological daughter.”At first, she had not felt anything for Caroline either, but Caroline was, after all, the baby she had borne herself. Blood was thicker than water and feelings could quickly be nurtured.However, it was not the same for Hunter.To him, as long as he had not raised her and doted on her, he did not feel any closeness or fondness for her.All because she was not a Clark.Their three sons had taken after his surname. Therefore, they were considered grandchildren of the Clark family.That was why Hunter was unable to truly accept Caroline as his daughter after her return.Belinda knew
“My mother’s tired and wants to rest at home, and my father suggested that I go to the hospital to accompany him and take care of him.”Caroline did not hide anything from Hayden.If she was not the heiress of the Fisher family, she very much wanted to be best friends with Hayden.The two got along very well.Hayden huffed a sarcastic laugh but did not say anything further.Caroline sat for a little while longer and finished her tea before she got up and excused herself.Hayden walked her to the elevator and they bumped into Hugh who happened to come upstairs right then. After exchanging greetings, the siblings stood in the elevator lobby and watched Caroline enter the elevator and its doors close.Once Caroline had left, Hugh asked as they walked back, “What was Caroline here to see you for again this time?”Hayden glanced at her brother and said calmly, “She’s doing her best to fight for Fisher Enterprise. She has to put on enough of a show to prevent people from saying she i
Hayden picked up the brocade box and opened it to take a look before closing it once more and asking Hugh, “You bought this to coax one of your girlfriends with, didn’t you? It’s not my style.”She tossed the box back to him.“I have no shortage of things like these. Kevin has been buying jewelry, women’s clothing, high-heels, and stuff like that for me like mad for the past few days.”She had a lot of things.She had more than enough money of her own. If she liked something, she could afford it even if it was expensive.Her future mother-in-law had also given her a lot of precious jewelry.It was just that she was not used to wearing them.Even Grandma May had given her a few expensive pieces of jewelry as a gift upon their first meeting.Grandma May was born before World War II. Her family was rich but later went through a period of decline before they eventually got back up on their feet.Some of the jewelry in Grandma May’s collection were valuable antiques.She had quite
Hugh knew that Caroline had her own business.It was no wonder that Hayden had such an appreciation for Caroline. She might not have had a good childhood in her adoptive parents’ home, but she grew tenaciously like a blade of grass. At a young age, she had made a place for herself in the business world with just her brain and guts.She was an impressive businesswoman.He could not blame Hayden for constantly trying to set them up.Even now, he suspected that she had not given up on the idea yet.Because of Liberty’s appearance, it was now hard to predict who would succeed the matriarchy.If Caroline withdrew from the race, she could marry freely without having to look for someone willing to marry into her family.This was exactly what Hayden had thought of. Thus, the idea she had originally given up on sprang back to life and she started creating opportunities for Hugh and Caroline to meet.“Got it. And sis, you know Caroline has someone by her side, right?” Hugh said meaningfu
Twenty minutes later, Darren’s and Caroline’s cars were parked at the hospital’s parking lot. Darren got out of his car first and went to Caroline’s. After she was out of her car, he helped her with her stuff. Caroline had bought a fruit basket and multivitamins. “Give me the fruits. They’re quite heavy.”Even if Caroline was stronger than the average woman, Darren did not want her holding the fruits. He trained in martial arts since he was young. Obviously, he had greater strength, and carrying a fruit basket was effortless. Without hesitation, Caroline accepted his offer. She handed the fruit basket to him while she took the box of multivitamins. They walked toward the inpatient department. On their way, Caroline spotted Celine hiding in a corner, probably waiting for Belinda. Celine did not see Caroline. Darren glanced at Caroline and asked, “Should we chase her away, Ms. Caroline? I’m pretty sure Madam Fisher doesn’t want to see her.”Caroline answered calmly, “Le
Hunter would not have the guts to do so either. Belinda could even chase her children out of the family, so why would she care for a husband who married into her family?She turned and left. Caroline saw her out. She also asked about Hunter’s condition. “Just keep him company and talk to him. Adrian will be here in an hour. He’s the eldest son. He should take most responsibility in taking care of Hunter.”Caroline gave no comments. The mother and daughter exchanged a few more words before stopping at the elevator. Caroline watched her mom leave with bodyguards flanking her before returning to the ward. Darren had poured Hunter a cup of tea. Hunter was being polite to Darren as well. No one dared to underestimate the matriarch’s or the heir’s assistants cum right-hand men. Even Belinda treated Darren politely. “Carol.”Seeing that Caroline was back, Hunter immediately smiled as she walked over. “How are you feeling, Dad? Are you better?” Caroline asked, sitting
Caroline said, “The Clark family is doing well.”Caroline knew that the Clarks’ future was Hunter’s utmost priority.That was why he feared Belinda’s revenge and chose to get castrated to protect the marriage. Even if he would be separated from his wife, then so be it. It was his fault for not being cautious. “That’s great. Although you bear your mom’s last name, Carol, the blood of the Clark family runs in you too. You can’t remain indifferent if something were to happen to the Clarks in the future. Your aunts and uncles have been treating you well.”Caroline said calmly, “They have jobs now. As long as they work hard and aren’t up to something, their lives will be comfortable. If they run into any emergencies, I’ll help them to the best of my abilities.”However, she would not break any rules for them if the issue was beyond her. Hunter understood Caroline’s hidden meaning. He knew she was as cold-hearted as Belinda. She had no feelings for the Clark family at all. The on
Isabella said, “If Louis wants to climb up to the roof to take off its tiles, my mom would even go as far as to give him a ladder to climb up there. You don’t know the situation, so I don’t blame you, but when we get back, I’ll have a good talk with my mom.”Louis and his brother exchanged glances, wondering if they had caused trouble.“Isa, since they’re already here, just let them play in your office. They’re probably going stir-crazy at home.” Seeing that her baby brother and cousin looked scared that they had caused trouble, Tati could not help but feel sorry for them and spoke up in their defense. “They’re kids, after all—they love to play.”Austin also added, “It’s winter break right now. Most other kids are out playing already, and they’re stuck at home. Even though the house is big, they’ll eventually get bored playing indoors.”Just like when he and his brothers were younger, they had a children’s playground at home too. In fact, they lived on a manor estate on the hill an
Austin immediately regretted bringing the boys with him. He tried his hardest to recall whether anyone had seen their faces when they left; at least, he did not think anyone had.The two boys were still young and had sat in the backseat of the car. He had driven a black Mercedes, and as long as the duo had not rolled down the windows, no one could see them as the car sped along. After entering the Costa Corporation building, there were no other people around from the moment they got out of the car to the time they entered the office building. It was only when Austin was sure that no one had caught a clear shot of them that he finally relaxed. He told himself that, no matter how much they begged him in the future, he would not thoughtlessly take them out again.Before his own brothers entered society, they had been carefully protected by the family, and it was very difficult for the outside world to capture clear photos of them too. When they were old enough to step into the busines
“Has your sister ever hit you?”Austin freed a hand to adjust Louis's hat and scarf. He also tugged at Phillip, gesturing for the little boy to follow in his older cousin’s footsteps. The cold wind was howling, and he feared these two little ones might be blown away by the strong gusts. The two little boys replied in unison, “She has hit us, but it’s really rare. She really loves and cares about us.” “She only hits us when we make a really big mistake,” Louis added, afraid that Austin might think Isabella was a bad person. He quickly said, “She does it for our own good.”Austin laughed. “I really didn’t expect that someone as well-mannered as your sister would actually raise a hand on you. It shows just how big a mess you two must have made.”Austin thought this was good. It was necessary for the two boys to have someone they feared. Otherwise, if they were spoiled too much, they would become unruly, and as they grew older, the messes they made would only get bigger, which wou
While Carrie was being scolded by Mr. Longbottom, Austin was delivering afternoon tea to Isabella.She had social engagements later that evening, so she would not be home for dinner. Given her picky eating habits, she likely would not have anything but drinks during the event, and Austin was worried that she would get drunk drinking on an empty stomach. He knew she could hold her liquor and no one would dare force her to drink, but even half a glass of wine on an empty stomach could upset it. Thus, he specially prepared some snacks to bring to her. They were freshly made and still warm.Also accompanying him were the O'Connor boys. After Austin parked the car, he got out holding the box of snacks. The boys unbuckled their seatbelts and got out of the car as well. Phillip had been sitting in the backseat, and when he closed the door, he did not push hard enough, leaving it slightly ajar. Austin reminded him to close it properly and Louis turned to help Phillip close the door. Then,
From then on, Mr. Longbottom no longer had to worry that his current efforts and sacrifices were all for someone else’s benefit. He could legitimately become the true head, gaining absolute authority in the Longbottom family and Longbottom Corporation, without being held back by others.“I wasn’t telling you to complete the task before Christmas. I was reminding you to step up your efforts and work harder. Stop constantly stirring up trouble for your sister,” Mr. Longbottom criticized. “Your current targets are Serenity Hunt and Sonny Brown, not Camryn Newman.”He added mercilessly, “No matter how you act out, you can’t compete with her. That’s a fact. Apart from being a few years younger than her, you really don’t have anything to compare. You can’t measure up to your younger brother, let alone your sister.”Among the three children of the Newman family, the most useless was Carrie. Of course, her being the most useless was exactly why he could use him. Camryn and Trenton were not
The O’Connor ladies were not like usual girls. Pestering them was useless. It would make Mr. Longbottom look cheap as well. After all, he was the temporary head of the Longbottom family. What woman could he not have for himself?Among his past lovers, there were also ice queens like Isabella. He still managed to charm them with some effort. Once they became his woman, they would soften and revere him. When he abandoned them, they would wail and cling to him, unwilling to leave. Of course, ten of those lovers could not even compare to Isabella. When Mr. Longbottom’s car was leaving, it passed by a black Mercedes-Benz in the opposite direction.Mr. Longbottom turned to look. He saw the security of Costa Corporation on duty opening the gates immediately upon spotting the black Benz. It only had to slow down before entering the compound.‘Maybe that’s one of Costa Corporation’s senior managers,’ he thought. He turned his head back and leaned against the seat. After some thin
Mr. Longbottom had never met a CEO who strictly requested him to make appointments.Regardless of whether their companies would be collaborating, no one dared to look down on him that way. The CEO of Costa Corporation was the only exception. Mr. Longbottom sensed that the O’Connor family was unwilling to work with Longbottom Corporation. Tati said, “Since your appointment is set for next year’s summer, you can come over at that time. With the festive season coming up, we probably can’t settle everything in time. Besides, Isabella’s schedule is really packed. She doesn’t have any extra time.”She said apologetically again, “I’m sorry, Mr. Longbottom. There’s nothing I can do about this.”Mr. Longbottom smiled. “Okay. I thought I could get a shortcut and skip the queue. Since Ms. Isabella has a busy schedule, I shall not force it.“When does your company’s vacation start? I prepared some gifts. I’ll get someone to deliver them over when you’re free. Please accept the gifts.”H
Tati’s phone was ringing again. It was still Mr. Longbottom.“It’s that old man again, Isa. Should I answer it?”Tati frowned, looking annoyed. “See? That pretentious man has no self-awareness.”Mr. Longbottom, who had assumed his position by killing the main family, would always lack a legitimate aura and nobility. “You should answer it so that he stops calling you.”Isabella said, “You can’t expect a shameless man to know his manners.”Tati pouted. She muttered, “How did the true head of the Longbottom family even fall for this man’s schemes?”“It’s difficult to guard yourself against nasty people. The head of the Longbottom family… was only two or three years into his position when the tragedy occurred. That old man must’ve planned everything. Now, only a young son from the main family is left. I don’t even know if that boy can grow up into an adult safely. “There’s also the issue of competence. If the boy doesn’t have the ability to seek revenge, he’s better off not knowi
After thinking about it, Tati nodded and agreed with Isabella. She asked, “Are we going to keep ignoring Mr. Longbottom?”“Do you want to meet him?” Isabella questioned back.Tati immediately shook her head. “No. He thinks he’s a charming, elegant, and handsome middle-aged man. He has no idea that he’s just a sleazy old man to me. I hate his arrogant gaze and his being delusional about his looks.“After getting used to a great man like Austin, seeing a man as pretentious as Mr. Longbottom makes me realize the vast difference between them.“Austin is really gentlemanly and charismatic. Even without doing anything, he looks pleasing to me whenever I look at him.“I finally believe the saying that looking at handsome guys and pretty women can improve one’s mood.”After speaking, Tati noticed her sister’s teasing gaze. She quickly explained, “I don’t mean anything by that, Isa.”“You don’t need to explain. We’re cousins. We’ve grown up together and know each other well. Even my