LOGINNaomi looked at Sharon with a gentle gaze. "Sharon, I didn't tell you all this today to morally bind you. I'm only making one last attempt on behalf of my disappointing grandson."I can tell that Xavier has grown used to being alone and has no intention of getting married anymore. Now, after all these years, he's finally met a girl he truly likes—yet he doesn't even know how to pursue her. So before I leave this world, I want to help Xavier one more time."Naomi coughed lightly. "I've already made my will. Part of the shares in my hands will go to Xavier's biological children in the future. Since Matty, as Xavier's son, will take up some of the resources meant for Xavier's own children, I'll use my share to make up for that loss on Xavier's behalf."Another portion of the shares will go to Xavier's wife, as compensation for taking care of Matty and for accepting this grievance."It could be said that Naomi had truly thought everything through for Xavier.When Sharon left Naomi's r
"When I saw Athena, she was already so thin that she was barely recognizable."Athena said that before she had a child, she could endure that man's imprisonment and control.But as the child grew older, she became increasingly convinced that the Ferrero family was not a good place to be."That man, in order to stop Athena from leaving, even threatened her with his own death. After he died, Athena's body collapsed as well, worn down by years of depression."Sigh… the rumors are true. Anyone who becomes involved with the Ferrero family ends up tainted by misfortune."Sharon let out a silent sigh.Naomi went on, "When we brought Matty back, he was only three years old. Matty was a very well-behaved and polite child. Because of our guilt toward Athena, we discussed registering Matty under Xavier's name."First, so that Matty would have a father, a sense of emotional belonging. Second, to avoid all kinds of unfounded speculation from the outside world."Sharon could understand Naomi'
Sharon froze slightly. "Matty isn't Xavier's biological child?"Naomi sighed. "Back then, Matty's mother, Athena, was determined to be with a man. Your grandfather and I strongly opposed it."Afterward, Xavier and Athena's parents died in a plane crash. I raised the siblings. "Athena was just as intelligent and capable as Xavier. My husband and I never favored sons over daughters. The future of the Cooper Group was meant to be handed over to the two siblings together."It was clear now that the Athena Naomi spoke of was Xavier's biological sister.Naomi continued, "But Athena was completely consumed by love back then. No matter what we said, she refused to break it off. She was even willing to sever ties with our family and elope with that man."Sharon couldn't help asking, "Was the man Athena loved from a poor family background?"Naomi shook her head. "Our family never put much stock in social status. My husband and I also started from nothing as ordinary people. If his backgr
Because of Julliard, Thomas had nearly lost his life. Xavier had also been dragged into the mess, becoming an innocent victim of someone else's schemes.Sharon felt that if it weren't for her, neither of them would have had anything to do with Julliard at all.Xavier said, "Sharon, this has nothing to do with you. Someone as dark-minded as Julliard—whether or not you were involved, if he didn't like me, he would still find a way to scheme against me."Led by Xavier, Sharon and Thomas entered the Cooper residence.Matty had already been sitting in the living room, waiting for quite some time. When he saw Sharon and Thomas, he immediately stood up and ran over, greeting them enthusiastically.After a brief exchange, Xavier said, "Matty, you stay downstairs and play with Thomas for a while. I'll take Sharon upstairs to see Great-Grandma."Matty nodded obediently. "Okay."Sharon also said to Thomas, "Thomas, wait for me here."Thomas responded softly.Xavier led Sharon upstairs. T
In Leistre, the Cooper family estate was noticeably more imposing than their homes in Zachemaine or Marcentine.Not long after Sharon and Thomas landed, Xavier personally drove over to pick them up. Seeing Thomas, as always, staying close by Sharon's side, a trace of complicated emotion flickered in Xavier's eyes. It vanished quickly, replaced by a light smile as he greeted them."Sharon. Thomas."On the way to the Cooper estate, Sharon asked, "How is Naomi doing now?"Xavier sighed. "Not very well. The doctors say… she may only have about a month left."Sharon felt a tightness in her chest.Although she hadn't met Naomi many times, she had always held her in high regard. The thought that such a kind, gentle elder was nearing the end of her life filled Sharon with sorrow.Sensing her low spirits, Xavier comforted her. "Sharon, don't be too sad. Grandma has been very happy lately. She doesn't have any regrets."Sharon asked again, "How has Matty been recently?""He's doing fi
Silas continued rambling on."Everyone knows that Jamie is your number-one lackey, utterly devoted to you and following your every lead. Without your instructions, would he have dared to come beat me up?! It must be that you're unhappy about compensating me with shares, so Jamie went after me!"At that point, Cole couldn't listen any longer."Silas, this has nothing to do with Victoria. She knows absolutely nothing about it. Besides, I was the one who made that call. Jamie simply misunderstood."How could Silas possibly believe that? He let out a mocking laugh. "Misunderstood? Jamie, of all people, misunderstood? He's a head-of-the-family–level figure. You expect me to believe he could misunderstand something like this? You were just paying lip service about teaching Sharon a lesson, while secretly hinting to Jamie to beat me instead!"The more Silas thought about it, the more convinced he became.He glared at Victoria, his face twisted with resentment. "So what if Victoria did







