“I’ve got it right here. How would I dare slack off when you’re my boss?” Liam stopped his cheeky act and handed the woman a thick stack of documents.Renee couldn’t care less about her sick state and skim through the pages quickly.After a few moments, a pleased grin formed on her lips. “Good. I knew these lawyers weren’t as ordinary as they seemed. They’re worth way more than what he offered as compensation!”“Tsk, but they’re Stefan Hunt’s employees. How great can they be?” Liam questioned, crossing his legs while leaning against the side rails of her bed. “I know lots of lawyers who are better than them. If you need any, I can give you some recommendations.” “No, I want them,” Renee said with a determined expression. She seemed in a great mood, absolutely unbothered by her divorce.“Boss, are you planning something? I feel like I can smell a scheme coming our way.” Liam expressed sheer excitement.‘Four years! It’s been four whole years! I’m so thrilled the goddess herself h
Stefan stood tall and proud, an indifferent look on his face as he pondered over his father's words.His eyes landed on Briar’s stomach, and he said dismissively, “As you can see, Briar is already three months pregnant. This child is part of the family bloodline, so she will need a proper title before the child is born. I’ve already proceeded with the divorce with Renee. Once we're legally separated, I will register my marriage with Briar.”Francine and Briar let out a sigh of relief at the same time after hearing this.However, this statement only made Alexander even more furious. He was on the verge of slapping his son. “You bastard! So, you’re serious about this?! You… You’re so foolish that you kicked your wife out to make space for your mistress! Are you insane?!“If Ren’s grandfather found out about this, how should he rest in peace? You should know that he used to be quite the soldier and was even appointed as an esteemed general! Aren't you worried that he’d haunt you in yo
If one could turn back time, Stefan was willing to risk everything to return to that night three months ago.That night, on the streets of Newrest, the two brothers were assaulted as they were chatting about the family’s future. Tristan had selflessly protected Stefan using his body and took a bullet for him. Moments before his death, Tristan mentioned that he had a girlfriend who he loved deeply, Briar Desrosiers. Moreover, Briar had just conceived their child. “Marry Briar and live on in my stead. Please… give them a complete family.”Stefan couldn’t possibly forget how his brother’s bloody hands held onto him, begging him with despair consuming him whole.Stefan would surely push his brother away if he could turn back time, as it would have been better if he had died instead.Hearing his answer, Briar continued with her pitiful act nonetheless. “Not only have you upset your father for me and the baby’s sake, but you’ve also hurt Ms. Everheart in the process! I feel really ba
Renee was extremely anxious when she arrived at the hospital. She was even more confused when she received the medical report from the nurse. “Ms. Everheart, according to your blood test, it would seem that your HCG and progesterone levels are higher than usual. You have been pregnant for a month or so.”“What the hell? I’m… one month pregnant?!”“Yes. Congratulations, you’re going to be a mother!”Even after the nurse had left, Renee remained rooted to the spot in shock. ‘There’s no way… right? I just fainted once. Once and I’m pregnant? How strong is my fertility? Or was it his fertility that was the problem here? Oh god, why me?!’However, there was no doubt that she was pregnant with Stefan’s child.About a month ago, the Hunt family was just finishing up with Tristan’s funeral as sorrow dawned upon the entire family. It was the first time Renee saw Stefan shed his distant and hostile act. He was so vulnerable that he seemed like a defenseless child, sobbing into his palms
Stefan looked extremely serious and determined this time. Thus, Renee’s grip on her report tightened as contemplation rose within the depths of her heart.Briar, who was standing at the side, seemed to have noticed something off and placed herself in between them. Then, she took her own report out and shoved it toward Renee’s face.“Ms. Everheart, look at my baby. He’s three months old now! We just had an ultrasound done, and the baby is fully formed! Here’s a picture of him… isn’t he so cute? It’s great that we managed to bump into you today. I have to thank you for giving my baby and me a complete family and for such an excellent father like Stefan! Because of your generosity, we can live in bliss!”‘She just wants to brag!’ Renee thought, glancing at the ultrasound picture. She could tell that it really was a fully formed fetus with limbs and facial features. On the contrary, her own child was just an embryo. Some would say that it wasn’t exactly alive, either. ‘How funny. Th
Stefan clenched his fists tightly, unable to respond.In the past, he had always perceived this woman as a boring little puppet with no opinions. He didn’t think she would have such a feisty attitude like this. She didn’t need his protection at all. Seeing this, Briar immediately played the victim card again, clinging to Stefan’s arm. “Stefan, please don’t get mad at Ms. Everheart. It’s all my and the baby’s fault! Ms. Everheart was forced to give up on you even though she loves you so… It’s natural for her to be upset with us! Just let her take her anger out on…”“Nope, wrong again.” Renee scoffed. “You don’t have to thank me because I’ve made myself loud and clear that I wasn’t being generous. I merely threw away a piece of trash I didn’t want, and you just happened to pick him up. That’s why this baby is your karma. I told you the name suits it well, didn’t I?”She then turned to Stefan with a fake smile across her lips. “Indecent people usually get bad karma though, Mr. Hu
A suffocating atmosphere loomed over the entire area within the tall building that served as Hunt Enterprise's headquarters.“Just who the hell did this? It’s been two days, and none of you know how to fix this! Is the technical department filled with sham employees?! You all receive millions of dollars for your yearly salary, and this is all you’ve got?! Our client information has been leaked to the public, and more is being leaked as we speak! If we don’t stop it soon, Hunt Enterprise will become a laughing stock, and you'll all be fired!”Elijah Young’s scolding could be heard throughout the hundred-meter-tall building. As Stefan’s most trusted assistant, he was in charge of most affairs within the company.Two days ago, there was a sudden virus attack on the business system of Hunt Enterprise, causing hundreds of employees to work overtime for two days straight. None of them could get a wink of sleep due to the havoc this virus has wreaked.“Mr. Young, that was uncalled for. We
"Atchoo! Atchoo!"Renee sneezed several times as she arrived at a crowded restaurant, so much so that her ears were burning up.“That’s weird. I swear I’m not sick anymore, but why am I still sneezing so much?” Renee sniffed, wondering if she should take some Tylenol later.“Maybe someone is talking behind your back!” Leia Osborne said as she handed Renee a copy of ‘BC News’. “Oh Ren, you’re in trouble! Your future ex-husband is out to get you. He’s even offered a hundred and fifty million as a reward!”As Liam’s twin sister, Leia was also very close with Renee. However, she didn’t worship her like how her brother did. She was more like Renee’s best friend. Whenever the two got together, banter and hilarious memories would ensue. Renee scanned through the newspapers and chuckled with disdain. “If he has the power to do this, he should think of how to mend that flawed business system instead! It’s been years, and yet their system is still as weak as ever. It really didn’t take muc
Adie was still a child, but he acted like a smart person and could see through a lot of things. He could guess why Austin took them to the Baldwin residence. He had also heard the servants of the Baldwin family rebuking Renee in secret. After combining various situations, he learned about what had happened between Renee and Justin. Despite everything, Justin could forgive Renee under such circumstances. He also treated Adie and Abby nicely. It proved that he was a very compassionate man. A small regret gripped Adie. He wondered why Renee didn't date Justin right from the start. If Renee were with such a kind man, she might be very happy. She wouldn't have to suffer through so many hardships either. "No, you don't know me. I always sweat the small stuff."Justin was displeased since Adie had claimed that he was a good guy, like Renee had. He heaved a long sigh and said, "But it's useless even if I sweat the small stuff, so I stop trying. It all comes down to fate. We can't forc
Renee turned and found Jovan unscathed. Relief washed over her. She said grumpily, "It's none of your business!""Tsk! How cruel!" Jovan clutched his chest and pretended to be in deep pain. At the same time, he teased, "I know. Your soulmate is better. I'm so jealous of him, though he's still a fallback guy.""Go to hell, Jovan!" Jovan's nasty words drove Renee mad. She grabbed a piece of napkin, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it at his face. "If I knew you'd talk so badly, I wouldn't be bothered to save you. Maybe you'll get reborn in Ulria. Then, you have to watch your tongue!""Hey! Yeah, I was wrong. You don't have to curse me like that!" Jovan raised his hands to surrender, but felt quite moved. He poured himself a glass of milk and devotedly toasted to her. "Thank you for caring about me and trying your best to save me. I'll toast to you. And you can do whatever you want.""You're so childish." Renee rolled her eyes and was amused.Justin was quite jealous to see them
"What's that?" Justin frowned and said with disdain, "That's something to fool naive women like you. Only lovestruck fools will believe that." As a materialistic person, he never believed in things like horoscopes and fortune-telling. At most, they were mixed with some psychology. They weren't trustworthy at all.If Renee wanted to use those things to talk about their relationships and destinies, it would seem very childish. "Don't be so extreme. Those things are real and logical." Renee acted like an experienced salesperson and gradually eliminated Justin's prejudice. She said patiently, "If you believe those things, they can guide you and help you to see things through. If not, you can use them to kill time. Just try to get to know them. Isn't that nice?"Finally, Justin was convinced. He had some milk and asked her leisurely, "Fine. Tell me what kind of relationship we have based on those things." "I learned that our relationship is a declining friendship based on our birt
"I…" Renee paused. For a moment, she had no idea how to answer that question."Don't put yourself in a difficult position. Just follow your heart," Justin said calmly. "If you want to stay, my family will still welcome you readily. If you want to leave, I'll come up with a way to help you leave smoothly."After listening to Justin, Renee answered honestly, "Maybe it's better for me to leave, though I know this choice will hurt you."She could choose to stay to protect Justin's dignity and give Austin a good explanation. It would be more relaxing and steadier for her. However, Renee knew that it could only last briefly. She would cause Justin greater harm. She might as well be decisive and stop the damage in time. "Don't say that." Justin cracked a bitter smile and said with relief, "I've stopped taking things too seriously. If you like me, you won't stop loving me even if we're apart. Similarly, you'll think about another man if you don't like me, even though you're always b
Austin was having breakfast in the dining room. When he saw Justin and Renee walk over intimately, he finally believed that they had slept together. They seemed like a real couple."Good morning, Grandpa Baldwin!" Renee obediently greeted Austin just like before. She acted normally."Good morning." Austin nodded, unable to suppress his smile. After sizing them up, he calmly said to Renee, "We know how apologetic you are after you toasted to us last night. We'll forget about the past. You're still a part of my family." "Grandpa!" Justin interrupted Austin; he was very protective of Renee. "She's a woman, and we're not married yet. Please don't say that. A woman's reputation is the most important thing.""You…" Austin wanted to refute Justin, but their conflict was just resolved so it would be bad to pressure them more. He shook his head and said, "Fine. You two always have a bland romance. Finally, you've made some progress. I'll let you two decide what to do next.""Got it, Gr
"Hey, Haze! What are you doing? Get off of me!" Renee struggled in confusion."Hush!" Justin gestured and stopped her.In a while, someone unlocked the door of the room."Mr. Baldwin, let me help you and Ms. Everheart change your clothes." A kind middle-aged woman walked into the room casually. When she found them sleeping together intimately, relief washed over her. "Oh, you guys are still sleeping… Fine, I'll leave you be." Then, the woman exited the room.After that, Justin stopped hovering above Renee, looking awkward. "I'm sorry. It happened all of a sudden. If I hadn't done that, they wouldn't let us go. I just did a small thing to resolve the issue." Justin was fully aware of Austin's thoughts. Although Austin was still angry at Renee, he was satisfied with her and wanted to see her get into a real intimate relationship with Justin. If that did not happen, Austin might tie them up together since the drug had failed. Justin could only act with Renee to avoid the in
Renee grinned, satisfied after a long rest. "Why didn't you sleep a bit longer? This bed is comfortable and fluffy." While talking, she behaved like a fish as she extended her limbs and rolled around in bed childishly. In comparison to her calmness and ease, Justin behaved gingerly and did not dare to move as he lay in bed."Do you have any idea what had happened? We aren't dreaming. We're lying in the same bed," Justin said.He was certain that Renee was not fully awake. It explained why she was that composed. Otherwise, any normal woman would get out of bed with a start and keep screaming if they found herself lying in a man's bed."I know!" Renee said. After having a great time rolling around, Renee faced Justin with her head on her arm while lying on her side. "I wanted to drink wine to say sorry to you guys last night, but your family drugged the wine. You drank the same wine when you tried to stop me. We were controlled by the drug and were locked up in this room. T
Renee instantly understood what Justin meant by that. It turned out that the incident was just a part of the Baldwin family's plan. If she left, the Baldwin family would not easily let her off the hook.Justin still cared about her at a time like that, which moved her. "Thank you. You're great." Renee cried; she had no idea how to repay him. "You don't have to thank me. I'm not so great, either. I just hate that they always pester me." Justin purposely sounded relaxed. He finally calmed himself down as he casually grabbed some bandages to bandage his wound. Then, he lay in bed.He slept on one side of the bed and said to Renee, "It's late. You should rest early. This bed is large enough. If you don't mind, you can lie in bed too."The bed was large. It was more than enough even if Renee and Justin lay there."I…" Renee hesitated briefly before she finally got in bed. She trusted Justin. If he wanted to do something indecent to her, he would have long done that. He would no
"I don't know how to tell you. I'm sure you can understand." Renee could not bring herself to say more because it was a humiliating privacy. She might as well keep it to herself."Let me guess…" Justin's gaze grew sharp as he went straight to the point. "The man in your story is Stefan, isn't it?" Silence washed over Renee as she kept her head bowed. It was a silent approval.Justin burst into reckless laughter, which was scary. He looked down at his cut wound and laughed pathetically. "This is why he could make you fall in love with him, and I couldn't. I'm too cultured compared to him.""Don't say that, Haze!"Seeing how defeated Justin was, Renee became uneasy. "It isn't written in the stars for us. Plus, I've fallen in love with Stefan a long time ago before I even got to know you. I also rely on him physically and psychologically. I can't control my feelings. It's not something we can change. We…" "Stop!" Heartbroken, Justin pushed away everything in front of him and s