The dim lighting of the theater and Matthew's exhaustion from several sleepless nights conspired to lull him into sleep.Naomi was absorbed in the film. She glanced at him and frowned, her expression complex.The sudden brightening of the lights at the film's end startled Matthew awake. He rubbed his eyes, embarrassed. "I’m sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well lately and accidentally dozed off.""It’s okay. We came here to relax. Sometimes, sleep is the best respite," Naomi reassured him with an understanding smile as they stood to join the crowd leaving the theater."How was the rest of the movie?" he asked, trying to ease the awkwardness of having fallen asleep.Naomi played along. "It was quite touching, actually. I even shed a few tears.""That’s good to hear."As they left the theater, Matthew checked the time and noted how late it had gotten. "Time has really flown by. I should head home. And you should too. Try not to drown your sorrows in alcohol over the breakup."Upon

"Mr. Austin, are you here to visit Mr. Cedric?""How is Mr. Carlson's condition now?"Amidst a crowd of journalists, Austin stood tall, pausing briefly to furrow his brow before addressing the media. "I'm not fully aware of Cedric's current condition. Today, I'm here to visit Ms. Luxford."This simple declaration sparked immediate excitement among the journalists, sensing a tantalizing story. With Cedric and Austin being cousins and Austin's known affection for Cedric's wife, his choice to visit Sophie instead of Cedric spoke volumes.Meanwhile, Melissa, lingering outside, glared at him and muttered, "Shameless," loud enough for Austin and the journalists to hear.Capitalizing on the moment, the journalists redirected their microphones toward Melissa. "Madam Carlson, to whom were you referring just now?""Your relationship with your daughter-in-law is rumored to be strained. Can you comment?"The journalists always aimed for the most piercing questions.Melissa's face darkened

Understanding Cherry's thoughts came naturally to Sophie, given their close bond."Mommy, Papa Austin is nice, but I think he should just stay as Papa Austin," Cherry said cheerfully as she arranged the flowers on a small cabinet, subtly reshaping her affections.Sophie smiled silently and glanced at the digital clock. "Cherry, would you mind fetching the nurse for me?""Sure!" Cherry happily trotted off with her little plump legs.Soon, she brought in the pretty nurse."Mrs. Carlson, is there something you need?""I was wondering if Madam Carlson is still in Mr. Carlson's ward?" Sophie replied with a gentle shake of her head.Melissa did not like her, and the feeling was mutual. But with Cedric lying there, she did not want to cause a scene in front of him."Just now, a bunch of journalists came, and Madam Carlson was quite upset, so she went back home."Sophie was startled. X Corp. and Luxford Group had chosen to keep the news under wraps, yet somehow the media had still cau

Sophie asked somewhat discontentedly, but all she got in response was the sound of medical equipment beeping softly. Her lips pursed into a tight, straight line, and she forced herself to lift her gaze. "If you don't speak, I'll really bite!"Even in her anger, she could not get a response. She brought his hand to her mouth, avoided the previous bite mark, and fiercely sunk her teeth into it, giving it everything she had.Her teeth sank into the bone, and tears followed, dripping one drop after another onto Cedric's bleeding hand.The tears gushed down even more aggressively, and Sophie had lost control of them. It was not until she had cried out all the pent-up tears that she wiped away the tears that were still welling up in her eyes, and began to tend to the wound on his hand."Cedric Carlson, do you think I will forgive you if you jump after me? You owe me so much, and you can't pay me back even if you jump a hundred times." Her tone was harsh, but her head had turned sideways,

Vivienne had no idea what was in it at all. 'Will it kill me? I'm totally clueless here.'She clenched the small bag tighter and tighter in her hands, her palms starting to sweat, and her expression changed. 'Should I take the risk or not?'After agonizing for God knew how long, Vivienne finally gritted her teeth, tore open the bag, and swallowed all the white powder inside."Help, help!" Just a few minutes later, she was already lying on the ground, writhing in agony due to the pain in her stomach. The shrill screams made it clear just how unbearable the pain was.The patrolling guard heard the cries for help and immediately ran over to check. He saw her lying on the ground, rolling around, limbs twitching, and her face an abnormal shade of purple. He quickly opened the door and kicked her. "Hey, Vivienne!"Hearing someone calling her name, Vivienne struggled to open her mouth to call for help. However, white foam kept flowing out from her throat, making her choke and her voice i