Semua Bab Side Chick Era… Over: Bab 571 - Bab 580

Richard didn't look the least bit concerned."This is Amstern City. Did you think I'd kidnap my grandson and disappear? Besides, if Carter can't even keep an eye on his kid, how is that my fault?"Victoria was about to argue further when she noticed Carter and Sharon had entered. She lowered her voice. "Dad, we have company."Richard turned. The moment his gaze landed on Sharon, a smile appeared on his face. "Sharon, you're here?"But then he saw Carter. The smile vanished, replaced by a deep scowl."Well, if it isn't Carter. Must be awfully busy to the point you can't even keep track of your own son."On the way over, Carter had already received a call from his mother. Apparently, she'd taken Theo out for some shooting practice and ended up chatting with an acquaintance. By the time the conversation ended, Theo was gone.At first, she thought the boy had wandered off to the shooting range by himself. But when she went looking and still couldn't find him after a long search, she

Carter finished reading the document quickly."Richard," Carter said, his voice low and cool. "I'm sorry, but I won't hand over custody of Theo."The refusal came sharp and final, without a flicker of hesitation. Even Richard and Rick, who prided themselves on reading people well, looked taken aback. Victoria, too, was caught off guard.Five percent of Kalen Group's shares was an astronomical offer. And yet, Carter's stance remained firm."Theo is my son," he said clearly. "No matter what conditions are offered, I will not give his custody to anyone."Richard said, "Carter, handing custody to us doesn't mean you stop being his father. You and Sharon will always be Theo's parents, no matter what."But what surprised Richard wasn't just the rejection. It was that Carter didn't even ask for terms. He refused outright.That, Richard hadn't expected.People lined up for the chance to associate with the Kalen family. Most were turned away without a glance. Yet here they were, willi

"Theo, I will make your favorite snacks later, all right?"Seeing Kelly, Theo politely greeted her. Then he glanced at Sharon beside him and lowered his voice. "Kelly, I'm going home with Mommy later."Only then did Kelly seem to notice Sharon's presence. Her eyes filled with confusion."Oh, Sharon, you're here too? Theo, why did you come here?"Theo replied, "We came to visit Grandpa.""Grandpa?" Kelly's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Sharon in surprise. "You mean Sharon's father?"Sharon remained expressionless, offering no response.Carter had no intention of elaborating either. "Kelly, I still have things to take care of. Let's catch up another day."Kelly seemed like she wanted to say more, but Carter had already turned and strode toward his car.Theo quickly said goodbye to her and followed him into the car.Sharon didn't spare Kelly a single glance as she turned and got in.Left standing there, Kelly watched the car drive off, a cold glint surfacing in her e

Once the car started, Carter asked, "Home or the studio?""Studio," Sharon replied.He nodded and turned the steering wheel.Catching a glimpse of her through the rearview mirror, he said, "You don't seem to be in a good mood."Sharon's voice was cold, laced with sarcasm. "That's none of your business. What you should be worrying about isn't my mood, but Kelly's illness. If she has an episode before her concert, all your efforts on her behalf will go to waste."Carter could hear the sting behind her words."I had her undergo another full medical exam yesterday," he said, eyes fixed ahead.Sharon turned to look at him. "And? Has her condition worsened or improved?"After a brief pause, Carter answered, "Mr. Malcolm's medicine has been effective."Sharon let out a mocking smile. "So it's improved.""She has weekly checkups," Carter explained. "At first, I didn't believe she was terminally ill. I even hired specialists and a top medical team to re-examine her, but the diagnosis

Carter asked, "Car trouble?"Sharon replied distractedly, still bent over the engine, "Yeah, something's wrong."Wind and rain lashed around them, and she was soaked through. She looked utterly disheveled."I'll drive you back," Carter offered.She shook her head without looking up. "No need. I'll have a friend come pick me up."Carter glanced at the stormy sky. "It's more than an hour's drive to the city from here. With this downpour, it might take close to two. And it's getting dark early today. This area's remote. It's not safe for a woman to wait out here alone."Sharon didn't want any unnecessary entanglement with him. Her tone was polite but distant. "I'll be careful."Seeing her unwilling to get in the car, Carter suddenly pushed open his door and stepped out into the rain, holding a large black umbrella.Startled, Sharon eyed him warily.But Carter didn't approach her. Instead, he walked to the front of her car and began checking the engine.The umbrella barely shield