Chapter 281

That afternoon at the Collyn residence passed in meticulous tranquility, one that was gradually disturbed by the soft hum of an electric motorcycle entering the front yard. Aurora and Daven stepped through the front door in a hurry. They had not even had the chance to leave their backpacks in their respective rooms before they headed straight for the living room, where Juna and Ziyi were relaxing while keeping Zylan and Dylan, the twins, company as they busily colored in their drawing books.Seeing the tense expressions on their adopted children's faces, still filled with the lingering shock of what had happened, Ziyi immediately rose from her seat."Aurora, Daven, what's wrong? You both look so pale," Ziyi asked in a calm voice, though it was filled with unmistakable concern.Daven took a deep breath to steady his still-racing heartbeat. The young man looked at Juna and Ziyi in turn, his dark gaze exceptionally serious."Uncle Juna, Aunt Ziyi... there's something incredibly important

Last Updated : 2026-07-19

Chapter 282

Night gradually deepened over the Manhattan skyline, leaving behind a silence that slowly settled around the Collyn residence. In the spacious backyard garden, Daven sat alone on a wrought-iron bench, leaning back as he stared blankly at the row of maple trees whose leaves swayed gently in the night breeze. His thoughts were in complete disarray, drifting back to the commotion at the university gate earlier that morning.His fingers occasionally tapped against the armrest of the bench. Deep within his heart, an overwhelming hope continued to swell. He desperately hoped that neither he nor Aurora had been mistaken—that the grown man they had seen in the lobby of the rectorate building was truly Papa Calvin, the man they had been waiting for at the edge of the harbor waves for the past ten years.Lost in such deep contemplation, Daven failed to notice the soft footsteps approaching across the grass.Step.Without warning, a pair of warm, slightly plump hands slipped over his eyes from b

Last Updated : 2026-07-19

Chapter 283

The hurried sound of footsteps echoing along the back garden corridor suddenly broke the tension hanging between Daven and Joye. Aurora stepped out through the glass door leading to the lounge area, her eyes widening the moment she caught sight of the chubby girl sitting beside her younger brother."Joye...?" Aurora exclaimed, her voice rising sharply with overwhelming surprise.Without waiting for a second confirmation, Aurora ran toward them. The moment Joye rose to her feet, Aurora immediately wrapped her arms around her childhood friend in a tight embrace. She was absolutely certain that this was Joye, the adorable little girl they had always protected back in school."My God, Joye! It's really you!" Aurora said as she happily shook Joye's shoulders, tears of joy gathering in the corners of her eyes. "I've missed you so much! Where have you been all this time without a single word?"Joye laughed cheerfully, returning Aurora's warm embrace with no less longing. "I've missed you so

Last Updated : 2026-07-20

Chapter 284

The night grew deeper as the roar of a high-displacement engine tore through the silence of the suburban road. Daven, overwhelmed by profound heartbreak, deliberately sped along on his sport bike at high speed. He paid no attention to the cold night wind lashing against his body. Behind the dark visor of his helmet, his pair of somber eyes stared straight ahead, every trace of the turmoil raging within them clearly visible.Why? Why did Joye have to come back at a time like this only to hand him an engagement invitation? Why had the adorable little girl he had always protected returned only to carve an unfamiliar pain into his heart?"Why did you have to come back if all you wanted was to bring me news like this, Joye?!" Daven shouted, venting his frustration into the stillness of the night, his voice completely drowned out by the howling wind and the thunderous roar of his exhaust.Just as his motorcycle rounded a sharp bend on the deserted highway, a bright red luxury sports car sud

Last Updated : 2026-07-21

Chapter 285

The following morning in New York, the sun began to climb into the sky, casting its warm rays between the rows of towering skyscrapers. Inside the office of Chandler Group's representative branch, Malveno sat behind his desk reviewing several operational documents. His personal secretary stood before him, delivering an important report regarding the progress of their business expansion in the city."Mr. Chandler, there is crucial information regarding the largest business banquet to be held next week," the secretary said in a composed tone. "The event will be attended by the top leaders of New York's major industries, including Collyn Group and Ashford Corporation."Malveno stopped tapping his fingers on the desk and looked at his secretary attentively."Have we received the official invitation?""Yes, Mr. Chandler. However, there is one mandatory requirement stated in the invitation protocol," the secretary replied hesitantly. "Every distinguished guest must attend accompanied by the