Our unexpected return was met with exuberance from the entire family. Jim was quick to act and sent the driver to fetch the two little ones from school. It was a clear sign that Ava had really missed us.And of course, when she arrived at home, she joyfully shouted for us at the door. "Daddy! Mommy!"With a forceful push, she barged in, her short legs moving frantically as she ran straight into my arms. "Don’t you want us anymore, Mommy?" I laughed, holding her tight. "Of course I do. I've missed you so much."Atlas smiled mischievously, which made me question if he doubted my sincerity."Why were you gone for so long? What could be more important than me?" she playfully scolded. "You’ve taken Mommy’s side, Daddy. You don't care about what I think at all!"Her words elicited laughter from everyone. No one knew where she had learned to say that.That night, she clung to me and adamantly refused to go back to her own room to sleep, which was unprecedented.As she lay with me on
"I trust you completely. I wouldn't have left this responsibility to you otherwise," I told Johnson. "It's a heavy burden, and I understand you’re carrying a lot of responsibility. But I feel much more at ease with you around.""I understand the responsibility on my shoulders. As long as I'm here, there won't be any problems. I started my career in Tanum, and it feels like I'm returning to my roots now, which gives me a sense of belonging. I'm working for a better future together."We chatted for quite a while before hanging up.After checking the time, I called Ryan. As soon as he answered, he asked, "You're back?""How did you know?" I was a little surprised."If you hadn't come back, would you have called me?" Ryan joked.I chuckled. "This is my way of reporting back after returning.”He grunted and solemnly said, "The design plans for the Solaris project have arrived. Since you're back, I need to make a trip there. Are you coming with me?""I can't go anywhere for the next
"Hah, it was even worse than that. When she got out, she was barely breathing, and you could even see her ankle bones. She looked more like a corpse than a living person. She hasn't fully recovered yet, but she’s just taken over the businesses from the Keller and Chandler families, so it's been a little overwhelming for her."It tugged at my heart to think about Beatrice looking so helpless when I had left."I want to see her. It's been too many years, especially in times like these. It's a pity I can't help her," Ivanna sighed. "It would be nice if she were still in Foswood.""I invited her to come back to Foswood, but it might not happen anytime soon. After all, she’s never managed such a large company before. Now, the weight is on her shoulders all of a sudden, and she needs to deal with their mess. It'll be really tough for her. The crucial part is she doesn't have a good grasp of many insider details. Those people are still Byron’s subordinates. I’m worried.""Doesn’t she have
"Alright. I’d like to visit and thank everyone as well," Beatrice responded pleasantly. Then, she remembered something else. "Oh, the two brothers from the Chandler family came to the company to see me today. They said they’ve decided to work with us, and they want us to become their sole shareholder for joint development.""Oh?" I felt warmed by the news; it seemed those brothers were loyal and principled."You should work with them. You’re friends who share adversity. It's not a bad idea. If they take over completely now, it might not be good for the development of the company. It'll be better to work together. They’ll have an ally, and you won't need to worry as much." I encouraged her."But I'm a little worried. Some people might think I'm taking advantage of the situation." Beatrice expressed her concern. "This is a very sensitive issue.""If you approach it with a supportive mindset, I don't think you’ll have anything to worry about. Besides, some things shouldn't be influe
"You left without a word, so how could I ask them to come?" Ryan grumbled, "But we had a discussion in the video call and provided them with relevant data. After explaining our ideas, they were interested and suggested visiting for an inspection, which came as a surprise to me.”"Oh?" I looked at Ryan and said seriously, "I don't want to collaborate on this project. I want us to do it on our own.""I understand. They want to inspect on-site to get a more accurate positioning. After all, global trends in tourism projects are booming, especially those with their own uniqueness. If the plan is feasible, then they can help us connect with opportunities globally," Ryan explained."Alright, when you come back from Solaris, we can put this matter on the formal agenda." I suggested tentatively.He glanced at me, speaking with a somewhat complaining tone, "Wait until I come back to discuss it? I know you too well. You're whimsical. You can just leave without saying anything. If I make an ap
I exchanged a glance with Carol and smiled, remarking, "Looks like he's turned a new leaf. His son is a little angel who changed his life.”"Chloe, if he’s like this now, I might need to reconsider my opinions of him. I can’t look down on him anymore." Carol playfully stuck out her tongue.Her words made me smile. I glanced at her and teased, "So, you admit you used to look down on him?""I... didn't know. How did he suddenly change so much?" Carol chuckled awkwardly.As I approached Arton, he gave us a casual glance and continued working without paying us much attention. He had only realized it was me when I reached him. He immediately stopped working, offering an awkward smile."Ms. Chloe…" He scratched his head after speaking, "Why are you here?""It's my construction site, so of course, I'm here," I replied with a smile."I-I didn't mean that," he said, inserting the shovel into the sand. Then he picked up the towel around his neck and wiped his sweat.Carol turned and left
I hung up the phone, and Carol remarked, "Johnson is truly clever. Back then during Matthew’s era in Tanum, he was nothing but a smooth talker, adapting his words to different people. Surprisingly, he has changed a lot now. At least he's not annoying anymore."I chuckled. Carol was spot on. If I hadn't seized the opportunity to put pressure on him back then, I couldn't imagine how Johnson would be today."People deserve a chance to change," I sighed, "It's fortunate that he turned over a new leaf.""That's because you intervened in time. Otherwise, where would he be today?" Carol commented, "Those of us who can be by your side, to be honest, it's our blessing. I'm no exception. If it weren't for you, I might be in a completely different situation now."I glanced at Carol and said, "And I wouldn't have been able to handle things so effectively without your support.""That's true. It's all about fate. Back then, I was almost bullied to the brink by that devil, Melanie. Just when I w
Just as I was about to step inside, a shout came from behind, "Hey, you heartless woman! Didn't you see me?"I quickly turned around, and that glance was more than enough to surprise me. Her belly was much bigger now!In the past month, it seemed like she has been eating well, making her gain a little weight and looking a little rounder.Dressed in the maternity dress I bought for her, she had her hair tied up in a bun. Now she truly portrayed the image of a gentle expectant mother.Seeing her rushing toward me, Jared quickly followed and cautioned, "Take it easy! Watch your steps."Ivanna hugged me as soon as she reached me. "I missed you so much. You just left without a word, taking Lauren with you. That worried me. I almost went to Gerby. If you didn't come back, I might have actually gone."I believed her words. After all, Beatrice was our classmate.I pulled away from her and examined her. “You've really changed a lot. Are you still doing the show?"I deliberately asked th