A luxury car slowly turned onto the wide road of a wealthy neighborhood.Melissa let out a frustrated sigh, her face wearing an upset expression. "Father is really something. It's not like we don't have any servants at home, so why would he insist we go to the supermarket to buy groceries? Not to mention that we were seen by Grace Dobbs. I can already imagine how she'll gossip about me to my friends."As the most affluent lady in the entire Imperium, the thought of having to go to the supermarket to buy groceries made her feel indignant.Upon hearing her complaint, Matthew maintained his gentle smile and comforted her, "It's just grocery shopping, isn't it? I think it's quite nice. It's been a long time since we last went out together like this, walking around and picking out ingredients. I actually think days like this have a slight down-to-earth charm."Having someone serve him in everything was much easier, but it also took away a lot of the joy. Instead, picking out ingredients
Naomi's enthusiasm swept much of the annoyance on Matthew's face away. However, he still declined, "I'd love to hear about your achievement, but I have some family matters to attend to tonight. I'm sorry.""Did something happen at home?" Naomi asked worriedly.Hearing the worry in Naomi's tone, Matthew chuckled heartily. "No, it's no big deal. It's just that my daughter-in-law and granddaughter have moved back in, and we're having a reunion dinner tonight.""Oh, I see. That's unfortunate timing, but it's okay. I've already shared my happiness with you over the phone, so I won't bother you further," Naomi said joyfully."Alright, goodbye," Matthew said with a smile as he hung up the phone, feeling much better. He glanced in the direction of the Carlson residence, knowing that home wasn't far away. He shook his head and began walking home.-Mrs. Carrie did not disappoint, bringing all her specialty dishes to the dining table.Looking at the table filled with a feast of scrumptiou
Cedric's seemingly casual remark caused Austin's carefully concealed expression, maintained since he entered the room, to change subtly. He turned to Sophie, his gaze complex and enigmatic, leaving her slightly uncomfortable.However, Cedric's remark, though pointed, stood firm in its truth."I see, so you're fond of multiflora roses," Austin remarked lightly, a faint smile gracing his face. Yet, inexplicably, Sophie felt a twinge of unease, as though she had erred somehow.Jeff, seasoned and perceptive, spoke up with a smile before others fully grasped the situation. "Since Sophie enjoys multiflora roses, let's have the staff purchase some tomorrow. With the weather warming up, there's plenty of space in the garden. We'll plant whatever Sophie fancies."Cherry looked up and added, "Mommy adores pink and burgundy multiflora roses."While saying so, her guilty eyes could not help but glance at Austin, and she could only swear inwardly, 'Papa Austin, although you treat Cherry very w
Jeff savored the sweetness in his mouth and commented with a smile, "The banana bread from this bakery is sweet but not greasy. The taste hasn't changed after all these years.""Yes, it truly hasn't changed." Matthew agreed, holding an unfinished piece of bread. "Dad, the bakery has been around for decades, hasn't it? Maintaining the original taste is no easy feat."However, sitting beside him, Melissa rolled her eyes. 'Isn't it just a piece of banana bread? What's the big deal?'"Only things that can't withstand the test of time change their flavor along the way. Some things will always remain the same no matter how many years pass," Jeff remarked.After Jeff said that, he glanced at Cedric and Sophie.Austin naturally understood the underlying meaning of his words, which were also directed at him. He forced a smile and said, "I also hope all great things will remain unchanged. It's getting late, Grandpa, Uncle Matthew, and Aunt Melissa, I shall head back now.”Seeing him rise t
"The one who's always been hurting her all along is you. Otherwise, would Grandpa need to fake an illness to push you two together? Cedric, if you need someone else's help to get closer to your own woman, don't you think that makes you incompetent?" Austin asked with a smirk, his eyes betraying a sense of gloom.Just hours earlier, as he pushed open the door to the mansion, he beheld a family gathered around the table for dinner. At that moment, only one thought raced through his mind: Austin Carlson was an outsider among the Carlsons.Mistakes of the past lingered like unhealed wounds, where even a gentle touch could evoke intense pain.Cedric's eyes narrowed dangerously, yet just as he teetered on the brink of an outburst, he managed to quell the anger swelling within his chest. "Are you trying to provoke me? Even if I hurt her before, she still doesn't like the bright red roses you cherish. And do you know why Soph doesn't like roses?"It's because I don't like them."Cedric ut
Sophie knew the villa's layout intimately, having lived there for three years. As she briskly walked to the room Jeff had prepared for her, her hand had just touched the doorknob when another hand covered hers.The unexpected warmth of the hand sent a flutter through her heart, and she looked up, avoiding direct eye contact."You...""This is my room. Yours is further down.""Your room?" She glanced at his face in surprise, realizing they had just passed what used to be their shared bedroom.Cedric seemed to read her thoughts. He smiled with a mischievous sparkle in his eye. "Our bedroom. I'll wait for you to move back in willingly."That room had been left vacant for five years. Unable to face a space filled with her presence yet devoid of her, he had occasionally stayed next door during his infrequent visits.The word "bedroom", already laden with intimacies, was emphasized by his tone, causing Sophie’s cheeks to flush. She struggled to suppress the indescribable feelings stir
Sophie looked up from her pile of files, her brow furrowed in frustration. She and Cedric were like players navigating a minefield. Over the years, they had set too many traps for each other, and any misstep could trigger an explosion.Just like last night's 'goodnight'. For three years, she had maintained this routine. Even when he was out with other women, she always called to say goodnight. She believed true love meant saying 'good morning' upon waking and 'goodnight' before sleep.But now, this idealized love felt like a horrifying mirror, reflecting her past naivety and the painful wounds it left behind."Taking a holiday is fine, but first, tell me, did anything happen between you and Cedric?" Jeanna leaned forward on the desk, unable to contain her curiosity.Feeling pity for her friend's sore neck and back, Sophie sighed. "Really, nothing happened. He stayed in his room, and I stayed in mine, that's all. Now, dear, why don't you turn right, put on some lovely makeup, and go
Sophie glanced at Charlie, who, despite signing the contract, still refused to be cordial. After he "reviewed" all the scripts, she smiled and asked, "Did any of these scripts appeal to you?""Appeal? What are these scripts? They're all mindless drivel. Ms. Luxford, surely you didn’t sign me to Paramount just to make me star in this kind of trash, did you?""Charlie, how can you talk to Ms. Luxford like that? These scripts are from top directors with huge investments, each worth several hundred million. I think they’re quite good, especially this one by Director Ali Xavier, 'The Grand Life'. It's a major production with a strong team, and the script seems tailor-made for you. I think you should take this role."His meticulous agent, Florence Rivers, picked up a script with a professional's satisfaction. This role would surely secure Charlie the Golden Reels Award next year if he just performed decently."What kind of taste do you have? Calling this tailor-made is an insult to me!"