Upon returning home and tucking Maya into bed, Travis and Joanna went about their bedtime routine. As Travis made his way out of the room, Joanna paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. She couldn't help but address a matter that had been lingering in her mind."Travis," she began, her voice filled with genuine curiosity, "don't you find the couch uncomfortable?"Travis turned to face her, his brows slightly furrowed as he considered her question. He didn't want to feign ignorance or play games, fully understanding the implications behind her inquiry.With a nod, he admitted, "You know, Joanna, it really is uncomfortable. Lately, I've been feeling like I'm slowly developing neck and... well, other joint issues. It's becoming quite unbearable."Joanna smiled, acknowledging his honesty. "If it's causing you discomfort, Travis, you're more than welcome to join me in the bed."Travis’s gaze shifted from the bed to Joanna, his expression a mix of playfulness and desire. H

Cora appeared blissfully unconcerned about the potential distress her words could cause Joanna. With a conceited chuckle, she presented the man by her side with an air of pride. “Allow me to introduce you to my husband, Jim Carter. He happens to be the eldest child of the illustrious Carter family right here in Grove City, and the fortunate heir to a family fortune worth hundreds of millions!” Joanna let out a sigh and nodded. “Typical.”“What?” Cora said with a frown.Quickly, Joanna backtracked, her response tinged with feigned enthusiasm. “I meant to say, congratulations. I’m genuinely happy for you, Cora. Really.”Meanwhile, Travis, growing increasingly impatient, checked his watch, acutely aware that the annoying presence of Cora was sapping their precious time that should have been devoted to enjoying a pleasant day.Travis cleared his throat, a sly grin playing on his lips as he decided to partake in the bragging game. "Well, if we're talking about accomplished spouses, my wif

Cora’s face had drained of all color, and her fear was palpable as she trembled with apprehension. The ongoing conversation had already begun to indicate the ruination of her carefully constructed facade. Desperation welled up within her, and she felt an urgent need to halt the relentless revelation that threatened to expose her.In a voice fraught with anxiety, she implored Travis, “Please, I’m begging you, stop talking! Travis, I beg you, that’s enough. Just cease speaking, please!”A cynical smirk tugged at the corner of Travis’s lips, and he retorted, “Now you’re requesting me to halt the conversation, huh? It seems you women can be quite perplexing, demanding one thing and then another. I assumed you wanted me to speak.”Joanna observed the unfolding situation with a raised eyebrow and a trace of annoyance, realizing that Travis had indirectly involved her in the exchange.Summoning a measure of resolve, Cora shot back, her irritation evident, “Well, that's enough, okay? I don’

Joanna’s exasperation was undeniable as her eyes settled on William. The unexpected encounter was a source of irritation for her, making her yearn for a peaceful day without the interference of an unwelcome presence.With a sigh, she couldn’t help but express her annoyance, her voice tinged with frustration. “Could you please just mind your own business and let us enjoy our meal, William? We’re here to have a peaceful family time.”However, William’s response was far from pacifying. He let out a derisive sound, his gaze shifting between Travis and Joanna. “So, it seems you’re living the high life, Joanna, dining at the Crown Jewel. Your business must be flourishing, isn’t it? After everything our family did for you, after using us, is this all you ever wanted?”Joanna couldn’t suppress her retort, a wry chuckle escaping her lips before she delivered her response. “Oh, you mean what you wanted, William. Let’s not rewrite history here. And I didn’t use our family; I helped our family in

At the grounds of the mansion, Travis and his father, Leon, found themselves seated across from each other at an elegant outdoor setting. A round table graced their presence, adorned with a selection of wines that lay at the center, their presence lending an air of sophistication to the scene.With an inquisitive gleam in his eyes, Leon sought to unveil the purpose behind this conversation. His genuine curiosity was paired with a hint of concern, stemming from the knowledge that Travis’s journey to Mainville City signaled the importance of the topic at hand. “So, about Gerald Kramer… What is it that has prompted this discussion? Why do you wish to talk about him?” Leon inquired, eager to glean insight into the heart of the matter.Travis proceeded to pour a glass of wine for himself as he contemplated the best way to convey his concerns. It was evident that the issue weighed heavily on his mind. “It is indeed a significant matter, Dad,” Travis affirmed, his gaze steady as he raised