At this moment, Katherine couldn’t think much. She only knew that if she were dismissed, it would be the end for her. No more status, no more wealth. Everything that had come to her had vanished in the blink of an eye like a shooting star.And Laramie seemed to have lost patience with her by now. He found her troublesome, and as soon as he discovered Katherine was married, he had already kept her only as a short-term amusement. Now that she had caused such a big issue, it affected his reputation as well. He had intended to keep her around a little longer, considering her as a mere plaything, pretending not to know anything and enjoying her company every day, joking about the future, and giving her some money, to which she obediently listened and poured sweet words into his ears. He found it all very amusing.But now, unexpectedly, he was turned into a joke.In everyone’s eyes, he did not differ from a fool. Once cunning like a fox, but now like a rabbit, being outwitted by a despicabl
For many years, Justin hadn’t traversed the path leading to Kimberly’s house, but he still remembered it well, as if it had been deeply etched into his memory. At this moment, he suddenly noticed Julie like she wanted to say something. The little girl looked up at Justin, then down again, her lips pursed, but no sound came out. This action repeated several times, yet Justin only silently observed without speaking immediately. It wasn’t until she lowered her head for the fifth time that he spoke up.“Is there something you want to tell Daddy?” Justin asked.“Yes...” Julie was startled when Justin suddenly spoke, surprised that her father could read her emotions. She lowered her head, fondling the teddy bear in her hands, before finally speaking, “Daddy... is Mommy really not coming with us?”Upon hearing this question, Justin subtly tensed. A few days ago, he had simply told Julie briefly that Katherine wouldn’t be joining them without further explanation. Because he himself was curren
Justin turned back to look at her, and at this moment Julie had also run up to him, grabbing his hand and then timidly looking at the woman in front of them.At this point, he still hadn’t recognized who the woman in front of him was, as time had worn away her appearance. But the woman, seeing him staring at her intently, approached and said, “Oh dear, don’t you remember me? I’m Aunt Laura. I used to take care of every meal and bedtime for you. How could you forget me? It’s truly heartbreaking.”The name “Laura” triggered a series of memories in Justin’s mind, memories filled with beatings, curses, slaps, and torment. Aunt Laura, Justin remembered now. She used to be the head of the housekeeping team, the first to enter Kimberly’s house, with extensive experience, skilled in flattery, and adept at winning the mistress’s favor, so her status was not ordinary.When Justin was young and living in Kimberly’s house, she, then thirty years old, wreaked havoc there. While the house was equip
Meeting the butler Patrick here, Justin absolutely couldn’t turn back, and Justin also thought if he came here and turned back, it wouldn’t look good.Justin stepped forward, placing his hand on the shoulder of butler Patrick.“Your face doesn’t seem like that of someone with a seriously ill master on the verge of death.”Justin’s remark was obvious, instantly causing butler Patrick’s face to pale, immediately realizing he had revealed a vulnerability.After that, Justin didn’t say much, but led Julie inside.The house remained the same over the years, even appearing more luxurious rather than showing signs of aging, showing that the owner of this house had been living well for years, both materially and spiritually.Including the present.Justin looked into the living room, family members bustling about, each with a task in hand, but he could tell they were preparing a feast.In the dining room at this moment, there was lively laughter.Justin felt the blood in his veins boil, accomp
Mr. Kimberly appeared and immediately questioned and criticized Justin. He mentioned nothing about using his own health and life to deceive Justin into coming back.“Oh, grandfather...” Justin spoke up.“But first, explain to me why the butler Patrick told me you were seriously ill, shouldn’t you? I believe adults shouldn’t lie, and lying for a purpose that disappoints someone is even worse.”Just one simple sentence from Justin was enough to make Laramie and Kimmy understand the whole situation. It turns out Justin didn’t come back naturally, nor did he deliberately return to compete for the inheritance; it was Mr. Kimberly who deceived him into coming back. Thinking of this, Laramie and Kimmy’s hearts suddenly chilled.Why would Mr. Kimberly do such a thing? Only children wouldn’t realize it? Could it be that he intends to leave the inheritance to Justin?This thought instantly filled Kimmy with resentment. By any means necessary, she couldn’t let this happen.“You old scoundrel,” K
“What medicine is that?” Justin asked, though he knew he wouldn’t get an accurate answer.“Oh, this is your grandfather’s heart medication. Specially planned by a doctor in America, it’s very effective. Your grandfather reacts well to it,” Kimmy said, pointing to the medicine bottle as she spoke, then set it aside.“Oh, Aunt Kimmy is truly concerned about Grandpa’s health,” Justin quipped, then didn’t mention it further and focused on eating.The meal proceeded strangely quiet, with a suffocating atmosphere that would make anyone believe this was not a normal family. Justin didn’t feel like talking. Laramie and Kimmy didn’t know what to say, and now it seemed even Grandpa Kimberly wasn’t in the mood to respond to them.The meal passed in a dull manner.After finishing eating, Justin didn’t immediately get up and instead lingered at the dining table. Seeing his father’s action, Julie didn’t ask, but silently sat beside him.Grandpa Kimberly looked at Justin, and Justin returned the loo
Mr. Kimberly’s private office is on the second floor. When he was young, Justin used to come here often. Back then, his grandfather, his voice as cold as ice would summon him. Justin’s body would tremble uncontrollably. Because that was when he made mistakes, disappointed Mr. Kimberly, and got called up for punishment.Standing before his grandfather was truly terrifying. Mr. Kimberly would sit at his desk, his face stern. The muscles on his face seemed to be stretched to the fullest extent, making his expression icy and emotionless, or rather, devoid of any emotion.He would look at Justin like that, then adopt a stern tone to interrogate him. He wouldn’t listen to Justin’s explanations, disregarding whether Justin was right or wrong, only focusing on the result and its connection to Justin, subjecting him to punishment.Justin wouldn’t be allowed to speak. Whenever he tried to explain himself, Mr. Kimberly would immediately scold him, or worse, Mr. Kimberly would throw things at him
Mr. Kimberly’s words made Justin stop in his tracks, causing him to turn around and squint at what he had just placed on the table. To his surprise, it was a handkerchief.He couldn’t understand what Mr. Kimberly meant.While Justin was giving Mr. Kimberly a puzzled look, the latter suddenly unfolded the crumpled handkerchief. Under the yellow light, amidst the wrinkled fabric, a white pill stood out distinctly.Justin was astonished. And Mr. Kimberly, by now, had noticed Justin’s reaction. He smirked and said, “When it comes to what goes into your body, check it yourself to trust it. Otherwise, trust no one.”Right then, Justin understood. Mr. Kimberly was inherently skeptical and wary of everything. He wouldn’t easily trust anyone. Justin should have realized this earlier; perhaps, he was too naïve compared to him to grasp something like this.“Well then, that settles it. There’s nothing more to discuss; I’ll be on my way,” Justin said.Mr. Kimberly had detected something unusual in