Eric opened it slowly and finally saw what was inside.They were some cut-out newspaper clippings, with advertisements placed by Blake in search of Eric's biological parents. The advertisement had been carefully cut out and preserved for nearly 30 years.Blake sighed. "We never gave up on trying to find your biological parents but never received any replies. We published these ads in newspapers for several years and searched for just as long, but your mother and I eventually gave up. I hope you won't blame us. We already did our best.""Dad…" Eric's voice was choked with emotions. His parents had done much more than he had ever imagined.The mobile phone number in the advertisement was the same number Blake had been using all these years. It was only then Eric understood his father's earnest efforts.In that era, one might not be able to afford a mobile after working for a year. Yet, his father had managed to buy one, and he had been using the same number until now.Blake shook h
As the saying went: 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser.'They were trying to falsely accuse Eric, Elly, and Sylvia. However, their fear grew when Sylvia hired a lawyer.Their fabricated lie was fragile. Once investigated, everything would come to light. The two brothers quickly escorted the remaining Johnsons away, and the nail salon finally quieted down.Elly looked at Sylvia with gratitude and said, "Thank you for your help, Sylvia."Sylvia had done so much for their family, and Elly didn't know how to repay her.Sylvia smiled. "We're family. Moreover, I believe they won't give up easily. That's why I've decided to end their schemes once and for all."Eric raised his eyebrows. Sylvia's determination to confront his uncles didn't surprise him. What surprised him was her reference to them as family.'Does that mean she's finally accepting me?' he wondered.Blake nodded silently. His disappointment in his brothers was evident. Unless they were taught a lesson, they would stop
Eric did not share blood ties with the Johnsons, so it was more convenient for him to handle this matter.-At night, Eric tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Sylvia's words from earlier in the day occupied his thoughts. He thought she might be one of those people who appeared cold on the outside but warm inside.It differed from their high school days or early marriage when she had been quite distant. He considered trying something tonight—slipping into Sylvia's room quietly.This idea ignited like a spark in a dry field, and he swiftly got out of bed, taking a deep breath. Approaching Sylvia's door, he reached for the doorknob and turned it gently, but it remained immovable despite his efforts.Eric sighed, and suddenly, his mind cleared.Just as he was about to return to his room, he heard Sylvia's voice from inside her room. "Who's there? Eric, is that you?"Embarrassment washed over Eric—he had assumed Sylvia was already asleep. He made an effort to compose himself
Sylvia's cheeks were flushed. She gritted her teeth and muttered, "What a jerk!"Eric's attempt to do that kind of thing with her had left her quite irritated. However, a notification on her computer screen caught her attention.After having her meal, Sylvia had been searching through newspapers from 20 years ago in Salt City. Apparently, her diligence had paid off, and she managed to find the advertisements Blake had placed. She also had someone check the little bear pacifier that Eric had as a baby.That pacifier was her only lead.This investigation yielded some interesting findings. Twenty-eight years ago, the economy was not doing well, especially in rural areas. People mostly used wooden sticks from the pepper tree as teething toys, and pacifiers were a luxury that few people could afford. They were scarce because they cost money and were hard to find back then.Only a few domestic manufacturers produced pacifiers, and the one Eric had was likely made in King City.While mo
'Is he holding a grudge?' she thought. In the end, they did not spar. After breakfast, they headed to Williams Corp.Meanwhile, Sylvia's lawyer filed a lawsuit against Richard and his group.-Sylvia sat at her desk and rested her chin in her hands, lost in thought. When Sylvester came in, he asked, "Vee, is something troubling you?"Sylvia snapped back and asked, "Sylvester, can you produce energy bursts with punches now?""Energy bursts?" Sylvester shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Nope. I'm afraid I'll never achieve that in my lifetime. Have you already achieved it? You're our family's only hope now. If you can't do it, the rest of us don't stand a chance."Sylvia shook her head, "I can't do it either. But when I was teaching Eric martial arts this morning, he managed to produce energy bursts from both Jab Punch and Eagle Claw.""What?!" Sylvester was astonished. "Are you sure about that, Vee? Didn't you say he's only been practicing martial arts for less than three mo
After the court's decision, Eric and Sylvia left immediately. They needed to return to their hometown due to the lack of updates from the police, which suggested slow progress in the case.As they were about to enter their car, Richard and his group hurriedly approached.Seeing Eric about to get in the car, they urgently called out, "Wait, Eric, wait for us!"Eric turned and asked, "Uncle Richard, is there something else?"With a friendly grin, Richard replied, "Eric, you still call me 'Uncle Richard'. Your father and I are brothers. Given our family connection, could you reconsider the lawsuit? We won't pursue the money anymore. It wasn't meant for me, after all.""I'm sorry, Uncle Richard." Eric chuckled. "It's too late now. I won't withdraw the lawsuit. I never expected you to mention that you're my father's brother. Please prepare for a public apology, remove all the Internet posts, and..."He smiled at Richard and continued. "Be prepared to pay 70,000 dollars. Otherwise, the
Sylvia was infuriated and had her lawyer and the court take coercive measures the next morning.Firstly, they used legal procedures to remove the defamatory posts from the Internet and then froze Richard's bank accounts.-"Fuck!" Gavin cursed when he received the call.The call came from the court, instructing them to publicly apologize online. Additionally, a total of 70,000 dollars had been withdrawn from their bank accounts. Richard felt like someone had stabbed him in his heart when he realized he had lost so much money. It was the compensation money for the land. His initial goal was to obtain Blake's money, but instead, he lost his own."I'll sue them! I'm going to sue them for taking my money!" Richard fumed."Dad!" Gavin said, wearing a bitter expression. "It was the court that took your money. Are you going to sue the court?"This brought Richard to his senses.Jared and Kayden faced more difficulties than Richard and Gavin. Their financial situation was not as good
Blake said calmly, "Mom, how am I making things difficult for them? I have no idea what you mean."Blake was not lying. He had not been involved in the lawsuit and was unaware that their bank accounts had been frozen.Alyssa lamented, "You are all brothers! As the eldest, why can't you give in a little to your younger brothers? Why must you do this to them? Do you want them to die?"Richard had complained to her before coming here. He had told her that Blake not only failed to share the compensation money with them but also took legal action against them. As a result, their bank accounts were frozen.Alyssa had a stronger bond with her two younger sons and supported them regardless of their actions. As for her eldest son, she didn't have much concern for him.Blake looked somewhat troubled, "Mom, I really don't know what you're talking about. What did I do to them? They are the ones who have been trying to cause trouble for Elly and Eric."Blake remained calm as well. Perhaps he