Chapter 1
Sylvia Evans secretly sent Leonard Carter’s mistress abroad.
That night, he kidnapped her parents, intending to exchange their lives for the whereabouts of the canary.
Leonard Carter pushed his phone in front of her. On the screen, her parents were tied to chairs, with a time bomb strapped to their chests, its countdown ticking down with each jump of the numbers.
“Sylvia Evans, knowing that Leonard Carter was indeed here at her home, had no intention of pretending ignorance. Since she recognized him, he must have also recognized her. Then there was nothing to hide.
“You’re quite quick, coming all the way here.”
Leonard Carter’s cold gaze swept over her. “So you admit that your purpose for approaching me and Lillian Quinn was impure from the start?”
Sylvia Evans smiled faintly. “Why use the word ‘impure’? I just wanted to achieve my goal. To achieve a goal, one must naturally use some methods. It’s just that my methods happen to involve you and Lillian Quinn.”
“You colluded with George Quinn to frame me, and used Lillian Quinn as a pawn in your scheme. What do you call that if not impure?” Every word Leonard Carter uttered was laced with ice, his eyes filled with absolute fury. “Sylvia Evans, you’re truly ruthless!”
“Ruthless? You think I’m ruthless?” Sylvia Evans suddenly felt as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world. She laughed, and her laughter grew wilder, mixed with tears of absurdity and grief. “You and your entire family are heartless hypocrites! And now you have the nerve to call me ruthless? Leonard Carter, how shameless can you be?”
“My parents were so loving, so close. And how did your parents, Richard Evans and Margaret Evans, treat them? My father, George Quinn, worked tirelessly for the company. He poured his heart and soul into it, even sacrificing his health, only to have Richard Evans and Margaret Evans conspire to steal his achievements and drive him to his death!”
“My mother, Helen Quinn, was a frail woman. After my father’s death, she was overwhelmed by grief and illness, and she begged Richard Evans and Margaret Evans to spare my life, to let me live. What did they do? They took advantage of her weakness, forged her signature, and forced her to transfer all the shares my father had earned with his life to Richard Evans! Not only that, but they also imprisoned her, tormenting her until she finally succumbed to illness and passed away without even seeing her daughter one last time!”
“And you, Leonard Carter! Richard Evans and Margaret Evans treated you like a son, allowing you to live in luxury, while they seized everything from my parents! And you stand here, having enjoyed the fruits of their ill-gotten gains, accusing me of being ruthless and having ulterior motives? You’re even worse than Richard Evans and Margaret Evans! At least they were open about their wickedness; you hide behind a mask of righteousness, pretending to be a gentleman while your hands are stained with blood! You’re despicable!”
Looking at Sylvia Evans, whose face was stained with tears and whose body trembled with fury, Leonard Carter felt an inexplicable pain in his chest.
His tightly clenched fists seemed to want to tear everything apart.
For a long time, he couldn’t speak.
Sylvia Evans wiped away her tears and laughed again, a mocking, desolate laugh. “Leonard Carter, I’m waiting for the day your entire family comes crashing down, for you to lose everything! It’s the only way to appease the spirits of my wronged parents in heaven!”
“Let’s go,” Leonard Carter said to Daniel Brooks behind him, his voice hoarse.
Daniel Brooks hesitated for a moment but still followed him out.
Seeing them leave, Sylvia Evans slumped powerlessly onto the sofa, her vision blurring, and finally, she fainted.
Leonard Carter, who almost stumbled as he walked out, suddenly felt an abnormal throbbing in his heart. He instinctively turned back, just in time to see Sylvia Evans collapsing onto the sofa. His heart tightened, and he immediately rushed back into the house without hesitation.
“Sylvia Evans!” He strode over and gently held her in his arms.
Her face was pale, and she had passed out.
Leonard Carter’s heart ached intensely. He carefully picked her up and quickly headed for the door. “Daniel Brooks, get the car ready! To the hospital!”
“Yes, Mr. Carter!” Daniel Brooks quickly responded.
They arrived at the hospital, and Sylvia Evans was immediately rushed to the emergency room.
Leonard Carter stood outside the emergency room, his body emanating a chilling aura that kept anyone from approaching.
After a long time, the emergency room door opened, and the doctor walked out. “She’s fine now, but she suffered a major emotional shock and passed out. She just needs a good rest.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Leonard Carter said.
He looked at the unconscious Sylvia Evans in the ward. Her pallor was heartbreakingly thin, making her seem impossibly fragile.
He walked over and sat down beside the bed, gazing at her. His gaze was complicated, containing a depth of emotion that even he couldn’t decipher.
When Lillian Quinn rushed over, she saw Leonard Carter sitting by Sylvia Evans’s bed, gently stroking her hair.
Her heart ached as if it had been pierced by a thousand needles.
“Leonard,” she said, her voice choked.
Leonard Carter looked up, his movements pausing.
Lillian Quinn forced a smile. “Leonard, you—you were with Sylvia Evans?”
“We just happened to meet by chance,” Leonard Carter said, his voice flat.
Such a casual explanation, yet it was so hurtful.
Lillian Quinn forced herself to act naturally. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You haven’t answered your phone. I came to the hospital to see Ryan Shaw, but then I saw Daniel Brooks and followed him here. What happened to Sylvia Evans?”
“She fainted,” Leonard Carter said simply.
Lillian Quinn looked at Sylvia Evans, who was lying on the bed, her face utterly pale. An inexplicable anger flared within her. “Why did she faint? Did you argue with her?”
“No.” Leonard Carter still maintained his calm demeanor.
Lillian Quinn took a deep breath. “Leonard, since you’re here, I’ll attend to Sylvia Evans. You should go home and rest.”
Leonard Carter didn’t respond. He just gazed intently at Sylvia Evans.
Lillian Quinn’s heart ached even more. She walked over, took Leonard Carter’s arm, and gently pulled him. “Leonard, let’s go.”
Leonard Carter slowly rose to his feet.
Seeing this, Lillian Quinn breathed a sigh of relief.
But just as she thought he was leaving, Leonard Carter suddenly pulled his hand away from her grip and sat back down by the bed.
“Leonard!” Lillian Quinn gritted her teeth.
Leonard Carter ignored her.
Lillian Quinn looked at the two people on the bed, and a strong sense of dissatisfaction and anger rose within her. Even if Sylvia Evans was faking it, she was still managing to captivate Leonard Carter!
She walked over to the bed and extended her hand, about to grab Sylvia Evans’s arm.
But before her hand could touch Sylvia Evans, Leonard Carter’s cold voice rang out, “What are you doing?”
Lillian Quinn’s hand froze in mid-air. She looked at Leonard Carter. “She’s clearly faking it to gain your sympathy. I’m going to expose her!”
“Get out!” Leonard Carter said, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.
Lillian Quinn’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had never seen Leonard Carter speak to her with such a stern and unyielding tone.
“Leonard!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
“I said, get out!” Leonard Carter’s patience was clearly running thin.
Lillian Quinn’s heart ached. She took a deep breath and stomped out of the ward.
Leonard Carter looked at her retreating figure, his gaze filled with indifference. Then he turned back to Sylvia Evans, his eyes softening once more.
After spending some time looking at her, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, then quietly left the ward.
He went to the hospital lobby and lit a cigarette.
He stood there motionlessly, like a statue.
Daniel Brooks stood respectfully by his side, not daring to make a sound.
After a long time, Leonard Carter finally spoke, his voice hoarse. “Help me arrange a flight. I’m going abroad.”
“Yes, Mr. Carter,” Daniel Brooks responded.
“I need to go immediately.”
“It’s already been arranged for you, Mr. Carter. You’re leaving on the earliest flight,” Daniel Brooks said.
“Good.” Leonard Carter took a deep drag from his cigarette, then extinguished it.
Returning to the ward, Sylvia Evans was still asleep. Leonard Carter looked at her for a long time, then turned and left.
Unbeknownst to him, as soon as he left, Sylvia Evans slowly opened her eyes.
Tears streamed down her face.
It felt as though her heart had been cruelly torn apart.
She lay motionless on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
She was discharged from the hospital after a few days.
As soon as she returned home, she received a call from Ryan Shaw, asking her to meet him at a cafe.
Sylvia Evans smiled faintly. She wondered if Ryan Shaw had figured everything out.
She arrived at the cafe and saw Ryan Shaw already seated, looking very distressed.
“Have you sorted things out?” she asked, sitting opposite him.
Ryan Shaw looked up. His eyes were red-rimmed and filled with a pain that tore at his heart. “Sylvia Evans, is it true?”
“It’s true,” Sylvia Evans admitted calmly.
Ryan Shaw’s body trembled. “Then, Lucas and Lily. Are they really my children?”
“Yes,” Sylvia Evans answered, “they are.”
Ryan Shaw covered his face and wept. “How could you be so cruel to me? Sylvia Evans, I trusted you so much, I loved you so much, and you did this to me!”
“You’re calling me cruel?” Sylvia Evans’s voice was devoid of emotion. “Ryan Shaw, how ignorant are you? I’ve already told you many times that your father abused my mother. Why didn’t you believe me?”
Ryan Shaw lifted his head, his eyes bloodshot. “My father would never do such a thing! He doesn’t even frequent places like that! He only loves my mother!”
“Your mother?” Sylvia Evans laughed. “Then let me tell you, when your mother learned that your father had abused my mother, she not only didn’t stand up for justice, but she also protected him, even helped him frame my mother, and eventually caused her death!”
“No way!” Ryan Shaw’s face was pale. “It’s impossible! My mother is so kind, she would never do such a thing!”
“Then ask her,” Sylvia Evans said. “Ask your ‘kind’ mother, ask your ‘kind’ father. Ask them if what I said is true! Ryan Shaw, I truly sympathized with you before, having such a kind and innocent personality. But now, it seems your innocence is simply ignorance!”
After saying this, Sylvia Evans stood up and walked out of the cafe without looking back.
Ryan Shaw remained seated motionless, his mind in turmoil.
After a long time, he slowly stood up and walked home like a zombie.
As soon as he entered, he heard his parents and brother chatting and laughing in the living room.
He stood by the door, feeling an overwhelming dread.
He looked around. The house was filled with joy and laughter, a stark contrast to the darkness and pain in his heart.
He felt like an outsider in his own home.
Suddenly, his brother, Charles Shaw, saw him. “Brother, you’re back.”
Ryan Shaw nodded, his voice hoarse. “Father, Mother, I have something to ask you.”
Mr. and Mrs. Shaw looked at him with puzzlement.
Ryan Shaw looked at them, memories of Sylvia Evans’s words resounding in his mind. He asked in a tremulous voice, “Did you really force Sylvia Evans’s mother to death?”
The smiles on Mr. and Mrs. Shaw’s faces froze instantly. Mrs. Shaw’s expression changed, and she quickly retorted, “What nonsense are you spouting?! Who told you such rubbish?”
“Is it true or not?” Ryan Shaw’s voice carried a hint of desperate pleading.
“Of course not!” Mrs. Shaw denied it vehemently. “Don’t listen to that woman spouting nonsense! She’s framing us!”
“Then why did she say that Lucas and Lily are my children?” Ryan Shaw asked, his voice filled with pain.
Mrs. Shaw’s expression froze again.
Mr. Shaw, who had been silent, suddenly said, “Ryan, why are you asking about this now?”
“Why shouldn’t I ask?” Ryan Shaw retorted, his voice trembling. “Did you really force her to her death?”
Seeing that they couldn’t hide it any longer, Mr. Shaw sighed, “Son, sometimes, to achieve great things, you have to sacrifice a little.”
“Sacrifice?!” Ryan Shaw roared, “You forced a life! You murdered someone and you’re calling it a sacrifice?!”
“Ryan, how can you talk to your father like that!” Mrs. Shaw reprimanded him.
“So, it’s true then?” Ryan Shaw’s eyes widened in despair. “It’s all true!”
He had always trusted his family so much, believed they were kind and righteous. He had always believed that Leonard Carter was the villain, that Sylvia Evans was the victim. But now, it seemed he had been utterly wrong.
The perpetrator was his own father. The accomplice was his own mother.
And he, too, was an accomplice in their crimes!
He had even fallen in love with the daughter of the woman his parents had killed.
He felt as though his entire world had crumbled around him.
“Ryan, you’re being too emotional,” Mr. Shaw said. “Yes, we did do that, but it was all for the good of our family!”
“For the good of our family?!” Ryan Shaw sneered. “What good? The good of seizing others’ property, murdering others, and then living a life of luxury built on those crimes? Father, you’ve disappointed me so much!”
He turned and ran out of the house.
“Ryan!” Mr. and Mrs. Shaw called out from behind him, but he didn’t stop.
He ran desperately, running away from his family, running away from the chilling truth.
He ran to the place where he and Sylvia Evans had first met.
He sat on a bench, tears streaming down his face.
He had truly loved Sylvia Evans.
He had truly believed he and Sylvia Evans had a future together.
But now, it was all shattered.
His innocent love had turned into a cruel joke.
He looked up at the sky, his heart aching.
He slowly pulled out his phone and dialed Sylvia Evans’s number.
Sylvia Evans had just finished eating and was about to go to bed when she received his call. She answered it and heard his tearful voice. “Sylvia Evans, can we still be together?”
“No,” Sylvia Evans answered without hesitation.
Ryan Shaw’s heart was torn apart. “Why? Why can’t we be together?”
“You and I are too similar,” Sylvia Evans said. “We both inherited our parents’ cruelty and ruthlessness. However, I am more direct and honest than you. You have always been wearing a mask, pretending to be a pure and innocent person.”
“No, I’m not!” Ryan Shaw retorted.
“You are,” Sylvia Evans said. “Ryan Shaw, you are not stupid. You just refuse to face the truth. Your kindness, your innocence, are all just illusions that you’ve created for yourself. So, please, from now on, don’t mention our relationship again. You and I are completely opposite. We will never be together.”
After she finished speaking, Sylvia Evans hung up the phone without giving Ryan Shaw a chance to speak again.
Ryan Shaw stared blankly at his phone, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He looked at the sky and suddenly felt as if his entire world had collapsed.
He slowly lowered his phone, and a long, painful moan escaped his lips.
He hated Sylvia Evans. He hated her for being so cruel to him.
He also hated himself, hated himself for being so useless.
He wanted to die.
He stood up and walked to the edge of the bridge. He looked at the rushing river below, his heart filled with despair.
He jumped without hesitation.
The cold river water instantly engulfed him.
He felt as though his entire body had been torn apart.
He struggled frantically, but he was soon overwhelmed by the current.
His vision blurred, and his consciousness faded.
He was finally at peace.
When the news of Ryan Shaw’s suicide reached Sylvia Evans, she was stunned.
She didn’t expect Ryan Shaw to kill himself.
She thought for a moment, then sighed softly.
His death was also a form of liberation.
His death also meant that she no longer owed him anything.
She would never feel guilty about him again.
After dealing with Ryan Shaw’s affairs, Sylvia Evans began to concentrate on developing her own career.
She wanted to make herself stronger, so strong that no one could look down on her, so strong that no one could bully her.
She had to make herself even stronger than Leonard Carter!
Only then could she truly defeat him!
Her new company, Yuan Entertainment, gradually began to make a name for itself in the industry.
Many famous celebrities joined her company one after another, and Yuan Entertainment quickly rose to become a major player in the entertainment industry.
During this period, Sylvia Evans also met a lot of people. She was elegant, capable, and ambitious. Coupled with her outstanding appearance, she naturally attracted the attention of many men.
Among them was Charles Shaw.
Charles Shaw often visited Yuan Entertainment without warning, bringing flowers and gifts, trying to get close to Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans was annoyed by his persistence.
One day, Charles Shaw came to Yuan Entertainment again. He found Sylvia Evans in the office and said, “Sylvia Evans, you should know how I feel about you.”
“I don’t know,” Sylvia Evans said coldly, “and I don’t want to know.”
Charles Shaw’s expression stiffened. “Sylvia Evans, why are you always like this? Don’t you know how popular you are? There are countless men who want to be with you, but I’m the one who truly loves you and wants to marry you!”
Sylvia Evans scoffed. “You want to marry me? Do you even know who I am? Do you know my identity, my background, my purpose?”
Charles Shaw looked at her, his eyes filled with adoration and desire. “No matter who you are, no matter what your identity, background, or purpose, I don’t care. I just want to be with you.”
“You want to be with me?” Sylvia Evans laughed. “Then let me tell you, I’m the one who caused your brother’s death! If not for me, your brother wouldn’t have died!”
Charles Shaw’s face instantly turned pale.
Sylvia Evans continued, “Do you still want to be with me? Do you still want to marry me?””
“Sylvia Evans, you said you loved me, but you had an abortion and broke up with me without hesitation. Sylvia Evans, you said you didn’t love Leonard Carter, yet you married him so quickly. Sylvia Evans, you really are something.”
Lillian Quinn’s words, like countless sharp needles, pierced precisely into Sylvia Evans’s heart.
Sylvia Evans suddenly started to laugh. She laughed until tears streamed down her face, until her body trembled uncontrollably and she nearly fell.
Yes, she was really something. The one who truly loved Leonard Carter deeply was herself. The one who had the abortion was also herself. The one who broke up with him was herself. The one who married him was also herself.
“Lillian Quinn, are you satisfied now?” Sylvia Evans looked at Lillian Quinn, her gaze cold and distant. “Leonard Carter now hates me so much that he wants to kill me. Are you satisfied?”
“Satisfied? Why would I be satisfied?” Lillian Quinn retorted, her voice sharp. “Sylvia Evans, you should know that I hate you more than anyone, even more than you can imagine.”
After speaking, Lillian Quinn slammed the door shut and left.
Sylvia Evans stood still, looking at the tightly shut door. Her heart was in so much pain that she could barely breathe.
She slowly walked to the bed and lay down, curling up. Her whole body was shivering.
The sound of the door opening startled her. She thought it was Lillian Quinn who had returned, but when she looked up, she saw Margaret Evans standing at the door.
“Mom… why are you here?” Sylvia Evans’s voice was hoarse.
“I still have the spare key. If I didn’t come, would you just starve yourself to death here?” Margaret Evans walked over, her eyes full of pity when she saw her daughter’s haggard face.
“Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’m fine,” Sylvia Evans said, forcing a smile.
“Still saying you’re fine? Look at yourself, what do you look like now?” Margaret Evans looked at her and then sighed. “What happened between you and Leonard Carter? Why did you divorce without a word? Sylvia Evans, how could you be so impulsive? Dad and I worked so hard to get you two married, and now you’ve divorced him.”
“Mom, don’t mention him anymore. Please, don’t mention him,” Sylvia Evans pulled the blanket over herself, not wanting to talk about Leonard Carter and unwilling to hear his name.
“Okay, okay, I won’t mention him.” Margaret Evans looked at her daughter, feeling heartbroken. She continued, “What about your health? You haven’t fully recovered from your illness, and now you’re like this. What if you get sick again? How will your father and I live?”
“Mom, I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of myself.”
“You say you’re fine, but you’re getting thinner and thinner. Look at how pale you are. Have you been eating well these past few days?” Margaret Evans looked around and said, “Mom will make you something delicious. Eat more so you can recover quickly.”
“Mom, I don’t want to eat,” Sylvia Evans said.
“You have to eat even if you don’t want to. After eating, take your medicine. You still need to recuperate for a few more days before you can fully recover.”
Margaret Evans walked into the kitchen as she spoke, and soon the smell of food wafted out.
Just as Sylvia Evans was about to get up and help, her phone rang. It was her ex-husband, Leonard Carter.
She didn’t want to answer, but the ringing wouldn’t stop. She worried that if she didn’t answer, he would call Margaret Evans, so she finally picked it up.
“What’s the matter?” Her voice was flat, without any emotion.
“You’re home?” Leonard Carter’s voice was filled with a chilling coldness.
“What do you want to say?” Sylvia Evans asked, biting her lip.
“Sylvia Evans, you really disappoint me,” Leonard Carter said slowly, his voice carrying intense pain and anger. “You never give up until you reach your goal.”
“What do you mean?” Sylvia Evans’s heart skipped a beat, and she had an ominous feeling.
“Are you still pretending? Do you really think that by framing Lillian Quinn, you can return to my side? Sylvia Evans, you are too naive!” Leonard Carter’s voice was like a sharp knife, piercing her heart. “Do you think I would still believe you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sylvia Evans said, her voice trembling.
“You don’t know? Then let me tell you.” Leonard Carter’s voice was filled with a terrifying hatred. “The video of Lillian Quinn being beaten and humiliated was posted online by you, wasn’t it?”
“It wasn’t me! Leonard Carter, why do you always think the worst of me?” Sylvia Evans roared, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.
“It wasn’t you? Sylvia Evans, you don’t even blush when you lie now. Do you think I’m that easy to deceive?” Leonard Carter snorted coldly. “Don’t think I didn’t see it. Lillian Quinn just broke up with you, and now such a video is playing in a loop outside your apartment building. Sylvia Evans, aren’t you worried that your trick will backfire?”
“I didn’t! Leonard Carter, why don’t you believe me?” Sylvia Evans cried.
“Believe you? Sylvia Evans, you lied to me countless times. How do you expect me to believe you?” Leonard Carter’s voice was like ice, cold and ruthless. “Don’t ever let me see you again. Otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
With that, Leonard Carter hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans sat on the bed, holding the phone tightly, her whole body trembling.
All of Leonard Carter’s hatred, his disgust, his ruthless indifference, were like sharp blades, cutting her heart into pieces.
She felt as if she had fallen into a bottomless abyss, and no one knew how much pain she was enduring.
Suddenly, her phone received a message. It was a video.
She clicked on it, and the video started playing. It was a loop of Lillian Quinn being beaten in an alley, followed by being humiliated by a few hooligans, and finally stripped naked.
Below the video, there was a string of text: “This is what happens when you spread rumors and slander the innocent.”
Sylvia Evans instantly understood. Someone wanted to frame her, believing that she had posted the video of Lillian Quinn online.
She looked at the message, her gaze extremely cold. She then looked at the user who sent it, and strangely, the user was ‘Richard Evans’.
How could it be her father? Sylvia Evans had a strange feeling in her heart. She hadn’t expected her father to have such a dark side.
No, this wasn’t right. Her father never dabbled in the internet or computers. He wouldn’t even know how to send a video.
However, the ID clearly showed ‘Richard Evans’. Could it be someone else using his ID?
Sylvia Evans frowned. She then called Richard Evans.
No one answered.
She called again, but still no answer.
What was going on?
She sent a text message to Richard Evans, explaining the situation and asking him to check if his account had been hacked.
Soon after, Richard Evans replied, saying that he hadn’t posted any videos and that his account must have been hacked.
Sylvia Evans closed her eyes, feeling a headache coming on. She then sent another message to Richard Evans, telling him to quickly report it to the police.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and Margaret Evans walked in carrying a bowl. She looked at Sylvia Evans, her eyes full of concern. “What’s wrong? Why do you look so pale?”
“Mom, I’m fine,” Sylvia Evans forced a smile.
“Why are you still saying you’re fine? Your face is as white as paper.” Margaret Evans walked over, placed the bowl on the table, and then touched Sylvia Evans’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Why are you so pale?”
“Mom, I’m really fine. I just didn’t sleep well last night.”
Margaret Evans looked at her and sighed. “Just eat something. You’ll feel better after eating.”
Sylvia Evans nodded and picked up the bowl. She forced herself to eat a few mouthfuls, but she had no appetite.
“Lillian Quinn, you really are pathetic.”
Leonard Carter watched the comments online, his face as cold as ice.
The person who posted the video was definitely Sylvia Evans. She was so cruel.
How could he have been with such a cruel woman before?
Suddenly, Daniel Brooks walked in and bowed slightly. “Mr. Carter, the police have arrived, and they have caught the person who posted the video.”
“Who is it?” Leonard Carter asked, his voice cold.
“It’s Richard Evans. They found the computer in his home,” Daniel Brooks looked at Leonard Carter and said.
“What?” Leonard Carter’s face instantly paled.
He never thought it would be Richard Evans. How could it be Richard Evans?
“Are you sure?” Leonard Carter asked.
“Yes, the police confirmed it, and Richard Evans also admitted it,” Daniel Brooks replied.
Leonard Carter’s face turned even paler. He took a few steps back and sat heavily on the sofa.
Richard Evans, Richard Evans…
Leonard Carter never thought that Richard Evans, who seemed so decent and kind, would do such a despicable thing.
Richard Evans was Sylvia Evans’s father. Did Sylvia Evans instigate him? Did she tell him to do it?
Leonard Carter’s heart was filled with anger and disappointment.
He really didn’t know what to say.
He thought Sylvia Evans was bad enough alone, but she even roped in her father. Did she really want to ruin Lillian Quinn completely?
Leonard Carter stood up and walked to the window, silently looking out.
After a long time, he slowly said, “Daniel Brooks, contact the best lawyer to defend Richard Evans.”
Daniel Brooks was stunned. “Mr. Carter, why are you still defending him? He did such a thing, and we should just let him go to jail.”
“He’s Sylvia Evans’s father,” Leonard Carter said slowly.
Daniel Brooks’s heart trembled. He looked at Leonard Carter’s back expressionlessly. The way he looked now showed that he was still concerned about Sylvia Evans.
He sighed inwardly, then turned and left.
Sylvia Evans finished eating, took her medicine, and then went to bed.
She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her mind was filled with the video of Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter’s furious face.
She felt frustrated and anxious, but she didn’t know what to do.
What exactly was going on?
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Richard Evans.
Sylvia Evans quickly picked it up.
“Dad, what’s wrong?” Her voice was anxious.
“Sylvia Evans, I’m sorry, Dad caused trouble for you.” Richard Evans’s voice was filled with guilt.
“Dad, what happened? What did you do?” Sylvia Evans asked anxiously.
“I just posted a video of Lillian Quinn online, and then someone reported it to the police, and now the police are here.” Richard Evans’s voice sounded like he was about to cry.
“What? You posted the video? Dad, why did you do that?” Sylvia Evans was shocked and angry.
“I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to help you get back at Lillian Quinn,” Richard Evans said.
“Dad, how could you be so foolish?” Sylvia Evans was furious. “Don’t you know the consequences of doing that?”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry, I was just too angry and lost my mind,” Richard Evans said, crying.
“Where are you now? Are you at the police station?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Yes, I’m at the police station now. The police said I committed a crime and will be sentenced to a few years in prison.” Richard Evans’s voice was full of despair.
“What? A few years?” Sylvia Evans’s legs went weak, and she almost fell.
“Yes, I’m sorry, Sylvia Evans, I caused trouble for you.” Richard Evans kept apologizing.
“Dad, don’t say that.” Sylvia Evans’s eyes were red, and tears streamed down her face. “Dad, tell me, how exactly did you post the video?”
Richard Evans told her everything in detail.
It turned out that yesterday, he learned that Lillian Quinn had been badmouthing Sylvia Evans everywhere. He was furious and decided to teach Lillian Quinn a lesson. So, he posted the video online through an anonymous account.
He never thought that the video would be discovered so quickly and that he would be found out.
After hearing everything, Sylvia Evans was completely speechless.
Her father was really too impulsive. He clearly knew the consequences, but he still did it.
However, she couldn’t blame him. He did it for her.
“Dad, don’t worry. I’ll find a way to get you out.” Sylvia Evans wiped her tears and said.
“But the police said that even if I’m released, I’ll still have a criminal record, and it will affect your future,” Richard Evans said, weeping.
“Dad, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. You just take care of yourself.” Sylvia Evans tried to comfort him.
After hanging up the phone, Sylvia Evans felt a pain in her heart that was even harder to bear than before.
It was all her fault. If she hadn’t gotten involved with Leonard Carter, her father wouldn’t be in this situation.
She had to save her father. She had to.
She searched for lawyers online and found the number of the best lawyer. Without hesitation, she called him.
The lawyer quickly answered the phone. Sylvia Evans explained her situation. The lawyer said that the case was difficult, but he would do his best.
After hanging up the phone, Sylvia Evans walked to the window and silently looked out.
The sky was very dark, and the streetlights were emitting a dim light.
Sylvia Evans took a deep breath, and then closed her eyes.
She quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, Sylvia Evans woke up early.
She quickly washed up, changed her clothes, grabbed her bag, and went out.
She had to save her father.
She quickly arrived at the police station and saw Richard Evans sitting on a bench in the interrogation room, looking dispirited.
“Dad!” Sylvia Evans rushed over and hugged Richard Evans tightly.
“Sylvia Evans, why are you here?” Richard Evans looked at his daughter, his eyes full of guilt.
“Dad, I’m here to save you.” Sylvia Evans looked at him, her eyes red.
“You don’t have to save me. I’m fine locked up here,” Richard Evans said.
“Dad, what are you saying? How can you be fine locked up here?” Sylvia Evans cried.
“I’m sorry, Sylvia Evans. I caused trouble for you.” Richard Evans kept apologizing.
“Dad, don’t say that. It’s not your fault,” Sylvia Evans said, then looked at the police officer next to her. “Officer, I want to see how my father’s case is progressing.”
The police officer looked at Sylvia Evans and then said, “His case is very serious. He violated the law and will be sentenced to a few years in prison.”
“What? A few years?” Sylvia Evans was shocked and angry.
“Yes, he committed a serious crime and will be sentenced to a few years in prison,” the police officer said.
“No, this is impossible! My father wouldn’t do such a thing!” Sylvia Evans shook her head, tears streaming down her face.
“He already admitted it,” the police officer said.
Sylvia Evans looked at Richard Evans, her eyes full of disbelief. “Dad, did you really admit it?”
Richard Evans nodded, looking ashamed. “I’m sorry, Sylvia Evans. I caused trouble for you.”
“Dad! How could you be so foolish?” Sylvia Evans was heartbroken.
Just then, the lawyer arrived. Sylvia Evans quickly walked over to greet him. “Lawyer, please help my father.”
The lawyer nodded and then walked into the interrogation room.
Sylvia Evans sat on the bench outside, her heart filled with anxiety.
She silently prayed for her father, hoping that he could be released as soon as possible.
Time passed slowly. It felt like an eternity.
Finally, the lawyer walked out of the interrogation room, looking serious.
“Lawyer, how is it? Can my father be released?” Sylvia Evans quickly walked over and asked.
The lawyer shook his head. “His case is difficult. He violated the law and will be sentenced to a few years in prison. Even if he’s released, he’ll still have a criminal record.”
“What? A few years?” Sylvia Evans’s face instantly went pale. She almost fainted.
“Yes, this is the current situation,” the lawyer said.
Sylvia Evans stood there, stunned, as if struck by lightning.
A few years? How could her father endure such a thing?
She started to cry uncontrollably.
“Sylvia Evans, don’t cry. This is the only way.” Richard Evans walked out, his eyes red. “I’m sorry, I caused trouble for you.”
“Dad, no, it’s my fault.” Sylvia Evans hugged Richard Evans tightly, crying loudly.
The lawyer looked at them and then said, “Don’t worry, I will do my best to fight for a lighter sentence for your father.”
“Thank you, lawyer,” Sylvia Evans said, nodding.
After a few days, Sylvia Evans kept going to the police station, hoping to get her father out.
However, the police insisted on upholding the law, and there was nothing she could do despite her efforts.
Richard Evans was eventually sentenced to three years in prison.
Sylvia Evans felt as if her whole world had collapsed.
She couldn’t believe that her father would go to jail.
She couldn’t accept it.
She decided to find Lillian Quinn and apologize, hoping that Lillian Quinn would forgive her father and help him get out.
She thought about it for a long time, and finally, she called Lillian Quinn.
No one answered.
She called again, but still no answer.
What was going on?
She felt anxious and called her father, George Quinn. George Quinn answered the phone.
“Uncle George, I want to see Lillian Quinn. Please tell her to answer her phone,” Sylvia Evans said anxiously.
George Quinn sighed and then said, “Sylvia Evans, don’t bother Lillian Quinn anymore. She’s suffered enough.”
“Uncle George, I know she’s suffered, but I really have something important to tell her,” Sylvia Evans said.
“I’m sorry, Lillian Quinn doesn’t want to see you,” George Quinn said and hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans held the phone, tears streaming down her face.
Lillian Quinn didn’t want to see her.
What should she do?
She stood outside the Quinn family house for a long time, hoping somehow to see Lillian Quinn.
But she didn’t see her.
She felt helpless and hopeless.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Margaret Evans.
“Sylvia Evans, where are you now? Your father has been sentenced to three years in prison, and I don’t know what to do,” Margaret Evans cried on the phone.
“Mom, I know. I’m trying to find a way now.” Sylvia Evans wiped her tears and said.
“What else can we do? Your father is going to jail. Our family is ruined,” Margaret Evans cried.
“Mom, don’t say that. I’ll definitely find a way to get Dad out,” Sylvia Evans said.
“How else can you get him out? He has been sentenced to three years,” Margaret Evans said.
Sylvia Evans hung up the phone and cried bitterly.
She knew that her mother was worried, and she was also worried.
Richard Evans was sentenced to three years in prison, and she knew that three years would be a lifetime for their family.
And all this was because of her.
She blamed herself very much.
What should she do? What should she do to get her father out?
She thought of Leonard Carter. Maybe Leonard Carter could help her.
After all, he was so powerful.
She called Leonard Carter. Leonard Carter answered.
“What do you want?” His voice was cold.
“Leonard Carter, can you help me?” Sylvia Evans asked, her voice trembling.
“Help you? Why should I help you?” Leonard Carter’s voice was full of disdain.
“My father was sentenced to three years in prison. Can you help him?” Sylvia Evans said.
“Your father was sentenced to three years in prison? That’s what he deserves!” Leonard Carter said, his voice full of anger. “He created the video and posted it online because he was trying to protect you. He deserved it!”
“Leonard Carter, how can you say such a thing?” Sylvia Evans was shocked and angry.
“Why can’t I say it? Sylvia Evans, you really are something.” Leonard Carter snorted coldly. “Do you think I don’t know that your father did it to help you get revenge on Lillian Quinn?”
“It wasn’t like that!” Sylvia Evans explained.
“It wasn’t like that? Then what was it like?” Leonard Carter’s voice was mocking.
“I didn’t tell my father to do it,” Sylvia Evans said.
“You didn’t tell him? Do you think I’ll believe you?” Leonard Carter’s voice was full of disbelief. “Sylvia Evans, you never give up until you reach your goal. I really opened my eyes to you.”
“Leonard Carter, you believe that I am such a person?” Sylvia Evans cried.
“Otherwise? Sylvia Evans, I really don’t understand what you think. You ruined Lillian Quinn, and now you want to ruin your father too. What exactly do you want to do?” Leonard Carter’s voice was full of anger.
“I didn’t mean to.” Sylvia Evans tried to explain, but Leonard Carter hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans stood there, stunned.
Leonard Carter didn’t believe her. He wouldn’t help her.
She felt very sad.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Richard Evans.
Sylvia Evans quickly picked it up.
“Sylvia Evans, Dad is leaving.” Richard Evans’s voice was filled with sadness.
“Dad, where are you going?” Sylvia Evans asked anxiously.
“Going to jail. I’m sorry, I caused trouble for you.” Richard Evans’s voice was full of sorrow.
“Dad!” Sylvia Evans called out, but her father had already hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans stood there, stunned.
Her father was going to jail.
She burst into tears.
She felt as if her heart had been ripped open, and the pain left her unable to breathe.
She cried for a long time, until her eyes were swollen and her throat was hoarse.
She then wiped away her tears and walked out of the house.
She had to save her father. Even if there was only a sliver of hope, she would not give up.
She went to the Quinn family house again, but the door was still closed.
She then went to the Clark family home, the home of Lillian Quinn’s parents, but the door was also closed.
She went to several places where Lillian Quinn might be, but she couldn’t find her.
She was very disappointed.
Just then, her phone rang. It was her mother, Helen Quinn.
“Sylvia Evans, where are you? Lillian Quinn is in the hospital. She was beaten very badly,” Helen Quinn cried.
“What? Lillian Quinn is in the hospital?” Sylvia Evans was shocked.
“Yes, she was severely beaten. She might even be disfigured,” Helen Quinn cried.
“How could this be?” Sylvia Evans was in disbelief.
“It’s all because of you! If it weren’t for you, how could Lillian Quinn have been beaten so badly?” Helen Quinn roared.
“I…” Sylvia Evans didn’t know what to say.
“Don’t come to our house again. Our family doesn’t want to see you,” Helen Quinn said and hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans stood there, stunned, and then slowly put down her phone.
Lillian Quinn was beaten. It was all her fault.
She felt extremely guilty.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
She decided to go to the hospital to see Lillian Quinn and apologize.
She rushed to the hospital and quickly found Lillian Quinn’s ward.
She cautiously pushed open the door and saw Lillian Quinn lying on the bed, her face swollen and bruised. Her entire body was covered in bandages.
“Lillian Quinn, I’m sorry,” Sylvia Evans said, her voice filled with guilt.
Lillian Quinn opened her eyes and looked at Sylvia Evans, her eyes filled with hatred. “Sylvia Evans, don’t pretend anymore. Do you know how much I hate you?”
“I know, but I really didn’t mean it.” Sylvia Evans pleaded.
“You didn’t mean it? Do you think I’ll believe you?” Lillian Quinn mocked.
“Lillian Quinn, please believe me. I really didn’t mean it. And what happened to my father… he also did it to help me,” Sylvia Evans said.
“To help you? Ha ha, what a joke!” Lillian Quinn laughed coldly. “Your father ruined my reputation, and now you still want to defend him? Sylvia Evans, you are really despicable.”
“Lillian Quinn, please forgive my father,” Sylvia Evans pleaded.
Lillian Quinn ignored her and turned her head away.
Sylvia Evans looked at Lillian Quinn’s pale face and felt a pang of heartache.
She knew that Lillian Quinn hated her, but she didn’t expect her to hate her so much.
She looked at Lillian Quinn for a long time, and then slowly stood up and walked out of the ward.
She still couldn’t get Lillian Quinn’s forgiveness.
She felt very sad.
She didn’t know what to do.
She went home utterly dejected.
As soon as she entered the house, she saw Margaret Evans sitting on the sofa, crying.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Your father has been sentenced to three years in prison. Our family is ruined.” Margaret Evans cried.
“Mom, don’t cry. I’ll definitely find a way to get Dad out,” Sylvia Evans said.
“How else can you get him out? He has been sentenced to three years. Our family is ruined,” Margaret Evans cried.
Sylvia Evans held her mother, who was crying uncontrollably, and she also silently shed tears.
Her mother was really heartbroken. And she was also heartbroken.
She knew that the incident with her father had greatly impacted her mother.
She had to save her father. She had to.
She thought about it for a long time, and finally, she thought of a lawyer.
She quickly called the lawyer. The lawyer quickly answered the phone.
“Lawyer, can you help me? I want to appeal my father’s case,” Sylvia Evans said anxiously.
The lawyer said that appealing a case was difficult, but he would do his best.
Sylvia Evans thanked the lawyer and then hung up the phone.
She then went to the police station. She wanted to know what evidence they had.
She arrived at the police station, and the police showed her the evidence.
The evidence was very clear. Richard Evans had indeed posted the video.
Sylvia Evans looked at the evidence, her face ashen.
She knew that her father had done it, but she still couldn’t accept it.
She felt very sad.
She then went to the prison to see her father.
Richard Evans looked very haggard. He was wearing prison uniform and his face was pale.
“Dad!” Sylvia Evans rushed over and hugged Richard Evans tightly. “Dad, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“Sylvia Evans, it’s not your fault. It’s my fault.” Richard Evans looked at her, his eyes full of guilt.
“Dad, I’ll definitely get you out,” Sylvia Evans said, tears streaming down her face.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine here,” Richard Evans said.
“Dad!” Sylvia Evans cried and cried.
She knew that her father was trying to comfort her, but she still felt heartbroken.
After a long time, she finally left the prison.
She felt very sad.
What should she do to get her father out?
She thought about it for a long time, and finally, she thought of Leonard Carter. Maybe he could help her.
She called Leonard Carter again.
Leonard Carter answered.
“What do you want?” His voice was cold.
“Leonard Carter, can you help me? My father has been sentenced to three years in prison. Can you help him?” Sylvia Evans asked, her voice trembling.
“I already told you, I won’t help you,” Leonard Carter said coldly.
“Leonard Carter, please. If you don’t help him, my father will be ruined.” Sylvia Evans pleaded.
“That’s what he deserves!” Leonard Carter said coldly and hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans stood there, stunned.
Leonard Carter still wouldn’t help her.
She felt very sad.
She then went to the Quinn family house again. The door was still closed.
She stood outside for a long time, hoping to see Lillian Quinn.
But she didn’t see her.
She felt desperate.
She didn’t know what to do.
She went home utterly dejected.
As soon as she entered the house, she saw Margaret Evans sobbing on the sofa.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Your father has been sentenced to three years in prison. Our family is ruined.” Margaret Evans cried.
“Mom, don’t cry. I’ll definitely find a way to get Dad out,” Sylvia Evans said.
“How else can you get him out? He has been sentenced to three years. Our family is ruined,” Margaret Evans cried.
Sylvia Evans held her mother, who was crying uncontrollably, and she also silently shed tears.
Her mother was really heartbroken. And she was also heartbroken.
She knew that the incident with her father had greatly impacted her mother.
She had to save her father. She had to.
She thought about it for a long time, and finally, she thought of Lucas & Lily Shaw.
Lucas & Lily Shaw were very kind. Maybe they could help her.
She quickly called Lucas & Lily Shaw. Lucas & Lily Shaw answered.
“Hello, Sylvia Evans, how are you recently?” Lucas & Lily Shaw’s voice was very gentle.
“Lucas & Lily Shaw, can you help me? My father has been sentenced to three years in prison,” Sylvia Evans said, her voice trembling.
“What? Your father has been sentenced to three years in prison?” Lucas & Lily Shaw were shocked.
“Yes, can you help me?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Don’t worry, we’ll definitely help you. What exactly happened?” Lucas & Lily Shaw asked.
Sylvia Evans told them everything in detail.
After hearing everything, Lucas & Lily Shaw sighed. “Sylvia Evans, don’t worry. We’ll definitely help you.”
“Thank you, Lucas & Lily Shaw.” Sylvia Evans was very grateful.
Lucas & Lily Shaw asked her to send them all the information about the case.
Sylvia Evans quickly sent them all the information.
Lucas & Lily Shaw looked at the information, their faces serious.
They called their father, Ryan Shaw.
Ryan Shaw quickly answered the phone.
“Dad, your granddaughters have something to tell you.” Lucas & Lily Shaw spoke into the phone.
Ryan Shaw was naturally very happy to hear the voices of his two children. “My dear granddaughters, what do you want to tell Grandpa?”
Lucas & Lily Shaw then told Ryan Shaw about Richard Evans’s case.
After hearing everything, Ryan Shaw frowned. “This case is a bit difficult.”
“Dad, can you help?” Lucas & Lily Shaw asked.
Ryan Shaw thought for a moment and then said, “I’ll try my best.”
“Thank you, Dad,” Lucas & Lily Shaw said quickly.
Ryan Shaw hung up the phone and then called his lawyer, Charles Shaw.
Charles Shaw quickly answered the phone.
“Charles Shaw, I have a case for you. It’s a bit difficult, but I hope you can do your best to help,” Ryan Shaw said.
“Okay, Chairman, please tell me the details,” Charles Shaw said.
Ryan Shaw told Charles Shaw about Richard Evans’s case.
After hearing everything, Charles Shaw frowned slightly. “This case is a bit difficult, but I will do my best.”
“Thank you, Charles Shaw,” Ryan Shaw said.
Charles Shaw immediately began investigating Richard Evans’s case.
Sylvia Evans kept calling Lucas & Lily Shaw to ask about the progress of the case.
Lucas & Lily Shaw told her not to worry and that they would do their best.
A few days later, Charles Shaw called Ryan Shaw.
“Chairman, I have good news. We have found new evidence,” Charles Shaw said excitedly.
“What evidence?” Ryan Shaw asked nervously.
“We found some surveillance camera footage. It shows that Lillian Quinn posted the video herself,” Charles Shaw said.
“What? Lillian Quinn posted it herself?” Ryan Shaw was shocked.
“Yes, she posted it herself. She wanted to frame Richard Evans,” Charles Shaw said.
“This Lillian Quinn is really despicable,” Ryan Shaw said, furious.
“Yes, she is. We have already submitted the evidence to the police, and the police have reopened the case for investigation,” Charles Shaw said.
“That’s great!” Ryan Shaw was very excited.
He immediately told Lucas & Lily Shaw the good news.
Lucas & Lily Shaw were also very excited. They quickly called Sylvia Evans and told her the good news.
Sylvia Evans was also very excited. She cried tears of joy.
“Thank you, Lucas & Lily Shaw. Thank you so much!” Sylvia Evans was very grateful.
“You’re welcome. It’s what we should do,” Lucas & Lily Shaw said.
Sylvia Evans then went to the police station. The police told her that Richard Evans’s case had been reopened for investigation and that he would be released soon.
Sylvia Evans was overjoyed.
She immediately went to the prison to see her father.
Richard Evans was already packing his things. His face was full of joy.
“Dad! You’re finally coming out!” Sylvia Evans rushed over and hugged Richard Evans tightly.
“Yes, thank you, Sylvia Evans. It’s all thanks to you,” Richard Evans said, his eyes red.
“Dad, don’t say that. It’s what I should do,” Sylvia Evans said, tears streaming down her face.
After a long time, Richard Evans finally walked out of prison.
Sylvia Evans held her father’s hand, feeling very happy.
However, she still felt a little uncomfortable.
Her father was released, but what about Lillian Quinn?
She knew that Lillian Quinn was very pitiful, but Lillian Quinn had framed her father.
She didn’t know what to say.
She suddenly thought of something and quickly called Lucas & Lily Shaw.
“Lucas & Lily Shaw, I have something to tell you,” Sylvia Evans said.
“What is it?” Lucas & Lily Shaw asked.
“Lillian Quinn framed my father. Will she be punished?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Yes, she will be punished. She violated the law and will be sentenced to a few years in prison,” Lucas & Lily Shaw said.
“What? A few years?” Sylvia Evans was shocked.
“Yes, this is the punishment she deserves,” Lucas & Lily Shaw said.
Sylvia Evans was silent for a while and then said, “Lucas & Lily Shaw, can you please ask the lawyer to fight for a lighter sentence for Lillian Quinn?”
“Why should we do that?” Lucas & Lily Shaw were puzzled.
“She’s also very pitiful, and she’s already been beaten very badly,” Sylvia Evans said.
Lucas & Lily Shaw thought for a moment and then said, “Okay, we’ll try our best.”
“Thank you, Lucas & Lily Shaw.” Sylvia Evans was very grateful.
Lucas & Lily Shaw then called Charles Shaw and asked him to fight for a lighter sentence for Lillian Quinn.
Charles Shaw was a bit surprised, but he still agreed.
A few days later, Charles Shaw called Lucas & Lily Shaw.
“Chairman, there’s good news. Lillian Quinn’s sentence has been reduced. She’ll only be sentenced to one year in prison,” Charles Shaw said.
“That’s great!” Lucas & Lily Shaw were also very happy.
They quickly told Sylvia Evans the good news.
Sylvia Evans was also very happy. She was very grateful to Lucas & Lily Shaw.
“Thank you, Lucas & Lily Shaw. Thank you so much!” Sylvia Evans said.
“You’re welcome. It’s what we should do,” Lucas & Lily Shaw said.
Sylvia Evans felt much better.
Her father was released, and Lillian Quinn also received a lighter sentence.
Everything was finally over.
She thought about it for a long time, and finally, she decided to divorce Leonard Carter.
She didn’t want to have any more entanglements with him.
She called Leonard Carter. Leonard Carter answered.
“What do you want?” His voice was cold.
“Leonard Carter, let’s get a divorce,” Sylvia Evans said.
Leonard Carter was silent for a moment and then said coldly, “Okay, let’s get a divorce.”
“When?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Tomorrow morning, at the Civil Affairs Bureau,” Leonard Carter said.
“Okay,” Sylvia Evans said and hung up the phone.
She felt very sad.
She loved Leonard Carter very much, but they were destined to be apart.
She packed her things and then walked out of the house.
She didn’t want to stay in this place anymore.
She went to a hotel and checked in.
She lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
Her mind was filled with her memories of Leonard Carter.
She couldn’t help but cry.
The next morning, Sylvia Evans woke up early.
She quickly washed up, changed her clothes, and went to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Leonard Carter was already waiting for her at the entrance.
He was wearing a black suit, and his face was cold and expressionless.
Sylvia Evans walked over, and the two of them walked into the Civil Affairs Bureau together.
They quickly completed the divorce procedures.
After getting the divorce certificate, Sylvia Evans felt a pang of pain in her heart.
She looked at Leonard Carter and said, “Leonard Carter, I wish you happiness.”
Leonard Carter looked at her, his eyes cold and distant. “You too.”
With that, Leonard Carter turned and left.
Sylvia Evans stood there, stunned, watching Leonard Carter’s back disappear into the distance.
She felt very sad.
She loved Leonard Carter very much, but they were destined to be apart.
She slowly walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau.
The sun was shining brightly, but she felt a chill in her heart.
She walked on the street, her mind blank.
She didn’t know where to go or what to do next.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Margaret Evans.
“Sylvia Evans, where are you now? You’ve divorced Leonard Carter, and I don’t know what to do,” Margaret Evans cried on the phone.
“Mom, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” Sylvia Evans said, her voice hoarse.
“How can I not worry about you? You’ve divorced Leonard Carter, and now you have nothing. What are you going to do?” Margaret Evans cried.
“Mom, I’ll be fine. I’ll find a job and take good care of myself,” Sylvia Evans said.
“What kind of job can you find? You haven’t worked for so many years. Who would want you?” Margaret Evans retorted.
“Mom, don’t say that. I’ll definitely find a job,” Sylvia Evans said.
Margaret Evans kept crying, and Sylvia Evans didn’t know what to say.
After a long time, Margaret Evans finally stopped crying. “Sylvia Evans, you should come home. Your father and I miss you.”
“Mom, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll go home after I find a job,” Sylvia Evans said.
“Sylvia Evans, how long are you going to argue with me?” Margaret Evans was angry.
“Mom, I’m not arguing with you. I just want to be independent,” Sylvia Evans said.
“Independent? How can you be independent? You have nothing now,” Margaret Evans scoffed.
“Mom, I can be independent. Please believe me,” Sylvia Evans pleaded.
Margaret Evans sighed and then said, “Okay, then you take care of yourself. If you encounter any difficulties, remember to call your father and me.”
“Okay, Mom,” Sylvia Evans said, nodding.
Margaret Evans hung up the phone.
Sylvia Evans continued walking on the street. She didn’t know where to go.
She felt very lost.
She walked for a long time, until her legs were sore and her feet were tired.
She finally found a park and sat down on a bench.
She looked at the people coming and going, thinking about her future.
She didn’t know what to do.
She was very confused.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Leonard Carter.
Sylvia Evans was startled. She didn’t expect him to call her.
She picked it up.
“What do you want?” Her voice was cold.
“Sylvia Evans, where are you now?” Leonard Carter’s voice was very weak.
“What do you want to do?” Sylvia Evans frowned.
“I’m in the hospital. I have appendicitis,” Leonard Carter said.
“What? You have appendicitis?” Sylvia Evans was shocked.
“Yes, I’m in the hospital. Can you come see me?” Leonard Carter said.
“Why should I go see you? We’re divorced!” Sylvia Evans was angry.
“Sylvia Evans, I know you’re angry, but I really have appendicitis. I’m afraid I’ll die,” Leonard Carter said.
“You deserve to die!” Sylvia Evans scoffed.
“Sylvia Evans, how can you say such a thing? I really have appendicitis. I’m in a lot of pain,” Leonard Carter said.
Sylvia Evans was silent for a moment and then said, “Okay, I’ll go see you.”
With that, Sylvia Evans hung up the phone.
She quickly went to the hospital and found Leonard Carter’s ward.
She pushed open the door and saw Leonard Carter lying on the bed, his face pale, with a drip attached to him.
“Leonard Carter, what’s wrong with you?” Sylvia Evans asked, her voice filled with concern.
“I have appendicitis. The doctor said I need surgery,” Leonard Carter said.
“What? Surgery?” Sylvia Evans was shocked.
“Yes, I’m very scared,” Leonard Carter said.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” Sylvia Evans comforted him.
“Sylvia Evans, can you stay with me?” Leonard Carter asked.
Sylvia Evans hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “Okay.”
Leonard Carter’s face instantly showed a hint of joy.
Sylvia Evans stayed with Leonard Carter.
During this time, she took good care of him. She fed him, helped him walk, and sometimes even talked to him to relieve his boredom.
She felt very tired, but she didn’t complain.
She knew that Leonard Carter was very pitiful and needed her care.
A few days later, Leonard Carter’s condition gradually improved.
The doctor said that he could be discharged soon.
Sylvia Evans was very happy.
“Leonard Carter, you’re finally going to be discharged. That’s great!” Sylvia Evans said.
Leonard Carter looked at her, his eyes full of warmth. “Sylvia Evans, thank you for taking care of me during this time.”
“You’re welcome. It’s what I should do,” Sylvia Evans said.
“Sylvia Evans, can we get remarried?” Leonard Carter suddenly said.
Sylvia Evans was stunned. She didn’t expect him to say that.
“Leonard Carter, what are you saying?” Sylvia Evans frowned.
“Sylvia Evans, I know I was wrong before. I regret divorcing you. Can we get remarried?” Leonard Carter pleaded.
“Leonard Carter, don’t say that. We’re already divorced,” Sylvia Evans said.
“Sylvia Evans, please give me another chance. I promise I’ll treat you well in the future,” Leonard Carter said.
Sylvia Evans was silent for a moment and then shook her head. “Leonard Carter, it’s impossible. We’re already divorced, and we can’t go back.”
“Sylvia Evans, why can’t we go back? I really love you,” Leonard Carter said.
“Leonard Carter, please don’t say that anymore. We’re already divorced,” Sylvia Evans said.
Leonard Carter looked at her, his eyes filled with pain. “Sylvia Evans, do you really not love me anymore?”
Sylvia Evans was silent for a moment and then said, “Leonard Carter, I’m sorry. I really don’t love you anymore.”
With that, Sylvia Evans turned and left.
Leonard Carter looked at Sylvia Evans’s back, his eyes full of pain and disappointment.
He didn’t expect Sylvia Evans to be so resolute.
He closed his eyes, his heart filled with bitterness.
He knew that he had lost Sylvia Evans forever.
He sat opposite her, immaculately dressed in a suit, his long fingers gently tapping the tabletop, as if waiting to sign a trivial contract.
“Sylvia, you have fifty-nine minutes left.” His tone was calm, even carrying a hint of tenderness. “Tell me, where did you send Lillian?”
Sylvia Evans shivered, her throat constricted, unable to utter a single word.
This was the third time he had asked her.
The first time he asked her where Lillian Quinn went, she remained silent.
The second time, he cupped her chin, his thumb caressing her lips. “Sylvia, don’t be childish,” he said in a low voice.
Now, for the third time.
He used her parents’ lives to coerce her.
“Leonard Carter…” Her voice trembled. “Those are my parents, the most important people to me…”
He chuckled, but his eyes were terrifyingly cold: “Is that so? Then when you sent Lillian Quinn away, why didn’t you consider how important she was to me?”
Sylvia Evans stared intently at him, suddenly finding it laughable.
Important?
He had said that women outside were just for fun, to be discarded once he tired of them.
He said that she was the one he loved most.
But now, for Lillian Quinn, he wanted to kill her parents.
“Leonard Carter,” her voice was hoarse beyond recognition, “if I didn’t speak, would you really let them die?”
He leaned slightly closer, his dark eyes reflecting her pale face: “You can try.”
Sylvia Evans trembled all over, tears splashing onto the tabletop.
She didn’t understand why things had turned out this way.
Leonard Carter, he truly loved her so deeply.
Back then, she was just a girl from an ordinary family, while Leonard Carter was the heir to a top aristocratic family in the capital, born a favored son of heaven, noble and arrogant, never bowing his head to anyone.
Yet, he fell in love with her at first sight.
He courted her with much fanfare and publicity. His ninety-nine proposals each caused a sensation throughout the city.
Giant rose banners streamed from helicopters, LED confessions illuminated the entire financial district, and on her birthday, fireworks across the city erupted just for her.
She was touched, but her parents strongly objected.
They knew too well what wealthy families were like: a stable home life, yet affairs outside. The love of the privileged was never a fairy tale.
They wanted to marry her to someone of equal standing, but Leonard Carter knelt outside her home for an entire day and night, casting aside all his pride, just to beg for a chance to marry her.
Ultimately, her parents relented.
After their marriage, he doted on her immensely, accommodating her in every way.
She had menstrual cramps, and he flew back overnight from abroad just to make her a bowl of brown sugar water.
She casually mentioned wanting chestnut cake from the west side of the city, and he drove halfway across the city to buy it.
She thought she had married the right man.
Until she first heard the name Lillian Quinn.
That was still when Daniel Brooks chatted with her and mentioned that a female college student deliberately fell and staged an accident during Leonard Carter’s speech, a tired old trick.
She smiled, not minding, as there were too many women trying to cling to him, and he had always maintained a spotless reputation.
But the second time he heard it, they were in bed.
He was on top of her. In the throes of passion, he softly whispered, “Lillian.”
At that moment, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
She questioned him, but he held her and explained that he indeed had thoughts of keeping Lillian Quinn as a mistress, but only for casual amusement outside their home.
“Everyone in our circle is like this, Sylvia Evans. You’re still the one I love most, and that will never change.”
But later, he became increasingly reckless.
He bought Lillian Quinn jewelry, gave her luxury homes, and even took her to private banquets, causing widespread rumors.
She had cried and made a scene, but he would no longer coax her as before; he only said coldly, “Stop being unreasonable.”
Ultimately, she reached her breaking point and sent Lillian Quinn abroad.
But she hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from him. He had kidnapped her parents, strapping bombs to them, just to force her to reveal Lillian Quinn’s whereabouts.
“She’s in Switzerland,” she said, her voice trembling. “Zurich, in the villa under my name.”
He stared at her for a few seconds, as if judging the truthfulness of her words, then picked up his phone and made a call.
After making up his mind, he picked up his suit jacket and eagerly set off to pick her up.
“Where are my parents?” She clutched his sleeve suddenly. “You promised that if I told you, you’d let them go!”
He turned back to look at her, his gaze indifferent: “The abandoned factory in the south of the city, find it yourself.”
Sylvia Evans stumbled out the door and drove straight to the south of the city.
When she found them, there were only ten minutes left on the bomb.
Her parents were tied to chairs, their mouths gagged. The moment they saw her, they desperately shook their heads, signaling her to leave quickly.
She rushed over, her hands trembling as she fumbled with the ropes, but the bomb’s countdown echoed like a death knell.
Lucas & Lily Shaw were still young, around five or six years old if Sylvia Evans remembered correctly. If it was them, then Leonard Carter was indeed here.
The driver, perhaps aware of the tension, remained silent and sped up. Richard Evans also stopped talking. He had just been released from the hospital, his complexion still pale, and he leaned against the seat. After a while, he couldn’t help but say, “Leonard Carter sent Sylvia Evans back, but didn’t even come in. He probably just dropped her off as a favor.”
Margaret Evans scoffed. “He’s just showing off. Who doesn’t know about the relationship between Sylvia Evans and Leonard Carter in Jiangcheng? Yet he pretends to be a stranger. Has Sylvia Evans been acting the past few years, or has he been acting?”
“Enough!” Richard Evans frowned. “What’s the point of saying all this now? What’s done is done. You should think about what to do next. Sylvia Evans is back, and she still wants to marry into the Lu family. Do you think we should help her, or help Lillian Quinn?”
Margaret Evans immediately said, “Of course we help Sylvia Evans! She’s our biological daughter! Even if she did something wrong before, she’s still our daughter. Lillian Quinn is just an adopted daughter, an outsider, how can she compare?”
Richard Evans looked at her and said, “Then have you considered how difficult it will be to get Sylvia Evans into the Lu family now?”
Margaret Evans thought for a moment and said, “Leonard Carter loves Sylvia Evans, and that hasn’t changed. Why else would he have taken such good care of her all these years? It’s just that Sylvia Evans was too stubborn and refused to compromise. As long as she apologizes to the Lu family and explains the situation, they might accept her.”
Richard Evans shook his head. “It’s not that simple. The Lu family cares about their reputation. Even if they accept Sylvia Evans, they might not treat her well. And what about Lillian Quinn? She’s been engaged to Leonard Carter for so many years, and now Sylvia Evans is back. What do we tell her?”
Margaret Evans looked annoyed. “What’s there to tell her? She’s just an adopted daughter. We raised her, and now it’s time for her to repay us. Let her give up the engagement. We’ll find her another good match.”
Richard Evans sighed. “You always think things are so simple. Do you think George Quinn and Helen Quinn will agree?”
Margaret Evans frowned. “They have to agree! Who brought Lillian Quinn up? We did! If they don’t, then let them come and ask for their daughter back!”
Richard Evans closed his eyes. “Let’s wait and see. We can’t be too hasty. Things are getting complicated now. We need to think carefully.”
The car was silent again.
Meanwhile, Sylvia Evans watched the car leave. From her angle, she could see the complex expressions on her parents’ faces. She knew what they were thinking. They were probably wondering if she would still have a chance with Leonard Carter, or if they should continue to support Lillian Quinn.
She smiled faintly. Do they think she came back for Leonard Carter? They are too naive.
Leonard Carter, you owe me. This time, I will make you pay it all back.
Back in her room, Sylvia Evans called Daniel Brooks.
“Hello, Daniel Brooks. It’s Sylvia Evans.”
“Miss Evans, what can I do for you?” Daniel Brooks’ tone was respectful.
Sylvia Evans smiled. “I heard that the Lu Corporation is planning to acquire the Zhou Group. Is that true?”
Daniel Brooks paused for a moment before saying, “Yes, that’s correct. Mr. Carter has been planning this for a while.”
“I see.” Sylvia Evans’s eyes flashed. “Do you know who the current head of the Zhou Group is?”
Daniel Brooks replied, “It’s Ryan Shaw. Charles Shaw passed away a few years ago, and his son, Ryan Shaw, took over. He’s been doing quite well, even though he’s young. He also has a pair of dragon and phoenix twins.”
“Ryan Shaw, Charles Shaw…” Sylvia Evans murmured. “Daniel Brooks, can you help me investigate something?”
“Of course, Miss Evans. What do you need?”
“I want to know everything about Ryan Shaw, especially his relationship with Charles Shaw’s widow and those two children.”
Daniel Brooks was surprised, but he quickly responded, “Understood. I will get the information for you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Daniel Brooks.” Sylvia Evans hung up the phone, a strange light in her eyes.
Ryan Shaw, Charles Shaw… It seems interesting.
Two days later, Daniel Brooks sent the information to Sylvia Evans.
After reading it, Sylvia Evans’s eyes were filled with contemplation. Charles Shaw had only one son, Ryan Shaw, and no other children. The dragon and phoenix twins were not Charles Shaw’s children, but Ryan Shaw’s. They were a pair of test-tube babies.
Charles Shaw’s wife died giving birth to him. After that, he never remarried. He treated Ryan Shaw very well, and when he died, he left everything to Ryan Shaw.
Sylvia Evans tapped her finger on the table, lost in thought. This was all very different from what she remembered. It seemed that in the past two years, many things had changed.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Margaret Evans.
“Sylvia Evans, are you free tomorrow? Let’s go shopping. I’ll buy you some new clothes.”
“Mom, I’m a bit busy tomorrow. Can we go some other time?” Sylvia Evans replied calmly.
“What are you busy with?” Margaret Evans asked, slightly displeased. “You just came back, what could you be busy with? I’m telling you, you need to go out more and socialize. Don’t stay at home all day. You need to show yourself to the public, let everyone know you’re back.”
Sylvia Evans chuckled. “Mom, I know. But I really have something important to do tomorrow.”
“What’s more important than your own future?” Margaret Evans’s voice was stern. “Listen to me, we’re going shopping tomorrow. I’ve already made an appointment with your aunt and your cousins. They all miss you.”
Sylvia Evans sighed inwardly. She knew her mother was trying to set her up for a suitable marriage. “Mom, I…”
“No buts!” Margaret Evans interrupted. “Unless you want to disappoint me.”
Sylvia Evans knew it was useless to argue. “Alright, Mom. What time tomorrow?”
“Nine in the morning. I’ll pick you up.” Margaret Evans’s tone softened. “Wear something nice. I want you to look your best.”
“Okay.” Sylvia Evans hung up the phone and frowned. It seemed she couldn’t avoid this now.
The next day, Sylvia Evans woke up early. She chose a simple yet elegant dress and applied light makeup. She looked fresh and radiant.
At nine o’clock, Margaret Evans arrived. She drove to pick up Sylvia Evans.
“You look beautiful, Sylvia Evans!” Margaret Evans smiled, her eyes full of pride.
Sylvia Evans smiled faintly. “Thank you, Mom.”
They drove to a high-end shopping mall. Margaret Evans’s aunt and cousins were already waiting.
“Sylvia Evans, you’re finally back!” Her aunt embraced her warmly. “We all missed you so much.”
Her cousins also greeted her enthusiastically. “Sylvia Evans, you’re still as beautiful as ever!”
Sylvia Evans exchanged pleasantries with them, her smile never faltering. She knew this was all part of her mother’s plan. They spent the entire morning shopping, with Margaret Evans buying Sylvia Evans many expensive clothes and accessories. Sylvia Evans occasionally offered her opinions, but mostly let her mother choose.
During lunch, Margaret Evans started to steer the conversation. “Sylvia Evans, you’ve been away for so long. Have you thought about what you want to do now that you’re back?”
Sylvia Evans calmly replied, “I haven’t decided yet. I want to take some time to settle in and then see what opportunities are available.”
“That’s good.” Margaret Evans nodded. “You’re still young. You have plenty of time. But I think you should consider finding a good partner. That’s the most important thing for a woman.”
Her aunt and cousins quickly chimed in, agreeing with Margaret Evans. They started to introduce eligible bachelors to Sylvia Evans, praising their family backgrounds and personal achievements.
Sylvia Evans listened patiently, occasionally interjecting with a polite question or comment. She knew they meant well, but she wasn’t interested in any of them.
Just as the conversation was in full swing, a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Aunt Margaret, Aunt Lillian, what a coincidence!”
Everyone looked up and saw Lillian Quinn standing at the entrance of the restaurant, holding Leonard Carter’s arm. Lillian Quinn was wearing a white dress, looking pure and innocent, while Leonard Carter was in a black suit, looking cold and aloof. They looked like a perfect couple.
Margaret Evans’s face instantly stiffened. Her aunt and cousins also looked awkward.
She couldn’t untangle it, and tears streamed down her face in frustration.
Her father suddenly pushed her hard, causing her to stagger backward. The next second, he forcefully threw himself against the bomb.
“Dad—!!!”
The explosion was deafening, the heatwave knocking her off her feet.
She fell heavily to the ground, her vision blurring with red.
Sylvia Evans felt a pang of despair. She turned her head, avoiding Leonard Carter’s gaze, and stubbornly closed her eyes.
“Leonard Carter, don’t forget the agreement between us. We’ll divorce in a year. When the time comes, I’ll take nothing from your陆 family, and you’ll have nothing to do with me!”
The man’s deep eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint passing through them. “Divorce? Sylvia Evans, do you remember what you said when you married me?”
Sylvia Evans opened her eyes suddenly, staring intently at the man before her. “Of course I remember. I said I would marry you and be your wife, Leonard Carter, until death do us part. But Leonard Carter, back then, you never told me you had a fiancée!”
At the mention of fiancée, the man’s expression noticeably stiffened.
“Leonard Carter, you’re a scoundrel! You concealed the fact that you had a fiancée, deceived me into marrying you, and caused me to become a third party who everyone despises!”
“Sylvia Evans!” The man’s voice suddenly turned cold. “I never concealed anything from you, nor did I deceive you. My fiancée has always been Lillian Quinn. As for you, you were just a tool I used to provoke Lillian Quinn!”
Sylvia Evans felt as if she had been struck by lightning, and her whole body trembled. She looked at Leonard Carter in disbelief, her eyes filled with pain.
“What did you say?” Her voice was hoarse, her eyes wide as she stared at Leonard Carter. “You used me?”
“Yes, I used you.” Leonard Carter’s expression was indifferent. Then, he suddenly smiled, but his smile sent shivers down Sylvia Evans’s spine. “Sylvia Evans, you should feel honored. You’re the first woman I’ve used. To be honest, your body is really good, very appealing.”
Sylvia Evans’s face turned pale. She felt a surge of nausea and wanted to vomit.
“Leonard Carter, you bastard!” She pushed him with all her might, her eyes filled with tears, wishing she could tear this man apart.
Leonard Carter didn’t avoid her, letting her push and hit him. After she had vented for a while, he grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. His cold voice carried a sense of warning. “Sylvia Evans, don’t forget, you’re the one who climbed onto my bed first. I didn’t force you!”
Indeed, she was the one who climbed onto his bed first.
But what Sylvia Evans didn’t understand was, if he hated her, why did he marry her? And if he didn’t hate her, why did he subject her to such torture?
“Leonard Carter, let’s divorce,” she said, her voice filled with despair. “If you don’t divorce me, I’ll reveal our affairs to everyone and make you infamous!”
“Hah!” Leonard Carter suddenly laughed. “Sylvia Evans, go ahead and try. See if I, Leonard Carter, will let you out of this villa!”
When Sylvia Evans woke up again, she was already in the hospital.
Her parents were both severely injured, but fortunately, they are still alive.
She knelt before the hospital bed, crying as she apologized, “I’m sorry… I chose the wrong person…”
Margaret Evans weakly raised her hand and stroked her hair. “Silly child, you can always start over.”
She shook her head: “He won’t let me go.”
After first learning about Lillian Quinn’s existence, Sylvia Evans couldn’t accept it, and it wasn’t that she hadn’t considered divorce.
But every time she drafted a divorce agreement, Leonard Carter would tear it up.
He said that he was just toying with Lillian Quinn, and that once he was tired of her, he would dump her. His true love was her, and he wouldn’t let her go.
Richard Evans held her hand: “No, Sylvia Evans, there’s something you don’t know, and he probably forgot. The night we agreed to your marriage, your mother and I had him sign a divorce agreement.”
She paused.
“If he betrays you,” Richard Evans said softly, “the agreement takes effect, and you can divorce him directly. Our family… will disappear forever.”
Sylvia Evans froze, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.
It turned out her parents had long ago prepared a way out for her.
Sylvia Evans looked up and saw Leonard Carter’s assistant Daniel Brooks approaching.
“Miss Evans, Mr. Carter would like to invite you over.”
Sylvia Evans nodded and followed Daniel Brooks.
In the private room.
Leonard Carter was sitting on the sofa, clad in a handmade suit, his long legs elegantly crossed. He exuded an air of nobility, with a somewhat stern expression that bordered on coldness, making him seem unapproachable.
Opposite him sat Lillian Quinn, who was observing Sylvia Evans with a subtle smile.
“Sit.” Leonard Carter gestured towards the empty seat beside him.
Sylvia Evans walked over and sat down.
The waiter quickly served cups of tea.
The room was quiet for a moment, then Leonard Carter spoke, “Lillian, you and Sylvia haven’t seen each other for a long time, have you?”
Lillian Quinn responded, “Indeed, we haven’t seen each other since Sylvia moved away with her parents six years ago.”
Sylvia Evans gripped her teacup tightly. It had been six years, yet the past felt like it happened only yesterday.
She and Lillian Quinn grew up together. They were once inseparable friends, closer than sisters. Their families, the Evans and the Quinns, were also close, with Margaret Evans and Helen Quinn being best friends. Richard Evans and George Quinn were drinking buddies.
Everything changed after that incident.
Lillian Quinn noticed Sylvia Evans’s silence and said, “Sylvia, if you’re free, you can come over to my house more often. My parents often mention you.”
“Okay.” Sylvia Evans forced a smile.
Lillian Quinn’s gaze lingered on Sylvia Evans for a moment before she looked at Leonard Carter and sweetly said, “Brother Carter, I heard you’re busy with the collaboration in City A these days. Is it going well?”
“Still in the negotiation phase,” Leonard Carter replied calmly.
“You must be exhausted then. When you have time, come visit my house. My dad misses playing chess with you,” Lillian Quinn said.
Before Leonard Carter could respond, a child’s voice suddenly echoed from the room next door.
“Mom, Dad, Lucas wants a little sister, and Lily wants a little brother.”
“We want a younger brother and sister to play with!”
The voices were clear and childlike.
Lillian Quinn was slightly startled.
Sylvia Evans felt a pang of discomfort.
Leonard Carter’s expression remained unchanged.
Lillian Quinn subtly observed the change in Leonard Carter’s demeanor and quickly grabbed his arm. “Brother Carter, let’s go. There’s a new exhibition at the Grand Art Museum that I’ve been wanting to see.”
“Okay,” Leonard Carter replied gently.
He stood up, pulling Lillian Quinn to her feet, and they walked out together.
Sylvia Evans watched their departing figures, feeling a sharp pain in her chest.
Six years.
In six years, Leonard Carter seemed to have changed, yet also remained the same.
In the past, he rarely showed such tenderness.
She had always believed that Leonard Carter was a calm and reserved person, but she had overlooked that true tenderness is always reserved for the person one loves the most.
Just as Sylvia Evans was lost in thought, a man’s voice came from the next room, “Ryan, Charles, listen to Dad. We’ll have a younger brother and sister, but it’s not up to Mom and Dad alone. You two need to be good and pray to the gods for them.”
This was Ryan Shaw’s voice.
Ryan Shaw was the eldest son of the Shaw family in City A. He went overseas to study at a young age and later started his own business there. Now he has returned to City A to develop.
The Lucas & Lily Shaw who just spoke were Ryan Shaw’s twin children.
Sylvia Evans lifted her hand and pressed it against her chest. The pain was unbearable.
Suddenly, the door of the next room opened, and two children, Lucas & Lily Shaw, ran out. Lucas had a round face and big eyes. His voice was childish and innocent as he said, “Pretty auntie, are you feeling unwell? Your face looks pale.”
Sylvia Evans suppressed the urge to cry and shook her head with a smile. “Auntie is fine.”
“Pretty auntie, you’re so pretty. You’re even prettier than our teacher!” Lily Shaw, with pigtails, chimed in, “Do you want to come play with Lucas and me?”
“Lily, Lucas, be polite.” Charles Shaw walked out, his deep eyes carrying a hint of a smile. “I’m sorry, Miss Evans. My children are a bit mischievous.”
Sylvia Evans shook her head. “It’s fine.” She looked at Lucas & Lily Shaw and smiled. “Auntie still has other things to do, so I can’t play with you.”
Lucas & Lily Shaw looked disappointed, but they were sensible children and didn’t pester her.
Ryan Shaw also walked out from the side, a cigarette between his fingers. He looked at Sylvia Evans, his gaze lingering on her for two seconds, then asked Charles Shaw, “Charles, who is this?”
“This is Miss Evans,” Charles Shaw introduced.
Ryan Shaw nodded politely to Sylvia Evans, then walked to the window, took a puff of his cigarette, and slowly exhaled, his gaze distant.
The next day, Sylvia Evans did two things.
First, she went to the law firm with Richard Evans and Margaret Evans, bringing the signed divorce agreement.
After reviewing it, the lawyer nodded, “The agreement is valid, and the divorce is effective immediately.”
The second matter was their family going to complete the household deregistration procedures.
Once the de-registration procedure is complete, Sylvia Evans will cease to exist.
And Leonard Carter would never find her!
The nurse was so frightened that her face turned pale. “Ma’am, is there something wrong with your head?”
Sylvia Evans clenched her fists, and her nails dug into her palms, but she couldn’t feel any pain. The pain in her heart was even more unbearable. “Where is Leonard Carter?”
“Mr. Carter… Mr. Carter is seeing the doctor.”
Sylvia Evans pushed away the nurse and ran into the doctor’s office.
But the scene she saw instantly froze her.
She saw Leonard Carter kneeling on one knee, gently holding Lillian Quinn’s unconscious hand, and pressing it against his face. His voice was filled with choked sobs as he said, “Lillian, wake up. I can’t live without you.”
His voice was so sorrowful and despondent, expressing a weakness she had never seen before.
Sylvia Evans felt a chill spread from her scalp to her toes. Her body was frozen in place, unable to move at all.
Leonard Carter, who was always dignified and composed, was now as vulnerable as a child who had lost his way.
This was a side of him she had never seen and never would have imagined.
He was the dazzling sun, high above, seemingly untouchable and unreachable.
But for another woman, he showed such vulnerability.
Lillian Quinn’s assistant quickly stood up and pushed Sylvia Evans out of the office. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
Sylvia Evans was pushed out by the assistant and accidentally bumped into a chair, falling heavily to the ground.
She felt the dull pain in her back, but it couldn’t compare to the pain in her heart.
Hearing the commotion, Leonard Carter looked up, his eyes bloodshot and filled with a terrifying coldness.
“Get out!” His voice was filled with intense hatred, like a sharp blade piercing Sylvia Evans’s chest.
Sylvia Evans wanted to explain, but she didn’t know what to say.
What was there to explain?
“Get out!” Leonard Carter roared again, his voice filled with overwhelming anger. “If you ever show your face in front of me again, I’ll choke you to death!”
Sylvia Evans stumbled out of the hospital as if her soul had left her body. The cold wind bit into her, but it couldn’t extinguish the fire in her heart.
Was this the man who had slept with her for three years?
Perhaps, from the beginning, she had been a fool.
In the past three years, no matter how cold he was towards her, no matter how many times he had humiliated her, she had always found excuses for him, telling herself that he was just a bit more reserved and not good at expressing his feelings.
She thought her persistence would eventually pay off.
She thought that one day, he would see her devotion and love her as she loved him.
But now, she finally understood.
She was just his object of revenge!
She loved him, but he wanted to destroy her.
Sylvia Evans walked aimlessly on the streets until she arrived at the cemetery.
She knelt in front of her mother’s tombstone, her eyes red as she whispered, “Mom, I’m sorry, I really love him. Even now, my heart still aches for him. What should I do? What should I do?”
Tears streamed down her face, and her vision became blurry.
Suddenly, a voice rang out beside her. “Madam, it’s getting cold. Mr. Carter is worried about you.”
Daniel Brooks held an umbrella over her head. He had heard about the incident at the hospital and guessed that Sylvia Evans would come here.
Sylvia Evans raised her head, her eyes bloodshot, and sneered, “He’s worried about me? He just wants to see how pathetic I am!”
Daniel Brooks didn’t know how to respond to Sylvia Evans’s words. In the past, he had always admired Sylvia Evans for her deep love for Leonard Carter.
But now, he felt a deep sense of pity for her.
The person who once loved so passionately now harbored such deep hatred.
“Madam, please come back with me. Mr. Carter is waiting for you at home.”
Sylvia Evans slowly stood up, her eyes filled with a terrifying coldness. “Alright, let’s go back.”
When they returned to the Carter mansion, the living room was brightly lit. Leonard Carter sat on the sofa with a gloomy expression, his entire body emanating a chilling aura.
Sylvia Evans stood in front of him, her face pale.
Leonard Carter tossed a pile of photos onto the table. “Look at this. What do you have to say?”
Sylvia Evans looked at the photos, and her pupils instantly constricted.
The photos showed her chatting intimately with Ryan Shaw in a coffee shop. In one photo, Ryan Shaw even reached out and held her hand.
Sylvia Evans’s face turned even paler. She quickly explained, “Leonard, it’s not what you think. It was Ryan Shaw who wanted to collaborate with me on a project, and it was just a normal business meal.”
A normal business meal? Leonard Carter sneered, his eyes filled with contempt. “Normal business meals involve holding hands? Sylvia Evans, do you think I’m a fool?”
“Leonard, I didn’t hold his hand. He was just being playful. The photos were taken from an angle that makes it look like that.” Sylvia Evans was so anxious that her voice trembled. She was suddenly surprised by Leonard Carter’s reaction. Could he be… jealous?
Thinking of this, a glimmer of hope sparked in her heart.
Leonard Carter stood up, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over Sylvia Evans. “Sylvia Evans, how could you be so shameless? You’re my wife, yet you’re so morally corrupt. You’ve brought shame upon the Carter family!” His voice was filled with a chilling coldness, like a bucket of ice water poured over her head, instantly extinguishing the glimmer of hope in her heart.
She knew she was being delusional.
He would never care about her.
Sylvia Evans took a deep breath and looked at Leonard Carter, her eyes filled with indifference. “Leonard Carter, are you mistaken? We’re talking about me, not you. You should be the one whose behavior is morally corrupt! You openly had an affair with your ex-girlfriend, but you come here to blame me?”
She clenched her fists, and her voice was filled with the hatred of the past three years. “Leonard Carter, you’re the one who cheated. Don’t frame me!”
Suddenly, a slap landed heavily on Sylvia Evans’s face.
Sylvia Evans felt a burning pain on her cheek, and the corner of her mouth instantly bled.
She looked at Leonard Carter in disbelief, her eyes filled with sorrow.
He had hit her.
He had actually hit her.
Leonard Carter’s eyes were bloodshot, and his chest heaved with anger. He glared at Sylvia Evans as if he wanted to tear her apart. “Sylvia Evans, you’re despicable! Don’t you dare mention Lillian!”
“Why can’t I mention her? Lillian Quinn, the noble and pure Miss Lillian Quinn, seduced her ex-boyfriend while he was still married, had a child with him, and then came back to ruin her ex-boyfriend’s marriage! Is that what a noble and pure person does?”
“No wonder everyone says that the Quinn family is a den of vixens! Your father seduced my mother, and now your daughter is seducing my husband! The heavens are truly unfair!”
Sylvia Evans poured out all the resentment and frustration that had accumulated in her heart over the past three years, tears streaming down her face. It was as if she wanted to spit out all the hatred in her heart.
Leonard Carter’s face was ashen. He suddenly grabbed Sylvia Evans’s neck, his eyes filled with a terrifying coldness. “Sylvia Evans, you venomous woman! What kind of nonsense are you spouting? My mother only has one husband, and that’s my father!”
Sylvia Evans felt a sudden tightness in her throat, making it difficult to breathe. Her face quickly turned red. “Leonard Carter…”
“If you dare to slander my mother again, I’ll send you to hell!” Leonard Carter’s veins bulged on his forehead, and his eyes were filled with a terrifying anger.
Just then, two children’s voices suddenly rang out. “Daddy, Mommy, what are you doing?”
Lucas and Lily Shaw, the twin children of the Shaw family, were standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at them with wide, curious eyes.
Leonard Carter instantly let go of Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans gasped for air, clutching her neck. There was a faint red mark on her neck, and her usually fair skin made it look particularly striking.
Leonard Carter looked at Lucas and Lily Shaw, his face softening slightly. “Lucas, Lily, why are you two awake?”
Lucas rubbed his eyes. “We heard a noise.”
Lily looked at Sylvia Evans, her eyes filled with concern. “Mommy, what happened to your face? It’s so red.”
Leonard Carter’s expression instantly changed to one of coldness. “She accidentally fell.”
“But Mom, your face is swollen.” Lily was innocent and honest.
Sylvia Evans pulled the two children behind her. “Lily, come here. Mommy will tell you a story.”
Leonard Carter watched Sylvia Evans’s back, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes.
They were his children, but they were closer to Sylvia Evans.
He hated this feeling.
After putting the children to sleep, Sylvia Evans returned to her room.
As she passed Leonard Carter’s study, she subconsciously stopped.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated.
It was a message from Lillian Quinn.
“Sylvia Evans, I know you’re very sad right now. You must feel terrible, right? Actually, I should thank you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have known that Leonard still loves me so much. I even thought he had forgotten me. If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have left him back then. That was such a foolish decision.”
Sylvia Evans stared at the message, her eyes filled with disbelief. Was Lillian Quinn deliberately provoking her?
She had really underestimated Lillian Quinn. She was usually so gentle and quiet, but she was actually so manipulative.
Sylvia Evans suppressed the anger in her heart and replied, “Lillian Quinn, you’re the mistress. You’re the one who seduced a married man and made him cheat. You still have the nerve to be so arrogant?”
“What a joke. I’m afraid you don’t know the truth, do you? Just because your father seduced my mother, you think you can frame me in turn? What a joke.”
“Actually, you’re just pathetic. Being with Leonard for three years, you still couldn’t replace my position in his heart. You’re such a failure.”
Before Sylvia Evans could reply, Lillian Quinn sent another message.
“Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you, my children are all Leonard’s. My eldest son is 16 years old this year, and my daughter is almost 14. They’re all Leonard’s children.”
Sylvia Evans saw the message and felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her mind went blank.
She was so shocked that she couldn’t speak.
Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn had children? And they were already so old?
It suddenly dawned on her. This was probably the main reason why Leonard Carter hated her so much.
He believed that she and her mother had hurt Lillian Quinn and her children.
Sylvia Evans covered her face, feeling as if she was about to suffocate.
She never imagined that the two children she had raised with so much effort were actually Leonard Carter’s children.
She had always thought they were Ryan Shaw’s children and that she was taking care of them out of kindness.
But now she knew the truth, and it felt like a bolt from the blue.
Sylvia Evans grabbed her phone and quickly called her father. “Dad, tell me, what happened back then?”
Richard Evans answered the phone, his voice filled with concern. “Yuehuan, what’s wrong? Why are you calling me so late?”
“Dad, tell me, was Mom really a mistress? Did she really seduce George Quinn?” Sylvia Evans asked, her voice trembling.
Richard Evans chuckled. “Who told you that nonsense? Your mother was George’s first love. Later, George married Helen Quinn, but your mother always protected George and never did anything to hurt Helen. It was Helen Quinn who was always jealous of your mother and kept slandering her.”
Helen Quinn was a jealous woman, and she hated anyone who was close to George.
After Helen Quinn married George, she often fought with him. George eventually fell in love with Margaret Evans and then divorced Helen.
Helen Quinn was furious and started spreading rumors, saying that Margaret Evans was a mistress and a home-wrecker.
It was all slander.
Sylvia Evans felt like her head was about to explode.
So, it was all a conspiracy.
The marriage between her and Leonard Carter was just a part of their revenge plan.
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled as she hung up the phone. She clenched her fists, and her nails dug into her palms.
She had been a fool for three years. She had always thought that her sincerity would eventually melt Leonard Carter’s heart.
But it was all a lie.
He had never loved her, not even for a moment.
He had always hated her, hated her for being the daughter of his enemy.
Sylvia Evans took a deep breath, her eyes filled with a terrifying coldness.
She wanted a divorce!
She wanted to divorce him and never see him again!
But they had twin children. Leonard Carter, as their father, would definitely not let her take the children away.
Sylvia Evans opened the door and walked into the study. Leonard Carter was sitting at his desk, working. He seemed to ignore her presence.
Sylvia Evans closed the door behind her and walked towards his desk.
Leonard Carter finally looked up, his eyes filled with impatience. “What do you want?”
“Leonard Carter, let’s get a divorce,” Sylvia Evans said, her voice calm but firm.
Leonard Carter’s eyes widened in surprise. “Divorce? Are you serious?”
Sylvia Evans nodded. “Yes, I’m serious. Let’s get a divorce.”
Leonard Carter suddenly stood up, his face filled with anger. “Sylvia Evans, are you playing games with me?”
“No, I’m not. I’m serious. We’ve been married for three years, and our marriage is just a joke. There’s no love between us, only hatred. What’s the point of this kind of marriage?”
Leonard Carter sneered. “What if I don’t agree?”
Sylvia Evans looked at him, her eyes filled with determination. “If you don’t agree, I’ll go to the media and expose your affair with Lillian Quinn. I’ll tell everyone that you’re a hypocrite who has an affair with his ex-girlfriend while still married.”
Leonard Carter’s face turned ashen. He knew that Sylvia Evans was capable of doing such a thing.
If this news got out, his reputation would be ruined.
His career would also be affected.
“Sylvia Evans, you dare to threaten me?” Leonard Carter’s voice was filled with a chilling anger.
“I’m not threatening you. I’m just telling you the truth. If you don’t agree to the divorce, then don’t blame me for being ruthless.” Sylvia Evans looked at him, her eyes filled with a terrifying coldness.
Leonard Carter gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with a chilling aura. He knew that Sylvia Evans was serious. He also knew that she would do anything to get what she wanted.
“Alright, I’ll agree to the divorce. But on one condition.”
Sylvia Evans narrowed her eyes. “What condition?”
“You can’t take Lucas and Lily away. They are my children, and they will stay with me,” Leonard Carter said, his voice firm.
Sylvia Evans chuckled. “They are your children? Leonard Carter, since when did you acknowledge them as your children? Weren’t you always telling me that they were Ryan Shaw’s children and that I was the one who cheated on you?”
Leonard Carter’s face instantly turned cold. “Sylvia Evans, don’t push your luck. You know whose children they are.”
“I don’t know whose children they are. I only know that they are my children, and I will not let them stay with you.” Sylvia Evans was determined. She had raised Lucas and Lily for three years, and they were her life. She would never let Leonard Carter take them away.
Leonard Carter’s eyes were filled with a chilling aura. He wanted to take Lucas and Lily away from Sylvia Evans.
He had always thought that if he could get Lucas and Lily back, Lillian Quinn would return to his side.
But now, it seemed that Lillian Quinn didn’t care about Lucas and Lily. She only cared about her own interests.
Leonard Carter looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes filled with a complex emotion. “Sylvia Evans, you’re ruthless.”
Sylvia Evans sneered. “It’s all thanks to you, Leonard Carter. You made me this way.”
“Alright, I’ll agree to the divorce. But you won’t get a single penny from me.” Leonard Carter wanted to make Sylvia Evans suffer.
“I don’t need your money. I only want the children.” Sylvia Evans was determined.
Leonard Carter’s face turned cold. He knew that he couldn’t win against Sylvia Evans.
“Alright, I’ll give you everything you want. But after the divorce, don’t ever appear in front of me again.” Leonard Carter’s voice was filled with a chilling hatred.
Sylvia Evans nodded. “Alright. But I also have a condition. You can’t ever appear in front of me again either.”
Leonard Carter’s face was ashen. He knew that he was making a mistake by agreeing to this divorce. But he had no choice.
He had to get rid of Sylvia Evans.
The next day, Sylvia Evans and Leonard Carter went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get a divorce.
When they came out, Sylvia Evans felt a sense of relief. She was finally free.
But at the same time, she felt a profound sense of sadness.
Three years of marriage, and it had ended like this.
Suddenly, a car stopped in front of them.
Lillian Quinn got out of the car, looking radiant. She held a bouquet of roses in her hand and smiled sweetly at Leonard Carter. “Leonard, congratulations on your divorce. We can finally be together now.”
Leonard Carter’s eyes instantly softened when he saw Lillian Quinn. He walked towards her and took the bouquet of roses. “Lillian, thank you.”
Sylvia Evans watched them, a sarcastic smile on her face.
Lillian Quinn looked at Sylvia Evans, her eyes filled with triumph. “Sylvia Evans, you’re finally gone. Now, Leonard and I can finally be together and be a happy family.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Lillian Quinn, her eyes filled with pity. “Lillian Quinn, you’re just a fool. You’re being used by him, and you still don’t know it.”
“What did you say?” Lillian Quinn’s face instantly changed.
“I said, you’re a fool. He doesn’t love you. He only loves himself.” Sylvia Evans smiled coldly. “He’s just using you to get what he wants.”
Lillian Quinn wanted to argue, but Leonard Carter stepped forward and pulled Lillian Quinn behind him. He glared at Sylvia Evans, his eyes filled with hatred. “Sylvia Evans, stop talking nonsense!”
“Am I talking nonsense? Leonard Carter, are you sure you want to marry this woman? Do you know what kind of person she really is?” Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter, her eyes filled with a coldness that sent shivers down his spine.
Leonard Carter’s heart skipped a beat. He suddenly had a bad feeling.
He grabbed Sylvia Evans’s arm. “What do you mean?”
Sylvia Evans chuckled. “What do I mean? You’ll find out soon enough.”
She shook off Leonard Carter’s hand and walked away, her back straight and proud.
Leonard Carter watched her leave, a sense of unease growing in his heart.
He suddenly thought about the pictures Lillian Quinn had sent him. If Sylvia Evans’s father told her the truth, then those pictures would all be lies.
Lillian Quinn looked at Leonard Carter, her eyes filled with tears. “Leonard, she’s slandering me. She’s jealous of us.”
Leonard Carter looked at Lillian Quinn, his eyes filled with doubt.
His heart was filled with conflicting emotions.
He had always believed Lillian Quinn’s words, but now, he felt a sense of apprehension.
When Leonard Carter returned home, he found that Sylvia Evans had already moved out.
Suddenly, his phone rang. It was his assistant, Daniel Brooks.
“Mr. Carter, something bad has happened! Our company’s stock has plummeted, and many of our partners have canceled their contracts with us!” Daniel Brooks’s voice was filled with panic.
Leonard Carter’s face instantly turned ashen. “What’s going on?”
“We don’t know. It happened so suddenly. Many of our former partners are now severing ties with us. They said we’re unethical and that we’ve done things that hurt their interests.”
Leonard Carter’s face turned even paler. He knew that this was Sylvia Evans’s doing.
She had warned him that if he didn’t agree to the divorce, she would make him regret it.
He drove to the abandoned factory.
When he arrived, Sylvia Evans was already there, waiting for him.
She was standing in front of a giant screen, and on the screen, a video was playing.
It was a video of him and Lillian Quinn, intimately embracing each other. In the video, Lillian Quinn was saying, “Leonard, I’m pregnant with your child. We can finally be together.”
Leonard Carter’s pupils instantly constricted. His entire body trembled.
Sylvia Evans turned around and looked at him, her eyes filled with coldness. “Leonard Carter, are you surprised?”
Leonard Carter looked at the video, his face ashen. He never thought that Sylvia Evans would have such a video.
He had always thought that she was just an innocent, naive woman who loved him deeply.
But now, he knew that he had been wrong.
Sylvia Evans had always been smart, and she had always been ruthless.
“Sylvia Evans, you’re despicable!” Leonard Carter roared, his eyes filled with fury.
Sylvia Evans chuckled. “Despicable? Leonard Carter, you’re the one who’s despicable. You cheated on me, you lied to me, and you even hit me. You never loved me, and you were just using me for your revenge.”
Leonard Carter choked on his words. He knew that everything Sylvia Evans said was true.
He had used her to get revenge on her father for supposedly hurting Lillian Quinn.
He had always thought that Sylvia Evans was just a pawn in his game.
But now, he realized that he had underestimated her.
Sylvia Evans walked towards him, her eyes filled with a terrifying coldness. “Leonard Carter, this is just the beginning. I’ll make you pay for everything you’ve done to me.”
“What do you want?” Leonard Carter asked, his voice filled with fear.
Sylvia Evans smiled coldly. “I want you to lose everything. I want you to experience the pain that I’ve endured.”
She picked up a remote control and pressed a button. The video on the screen suddenly changed.
It was a video of Lillian Quinn talking to someone on the phone. In the video, Lillian Quinn was saying, “That fool Leonard still thinks I love him. He’s so stupid. I just want his money. As for the children, they’re just tools to get his money.”
Leonard Carter’s eyes widened in disbelief. His body trembled violently.
He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Lillian Quinn, the woman he loved so deeply, was actually using him.
Lillian Quinn then started listing all of Leonard Carter’s company secrets to an unknown person. She talked about how to ruin his company, how to make him lose everything.
Leonard Carter’s face was ashen. He felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
He had always believed Lillian Quinn, but she had betrayed him.
She had used him for his money, and she had even planned to ruin his company.
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter, her eyes filled with a cold satisfaction. “Leonard Carter, do you see now? This is the woman you love. She’s a snake in the grass, and she’s been playing you for a fool.”
Leonard Carter’s body trembled. He clenched his fists, his eyes filled with rage and betrayal.
He had been so blind.
He had loved Lillian Quinn so deeply, but she had only used him.
Sylvia Evans continued, “And those so-called children of yours? They’re not your children.”
Leonard Carter’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What did you say?”
“I said, they’re not your children. They’re Ryan Shaw’s children.” Sylvia Evans’s voice was filled with a chilling coldness.
Leonard Carter felt as if his world had collapsed.
Everything he had believed in was a lie.
His beloved woman had betrayed him, and his beloved children were not his own.
Sylvia Evans then revealed the entire truth. The so-called car accident that year was not an accident at all. It was all planned by Lillian Quinn. She had manipulated everything to make it seem like Sylvia Evans’s mother was the culprit, and she had even used her children to frame Sylvia Evans’s mother.
Leonard Carter felt a surge of rage in his heart. His eyes were bloodshot.
He had been manipulated by Lillian Quinn for all these years.
He had hated Sylvia Evans for all these years, but it was all based on a lie.
He had always thought that Sylvia Quinn was an innocent and pure woman, but she was a venomous snake.
Leonard Carter’s body trembled violently. He felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He had lost everything.
His company was ruined, his beloved woman had betrayed him, and his beloved children were not his own.
He had nothing left.
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter, her eyes filled with a cold satisfaction. “Leonard Carter, this is what you deserve. This is the price you pay for using me.”
Leonard Carter fell to his knees, his face pale and lifeless. He felt as if his heart had been ripped out of his chest.
He had lost everything.
He had destroyed his own life, and he had even hurt the woman who truly loved him.
Sylvia Evans turned around and walked away, her back straight and proud.
She had finally gotten her revenge.
But she didn’t feel happy.
Her heart was filled with a profound sadness.
She had loved Leonard Carter so deeply, but he had never loved her back.
She had lost everything, but she had also gained something.
She had gained her freedom.
From now on, she would live her life for herself.
One year later, Sylvia Evans was working in a remote orphanage. She had adopted a little girl, and they were living a simple but happy life.
One day, Charles Shaw came to the orphanage. He was Ryan Shaw’s elder brother, and he had heard about Sylvia Evans’s good deeds.
He gently touched Sylvia Evans’s head and smiled warmly. “Sylvia, I heard that you’re doing very well now.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Charles Shaw, her eyes filled with gratitude. Charles Shaw had helped her a lot when she was at her lowest point.
Charles Shaw chuckled. “I’m glad to see you happy. You deserve it.”
Suddenly, a little girl ran towards them. “Mommy, look, I found a little bird!”
The little girl was Lucas and Lily Shaw. They had grown up so much.
Sylvia Evans smiled warmly at Lucas and Lily. “Wow, that’s amazing! Let’s go put it back in its nest.”
Charles Shaw looked at Lucas and Lily, his eyes filled with a complex emotion. He knew that these two children were the reason Sylvia Evans had suffered so much.
But he also knew that Sylvia Evans loved them deeply.
He stepped forward and gently held Sylvia Evans’s hand. “Sylvia, promise me that you’ll be happy.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Charles Shaw, her eyes filled with tears. She nodded. “I will.”
Charles Shaw smiled warmly and then left the orphanage.
Sylvia Evans watched him leave, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She knew that Charles Shaw loved her, but she couldn’t accept his love.
She had been hurt too deeply, and she was afraid to love again.
She had Lucas and Lily. They were her everything.
She had finally found her peace.
She had finally found her happiness.
Chapter 2
Upon learning that the account cancellation procedures would take half a month to complete, Sylvia Evans discussed it with her parents and decided to return to the Lu residence first.
For the next half month, she had to stay by Leonard Carter’s side and not let him detect anything unusual.
Otherwise, with his methods, none of their family of three would be able to leave.
After returning to the villa, Sylvia Evans began to pack her belongings.
Those cherished photos, the love letters Leonard Carter wrote to her, the souvenirs they bought during their travels together… she threw them all into the fireplace.
Flames consumed the past, as if burning away a ridiculous dream.
The next day, Sylvia Evans went to the backyard.
There was an entire grove of plane trees, planted by Leonard Carter himself for her. He said the plane tree symbolizes loyalty, just like his love for her, never fading.
Sylvia Evans picked up the axe and chopped down tree after tree.
The servants stood off in the distance, not daring to approach or stop her. The sound of the tree trunk snapping was dull and grating, like some persistent obsession being forcibly severed.
On the third day, Sylvia Evans went to Lover’s Cliff at the mountain’s summit.
A love lock hung there, with their names engraved on it. That year, Leonard Carter held her and threw the key off the cliff, saying they would be locked together forever in this life.
Sylvia Evans now cut the chains directly with pliers.
The lock fell to the ground with a crisp clatter.
She turned and left, never looking back.
When they returned to the villa, there were two more people in the living room.
Leonard Carter sat on the sofa, while Lillian Quinn leaned against him, her face pale, looking so frail as if a gust of wind could blow her over.
Sylvia Evans walked past them expressionlessly and went straight upstairs.
“Stop right there.” Leonard Carter’s cold voice came.
Sylvia Evans stopped, not turning back.
“Do you know why I brought her back?” he asked.
“I don’t care.”
“After you sent Lillian Quinn abroad, she suffered from culture shock and couldn’t sleep for days and nights.” His tone carried an accusation. “Sylvia Evans, apologize to her.”
Sylvia Evans finally turned around to face them.
Lillian Quinn nervously clutched Leonard Carter’s sleeve, a hint of triumph flashing in her eyes.
“What if I don’t apologize?” Sylvia Evans asked calmly.
“Never mind, it’s okay…” Lillian Quinn spoke softly and weakly, “It doesn’t matter if I suffer a little, after all… Sister is the wife.”
Leonard Carter immediately embraced her tightly: “Haven’t I told you not to be so sensible?”
He kissed the top of her head. “From now on, I’m here to spoil you. You can do anything you want.”
Sylvia Evans pulled at the corner of her mouth, feeling utterly ironic.
The maid brought a bowl of calming soup, saying it was specially prepared for Lillian Quinn.
At this moment, Leonard Carter’s phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID and gently told Lillian Quinn, “You always get a headache when I talk about work. I’ll take this outside; you drink your soup.”
With that, he stood up and left.
Sylvia Evans stood rooted to the spot, her heart feeling as though it had been struck by an axe.
He never used to discuss business matters outside due to commercial confidentiality, but now, for Lillian Quinn, he can even change that habit.
Only Sylvia Evans and Lillian Quinn remained in the living room.
The fragility on Lillian Quinn’s face vanished instantly, replaced by the arrogance of a victor.
“Do you see?” she chuckled lightly. “Although you’re Mrs. Carter, and you used your position to send me away, Leonard’s body and heart are both with me.”
Sylvia Evans looked at her indifferently, “If you want him, then he’s yours.”
Lillian Quinn paused, then grew annoyed: “I don’t need you to give! He will be mine eventually, and your position will be mine too!”
Seeing Sylvia Evans unmoved, she became even more infuriated.
Just then, Leonard Carter’s footsteps were heard from outside.
Lillian Quinn’s eyes flashed with a hint of ruthlessness. She suddenly picked up the bowl of scalding tranquilizing soup and poured it directly onto herself!
“Ah!” she shrieked, tears instantly welling up.
This was the scene Leonard Carter witnessed as he rushed in.
Lillian Quinn was utterly disheveled, soup dripping from her clothes, and she was crying as if her heart would break.
“Sylvia Evans!” His brows furrowed slightly with anger. “Not only are you not apologizing, but you dare to treat her like this?!”
“I didn’t do it,” Sylvia Evans said calmly. “You can check the surveillance cameras.”
“Good, investigate!” he sneered.
Lillian Quinn immediately grabbed his arm, choking back tears. “Leonard, it’s not sister’s fault… I shouldn’t have wished to stay by your side. I’m leaving now…”
As soon as she took a step, Leonard Carter pulled her back.
“I finally found you again, and now you want to leave my sight? Are you trying to kill me?”
He held her tightly, as if embracing a lost and found treasure.
Then, he looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes terrifyingly cold.
“I will get justice for you in this matter.”
Sylvia Evans was locked in the cold storage.
As the bodyguard dragged her inside, she struggled desperately: “Leonard Carter! Check the surveillance footage! I didn’t do it!”
He didn’t even glance at her, only saying coldly, “No need to investigate, I only trust her.”
The door of the cold storage slammed shut.
Darkness and cold instantly engulfed Sylvia Evans.
She huddled in the corner, trembling, yet her heart felt colder than the frigid storage room.
This is what he said, that she was the one he loved most?
Tears welled up in Sylvia Evans’ eyes.
She has always had a cold constitution and is very sensitive to the cold.
After they married, Leonard Carter spent a fortune installing a constant temperature system in their home, making even the outdoor garden feel like spring year-round.
In winter, he would hold her cold hands and feet close, smiling and saying, “I’ll keep you warm like this for the rest of my life.”
Now that I think about it…
Vows are perhaps only true at the moment they are spoken.
Sylvia Evans looked up from her computer and saw Leonard Carter standing by the window, his back to her, deep in thought. The setting sun cast a golden glow through the window, softening the sharp lines of his suit and giving him an aura of serenity. His hand rested on a document, seemingly a contract.
Seeing him lost in thought, Sylvia Evans didn’t disturb him. Instead, she quietly picked up a document from her desk. “Is everything ready for the cooperation with the Quinn family?” she asked softly.
Leonard Carter didn’t turn around, but his voice was calm and steady as he replied, “I’ve already asked Daniel Brooks to prepare the contract documents. They’ll be ready by tomorrow.” He paused, then added, “It’s not just about the cooperation with the Quinn family; it’s also about the merger. From now on, the Quinn family will be under the Carter Group.”
Sylvia Evans smiled faintly. This was Leonard Carter’s usual style—swift and decisive. Yet, she also knew how much effort he had put into this. Lillian Quinn had always been quite ambitious, and George Quinn and Helen Quinn were equally astute. For Leonard Carter to acquire the Quinn family’s company, a company that had been established for decades and was a major player in the industry, it must have taken an extraordinary amount of effort.
Sylvia Evans felt a pang of heartache, but she didn’t show it. She merely said, “Well, the sooner the better.” She had seen the figures from Ryan Shaw, and if the Quinn family really managed to take over the Evans Group, the company the Shaw family had invested in, Margaret Evans and Richard Evans would lose everything overnight. She couldn’t let that happen.
Just as Sylvia Evans was lost in thought, Leonard Carter turned around and walked over to her. He frowned slightly. “What’s wrong? You seem distracted.”
Sylvia Evans quickly composed herself and shook her head. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking about something else.” She picked up a document from her desk. “This is Charles Shaw’s latest report.”
Leonard Carter took it and glanced at it. His expression remained unchanged. “Charles Shaw is indeed capable. He rebuilt the Shaw Group in such a short time, and he’s been quite aggressive lately. He successfully acquired a few small companies this past month.”
“He’s been very busy lately,” Sylvia Evans said softly. “It seems he’s even entrusted the company’s affairs to Daniel Brooks, just to have more time to spend with Lucas & Lily Shaw.”
Leonard Carter’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t say anything. He had vaguely heard about Charles Shaw’s situation, but hadn’t paid much attention. Now, hearing Sylvia Evans mention it, he couldn’t help but feel a little curious. Could it be that Charles Shaw was really going to compete with him for Sylvia Evans? Was that why he was constantly trying to show how good he was as a father?
Leonard Carter’s gaze softened slightly. “With Charles Shaw by her side, it seems Lillian Quinn has found someone to rely on.”
Sylvia Evans didn’t respond. She just watched Leonard Carter quietly. For some reason, she felt a strong sense of security when he was around. It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She felt safe, and that was enough.
Chapter 3
The next day, just as Sylvia Evans was on the verge of losing consciousness from the cold, the door to the cold storage finally opened.
The bodyguard stood expressionless at the door: “Mr. Carter said that if there’s a next time, the punishment won’t be so lenient.”
She leaned against the wall, stumbling out, trembling all over, even her teeth chattering.
There won’t be a next time.
Soon, she would make him completely disappear from her world.
That evening, Leonard Carter’s assistant delivered an evening gown and jewelry, stating that her presence was required at a charity auction gala.
Sylvia Evans is gone.
Then, at the entrance of the banquet hall, she saw Lillian Quinn.
Lillian Quinn wore a haute couture gown, and the diamond necklace around her neck was one Leonard Carter had acquired at auction last month for eight figures.
Sylvia Evans stopped and looked at Leonard Carter: “She’s here too, what do you want me to do?”
His expression was indifferent: “I hadn’t intended to bring her, but she’s never seen this kind of occasion, so I brought her along since she wanted to come.”
He paused, then said casually, “Sylvia, don’t be so petty.”
Sylvia Evans’ body trembled slightly.
She wasn’t being petty.
It was more that he had never considered how much she would be discussed and ridiculed if his lawful wife and his mistress appeared together.
Leonard Carter walked straight in with Lillian Quinn, who affectionately held his arm, her smile sweet.
There were whispers around.
“Mr. Carter and his wife have such a wonderful relationship, they’re truly a perfect match.”
“You’ve got the wrong person. She’s Mrs. Carter; the one next to her… is just a kept woman.”
The person awkwardly glanced at Sylvia Evans and sheepishly said, “But Mr. Carter treats that person so well, giving her genuine articles, while giving Mrs. Carter freebies… It’s no wonder I made a mistake.”
Sylvia Evans clenched her fingers, her nails digging deeply into her palms.
After the auction began, Sylvia Evans casually raised her paddle and bid on a few items.
But no matter what she bid on, Lillian Quinn would only add one dollar to her price.
Low laughter rippled through the surroundings.
“This is the first time I’ve seen the rightful spouse being bullied and oppressed by the mistress…”
Sylvia Evans, expressionless, directly made a gesture of “lighting the sky lantern.”
“Lighting the sky lantern” means that no matter how high the price, she will take that auction item, with no upper limit.
Lillian Quinn’s face turned pale. She tugged at Leonard Carter’s sleeve, aggrieved, “Leonard, I really like this one…”
Leonard Carter frowned, looking at Sylvia Evans: “Sylvia, let her have it.”
“No.”
“She can’t light the sky lantern, but I can, because I am your wife, and marital assets are shared.” She looked at Lillian Quinn and said ironically, “No matter how much you give her, she can’t compare to me.”
Lillian Quinn’s eyes instantly reddened, and she abruptly stood up: “You…”
The next second, she suddenly covered her face and cried, “Yes, you are his wife… I’m just a canary kept in the dark, I shouldn’t be daydreaming… Leonard… Let’s just break up!”
After speaking, she turned and ran.
Leonard Carter’s expression changed abruptly. He grabbed Sylvia Evans’s wrist with such force that it nearly crushed her bones. “I told you I’d get tired of playing after a while. Did you have to drive her away?!”
Sylvia Evans looked at him calmly, “What does it matter to me whether she leaves or not?”
His eyes clouded over. He flung her hand away and strode out, chasing after her.
Sylvia Evans stood rooted to the spot, the gazes around her either mocking or pitying.
But she didn’t care.
Anyway, she would be leaving soon.
The next morning, however, Sylvia Evans was woken up by a news alert on her phone.
Breaking News! 999 intimate photos of Leonard Carter’s wife to be publicly auctioned at Sotheby’s!
Her blood instantly froze.
Those photos… only Leonard Carter has them.
Sylvia Evans was momentarily stunned. At that moment, she inexplicably felt a pang of sadness. She wondered, if one day Leonard Carter were to die, would she feel the same way?
She dismissed the thought immediately. What was she thinking? Leonard Carter was alive and well, so why would such a thought even cross her mind? Sylvia Evans found herself annoyed, gently pushing him away. “I’m going back to my room.”
Lillian Quinn, appearing as a pure and innocent white lotus, stood beside George Quinn, her face pale. She spoke softly, “My brother has just been taken away by the police. Do you think I’d be in the mood to eat?”
Helen Quinn quickly added, “Exactly! My son has been unjustly arrested. Why did you arrest my son and not them? Obviously, Sylvia Evans and Ryan Shaw were also involved, yet they were not arrested.”
Margaret Evans retorted, “What do you mean, not them? My daughter-in-law was protecting my son and daughter-in-law. It’s a natural reaction to protect her husband and younger sister. It’s not a crime! You’re speaking as if my daughter-in-law is a vicious person. If your son didn’t harbor ill intentions towards her and didn’t attempt to lay hands on her, would my daughter-in-law have reacted in such a way?”
Richard Evans pointed at Helen Quinn and George Quinn, sternly saying, “Both of you, listen carefully. My son’s marriage to Lillian Quinn is cancelled from now on. If you dare to bother my daughter again or spread rumors about her reputation, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Helen Quinn was taken aback. “What did you say? The marriage is cancelled? How can you cancel it? We didn’t agree!”
Richard Evans laughed coldly. “This isn’t something that requires your agreement; it’s a notification. Whether you agree or not, the marriage between my son and Lillian Quinn is officially cancelled. This is a matter of our family’s affairs, and it’s not up to outsiders to meddle.”
“Why are you cancelling the marriage? What right do you have to cancel it? I won’t agree even if I die! Don’t even think about it!” Helen Quinn shouted, her voice laced with panic. “Lillian Quinn is already pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child! If you cancel the marriage, what will happen to my daughter’s child?”
“What?” This time, not only Margaret Evans and Richard Evans were shocked, but even Daniel Brooks, who was standing beside Leonard Carter, was surprised. He subtly glanced at Leonard Carter, who remained expressionless.
“A-Lillian Quinn… pregnant?” Margaret Evans’s voice trembled slightly. “Is this true?”
Helen Quinn quickly said, “Of course it’s true! Why would I lie to you? My daughter is indeed pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child.”
Helen Quinn, however, failed to notice that as she spoke, Lillian Quinn’s face grew progressively paler, almost colorless.
Not only were Margaret Evans and Richard Evans astonished, but even Sylvia Evans was dumbfounded. She never expected that Lillian Quinn was pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child.
This was truly a shocking development!
“When did this happen?” Richard Evans’s voice was stern. “Lillian Quinn, tell me, when did you get pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child?” He had actually thought that Lillian Quinn was pregnant with Leonard Carter’s child.
At this point, George Quinn quickly spoke up, “That’s not true! My daughter’s child is not Charles Shaw’s! Don’t listen to her nonsense!”
Helen Quinn gave George Quinn a bewildered look. “What are you talking about? Lillian Quinn is clearly pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child, so why are you denying it?”
George Quinn glared at Helen Quinn. “You’re the one talking nonsense! When did our daughter get pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child? Her child is clearly with Leonard Carter!”
Helen Quinn: “…”
Sylvia Evans: “…”
Margaret Evans and Richard Evans: “…”
Daniel Brooks: “…”
Everyone in the room fell silent, the atmosphere incredibly awkward.
George Quinn suddenly realized he had said something he shouldn’t have, and quickly covered his mouth. But it was too late; the words had already been spoken.
A hint of sarcasm appeared on Leonard Carter’s lips, his gaze as cold as ice. “Mr. Quinn, are you saying that Miss Quinn is pregnant with my child?”
George Quinn felt a shiver down his spine under Leonard Carter’s gaze. He quickly explained, “No, it’s not… Miss Sylvia, don’t misunderstand… it’s not like that…”
A cold smile tugged at Leonard Carter’s lips. “What’s not like that? Didn’t you just say that Miss Quinn is pregnant with my child? Don’t tell me I misheard.”
George Quinn’s face was ashen. He never expected to be caught in such a situation. “No, Mr. Carter, you’ve misunderstood. She’s not pregnant with your child.”
Lillian Quinn, having regained some composure, interjected, her voice filled with feigned sorrow, “Mr. Carter, please don’t let this misunderstand me. I’m afraid Mr. Quinn has misunderstood. The child in my belly is indeed Charles Shaw’s, not yours.”
Sylvia Evans, observing Lillian Quinn’s performance, was genuinely impressed. This woman was truly a master of manipulation, deserving of an Oscar for her acting skills.
Leonard Carter gently stroked Sylvia Evans’s hair, his voice laced with disdain. “Is that so? But earlier, Mr. Quinn clearly stated that you are pregnant with my child, and now you’re saying it’s Charles Shaw’s. Are you trying to imply that Mr. Quinn is lying?”
Lillian Quinn bit her lip, her eyes red-rimmed. “No, Mr. Carter, that’s not what I meant. Please don’t misunderstand. I simply happened to spend a night with Charles Shaw, which resulted in this child. But I promise, I will definitely not abandon my responsibilities towards this child.”
Sylvia Evans felt like vomiting. What was this woman talking about? How could she twist the facts like this?
Leonard Carter’s tone remained calm as he said, “Is that so? What about the Lucas & Lily Shaw?”
Lillian Quinn’s face instantly went pale, her entire body trembling. She stared at Leonard Carter in disbelief. How did he know about Lucas & Lily Shaw?
Not only Lillian Quinn but also George Quinn and Helen Quinn were utterly shocked, their faces ashen. How did Leonard Carter know about Lucas & Lily Shaw?
Margaret Evans and Richard Evans, too, were greatly surprised. “What Lucas & Lily Shaw? Why are they mentioned here?”
Leonard Carter chuckled, his smile sending shivers down everyone’s spines. “Mr. Quinn, Mrs. Quinn, Miss Quinn, didn’t you explain to your parents that Lucas & Lily Shaw are the children created by Miss Quinn and Charles Shaw while attending high school?”
George Quinn’s legs buckled, and he almost fell to the ground. He had tried so hard to conceal this matter, fearing that news of his daughter having twins with Charles Shaw at such a young age would expose her true character. He worried it would compromise his daughter’s chance to marry into a prestigious family.
However, he never imagined that Leonard Carter would uncover this matter.
Helen Quinn was equally stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked at Leonard Carter. “You… you’re talking nonsense! My daughter doesn’t have two children!”
Leonard Carter chuckled, “I’m talking nonsense? If Lucas & Lily Shaw aren’t your children, then who are they?”
Lillian Quinn’s face was drained of all color, her hands tightly clenched. She never thought that Leonard Carter would expose this matter.
Even Sylvia Evans was astonished. She didn’t expect Lillian Quinn to have two children with Charles Shaw. So, Lillian Quinn was not only pregnant with Charles Shaw’s child, but she also had two other children with him.
Leonard Carter continued, “Mr. Quinn, don’t tell me you’re going to deny this matter. A child’s identity can be verified through a DNA test. If you don’t believe me, we can go to the hospital for a DNA test.”
George Quinn’s legs weakened, and he finally collapsed onto the ground, covering his face with his hands. “No, Mr. Carter, please don’t go to the hospital. I beg you, don’t do a DNA test.”
Helen Quinn was livid. She kicked George Quinn and yelled, “What are you talking about? Why are you begging him not to do it? It’s clearly not our daughter’s child! Why are you admitting it now?”
George Quinn glared at Helen Quinn. “Shut up! You keep talking nonsense. Are you trying to ruin our daughter’s future?”
Helen Quinn was taken aback. “What are you talking about? I’m not talking nonsense. I’m telling the truth.”
George Quinn gritted his teeth and said, “What truth? Our daughter clearly had those two children!”
Helen Quinn’s mouth dropped open, and she stared at George Quinn in disbelief. “What… what exactly are you talking about? What children?”
George Quinn couldn’t bear it anymore. “It’s the children our daughter had with Charles Shaw! In high school, our daughter got pregnant with Charles Shaw’s twins!”
Helen Quinn’s eyes widened, and she looked at Lillian Quinn. “Is… is this true? Our daughter actually got pregnant with Charles Shaw’s twins?”
Lillian Quinn’s face was pale, and she was speechless. She just stood there, staring intently at Leonard Carter, her eyes filled with hate. It was all Leonard Carter’s fault. If it weren’t for him, this matter would not have been exposed. She would not have lost her chance to marry into the Carter family, and she would have been able to successfully marry into the Carter family based on the child in her belly.
However, all her plans were ruined by Leonard Carter.
Margaret Evans and Richard Evans were completely stunned, unable to believe what they had just heard. Their son was about to marry a woman who not only had an illegitimate child with Charles Shaw but also two other children with him.
Margaret Evans felt a wave of nausea. She was truly disgusted.
Richard Evans’s face was ashen, and he glared at George Quinn and Helen Quinn. “This is how you raise your daughter? You’re both disgraceful!”
George Quinn and Helen Quinn lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
Richard Evans directly ordered George Quinn and Helen Quinn, “Get out! Both of you, get out! Don’t let me see you again! Otherwise, I won’t be polite!”
George Quinn and Helen Quinn quickly grabbed Lillian Quinn and fled the hospital as if their lives depended on it.
Margaret Evans was so angry that she almost fainted. “That’s ridiculous! How could that woman be like that? She actually had a child with Charles Shaw, and it’s twins on top of that!”
Richard Evans also felt disgusted, but he tried to comfort Margaret Evans, “Honey, you’ve had a long day. You should go back and rest. Let’s not think about these things anymore. Just be glad that we discovered this early and didn’t let that woman marry into our family, or else we’d have a lifetime of regret.”
Margaret Evans nodded, feeling a little better. “You’re right. Fortunately, we discovered it early. Otherwise, our son would have married such a woman. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to accept it.”
Sylvia Evans approached and gently comforted Margaret Evans. “Mom, don’t be angry anymore. It’s not worth getting angry over such people. Everything is fine now, and everyone is healthy. That’s the most important thing.”
Margaret Evans nodded. “You’re right. As long as everyone is healthy, everything else is fine.”
Sylvia Evans smiled. “Yes, so don’t be angry anymore. Let’s go home.”
Margaret Evans nodded. “Okay, let’s go home.”
Richard Evans also smiled faintly. “Then let’s go home.”
Leonard Carter watched Sylvia Evans’s actions, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. This woman, even though she was sometimes a bit mischievous, was generally kind-hearted. No wonder she was able to attract so many people.
Leonard Carter whispered to Daniel Brooks, “Daniel Brooks, arrange for a car. Let’s go home.”
Daniel Brooks nodded. “Okay, Mr. Carter, I’ll arrange it right away.”
Chapter 4
Sylvia Evans dialed his number with trembling hands, her voice hoarse: “The photos… did you release them?”
On the other end of the phone, Leonard Carter sneered, “Don’t you enjoy lighting up the sky lanterns?”
“If you don’t want others to see those photos…” His voice was cruel. “You better go there now and ‘like’ every single one!”
In the background, Lillian Quinn’s delicate voice said, “Leonard… is that Sylvia Evans calling? I… I should go. I shouldn’t be here with you…”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” His voice instantly softened. Immediately after, the sound of ambiguous kissing came from the phone. “I’ve already stood up for you; try leaving again if you dare.”
The call had been disconnected at some point.
Sylvia Evans felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar and immediately rushed to the auction venue.
The moment she pushed open the door, her body trembled.
The room was filled with men, and on the large screen, her private photos were scrolling.
Her profile as she slept, which he once called adorable, he had specifically saved.
There was a photo of her back as she bathed; he’d coaxed her into letting him take it, saying he could look at it when he missed her.
Also, there were nude photos of her covered in hickeys in bed. At that time, he said it was proof of his love for her.
At the auction, men’s covetous gazes lingered on Sylvia Evans, and the murmurs pierced her ears like knives.
“That figure… tsk, tsk, Leonard Carter is truly blessed.”
“I heard that Mr. Leonard Carter loved his wife very much back then. Why is he now selling his wife’s private photos?”
“He got tired of her, I guess. These wealthy wives, glamorous on the surface, but behind the scenes…”
Every sentence was like a knife plunging into Sylvia Evans’ heart.
She suddenly recalled how strong Leonard Carter’s possessiveness used to be.
That year, on a holiday to the island, she wore a backless dress. A man glanced at it, and Leonard Carter immediately pulled her back to their hotel room. Pinning her against the French windows, he possessed her while coaxing her to repeatedly say, “Sylvia Evans belongs to Leonard Carter.”
And now, to stand up for another woman, he personally sold her private photos for these men to gawk at!
She snapped picture after picture, her heart growing colder with each press of the bidding button.
By the time the last photo was taken, her love for him had completely withered away.
When she walked out of the auction house, her phone rang.
“Did you enjoy kindling the sky lantern?” Leonard Carter’s voice was laced with sarcasm.
Sylvia Evans clutched her phone, her nails almost digging into her palm: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll divorce you if you do this?”
His tone was very flat, as if he were talking to an unruly child: “You can’t divorce, Sylvia. If I don’t sign, this marriage won’t end.”
She remained silent.
He really had forgotten that she held a divorce agreement, already signed by him.
Seeing her not speak, Leonard Carter’s tone softened: “Today was just a lesson.”
He paused, “I’ve said it before, as long as you don’t target Lillian, I will naturally return to the family after some time.”
“Your birthday is in a few days. I’ll host a banquet to make it up to you.”
Sylvia Evans was about to say, “No need,” when the call ended.
Subsequently, she saw Lillian Quinn’s朋友圈 almost every day.
The latest post was a photo of Leonard Carter holding her on a yacht, with the caption: “He said I wanted to see the sea, so he bought an island for me.”
Turning further down:
“Allergic to cat dander, he raised a Ragdoll cat for me~”
“His phone gallery is full of me, hehe.”
If it had been before, Sylvia Evans would have been heartbroken to the point of suffocation.
But now, her heart was completely unmoved.
Leonard Carter had been staying at Lillian Quinn’s place recently. He occasionally returned home, not even noticing that things were missing.
Perhaps he wouldn’t even notice her disappearance.
Sylvia Evans, whose small face was as white as paper, clutched the corner of her shirt. She watched in disbelief as her husband, Leonard Carter, carried Lillian Quinn into the emergency room.
Margaret Evans stared blankly at this scene, then suddenly stumbled and collapsed. “Sylvia Evans, you jinx! You always bring trouble!”
Richard Evans quickly helped her up. “Margaret Evans, what are you saying?!”
“What am I saying? Our Sylvia Evans has been married to Leonard Carter for three years, and our family has only gotten worse and worse. Now, Lillian Quinn, that poor child, has been pushed down by her and is in critical condition!” Margaret Evans pointed at Sylvia Evans’s nose and started to curse.
“Is Sylvia Evans the one who pushed her?” Richard Evans asked in confusion.
“If it wasn’t her, who else could it be? Do you think Lillian Quinn would jump down by herself? Sylvia Evans, you jinx, why don’t you die!” Margaret Evans’s words were extremely harsh.
Sylvia Evans felt as if her heart was pierced by countless tiny needles. She looked at her parents and forced a smile, “Mom, Dad, I didn’t push her.”
“You said you didn’t, then who did? Do you have any evidence? The security guard said it was you, Leonard Carter said it was you, George Quinn said it was you, Helen Quinn said it was you. Even Lillian Quinn said it was you before she fainted! Do you want me and your dad to die from being shamed by you?!” Margaret Evans’s voice was sharp.
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled slightly. Her eyes, filled with despair, looked at the emergency room door.
At this moment, the emergency room door opened, and Leonard Carter walked out. His gaze swept over Sylvia Evans, filled with an icy coldness and disgust.
“Leonard Carter, how is our Lillian?” George Quinn and Helen Quinn asked anxiously.
Leonard Carter’s face was grim. “She’s out of danger, but the doctor said her leg injury, combined with her heart disease, might keep her from walking again for the rest of her life.”
“What?!” George Quinn’s body swayed.
Helen Quinn immediately burst into tears, pointing at Sylvia Evans. “Sylvia Evans, you heartless person! You’re clearly trying to kill our Lillian! If our Lillian can’t walk, you have to pay with your life!”
Leonard Carter’s cold gaze landed on Sylvia Evans. His deep-set eyes were filled with a profound chill. “Sylvia Evans, divorce. Today.”
Divorce.
Sylvia Evans’s heart, which had just begun to warm slightly, instantly turned cold. She looked at the man she had loved for ten years, and for the first time, she felt a strong sense of unfamiliarity.
“Okay,” she said softly. Her voice was so light that it was almost inaudible.
“You really are a jinx!” Margaret Evans murmured, then quickly pulled Henry Evans aside. “This is a good opportunity. Let’s stay out of it. With Sylvia Evans divorced, we can get a lot of money and then our family can live a good life!”
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled. She looked at Margaret Evans, then at Richard Evans, and her eyes were filled with pain and despair. Her own parents actually thought this way about her.
Daniel Brooks quickly took out the divorce agreement and placed it in front of Sylvia Evans. “Mrs. Carter, please sign.”
Sylvia Evans picked up the pen, her hand trembling slightly. She looked at Leonard Carter, “Leonard Carter, I’m not a jinx.”
“Are you done?” he asked impatiently.
Sylvia Evans smiled bitterly and signed her name on the divorce agreement.
When she walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Sylvia Evans looked at the divorce certificate in her hand and laughed mockingly. The ten years of love had ultimately led to this.
Ten years.
From the first time she saw him, wearing a white shirt and standing under the old locust tree, a handsome boy holding a book, her heart had quietly begun to beat for him.
From then on, he became her beacon, her motivation.
However, Leonard Carter ultimately refused to be her permanent home.
The cold winter wind blew, and snowflakes fluttered down, landing on Sylvia Evans’s eyelashes, indistinguishable from the tears that blurred her vision.
“You can’t pay back what you owe me in this lifetime!” Lillian Quinn’s mocking voice came from behind her.
Sylvia Evans’s body stiffened for a moment. She looked back and saw Lillian Quinn, wrapped in a thick down jacket, standing with an uninjured leg. She was holding a mobile phone in her hand, talking to someone on the phone, and her eyes were full of pride.
“Why are you here?” Sylvia Evans’s voice was hoarse.
“Why am I here?” Lillian Quinn sneered, looking at the divorce certificate in Sylvia Evans’s hand. “Are you surprised to see me here? I know you’re very surprised. But Sylvia Evans, it’s useless even if you’re surprised. Leonard Carter is mine!”
She raised her hand and patted Sylvia Evans’s cheek. Her smile was exceptionally bright. “Did you think I’d be bedridden for the rest of my life? You’re too naive. My leg injury will heal in just a few days. As for my heart disease, I’m ready to receive treatment abroad when Leonard Carter accompanies me.”
“It really was you!” Sylvia Evans stared at her, her eyes filled with coldness.
Lillian Quinn tilted her head and smiled. “Indeed. It was all a trick from beginning to end. Sylvia Evans, you’ve always been the simple-minded one, so you’ll naturally be the one to suffer.”
“Why did you do this?” Sylvia Evans asked, her heart aching.
“Why?” Lillian Quinn walked closer to her, her face filled with malevolence. “You stole Leonard Carter from me! You married him, but he should have been mine! So, you have to pay the price!”
“I never stole him from you. When I met him, you weren’t with him yet!” Sylvia Evans retorted loudly.
“You’re quibbling! He fell in love with me first!” Lillian Quinn’s face was distorted by anger. “And you, a shameless, despicable woman, ruined our relationship. Didn’t you know that he loved me before? You knew, but you still tried to climb into his bed! Sylvia Evans, tell me, aren’t you shameless?!”
“Shut up!”
“I’m not shutting up today! I’m going to tell the world how shameless you are, Sylvia Evans!” Lillian Quinn took out a stack of photos from her bag and threw them in front of Sylvia Evans. “Take a good look! Leonard Carter and I were already together! He even tattooed my name on his hand. We lived together, and our relationship was so good! It was you, you, who ruined it all!”
Sylvia Evans looked at the old photos that had been yellowed by time. Her body trembled slightly. In the photos, Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn were very close, and there was a very clear ‘Lillian’ tattooed on Leonard Carter’s hand.
These photos immediately caused a huge wave in Sylvia Evans’s heart.
“Sylvia Evans, get lost from Leonard Carter’s life quickly! Don’t let me see you again, or I’ll kill you!” Lillian Quinn threatened her viciously.
Sylvia Evans’s eyes were bloodshot. She suddenly raised her hand and slapped Lillian Quinn’s face.
Lillian Quinn cried out in surprise, clutching her face in disbelief. “You dare to hit me?”
“I hit you because you deserve it!” Sylvia Evans’s eyes were full of anger and hatred.
“You damned woman!” Lillian Quinn cursed, then suddenly pushed Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans cried out in alarm and was pushed to the side of the road. A car sped by, and she felt a sharp pain in her palm. Her hand rubbed against the ground, and cold blood instantly flowed out.
“Help…!” The next second, Lillian Quinn screamed again.
Sylvia Evans immediately turned her head and saw Lillian Quinn falling towards the road, and a speeding car was rushing towards her.
Sylvia Evans quickly rushed forward and pushed Lillian Quinn. She had known Lillian Quinn since they were children, and no matter how much Lillian Quinn hated her, she couldn’t watch her die.
“Ugh!” A sharp pain came from her leg, and Sylvia Evans’s eyes went dark, and she completely lost consciousness.
When Sylvia Evans woke up, she smelled a strong disinfectant.
“Sylvia Evans, you’re awake!” Margaret Evans’s voice was surprisingly kind.
Sylvia Evans opened her eyes and saw Margaret Evans and Richard Evans next to her. She wanted to ask what was wrong with her leg, but she suppressed the question.
“Mom, Dad.”
“Sylvia Evans, you’re injured!” Margaret Evans said, her eyes red.
“Injured?” Sylvia Evans was startled. She tried to move her leg, only to find that it was wrapped in cast.
“Sylvia Evans, you’re so stupid. Why did you save that jinx, Lillian Quinn? She’s always wanted to harm you! This time, she wanted to push you down to die, but you saved her instead!” Margaret Evans started to cry again.
“Mom, what happened?” Sylvia Evans asked, tears blurring her vision.
“After you divorced, Leonard Carter wasn’t happy, so he went to find Lillian Quinn for a date. You followed them and bumped into them. Lillian Quinn told you Leonard Carter didn’t love you, so you pushed her. Then, Lillian Quinn cried and said you pushed her again. You two got into a fight, and you both almost got hit by a car. In the end, you pushed her away. Luckily, you’re just injured, not dead.” Margaret Evans quickly told her everything.
Sylvia Evans was terrified. Was this what Margaret Evans saw? Was this how it was transmitted to Leonard Carter’s ears?
So, in Leonard Carter’s eyes, she was still the one who harmed Lillian Quinn.
“Mom, I don’t think it’s like that. Lillian Quinn tricked me. She faked her leg injury. And she was the one who pushed me. She almost killed me!”
“Don’t try to argue anymore!” Margaret Evans pointed at her nose. “Your dad and I saw it all! You pushed her, and then you pushed her again! Sylvia Evans, how could I have given birth to such a heartless daughter like you?!”
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached violently.
Margaret Evans took a deep breath. “But Sylvia Evans, your dad and I can’t let you die. You’re our daughter! If you die, what will we do?”
Sylvia Evans looked at them.
“So, Sylvia Evans, from now on, even if it’s you who is injured, you have to fight for your rights!” Margaret Evans said sternly. “Otherwise, with your character, you’ll be bullied for the rest of your life!”
Sylvia Evans nodded. “Mom, I understand.”
“Your leg is broken. You need to rest for a while,” Richard Evans said sadly.
“Oh, right!” Margaret Evans suddenly thought of something and quickly took out a piece of paper and two pens. “Sylvia Evans, quickly sign this.”
Sylvia Evans looked at what it was. It was a transfer of property rights, transferring the property in her name to Margaret Evans.
Her heart ached. These were the houses and shops she had earned from her hard work after marrying Leonard Carter. Every cent was her own.
“Mom, why?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“Why?” Margaret Evans glared at her. “You’re injured now and can’t work. Who will support your dad and me? You don’t want us to starve to death, do you? Besides, the money from your divorce now is given to us because you’re injured, so it counts as compensation.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was already as cold as ice. She picked up the pen and prepared to sign.
“Wait!”
Suddenly, a cold voice came from the door.
Sylvia Evans looked up and saw Leonard Carter standing at the door. His face was cold and expressionless.
“Leonard Carter, what are you doing here?” Margaret Evans immediately put on a smiling face and said, “Now that Sylvia Evans is divorced, you two won’t have any contact anymore. We are all living our own lives.”
“Is that so?” Leonard Carter ignored Margaret Evans and walked straight into the ward. He took the pen from Sylvia Evans’s hand. His cold fingers touched Sylvia Evans’s fingertips, and Sylvia Evans’s body trembled slightly.
Leonard Carter’s gaze lingered on Sylvia Evans’s face for a moment, then he looked at the transfer of property rights and frowned.
“Daniel Brooks, get rid of these documents,” he said directly to Daniel Brooks.
Daniel Brooks immediately stepped forward and respectfully took the documents from Margaret Evans.
Margaret Evans’s face changed drastically. She immediately became anxious. “Leonard Carter, what are you doing? These are Sylvia Evans’s properties, so of course they should be given to me, her mother!”
“I don’t think so,” Leonard Carter said coldly. “Unless Sylvia Evans herself says she wants to give it to you, no one can get it.”
“Sylvia Evans, you tell him yourself, do you want to give it to me?” Margaret Evans immediately pointed at Sylvia Evans and shouted.
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter and felt a rush of blood in her heart. She said, “I don’t want to give it to them.”
Margaret Evans was instantly enraged. “Sylvia Evans, what are you talking about?! I’m your mother! You don’t want to give it to me, do you want me to die?!”
“Mom, these are my properties. You can’t take them without my permission,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
“You! You’re really going to anger me to death!” Margaret Evans clutched her chest. “Okay, very good! Richard Evans, let’s go! I’m really fed up with this ungrateful daughter! Let her just die here!”
Richard Evans sighed and followed Margaret Evans out. Before leaving, he looked at Sylvia Evans, and his eyes were filled with sorrow and helplessness.
The ward instantly became quiet. Leonard Carter stood tall and straight, radiating an aura of coldness.
“Sylvia Evans, you should know that you were the one who pushed Lillian, and the one who pushed her into the car. Therefore, I will not let you go.” Leonard Carter’s voice was cold.
Sylvia Evans’s heart was like ice. “I didn’t.”
“Are you still going to deny it?” Leonard Carter looked at her with disdain. “Is Sylvia Evans’s moral character so low?”
“Leonard Carter!” Sylvia Evans shouted, gripping the blanket tightly with both hands, her fingernails turning white. “I really didn’t. Lillian Quinn was the one who designed everything.”
“Enough!” Leonard Carter interrupted her impatiently. “I don’t want to hear you arguing anymore. Ryan Shaw, Lucas & Lily Shaw, and Charles Shaw are waiting at the hotel. You can move into the hotel first. Lillian Quinn still needs to recover.”
“What does this mean?” Sylvia Evans’s eyes were filled with confusion.
“Are you deaf or just pretending to be deaf?” Leonard Carter said coldly. “Don’t you understand? I want you to replace Lillian Quinn and become the surrogate mother for Charles Shaw!”
Surrogate mother.
Sylvia Evans’s head buzzed, and her face instantly turned pale. Her body trembled, and she looked at Leonard Carter in disbelief.
“Leonard Carter, what are you saying?” She thought she had heard wrong.
“You clearly heard me. Don’t pretend to be deaf. This is the best way to compensate for your wrongdoings,” Leonard Carter said calmly, as if he was talking about something insignificant.
“No, I won’t go!” Sylvia Evans immediately retorted.
“You have no right to refuse,” Leonard Carter said directly. “Don’t forget, the Leonard Group still has the right to decide your properties. Unless you want your properties to be forfeited and then live on the streets. If you agree, I can transfer your properties to another account. You can think about it carefully.”
His words were cold and without a trace of warmth.
Sylvia Evans looked at him, her body trembling. “You’re threatening me?”
“You can think of it that way,” Leonard Carter said indifferently.
Sylvia Evans clenched her fists, her pale face filled with anger. “Leonard Carter, you’re going too far!”
“Perhaps,” Leonard Carter said, picking up the phone. “Ryan Shaw is on his way here now. You can leave the hospital in two hours.”
After speaking, he turned and left, not giving Sylvia Evans a chance to speak.
Sylvia Evans looked at his receding figure, feeling a tremendous pain in her heart. He was truly heartless. He was once so gentle and respectful to her, but now he was so cold and cruel.
He didn’t even give her a chance to explain.
She loved him for ten years, and for ten years, she had given him all her feelings. His actions today were truly heartless.
Two hours later, Ryan Shaw appeared in the ward. He was wearing a black suit, and his face was expressionless, looking cold and aloof.
Sylvia Evans looked at him, a trace of confusion in her eyes. “Are you Ryan Shaw?”
“Yes,” Ryan Shaw said lightly, then without waiting for Sylvia Evans to speak, he lifted her and carried her out.
Sylvia Evans covered her face to prevent others from seeing her.
“Where are you taking me?” Sylvia Evans asked, grabbing his clothes.
“The fertility center. Don’t worry, even if you are Sylvia Evans, I won’t touch you. Charles Shaw only needs one child,” Ryan Shaw said lightly.
Sylvia Evans laughed bitterly. “I am Sylvia Evans.”
“I know,” Ryan Shaw said, his face still expressionless.
Sylvia Evans was silent. She knew that in Leonard Carter’s eyes, her surname was ‘Evans’, but it might as well be ‘jinx’.
She entered the fertility center. The process was much simpler than she imagined. The doctor extracted sperm from the test tube, and then the fertilization was done.
Everything was going smoothly, but Sylvia Evans felt that her heart was getting colder and colder.
She was just a surrogate mother for Lucas & Lily Shaw. After that, she would have no relationship with the Shaw family. Of course, she would probably never see Leonard Carter again.
This was probably the best ending for her.
“Are you uncomfortable?” Ryan Shaw asked suddenly.
Sylvia Evans shook her head. “No.”
“If you’re uncomfortable, just tell me. You’re the mother of Charles Shaw’s child, so there can be no mistakes,” Ryan Shaw said lightly.
Sylvia Evans smiled bitterly. “I know.”
After the operation, Sylvia Evans quietly lay on the hospital bed. Daniel Brooks walked in quietly and respectfully said, “Mrs. Carter, the properties have been transferred to your name according to Mr. Carter’s wishes. He said to tell you that he will not treat you unfairly.”
Sylvia Evans slowly opened her eyes. “Thank him for me.”
Daniel Brooks nodded. “Mr. Carter still cares about you, Mrs. Carter.”
Sylvia Evans smiled bitterly. Care? If he cared, he wouldn’t let her be a surrogate mother. This was just a trade, a cold trade without any feelings.
She thought that she would never see Leonard Carter again, but the next morning, Leonard Carter appeared in her ward.
He did not disturb her. He stood quietly at the head of her bed, looking at her.
Sylvia Evans frowned slightly, then slowly opened her eyes. When she saw Leonard Carter, she was obviously startled.
“You’re awake,” Leonard Carter said softly. His voice was a little hoarse, but it sounded very pleasant to Sylvia Evans’s ears.
She looked away from him, looked at the ceiling, and hummed in agreement.
“Are you feeling unwell?” Leonard Carter asked, his voice still gentle.
“No,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
The ward was suddenly silent. Only the gentle breathing of the two people could be heard.
Sylvia Evans felt that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, so she wanted to speak, but she didn’t know what to say.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open. Lillian Quinn walked in gracefully, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Her face was full of smiles.
“Leonard Carter, you’re here!” She walked straight to Leonard Carter. Her eyes were full of love, and she didn’t even look at Sylvia Evans.
Leonard Carter’s gaze was still on Sylvia Evans, and he just hummed lightly in response to Lillian Quinn.
“Leonard Carter, why aren’t you looking at me?” Lillian Quinn acted coquettishly and pulled his arm.
Leonard Carter’s gaze finally moved away from Sylvia Evans’s face and landed on Lillian Quinn. “What’s wrong?”
“Leonard Carter, you know I’m injured and my legs are weak and I can’t walk well. Why don’t you help me?” Lillian Quinn said, pouting.
Leonard Carter finally helped her to the sofa and sat down.
Lillian Quinn’s gaze slowly turned to Sylvia Evans. Her eyes were full of provocation. “Sylvia Evans, you’re really lucky to be alive! You were fine after falling from such a high place. You’re simply inhuman!”
Sylvia Evans frowned and looked at her.
“What are you looking at?!” Lillian Quinn’s face was full of anger. “You’re still looking at me! Do you know how much you’ve hurt me? If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have slipped and suffered such a serious injury!”
“Lillian Quinn, you’re speaking without conscience!” Sylvia Evans couldn’t help but retort.
“Me? Speaking without conscience?” Lillian Quinn laughed mockingly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re really unbelievable. Are you deaf? Leonard Carter, George Quinn, Helen Quinn, they all saw with their own eyes that you pushed me down!”
“I didn’t!” Sylvia Evans’s eyes were red.
“You didn’t? If you didn’t, why would I fall?” Lillian Quinn asked loudly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re simply despicable!”
“Enough!” Leonard Carter suddenly shouted, his face full of impatience. “Don’t make any noise!”
“Leonard Carter, she’s bullying me!” Lillian Quinn acted like a spoiled child.
“Lillian, stop it,” Leonard Carter said calmly.
Lillian Quinn looked at Leonard Carter and then at Sylvia Evans, and finally closed her mouth.
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter. He really loved Lillian Quinn so much. Even if Lillian Quinn was wrong, he would still protect her.
This was exactly how she had been, blindly loving him for ten years. In the end, it was all for nothing.
“Leonard Carter, I want to be discharged from the hospital,” Sylvia Evans suddenly said.
Lillian Quinn, who had just closed her mouth, immediately opened it again. “You want to be discharged? Are you thinking of running away again?”
“I’m going home. I’m discharged from the hospital, what does it have to do with you?” Sylvia Evans asked coldly.
Lillian Quinn laughed lightly and sarcastically. “Don’t you know? You’re going to give Charles Shaw a child. If you’re discharged, how will you conceive a child? Also, after you’re discharged, will you take the initiative to leave Leonard Carter?”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was cold. “That’s none of your business.”
“How is it none of my business?” Lillian Quinn suddenly burst out laughing. “Don’t forget, I’m Leonard Carter’s fiancée now. Of course, I have the right to supervise you! Also, during your pregnancy, you can’t run around! You have to stay in the Leonard family’s villa for now!”
“What?! You want me to live in the Leonard family’s villa?” Sylvia Evans’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Leonard Carter, you’re going too far!”
“This is the best way,” Leonard Carter said lightly. “You need to rest during your pregnancy. The Leonard family has the most complete facilities. You can live in the villa.”
“No, I won’t go!” Sylvia Evans said firmly.
“You have no right to refuse,” Leonard Carter said coldly. “Unless you want to abort the child.”
Abort the child.
These three words were like a sharp knife, piercing Sylvia Evans’s heart. This child was the only connection between her and Leonard Carter. How could she abort it?
And this child might be the only one of Charles Shaw’s descendants.
Sylvia Evans closed her eyes, and two lines of clear tears flowed down.
When she opened her eyes again, her eyes were full of determination. “Okay, I’ll go.”
She had completely given up on Leonard Carter now. All she wanted was to have this child, a child created by her and Leonard Carter, then leave this place.
She would never appear in front of Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn again.
Sylvia Evans followed Leonard Carter home.
As soon as she entered the door, she saw an old woman sitting on the sofa in the living room. Her hair was neatly combed, and her face was kind and gentle, but her eyes were full of majesty.
“Grandma, I’m back,” Leonard Carter said respectfully.
“You’re back.” The old woman nodded, then looked at Sylvia Evans who was behind Leonard Carter. “This is Charles Shaw’s surrogate mother?”
“Grandma, her name is Sylvia Evans,” Leonard Carter said quickly.
The old woman narrowed her eyes and looked at Sylvia Evans. “Her appearance is indeed outstanding. She should have good genes.”
These words made Sylvia Evans feel very uncomfortable, as if she was an item to be evaluated.
“Grandma, Sylvia Evans is still injured, so I’ll take her upstairs to rest,” Leonard Carter said quickly.
“No hurry,” the old woman said lightly. “Come sit next to me. Let me take a good look at you.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter. Leonard Carter looked at the old woman and sighed lightly, “Go and Auntie will help you upstairs to rest.”
“What are you doing? I told her to come over and sit with me!” The old woman said, dissatisfied.
Leonard Carter looked at Sylvia Evans and gave her a look, as if saying, ‘Don’t upset my grandma.’
Sylvia Evans took a deep breath, enduring the discomfort in her heart, and slowly walked to the old woman’s side.
“Take off your hat. Let me see your face clearly.” The old woman stared at Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans hesitantly took off her hat, revealing her delicate and beautiful face.
The old woman’s eyes lit up. “This girl’s appearance is really good. Her temperament is also very good. She can definitely give birth to a good child for our Shaw family!”
Sylvia Evans felt as if she had been slapped in the face. She was extremely uncomfortable, but she could only endure it.
“Grandma, Sylvia Evans is pregnant now. She needs to rest,” Leonard Carter said again.
“What’s the hurry?” The old woman was still dissatisfied. “What are you worried about? Don’t tell me you fancy this Sylvia Evans?”
“Grandma, how can you say that?” Leonard Carter smiled bitterly. “Sylvia Evans is injured. I’m just afraid that she’ll be uncomfortable.”
“Oh.” The old woman looked at Sylvia Evans’s leg and then touched her hand. “Child, I hope you can give birth to a healthy child for our Shaw family. You will be generously rewarded.”
“Thank you, Grandma,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
“Leonard Carter, you should take her upstairs to rest now. Also, tell her not to leave the house during her pregnancy,” the old woman instructed.
“I know, Grandma,” Leonard Carter immediately helped the old woman upstairs.
Sylvia Evans was escorted by a maid to a room.
The room had a good view, and it was luxuriously decorated. It seemed that Leonard Carter had truly arranged the best environment for Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans sat on the bed, looking at the familiar and unfamiliar room. She looked out the window. Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn were sitting together on the sofa in the living room. Lillian Quinn was still acting coquettishly and playing with Leonard Carter’s hand.
Sylvia Evans closed her eyes, unwilling to look at the scene. Her heart was aching.
In the past, Leonard Carter used to be gentle and considerate to her. He always held her hand and would always spoil her.
But now, all of his tenderness was given to another woman.
The next day, Sylvia Evans woke up early.
She went downstairs to eat, but there was no food in the kitchen. She asked the servant, “Where’s the food?”
The servant said respectfully, “Madam, you are pregnant, so you need to eat something light. We have prepared some porridge and side dishes for you.”
Sylvia Evans was a little surprised. She didn’t expect them to be so considerate. She immediately went to the dining room and sat down to eat.
As she was eating, Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter came downstairs.
“Leonard Carter, why did you get up so early today?” Lillian Quinn walked to Leonard Carter’s side and held his arm.
Leonard Carter smiled and looked at Lillian Quinn. His eyes were full of tenderness. “I have something to do today, so I got up early.”
“Oh.” Lillian Quinn nodded, then looked at Sylvia Evans with a disgusted expression. “Why are you eating so early?”
Sylvia Evans ignored her and continued to eat her porridge.
Lillian Quinn sat down next to Leonard Carter and put her head on his shoulder. “Leonard Carter, I want to eat porridge too.”
Leonard Carter immediately instructed the servant, “Make a bowl of porridge for Lillian.”
“Okay, Mr. Carter.” The servant immediately went to prepare it.
Not long after, a bowl of porridge was placed in front of Lillian Quinn. After a few sips, Lillian Quinn said, “This porridge is not good. It’s too bland.”
“I told them to make it bland,” Leonard Carter said gently. “Your stomach is not good, so you should eat something light.”
“Oh, Leonard Carter, you’re the best!” Lillian Quinn acted coquettishly, then turned to Sylvia Evans and said, “Sylvia Evans, you’re so lucky.”
Sylvia Evans ignored her.
Lillian Quinn continued to speak, “Sylvia Evans, you look really thin. You should eat more. You’re pregnant.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was cold. She knew that Lillian Quinn was deliberately humiliating her.
“Lillian, stop talking,” Leonard Carter said, frowning.
Lillian Quinn immediately stopped talking.
After breakfast, Leonard Carter went to work. Sylvia Evans was left alone in the villa.
She usually didn’t go out much, and now that her leg was injured, she couldn’t go out. She simply stayed in the room, reading books and watching TV.
In the evening, when Leonard Carter came back, Sylvia Evans was reading in the living room.
Lillian Quinn rushed over as soon as she saw Leonard Carter. “Leonard Carter, you’re finally back! I’m so bored!”
Leonard Carter smiled and hugged Lillian Quinn. “What do you want to do tonight?”
“I want to watch a movie with you,” Lillian Quinn said, pointing at the TV.
Leonard Carter nodded. “Okay, let’s watch a movie then.”
Lillian Quinn immediately picked a movie. Sylvia Evans was sitting there, feeling very awkward. She wanted to go upstairs, but she was afraid that if she left, Lillian Quinn would complain to Leonard Carter again. She could only sit there awkwardly.
When it was time for dinner, Lillian Quinn brought some food to Leonard Carter.
Sylvia Evans picked up her chopsticks and ate quietly.
“Sylvia Evans, you eat so slowly!” Lillian Quinn suddenly said. “Are you hungry?”
Sylvia Evans ignored her.
“Leonard Carter, this Sylvia Evans is getting bolder and bolder, ignoring me!” Lillian Quinn complained.
Leonard Carter didn’t say anything, but just gave Sylvia Evans a look.
Sylvia Evans knew that he was warning her. She took a deep breath and quickly finished her meal, then went upstairs.
Lillian Quinn chuckled lightly, a trace of triumph in her eyes.
Sylvia Evans returned to her room. She held her legs and cried silently. She felt so wronged. Why did she have to endure this?
The next day, Sylvia Evans went for a check-up. The doctor said that her wound was recovering well, and she could remove the cast in a week.
Sylvia Evans was very happy.
However, when she returned to the villa, she immediately saw Lillian Quinn packing her luggage.
“Lillian, what are you doing?” Sylvia Evans asked.
“What am I doing?” Lillian Quinn looked at Sylvia Evans with a smile. “Leonard Carter is going on a business trip, and of course I’m going with him.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart sank. She looked at Lillian Quinn. “You’re going with him?”
“Of course,” Lillian Quinn proudly raised her chin. “I’m his fiancée now. Of course, I’m going with him on his business trip.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was aching. She watched Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter leave, and her heart felt empty.
After they left, the villa became quiet. Only Sylvia Evans was left.
She was very bored, so she went to the garden to admire the flowers. The garden was very large, filled with various flowers and plants. Sylvia Evans felt a little better.
Suddenly, she saw a swing under a large tree. She remembered that when she was little, she loved to play on the swing.
She walked over and sat on the swing. She gently pushed her legs, and the swing slowly moved.
She gently pushed, and the swing swung higher and higher. She felt the wind blowing on her face, and her mood became better.
She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of peace.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind her. “Sylvia Evans, what are you doing?”
Sylvia Evans’s body stiffened for a moment. She immediately opened her eyes and saw the old woman standing behind her, glaring at her.
“Grandma,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
“What are you doing here?” The old woman asked, her voice cold.
“I’m just playing on the swing,” Sylvia Evans said truthfully.
“Playing on the swing?” The old woman’s face immediately darkened. “You’re still pregnant! How can you play on the swing? What if something happens to the child? You will be punished!”
Sylvia Evans’s face turned pale. “Grandma, I’m sorry. I didn’t think too much.”
“You didn’t think too much? You clearly didn’t care at all!” The old woman’s voice was full of anger. “You don’t care about the child, but I, the Shaw family, care! You will be punished for this!”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was cold. She originally thought that this old woman was kind, but she didn’t expect her to be so harsh.
“Grandma, I really didn’t mean it,” Sylvia Evans explained, her eyes red.
“You didn’t mean it? Do you think I’ll believe you?” The old woman snorted coldly. “From today onwards, you’re not allowed to leave your room! If something happens to the child, I’ll deal with you!”
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled slightly. She nodded and stood up. She knew that the old woman was genuinely angry.
From that day onwards, Sylvia Evans was truly imprisoned. She couldn’t leave her room. Her meals were brought to her room, and she couldn’t even go to the bathroom alone. There were maids watching her 24 hours a day.
Her life was like a bird trapped in a cage. Her freedom was completely restricted.
She felt very depressed, but she had nowhere to vent her feelings.
She knew that the old woman was doing this for the sake of the child, but she still felt uncomfortable.
She could only silently endure it.
Time passed quickly. In a blink of an eye, two months had passed.
Sylvia Evans’s abdomen was slowly bulging, and she could feel the faint movement of the child. She knew that the child was growing well.
One day, Sylvia Evans was reading in her room when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.
Her face instantly turned pale, and her body suddenly fell to the ground.
“Ah…!” Sylvia Evans gritted her teeth and held back her scream.
The maid immediately noticed her discomfort and rushed over. “Mrs. Carter, what’s wrong?”
“My stomach hurts…” Sylvia Evans’s face was as white as paper, and cold sweat dripped down.
The maid was instantly flustered and immediately called the doctor.
The doctor quickly arrived and examined Sylvia Evans. His face was solemn. “Not good! The child might be in danger!”
The maid was terrified and quickly called the old woman.
When the old woman arrived, her face was grim. She immediately ordered, “Send her to the hospital!”
Sylvia Evans was rushed to the hospital.
When she arrived at the hospital, the doctor examined her again and said, “It’s a premature birth. We need to perform a caesarean section immediately.”
The old woman immediately agreed. “Do it! Save the child!”
Sylvia Evans was pushed into the operating room.
The operation was quickly completed. A healthy boy was born.
When Sylvia Evans came out of the operating room, she was very weak. She asked the doctor, “How’s the child?”
“The child is very healthy,” the doctor said. “Congratulations, Mrs. Carter, you have given birth to a healthy boy.”
Sylvia Evans was relieved. She slowly closed her eyes. She wanted to see the child, but she was too tired.
When she woke up again, she heard the old woman’s voice.
“You’re awake,” the old woman said softly. “The child is very healthy. He’s a very cute boy.”
Sylvia Evans weakly opened her eyes. “Can I see him?”
“Of course,” the old woman said, and then the maid brought the child over.
Sylvia Evans looked at the child in the maid’s arms. He was so small, and his face was wrinkled and red, but he was very cute.
Sylvia Evans’s heart was filled with indescribable warmth and love. She wanted to hug him.
The old woman saw her gaze and said, “You can hug him in a few days. You’re still too weak now.”
Sylvia Evans nodded and reluctantly looked away from the child.
After the child was born, the old woman was very happy. She often came to see the child and would even bring him to Sylvia Evans to see him.
Sylvia Evans was very happy to see her child every day.
One day, as Sylvia Evans was recovering, she saw Lillian Quinn at the door.
Lillian Quinn was wearing a white dress, looking pure and beautiful. When she saw Sylvia Evans, a trace of arrogance flashed in her eyes.
“Sylvia Evans, you’re finally out of the hospital!” Lillian Quinn said, mockingly.
Sylvia Evans looked at her and said nothing.
“Looks like your body has recovered well,” Lillian Quinn said, looking at the child in the maid’s arms. “Is this the child of Charles Shaw? He looks quite cute.”
She then turned to Sylvia Evans and smiled. “Sylvia Evans, you will give birth to the child, and then you will disappear from Leonard Carter’s life completely. You won’t appear in front of him again!”
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled slightly. She looked at Lillian Quinn. “I know.”
“You know?” Lillian Quinn chuckled. “I hope you remember what you said.”
After speaking, Lillian Quinn left.
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. She knew that after the child was born, she would have to leave Leonard Carter’s world completely.
The child was slowly growing up. He was very cute and adorable. Sylvia Evans spent every day with him, and her heart was filled with happiness.
However, Leonard Carter rarely came to see her. He only came a few times, and each time, he only looked at the child and then left quickly.
Sylvia Evans knew that he didn’t care about her at all. He only cared about the child.
One day, the old woman came to see the child. “Sylvia Evans, the child is almost two months old. You can leave now.”
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled. She looked at the old woman. “Grandma, can I see the child again?”
“No,” the old woman refused directly. “You are just a surrogate mother. You have no right to see the child. You can leave now.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. She looked at the child in the old woman’s arms. He was sleeping soundly, unaware that his biological mother was about to leave him.
Tears streamed down Sylvia Evans’s face. She didn’t want to leave the child.
“Grandma, please let me see him one last time,” Sylvia Evans pleaded.
The old woman didn’t say anything and just turned and left with the child.
Sylvia Evans watched them leave, her heart aching. She wanted to chase after them, but she knew she couldn’t.
She was just a surrogate mother. She had no right to keep the child.
Sylvia Evans stood there blankly for a long time, then she slowly walked out of the villa.
She walked on the street, feeling lost. She didn’t know where to go.
She had nowhere to go. Her parents had already cut ties with her. She had divorced Leonard Carter, and now she had lost her child.
She was truly alone.
She wandered aimlessly. Unknowingly, she arrived at the building of the Leonard Group.
She looked at the tall building, and her heart ached. This was the place where Leonard Carter worked.
She stood there for a long time, then she slowly turned and left.
She found a small hotel to stay in. She didn’t want to return to her previous life.
She wanted to start anew. She wanted to forget everything.
She wanted to forget Leonard Carter, Lillian Quinn, and even her parents.
She wanted to live a new life.
The next day, she packed up her things and left the hotel. She decided to go to another city to start a new life.
She wanted to forget everything here.
She took the bus and left the city where she had lived for more than twenty years.
As the bus drove further and further, the city slowly disappeared from her sight.
She closed her eyes, and two lines of clear tears flowed down.
Goodbye, my love. Goodbye, my child.
Goodbye, everything here.
Five years later.
In the bustling city of B, Sylvia Evans wore a professional suit, holding a stack of documents, and rushed into the Leonard Group building.
She had come to this city five years ago and had started from scratch. Now, she was the manager of the design department of a well-known design company.
She worked hard every day, trying to forget everything related to Leonard Carter, but she found that the more she tried, the more she remembered.
Every night, in her dreams, she would see Leonard Carter, and she would also see her child.
She missed her child very much, but she knew that she could never see him again.
This time, she came to the Leonard Group to discuss a cooperation project. She knew that she would probably see Leonard Carter, but she forced herself to remain calm.
When she walked into the conference room, she saw Leonard Carter sitting at the head of the table.
He was still as handsome and elegant as ever, but there was a coldness and distance in his eyes.
Sylvia Evans’s heart trembled slightly, but she quickly calmed down.
She walked to her seat and sat down. She tried her best to ignore Leonard Carter’s gaze.
“Everyone, let’s begin the meeting,” Leonard Carter said coldly.
The meeting began. Sylvia Evans professionally introduced her company’s design plan.
Leonard Carter listened quietly, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans felt his gaze, and her heart unknowingly sped up.
After the meeting, Leonard Carter immediately stood up and left. He didn’t even look at Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans felt a pang of disappointment in her heart. She thought that he would at least say something to her.
She smiled bitterly. What was she hoping for? They were already divorced. They had nothing to do with each other anymore.
She packed up her things and prepared to leave.
“Sylvia Evans, wait.”
Suddenly, Leonard Carter’s voice came from behind her.
Sylvia Evans’s body stiffened for a moment. She slowly turned around and looked at Leonard Carter.
“Mr. Carter, do you have any instructions?” Sylvia Evans asked calmly.
Leonard Carter walked to her side, his gaze cold. “You’ve changed a lot.”
Sylvia Evans smiled bitterly. “Five years have passed. Of course, I’ve changed.”
“It seems you’re doing well now,” Leonard Carter said lightly.
“Of course,” Sylvia Evans said. “I’m doing very well.”
“Is that so?” Leonard Carter’s gaze was sharp. “Then why did you come back?”
Sylvia Evans frowned. “I didn’t come back. I’m here to discuss a project.”
“Is that so?” Leonard Carter suddenly reached out and grabbed Sylvia Evans’s hand. “Do you miss him?”
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled. She immediately pulled her hand away. “Mr. Carter, please mind your words.”
“Sylvia Evans, you still care about him, don’t you?” Leonard Carter’s voice was low.
“Mr. Carter, please don’t be mistaken. I have nothing to do with you anymore. Please don’t say such things,” Sylvia Evans said coldly.
Leonard Carter’s face darkened. He stared at Sylvia Evans, his eyes filled with a complicated emotion.
“You’re very impressive,” he said, then turned and left without looking back.
Sylvia Evans watched his receding figure and felt a stinging pain in her heart.
She should have known that there was no good end for them.
She walked out of the Leonard Group building. The cold wind blew on her face, and she felt a chill in her heart.
She thought that time would heal everything, but now she realized that some wounds would never heal.
That night, Sylvia Evans had a dream. She dreamed of her child.
In the dream, her child was very cute and called her “Mommy.”
Sylvia Evans broke down in tears in her dream.
When she woke up, her face was covered in tears.
She got up and went to the bathroom to wash her face. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was haggard, and her eyes were red.
She smiled bitterly. She was still unable to let go.
The next day, Sylvia Evans went to work as usual.
During her lunch break, Lily Shaw called her.
“Sister Sylvia Evans, can you come to my school? I have something to tell you,” Lily Shaw said softly.
Sylvia Evans was startled. Lily Shaw was the daughter of Ryan Shaw and Charles Shaw. She was also Sylvia Evans’s biological child.
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled slightly. “Lily, what’s wrong?”
“Sister Sylvia Evans, it’s a long story. Can you come to my school?” Lily Shaw asked again.
“Okay, I’ll be right there,” Sylvia Evans immediately promised.
She immediately took a taxi to Lily Shaw’s school.
When she arrived at the school, she saw Lily Shaw standing at the school gate, waving at her.
Lily Shaw was very cute, with a pair of big, clear eyes, very similar to Leonard Carter’s.
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. This was her child, but she couldn’t acknowledge her.
“Sister Sylvia Evans!” Lily Shaw ran over happily and hugged Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans hugged her tightly, her eyes red.
“Sister Sylvia Evans, let’s go. I want to buy an ice cream,” Lily Shaw said, pointing to the ice cream shop next to them.
Sylvia Evans smiled and nodded. “Okay, let’s go buy an ice cream.”
The two of them walked into the ice cream shop. Lily Shaw picked her favorite ice cream.
As they were eating, Lily Shaw suddenly said, “Sister Sylvia Evans, my mommy is not my biological mother.”
Sylvia Evans’s body stiffened for a moment. She looked at Lily Shaw. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s true!” Lily Shaw said seriously. “My mommy, Lillian Quinn, is not my biological mother. My biological mother is you.”
Sylvia Evans’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Lily, who told you that?”
“My dad told me,” Lily Shaw said directly. “My dad said that you are my biological mother, and I was born by you, but you left me, so they became my parents.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was filled with bitterness. She finally understood why Lily Shaw called her.
“Lily, your dad is wrong. I’m not your biological mother,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
“You are!” Lily Shaw said stubbornly. “My dad said that you are my biological mother! He said that you love me very much!”
Sylvia Evans was silent. She knew that Ryan Shaw was protecting her.
“Lily, your dad is wrong. I’m not your biological mother. Your biological mother is Lillian Quinn,” Sylvia Evans said again.
“No, you are!” Lily Shaw suddenly started to cry loudly. “You are my biological mother! Why don’t you want me?!”
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached violently. She hugged Lily Shaw tightly. “Lily, don’t cry. I didn’t mean it. I can’t be your mother.”
“Why?!” Lily Shaw cried loudly. “Why can’t you be my mother?!”
“Because… because I’m not your biological mother,” Sylvia Evans said, tears streaming down her face.
“You are! My dad told me that you are my biological mother!” Lily Shaw cried even louder.
Sylvia Evans had no idea what to do. She didn’t know how to explain it to Lily Shaw.
Suddenly, a cold voice came from behind them. “What are you doing?”
Sylvia Evans’s body stiffened. She slowly turned around and saw Leonard Carter standing behind them, his face full of anger.
“Leonard Carter!” Sylvia Evans stood up quickly and stood in front of Lily Shaw.
“Sylvia Evans, what are you doing here?” Leonard Carter’s voice was cold.
“I… I came to see Lily,” Sylvia Evans said, her voice trembling.
“You came to see her?” Leonard Carter sneered. “What qualifications do you have to see her?”
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. She looked at Leonard Carter. “She’s my daughter. Why don’t I have the qualifications?”
“Your daughter?” Leonard Carter chuckled. “Sylvia Evans, you’re dreaming! She’s Lillian Quinn’s daughter! She has nothing to do with you!”
“She is my daughter!” Sylvia Evans suddenly shouted. “She is my biological daughter!”
Leonard Carter’s face changed drastically. He glared at Sylvia Evans. “What nonsense are you talking about?!”
“I’m not talking nonsense! She is my daughter!” Sylvia Evans cried loudly. “You know it! She is my daughter!”
Leonard Carter looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes filled with disbelief.
At this moment, Lily Shaw suddenly grabbed Leonard Carter’s hand and cried, “Dad, she is my mother! She is my biological mother!”
Leonard Carter’s body stiffened, and he looked at Lily Shaw. “Lily, what are you talking about?”
“She is my mother! My biological mother!” Lily Shaw cried loudly.
Leonard Carter couldn’t say anything. He looked at Sylvia Evans, and his eyes were full of complicated emotions.
“Leonard Carter, you know it! You know she is my daughter!” Sylvia Evans cried loudly.
Leonard Carter was silent. He looked at Sylvia Evans, and his eyes were filled with pain.
He finally spoke. His voice was hoarse. “I know.”
He knew.
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. He knew everything, but he still treated her like that.
She thought of the scorn and ridicule she had received in the Leonard family, and the way he had treated her. She thought of her heart being broken. Now, she understood why.
“Leonard Carter, why did you do this to me?” Sylvia Evans asked, tears streaming down her face.
Leonard Carter’s face was grim. He looked at Sylvia Evans, and his mouth moved, but he didn’t say anything.
“Why don’t you speak?” Sylvia Evans asked, crying loudly. “Did you also think I was a jinx? From the very beginning, you didn’t love me at all, did you?”
Leonard Carter closed his eyes, and a tear rolled down from the corner of his eye.
“You’re crying too!” Sylvia Evans laughed mockingly. “What are you crying for? You’re the one who abandoned me. You’re the one who pushed me away. What are you crying for?!”
Leonard Carter opened his eyes. His eyes were red, and he looked at Sylvia Evans. “Sylvia Evans, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” Sylvia Evans laughed miserably. “What’s the use of saying sorry now? My child is gone! My family is gone! My love is gone! What’s the use of saying sorry now?!”
“Sylvia Evans…” Leonard Carter reached out and wanted to touch Sylvia Evans, but Sylvia Evans immediately slapped his hand away.
“Don’t touch me!” Sylvia Evans shouted. “You’re disgusting! You’re disgusting!”
Leonard Carter’s face was pale. He looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes filled with pain.
“Dad! Don’t make Mommy angry!” Lily Shaw suddenly hugged Sylvia Evans’s leg and cried.
Sylvia Evans looked at Lily Shaw, and her heart ached. She hugged Lily Shaw tightly.
“Lily, be good. Mommy will go now,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
“Mommy, don’t go!” Lily Shaw cried loudly. “Mommy, don’t leave me!”
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached violently. She hugged Lily Shaw tighter and tighter. “Lily, be good. Mommy will come back to see you.”
“Mommy, you’re lying!” Lily Shaw cried. “You won’t come back to see me!”
Sylvia Evans’s tears flowed down. She looked at Leonard Carter. “Take good care of her.”
After speaking, Sylvia Evans gently pushed Lily Shaw away, then turned and ran.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Lily Shaw cried loudly and tried to chase after her.
Leonard Carter immediately hugged Lily Shaw. “Lily, be good. Don’t chase after her.”
“No! Dad, I want Mommy!” Lily Shaw cried vigorously.
Leonard Carter hugged Lily Shaw tightly, his eyes filled with pain. He watched Sylvia Evans’s figure disappear.
Five years later, he finally met her again, but she hated him so much.
He knew that he deserved it. He had hurt her too deeply.
He should have believed her. He should have stood by her.
He should have loved her.
But he missed it all. He missed her.
He missed everything.
He hugged Lily Shaw tightly, his face full of pain.
The next day, Sylvia Evans submitted her resignation letter.
She left for another city, wanting to completely escape everything related to Leonard Carter.
However, she found that no matter where she went, she couldn’t forget Leonard Carter.
She missed her child, she missed Leonard Carter, and she missed everything about them.
She decided to go back. She wanted to face everything.
She wanted to get her child back. She wanted to get her love back.
She wanted to get everything back.
She bought a train ticket and returned to city B.
When she returned to city B, she immediately went to the Leonard Group building.
She waited at the entrance of the building, waiting for Leonard Carter to appear.
Not long after, Leonard Carter emerged from the building.
Sylvia Evans quickly walked over to him. “Leonard Carter.”
Leonard Carter was startled when he saw Sylvia Evans. He didn’t expect her to come back.
“Sylvia Evans, what are you doing here?” Leonard Carter asked, his voice cold.
“I want my daughter back,” Sylvia Evans said directly.
Leonard Carter frowned. “She’s Lillian Quinn’s daughter.”
“No, she’s my daughter,” Sylvia Evans said firmly. “She’s my biological daughter. You know it!”
Leonard Carter was silent. He looked at Sylvia Evans, and his eyes were filled with a complicated emotion.
“Leonard Carter, I want her back,” Sylvia Evans insisted.
“Sylvia Evans, you know this is impossible,” Leonard Carter said.
“Why is it impossible?” Sylvia Evans asked loudly. “She is my biological daughter!”
“Because Lillian Quinn loves her very much. She cares about her very much. You can’t take her away,” Leonard Carter said.
“Do you mean to say that because Lillian Quinn loves her, I can’t take her? Then what about me? I’m her biological mother! Don’t I love her?” Sylvia Evans cried loudly.
Leonard Carter was silent. He knew that he was in the wrong.
“Sylvia Evans, I really can’t give her to you,” Leonard Carter said, looking at Sylvia Evans.
“Why not? Just say it!” Sylvia Evans cried loudly.
“Because the Shaw family only recognizes Lillian Quinn as her mother!” Leonard Carter said, finally explaining the real reason.
Sylvia Evans’s face instantly turned pale. Her body trembled, and she looked at Leonard Carter in disbelief.
“What are you talking about?” Sylvia Evans asked, her voice trembling.
“The Shaw family only recognizes Lillian Quinn as her mother. If you take her away, no one will recognize her as a member of the Shaw family. She will lose everything,” Leonard Carter said slowly.
Sylvia Evans’s body trembled violently. Her heart felt as if it had been pierced by countless knives.
She wanted to give her child a good life, but she couldn’t.
She couldn’t let her child lose everything because of her.
“Sylvia Evans, I’m sorry,” Leonard Carter said, looking at Sylvia Evans. “I really can’t give her to you.”
Sylvia Evans cried loudly. She looked at Leonard Carter, her eyes full of pain and despair.
“Leonard Carter, why are you so cruel?” Sylvia Evans cried loudly.
Leonard Carter’s body trembled slightly. He knew that he was cruel, but he had no choice.
He had to protect Lillian Quinn. He had to give Lillian Quinn everything she wanted.
Because he loved Lillian Quinn.
No, he no longer loved her. Perhaps, he had never loved her.
He knew that he loved Sylvia Evans, but he had lost his chance.
He looked at Sylvia Evans. He wanted to say something, but he couldn’t.
Sylvia Evans turned and left. She walked on the street, her tears flowing like rain. Her heart ached so much that it felt like it was splitting open.
She had lost everything.
She had nothing left.
She didn’t know where to go.
She walked aimlessly. Unknowingly, she arrived at a bar.
She walked in and ordered a drink. She drank glass after glass. She wanted to get drunk, she wanted to forget everything.
She wanted to forget the pain.
She drank until she passed out.
When she woke up, she found herself lying in a strange room.
She immediately sat up and looked around.
The room was luxuriously decorated. She looked at the clothes on her body. They were not hers.
She was startled and immediately got out of bed. She wanted to leave.
Suddenly, the door opened, and a man walked in.
The man was handsome and elegant. He was wearing a white shirt and black trousers, looking noble and elegant.
He was… Ryan Shaw.
“Ryan Shaw, why am I here?” Sylvia Evans asked immediately.
“You were drunk and unconscious on the street, so I brought you back,” Ryan Shaw said lightly.
Sylvia Evans looked at him, and her face was full of doubt. “Did you… change my clothes?”
Ryan Shaw looked at Sylvia Evans, and his eyes were deep. “Yes.”
Sylvia Evans’s face instantly turned red. She immediately grabbed the blanket and covered herself. “You… you’re shameless!”
Ryan Shaw chuckled lightly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re quite interesting.”
“You… you get out!” Sylvia Evans shouted, her face flushed with anger.
“Why should I get out?” Ryan Shaw walked to her side and sat down. “You were the one who broke into my house.”
“You… you’re talking nonsense!” Sylvia Evans shouted.
“Am I talking nonsense?” Ryan Shaw smiled, his eyes full of meaning. “Sylvia Evans, you’re quite brave to drink so much and sleep on the street. Aren’t you afraid of being taken advantage of?”
Sylvia Evans flushed with embarrassment. She glared at Ryan Shaw. “You… you’re a pervert!”
Ryan Shaw laughed loudly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re the first woman who dares to call me a pervert.”
“Get out!” Sylvia Evans shouted again.
“Okay, I’ll get out,” Ryan Shaw said, then stood up and walked out.
Sylvia Evans stared blankly at him. Why did he leave so easily?
She quickly got out of bed and ran to the bathroom. She wanted to wash her face.
After washing her face, she walked out and saw a set of clothes placed on the bed.
She put on the clothes. They were a bit big on her, but they were clean.
She walked out of the room and saw Ryan Shaw sitting on the sofa in the living room, reading a newspaper.
“Ryan Shaw, thank you,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
Ryan Shaw looked up at her and nodded lightly. “You’re welcome.”
Sylvia Evans was silent. She didn’t know what to say.
“Are you hungry?” Ryan Shaw asked suddenly.
“Yes,” Sylvia Evans said truthfully.
“Then let’s have breakfast together,” Ryan Shaw said, then stood up and walked to the dining room.
Sylvia Evans followed him.
The maid had already prepared breakfast. Sylvia Evans sat down and started to eat.
Ryan Shaw ate quietly, not saying a word.
After breakfast, Sylvia Evans stood up. “Ryan Shaw, I’m leaving. Thank you for your help.”
“Where are you going?” Ryan Shaw asked.
“I don’t know,” Sylvia Evans said truthfully.
Ryan Shaw looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes deep. “If you don’t mind, you can stay here for now.”
Sylvia Evans was startled and looked at Ryan Shaw. “Me? Stay here?”
“Yes,” Ryan Shaw said. “You don’t have anywhere to go anyway.”
Sylvia Evans was silent. She knew that Ryan Shaw was right. She really had nowhere to go.
“But…” Sylvia Evans hesitated.
“No buts. Stay here. I won’t do anything to you,” Ryan Shaw said directly.
Sylvia Evans looked at Ryan Shaw, and finally nodded. “Okay, thank you.”
From that day onwards, Sylvia Evans lived in Ryan Shaw’s house.
Ryan Shaw was very good to her. He never bothered her and always respected her.
Sylvia Evans felt very grateful to him.
One day, Ryan Shaw came back from work and saw Sylvia Evans sitting alone on the sofa in the living room, looking sad.
“What’s wrong?” Ryan Shaw asked.
Sylvia Evans looked at Ryan Shaw. “I miss my child.”
Ryan Shaw was silent. He knew that Sylvia Evans was talking about Lily Shaw.
“She’s doing well,” Ryan Shaw said softly.
“Really?” Sylvia Evans asked, her eyes full of hope.
“Yes,” Ryan Shaw said. “She’s very healthy and very cute.”
Sylvia Evans’s eyes turned red. “Can I see her?”
Ryan Shaw looked at Sylvia Evans, and his eyes were deep. “Sylvia Evans, you know it’s not appropriate.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. She knew that Ryan Shaw was right, but she still wanted to see her child.
“I just want to see her from a distance,” Sylvia Evans pleaded.
Ryan Shaw was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, I’ll take you to see her.”
Sylvia Evans’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Ryan Shaw.”
Ryan Shaw took Sylvia Evans to Lily Shaw’s school.
They hid in a corner and watched Lily Shaw playing with her classmates.
Lily Shaw was very happy. She was laughing and playing.
Sylvia Evans watched her child with tears in her eyes. Her heart was filled with warmth.
She was very happy to see her child happy.
“She’s very good,” Ryan Shaw said softly.
Sylvia Evans nodded, tears streaming down her face.
They stayed there for a long time, watching Lily Shaw play.
When it was time for school to end, Leonard Carter came to pick up Lily Shaw.
Sylvia Evans immediately hid behind Ryan Shaw, not wanting Leonard Carter to see her.
Leonard Carter walked to Lily Shaw’s side and picked her up.
“Dad, I want to eat ice cream!” Lily Shaw said coquettishly.
“Okay, let’s go buy ice cream,” Leonard Carter said gently.
They walked away, and Sylvia Evans watched them leave.
Her heart was filled with a complex emotion. She was happy that Lily Shaw was living a good life, but she was also sad that she couldn’t be with her child.
“Sylvia Evans, let’s go,” Ryan Shaw said.
Sylvia Evans nodded and followed Ryan Shaw.
On the way back, Sylvia Evans was silent.
Ryan Shaw looked at her. “Are you sad?”
Sylvia Evans shook her head. “No. I’m happy to see her happy.”
“That’s good,” Ryan Shaw said.
After that day, Sylvia Evans often went to Lily Shaw’s school to see her. She always hid in a corner, watching her child from a distance.
She cherished every moment she spent watching her child.
One day, Sylvia Evans was watching Lily Shaw when she suddenly heard a familiar voice.
“Sylvia Evans, why are you here?”
Sylvia Evans’s body stiffened when she heard the voice. She slowly turned around and saw Lillian Quinn standing behind her, glaring at her.
“Lillian Quinn,” Sylvia Evans said softly.
“Sylvia Evans, you really are a ghost that won’t go away!” Lillian Quinn cursed. “Why are you still pestering my daughter?!”
“She’s my daughter!” Sylvia Evans retorted.
“She’s your daughter?” Lillian Quinn chuckled mockingly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re dreaming! She’s my daughter! She has nothing to do with you!”
“She’s my biological daughter!” Sylvia Evans retorted loudly.
“So what if she’s your biological daughter?” Lillian Quinn sneered. “You gave birth to her, but I raised her! So, she’s my daughter! Not yours!”
“You’re shameless!” Sylvia Evans shouted.
“I’m shameless?” Lillian Quinn laughed loudly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re the shameless one! You tried to snatch my husband, and now you want to snatch my daughter! You’re truly despicable!”
“You!” Sylvia Evans was so angry that her body trembled.
“What? Are you angry?” Lillian Quinn looked at Sylvia Evans, her eyes full of disdain. “Sylvia Evans, you’re just a surrogate mother! You have no right to keep the child!”
“I will get my daughter back!” Sylvia Evans said firmly.
“You will? How?” Lillian Quinn laughed mockingly. “Do you think Leonard Carter will help you? Do you think the Shaw family will help you? No one will help you!”
“I will get her back myself!” Sylvia Evans said, her eyes full of determination.
“Then go ahead and try!” Lillian Quinn sneered, then turned and left.
Sylvia Evans looked at Lillian Quinn’s receding figure, her eyes full of anger.
She wouldn’t give up. She would definitely get her daughter back.
She returned to Ryan Shaw’s house and told him everything.
Ryan Shaw listened quietly, his face expressionless.
“Ryan Shaw, I want to get my daughter back. Can you help me?” Sylvia Evans asked.
Ryan Shaw looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes deep. “Sylvia Evans, do you know what you’re saying?”
“I know,” Sylvia Evans said seriously. “I want to get my daughter back. I don’t care what the cost is.”
Ryan Shaw was silent for a moment, then he slowly opened his mouth. “Okay, I’ll help you.”
Sylvia Evans’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Ryan Shaw.”
“You’re welcome,” Ryan Shaw said lightly. “But Sylvia Evans, you need to be prepared. This will be very difficult.”
“I know,” Sylvia Evans said firmly. “I’m not afraid.”
From that day onwards, Ryan Shaw began to help Sylvia Evans.
He used his connections and power to help Sylvia Evans.
They collected evidence, preparing to sue Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn.
The lawsuit was fiercely contested. Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter hired the best lawyers, trying to prove that Sylvia Evans had no right to raise the child.
But Sylvia Evans had Ryan Shaw’s help. Ryan Shaw was very powerful. He found strong evidence that proved that Sylvia Evans was Lily Shaw’s biological mother.
The lawsuit lasted for several months. Finally, the court ruled in favor of Sylvia Evans.
Lily Shaw was returned to Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans hugged Lily Shaw tightly, tears streaming down her face.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Lily Shaw cried happily.
Sylvia Evans’s heart was filled with warmth and happiness. She finally got her daughter back.
Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn’s faces were ashen. They couldn’t believe they had lost.
But they had no choice. The court had made its decision.
After the lawsuit, Sylvia Evans took Lily Shaw and moved out of Ryan Shaw’s house.
She found a new house, and she and Lily Shaw started a new life.
She worked hard, and she loved Lily Shaw very much.
Lily Shaw was also very happy with her mother. She liked to play with Sylvia Evans and would tell her everything.
Sylvia Evans’s life finally returned to peace.
One day, Sylvia Evans received a call from Leonard Carter.
“Sylvia Evans, can we meet?” Leonard Carter’s voice was a little hoarse.
Sylvia Evans was silent for a moment, then she said, “Okay.”
They met at a cafe.
Leonard Carter looked at Sylvia Evans. His face was haggard, and his eyes were red.
“Sylvia Evans, I’m sorry,” Leonard Carter said directly. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have treated you like that.”
Sylvia Evans looked at him and said nothing.
“I… I always thought that Lillian Quinn was my true love. I thought that she was the one I should protect,” Leonard Carter said, his voice full of pain. “But then I realized that I was wrong. I was very wrong.”
“I hurt you too deeply,” Leonard Carter said, tears streaming down his face. “I’m sorry. I really am sorry.”
Sylvia Evans looked at him, and her heart softened. She knew that he was truly remorseful.
“Leonard Carter, it’s all in the past,” Sylvia Evans said softly. “It’s all over.”
“No, it’s not over,” Leonard Carter said, shaking his head. “I want to make it up to you. I want to compensate you.”
“No need,” Sylvia Evans said directly. “I don’t need your compensation.”
“Sylvia Evans, please give me a chance,” Leonard Carter pleaded. “I want to be with you again. I want to be with Lily Shaw.”
Sylvia Evans looked at him, and her heart trembled.
She knew that she still loved him, but she also knew that they could never go back.
“Leonard Carter, we can’t go back,” Sylvia Evans said softly. “It’s all in the past.”
“No, it’s not!” Leonard Carter grabbed Sylvia Evans’s hand. “Sylvia Evans, please give me a chance. I’ll definitely treat you well this time. I’ll definitely protect you well. I’ll never let you suffer again.”
Sylvia Evans looked at his sincere eyes, and tears rolled down her face.
She still loved him, but she was also afraid. She was afraid that he would hurt her again. She was afraid that they would end up hurting each other again.
“Leonard Carter, let’s calm down for a while,” Sylvia Evans said softly. “Let’s give each other some time to think.”
Leonard Carter nodded. “Okay, I’ll give you time. But Sylvia Evans, please believe me, I will definitely wait for you. I will definitely wait for you to come back to me.”
After speaking, Leonard Carter released Sylvia Evans’s hand and left.
Sylvia Evans sat there, her heart filled with a complicated emotion.
She knew that she still loved him, but she also knew that their relationship was no longer simple.
She needed time to think. She needed time to heal.
One month later, Sylvia Evans received a call from Ryan Shaw.
“Sylvia Evans, are you free tonight? I want to invite you to dinner,” Ryan Shaw said softly.
Sylvia Evans was silent for a moment, then she said, “Okay.”
They met at a restaurant.
Ryan Shaw was wearing a black suit, looking handsome and elegant.
“Sylvia Evans, congratulations on finally getting your daughter back,” Ryan Shaw said.
“Thank you, Ryan Shaw,” Sylvia Evans said sincerely. “Thank you for helping me so much. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to get my daughter back.”
Ryan Shaw smiled. “You’re welcome.”
They ate and chatted. Ryan Shaw was still as gentle and considerate as ever.
Sylvia Evans felt very comfortable with him.
After dinner, Ryan Shaw walked Sylvia Evans back to her house.
At the door, Ryan Shaw suddenly said, “Sylvia Evans, I want to tell you something.”
Sylvia Evans looked at him.
“Sylvia Evans, I love you,” Ryan Shaw said directly.
Sylvia Evans was startled and looked at Ryan Shaw in disbelief.
“I know this is a bit sudden, but I really love you,” Ryan Shaw said sincerely. “I’ve loved you for a long time. From the first time I saw you, I fell in love with you.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart was filled with a complicated emotion. She didn’t expect Ryan Shaw to say such a thing.
“Ryan Shaw, I…” Sylvia Evans hesitated.
“Sylvia Evans, I know you still love Leonard Carter, but I hope you can give me a chance,” Ryan Shaw said. “I will definitely treat you well. I will definitely protect you and Lily Shaw well. I will never let you suffer any more grievances.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Ryan Shaw’s sincere eyes, and her heart trembled.
She knew that Ryan Shaw was a good man, and he truly loved her.
But she still loved Leonard Carter.
“Ryan Shaw, please give me some time,” Sylvia Evans said softly. “Let me think about it.”
Ryan Shaw nodded. “Okay, I’ll give you time. I’ll wait for you. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait for you.”
After speaking, Ryan Shaw left.
Sylvia Evans stood at the door, her heart filled with a complicated emotion.
She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know how to choose.
She loved Leonard Carter, but he had hurt her too deeply.
Ryan Shaw loved her, and he treated her very well, but she didn’t love him.
She was very confused.
The next day, Sylvia Evans went to work.
During her lunch break, Lily Shaw called her.
“Mommy, I want to go to the park with you tonight,” Lily Shaw said coquettishly.
“Okay, Mommy will take you to the park tonight,” Sylvia Evans immediately promised.
In the evening, Sylvia Evans took Lily Shaw to the park.
As they were playing, Lily Shaw suddenly saw Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn in the distance.
“Mommy, look! It’s Dad and Auntie Lillian!” Lily Shaw shouted.
Sylvia Evans looked over and saw Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn walking towards them.
Lillian Quinn was holding Leonard Carter’s arm, and her face was full of smiles.
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. She knew that Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn were still together.
“Mommy, let’s go over and say hello to Dad and Auntie Lillian!” Lily Shaw said happily and pulled Sylvia Evans’s hand.
Sylvia Evans hesitated for a moment, then she said, “Okay, let’s go.”
They walked towards Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn.
“Dad! Auntie Lillian!” Lily Shaw shouted happily.
Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn turned their heads and saw Sylvia Evans and Lily Shaw.
Lillian Quinn’s face immediately darkened.
Leonard Carter’s face turned pale.
“Dad, Auntie Lillian, why are you here?” Lily Shaw asked happily.
“Lily, we came to the park to play,” Lillian Quinn said, trying to smile.
“Dad, why don’t you play with us?” Lily Shaw asked.
“Lily, Dad has something to do. He can’t play with you right now,” Leonard Carter said, his voice a little hoarse.
“Oh.” Lily Shaw was a little disappointed.
Lillian Quinn looked at Sylvia Evans, her eyes full of disdain. “Sylvia Evans, why are you here again? Are you trying to pester Leonard Carter again?”
Sylvia Evans frowned. “Lillian Quinn, please mind your words. I’m here to play with my daughter.”
“Your daughter?” Lillian Quinn chuckled mockingly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re dreaming! She’s my daughter! She has nothing to do with you!”
“She’s my biological daughter!” Sylvia Evans retorted loudly.
“So what if she’s your biological daughter?” Lillian Quinn sneered. “You gave birth to her, but I raised her! So, she’s my daughter! Not yours!”
“You’re shameless!” Sylvia Evans shouted.
“I’m shameless?” Lillian Quinn laughed loudly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re the shameless one! You tried to snatch my husband, and now you want to snatch my daughter! You’re truly despicable!”
“Enough!” Leonard Carter suddenly shouted. His face was grim. “Lillian, stop it!”
“Leonard Carter, she’s bullying me!” Lillian Quinn acted like a spoiled child.
“Lillian, stop it,” Leonard Carter said calmly.
Lillian Quinn looked at Leonard Carter and then at Sylvia Evans, and finally closed her mouth.
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter. He still protected Lillian Quinn.
Her heart ached. She knew that she should really give up.
“Leonard Carter, since you and Lillian Quinn are still together, please don’t disturb my life and my daughter’s life anymore,” Sylvia Evans said coldly. “We have nothing to do with each other anymore.”
After speaking, Sylvia Evans took Lily Shaw’s hand and turned to leave.
“Mommy!” Lily Shaw cried out, not wanting to leave.
“Lily, let’s go,” Sylvia Evans said softly, pulling Lily Shaw away.
Leonard Carter watched Sylvia Evans’s receding figure, and his face was pale. His heart was filled with pain.
He knew that he had lost her forever.
He looked at Lillian Quinn. His eyes were full of disappointment.
“Lillian, I’m tired,” Leonard Carter said hoarsely.
“Leonard Carter, what are you talking about?” Lillian Quinn looked at him, startled.
“I said I’m tired,” Leonard Carter repeated. “Let’s break up.”
Lillian Quinn’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you talking about, Leonard Carter? Are you crazy?!”
“I’m not crazy,” Leonard Carter said. “I’m just tired of this kind of life. I don’t want to live like this anymore.”
“Leonard Carter, you can’t do this to me!” Lillian Quinn cried loudly. “You promised me! You promised you’d marry me!”
“I’m sorry,” Leonard Carter said. “I can’t fulfill my promise.”
After speaking, Leonard Carter turned and left, leaving Lillian Quinn standing there alone, crying loudly.
Lillian Quinn couldn’t believe it. Leonard Carter had abandoned her.
She looked at Leonard Carter’s receding figure, and her heart was filled with hatred.
She would never let Sylvia Evans go. She would never let Sylvia Evans be happy.
The next day, Lillian Quinn went to Sylvia Evans’s company.
She burst into Sylvia Evans’s office, her face full of anger.
“Sylvia Evans, you jinx! You ruined my life! You ruined everything I have!” Lillian Quinn shouted.
Sylvia Evans looked at her and said nothing.
“Sylvia Evans, I will never let you go! I will definitely take revenge on you!” Lillian Quinn threatened her.
Sylvia Evans was silent. She knew that Lillian Quinn would definitely take revenge on her.
“Lillian Quinn, I’m not afraid of you,” Sylvia Evans said calmly.
“You’re not afraid of me?” Lillian Quinn laughed mockingly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re just putting on a brave face! I’ll make you pay for what you’ve done! I’ll make you suffer!”
After speaking, Lillian Quinn turned and left.
Sylvia Evans looked at Lillian Quinn’s receding figure, and her heart was filled with a complicated emotion.
She knew that she was in danger, but she was not afraid. She had to protect her daughter.
A few days later, Sylvia Evans received a call from an unfamiliar number.
The person on the other end said, “Sylvia Evans, your daughter is in our hands. If you want her to be safe, come to the abandoned factory outside the city alone.”
Sylvia Evans’s face instantly turned pale. Her body trembled.
She knew that it was Lillian Quinn.
She immediately called the police, but the police said they couldn’t help her until they had more information.
Sylvia Evans was anxious. She immediately called Ryan Shaw.
Ryan Shaw rushed over and immediately understood the situation.
“Sylvia Evans, don’t go alone. It’s too dangerous,” Ryan Shaw said.
“But Lily Shaw is in their hands. I have to go,” Sylvia Evans said, her eyes red.
“I’ll go with you,” Ryan Shaw said directly.
“No, you can’t,” Sylvia Evans said. “They said I have to go alone. If they see you, they might hurt Lily Shaw.”
Ryan Shaw frowned. He knew that Sylvia Evans was right, but he couldn’t let her go alone.
“Sylvia Evans, I’ll arrange for people to follow you secretly. Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you and Lily Shaw,” Ryan Shaw promised.
Sylvia Evans nodded. “Okay, thank you, Ryan Shaw.”
Sylvia Evans went to the abandoned factory alone.
As soon as she entered the factory, she saw Lillian Quinn standing in front of her, holding a knife in her hand.
Lily Shaw was tied to a chair, her mouth covered with tape. She was crying loudly.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Lily Shaw cried, her voice muffled.
Sylvia Evans’s heart ached. She rushed to Lily Shaw’s side.
“Lillian Quinn, what do you want to do?” Sylvia Evans asked angrily.
“What do I want to do?” Lillian Quinn laughed mockingly. “Sylvia Evans, I want to kill you! I want to kill your daughter! I want to make you suffer!”
“Lillian Quinn, if you hurt Lily Shaw, I won’t let you go!” Sylvia Evans threatened her.
“You won’t let me go?” Lillian Quinn sneered. “Sylvia Evans, who do you think you are? You’re just a nobody!”
Lillian Quinn raised the knife in her hand and was about to stab Sylvia Evans.
At this critical moment, a figure suddenly rushed in and pushed Lillian Quinn away.
It was Leonard Carter.
“Leonard Carter, what are you doing?” Lillian Quinn shouted, her face full of anger.
“Lillian, stop it!” Leonard Carter shouted. “You’re crazy!”
“I’m crazy? I’m crazy because of you!” Lillian Quinn cursed. “You abandoned me! You ruined my life! I want you to pay the price!”
Lillian Quinn raised the knife again and attacked Leonard Carter.
Leonard Carter easily dodged her attack.
At this moment, Ryan Shaw and his men rushed in.
Lillian Quinn saw Ryan Shaw and his men and knew that she was finished. She immediately turned and ran.
But she was quickly caught by Ryan Shaw’s men.
Ryan Shaw went to Lillian Quinn and took the knife from her hand.
Leonard Carter immediately went to Sylvia Evans and untied Lily Shaw.
Lily Shaw immediately rushed into Sylvia Evans’s arms. “Mommy! Mommy! I was so scared!”
Sylvia Evans hugged Lily Shaw tightly, tears streaming down her face. “Lily, don’t be afraid. Mommy is here. Mommy will protect you.”
Leonard Carter looked at Sylvia Evans and Lily Shaw, and his eyes were filled with pain.
He knew that he had almost lost them.
He looked at Ryan Shaw. “Ryan Shaw, thank you.”
Ryan Shaw nodded. “You’re welcome.”
The police quickly arrived and took Lillian Quinn away.
Sylvia Evans, Lily Shaw, Leonard Carter, and Ryan Shaw were left in the factory.
“Sylvia Evans, are you okay?” Leonard Carter asked, looking at Sylvia Evans.
Sylvia Evans shook her head. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.”
“Sylvia Evans, I’m sorry,” Leonard Carter said again. “I shouldn’t have let you suffer so much.”
Sylvia Evans was silent.
“Sylvia Evans, please give me a chance,” Leonard Carter pleaded. “I want to be with you again. I want to be with Lily Shaw. I want to make it up to you and Lily Shaw.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Leonard Carter. His sincere eyes made her heart tremble.
She knew that she still loved him, and he loved her too.
But she didn’t know if she should choose to be with him again.
She looked at Ryan Shaw. Ryan Shaw looked at her, his eyes full of love and understanding.
Sylvia Evans took a deep breath. She made a decision.
“Leonard Carter, I…” Sylvia Evans hesitated.
Ryan Shaw suddenly came over and held Sylvia Evans’s hand. “Sylvia Evans, let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
Sylvia Evans looked at Ryan Shaw, and then at Leonard Carter.
She finally made a choice.
She chose Ryan Shaw.
“Leonard Carter, I’m sorry. I can’t be with you,” Sylvia Evans said softly. “I have already chosen Ryan Shaw.”
Leonard Carter’s face instantly turned pale. He looked at Sylvia Evans, his eyes full of disbelief.
“Sylvia Evans, why?” Leonard Carter asked, his voice shaking.
“Leonard Carter, you and I are destined to be separated,” Sylvia Evans said calmly. “We have hurt each other too deeply. We can’t go back.”
After speaking, Sylvia Evans took Ryan Shaw’s hand and turned to leave.
Leonard Carter stood there, his body trembling. He watched Sylvia Evans and Ryan Shaw leave, and his heart was filled with unbearable pain.
He had lost her forever.
He had lost everything.
He thought that he would never see Sylvia Evans again, but a few months later, at Ryan Shaw’s wedding, he saw Sylvia Evans again.
Sylvia Evans was wearing a white wedding dress, looking beautiful and radiant. She was holding Ryan Shaw’s hand, and her face was full of happiness.
Leonard Carter watched them, and his heart was filled with pain.
He knew that he had totally lost.
He was the one who had abandoned her. He was the one who had hurt her.
Now, she had found her happiness.
He should be happy for her.
He smiled bitterly. He raised his glass and drank all the wine in it.
He thought that he would forget her, but he knew that he would never forget her.
She would always be in his heart.
He quietly left the wedding, not wanting to disturb their happiness.
He walked on the street, his heart filled with a complicated emotion.
He knew that he had to learn to let go.
He had to learn to live without her.
He had to learn to be happy without her.
But he knew it would be difficult. It would be very difficult.
The end.
Chapter 5
On the day of the birthday banquet, Leonard Carter personally drove to pick her up.
He was alone in the car.
“Aren’t you bringing Lillian Quinn?” Sylvia Evans asked calmly.
Leonard Carter frowned. “I’ll keep you two apart from now on, so you won’t get so angry.”
Sylvia Evans twitched the corner of her mouth.
It wasn’t that he was afraid of upsetting her; he was afraid she would bully Lillian Quinn.
In his heart, Sylvia Evans was already a wicked woman.
The banquet was grand. Leonard Carter held Sylvia Evans’s hand the entire time, presenting her with jewelry and famous paintings. He even whispered coaxingly, “I’ve finally managed to win you over this time, haven’t I?”
Sylvia Evans looked at him, suddenly recalling the past.
When he made her angry, he would also humble himself and coax her like this, and Sylvia Evans would always soften and forgive him.
But this time was different.
He used her parents’ lives as leverage, trampled her dignity underfoot, and publicly auctioned her private photos…
Even if he laid the world at her feet, it wouldn’t make up for it.
Just as Sylvia Evans was about to speak, the banquet hall doors suddenly burst open—
Lillian Quinn stood timidly at the doorway, dressed in a white gown.
Leonard Carter’s expression changed. “Didn’t I tell you to stay in the villa?”
Her eyes were slightly red: “I… I want to celebrate my sister’s birthday, and I’ve brought a gift…”
“I don’t want to see you,” Sylvia Evans said coldly.
Leonard Carter, however, had already motioned for a waiter to arrange a seat for Lillian Quinn, and he quietly said to Sylvia Evans, “She kindly came to celebrate your birthday. Let’s consider the previous incident water under the bridge.”
At the banquet, although it was Sylvia Evans’s birthday celebration, Leonard Carter’s attention was entirely on Lillian Quinn.
As the band struck up a dance tune, he originally took Sylvia Evans’s hand, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Lillian Quinn’s tearful expression. Ultimately, he turned and walked towards Lillian Quinn instead.
Sylvia Evans stood in the corner, watching them embrace and dance, her heart numb.
The song ended, and Lillian Quinn complained sweetly that her high heels were rubbing her feet.
Leonard Carter immediately went downstairs himself to buy her flat shoes.
She took the opportunity to walk up to Sylvia Evans and shook her phone, “Sylvia Evans, you probably don’t know this, but all the gifts Leonard Carter gave you were things I didn’t want.”
“To attend your birthday banquet, he still had to report to me, sending me messages every minute…” She proudly showed off the chat history. “Look, he said, ‘Baby, just bear with it a little longer, I’ll be back to be with you soon.’”
Sylvia Evans was already utterly disheartened: “What exactly do you want?”
“I want you to step down.”
“Soon,” Sylvia Evans said, looking at her calmly. “I will completely step aside.”
Lillian Quinn narrowed her eyes, lost in thought. Just as Sylvia Evans thought Lillian had bought her story, the next moment, Lillian suddenly grabbed Sylvia’s hand and slapped herself hard!
“Bang!” A crisp slap rang out.
When Leonard Carter rushed over, he saw Lillian Quinn covering her face, tears streaming down.
“Sylvia Evans!” he roared, “Are you bullying her again?!”
“I didn’t.”
“I saw everything!” He grabbed Sylvia Evans’ wrist, with such force it almost crushed her bones. “Was the last lesson not enough? I told you, however you treat Lillian Quinn, I will return it tenfold!”
Lillian Quinn shook her head, sobbing, “Forget it… it doesn’t matter…”
“With me here, what are you afraid of?” Leonard Carter tenderly wiped away her tears. “I told you, you can do anything, even if you turn the world upside down, it doesn’t matter.”
“Don’t always be timid and hesitant; that just invites bullying.”
After speaking, he directly instructed his bodyguards to hold Sylvia Evans down, and said to Lillian Quinn, “However she hit you, you hit her back ten times.”
Lillian Quinn pretended to be scared: “I-I don’t dare…”
“I’ll teach you.”
He grabbed her hand and slapped Sylvia Evans fiercely!
“Wham!”
“This time, I’m teaching you to fight back.”
“Bang!”
“This is to teach you not to be timid.”
“Clang!”
Third time, fourth time…
Sylvia Evans was in so much pain that her vision blurred, blood seeped from the corner of her mouth, and her ears rang, yet she gritted her teeth, not uttering a sound.
It was on the tenth strike that Leonard Carter finally stopped.
Guests whispered around, “Mrs. Carter is really pitiful. Today is still her birthday…”
“Serves her right, for bullying people…”
Leonard Carter gently took Lillian Quinn’s hand: “Does it hurt? I’ll take you to get some medicine.”
With that, he scooped up Lillian Quinn and left without a backward glance.
The bodyguard released Sylvia Evans, who slumped to the ground, her cheek stinging painfully.
Yet, her heart ached a thousand times more than this.
Leonard Carter, I regret it. I regret falling in love with you.
I’m so full of regret.
Sylvia Evans suddenly regained consciousness. The sunlight streamed through the window, blinding her for a moment. She squinted, struggling to adapt. The familiar warmth and scent of her room enveloped her. The old-fashioned alarm clock on the nightstand showed it was six-thirty in the morning.
She glanced at the calendar on the wall, marking July 29th. Her heart skipped a beat. She abruptly sat up, her eyes wide with disbelief. July 29th was the day she died in her previous life.
Sylvia Evans quickly got out of bed, rushed to the small mirror, and gazed at her reflection. Her youthful, innocent face stared back, a stark contrast to the haggard, lifeless face she had seen in her last moments. This was her at twenty years old, full of vitality.
She pinched her cheek hard. The pain was real. She wasn’t dreaming! She had truly been reborn and returned to the most painful day of her previous life. In her last life, on this day, Leonard Carter’s fiancée, Lillian Quinn, came to mock her. Afterward, Margaret Evans and Richard Evans forced her to abort the child in her womb.
Lillian Quinn, wearing a white dress, sat gracefully on the sofa. As she stirred her black coffee, she watched Sylvia Evans, who was being held by the servants, and smiled faintly. “Sylvia Evans, you should know your place. Leonard Carter loves me. The child in your belly is a mistake, a blemish. It doesn’t deserve to exist!”
The image of Lillian Quinn’s arrogant face, her words accusing her child of being a mistake, flashed in Sylvia Evans’s mind. Her anger flared, and she gritted her teeth, vowing that this time, she would protect her child and never let them be a victim!
She had not caused her parents’ deaths in her previous life. George Quinn and Helen Quinn were the true culprits! Not only did they cause the car accident that killed Richard Evans and Margaret Evans, but they also conspired to frame her and force her to abort her child. Leonard Carter, that scoundrel, was also involved!
In this new life, she would expose their true colors and make them pay for their actions! She would protect her loved ones and ensure her child’s safety.
Sylvia Evans quietly headed downstairs. From the living room, she overheard a conversation between Margaret Evans and Richard Evans. “Honey, you’ve been working so hard lately. You look very tired. You should pay more attention to your health.”
“It’s nothing. Our daughter is getting married soon, so I want to give her a bountiful dowry.” Richard Evans chuckled, putting his arm around Margaret Evans.
Sylvia Evans’s eyes welled up. In her previous life, tricked by Leonard Carter, she stole the marriage contract from her father’s study. The company fell into the hands of the Quinn family, which led to her parents’ tragic deaths. This time, she would not repeat the same mistake. She would make sure those who harmed her family paid the price.
“Margaret Evans, Richard Evans, it’s not suitable for you to go out today. Stay home. There’s good news waiting for you at home,” Sylvia Evans said with a smile as she walked into the living room, her eyes sparkling.
“What good news?” Margaret Evans and Richard Evans asked in unison, surprised to see her.
“You’ll know soon enough,” Sylvia Evans teased, heading upstairs to avoid their questions. She quickly changed into a light blue dress and applied a natural, simple makeup look. Then, she went to the study. As she approached, she heard voices from inside. She recognized them as Leonard Carter’s and Lillian Quinn’s. They were saying things that made her blood boil.
“Leonard Carter, when will we get married? I’m so looking forward to our wedding!” Lillian Quinn’s voice was sweet and sugary.
“Soon, my dear. Once I get the marriage contract from Sylvia Evans’s father, we’ll marry immediately. Then, the Evans family’s company will be ours!” Leonard Carter said, his voice full of slyness.
Sylvia Evans pushed open the study door and smirked. “What a wonderful plan! But you’ll never succeed!”
Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter were startled by her sudden appearance. They quickly composed themselves. Lillian Quinn feigned innocence, while Leonard Carter looked cold and indifferent. “Sylvia Evans, what are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” Sylvia Evans strode into the study, walked up to Leonard Carter, and slapped him hard across the face. “Leonard Carter, you’re despicable! You used me to get the marriage contract from my father. Do you think I’m still that foolish girl?”
Leonard Carter’s face burned with pain and humiliation. He glared at Sylvia Evans, his eyes filled with hatred. “Sylvia Evans, you dare hit me?!”
“I’ll do more than just hit you!” Sylvia Evans grabbed a vase from the desk and smashed it against Leonard Carter’s head. The vase shattered, and he collapsed, unconscious.
Lillian Quinn shrieked, “Leonard Carter!” She tried to rush to his side, but Sylvia Evans grabbed her hair and pulled her back.
“Lillian Quinn, you’re even more despicable than him!” Sylvia Evans held Lillian Quinn’s head and slammed it against the wall, causing her to fall unconscious.
Sylvia Evans took a deep breath. Her actions felt liberating. She quickly picked up the marriage contract from the desk and left the study. She went downstairs to the living room, where Margaret Evans and Richard Evans were sipping tea, oblivious to what had just happened.
“Margaret Evans, Richard Evans, this is for you,” Sylvia Evans said, handing them the marriage contract.
Margaret Evans and Richard Evans took the contract, confused. “What is this?”
“It’s a marriage contract. Leonard Carter and Lillian Quinn conspired to get it from us,” Sylvia Evans explained, her voice calm.
Margaret Evans and Richard Evans instantly paled. “What?! How could they be so brazen?”
“They even wanted to harm you, but I stopped them,” Sylvia Evans said, her eyes welling up with tears. “Margaret Evans, Richard Evans, you two must stay safe. I can’t lose you.”
Margaret Evans and Richard Evans embraced Sylvia Evans. “Don’t worry, we’re fine,” they said, stroking her hair. “We have to be careful from now on.”
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the door. “Lillian Quinn, Leonard Carter, what happened to you?!” George Quinn and Helen Quinn shrieked as they rushed into the living room, seeing their unconscious daughter and son-in-law.
George Quinn and Helen Quinn glared at Sylvia Evans. “Sylvia Evans, what did you do to Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter?!”
“They tried to steal our marriage contract, so I taught them a lesson,” Sylvia Evans calmly replied.
George Quinn and Helen Quinn were outraged. “How dare you! We’ll make you pay for this!”
“You’re the ones who should pay!” Sylvia Evans retorted, her voice firm. “You’re responsible for my parents’ deaths in my previous life. I’ll make you pay for your crimes!”
George Quinn and Helen Quinn looked at each other, their faces pale. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know!” Sylvia Evans accused. “You planned the car accident that killed my parents, and you framed me! Now, it’s time for you to taste your own medicine!”
George Quinn and Helen Quinn were speechless. Their scheme had been exposed. Sylvia Evans pulled out her phone and called the police. “Hello, I want to report a murder. George Quinn and Helen Quinn killed my parents, Richard Evans and Margaret Evans.”
The police quickly arrived and took George Quinn, Helen Quinn, Lillian Quinn, and Leonard Carter into custody. Sylvia Evans accompanied them to the police station to give her statement. The police carefully investigated the case, and with Sylvia Evans’s assistance, they found strong evidence against George Quinn and Helen Quinn.
The court sentenced George Quinn and Helen Quinn to life imprisonment. Lillian Quinn and Leonard Carter were also sentenced to prison for their involvement in the conspiracy. Justice was served, and the truth finally came to light.
Sylvia Evans felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had avenged her parents and protected her family. Her child was safe, and she could finally live a peaceful life.
In the blink of an eye, two years passed. Sylvia Evans’s child, Lucas Shaw, was born a healthy and clever boy. Sylvia Evans also started her own company and achieved great success.
However, she still hadn’t found the child’s father. All she knew was that he was a mysterious man named Ryan Shaw. She had no idea where Lucas Shaw was, or how to contact him. She had tried to search for him, but he was nowhere to be found.
One day, while Sylvia Evans was visiting the park with Lucas Shaw, she noticed a handsome man playing with a little girl. Lucas Shaw, seeing the girl, excitedly called out, “Lily! Lily!”
The man turned around, and Sylvia Evans’s heart skipped a beat. It was Ryan Shaw! And the little girl with him, Lily Shaw, was a beautiful child who looked exactly like Lucas Shaw.
Ryan Shaw looked at Sylvia Evans, then at Lucas Shaw. He smiled warmly. “Sylvia Evans, you’re finally here.”
Sylvia Evans was stunned. “You knew I’d come?”
Ryan Shaw nodded. “I knew we’d meet again. Lucas Shaw and Lily Shaw are twins. They both need their mother.”
Sylvia Evans was overwhelmed with emotion. She hugged Lucas Shaw and Lily Shaw tightly. Ryan Shaw looked at her, his eyes filled with love. “Sylvia Evans, marry me. Let’s create a complete family.”
Sylvia Evans’s heart pounded. She looked at Lucas Shaw, then at Lily Shaw, and finally at Ryan Shaw. She loved him, and she knew he loved her. “Yes, I will!”
Ryan Shaw embraced Sylvia Evans, and Lucas Shaw and Lily Shaw cheered. Two months later, Sylvia Evans and Ryan Shaw held a grand wedding. All their friends and family attended the wedding, wishing them happiness and a long, joyful life together.
After the wedding, they lived a blissful life. Sylvia Evans continued to manage her company, while Ryan Shaw took care of the children and managed his own business. Lucas Shaw and Lily Shaw grew up to be bright and clever. They loved their parents and each other deeply, bringing much joy to the family.
In her previous life, Sylvia Evans had endured countless hardships and pains. But in this new life, she found her true happiness, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. She realized that even through difficult times, hope and love can always prevail. As long as you persevere and believe in yourself, you can overcome any obstacle and find true happiness.