Zoe's performance was convincing, but Shea was not swayed.She could tell the difference between deception and sincerity by looking at a person's eyes.Shea could tell that Zoe was fawning over her brother, but she did not think that she truly cared about her."Big Brother asked me to thank you," Shea said angrily. "I won't."Zoe glanced at Mrs. Scarlet then said, "Would you mind stepping out for a moment? I'd like to speak to Shea alone."Mrs. Scarlet felt slightly troubled, but now that Zoe was the Foster family's savior, she did not dare offend her.Once Mrs. Scarlet was out of the room, Zoe said, "I don't know why you're always so hostile toward me, Shea. Did someone say something bad about me to you? Ever since I returned to the country, I've been painstakingly researching and coming up with your treatment plan. Why can't I get a simple word of thanks from you?"Shea went straight to the point and said, "I don't think you're the one who performed the surgeries."She could

Mike and the children had their ears glued to the door of the master bedroom and were eavesdropping.Avery's loud roar earlier lured them over.Moments later, the door opened without warning.Mike almost fell into Avery's embrace.Avery stared at them in bewilderment and said, "What are you guys doing?""Who were you fighting with, Mommy?" Layla asked as she looked up at Avery. Her innocent eyes were filled with curiosity. "Was it Dirtbag Dad?""Your mother turns a little feral in front of him and her enemies," Mike teased. "Otherwise, she's a perfect lady.""Oh, so Dirtbag Dad's Mommy's enemy."Layla was on point.Avery felt a throbbing pain in her temples.She walked out of her room and went downstairs."There's dinner for you in the kitchen, Avery!" Mike said to her back. "Okay.""I'll help the kids wash up. Let's talk after you eat," Mike continued.With one hand on the banister, Avery turned her head and asked in confusion, "What's there to talk about? Why can't you

The next day, Elliot showed up at the intensive care unit first thing in the morning.Shea's mind turned cloudy after drinking the soup that Mrs. Scarlet made her the night before.She felt drained and fell asleep.When she woke up after a night of sleep, her eyes were lifeless.That was until Elliot appeared."How are you feeling today, Shea? Does your head hurt?"His gentle, familiar voice returned her emotions, and they gave her some facial expressions. "Why isn't Avery coming to see me, Big Brother?" she asked dejectedly.Elliot's brows furrowed slightly, and the tenderness in his eyes disappeared."She won't come see you. Don't think about her or her children anymore, Shea."She was even more upset now."None of you believe me… Avery spoke to me. She asked me a lot of questions…"Elliot's heart ached at the sight of his sister's sickly complexion."It's not that I don't believe you. Perhaps she really did speak to you, but it was only in your dreams.""Really?" Shea

Elliot took his leave after dinner.He wanted to drop by the hospital to see Shea.The other Foster family members also left soon after.Once Rosalie retired to her room, Cole opened the door to Zoe's room.Zoe had been staying at the old mansion since her pregnancy became public."You're amazing, Dr. Sanford!" Cole exclaimed after he entered the room and shut the door behind him. "You actually managed to handle someone as difficult as my uncle! Should I start calling you Aunt Zoe soon?"The smile Zoe wore was elegant and calm as she said, "Of course. Once we're engaged, I will be his fiance. What's the difference between a fiance and a wife?""Congratulations! It's just…" Cole said as a look of concern appeared on his face. "Is there a way to make sure my uncle doesn't suspect the baby you're carrying? After all, we have to depend on the kid to get my uncle's inheritance!"Zoe's face changed as she said, "There's no way I'm letting this child live!"A wave of gloom washed ove

Avery in the master bedroom of Starry River Villa. Avery was suffering from jet lag ever since her return at six in the morning and had gone to sleep. Layla rushed to the bed, held her mother's hand in hers, then cried out in a baby-like voice, "Mommy! Wake up! I have something to tell you! Hurry and wake up!"Avery vaguely heard the sound of her daughter's voice and struggled to open her eyes."Shea said she's dying, Mommy! Please save her!" Layla pleaded when she saw her mother's eyes open.Avery instantly jolted awake.She sat up in bed and saw Shea standing next to Layla.She took a breath, wanting to refuse, but the words that ended up coming out of her mouth were, "Why do you think you're dying, Shea?"Mrs. Scarlet interjected before Shea could respond, "She's been exhausted ever since the surgery. She's always tired even after sleeping all night. She's just sluggish all day—""Has she gotten a checkup at the hospital?" Avery asked.Mrs. Scarlet shook her head and said,