If only… this child were Franklin’s biological son, how wonderful it would be.
The President was filled with regret.
He cast a dissatisfied glance at Sylvia. What use are you? You can’t even bear a child.
After all these years of marriage, was it all for nothing?
He couldn’t even have a grandson to hold.
It was infuriating!
The more the President thought about it, the more displeased he became. Marrying any random woman wouldn’t have resulted in being childless, right?
His gaze towards Sylvia grew increasingly resentful.
Franklin noticed the President’s sinister look and his eyes darkened slightly. “Father, Sylvia performed your surgery when no one else in the hospital was willing to take it on. It was extremely complex and delicate, with a high degree of difficulty.”
The implication was that Sylvia saved your life, so stop causing trouble here.
The President snorted coldly, his words dripping with disdain and arrogance, much like Lucille’s previous insolence. “I’ve seen the child. Accepting him is already my greatest concession.”
Franklin wanted to tell him to get lost!
But he held back. “Then take care on your way out.”
The President and Lucille left the Hipps Family estate with Marco, Sabrina, and their entourage of bodyguards and security personnel.
The entire banquet hall suddenly felt silent.
The Hipps Family members were infuriated by the President and Lucille, but in front of so many people, they could only swallow their anger.
Finally, Clare approached Mr. Clarke with some apology, “We’re sorry for what happened to Mrs. Clarke at the Hipps Family; it was our oversight.”
“It was just an accident. I just hope Lucille doesn’t vent her anger on the entire Clarke Family. After all, we are just a small family,” Mr. Clarke sighed and addressed everyone present, “We are all families friendly with the Hipps Family, so I hope everyone keeps today’s events to themselves. It’s better for all of us. If word gets out, my wife’s reputation is a small matter, but Mr. Hogan’s name… I really don’t want my wife associated with him.”
“We understand, Mr. Clarke.”
“We will keep it to ourselves.”
“This was just a minor incident; it’ll be forgotten by tomorrow.”
Mr. Clarke looked gratefully at everyone. “Thank you!”
After chatting for a while longer, everyone took their leave from the Hipps Family.
In just a few minutes, the banquet hall became empty, and servants began tidying up the aftermath in an orderly fashion.
Sylvia helped Queena to the sofa to rest. “Grandma, you just got out of the hospital not long ago; you should rest early.”
Queena shook her head, a hint of sadness on her face. “The President really doesn’t like you or Alex. Your grandfather and I are getting old. We don’t know how much longer we can be with you.”
“Alex is such a poor child; his biological father is like that, and his biological mother is in Stannland. Since our family has adopted him, we must treat him well and not let him live in the shadows,” Mr. Hipps said as he joined Queena on the sofa, speaking earnestly. “Franklin, although the President is your father, no matter what he does, we must raise Alex. I hope you understand this.”
“I like Alex very much too; I’m his guardian!” Franklin held Sylvia’s hand tightly. “No matter what happens, we are family. Right now, the most important thing is to find Mother. Sylvia and I firmly believe she is still alive in this world.”
“Re… really? Do you really think so?” Mr. Hipps asked with a trembling voice, his weathered eyes filled with faint hope. “If she’s really still alive, that would be wonderful.”
“Yes!” Queena gave a bitter smile. “We don’t know if we can find her, but hopefully we can.”
After chatting for a while longer, the family members retired to their rooms to rest.
The night was deep and quiet.
The research institute was vast and silent in the darkness.
A masked woman kicked open a room door with a bang and yanked a sleeping woman from her bed, slapping her hard across the face with a sharp crack!
The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the silent room.
The woman on the bed awoke instantly from the blow and glared coldly at the masked woman before her. “What madness is this?”
Even though she wore heavy cold iron shackles on her feet while she slept and was trapped in this research institute like a prisoner, she remained calm and composed without a hint of disarray.
Her slender figure carried an air of indomitable spirit.
“You’ve raised quite a daughter! She embarrassed my son and slapped me in the face; I’ll repay it double on you!”
The masked woman’s eyes locked onto her like a venomous snake as she grabbed her hair and slammed her head against the wall repeatedly. “Bang! Bang! Bang!”
“A wretch only gives birth to wretches! Who’s your daughter’s father? How dare you bring your illegitimate child here to challenge me! Who does she think she is?”
Blood flowed continuously from the woman’s forehead as she stared at the masked woman before her, ignoring her own dizziness and blood streaming into her eyes. Her voice hoarse, she shouted, “You’ve seen my daughter! I’m telling you! If you dare harm a single hair on her head, I won’t let you go!”
“Do you have that ability? You should look at yourself in a puddle!”
The masked woman yanked her hair again and dragged her to the bathroom, pressing her face against the mirror forcefully. “Have you seen clearly? You’re old and ugly! If you don’t quickly produce what I want, I’ll find dozens of men for you! Then you’ll cry for help in vain; I’ll make your life worse than death! I have thousands of ways to deal with you.”
“Your daughter is indeed beautiful! But so what? One day I’ll destroy her! Ruin that pretty face of hers!” The masked woman was filled with malice as she turned on the faucet; water quickly filled the sink.
She shoved the bloodied woman’s head into the water forcefully as she struggled to breathe. “Let… let me go!”
“Let you go? Ha!” The masked woman watched as she nearly drowned before pulling her head out of the water abruptly and slapped her again before throwing her to the floor, kicking her several times with her high heels until she was exhausted.
She crouched down slowly, gripping the woman’s wet chin tightly. “You look so much like your daughter! Both so cheap and vile. Too bad your daughter will never have children in this lifetime. Such good genes wasted; aren’t you heartbroken?”
The woman’s pale lips trembled as disbelief flashed in her eyes. “What did you say… What did you do to her? Why can’t she have children?”
After asking this question, she suddenly laughed-a laugh filled with despair. “Did you give her Love Parasite?”
Her voice hoarse as she questioned, “Did you plant Love Parasite in her body?”
Struggling to rise from the floor with all her might, she lunged at the masked woman, pinning her down and gripping her throat tightly. “You’re the most ruthless and vicious woman in this world; you’re nothing but a snake! How dare you do this to my daughter! Die! Die!”
“Die!”
The masked woman fought back desperately; she hadn’t expected this woman to try killing her.
Tears streamed from the woman’s eyes as she cried out, “You don’t deserve to live in this world; I hate you!”
The masked woman’s throat was nearly crushed by her grip; she hadn’t anticipated such strength from this woman and regretted not bringing bodyguards along.
She moved her leg and reached for one of her high heels with an extended arm-bang!
She struck the woman hard on the back of her head.
Already weakened by previous abuse from her captor, darkness enveloped her vision as she lost consciousness.
Her hands released their grip on the masked woman’s throat simultaneously.
The masked woman scrambled up from the floor in disarray but didn’t relent; instead kicked her several more times before finally leaving.
After leaving still unsatisfied with rage boiling within herself made phone call ordering subordinates inject Monica Vinegar Fire drug believing it would subdue rebelliousness once injected becomes addictive unable quit easily
“Okay,” the subordinate immediately agreed
Vinegar Fire was one of those things that once you started using it, you couldn’t quit.
It seemed that the woman had annoyed Ma’ma again! She just wouldn’t learn. She had to suffer some setbacks before she’d listen to reason.
The gentle morning breeze rustled the leaves, and the sunlight filtered down, casting a soft, warm glow.
Franklin carried Alex downstairs straight to the Hipps Family restaurant. Early in the morning, the family members had already gathered around the dining table.
“Is Alex awake? Come over and have breakfast quickly. You’re going to the early-education specialty class later!” Queena waved at him with a beaming smile. “You fell asleep so early last night. You have no idea how lively the banquet was!”
“Great-grandma,” Alex called out, then sat up straight at the table and picked up a small spoon.
Sylvia was so versatile. How could she let the child learn nothing? Naturally, one should start developing skills from a young age.
One day on the weekend was set aside for learning special skills, and the other day was for free play. After all, the child was still young. You couldn’t put too much pressure on him.
Franklin sat beside Sylvia. He turned to her and said, “The robot competition has started. The venue is at the Robot Science and Technology Museum in Aettosa Capital City. Do you want to go with me? Vaughn and the guys are here.”
“Sure! I heard that the Hogan family and the Sweeney family also have teams participating in the competition.” Sylvia had been keeping an eye on the robot competition the previous day. “And didn’t some competitors use dirty tricks to stop Vaughn and his team from winning before? We need to keep a close watch this time.”
“You’re right,” Franklin nodded. “I heard that the Hogan family has a very high-end R & D team behind them. It’ll be a good chance to see what they’re capable of.”