On the other end of the phone, Theo felt a sudden jolt. After all, he had been in the business world for many years and had some insight. Lorian calling him like this meant he was here to hold him accountable. Could it be that he had misjudged, and Lorian actually valued his younger daughter?Theo put on a fawning expression and said, "Why are you being so distant, Lorian? Just a few days ago, you were calling me father-in-law."Lorian, of course, didn't buy into his flattery. Holding his phone, he spoke directly, "I heard that my wife was slapped in front of drivers and servants when she went back to the McKinney Villa."I don't care how you throw your weight around at home, but Tegan is my wife. She also bears the Sanders family name. What makes you think you have the right to lay hands on someone from the Sanders family? "Do you want something to happen to your otherwise smooth business? Do I look like someone you can walk over?"Theo flatly denied it. Lorian didn't give him

Children?Tegan was stunned for a moment. She recalled that they hadn't used protection in the two times they had sex. It was clear that Lorian wanted a child.Lorian didn't deny it. He spoke calmly as he paid, "Two kids, probably. Preferably a brother and sister."For a while, Tegan didn't respond. He turned to look at her, lowering his head slightly. "What's wrong?"Tegan lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes trembling slightly. It took her a while to muster the courage to look up at him. "What if I can't have a son, Lorian?"Tegan's mother had given birth to two daughters and had become infertile after a difficult delivery. Her mother hadn't been able to have a son and had lived a hard and tragic life. Tegan was afraid of following in her mother's footsteps. She was afraid of being rejected by Lorian.Lorian looked at her quietly with his dark eyes and smiled faintly. "A daughter is also wonderful! The Sanders family still has Ocelotte, after all."Tegan sighed in relief

A son, Jennifer said. Tegan felt a twinge of sadness in her heart. She didn't want to upset her mother, so she said nothing. She merely responded softly, "Mm-hmm."Since Tegan planned to stay overnight at the McKinney Villa, she made a point of calling Lorian at four in the afternoon to inform him of her plans. Tegan added, "There's no need to trouble Philip in the morning. I'll have the driver from home take me to school."Lorian was at the Sanders Group, sitting in the CEO's office. He held the phone while talking to Tegan, reviewing the documents on his desk. After he ensured everything was in order, he signed them and handed them to Kris. "Make copies and distribute them."Kris didn't leave immediately. She quietly asked, "Would you like to invite Ms. Tegan to tonight's year-end company banquet?"Lorian had already hung up the phone. He smiled faintly. "Tegan is at her parents' house. Maybe next time."Kris said nothing further and left the office with the documents in h

The married couple ate in surprising silence.The household servants tried to lighten the mood with a few jokes, but the young married couple didn't smile. Soon, the servants fell silent.As they neared the end of the meal, Lorian put down his utensils and looked at Tegan. He spoke softly, "The photo was taken by a reporter. Nothing happened last night. I won't be inviting the female celebrity's company again."Tegan understood that this was his attempt at an explanation.She believed Lorian's words, as someone in his position would have little reason to lie to his wife. However, this emotionless explanation felt more like it was meant for his wife, whoever it may be, instead of because he cared about her.Tegan was clear about her own priorities. She gave a soft hum in response, choosing not to mention her exclusion or ask any questions. Tegan's discretion pleased Lorian. In his mind, the incident was over. He lightly patted her arm and said, “I’m going to the study to handle s

Lorian squinted slightly as he observed Tegan conversing with the tall, well-dressed man beneath the Maple tree. She was relaxed, which was a stark contrast to the tension she often displayed with him. The man’s refined aura and his lingering gaze on Tegan spoke volumes. There was an unmistakable trace of admiration and affection in his eyes.In the depths of winter, a man willing to stand outside with a woman could only be after either her affection or something more, Lorian mused. He had little patience for such displays, so he approached them directly."Tegan."Lorian was just a step away from Tegan when he called out to her. She looked up in surprise. Clearly, she was not expecting him to be there to pick her up. After a moment’s hesitation, Lorian extended his hand toward the man."I'm Lorian. I'm Tegan's husband," Lorian introduced himself. His tone was polite and firm.Dustin was indeed surprised. He was familiar with Lorian, who was the president of the Sanders Group. Ho