CHAPTER 369: CHAPTER 369: THE ABANDONED FATHER

Ruby Sullivan looked at the screen, watching Honey and Seth Sterling—their little golden and silver pearls—drop down, looking so pitiful, that her nose turned sour and her eyes reddened. "Be good, my darlings. Mama will see you tomorrow, okay? Don’t cry anymore. Mama promises you’ll open your eyes and see her first thing."

The little ones nodded in agreement.

After hanging up, Ruby Sullivan covered herself with a blanket, weeping silently for a long time until she felt a little better. The children shouldn’t be sacrifices in their relationship, but this time, she really can’t choose family for the sake of the children.

Meanwhile, the two little ones looked at each other’s tear-streaked faces and felt upset again. They cried facing each other for a long time, comforting each other only when they were exhausted.

Honey leaned against her brother, asking with a bit of a whimper, "Brother, can I sleep with you tonight? Mama isn’t home, and neither is dad, and I’m a little scared."

Seth Sterling patted her shoulder. "Of course, with me here, you don’t have to be scared."

But after lying down, Honey couldn’t fall asleep no matter what. She turned over, looked at her brother, and softly asked, "Will mom and dad separate this time?"

"Maybe..."

"Then... will someone not want us?"

"No, even if mom and dad separate, they’ll still be our mom and dad. It’s just that maybe one won’t be there every day." Actually, Seth didn’t know how things would change, but he really felt that having mom and dad together was good now. Mom always wore the same smile as Honey; isn’t that better?

Honey thought for a while and said, "I still want to support mom. If mom is happy only by living separately from dad like last time, I’ll have to see dad a little less. After all, I didn’t see dad for the first five years, and I grew up fine." So, seeing dad less would make Honey a little less sad compared to seeing mom less.

"I think the same." Seth always wished for mom’s happiness. Those first five years with dad were dull; only when mom and sister appeared did he discover more colors in life. As for dad, he’s so capable, even living alone won’t be a problem.

Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but say, "If dad really wants to separate, let dad move out. Dad can move back to The Sterling Estate; there are Vivian, Uncle, and Aunt there, so he won’t be alone."

"Mm, let’s have dad move out." Honey agreed, feeling her brother was right, and her heart settled down.

Currently, lying sleeplessly in bed, worrying about his wife, Ethan Sterling was unaware that his son and daughter had already given up on him, which was somewhat pitiful.

The next day, Seth opened his eyes right on time, seeing Honey still asleep. He tiptoed to get up and wash, only to smell a strong aroma of food as he walked to the living room.

Hearing the noise, Ruby Sullivan came out of the kitchen. "Son, good morning."

"Mama!" He was surprised and delighted, running over to hug her leg.

Even though mama had said she would be there when they opened their eyes, Seth didn’t think she’d be there this early since mom rarely got up before them, especially on weekends when she usually didn’t have breakfast.

Ruby Sullivan, hands covered in dough while preparing three-flavored steamed dumplings, bent down and kissed her son’s forehead. "Go wash up, and then have mama’s breakfast."

"Okay." Seth smiled wide. "I’ll go wake up sister."

Soon after, Honey ran to the dining room and hugged mama. "Mama, I’ve missed you so much. You’re finally back!"

Ruby Sullivan squatted down to cuddle with her daughter for a while before instructing her to wash up for breakfast.

Mama Bennett chuckled. "They were wilting these days, asking every morning when you’d return."

"The company is at a crucial stage, there’s no choice." Ruby Sullivan vaguely replied.

"I understand. There was also a time when the husband was away day after day, coming back reeking of alcohol. Sigh, it’s not easy for anyone."

Not wanting to discuss further, Ruby Sullivan fell silent.

*

When Gwen Yates finished getting ready to head out, Skylar Aldrin was still asleep. She gently woke him, said a word, and kissed his face before leaving.

Since they reconciled, Skylar Aldrin moved into Gwen Yates’ place. Though freeloading wasn’t quite fitting for a man, Skylar was determined to marry Gwen, so he didn’t mind.

Initially, he remained guarded, suspecting Gwen’s approach was utilitarian. But after spending time together, he only saw his girlfriend’s warmth and tenderness, quickly casting away doubts.

To smooth relations with the Aldrin Family, Gwen suggested Skylar say his internship was because of her, so Aldrin parents thought Gwen had saved their unpromising son. Though they looked down on the Yates Family, they decided to turn a blind eye to the relationship.

She took a taxi to the private club where she arranged to meet Rhonda Sullivan.

Rhonda Sullivan had prepared an English royal breakfast, waiting for her: the fine tea poured into gold-rimmed ceramic cups, and the exquisite bread, ham, and salad looked very appetizing.

Upon entering, Gwen Yates hugged Rhonda Sullivan, and after sitting down with a smile, she said excitedly, "Renee, I heard Ruby Sullivan is on a business trip recently? Do you know any insider information?"

"Business trip?" Rhonda Sullivan frowned. "Nirvana’s been oppressed lately beyond recognition because the cooperation on the contract side went awry, putting the launch of the second fragrance in jeopardy. How could she have the time for a business trip?"

"Could it be to solve the company’s issues? Skylar Aldrin said Mr. Sterling’s been acting strange lately, supposedly related to Ruby’s business trip."

Rhonda Sullivan frowned, then smiled, "Business trip? No way. If anything, she’s hiding from Ethan Sterling after things spiraled out of control. No man can tolerate being cuckolded, regardless of the reason—the label sticks forever. And as head of such a large enterprise, this scandal is widely known. Even blocking news can’t erase the knot in his heart. This time, Ruby Sullivan and Ethan Sterling are definitely done."

Gwen Yates flashed a satisfied smile but didn’t add further comment.

Though things hadn’t settled completely, imagining it felt satisfying. Nevertheless, exercising verbal restraint seemed wise.

She took out a USB drive from her purse and handed it over. "This is everything I heard from Skylar Aldrin this week about The Sterling Group’s projects. Ethan Sterling’s main goal recently is targeting Tyler Aldrin. However, the overseas battle with The Lawson Group has somewhat affected domestic cash flow, causing some projects to be delayed or even abandoned."

"Hmph, Ethan Sterling opposing L is just overestimating himself. I’ll see how badly that woman ruins him before he opens his eyes!" Rhonda Sullivan said through clenched teeth.