Chapter 3

I said, "Wilfrid, Humbert, and Ava are the children we raised. I can't develop feelings for my biological kids solely because of blood ties."

I pointed at Travis's chest and rebuked him.

I continued, "Wilfrid has worked diligently at the company over the years and earned recognition from that group of old board members.

"Do you want to expose the secret now, so the board can use the excuse that he isn't a legitimate Wood to kick him off the board?

"Humbert just graduated from university. If this matter leaks now, how will he secure a firm footing in the finance department or win support?

"Do you want him to suffer rumors and gossip daily at the company? Is that what you want?

"Ava finally got engaged to Neil, the heir of Lethyr's most prestigious family, and the wedding is just around the corner.

"Do you really want to ruin the happiness she worked so hard to achieve at this moment?

"How do you expect the Moss family to treat her afterward? How should she position herself within the Moss family?"

Travis was momentarily speechless.

He couldn't say a word for a long time.

He stared at me in shock.

I sneered coldly, "Wilfrid is close to marrying the eldest daughter of the Hicks family.

"Although Humbert is not in a hurry, if you expose this matter now, how will he find a decent girl in the future?"

The children quickly stepped forward to separate Travis and me.

Both of my sons were busy comforting Travis.

Ava came over to soothe me.

She said, "Mom, I know you and Dad are doing this for our sake. But you shouldn't fight with Dad over this. It only harms your relationship."

The frustration I held inside finally eased.

Fortunately, Ava was sensible and understood me.

I said, "Good girl, I know you worry about mom and dad. Even if I die tomorrow, knowing that I have such a thoughtful and caring daughter like you leaves me no regrets."

Ava said, "Mom, stop saying that. You and Dad are definitely going to live a long life!"

Ava pretended to be displeased and frowned, "You'd better stop."

She made me laugh. "Alright, I won't say it again. I am still waiting to see you have a baby."

A flush appeared on Ava's cheeks.

She shyly turned aside.

I smiled and held her in my arms.

I whispered to her, "No matter what, you will be my only daughter."

Since that unpleasant parting, Travis and I have been cold to each other for almost a week.

He insisted on bringing our real children home.

I firmly opposed his decision.

I even threatened to divorce him if he dared to do so.

At first, we gave each other cold shoulders whenever we met.

Later, I gradually sensed something was wrong.

Upon checking, I found out he planned to secretly bring our biological children to another villa, assign someone to care for them, and have the servants look after them.

Before he could arrange for our biological children to be brought there, I immediately started arguing with him again.

I said, "If you insist on raising those three elsewhere, we will divorce immediately!"

Travis said, "Celeste, when will you ever stop? How long will you keep this up? Those are my real kids. What's wrong with me looking after them?"

I said, "I said no, and that means no. What if they get greedy and reveal the truth to the world?

"What do you want Wilfrid and the others to do? I absolutely won't allow them to harm my children!"

Travis raised his hand in frustration.

He said, "You are utterly unreasonable and stubborn."

I widened my eyes, feeling heartbroken and wronged.

A lump formed in my throat. I couldn't help but accuse him of being heartless and ungrateful.

I said, "We've been married for over twenty years, and you've never raised your voice at me even once.

"But now you actually want to hurt me because of those bastards.

"Travis, I really misjudged you.

"If I had known this, I wouldn't have married you. You can go ahead and be all lovey-dovey with that damned poor woman!"

Travis's face darkened.

He slammed his hand down suddenly.