Chapter 13

Rebecca smiled slightly at her mother, feeling very happy. Debra saw her daughter's smile and thought, "That little smile, oh, it almost takes my breath away. She's so beautiful when she smiles. We definitely chose the right name for our baby. Her smile suits the nickname, Becky, perfectly." She pinched Rebecca's cheek, grinning. "Oh, my baby, you look so beautiful when you smile! You should smile more often. How wonderful it would be to be happy and joyful for a lifetime!"

Rebecca felt helpless. After spending the past few days with her mother, she understood her better. Debra was forthright and happy-go-lucky, saying and doing whatever she pleased.

Rebecca worriedly asked, "Mom... Theodore wants to change the kids' last name and birth certificate. What should we do?"

After more time with her mother, Rebecca felt it best for her and her children to sever ties with the Edwards family; their influence would be detrimental to her children. However, she worried the Edwards family's influence in Macloria would make changing the children's birth certificates and last names easy. She feared she couldn't change her children's fate.

Debra looked at her with reproach. "Why? You don't have faith in the Carter family?"

Rebecca was speechless and bewildered.

Debra smiled. "Sweetheart, don't worry. I'll call your older brothers. They have many connections. If we have someone crack down on this, no matter how powerful the Edwards family is, they won't be able to change the children's birth certificates and last names without your consent. According to the law, changing a child's birth certificate requires both parents' consent."

She pulled out her phone and contacted Adrian and Bryce, urging them to handle the matter immediately. She believed strict enforcement would prevent loopholes, thus preventing Theodore from changing the children's birth certificates and last names without Rebecca's consent.

Adrian and Bryce, understanding the seriousness, agreed and immediately sought help.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Theodore called immediately after leaving Rebecca's room. He insisted the children bear his last name and have their birth certificates recorded in his family records. The Edwards family's extensive connections secured an arrangement within minutes; he only needed to submit the documents. However, it was late, and the change couldn't happen immediately. With the weekend intervening, the earliest possible date was next Monday during the Civil Registry Office's business hours.

Nonetheless, Theodore wasn't worried; he believed it would be easily handled in a few days.

As for Rebecca… Theodore recalled her actions over the last two days and became irritated. He pondered, "Ever since Rebecca gave birth, she's been different. She used to always look at me with those pathetic, pleading eyes, which were quite annoying! But now, she barely looks at me and even dares to talk back and demand a divorce. She really wants a complete divorce. It seems like most of the time… she's focused on the children and that woman named Debra who suddenly appeared." The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became. He finally stopped, took out his phone, and called a friend to go out for drinks.

That evening, Rebecca and Debra received good news. Patrick had finished his work in Hivalis and could come to Maeloria next week. He hadn't wanted to stay in Hivalis a moment longer after his daughter's birth but had unfinished work, leaving him only a few days with Rebecca in the hospital. Now, everything was settled. He could bring a team to Maeloria, organize the branch store opening, and spend time with his daughter and grandchildren.

News of the Carter family opening a branch in Maeloria spread quickly. The Carter family's jewelry store was renowned throughout the country, even among international celebrities. Their jewelry was considered the best, and their store was the first choice for anyone wanting to buy jewelry. The Maeloria upper class was thrilled; they no longer had to travel to Hivalis.

Even Janet, a new mother and entertainment industry veteran, was excited. She loved using Carter family jewelry for its quality, design, authentic materials, and international recognition. It was also one of the world's top 100 luxury brands, attracting media attention. She knew the new store would launch new products. She planned to secure the latest limited luxury items for her post-maternity return.

Janet immediately called her agent, Lisa, instructing her to gather details about the branch opening, including new product launches and the opening ceremony invitation. Attending would enhance her status and potentially lead to a brand ambassadorship.

"Janet, is this for real? Is the Carter family really opening a store in Maeloria?" Lisa asked, incredulous.

"Of course! Get the information, and get me that invitation!" Janet insisted.

"Got it," Lisa agreed.

Janet added, "And look for new comeback opportunities."