Chapter 20

Seven months later, Jolene gave birth to twin daughters. After discussing it with Cedric, they decided Clarissa Norwood would be the Norwood family's successor, and Jamie Miller would be the Miller family's successor.

During Jolene's pregnancy, Cedric completed six months' worth of work in advance while caring for Jolene. Therefore, he had ample free time to help with the children after their birth. Coupled with Gloria's help, Jolene was able to rest adequately.

After about a month, the couple brought their twins to the Norwood residence. Louis was overjoyed. He divided the expensive jewelry and accessories that belonged to his late wife equally between his two granddaughters.

The other elders prepared various gifts. Charles and Paige transferred ownership of an amusement park to the twins, calling it a gift for their nieces. Jolene remembered the amusement park was initially intended for Preston. She glanced at him subconsciously and noticed how haggard he looked since she last saw him several months prior.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, Preston raised his head, blinked a few times, and then looked away, his eyes bloodshot. Cedric followed Jolene's gaze, spotting Preston and furrowing his brows.

In the year since he and Jolene married, Cedric rarely inquired about Preston's affairs, though he heard about them occasionally. While Cedric disapproved of Preston's wild, rebellious nature, he was still his brother's son. As head of the Norwood family, Cedric couldn't simply ignore Preston's self-pity.

After dinner, Cedric asked to see Preston in the study. No one knew what they discussed, but when Preston emerged, his expression was visibly brighter, his eyes more lively. Louis, Charles, and Paige were relieved.

On the way home, Jolene's curiosity overwhelmed her. "Honey, what did you two talk about in the study?"

Cedric adjusted the blankets on the twins and took Jolene's hand. "I put him in charge of the project in Jeronto."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

Cedric patiently explained to the puzzled Jolene, "He drinks every day because he's been pampered and fixated on his heartbreak. Keeping him busy will distract him. If anything bad happens to Preston because of his drinking, it will only break Charles and Paige's hearts."

Years passed, seasons changed, and the twins grew. Soon, they learned to say "Mommy" and "Daddy."

Since marrying, the workaholic Cedric adopted a 9:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule. After work, he followed Jolene's instructions, buying sweets, toys, and flowers. Before he entered the house, the twins would run to him, calling for their father.

Even the stern CEO was often overwhelmed by his daughters' demands. One moment he'd be swinging Clarissa, the next playing with Jamie's toy train. He had little time to rest.

Meanwhile, Jolene sat on the couch, leisurely eating fruit and smiling at Cedric's busy activity.

After four or five years of this "torture," even Cedric couldn't take it anymore. They sent the twins to kindergarten.

On their first day, Cedric waved goodbye, let out a long sigh of relief, took Jolene's hand, and walked away.

Seeing Cedric's relief, Jolene playfully teased him. "Someone said having two daughters was wonderful, that they wanted to watch them grow every moment and even suggested a home kindergarten. Yet, after a few years, they're already giving up?"

Chapter 2