Chapter 45: The Todd Family's Past

Kai's first wife, Isabella Wood, came from a wealthy antique-dealing family. At only 23, he became a major general and married her—a match many envied. Their marriage was initially happy, and they had a son, Giovanni Todd, within the first year. Sadly, Giovanni died at the age of two due to illness, and Isabella's health declined afterward. Kai's career, however, continued to flourish, and he became involved with Thatta Spence, his leader's daughter. During this time, Isabella became pregnant again.

Eight months pregnant, she discovered Kai's affair with another woman, Thalia, who even flaunted her own pregnancy. Isabella, enraged, went into premature labor and died from excessive bleeding. Their unborn child, Iker, grew up without a mother and became withdrawn.

The Wood family, wanting to maintain ties with the Todd family, considered marrying another Wood woman to Kai. Unexpectedly, Kai drunkenly slept with his sister-in-law, Poppy Wood, Isabella's sister. Poppy thus became Kai's third wife.

Threatened by the Wood family, and with Iker needing care and Thalia pregnant, Kai married both Thalia and Poppy simultaneously. Thalia gave birth to Davon Todd; two years later, Poppy gave birth to Sophie Todd. Poppy, a top student at Harvard University, was studying finance and management.

Kai's romantic entanglements didn't end there. He adopted a six-year-old girl, Erica, who became a respected figure in the Todd family. Three years ago, on Erica's eighteenth birthday, she became his fourth wife, attracting significant media attention. Kai, in his fifties, marrying an eighteen-year-old, caused much whispered amusement.

Kai showered his young wife with affection, buying her family a house and paying off her brother's substantial gambling debts (billions). Last year, Erica gave birth to twins, further solidifying her place in the family.

Poppy, without a son, relied on Thalia, affectionately calling her "sis." Thalia, however, harbored deep resentment. She had believed herself rid of Isabella, only to have Poppy thrust into the family as another wife.

The Spence family, though not influential in business, were well-known. Thatta had numerous suitors but chose Kai, enduring ridicule for her choice. Her relief at marrying him was short-lived, with the arrival of Poppy and subsequently, Erica.

For years, Thalia and Poppy clashed, but Erica’s arrival united them against a common enemy – a younger, more beautiful rival. The older women were forced to compete with a woman who could have been their daughter. Erica's behavior was brazen; she openly displayed affection for Kai in public.

Kai, fearing conflict among his wives, purchased a large villa, where they lived separately. Erica lived with him in the main house. Thalia resided with Davon in a luxurious clock tower, while Poppy lived in a secluded villa. Kai visited his other wives, but favored Erica.

Iker, reclusive and moody after breaking his legs, rarely left his nearby villa. Cheyenne, a visitor, was surprised by Kai's lifestyle. Erica, upon losing a poker game to Thalia, dramatically complained to Kai, exaggerating her losses. Kai indulged her, readily writing a check for twenty million. Erica’s jealousy flared at the sight of Cheyenne. Kai introduced Cheyenne as Miss Lawrence, who had come to treat Iker. Erica apologized to Cheyenne. Thalia, seizing the opportunity, made a sarcastic comment, which resulted in an argument between Erica and Thalia. Layne, impatient to treat Iker, wished the women would cease their squabbling.

(The provided text ended abruptly. There is likely more to the chapter.)