Chapter 407

Winifred had climbed the ranks in the Umbrella Organization, second only to Fay. She’d earned her place through sheer grit, proving she wasn’t merely riding on coattails. After wrapping up a tough job, she got home, shrugged off her coat, and headed straight for the bathroom. She needed a soak—she reeked of blood.

She had just settled into the tub when the door clicked open. Instantly, she tensed, but as soon as she recognized the familiar footsteps, Winifred relaxed and sank back into the water. Rowena walked in wearing a strappy nightgown. Seeing Winifred soaking in the tub, her eyes softened with concern. She slowly walked over and placed her hand gently on Winifred’s shoulder.

“Let me give you a shoulder rub,” Rowena offered quietly.

Winifred didn’t think anything of it. After all, she and Rowena had been living together for years; they were close, so this felt perfectly natural. But the next moment, Winifred sensed something was wrong.

Rowena kept pressing toward her collarbone. Winifred’s eyes flew open just as Rowena’s cool lips suddenly pressed against hers. Winifred’s pupils trembled. Water splashed everywhere as she bolted from the tub, fleeing to the door. She leaned against it, chest heaving, her eyes full of disbelief.

Winifred hurriedly got dressed and was about to leave when Rowena grabbed her from behind, pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Winifred, don’t go. Will you stay with me for a bit?” Rowena pleaded softly.

The press of their bare skin made Winifred’s whole body jolt. She’d always been calm and collected, but right now, her heart was in total chaos—she had no idea what to do.

Winifred pulled Rowena’s hands away. “I have something to take care of,” she said, trying to sound calm, but inside, she was a mess. Winifred couldn’t believe it. When did Rowena start feeling this way? How did she not notice anything at all?

“No, that’s not right!”

Actually, maybe there were signs… she just never thought about it that way, she wondered. Rowena was no longer the naive little starlet she once was. Now, she was a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, a household name across the country. But in the end, all she really wanted was just one person by her side.

“Winifred, I need to tell you something. You know—” Rowena started.

Before she could finish, Winifred quickly cut her off. “Rowena, stop. I don’t want to hear it. We’re best friends—always have been, always will be. Get some rest, okay? I really have to go take care of something.”

With that, Winifred briskly left, but Rowena ran after her.

“Stop! Winifred, stop right there!” Rowena shouted.

Rowena’s shout made Winifred stop, but she didn’t look back. Upstairs, Rowena was wearing a black spaghetti-strap top. Her skin was so fair it almost seemed to glow, and her long legs made her five-foot-seven frame look even taller. She slowly walked down the stairs in her sandals.

“Rowena, I’ve already said everything I needed to say.” Winifred was about to leave when her legs suddenly went weak beneath her. Her eyes widened as she spun around. “You… you drugged me!”

Rowena came up beside her. “Winifred, we’re best friends, aren’t we? Do you like Fay or Sean?”

Winifred couldn't answer her at a moment like this. There was no way… But Winifred quickly realized the drug had already worn off. Looking into Rowena’s pained eyes, Winifred didn’t know what to say. Tears slid from the corners of Rowena’s eyes, and she looked completely shattered, as if the whole world had wronged her.

“Just go. The drug only lasts three minutes,” Rowena said, her voice hollow as she turned her gaze away.

Winifred stood up, watching Rowena’s lonely figure as she walked upstairs. She gritted her teeth and turned to leave. As she heard Winifred’s footsteps fading away, Rowena clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms.

The new year had arrived, and the Hart family was buzzing with excitement. The place was lit up with lanterns and decorations, firecrackers popping nonstop. The three little kids were dashing around the yard, and as soon as they saw Sienna coming over, they swarmed her like bees flocking to a flower. “Mommy!”

Sienna bent down and sat with them, gently wiping the sweat from their foreheads. Her voice was soft, and her eyes seemed to overflow with endless affection. “Hey, easy,” she said softly.

Caleb blushed, gave Sienna a quick kiss, then shyly hid behind Matthew. Meanwhile, Renee pouted. When she saw Sienna get kissed by Caleb, she immediately burst into tears. Julian hurried over and scooped Renee into his arms. “Renee, tell Daddy who bullied you?”

Renee pointed straight at Caleb. As usual, Caleb got a good scolding from Julian. “Dad, I didn’t bully her! Renee’s just being a drama queen,” Caleb protested. “Dad, are you seriously spanking me right now?” he whined.

“Julian Ford, when I grow up, I’m totally unplugging your life support! And I’m gonna find myself ten new stepdads!” he shouted, milking the drama for all it was worth. “Help! Aunties, uncles, save me! Julian Ford is abusing me! Mommy!” he wailed, his cries echoing through the house.

Sienna took Matthew and Renee by the hand. “That’s enough. Don’t scare him.” Julian hadn’t even raised his hand, but Caleb was already bawling like he’d been through some kind of torture. Anyone listening would think he’d just survived a disaster.

Sienna scooped Caleb up and kissed his chubby little cheek. Caleb hid in her arms, sniffling pitifully, but shot a triumphant look at Matthew and Renee. Renee pouted and clung to Sienna’s leg, her babyish voice totally melting Julian’s heart.

“Mommy, I want a hug too! And a kiss!” she said, her voice all soft and adorable.

Julian said, “Renee, how about Daddy gives you a hug?” Renee looked up at Julian and could only nod.

Chapter 407

“Matthew, I got this for you,” Nathan said, handing him a book. Matthew’s eyes lit up—it was a simplified business guide, just the kind he liked. “Thanks, Uncle Nathan.”

“You’re welcome! Come on, I’m taking you to get something super tasty,” Nathan grinned, scooping Matthew up as he walked toward Vivian.

Hudson trailed behind Amber, dragging his suitcase. “Sienna, I’m back,” she called out. Sienna waved them over. “Glad you’re home! Dinner’s almost ready.”

“Okay.” Amber slipped off her coat and handed it to Hudson. The international academic conference had really broadened her horizons this time.