Theodore's face darkened immediately, and he instinctively wanted to move toward Rebecca. However, just as he started, Wyatt stopped him. Wyatt grabbed him and pointed to several bodyguards not far from Stacey. Seeing the bodyguards, Theodore regained his senses. He stopped and smiled bitterly.
After a long time, Stacey and the man left. The man, woman, and three children appeared to be a happy family, and Theodore felt a pang in his heart.
"That man is Hayden Hoggard, the CEO of Hoggard Technologies," Wyatt explained briefly.
When Theodore heard that, he was stunned. His eyes were filled with confusion, and it took him a long time to process the information. Then, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Wyatt looked into Theodore's eyes and saw shock in his expression. He sighed and continued, "When Reb- Stacey's grandmother was alive, she was best friends with Hayden's grandmother. There was even talk of an engagement between Stacey and Hayden when they were very young."
"Later, tragedy struck. Stacey was taken away by traffickers when she was three years old, and neither the Carter family nor the Hoggard family were able to locate her for more than 20 years. After some events, Hayden got married but soon divorced. He is now raising a child on his own. It's the one who was with Stacey just now. The child really likes Stacey and has always wanted her to be his mother," Wyatt added.
Theodore's eyes reddened again, and his hand trembled uncontrollably. He had always assumed that after he divorced Rebecca, no one would want her. He had always believed that she would come to regret her decision. He thought that if he managed the Edwards Group well and surpassed the Carter family, Rebecca would regret it.
While Theodore was pondering, Wyatt's phone suddenly rang. Wyatt paused and then took out his phone. Wyatt's expression softened as he realized it was his son who had called. He gave Theodore a quick glance before answering the video call.
"Daddy!" As soon as the call connected, a little boy appeared on the screen, excitedly calling out to him.
Listening to the boy's voice, Wyatt felt warmth in his heart. He responded, "Yes, I'm here."
The little boy, however, wasn't happy. He pouted and said, "Daddy, you've been gone for so long. When are you coming back?"
When Wyatt heard that, he was silent for a moment. After a pause, he gently coaxed, "I have some things to deal with recently, so it may be a while before I can return. In the meantime, Alex, please stay with Ms. Young and be a good boy. Okay?"
"I don't want to!" Alex's expression changed instantly, and he anxiously pleaded, "Daddy, I want to be with you. Please come back soon. I really miss you."
Wyatt's expression softened after he heard that. He looked at Alex and said gently, "I miss you too, but I really have something important to do right now. I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
Hearing his father's words, Alex paused for a long time, his stubborn expression gradually fading. Eventually, he nodded his head.
Wyatt wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt that Theodore seemed even more dejected. Theodore borrowed forty thousand dollars from him. It was once a small sum for Theodore, but it was now a substantial sum for both of them.
Wyatt hesitated for only a moment before agreeing because he felt he owed it to Theodore. After giving Theodore the money, Wyatt asked Theodore about his future plans. Theodore announced that he would start over.
Despite Theodore's casual tone, only those who had been through it could truly understand the upcoming challenges. Moreover, for Theodore, it was not as simple as just starting over. After all, before this, he directly inherited the Edwards family business.
Wyatt was not sure if Theodore could regain his success, but as a friend, he hoped so. What happened in the past could not be changed anymore, but the future could still be strived for. As for Alex's background, Wyatt didn't tell Theodore and didn't plan to. Alex was the most innocent person in the entire sequence of events, more so than Rebecca and her two children.
Nonetheless, Alex was just a child. His life should not be tainted by adult grievances and condemned to a life of misery. Stacey didn't know about Alex, but she did know that Theodore and Wyatt had been appearing around the neighborhood for the past few days.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love me or leave me (Rebecca and Theodore)