"It's different this time. They're interested in getting to know you. Your reputation has grown since those days; you're a celebrity now, Sunny. I'm not trying to hurt you. Won't you come back and see for yourself?"
Moira was truly unaware of her husband's schemes. She simply wished for Sunny to emerge from her heartbreak, embrace life anew, rather than languish at home, like a soul hiding from the light.
"Mom, stop worrying about me. I'm fine now," Sunny offered a few comforting words, then abruptly said, "I'm not going back. Gotta go, bye!"
And with that, Sunny ended the call.
But her harsh refusal angered her stepfather.
Patricia had invited Richard and Nick over for dinner, but they declined.
In truth, Richard and Nick were in foul moods.
Leo and Catherine's successful engagement felt like a bad omen to them, dampening their fighting spirit.
As for Nick, since returning from the engagement party, he'd been like a lost soul, sullen and withdrawn, neglecting work, and spending days drinking on the sofa.
Richard, arms crossed, watched his son's lifeless state and sneered. "One woman has got you this down? How will you manage the family business?"
Nick remained silent, head down, staring at the floor, eyes bloodshot.
"Can't you be more ambitious? Once you take Blake's position, think Catherine will overlook you?" Richard stepped closer, snatching the alcohol bottle from Nick's hand, his voice rising.
"If I really take Blake's spot, will she be mine?" Nick lifted his head, a fierce glint in his eye.
Richard sneered. "Women are all power-hungry. I don't believe Catherine loves Blake for anything but his power."
"I don't think so," Nick muttered, bitterly.
"Don't be foolish! How about a bet? If you take Blake's spot, and Catherine doesn't favor you, I'll forfeit my place in the Royal Wolf Pack!" Richard sneered, confident in his analysis.
Nick closed his eyes, slumping back on the sofa, a picture of despair.
"How easy do you think it is to knock Blake off his pedestal?" He'd lost all confidence.
Once, he thought himself clever, handling everything with ease. Yet repeated failures proved he wasn't as smart as he thought. Evil deeds often backfired, causing more harm than good.
Richard's face darkened, anger flaring. "Precisely because it's not easy, we can't quit! Get up!"
He grabbed Nick's collar, yanking him to his feet.
"Today's Christmas's Eve. We can't be down in the dumps. Let's go out for dinner!" Richard wore an undaunted look, unwilling to give up despite setbacks. He had his final card up his sleeve.
The Royal Pack's dinner was sumptuous.
The family gathered around the table, enjoying a meal together in happiness.
The two children ran around joyfully, their laughter filling the air.
For the Royal family, it was a joyful year after more than a decade.
After dinner, Blake and Leo took the kids out to watch fireworks.
The fireworks soared into the sky, exploding into dazzling light, breathtakingly beautiful.
Patricia pushed Emerson's wheelchair, with Abigail and the two young wives trailing behind.
Ahead, the two little ones hopped excitedly, a heartwarming sight.
When the fireworks ended and the excitement faded, Leo drove off with Sunny.
Blake and Catherine had settled the children, who, after a day of high spirits, slept soundly.
Blake entered the bedroom to find Catherine in a fitted turtleneck sweater, her slender figure elegant, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching distant fireworks.
He approached from behind, encircling her waist with his arms, his lips near her ear, voice gentle and charming. "Merry Christmas!"
Catherine shuddered, turned, and embraced him, burying her face in his chest. "I'm so happy, because I met you!"
"Really?" Blake's lips curled upward, his mood visibly bright.
"Yes. I never thought I could find the children's biological father. I always felt sorry for not giving them a complete family. It's all thanks to you that my wish came true." Catherine laughed softly, no longer sounding sad.
Blake, however, said apologetically, "It's my fault. I didn't find you earlier, letting you and the kids suffer."
"No, it's not your fault. It's mine. I was so guarded at first. If you hadn't been patient with me and caring towards the kids, we might never have reached this point. You might have given up halfway, and I would have left out of resentment. It's your persistence and true love that moved me. This is all your doing!" Catherine affirmed.