Chapter 1

In the best obstetric room of Dansburg's Hope Hospital, Celeste clung tightly to the railing of the delivery bed, her knuckles turning white. Her body was drenched in cold sweat as she endured the pain from the contractions.

The attending doctor gently reassured her, "Don't be afraid. The baby will be born safe and sound soon. Just hang in there a little longer."

Celeste nodded, but tears welled in her eyes as her heart broke.

They would take the baby away once he was born. She had carried him for ten months and watched as her belly grew. Although she tried not to form any emotional connection, her heart ached deeply at this moment. She couldn't help but apologize profusely.

Her eyes turned red. She didn't want to give up this baby, but she had no choice. After giving birth, she would take the money and cut all ties with him.

Another wave of contractions struck her, and Celeste passed out from the pain.

Regret surged inside her as she begged for them to let her keep the baby. She was willing to forgo the money. But no one could hear her inner pleas.

The doctor administered anesthesia, and her consciousness began to fade. Darkness closed in, and she lost all sensation.

An hour later, Celeste woke up in a hospital room. She found herself alone in an empty room with a check for one million dollars on the bedside table.

Celeste felt like a huge piece of her heart had been ripped out. She instinctively touched her now-flat belly, tears streaming down her face. She would never feel a mischievous young one moving around her belly anymore. She hadn't even had a chance to see the baby.

The thought of never seeing the baby again devastated her.

The door burst open before she could release her sorrows, and Stacy strutted in confidently in heels.

Celeste felt a moment of panic and instinctively tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in her abdomen stopped her. She couldn't handle the painful effects of giving birth and collapsed back onto the bed, her face pale.

Stacy stood by the bed and looked at her mockingly.

"It's you, Celeste!"

"What are you doing here?" Celeste asked, shocked and furious, her eyes filled with disgust and anger.

Stacy was unfazed. She smirked victoriously and said, "William and I are preparing to be engaged, and I came for a pre-marital check-up. I didn't expect to run into you here! Oh, Celeste, look at you now! You sold your body for money to have a baby for someone else."

"Shut up!"

Celeste grabbed whatever she could on the table and threw it at Stacy. She detested the woman before her. Her movements sent a jolting pain through her body.

Stacy dodged the attacks easily and smiled gleefully.

"Are you angry? What if I told you I was the one who removed the oxygen mask for your mother a year ago? I also stole the money Dad gave to pay off her medical fees. I even told William about your pregnancy. How does that make you feel?"

Celeste could barely believe her ears. Having already lost her baby, learning the truth about past events pushed her to the brink of insanity. Her emotions were uncontrollable, and she became hysterical.

"Stacy, why are you doing this? I never did anything to you! Why are you treating me like this, you evil woman? You deserve the worst!"

Stacy seemed pleased with Celeste's reaction.

Her face darkened as she said, "Why? Because I want to destroy you. You never did anything to me, but your existence is an eyesore! We're both daughters of the Hart family, yet you lived a pampered life.

"Meanwhile, I'm called a bastard! I want you to pay for everything I've had to endure. Now, I've won. Dad, the Hart family's inheritance, and even William are mine. But you? You're just someone the Hart family disowned."

Stacy's taunting words felt like sharp knives, reopening the fresh wounds in Celeste's heart.

Celeste remembered a year ago, her mother, who had been fine in the hospital, suddenly fell ill. She asked her father for money to save her but received nothing. At that time, she discovered that her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, William Prescott, was sleeping with Stacy.

Desperate and heartbroken, she ended up on this path. Little did she know, Stacy had orchestrated the entire situation.

Then, she was cast out of the Hart family.

Celeste vividly remembered her father's cold words.

"Don't call yourself a Hart after you leave. It's embarrassing."

Her fiancé had also cursed her with contempt. "Celeste, you're disgusting."

Celeste was too weak to accept the shock from recalling her past, and her lips turned pale. Pain and hatred overwhelmed her as she felt herself sinking into a dark abyss.

Chapter 2

Five years later, the Planning Department of Creative Solutions bustled with activity. Despite the busy atmosphere, a crowd had gathered, eagerly discussing a single topic.

Ford Corporation's young heir was about to celebrate his fifth birthday. Henry Ford and his wife were known for doting on their precious grandson. Every year, they would go to great lengths to find the best event-planning company to throw a grand birthday party for him.

That year was no exception. Numerous event planning companies were eyeing for the chance to host the event, each hoping to be selected. Surprisingly, Creative Solutions landed the opportunity.

"It's odd. Ford Corporation exclusively works with renowned companies. Why would they choose us? While we're known in the industry, we're not exactly on their radar," one of the employees wondered aloud.

"I heard they let the kid choose, and somehow he chose us."

"That's great news. Working with Ford Corporation is a dream come true. If we do well, we might get two bonuses. I heard the company that handled the event last year was rewarded with a bonus of over 100 thousand dollars! It's insane!" someone added.

"That's nothing. The kid received a luxury yacht for his first birthday. At two, he got a private jet. At three, a lavish castle overseas. At four, he received 20% of Ford Corporation's shares. The kid's already worth billions!" another chimed in.

"Yeah, that life is too much. It's crazy. I'm not envious at all."

"It's a life we can't even afford to dream of. We should just stick to working hard. You need a huge stroke of luck to be born into the right family."

Celeste listened to the chatter around her. She wore a self-deprecating smile. Only the fortunate ones would be blessed to be born into the right family. People like her would never have anything to do with the rich.

Not only had her family kicked her out, but she'd also been plagued by bad luck ever since. The money she received was long gone, and her mother remained in a coma. As for that child, she never saw him again.

She figured that he must be five years old by now, the same age as Ford Corporation's heir.

Tears welled up in her eyes. That child was her life's greatest pain and regret. She wondered if he was doing well.

Celeste sniffled and forced back the lump in her throat.

Suddenly, a sharp voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Celeste, why are you taking so long to make a simple copy? How'd you even get hired with skills like this?"

It was the head of the Planning Department, Faye Hall.

Celeste had just graduated that year and was two months into her internship. On the day of her interview here, Faye's sister had also applied for a position. Rumor had it that Faye had already promised her sister the job, but Celeste got it instead.

After that, Faye made it her mission to give Celeste a hard time. She had been ruthless. However, since she was the department head, no one dared to intervene, so they all turned a blind eye.

Although Celeste felt irritated, she quickly grabbed the documents and walked over.

"It's done."

But as she approached, Faye suddenly threw her coffee cup to the ground and shouted angrily, "Are you blind? Can't you even watch where you're going? Clean this up immediately!"

Celeste frowned. She hadn't touched Faye and felt it was completely uncalled for.

"It wasn't me," Celeste replied calmly.

Faye's face twisted uglily with anger. She snapped, "Celeste, do you want to keep this job or not? If you don't, just get out! There are plenty of people who would kill for your position."

Celeste bit her lip, holding back her frustration. She needed this job. Otherwise, she wouldn't have put up with such treatment for so long.

Her mother was in the hospital, and the monthly medical bills were expensive. During school, she had worked multiple jobs just to scrape by. Now, she couldn't afford to lose this job with a decent salary. But Faye was pushing her to the limit.

Other office staff also thought Faye was taking things too far. Celeste was well-liked in the office because she was sweet and easy to get along with. But Faye was the department head and highly valued by the company, so no one dared to speak up.

Faye took advantage of this fact. She smirked gleefully and said, "If you want to keep your job, why are you just standing there? Clean it up now. And make sure to use your hands!"

Celeste clenched her hand into a fist. Ultimately, she chose to keep the peace and turned around to get the cleaning supplies.

"Stop right there!"

Suddenly, a soft voice called from the doorway. Everyone turned to see a young boy strutting confidently in a small-sized suit. He had striking features, alabaster skin, and bright eyes. It was apparent he would grow up to become a good-looking young man.

The young boy carried himself with such elegance it was intimidating.

Behind him trailed a line of imposing bodyguards, their expressions stern and respectful.

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to the adorable child. They wondered who on earth this child was. He was so cute that they wanted to take him home.

The young boy ignored the stares and walked to where Celeste and Faye stood.

He gave Faye a cold glare. His sharp glance emanated a strong sense of authority.

Then, he turned his gaze to Celeste, his eyes full of curiosity and interest.

Chapter 3

Celeste stared at the young boy in confusion. She could tell he wasn't an ordinary child by the looks of his attire. But it was hard to describe how he looked at her. It was as though he viewed her as a rare and precious object.

The thought made Celeste want to laugh out loud.

Faye lost her patience and snapped at the boy, "Who are you? Don't you know it's against company policy to barge in during work hours?"

"Shut up!" the boy responded coldly, giving her a dismissive glance. He pointed at her and commanded, "You! Clean up that mess on the floor right now, and make sure you do it with your hands!"

Faye couldn't believe her ears. She laughed in exasperation.

"What did you say?"

She was stunned that he dared tell her to clean the floor.

The boy responded scornfully, "Can't you understand me? It's bad enough that you're ugly, but you're dumb, too. I'm seriously reconsidering whether to let your company handle my birthday party!"

Faye was stunned by his sharp tongue. Her body trembled in anger.

"Where did this brat come from? Didn't your parents teach you any manners? I'll teach you a lesson myself!" With that, she raised her hand to slap him.

Celeste was shocked and, almost instinctively, lunged forward to protect the boy, pulling him into her arms. A small child wouldn't be able to handle being slapped.

Everyone else was equally stunned that Faye could bring herself to hit such an adorable child.

The bodyguards were taken aback but quickly regained their senses.

"How dare you lay your hands on him? Arrest her!"

In less than two seconds, two bodyguards had restrained Faye.

Everyone was shocked, even Faye. She had never been treated like this, especially in front of her staff.

She struggled and shouted furiously, "What are you doing? Let me go!"

But the bodyguards held her firmly and didn't budge.

At that moment, Louis Stone, the manager of Creative Solutions, rushed in.

He quickly apologized, "Gentlemen, please calm down. She didn't know who you were and spoke out of turn. I sincerely apologize. I hope you can let this slide."

Louis had been in his office on the top floor when he heard that the heir of Ford Corporation had arrived. He thought of personally welcoming him, but to his surprise, the kid ended up in the planning department.

Louis was utterly shocked when he learned what had happened. Creative Solutions had worked hard to secure a partnership with Ford Corporation. If this incident jeopardized that, Louis would be beside himself.

One of the bodyguards sneered, "Your employee dared to call Mr. Samuel Ford a brat with no manners!"

The room fell silent in shock. It turned out that the adorable young boy was the heir of Ford Corporation. No wonder he carried himself with such sophistication at such a young age.

Faye was completely stunned, and her angry face turned pale. Now that she had offended the heir of Ford Corporation, she was doomed. She might even lose her job if she costs the company this client.

Louis' face turned ashen, and he nervously said, "I'm sorry. I'll make sure she apologizes right away."

After saying that, he glared furiously at Faye. "Ms. Hall, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and apologize!"

Faye felt humiliated but couldn't afford to worry about her pride at that moment. She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Samuel. I was wrong to have offended you earlier. Please forgive me."

Samuel, however, acted as if he hadn't heard anything. He remained nestled in Celeste's arms.

His cheeks were plump, his eyes shone like stars, and he had a perfectly angled nose. He pursed his lips as he wrapped his hands around Celeste's neck. It seemed as if he didn't want to let go.

Celeste had always liked kids. She would hold any children whenever she had a chance. She had no intention of letting go of Samuel as he felt so soft and warm in her arms. Moreover, he was so well-behaved.

Celeste seemed to feel an instant bond with him, which made her even more reluctant to let him go.

Faye grew increasingly anxious as Samuel remained silent. She couldn't help but speak up again.

"Mr. Ford Junior?"

Samuel finally reacted. He looked at Faye coldly and said, "You shouldn't be apologizing to me, but this pretty lady here."

Faye was utterly humiliated. She would never apologize to Celeste.

"What? You don't want to? That's fine. I'll ask my dad to reconsider working with this company."

Samuel calmly instructed the bodyguards, "Let's go."

The bodyguards immediately released Faye and prepared to escort Samuel away. Louis panicked and quickly blocked their path.

"Please wait, Mr. Ford Junior. Ms. Hall is very willing to apologize."

Then, he gave Faye a stern look and said, "Ms. Hall, the whole company worked hard to secure this deal with Ford Corporation. You can pack your things and leave if you want to ruin it. This company doesn't need you."

All color drained from Faye's face. Samuel was determined to seek justice for Celeste. Faye knew that she would be ruined if she didn't apologize.

Finally, she gritted her teeth and said reluctantly, "Alright. I'll do it. I'm sorry."

"You don't sound sincere." Samuel looked at her disdainfully.

Faye took a deep breath, swallowed her pride, and said, "I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier. I truly apologize. Please forgive me."

Celeste felt satisfied to see Faye humble herself. She couldn't help but laugh at the irony of it all. Faye usually looked down on others and abused her power. That day, she had no choice but to submit to others.

Since Faye had complied, Louis quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

"Mr. Ford Junior, she's apologized. We still have the deal, right?"

"She hasn't cleaned the floor," Samuel said.

Faye gritted her teeth and mumbled, "I'll clean it immediately."

With that, she got the cleaning supplies and cleaned the floor in front of everyone until it was spotless.

The crowd watched the scene, feeling no sympathy for her. They had all witnessed how Faye usually treated Celeste and thought that the former truly deserved what she got.

After Faye finished cleaning the floor, Samuel was finally satisfied.

"I'll let what happened today slide. But I have one last request. She's not allowed to join my birthday party."

Louis agreed wholeheartedly, "No problem at all!"

"Then that's all. I'm leaving now."

Samuel turned to look at Celeste. She quickly moved to set him down.

But to her surprise, Samuel clung tightly to her and refused to let go, softly demanding, "Carry me to the car."

Chapter 4

Celeste was taken aback. Before she could respond, Louis shot her a knowing glance. It was evident that Samuel had taken a liking to Celeste. It would benefit everyone if she could get on his good side.

Celeste had no choice but to pick him up again. Samuel was overjoyed. He tightened his grip on her, and his eyes sparkled with happiness. She couldn't help but grow fond of him as she carried him outside.

Once outside, she smiled and thanked him, "Sweetie, thank you for sticking up for me earlier."

"No problem. She's just another annoying woman. There's plenty like her around my dad. I'm used to it," Samuel said, his voice still soft but with an air of confidence. He sounded like a small adult.

Celeste thought it was amusing.

"You're only a kid and already used to it?"

Samuel sighed and said, "What can I do? My dad is handsome, and those women are like flies around him. It's really annoying. But you're different. You're pretty and kind. I like you, so I've decided to keep you!"

Celeste nearly stumbled when she heard that. She thought she had misheard him. A five-year-old child was speaking about keeping her. She figured that he probably didn't understand what he was saying, so she didn't take him seriously.

She thought she could put him down and return to work.

However, Samuel looked at her longingly and said, "You didn't respond. Does that mean you agree?"

Celeste chuckled and said, "Yeah, I agree."

"That's great! Then you'll be coming home with me." Samuel's face lit up with a smile, and his rosy cheeks made him even more adorable. It was hard for Celeste to resist the urge to kiss him.

But she held herself back and smiled. "Go home with you? That won't be necessary."

Samuel's face turned sour, and he murmured, "You promised to let me keep you. Are you going back on your word? My dad says your nose will grow if you lie."

Only then did Celeste realize Samuel was serious and wasn't joking. She found the whole situation bizarre. He was merely a kid, yet he talked about bringing someone home. Celeste couldn't help but wonder how the Ford family had raised him.

As they spoke, they arrived at the lobby. A luxurious Rolls-Royce was parked at the entrance.

A bodyguard opened the car door, but Samuel clung to Celeste, waiting for her response.

Celeste felt a bit nervous under his gaze and quickly said, "Sweetie, let's talk about this later, okay? I have to return to work now, so you should go home. We'll discuss me going home with you another time, alright?"

"No way. You already agreed. You can't back out now," Samuel insisted stubbornly.

Celeste had a headache. She felt it was her fault for speaking without thinking and didn't know what to do.

If she refused, she would be lying. But agreeing wasn't a choice either. After all, he was just a child, and she wasn't an animal.

Just as she was feeling stuck, Samuel spoke again. "Is it that you don't want to go to my house?"

Celeste nodded quickly. "Yeah, your family is so prestigious. I'm sure there are many house rules. We've only just met. Your family might think I'm a fraud if I went home with you. So, I can't go."

Samuel tilted his head and thought momentarily, then said, "Alright. We don't have to go to my house. Let's go to yours."

Celeste choked on her words, wondering how he had returned to this topic of conversation.

"Is that not okay? Don't you like me?" Samuel looked disappointed, and his eyes reddened as he gazed sadly at Celeste.

Celeste felt her heart melt. She couldn't help but like him. His rosy cheeks, charming looks, and sweet smile were utterly irresistible.

She quickly caved in. "Alright, alright. I'll take you home. Don't cry."

Then, she placed him in the back seat. Samuel snuggled into her arms, smiling triumphantly.

…

Meanwhile, Julian Ford was seated at his desk reviewing a financial report at the CEO's office of Ford Corporation.

His assistant, Nancy Fuller, brought him a cup of coffee and said, "Mr. Ford, Mr. Samuel's bodyguard called. He said he caused a scene at Creative Solutions today."

Julian was immersed in his work. He responded calmly, "Let him do what he wants as long as he stops sulking. We'll compensate the company if he causes any damage."

Nancy cleared her throat and added, "There weren't any damages, but I heard that a woman took her home."

"A woman? What woman?" Julian looked up, frowning.

"She's an employee from Creative Solutions. Apparently, Mr. Samuel took a great liking to her. He refused to leave her. He even told her he wanted to bring her home," Nancy explained awkwardly.

As expected, Julian's expression darkened. "Tell Marcus that if he teaches Samuel any more nonsense, he'll be sent off to Autrica, and he'll never be allowed to return."

"Understood. Should we send someone to pick up Mr. Samuel?" Nancy asked slowly.

Julian rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. "When he throws a tantrum, no one can talk him down. I'll go myself. Where is he?"

"He's at Peony Residences in the Northern district," Nancy promptly replied.

Julian nodded, grabbed his car keys, and left without another word.

Chapter 5

Celeste was busy in the kitchen of a small apartment in Peony Residences. She had an apron on and was preparing dinner.

Samuel looked around curiously with a glass of milk in hand.

"Is this where you live?"

"Yes. It's small—definitely not as luxurious as where you live," Celeste replied casually, arranging the chopped vegetables on a plate.

Samuel asked, "Do you live alone?"

"Yes."

"Don't you have any family?"

"I do. But they're not here. I live by myself."

Samuel fell silent. He seemed worried that Celeste might be sad. He patted her back and gently reassured her, "Don't worry. It'll be us two from now on."

Celeste found his concern endearing. She thought he was being such a little rascal. Her affection for him grew stronger by the minute.

"Alright. I'm going to start cooking. It will get smoky here, so why don't you wait outside for a bit? It'll be done soon," she said.

"Alright." Samuel nodded obediently and sat on the couch, waiting patiently.

Celeste got busy in the kitchen. She had a habit of cooking at home to save money, so she became good at it. Soon, she finished three dishes—seafood pasta, barbeque ribs, and a salad. It was a perfectly balanced meal that looked delicious.

Still, Celeste felt a bit nervous. After all, Samuel was the heir of the Ford family. He must be accustomed to the finest foods. She wasn't sure if he'd enjoy her simple home-cooked meal.

Celeste gave Samuel a bowl of food and said, "Try it. Tell me if you don't like it, and I'll take you out to eat instead."

Samuel nodded, scooping up a small portion with his spoon. He chewed with gusto, his cheeks puffing out adorably.

Celeste smiled. She was about to join him at the table when the doorbell rang. She was surprised as she rarely had any visitors.

Curious, she opened the door and found herself faced with a tall man.

The man was strikingly handsome. His face was so flawless it seemed unreal. He had perfect, thin lips, delicate features, and dark and mysterious eyes. The tailored suit he wore hugged his lean, muscular body perfectly, exuding a powerful and commanding presence.

It was the first time Celeste had ever seen such an extraordinary man. For a moment, she was so stunned that she froze.

Just as she was about to ask about his identity, she heard a loud "clank" behind her.

Celeste turned to see that Samuel had thrown his spoon onto the table. He let out a disgruntled huff before storming off to a room and slamming the door behind him.

Both Celeste and Julian were speechless. Celeste was completely bewildered by what just happened.

Amidst her confusion, the man calmly said, "Hello, I'm Julian—Samuel's father."

Celeste was taken aback and surprised by the introduction. She had expected someone from the Ford family to come looking for Samuel eventually but hadn't anticipated that Julian himself would show up.

She had heard of Julian before. He was a legendary business prodigy known for his low profile, ruthless demeanor, and immense influence. His younger brother, Marcus Ford, was also famously handsome, charming, and prominent in the industry.

She thought that men like Julian and her were from different worlds. Yet there he was, standing in her modest home.

Celeste regained her composure and answered, "Hi. Are you here for Samuel?"

Julian nodded and glanced inside. "May I enter?"

"Of course!" Celeste quickly stepped aside.

Julian walked in, his tall frame making the small apartment feel even more cramped. However, he didn't seem to mind and casually glanced around.

Although the apartment was small, it had a cozy design. The table was also set with freshly prepared food, which gave a comforting and heartwarming feeling.

Julian didn't understand why he felt that way.

Before arriving, he had looked into Celeste's background and had a vague idea of her life. He suspected that she might have ulterior motives for getting close to Samuel.

After all, he was known for being distant to women, and Samuel was usually wary of strangers. Thus, he suspected that she took advantage of Samuel's fondness for her.

Celeste was unaware of Julian's thoughts. She felt embarrassed as she noticed Julian eyeing the food on the table.

"My cooking is pretty basic. I'm not sure if he'll like it."

Julian responded calmly, "He's not that picky. He'll eat anything. Thank you, Ms. Hart, for looking after him today."

Celeste quickly said, "It's nothing. Samuel is such a good kid. I don't know why he's suddenly acting out."

"It has nothing to do with you. He's probably upset at me. I'll talk to him."

Julian walked toward the bedroom and knocked.

"Samuel, it's time to go home. Come on."

Samuel didn't reply.

Julian had expected it. He patiently coaxed, "You've been sulking for three days now. It's time to stop. You're not a three-year-old anymore."

Celeste had to stifle a laugh when she heard these words.

Still, Samuel didn't respond.

Julian frowned and said sternly, "Samuel, you have one minute. Come on out, or I'll enter myself."

There was some movement in the room, but it seemed that Samuel had no intention of exiting. Celeste couldn't stand by any longer. Threats and intimidation weren't going to work.

"Mr. Ford, perhaps I could try?" she suggested.