Ch. 1371..1375

Chapter 1371 Thomas's face was still fair and handsome, and even the buzz cut could not hide his youth and elegance. When Ruth looked at him, he quirked his lips at her and said in a gentle voice, “Mom, you're here.”

Ruth swiped a hand under her nose and looked at him with tears in her eyes. “Thomas, how have you been doing here these past few years?”

“Let's sit down and talk.” He gestured to her. It was very different from his cold and aloof behavior from the past. Now, whether it was his appearance or actions , he was very gentle and mild in temperament.

Ruth sat across from him and stared at him intently. Thomas smiled faintly at her. “I came here of my own violation.” Ruth was stunned.

“I've done many things to hurt them. Grandma became a vegetable, Sylvia suffered from depression, and there were many other bad things that I've done,” he said calmly. “I wanted to atone for my sins, so | came here.”

If he did not want to be imprisoned , he would have had hundreds of ways to escape a few years ago. Ruth gnashed her teeth in anger. “Y—You — Is Sylvia even worth it? What's so great about her?” “She's perfect.”

Ruth was so angry that her chest felt suffocated. “Eleven years ago, if you hadn't been reluctant to join Carter Corporation to help me, | wouldn‘t have lost to Odell, and we wouldn't have been separated for so many years! At that time, Odell had no feelings for Sylvia. If we had seized Carter Corporation , Sylvia might have been your wife by now!”

Thomas pursed his lips. “Mom, Grandpa gave Carter Corporation to Odell.”

“You're also a descendant of the Carter family. Why can't you take over the company?” He revealed an apologetic look. “It's my fault. | failed to meet your expectations of me.” The fire in Ruth's head instantly fizzled out.

Her son had never been close to anyone since he was a child, including her, his own mother. He had only said a few words to her since he was a child and had never spoken such heartfelt words before.

Ruth wiped her tears and sighed. “Thomas, | really want to take over Carter Corporation for you. You're my only child. | only want the best for you!”

“| know you're doing this for my own good, but | never wanted all that.”

Ruth subconsciously asked, “Then, what do you want?”

“| just want her to be happy.”

Ruth choked up.

Thomas's brown eyes looked at her again, and he said in a light and calm voice, “Now, | want you to be well, too.” Ruth was stunned.

He smiled. “Mom, I've already let go of all that, so you should too. | still have some assets abroad that | have entrusted to my lawyers abroad. They'll contact you in a few days. That money is enough to clothe and feed you for the rest of your life.”

Ruth‘s eyes tinged red, and tears could not stop flowing out. “Thomas, you...”

‘He cares so much about me and even made arrangements for me in the future. Just what exactly made him change so much? “Don't worry about me, Mom. I'm doing well here. Everyone here respects me, and I'm behaving well, so I'll get out in a few years. I'll go abroad to find you then.”

Since he spoke to this point, there was nothing else Ruth could say. She choked up and responded , “Okay, okay.”

“| don't want anything to happen to you again. After you leave Westchester, wait quietly for me abroad, okay?”

“Yes, | will.”

“Don't think about the past anymore either, alright?”

“Okay. I'll listen to you.”

Thomas smiled.

Ruth wiped her tears while smiling at him as well.

Just then, an officer came up and politely reminded them, “Time’s up.”

Thomas stood up and said to her before turning around,” Wait for me, Mom.”

Ruth responded with a smile, “Yes. I'll always wait for you.”

Chapter 1372 The sky darkened, and the cold night emerged.

Ruth‘s eyes were still red when she came out.

Cliff and a few bodyguards sized her up suspiciously when they saw her.

Her expression shifted, and she took sunglasses from her bag and put them on. Cliff smiled and asked, “What did Second Master Carter tell you, Madam?”

Ruth ignored him, went straight past the black MPV, and sat in the ordinary sedan behind. Then, she said to Jacob in the driver's seat, “Take me to the airport.”

Jacob exchanged a look with Cliff outside the car. Cliff heard Ruth's words and nodded to Jacob.

The other two bodyguards who were responsible for keeping an eye on Ruth immediately got into the car, and the ordinary sedan drove off in the direction of the airport.

Cliff returned to the car and looked at the man sitting alone in the back seat with a smile. “She's gone, sir.” Odell's face was expressionless. “Mm.”

“| wonder what Second Master Carter said to her. She seemed to be crying before she came out, but she didn't say anything and went straight to the car to go to the airport. It's as if she’s determined to leave and never come back.”

Odell pursed his lips, his eyes dark.

Officer Sach had sent him the recording of the conversation between Ruth and Thomas inside. She must have been moved to tears by Thomas.

Odell never expected that just a few words from Thomas would be able to dispel the resentment that Ruth held for so many years.

Furthermore, although Sylvia was rarely mentioned in his words, every sentence seemed to be for her. His obsession with Sylvia was truly deep. After a moment of silence , Odell said, “Let's go home.”

Two days ago, Sylvia said that she would be coming back. He wondered if she had reached home.

The driver immediately started the car.

Cliff saw that Odell did not intend to say anything and quickly turned back to purse his lips.

After almost half an hour, the black MPV drove to the old Carter mansion.

There was also a white MPV parked outside the gate, but it did not belong to the family. It seemed like a cab from outside. Was Sylvia home?

Odell's expression changed. Without waiting for Cliff to open the door for him, he opened it himself and walked down in large strides. His tall figure swept into the living room in the blink of an eye like a gust of wind. However, he only saw Ramona

speaking to Madam Carter. Sebastian and Aunt Tonya were beside them while Isabel, Liam, and Flint were playing by themselves on another side. Sylvia was nowhere to be found.

Odell frowned.

When Ramona saw him, her expression grew panicked, and she quickly stood up. “O—Odell, | came over because | missed my sister. I'll leave after a while.” Madam Carter did not know about her previous attempts to set Odell and Lily up, so she immediately grabbed Ramona and said, “What are you talking about? No one is kicking you out. Sit down.” She dragged Ramona back to her side.

Odell glanced at Ramona. The MPV outside should be hers.

He walked over to the three little ones. The trio raised their faces to look at him. He asked, “Did your mom contact you today?”

Liam replied, “No.”

Isabel shook her head.

Flint's eyes glimmered. “Daddy, do you miss Mommy?” Odell ignored him and turned to go upstairs. Ramona left at some point. When he came back down to the living room, only Sebastian and Aunt Tonya remained.

Chapter 1373 Madam Carter went back to her room to rest. The three little ones were playing games in their room.

Odell asked Aunt Tonya, “Aunt Tonya, did Sylvia contact you today?” Aunt Tonya replied, “She called me last night, but she hasn't contacted me today.”

“Did she say anything to you last night?”

Aunt Tonya smiled. “She said that she might be back today.”

Odell‘s eyes lit up. His mood, which had been dull for a while, suddenly cheered up.

She had not contacted Aunt Tonya and the little ones until now. Was it because she was already on the plane already?

He turned around and went back to the bedroom which was clean and tidy. A maid came in every day to clean it. He entered the checkroom and took out a comfortable pair of pajamas and slippers for her. She had been away for so many days and traveled the whole day today, so she must be exhausted upon returning.

He prepared all the things that she would use so that

when the time came, she could just wash up and sleep soundly in his arms. After setting up everything, he took out his pajamas and entered the bathroom.

He took a thorough shower, blow-dried his hair, applied a layer of men‘s skincare products, and stepped out of the shower, appearing clean and tidy. He sat lazily on the sofa, sipping wine, and reading a book while waiting for her to return.

The room was silent. After an hour or so, the phone on the table suddenly vibrated.

Odell picked up the phone and saw that it was a message from Sylvia and the children’s chat group. He immediately tapped on the screen.

Then, he saw a text message from Sylvia. “Kids, something has happened on my end. | might only be back in a few days.”

After reading it, Odell's dark eyebrows furrowed. She had told Aunt Tonya that she would be back today. Why was she coming back a few days later?

Isabel asked, “Mommy, did something happen?”

Sylvia replied, “I'm fine, but my colleague had an accident, so | have to stay here with them.”

Isabel said, “Okay.” She could not hide the disappointment in her voice.

Flint quickly took Liam‘s phone and said, “Mommy, take care. We're waiting for you at home.”

Sylvia said, “Okay. Be good and wait for me. | bought lots of gifts for you.” Then, she sent a smiling emoji. Flint instantly replied with a sweet hum.

Watching their conversation , the man’s handsome face grew cold uncontrollably.

What kind of colleague wanted her to stay out for a few more days?

Were there no doctors or nurses there?

Their children and he were less important to her than her colleague!

It had been so many days! She clearly said that she would come back today. Just when was she going to return?

Odell's expression grew darker and darker. His anger rushed up to his head. Finally, he picked up his phone and called her. The phone immediately replayed a message. “The number you have dialed cannot be reached.”

Bam!

He threw the phone back on the table in anger. This woman was going to be the death of him!

He threw the book in his hand to the side.

His expression was dark for a long time, then he picked up the phone and opened the group chat for Sylvia and the children . He held down the voice message icon and said, “How many days is a few days? When exactly are you coming back?!”

The voice message was sent as soon as his finger was released. He stared closely at the screen.

After a few seconds of silence, Isabel's name popped up.” Is that Daddy? Why are you in our group? Why are you using Flint's number?”

Flint took Liam‘s phone and said, “Mommy, | didn’t lend Daddy my phone!”

Chapter 1374 In the children’s room, Isabel was looking at Flint. Flint had an innocent face. “I really didn't lend it to Daddy.” He only had a child's phone watch and had not even logged into his account. How could he have lent it to his father?

Liam, who was looking at his phone, suddenly said,” That's not Flint's account. Dad added himself using a fake account. His profile picture and username are the same as Flint's.”

Isabel was stunned.

Flint also turned to look at him

Liam looked at them and said, “Dad disguised himself as Flint on purpose.” Isabel and Flint were both speechless.

After a moment, as the group admin, Isabel asked, “ When did he join the group? Also, where did Flint's number go? Why don't I know what's going on here?”

“It should be the night when the group was first created. Dad confiscated your phone once and used your phone to kick Flint out, then he added himself in.”

Isabel said, “Daddy is so cunning.”

Flint said, “The older, the wiser.”

In Odell and Sylvia‘s room, Odell sat in place, eyes glued to the phone screen

The little ones had already said a lot. Why was she not saying anything?

After a long time, he pressed the record button again, intending to hurry her up.

Ding!

The phone vibrated.

Sylvia sent a message , but it was not addressed to him. She said to Isabel, “Isabel, kick him out.”

Odell was speechless . He immediately pressed the voice button. “Sylvia Ross, I'm your man! I'm your legal husband! If you—” Before he could finish, a message saying “You have been removed from the group chat” popped up on his screen. His thin lips pursed, and his expression darkened grimly.

Whoosh!

He stood up and strode outside. He reached the door of the children’s room and pressed the door handle. It did not budge. The door was locked.

He frowned, and his voice was frighteningly cold. “Open the door.” There was no response. The three little ones must be inside

He said again, “I'll give you until the count of three. If vou don't open the door, don't even think of going back to your room from now on!”

Isabel quickly responded , “Daddy, even if you lock the room, Mommy will be back in a few days. We can still come in.” Flint echoed, “Uh-huh.”

Their voices sounded very close. It was clear they were standing right behind the door. Odell pursed his lips coldly, turned around, and walked down the stairs.

The three little ones hiding behind the door thought he had left and breathed a sigh of relief in unison. However, before they could walk back into the room, a rush of footsteps came outside the door.

Isabel's expression changed, and she quickly pressed her back against the door. Flint followed her example and braced himself against the door as well.

Liam held the door handle.

Clatter.

It was the sound of the key going through the keyhole and turning Liam frowned.

Isabel and Flint went pale.

The door was instantly unlocked. Liam gripped the door handle as hard as he could. Isabel and Flint also pushed hard against the door.

However, the next second, the door was pushed open. Their small figures were pushed behind the door as Odell walked in.

There were no lights on in the room, and the light from the hallway cast a shadow of his tall figure into the room, looming over the little ones. Isabel hid behind Liam in fright.

Chapter 1375 Flint was so scared that he hid behind Isabel.

Liam pursed his lips. His expression looked calm as usual, but his wavering eyes betrayed his fear of Odell at that moment. Odell glanced at him and looked behind him.

Isabel was like an ostrich shrinking its neck. Her face was buried behind her brother's back, not daring to look at him.

Instead, Flint peeked out from behind her. When he saw Odell's terrifying gaze, he was so scared that he immediately said, “Isabel kicked you out, Daddy. It has nothing to do with me.”

Isabel could not help but look back and glare at him.

Flint immediately shrunk back.

Isabel weakly turned to Odell again. “Daddy, i-it was Mommy who told me to kick you out of the group.” Odell‘s sullen expression did not improve. He extended a hand toward her. “Give me your phone.” Isabel pursed her lips.

Odell frowned, and his expression grew even colder.

Isabel was so afraid that she shrunk back, and she took out her phone from her pocket.

Just then, a cell phone rang.

It was the phone in Odell's pocket. He fished out the phone, and the look in his eyes changed when he saw the caller ID. He immediately turned and walked out of the children‘s room to answer the phone.

Before he could speak, Sylvia's cold voice rang out. “Odell Carter, if you're angry at me, then take it out on me. Don't lose your temper with the children!”

Odell was just about to speak when he noticed something wrong. He frowned and asked, “What's wrong with your voice?” It sounded a little hoarse. Sylvia replied, “I ate too much spicy food for dinner last night.”

Odell relaxed, but the next second, his expression cooled down uncontrollably. “You're having the time of your life outside.” His voice was icy and gloomy.

Sylvia laughed. “Yeah. I‘d have even more fun if | had a secretary to wait on me personally.”

Odell‘s throat choked, then he said, “I fired Shermaine.”

The phone instantly went quiet.

Sylvia did not speak.

Odell asked, “When exactly are you coming back?”

“My colleague is ill. I'll go back with her when she recovers in a couple of days.” “Does a couple of days mean two days?”

“Not sure.”

“How many days exactly?” He frowned and spoke in an impatient tone.

Sylvia snapped at him, “I can't control when she gets better. How would | know?” Odell choked and pursed his lips.

She said, “If you don't need anything else, I'm hanging up now.”

He pursed his lips coldly and did not speak. Sylvia hung up the phone.

Odell also put the phone down. He jerked back upon sensing something.

Isabel and Flint instantly hid behind the door.

Liam also retreated to the side. Odell looked at them coldly, went back to the bedroom, and picked up his phone to call Cliff. The call was answered soon, and he said, “I sent you pictures of some scenic spots. Find out where they're from.”

Cliff quickly replied, “Yes, sir. I'll get right on it.”

In a remote town, Sylvia was at a hospital getting an IV drip.

She was going to leave for home with Ms. Johnson and Ms. Kang that afternoon, but she suddenly got a fever again in the morning.

This time was not as serious as the previous days, but it was still very uncomfortable. Thus, she had no choice but to cancel the trip and go to the hospital again.

Ms. Johnson and Ms. Kang had stayed behind for several days because of her. She did not want to delay them any longer, so she told them to go back at noon.

The call with Odell earlier used up a lot of her energy.

Her throat was parched. She picked up the Thermos flask and took a sip of hot water, then leaned back and closed her eyes wearily.