Ch. 151..160

Returning from the Dead Chapter 151

Nevertheless, Raymond stubbornly grabbed her when she struggled to prevent her from escaping.

“I’m not drunk! I’m more than sober. Nancy, I don’t mind that you’re a single mother, and I’m more than happy to take care of the children. I really love you.”

After that, he tried to kiss her again, and she struggled harder than before.

What is this crazy man doing?

When everyone thought that Sasha could not escape from Raymond, Matteo, who was about to rescue her mother, saw a tall figure walking in.

He was wearing a black coat and seemed to be carrying a child too.

Then, a murderous voice was heard before he showed his face. “Get your hands off her!”

The banquet hall fell silent.

As if time had stood still, everyone’s attention turned from Sasha and Raymond to the man, including Raymond.

What a terrifying voice indeed.

“Who are you? Who let you into my manor? You must have a death wish!” Raymond roared furiously.

Nevertheless, the man ignored him.

When he strode out of the darkness with the child in his arms, everyone could see his slender figure with a dark expression hanging on his face. Moreover, the air of nobility around him had startled everyone.

Who is this?

Everyone present was mostly wealthy and respectable but they still sensed the mysterious man’s threatening aura. They felt his presence and winced subconsciously.

Except Sasha.

“I should be the one telling you this instead. How dare you bother my children’s mother? Do you want the Leonard family to be wiped out from the surface of the earth?” The man finally spoke in a deep voice with a threatening tone as he carried the child and walked into the light.

However, the deeper his voice was, the more frightening it sounded.

Raymond’s eyes suddenly widened in shock.

His children’s mother?

Raymond looked at the woman in his arms. He then realized that she had been glaring at the man who suddenly appeared for a while.

It looks like they are related to each other after all.

Raymond looked at the child and exuded a murderous vibe too. “So you’re Nancy’s ex-husband? How dare you threaten me now?”

“Ex-husband?”

Hearing this, Sebastian, who was carrying the child, suddenly smiled. “You’re wrong. We’re not divorced.”

“What? Not divorced?”

“Yes. She wanted to make me a widower but failed. So, if you don’t let go of her in three seconds, the Leonard family will be destroyed,” he reminded kindly.

Sadly, Raymond didn’t believe him.

Hmph! Who does this Astorian man think he is? Even the other powerful families can’t touch us! He must be out of his mind.

Three seconds later, the Astorian man took out his phone in front of Raymond. “Confiscate every property that belonged to the Leonard family and send them to Mr. Eugene’s place and tell him that I sent him an expensive gift.”

Everyone in the banquet hall fell silent.

Mr. Eugene was the rival of the Leonard family.

However, the Leonards wouldn’t dare to fight him because he was a royal family member. If he found their weakness, he could destroy them easily.

What? Does he know Mr. Eugene? And even want to confiscate all our family property to send him as a gift?

Raymond looked at the man who just hung up. The manor was in chaos, and the housemaids rushed over to inform him about his family members wanting to see him immediately.

Finally, he realized things were going downhill.

“Who…who are you? How do you know Mr. Eugene?”

“So what if I do? I am the one who gave Mr. Eugene his land. Do you still think that’s weird?” Sebastian responded indifferently.

After saying that, everyone in the hall exclaimed in shock.

The land that was gifted to Mr. Eugene was situated in the most prosperous area in the country. The news spread widely and had caused an enormous stir.

Even the royal family was envious of that.

However, no one knew that it was actually gifted by the famous Hayes Corporation from Astoria.

So this is the owner of Hayes Corporation? This is too horrifying!

No wonder this powerful man could enter with such a domineering and threatening presence.

Everyone froze on the spot, and Raymond almost fainted.

I actually offended the owner of Hayes Corporation by proposing to his wife!

Returning from the Dead Chapter 152

“Mr. Leonard, let go of my mother! Do you want to further infuriate my daddy? It won’t go well for you!” Matteo warned, in the nick of time.

Raymond released his grasp as though he was electrocuted.

“I’m… I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I thought…” Raymond stammered.

“Mr. Leonard, even if my father isn’t the president of Hayes Corporation, this is still no way to treat a lady, you got that? You went too far,” Matteo continued, determined to give Raymond a piece of his mind.

After saying that, he stretched out an arm to pull his unsteady mother to her feet.

“Mommy, are you all right?” Matteo asked concernedly.

Sasha was distressed. It was unbelievable that with all the effort she’d made to leave Avenport behind, this man still managed to track her down.

It was a frustrating and embarrassing experience to be cornered by her past which she sought so desperately to escape.

“I’m fine, Matteo. Mr. Leonard had too much to drink today. Why don’t you bring your sister and we’ll get out of here,” Sasha smoothed the front of her skirt and tried to appear calm and dignified.

The boys were speechless, as was Sebastian who had just rescued her. He gritted his teeth in irritation at her obstinance.

Why couldn’t he keep his hands to himself?

Why does he have to trouble himself to be kind to her? After she’d kidnapped his sons, he not only did not teach her a lesson, yet rescued her at the first chance he got. He’s reinforcing the notion that she has nothing to fear from him, is that it?

If this is the way she wants to play, so be it.

Sebastian’s temper flared up again. With a wave of his hand, a guard snapped to attention and marched smartly into the room.

“Mr. Hayes,” said the guard.

“Take the children.” Sebastian ordered.

“Yes, Mr. Hayes,” he complied.

“What are you doing, Sebastian? What right do you have to take them away from me?” Sasha cried in fear and held them close to her bosom.

“Me? Wasn’t that what you were doing?” Sebastian laughed coldly. “You whisked all three away without a word before. Have some sense of shame.”

At that, he gestured at his guard to grab the children.

Sasha went berserk.

Without regard for the scene she was causing, she grabbed her skirt and ran after them, screaming “Sebastian, you monster! You return my kids to me. They are mine, do you hear me?”

Her heart-wrenching sobs and yells followed Sebastian to his car.

Luke, who was at the driver’s seat, glanced uneasily at the rearview mirror. He could see the stumbling and deranged figure of Sasha in pursuit. “Mr. Hayes, perhaps there is a better way to handle this. Like it or not, Ms. Wand is still their mother.”

He meant to say “This is no way to treat a lady”, but thought the better of it.

It was a cold night, and she was in the street in a thin skirt with no coat on. She may even risk freezing to death just to get her children back.

However, the powerful and mighty Sebastian was not moved. After an indifferent glance at the rearview mirror, he ordered, “Slow down to 40mph.”

Luke was perplexed.

40mph?

He must have misheard his employer. 40mph outpaces a limping snail, but just barely.

But, as soon as he did as instructed, he understood Sebastian’s intention. The figure behind them stopped when she realized that she would not be able to catch up. But the sight of the vehicle slowing down seemed to give her hope, and she started giving chase again with renewed vigor.

Luke wasn’t sure to feel amusement or horror at his boss’s sadism.

After maintaining this ludicrous speed for about twenty minutes, Luke caught sight of Sasha stumbling and toppling over, too cold and exhausted to stand.

“Ms. W- “ Luke exclaimed.

“Stop the car!” Sebastian cut across him sharply.

He exited the stationary vehicle into the penetrating frost of the night. Under the dimly lit streetlamps shrouded by fog, Luke watched, dumbfounded, as Sebastian bent over and picked up the limp woman with uncharacteristic gentleness.

So, this was done on purpose?

The unconscious Sasha was placed in the car and the party proceeded with their journey.

She, along with her children, was brought to a hotel owned by Sebastian. The hotel bearing his name was second to none in size and decor.

Matteo said nothing throughout the entire trip.

Being a cheerful and upbeat child, he was looking unusually somber. Even upon checking in, he stood holding his sister whilst glaring at his father without a word.

The events of the night had greatly angered him.

Sebastian easily deduced this.

“Matteo, are you mad at me?” he asked.

Matteo did not answer. He maintained vicious eye contact with his father and clenched his fists.

These two children have completely different attitudes when it comes to treating their parents.

Before Sebastian arrived at the manor, Ian follows his mother but thinks about his father the most. When Sasha was in trouble, Matteo was the one to defend their mother.

It is likely the consequence of being raised by two entirely different adults.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 153

Sebastian understood how Matteo was feeling. He did not compel his son to speak, but knelt down in front of him.

I’m sorry,” Sebastian began. “I admit that I was violent and hot-tempered. But if I did not do what I did, your mother wouldn’t have obeyed me.”

Matteo shifted his beady little eyes to look his father in his face.

“You did all of that for Mommy to follow you?”

“That’s right,” Sebastian answered. “As you can see, your mother is stubborn. If I did not pressure her, she wouldn’t have come with us. Forgive Daddy, will you?”

He was not lying to his son. That was indeed his motive.

Matteo’s unclenched his fists, but he did not throw himself into his father’s arms for a hug as he normally would. Instead, he remained by his sister’s side and kept his distance from Sebastian.

“Mommy became like that because you were mean to her. Daddy, if Mommy displeases you so, why won’t you just let her go? Wouldn’t you both be so much happier if you went your separate ways?”

Matteo’s eyes were tinged red as he choked on the words.

Sebastian was startled. The boy was right.

Why didn’t he let her go? Since he hated her so much, wouldn’t it solve all of his problems if she were to disappear from his sight?

However, for reasons unknown to him, his heart ached at the thought of this woman living her life without him.

It was as though something that had belonged to him suddenly had nothing to do with him. It was a deeply unsatisfying idea.

Especially during the events in Raymond’s manor. When he arrived at the banquet, all he could think to do was to drag her out of there, and keep her under lock and key. No one else could see her except him.

Sebastian felt as though he was losing his mind.

He drew himself to full height. “Because I want you brothers to grow up with both your parents. Ian does not want to lose your mother. How about you? Are you willing to lose your father?”

His words stung Matteo. Of course he wasn’t willing.

Though sometimes his father can be despicable, Matteo loves him more than anyone in the world. Except for his mother, of course.

How could bear to leave his father behind?

Matteo fought back his tears and lowered his head.

He allowed himself to be led into the shower and for a fresh change of clothes, as did his sister. Sebastian cared for both children that night.

In the deep quiet of the night, they held a hushed meeting under cover of the quilt.

“Matteo, I wouldn’t want to leave Daddy,” Vivian whispered. “Daddy is the only one who would stand up for us. If not for him tonight, Mommy would have been taken advantage of by Mr. Leonard.”

She was clearly still upset and angry at her mother’s treatment in his hands.

Matteo was fuming too at being reminded of that. At the same time, his respect and love for his father increased.

“But I think Mommy would definitely not forgive Daddy this time.”

“Huh?” Vivian, whose eyes were shining bright with optimism, dimmed in an instant.

If it were me, what would I do?

Sasha did not manage to sleep at all that night.

It could have been because she had over-exerted herself in the pursuit of the car. But she had been mentally on edge for the past two days, compounded with the sleeplessness the night before.

Though she lay motionless in bed, she remained painfully and exhaustedly awake.

When she felt the bright golden rays of the dawn of the following day warming her face, she opened her eyes slowly, lashes quivering as she did so.

“Finally awake, are you?” the dreadfully familiar voice called out.

She froze.

What is this?

Where is she? Why is this scum here? Didn’t he rob me of my children last night? The last thing she remembered is giving chase to the car. Oddly enough, she was actually catching up to it.

Sasha’s disoriented mind was still making sense of the fractured events of last night.

Before she had the whole story straightened out, a heavy set of footsteps approached. Turning towards it, a tall and thin shadow dominated her field of vision.

“Sebastian!” Sasha sat up in a flash.

There was no mistaking it. The abductor of her children was standing before her in the flesh.

The shock was too much for her. As soon as she cried out, she collapsed back into bed. Her brain tried to stay afloat to comprehend the insanity of it all.

“I’d advise you to remain calm,” Sebastian said. “You’d need your strength if you still want to see your children.”

Returning from the Dead Chapter 154

Sasha took several moments to compose herself. She turned to address Sebastian through bloodshot eyes. “What have you done with my kids? You monster, return them to me.”

Her children were her life. Without them, life wasn’t worth living. Even in her current state, all she cared about was their wellbeing.

Sebastian brought a chair next to her and sat down comfortably, propping his legs up on her bed.

“Sasha, let us establish some ground rules. First of all, the kids are mine as well as yours. Secondly, if I really intended for you not to meet them, you will never be able to, make no mistake.”

She settled down. Eyes remained fixed upon him with distaste and distrust, she nevertheless allowed him to continue.

Fear, hopelessness, and grief flashed in her eyes. In spite of herself, she was trembling, with tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

She was at a loss.

Sebastian was disturbed at the effect he produced.

Before he could stop himself, he blurted, “I’m just saying. Don’t cry, I still haven’t decided what I will do.”

Sasha felt a trace of hope at that. Perhaps her children were not completely lost to her.

She felt completely powerless. To go against him would be akin to an ant struggling in vain to be stomped on.

Sasha regained her composure.

“So… what will you do?” She clutched her sheets tightly.

“I just want to talk to you, Sasha. Why can’t we coexist in peace?” Sebastian said, finally revealed his motive for waiting for her all morning. “The responsibility to raise our children is ours to share. Why can’t we do it together?”

All this time, they have been fighting each other like cats and dogs, in the name of the children.

Watching one’s parents fight like that is not something a child deserves. Is the fighting worth it if it deals irreparable damage to them? Shouldn’t they reflect on it and be ashamed of their behavior?

Sebastian observed her thoughtfully.

After letting his guard down and displaying vulnerability, Sasha’s jeering response was not what he expected.

“Coexist? Sebastian, are you toying with me?”

Sebastian stared at her, at a loss for words.

“Am I wrong? You are the high and mighty Mr. Hayes of Hayes Corporation. I am just a lowly ant, subjected to be crushed to death at the merest sign of your displeasure. How will we be able to coexist? What peace is there to be found? My life is delicate in your hands. Do you think it’s fair for you to say that?”

Sasha did not hold back in her mockery.

She was still pale, appearing even more so by the redness in her eyes. But at this moment, her sarcasm was razor-sharp, and it hurt him.

Sebastian went from white to crimson in an instant.

This b*tch is tired of living!

His handsome features contorted in rage. Nobody has ever spoken to him like that. Even worse, nobody has spoken to him like that after he had chosen to speak to them like an equal.

It was difficult, but he managed to control his temper.

“The thing with my father,” Sebastian said, trying to keep his voice even. “I know, I went over the line. But Sasha, it has already happened. There’s no point in pursuing this matter. I am serious about coexisting with you. As a sign of my sincerity, I’ve decided that I will return your million to you.”

This time, Sasha was the one who was speechless.

This scumbag, did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?

It’s already a miracle that he had admitted to being wrong. But to loosen his wallet and give her back what was hers? Something’s wrong with him this morning.

After his speech, Sebastian stood up.

“I will give you a day to consider. My motive for all of this is for our children, whether you’d believe it or not. Do you think it’ll make them happy if you took them away from me? Think about what you went through last night.” He said before departing.

Sasha was still stunned. It was not until the ceiling fan stopped rotating that she came to. In a fit of anger, she grabbed the pillow behind her and threw it at the door through which Sebastian left.

“What about last night? I was having a good time. Men still find me attractive. There are plenty of men who would be willing to raise your kids as their own. Does that thought sicken you?” She yelled at the door.

On the other side, Luke heard her and froze. He was praying that Sebastian had not heard a word of it, though it was near impossible as he stood right next to him.

Strangely enough, Sebastian did not bat an eye, other than at the mention of “men who would be willing to raise your kids as their own”, to which he staggered slightly. But otherwise gave no sign that what she said had bothered him.

He was getting immune. After all, he had heard this all before.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 155

Sasha finally gave in to return to Avenport together.

If not for anything else, it was because she couldn’t bear to be apart from her children. If she was determined to return to Clear, she reasoned with herself, it would be impossible for her to even bring one of her children with her.

Therefore, Avenport seemed like her best bet given the current situation.

Her children were overjoyed at her consent. They burst through the door and ran up towards her, pleasing her a great deal.

“Mommy, will you really return to Avenport with Daddy?” Vivian squealed. “This is wonderful! I thought you weren’t going to say yes.”

She was the first one through the door and in her mother’s lap.

Sasha was surprised. “You were hoping that I would go back there with your father?”

“Yes, Mommy,” Vivian replied. “I do not like it when the other kids in the kindergarten ask me about my father. Even if I haven’t been properly reunited with Daddy, it still makes me very happy!”

Vivian was a child with simple pleasures. It didn’t take much to fill her little heart with joy.

Sasha felt a lump in her throat. Wordlessly, she pulled her daughter in for a big hug.

Matteo came in next. “Mommy, I think that you should go with Daddy too,” he informed her solemnly. “We can’t abandon Ian.” He grabbed his brother by the hand.

Ian did not know what to say. He looked down, not willing to let them see his watery eyes.

Sasha’s heart ached with sorrow at the sight of him. She knelt down and pulled him in for a hug as well.

“Mommy won’t even think about abandoning any one of you. I’m sorry for being rash. I’m sorry for hurting you, Ian.”

“Oh, Mommy,” Ian threw his arms around her neck.

For all the differences that those three had, they were all her kind and loyal babies. Whether it was Matteo and Vivian who was attached to their mother or Ian who was reluctant to forsake their father, they were angels, none of whom Sasha would willingly part with.

So it was on the third day, Sasha and her triplets followed Sebastian back to Avenport.

At the same time, Xandra, who was abroad, was awaiting this piece of good news.

Her Aunt Kelly had eyes everywhere.

The news of Sasha escaping with her children was caught by Kelly and immediately relayed to her niece.

Xandra was here to reinstate herself as Mrs. Hayes. Upon hearing that Sasha voluntarily disappeared with her children, she was over the moon.

“Is she crazy?” Xandra exclaimed. “Dragging along three kids with her.”

“Who cares?” Kelly retorted. “Isn’t this what you wanted? You don’t have to lift a finger.”

She sipped her coffee whilst casting a disapproving eye at Xandra’s drafts on her computer.

Xandra followed her aunt’s gaze and panicked. She slammed it shut like she was afraid of being caught with something indecent.

“What nonsense are you talking about? My contract is already signed for.”

“Is it, now? Then you’d better make sure you write it well. If the quality is not the same as your previous ones, you’ll be in big trouble.” Kelly said harshly.

Xandra turned pale. She opened her mouth to retort, but thought against it and let the matter be dropped.

It is true that this incident had been a thorn in her side. She has had years of experience as a publishing author. Even the bestseller ‘The Tattoo of my Heart’ was her work.

However, her writing was not what it used to be in recent years.

Though the publisher made an exception to sign her on the title of her book alone, she has hit the dreaded writer’s block.

Xandra turned off her computer resentfully and brewed herself a cup of coffee.

“We should discuss our next move,” Xandra said. “Sasha Wand took her kids away. Sebastian wouldn’t be very happy about that. I think it’s time for me to return.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Kelly agreed with her niece for once.

After an upheaval in his house, a furious man would need a woman’s touch to restore things to order.

It did not matter if he pursues his kids. At this moment, he needs a woman by his side. When the kids return, she would have plenty of time to assume a motherly role.

And if he doesn’t get them back, even better. She would have him all to herself.

It all looked good to Xandra. It was a win-win situation. “But, before I go, I should investigate this woman.”

Kelly was startled. “Investigate her? Are you crazy?”

“Relax,” Xandra soothed. “Of course I won’t make it obvious. If that b*tch is unlucky, we will find her, make her go away, and take the kids back to Sebastian. Isn’t that better?”

She savored her coffee, delighted with the way her plan is coming together.

Her aunt was right, though. She needs to play this right and not do anything rash. With brains like that, she will help the Hayes family return to their former days of glory.

Kelly was pleased. This plan might just work out.

With that in mind, the two women started laying down the finer details of their plan.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 156

The two of them could not have expected that their arrival was bad news.

“Has Sebastian’s brain rotted? Why does he want to bring her back? Is he going to teach her a lesson?”

Kelly’s first reaction was to be enraged by this news.

However, Xandra was different.

She thought back to that day at the mall. Sasha had no idea how terrifying Sebastian had been when she left with the man she bought clothes with.

He treated Xandra like she did not exist and left the store without another word. He immediately contacted someone to go to the preschool to fetch his son.

I’ve never seen him like this.

Out of control and childish…

Where’s the stoic Mr. Hayes? He acted just like a child throwing a temper tantrum, and his actions were almost laughable.

Is he really bringing the woman back to teach her a lesson?

No, it can’t be.

He might be bringing her back to keep her securely by his side.

Click.

Xandra had squeezed her cup so tightly that he snapped. Fresh blood flowed from her palm. The hatred in her eyes had reached its boiling point and had transformed into murderous outrage.

Go to hell, Sasha!

Sasha finally returned to Avenport.

The moment she alighted from the helicopter, she led the two children away instead of climbing into Sebastian’s car.

Although she had agreed to come back, it did not signify that she had resolved her issues with him. We’re nothing more than strangers who happen to share children.

Ian, who was standing at the back and holding his father’s hand, was upset by the sight.

“Daddy, Mommy left…”

Sebastian did not know how to reply. He had expended a large amount of effort to get her back. It was impossible for him to expect her to obediently go along with him.

He tugged his son into his embrace and said, “Let her leave. It’s not like you can’t see her again. Your mother will fetch you from school tomorrow.”

“Really?”

Sebastian’s reply made the child happy. His eyes lit up as he looked up at his father.

This ungrateful little imp.

Sebastian led Ian into the car.

As for Sasha, when she returned to their old neighborhood, she found that their previous house had been rented out. She had no choice but to search for a new house along with her two children.

“Where are we going to live, Mommy? Can we live somewhere nicer this time?”

When Vivian heard that they were going to look for a new house, she thought back to the previous dilapidated rented house. She could not help but voice out her request meekly.

Frankly, both children were rather sensible.

Whether it was back in Clear, or this old neighborhood, they followed Sasha with no complaints.

However, this time the little girl wanted to stay in a beautiful house.

Perhaps it was because it was too cold, or because they had lived in their father’s house for some time. At the end of the day, they were both just children.

Sasha squatted down in front of them. “Fine, let’s get a pretty house this time.”

Vivian cheered. “That’s great! Thank you, Mommy”

Two hours later, the three of them finally settled on a small condo that was decently high-end.

“Matt, hurry up. Let’s go and choose our rooms. I want the prettier one!”

“Okay.”

Matteo was also delighted. The two children went to see the rooms.

Sasha smiled at their figures as she started to unpack their luggage. She wanted to organize the rooms before the sun sets so she could cook dinner for the children.

Ding.

She suddenly received a message.

She opened the message and saw that she had just received one million.

One million?

Sasha scoffed coldly. She logged into her online banking account and tried to return the money. After that, she immediately called the bank to freeze the card.

She left to finish her chores.

Throughout, her expression was one of indifference.

I never said that I wanted this one million. I might be back, but it has nothing to do with him.

The mother and two children spent a peaceful night in their new house.

The next day.

“Matt, Vivi, time to wake up. You have to go to preschool today.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

The lethargic child-like voices came from the pile of blankets. Shortly after, the small humans were carried out by their mother and they started to wash up.

Naturally, Matteo dressed himself.

A few minutes later, both children were neatly dressed and standing in the living room.

“What do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you,” asked Sasha.

Matt was about to reply, but his smartwatch started to ring. He picked up the call.

“Hello? Ian?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

No one expected Ian to say those words.

Sasha was stunned.

What does he mean?

He’s here?

While Sasha was still in a state of confusion, Matt had dashed to the balcony.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 157

“You really came, Ian.”

Sasha was incredibly shocked. She followed Matt and saw a small human at the bottom of their condo. He was accompanied by a man wearing dark sunglasses and an all-black attire. They stood unmovingly at the entrance.

This child…

Sasha panicked and dashed back into the house to open the door and head down.

“Mommy…”

When she arrived downstairs, she immediately saw the child standing at the building’s entrance.

Despite being dressed in a thick down jacket, a hat, and mittens, the extremely cold weather had turned his cheeks red. Even his snot had frozen.

“What are you doing? Why did you bring him here when it’s so cold?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Wand. We had no choice. Ian was making a fuss about coming here. He’s insisting on going to preschool with Matt.”

The bodyguard who was holding an umbrella rushed to explain.

Sasha was left with no other option but to carry her son in. Once her other two children were done eating, she took them to the preschool.

At Hayes Corporation in the center of the city.

Sebastian, who had just arrived at the office, switched off his phone after he received the photo from the bodyguard showing that the three children had entered the preschool. He picked up his laptop and went into his office.

Luke walked in to announce that day’s schedule.

“Mr. Hayes, tasks had piled up since you were absent from the office for two days. You might want to read the email from Ms. Green first.”

“Xandra?”

Sebastian, who had just taken his seat, was initially in a good mood. However, his two shapely eyebrows were now furrowed. “What email?”

Luke immediately brought out his laptop and opened the email from Xandra.

To be honest, it was rather contemptuous.

Even though Xandra had known Sebastian for many years, she still could not send him emails. Sebastian’s inbox had a spam filter. Other than company matters, no one else could send him emails.

This included Xandra.

Sebastian scanned the email and realized it was a draft.

“Mr. Hayes, Ms. Green says that this is the draft she had just finished writing. She’s about to hand it over to the editors, but she wanted you to look it over first. If there’s nothing wrong, she’ll send it to the editors,” explained Luke.

Whenever Xandra wrote a new book, she would ask Sebastian to read the final draft. He would always provide her with a satisfactory answer in the shortest amount of time.

However, after Sebastian scanned this latest draft, Luke caught sight of annoyance flashing past his eyes.

“Set it aside first. Bring the other tasks over.”

“Yes, Mr. Hayes.”

Luke closed the laptop and handed the schedule over.

Less than ten minutes later, Sebastian was done looking through the schedule. He walked into the meeting room with the documents and laptop in hand.

For the rest of the day, there was not even a moment’s rest.

However, he could not have expected that on this day, the unimaginable would occur.

“Mr. Hayes, there’s been a problem. Mr. Hayes Sr. suddenly went to the preschool and took the two boys out.”

“What did you just say?”

Sebastian was so shocked that the pen in his hand fell and clattered onto the table.

What is this old man doing? Why is he pulling such a stunt all of a sudden? Doesn’t he know that I just managed to bring the two children back to the country? What if that woman is pissed off by this?

What if she disappears again?

Sebastian’s expression shifted completely. He sprang to his feet and dashed out of the meeting room with no regard for the ongoing meeting.

The people left in the room shared dazed looks.

Mr. Hayes’s behavior is becoming more erratic…

A few minutes later, a black Bentley sped out of the car park. Sebastian stepped on the gas pedal as he called his father on Bluetooth.

Ring… Ring… Ring…

“Hello?”

“What are you doing, Dad? Why did you suddenly take the two children out of preschool? Did you ask me for permission first?”

When he heard his father’s voice, Sebastian exploded with anger.

Before he could finish speaking, his father roared back, “You piece of shit. How dare you talk to me like that? You knew full well that I have two grandchildren, and my granddaughter-in-law was still alive. But you kept it from me!”

For a long time, his ear buzzed.

“Dad, I have my reasons for not telling you.”

“As if. Do you really think I don’t know what goes on in that mind of yours? Sasha is innocent. If it was any other woman, she wouldn’t have let you off.” The old man continued to berate Sebastian.

Sebastian’s veins throbbed as he listened to his father, and he constantly wanted to rebuke him.

Innocent?

How about I rip her open to show you her true colors? Why don’t you see for yourself what she did the past two days?

Sebastian gnashed his teeth together. As he drove, he willed himself to stay calm.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 158

“Dad, calm down and listen to me. If she finds out that you pulled the two children out of school like that, she’ll be angry too. Can you let us know before you take them?”

“Sasha said that she was going to bring the children to see me. I waited two days but they didn’t show up. You had to have been causing trouble.”

Frederick hung up the phone.

Sebastian almost popped a vein.

In Dad’s eyes, that woman can do no wrong. It’s always my fault. No matter what she does, she’s seen as innocent.

Sebastian suppressed his rage as he sped towards the Hayes residence.

He had a reason for being so strongly opposed to this. Firstly, he had just had a big fight with Sasha, and it took a lot of effort to convince her to bring the children back.

He was afraid that if something set her off, she would never come back again.

Who knows what she’ll do at that time?

There was also the matter of Matteo.

Matteo had never seen his grandfather or been to the Hayes residence. Sebastian was afraid that Matteo would be uncomfortable and traumatized if he was suddenly dragged there.

He was only a five-year-old child, after all.

Sebastian pressed down on the gas pedal again.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Hayes residence.

Vivian had said that Raymond’s mountain villa was huge, but Ian had said that the Hayes Residence was even larger. Not even ten of Raymond’s mountain villas could compare.

Actually, he was referring to the Hayes Residence instead of the Frontier Bay.

The Hayes Residence had stood since ancient times. It was truly an ancestral home, and it had an estimated market value of a billion. There was no other house in Avenport that could compare in value.

Ian and Matteo were suddenly dragged there. When they saw the opulent and exquisitely decorated mansion, Ian was fine since he had grown up there, but Matteo was suddenly unwilling to go in.

He was slightly afraid.

“What’s wrong? Why aren’t you going in, my darling grandson? This is your home. Let’s go in, okay?”

Frederick tried to coax his motionless grandson.

However, Matteo did not take a step further.

Ian’s heart went out for Matteo. He took his brother’s hand and whispered, “Don’t be scared.”

He led Matteo in.

“He’s here. Our other grandson is finally here!”

“Really? Let me see.”

“Me too…”

They swarmed around Matteo the moment he stepped through the entrance. They fawned over him like he was a precious gem, each dying to get a look at him.

It was inevitable. This was too shocking!

No one expected that another one of the triplets had survived. He was already so grown.

They stared at the child. Their eyes were like headlights, unblinking and bright.

Matteo was silent.

Am I a monkey? Must they gawk at me like this?

Frederick was chuckling at the side. “Darling grandson, these are your uncles and aunties. A few of them are your grand-uncles. They heard you were coming and came especially to see you.”

Fredrick was afraid his grandson would be terrified and he rushed to do the introductions.

Matteo scanned the room and met the staring eyes. He became even more overwhelmed. When some of the people realized how much he resembled Ian, they could not help but pinch his handsome face.

“It’s real! He’s real!”

He rubbed his aching face. Suddenly, his fox-like eyes curved as he smiled.

“Of course I’m real. After pinching an adorable nephew like me, are you going to give me a present, Auntie? I’m more than welcome to it.”

“Huh?”

The woman who had pinched him was taken aback by his cheeky and innocent words. “Of… Of course. I’ll give you a present.”

She was stupefied. Ian would never have said anything like that.

Rather, he would not speak at all.

Matteo was delighted to hear that he would receive a present. “Great! You’re so pretty, Auntie.”

“Hahahaha…”

The yard-full of people dissolved into laughter. None of them expected that this new child would be completely different from his brother.

“He says such cute things. Uncle, who raised him? Why is he completely different from Little Ian?”

“Yes. I love him. If they didn’t share the same face, I wouldn’t believe that they’re brothers.”

“Exactly! He’s adorable!”

All of them were surprised by Matteo. They surrounded him as they tried to hug him.

Matteo was not scared anymore. He allowed them to hug him and even greeted each of them in a sweet voice. They became even more entranced by him.

Soon, his arms were overflowing with presents.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 159

Ian raised his eyebrow.

“Why are you accepting these? Daddy has all of them!”

“I know. I’m just joking with them. I’ll give them all to Grandpa soon. Don’t worry.”

Matteo patted his brother’s shoulder and assured him that he was just acting. He was not actually going to accept their presents.

Ian was happy to hear that.

Although they had no intention of accepting the presents, they were shocked to see one of the great-uncles carry an embroidered box over.

“Fredrick, I did not expect that our family would have another heir. I’m going to give your grandson the gold pendant you gave me.”

With tears in his eyes, he handed Matteo the embroidered box.

Matteo was confused.

What’s happening?

Why did they suddenly give me this?

Ian nodded. “I have one too.”

Matteo was stunned.

Is that so?

Matteo did not know that because of the Hayes family’s immense wealth, they had always been conscious of heritage. Their heir could only be someone of the purest bloodline.

Anyone else did not stand a chance.

Frederick’s bloodline was pure. Thus, Sebastian was the one who inherited Hayes Corporation.

It was a pity that although Sebastian had Ian, Ian’s physical condition had always been weak. There had been no motion for Sebastian to get remarried.

Hence, Frederick had given one of the gold pendants to his brother.

However, there was Matt now…

Frederick nodded. “Matt, you should accept it. It’s rightfully yours.”

Without hesitation, he told Matteo to accept this gift he had personally given away.

Matteo was only a child. He did not overthink things.

Since his grandfather told him to accept it, Matteo did just that.

Matteo happily slipped the gold pendant around his neck. The brothers went with their grandfather into the dining room for lunch.

As for the great-uncle, he continued to smile while everyone else was still present.

When they all left and the area was quiet, the smile completely dissipated.

The smile was replaced with an absolutely devious expression.

How persistent.

There’s even a healthy one now!

By the time Sebastian rushed to the Hayes residence, a noisy meal was ongoing.

The room was full of people. Sebastian wondered if his father did it on purpose. He invited every member of the Hayes family and even some of his friends over. It looks like a banquet.

“Dad…”

Sebastian walked in and his eyes glanced past the two children who were feasting next to their grandfather. He yelled at Fredrick, who was seated at the head of the table.

Frederick lifted his head. As per Sebastian’s expectation, Frederick did not seem happy to see his son.

“Finally here? Have lunch with us.”

Sebastian did not want to start a row with his father here. Hence, he nodded and sat next to his two sons.

“You’re here, Daddy. Did Mommy come with you?”

Matteo was overjoyed to see his father.

But after he looked around and realized that his mother had not come, his smile turned upside down.

Sebastian noticed this. He pursed his lips and rationalized a reason for him. “Your Mommy is at work. They’ll dock her salary if she asks for leave.”

“Oh.”

Matteo did not ask anymore.

This was a serious problem. His mother was raising him and his sister on her own. It would be bad if her salary was docked.”

The two boys went back to eating.

Ten minutes later, the banquet’s atmosphere became solemn. It might have been due to Sebastian’s arrival. Shortly after, a few people excused themselves after taking a few more bites.

Sebastian had an intimidating aura in this house. It increased after he inherited power.

After everyone left, Sebastian checked his wristwatch. He intended on taking the two children back. “Dad, since they’ve seen all the family and friends, I’ll be taking them back.”

“What’s the rush? Their mother isn’t even here yet.”

The old man tossed out the statement casually.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed.

What does he mean? Did he let that woman know?

His expression changed. Anger flashed across his face. His tone became extremely unpleasant. “What are you trying to do, Dad? Do you just do whatever you want now? Are you never going to discuss anything with me anymore?”

“What a joke. I’m your elder. Why should I discuss anything with you?”

Frederick had no intention of backing down.

Sebastian was so angry that he started to chuckle. “What do you think? I’m the head of the Hayes family now. I have the right to make the final decision about everything. Did you ever stop to think about the consequences of your actions?”

“Think about the consequences? Why do I need to do that? Don’t you know that I’ve been cleaning up after you all these years?”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t know what I mean? How about you ask their mother to give you another household register? This way, you’ll be officially divorced. What’s the point of playing all these sneaky games? Are you even a man?”

Frederick told someone to take the children elsewhere so he could glare and chastise his son freely.

Returning from the Dead Chapter 160

Sebastian’s expression changed.

His nerve had been touched. He had been so self-righteous and determined. But now, he had lost his voice.

His handsome face was an amalgamation of red and white.

“You’re lucky Sasha is well-mannered. She doesn’t hold it against you. Do you think you’ll be standing here still if it was any other woman?”

A few seconds later, the strained Sebastian murmured, “I wanted to compensate her. She didn’t want it.”

“Compensate? How much did you give her? Two hundred billion? Three hundred billion?” Frederick’s tone still carried a hint of rage.

Given the Hayes family’s wealth, Sasha deserved much more as the two children’s mother.

Sebastian kept his mouth shut.

He could not tell Frederick that he had only returned the one million to Sasha. If he did, Frederick would be even more livid.

Why should I give her so much money anyway?

All I did was lie, and I apologized. The matter is done. Why should we blow it out of proportion?

“Can’t speak? You jerk. I knew it! Fine, I’ll decide this for you. When Sasha comes, you bring out her identity. The two of you will go to the civil affairs office to get divorced today!”

“What did you say? Divorce?”

Sebastian finally reacted. He stared at Frederick. He looked more astonished than he had ever been.

Frederick glared at him. “Yes, divorce! I told you before. Since I’m the one who convinced her to marry you, now that you want her to return to the Wand family, she has to walk out of our family with her head held high. A piece of shit like you can’t be allowed to do as he pleases!”

Sebastian was silent.

His mind was blank. Before he could think about what he was saying, he uttered, “Who says I want to divorce her?”

Frederick was appalled. “You don’t want to divorce her? Then why are using such despicable methods? You even want to strike off her name from our household register. How is this not trying to sever ties with her?”

Sebastian had been rendered speechless.

It was as though something had gotten caught in his throat. He wanted to protest but he could not get a word out.

It was true that he had had this thought before he went through with it.

Whether it was five years ago, or five years later, Sebastian never wanted to see Sasha. She was stupid, greedy, and shameless. Just the mention of her name repulsed him.

Thus, when he found her in Clear, he had immediately instructed Luke to do it.

He did want to sever ties with her.

But now that divorce was on the table, he realized that he was not as happy as he thought.

“That’s not what I meant. I just…”

“Frederick, you misunderstood. It’s not that he doesn’t want to divorce me. He just doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it. He’s the president of Hayes Corporation. He’s currently linked to Ms. Green. If news gets out that he has an undivorced ex-wife, it’ll hurt his reputation.”

Just as Sebastian was about to cobble together an excuse, a voice interrupted him.

After she spoke, the two men fell silent and looked her way.

They were surprised to see a young girl wearing a khaki-colored jacket with jeans and white sneakers.

Perhaps it was because she had been hurriedly called away during work, but she was dressed exceptionally casually. Her hair was tied in a simple ponytail. However, there was radiance in her simplicity. Her face was small and her complexion was clean. Her face looked like exquisite jade poised atop her high-collared wool jacket. Her bright eyes seemed cold, but they were full of light. She was so brilliant that no one could tear their eyes away from her.

Sasha?

She really came?

Sebastian took a double take.

This woman is really different from Xandra.

Xandra preferred branded goods. Everything she wore came from luxury stores. Whenever she went out, her makeup had to be perfect.

It was as though she was afraid that people would be unable to recognize her as the future wife of the president of Hayes Corporation.

However, this woman was different.

She gravitated towards a natural style and dressed simply as though she did not care for superficial things. She looked extremely casual.

However, Sebastian could not help but feel that she looked good. In his eyes, she looked unblemished.

Something is wrong!

“You’re finally here, Sasha. Come in quickly. Have you eaten? Shall I ask the housemaid to make you something?”

Mr. Hayes also saw Sasha. He was delighted and hastily ordered a housemaid to prepare food for her.

Sasha waved her hand dismissively. “No thank you, Frederick. I’ve already eaten. I still need to work later. Did you ask me here because of the matter you just mentioned?”