Chapter 2 Actions Speak Louder Than Words

• Whitney had no clue about the mischief the two little boys were planning. Seeing their innocent faces, she believed them.
• Amid their idle chatter, the car pulled up in front of the estate.
• Through the window, Whitney caught sight of the familiar faces of the Marshalls.
• After six years, there were noticeable changes in them.
• Except for one man. He was just as she remembered.
• He stood tall, his strikingly handsome face seemingly sculpted by the hands of a god. His features had only grown more mature and captivating with time.
• Dressed in a black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, he exuded an overwhelming aura of restraint and coldness.
• The contrast of elegance and coldness that he emanated made him appear untouchable, almost otherworldly.
• For a brief moment, Whitney's calm heart fluttered, but just as quickly, she pushed the feeling aside and returned to her usual composure.
• Her expression unchanged, she looked away and stepped out of the car with the children.
• Under the scrutinizing gaze of everyone present, she approached Caden.
• With grace and poise, she greeted him, "Caden, long time no see. Sorry to keep you waiting."
• Caden's stern demeanor softened when he saw her, his face breaking into a kind smile.
• "Finally, you're here, Nini. I've been waiting for you. Are you exhausted from the journey?"
• He spoke warmly, his eyes studying Whitney intently.
• Then, the old man praised, "You've changed so much since I last saw you. You're even more beautiful and accomplished now."
• Whitney smiled back and said, "And you look quite well yourself, much better than you sounded on the phone."
• Caden chuckled and said, "I'm just an old man now. I may look fine, but I'm not as strong as I used to be."
• As they continued chatting, it was as though no one else existed around them.
• Except for one pair of eyes that was impossible to ignore.
• It was Shaun.
• His sharp gaze was as cold as ice as he stared at her, like ice slicing through the air, lingering on every inch of her.
• Yes, she had changed dramatically.
• Her figure and demeanor were more mature, more captivating.
• What made her even more charming was the subtle charm she exuded—sensual and alluring, yet still refined and elegant.
• Like a flower that had fallen from the sky, she drew people in, tempting them to come closer, yet somehow, they could only admire her from a distance.
• Just as Shaun kept his unwavering gaze on her, he suddenly felt two sharp and dangerous stares directed his way. Startled, his eyes quickly shifted.
• Then he noticed that she wasn't alone. Standing behind her were two young boys.
• Twins.
• Though still young, their features were striking. They were destined to grow into handsome young men.
• However, in the eyes of these children, there was none of the innocence or naivety that one would expect from kids their age.
• Instead, there was a gaze that resembled that of a predator sizing up its prey.
• Shaun raised an eyebrow, finding this unexpectedly amusing.
• Who would have thought that he'd see such a look on the faces of two kids?
• But why were they with Whitney?
• As the three of them continued their silent standoff, Caden also took notice.
• He shifted the conversation and asked, "Nini, are these the sons you mentioned?"
• "Yes," Whitney's eyes flickered for a moment before she admitted. She took the chance to introduce the boys. "This is Skylar, and this is Andy."
• "Skylar and Andy? What wonderful names! They will surely grow up brave and strong."
• Caden's fondness for the boys was immediate. He beckoned them over with a smile and asked, "Come here, little boys. How old are you?"
• Hearing the question, the twins abandoned their thoughts to deal with Shaun and obediently walked over.
• "Hello. We're a little over four years old."
• Whitney's back stiffened slightly when she heard the answer.
• When she divorced Shaun, she had left everything behind, determined to cut ties with the Marshalls.
• Shortly after leaving, she had discovered she was pregnant.
• Though the pregnancy had come as a shock, she had never hesitated to keep the babies.
• She had been pregnant with triplets, and her youngest daughter hadn't survived due to health complications.
• She had no intention of telling the Marshalls about the children. No one else needed to know, so she had always lied about their ages, keeping them a year younger.
• Only her mentor knew the truth.
• Caden was unaware of any deception. He patted the boys on their heads affectionately and said, "They're so good-looking!"
• The elders naturally adored children, especially these two, who were both handsome and charming.
• While Caden was beaming, Shaun's face darkened.
• This woman has children? Four years old. That means she remarried shortly after our divorce?
• An inexplicable, uncomfortable feeling surged through him, and anger began to build within. His face became stormy with fury.
• Marie had been silent with a cold expression. She finally saw an opportunity and mocked, "Caden, our family isn't a charity organization. We're rich, sure, but we can't just take in freeloaders, can we?"
• Whitney's eyes narrowed at her words, but before she could respond, Caden shot back, "What nonsense are you spouting? Nini came here specifically to help treat me, not to freeload!"
• "Treat you? Her?"
• Marie had never thought much of Whitney, and now her expression and tone were filled with disdain.
• "Caden, we've hired countless experts and assembled the top medical teams to treat you. None of them have a solution. What makes you think she can do anything?"
• Marie cast a disdainful glance at Whitney, her contempt obvious. "Just because you know her, don't let her take advantage of you. Maybe she's just here to scam you."
• Whitney hadn't planned on engaging with Marie.
• They had never gotten along.
• Marie had always made things difficult for her when she lived with the Marshalls.
• However, Marie's slander had crossed a line. She couldn't take it anymore.
• Just as Whitney was about to respond, a young but firm voice cut in.
• "My mom isn't here to scam anyone. She's a renowned wonder doctor—so famous that not even money can buy her time. If you're ignorant, that's fine, but don't go around slandering others for it."
• Skylar stood with his arms crossed, imposingly defending his mother.
• Though he looked adorable, his words carried the weight of authority.
• Andy nodded in agreement, adding, "Exactly! If the other doctors couldn't help, maybe you should be questioning their skills, not hers. Even a basic level of intelligence would tell you that!"
• Marie's complexion turned ashen with rage.
• These little brats called her stupid!
• She was on the verge of exploding.
• Whitney cut her off, speaking to the children instead, "Some people just don't understand. Explaining things to them is pointless. In the future, save your words."
• "Got it. No need to waste time on fools, right?"
• The twins answered in unison.
• Marie was furious. She was driven mad and on the verge of exploding.
• This time, Caden denied her the chance to speak. He barked, "Enough! It's settled. Don't say another word! Nini, let's have dinner together later. It's been a while since you've been back, and we need to properly welcome you."
• Whitney hesitated for a moment before politely declining. "Thank you for your kindness, but the journey has been exhausting. I'd like to get some rest first. By the time I wake up, it might be too late for dinner. If you don't mind, could we do it tomorrow instead? I can also check your health at that time."
• "Alright, that works too!"
• Caden wasn't the least bit upset, but an idea seemed to cross his mind as he glanced toward Shaun. He urged, "Shaun, why don't you escort Nini and the kids to Southward House?"
• Marshall Estate was vast, with three grand buildings at its center. Around them stood several luxurious villas, divided into four areas: east, west, south, and north, all of which were surrounded by the main houses.
• From above, the estate formed into the shape of a large golden ingot.
• It was a testament to Caden's belief in geomancy art and his love for a lively atmosphere. Only the family's direct descendants lived in the villas.
• Giving Southward House to Whitney showed just how highly Caden thought of her.
• Shaun didn't move. His deep, cold eyes stayed fixed on Whitney. Finally, he broke his silence, speaking his first words.
• "And what exactly qualifies her to have me carry her luggage? If she's here to treat Grandpa, where's her resume? What degree does she have? What cases has she successfully treated? What medical awards has she won?"
• His words were icy, dripping with deliberate hostility. "If her qualifications aren't good enough, then there's no need to take her to Southward House."
• Hearing his sharp tone, Whitney pressed her lips together.
• He hadn't spoken a word earlier, and she had assumed he had changed.
• Clearly, he hadn't.
• Still, she had expected this.
• Meeting his gaze, she remained composed and answered calmly, "I didn't bring any documents with me, but if you need them, I can have someone send them over later. Whether I'm qualified or not, you'll find out soon enough."
• Shaun's expression grew darker; his teeth clenched. He challenged, "Oh, is that so? Well, I look forward to seeing that. Let's hope your skills are as sharp as your words."
• With that, he strode toward the car, about to grab her suitcase.
• Whitney was reluctant to accept his help.
• Despite returning to the estate, she wanted to minimize contact with Shaun as much as possible.
• She took a few steps forward and tried to intervene. Whitney said, "There's no need for you to trouble yourself, Mr. Marshall. We have a driver, and we can go on our own."
• Before she could finish her sentence, her hand accidentally touched his.
• The cool sensation on his skin made both of them freeze for a moment.
• Shaun's gaze turned even frostier as he glanced at her. He mocked, "You say no, but your actions tell a different story."
• His tone was mocking, and he spoke in a voice meant only for her ears, "Whitney, you set me up back then, and now you show up at my doorstep. What's the matter? Still can't let go of me?"