Chapter 1 Another Great-Grandchild

• Emmeline's first night was far from ideal. There was no sense of euphoria and joy.
• In the darkness, the man's scorching sweat dripped incessantly, almost burning her.
• She could feel his strength, but he was too rough, completely disregarding her feelings.
• After countless times, the man withdrew without a trace of emotion.
• "Those who dare to scheme against me never meet a good end. Considering you're a woman, I'll spare your life."
• Then, a bank card was thrown onto Emmeline's face. "Ten million, for one night with you." His voice, hoarse and icy, could freeze the air.
• With a loud bang, the door was slammed shut as the man strode away.
• "D*mn!" Emmeline couldn't help but curse.
• What an inexplicable man!
• He barged into my room, did such a thing to me, and then humiliated me.
• What a b*stard!
• Furious, Emmeline wanted to chase after the man and teach him a lesson, but she had no strength left.
• When she finally recovered, it was already the next day.
• Dragging her aching body to the front desk to check on the man, she was told that the hotel's surveillance records from the previous night had been erased. There was no trace of the man who had intruded into her room.
• The only clue was the bank card left behind by the man—under the name Abel Ryker.
• When Emmeline traced it to Ryker Group, the receptionist told her, "Mr. Ryker has already gone abroad. No one can contact him."
• Emmeline stared blankly at the bank card.
• She couldn't be sure if the man from that night was the actual cardholder. There was no information about him online.
• That man had taken her first night and then vanished, as if he had never existed.
• She didn't even know what he looked like.
• Everything seemed like a dream, so unreal.
• …
• Not long after, Emmeline discovered she was pregnant.
• The Louise family, a well-known wealthy family in Struyria, was thrown into chaos.
• "How could I have such a shameless daughter? My reputation is tarnished now." Emmeline's father slapped her across the face while scolding her mercilessly.
• "While you're so young, you're lacking in self-respect, messing around, and ending up with a child. You don't even know who the father is. Could it be that there was more than one man that night?" Emmeline's stepmom kept slandering her viciously.
• "Get out of the Louise family. From now on, you are no longer a Louise."
• Looking at her indifferent father, Emmeline felt her heart turn cold.
• After such an incident, she was clearly the victim, but her so-called family didn't show any concern, only indiscriminate beatings and scolding.
• Such a family wasn't worth keeping.
• Amid her stepmom's triumphant gaze, Emmeline left with her luggage.
• Simultaneously, the news of Emmeline, the Louise family's eldest daughter, partying with multiple men and getting pregnant hit the trending searches.
• …
• Nine months later, Emmeline gave birth secretly in a small hospital.
• "Where are you taking my child?" Emmeline, weak from childbirth, watched her newborn being taken away. She was powerless to move.
• The nurse, not looking back, replied, "It's stillborn. I'm taking care of it."
• "Ah!"
• The searing pain from her abdomen left Emmeline no room to think about anything else.
• There were still more children inside her belly.
• Outside the hospital, the nurse handed the newborn boy to Emmeline's stepmother.
• Looking at the baby in the swaddling clothes, Emmeline's stepmom, Alondra, smiled with satisfaction.
• Excellent! With this child, my niece could marry into the Ryker family successfully.
• …
• Time flew by, and five years passed in the blink of an eye.
• "Madam, latest news."
• While Emmeline was brewing coffee at the cafe counter, she received a message.
• "Ryker Group's chairman is on his deathbed. Abel returned to visit today."
• A candid photo was attached to the message below.
• The man, in a dark suit and white tie, tall and commanding, exuded a unique air of grace and sharpness.
• His features were profound, his deep eyes cold and decisive even in the blurry photo.
• Emmeline took a sharp breath.
• Could such a cool and handsome man be the one who took my first night five years ago?
• She looked at her son's features.
• There's indeed some resemblance.
• Emmeline quickly untied her apron and grabbed her four-year-old son. "Since you're not going to kindergarten, you're coming with me."
• "Where are we going, Mommy?" Hesperus asked while putting down his Rubik's cube. His eyes sparkled like black gems.
• "To find your father."
• After that night, maybe because the man's genes were so strong, Emmeline got pregnant with four children at once.
• The firstborn was the hardest, and she ended up with a stillborn.
• Fortunately, the next three were born safely. She named them Helios, Endymion, and Hesperus, representing the sun, moon, and stars, respectively.
• Despite being kicked out of the Louise family, she managed to make a comeback on her own.
• Even without a man, her children could live well.
• However, unexpected misfortunes did happen. Her youngest son, Hesperus, was diagnosed with a blood disease.
• She had to find his biological father to save his life.
• "Helios, stay upstairs. I will be back soon," Emmeline told Helios, who was also not going to kindergarten, and hurried out with Hesperus.
• …
• Half an hour later, Emmeline and Hesperus, carrying a fruit basket, arrived at a hospital under Ryker Group.
• The nurse told them that the entire floor was occupied by Oscar Ryker, who was in the VIP room at the end.
• Nevertheless, they were stopped by several black-clad bodyguards.
• "Isn't this the sl*t from the Louise family?" Two noblewomen exiting the room began to mock Emmeline. "How dare she come to see Old Mr. Ryker?"
• "She must be in the wrong place. How could she have the nerve to visit Old Mr. Ryker?"
• "What's her name again? Oh, right, it's Emmeline."
• Emmeline?
• Upon hearing the name, Alana Lane, who was among the crowd, frowned and turned around.
• The bodyguards were blocking a tall, beautiful young woman with an enchanting face and captivating eyes.
• It was her cousin Emmeline.
• "What are you doing here? This is no place for you," Alana said as she strode over and glared at Emmeline.
• "If you can come, why can't I?" Emmeline retorted coldly.
• "How dare you speak to Ms. Lane like that?" one of the noblewomen immediately scolded. "Ms. Lane is the fiancee of Abel, the third son of the Ryker family. She's also the future granddaughter-in-law of Old Mr. Ryker. She has every right to visit him. Who are you to compare with Ms. Lane?"
• "Fiancee?" Emmeline's brows furrowed.
• Abel has a fiancee, and it's my stepmother's niece?
• "Get Abel to come see me," Emmeline demanded loudly.
• Alana looked at Emmeline warily.
• Abel was about to land. She couldn't let him see Emmeline.
• "Emmeline, I know you're here to visit Old Mr. Ryker, but you're not qualified," Alana said calmly. "Look at the fruits you brought. You should leave before Madame Ryker comes out. You'll embarrass yourself."
• "Exactly. You can't afford decent gifts, but you're still trying to be a social climber. How shameless you are."
• Listening to the mocking voices, Emmeline remained unfazed. She brought Hesperus forward and said, "Old Mr. Ryker might not care for the fruits, but what about another great-grandchild?"