"But I am very grateful to my big brother. If it weren’t for him, how would I have met such a wonderful woman like you, and how would I have two such outstanding sons."

Although Evander Lancaster refused to return to the company to help, establishing his own business is something to be proud of.

Back then, Violet Zimmerman disapproved of her son studying medicine and wouldn’t support his career. Evander Lancaster, despite the strong opposition from home, relied on the support of his three brothers and his own ability to open a small clinic, which gradually grew into a private hospital.

In fact, Evander Lancaster can be said to have started from scratch. Achieving such success now is not as easy as it is for those siblings who helped in the family business.

"But Evander has always had issues with you." Violet turned her face to look at Joseph Lancaster, the uncle in name but the man of her life. For the sake of her and their two children, he never married. Just thinking of him coming home alone every day filled Violet with heartache.

Mentioning this was a lifelong regret for Joseph Lancaster. He sighed helplessly, "Alas, despite the issues, he is still your and my son."

"Joseph, it’s really unfair to you," Violet leaned on Joseph Lancaster’s shoulder, saying with heartache. Yet Joseph laughed nonchalantly, "What’s unfair? I, Joseph Lancaster, have a wife and children. This life is considered complete."

...

New Year’s Day, a time of family celebration, and every household was filled with joy. The company originally held an event, but Nicholas Croft didn’t want to leave his beloved wife alone at home, so he sent an assistant to attend on his behalf while he stayed home to celebrate the holiday with her.

After lunch, Sophie Foster insisted that Nicholas Croft take her to the mall. Since winter had set in, she had been almost isolated from the outdoors. Worried she might catch a cold, Nicholas Croft wouldn’t allow her to wander outside like she used to.

The two friends who got along the best had little opportunity to interact. It was the busiest time of the year; Mia Foster worked overtime every day and occasionally needed to fly to other cities.

As for Titus Zane, he was taken back to the Capital City by his grandfather and never returned, rarely even calling.

Nicholas Croft understood Sophie Foster’s feelings. A wild girl accustomed to freedom, now being kept in check by him, would naturally feel uncomfortable.

After putting on her coat and wrapping Sophie in a thick cotton jacket, scarf, and ski hat, he personally drove her to the mall.

On New Year’s Day, the mall wasn’t very crowded, with only a few customers here and there. In such an environment, Nicholas Croft didn’t have to worry about his wife being bumped into by others.

After being cooped up indoors for two months, Sophie found everything fascinating and wanted to try on every pretty outfit in the window display, but Nicholas Croft pulled her back.

"Alright, after we have the baby, I’ll take you abroad, and you can shop as much as you want."

"Promise?" Sophie widened her eyes, her originally beautiful oval face now rounded into a little bun face thanks to Nicholas.

"Promise, when have I ever lied to you?" Nicholas Croft thought helplessly. Even though she was about to be a mother, she was still so impulsive. How could he feel at ease letting her go out alone?

After one last longing look at the pink flared dress-style cotton jacket in the window, Sophie reluctantly followed Nicholas Croft away, "Alright then."

With Nicholas Croft’s arm around her, they walked together towards the baby and toddler section. The young expectant mother was dressed in a loose pink knitted sweater, with the cotton jacket and scarf draped over the arm of her Guardian Angel.

From afar, she saw the baby section mannequin dressed in a pink floral dress, and Sophie broke free from Nicholas’s arm, almost running over in excitement.