Did his father not have an iota of paternal love for him?

...

Yuan Jiayin was trying on wedding dresses in the bridal shop. Although she had already registered her marriage with Shang Jingchen, they hadn’t yet held a wedding ceremony.

She had originally planned to wait until the old man’s death before holding a grand wedding, at a time when she, as the mistress of the Shang family, could do whatever she pleased.

However, the old man’s matters had been delayed for so long, she was getting impatient.

Moreover, Jingchen’s recent coldness towards her made her uncomfortable. She felt it was time to divert his attention by holding a wedding ceremony. They could get married, go on a honeymoon, and she could also take this opportunity to move out of the Shang residence.

That night, when Jingchen slept in the old man’s pajamas, she was so scared that she couldn’t sleep at all.

"Mrs. Shang, you are simply stunning. No bride can compare to your beauty. You are the most beautiful woman in the upper class." Both the manager and the store clerk surrounded her, showering her with fawning praise.

The compliments instantly lifted Yuan Jiayin’s spirits. Basking in self-satisfaction, she finally felt like she had usurped Ye Lu’s position.

Once married, if she can manage to get Ye Lu thrown in jail, she would have a worry-free life.

"I heard Ye Lu also chose her wedding dress from here."

The staff became awkward, "Yeah."

"Well, choose a gown for me that is ten times the price of hers. Also, make sure to publicize my extravagant wedding, which will be many times grander than hers." She wanted to give vent to her humiliation in front of the media by looking down upon Ye Lu, her predecessor.

Having tried on the wedding gown, she was about to leave when she saw a woman walking in. Both stood startled at the sight of each other.

"Are you Bai Sijia, Third Young Master Jun’s fiancé?" 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Are you Mrs. Shang?"

Although Yuan Jiayin and Bai Sijia had never met before, as romantic rivals, they had each noticed the other’s actions. They were surprised to meet in the bridal shop.

The mention of Ye Lu filled their hearts with resentment.

Sharing a common enemy, the two women quickly bonded and started chatting animatedly.

"That lowly woman, is no match for us. In the end, we are the ones who get the last laugh, successfully marrying these two men." Yuan Jiayin boasted gleefully.

Bai Sijia scoffed, "What right does that woman have to compare to us? She’s just a manipulator with some bedroom skills, going back and forth between men. She’s filthy!"

Thinking about the fact that Third Young Master Jun had once been so intimate with Ye Lu, yet didn’t touch her, Bai Sijia felt an overwhelming sense of twisted rage.

Yuan Jiayin nodded, "I agree, we shouldn’t let her off so easily. She was so cocky before, following one man after another. Now, it’s our turn to step on her and see to her punishment."

After thinking for a moment, her eyes gleamed brightly, revealing a sinister expression as she grabbed Bai Sijia’s hand.

"Let’s have our wedding photos taken together then have them published in the newspapers to flaunt our happiness and disgust her, okay?"

...

Ye Lu was at the hospital preparing to discharge Yan Yu.

"What have you been busy with these days, Lu’er? I haven’t seen you around much." Yan Yu frowned, "You are pregnant now, you need to be careful."

"I know, I’ll be careful."

Ye Lu didn’t want to tell Yan Yu about what she was currently doing. Yan Yu wouldn’t be able to help her anyhow, she’d just worry.

"Mom, given my current condition, I’m not in a suitable position to take care of you. So, I’ve arranged for a very good nursing home in City X. The doctors said that you need to convalesce for at least a year or two."