Madison vented her frustrations, and Crystal couldnât help but laugh. She looked at Madison quietly. feeling comforted.
Over the years, she might have lost a lot, but many people were still by her side, just as before-her mother, her children, and Madison.
Life always had its regrets, but at this moment, Crystal felt content.
She gently stroked Madisonâs hair and said in a soft voice, âIâll arrange the best seat for you.â
Back at the mansion, the children hadnât returned yet, and only Remi was there.
Crystal specially made his favorite dish and played with him. Though he was just over a year old, he was remarkably sensible.
He somehow knew there was a baby in his motherâs belly and never demanded to be held.
In the evening. Joel brought the two children back.
He grinned and said, âHenry might be coming home a bit late!â
Crystal smiled, acknowledging the information.
The sky was gradually darkening, and snowflakes started to fall gently.
With the children in tow, Crystal made a call to Henry. In a hushed voice, she asked, âCan you come home earlier tonight?â
Henry, currently in the CEOâs office of Secas Corporation, asked with a light chuckle, âMiss me?â
Crystal looked at the falling snow outside and then at the children in the living room. She spoke softly. âToday is Christopherâs birthday.â
Henry visibly paused.
Just then, Jamie entered and said, âMr. Miller, the meeting is about to start!â
Henry glanced at his watch and said, âItâs snowing outside. Letâs postpone the meeting until tomorrow morning. Have everyone leave early.â
Jamie was quite surprised.
Henry smiled. âItâs my sonâs birthday.â
After hanging up, Henry put on a light wool coat and left the company, Jamie stood there, smiling.
Henry drove back to the mansion, arriving at seven oâclock sharp.
He opened the car door, got out, and found a thin layer of white snow on the ground. The entire city was enveloped in a blanket of white, exuding a chilly atmosphere. However, the soft yellow light from the house emanated warmth.
He retrieved a gift from the trunk and walked into the living room.
âThe snow outside is getting heavier.â
While saying this, he unbuttoned his coat with one hand. He then called out, âChristopher, come here!â
Christopher was half-kneeling on a dining chair.
In front of him was a small cake made by Crystal, along with dishes meticulously prepared by the household staff. Most of them were his favorites.
He looked at the oversized toy in Henryâs hand-it was an action figure.
The boy dashed over, hugging Henryâs leg. Henry smiled and lifted him up, giving him a kiss. âMrs. Miller called to tell me itâs your birthday today. Sorry, I came back late. Hereâs your birthday present... Do you like it?â
Christopher took the gift, holding it tightly.
Henry looked around the dining room.
His wife was sitting at the table in a long dress, with Skyler and Remi beside her... Skyler clapped her hands and sang a birthday song for Christopher, saying that she would hug him to sleep tonight as his birthday gift.
Henry chuckled. âSkyler, today isnât your birthday.â
Skyler lifted her little head proudly. âI donât easily share my bed with others!â
It took even Berthold a long time to persuade her to let him sleep in her princess bed.
Christopherâs face turned slightly red....
Henry went over, kissing Crystal. âHappy birthday, Crystal.â
Crystal held Christopher with one arm, letting him blow out the candles.
At this moment, Christopher felt warm inside.
He used to be depressed. After all, his mother had taken her own life, and he thought he was only adopted by the Miller couple because of his Rh-negative blood, However, up to now, he hadnât had a single drop of blood drawn.
Crystal had asked him to call her âMommy.â Besides, the man in front of him was more of a father than his biological one. Henry treated him kindly, taught him many things, and even taught him how to be a man...
The seven-year-old Christopher was moved deep inside by all this.
Thus, even when he later took over Seeas Corporation, he didnât do anything shady to it. Instead, he stayed with this family and with Skyler.
That night, Skyler still dragged Christopher away Crystal had some concerns. She was worried that the children might mature too early After Henry finished his shower and walked out, she shared her wornes with him The winter night was chilly, but the bedroom was warm and cozy, thanks to the efficient heating.
Henry, with his upper body bare, had a towel loosely wrapped around his waist.
He looked up at her, then gently stroked her belly.
Henryâs voice was tender. âWhat are you worried about, Crystal? The children we raise will turn out just fine. We can worry about these things when theyâre over ten years old.â
Crystal thought about it and realized he was right.
She focused on drying his hair. Every time she lowered her head, she could see his finely shaped nose.
He was undeniably good-looking. Even after all these years, she hadnât grown tired of looking at him.
Henryâs voice was a bit husky. âItâs been three months.â
She responded with a soft hum.
Henry gently pressed his face against hers, feeling the slight bulge of her belly through the silk fabric. He whispered. âIn another month, the Will start moving. Itâs truly amazing how they grow like this.â
Crystal playfully scolded, âYouâre being silly!â
She thought about how they were just like any ordinary couple, taking care of their children and nurturing a new life.
It felt really good.
During this quiet moment, she brought up the premiere of her film. âI wonder if you will have time to attend, Mr. Miller?â
Henry pinched her nose. âMrs. Miller, for your movie premiere, of course, Iâll be there! How many theater screenings do you want me to reserve?â
Feeling a bit tired, Crystal sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. âReserving the whole theater isnât necessary!
As long as youâre there, Iâll be happy, Henry... I canât promise that weâll be passionately in love forever, but I can promise that in my life, youâll always be the most important man.â
âMore important than Remi and Christopher?â
âAs you grow older, you become less tolerant, huh?â
Henry gently pressed her against the foot of the bed, mindful of her pregnancy.
Her body nestled between the sheets while he leaned over her, just gazing at her... He was exceptionally handsome, and just looking at him like this was enough to make most women weak.
At least, Crystal couldnât resist his looks.
With one hand supporting himself, he gently caressed her face with the other.
His voice was slightly husky, even gentler than the night itself. âCrystal, I must have been quite infatuated with you in the past!
Look at your complexion, your skin, and your figure... How did you grow to be so beautiful?â
Even after all these years, Crystal still blushed at his compliments.
She playfully kicked him to the side, saying, âWhy are you suddenly behaving so frivolously?â
âHow else should I behave?â
Henry laughed. âShould I bring over Seeas Corporationâs prospectus and give you a report about it, Miss. Winters?â
His words became even more frivolous.
Crystal knew him well. He was lingering around tonight because he wanted sex. She was barely three. months pregnant, so she was worried about the babyâs safety. Thus, she kissed him to prevent him from. saying more and mumbled, âYouâre not allowed to misbehave!â
Henry kissed her deeply, and in the end, he cradled her body, murmuring, âI just want to make the mother of my child feel good.â
Crystal was speechless.
The premiere of Mr. Mallorca quickly arrived.
As it was close to the end of the year, there were many people attending. Since the children were too young to be around crowds, Crystal decided that just the two of them would attend.
At four oâclock in the afternoon, she changed into a formal dress. Soon, a car could be heard outside.
Henry had come to pick her up.
Moments later, footsteps approached, and the bedroom door opened.
Henry stood at the doorway, silently admiring for a while before gently closing the door.
Crystal wore a golden gown.
She didnât deliberately hide her protruding belly, so it was visible that she was pregnant. However, this didnât make her look any less beautiful. Instead, it added a touch of feminine charm to her.
Henry approached and kissed her delicate shoulder, whispering, âMy pregnant lady looks so beautiful.â
Crystal trembled slightly.
Henry took out a thin, long necklace from his pocket and threaded the locket from the dressing table onto it. Unexpectedly, it complimented this dress perfectly.
The green emerald lay quietly against her chest.
Crystal gently caressed it.
She looked up at Henry and softly said, âHenry, you donât have to be so careful around me.â
Henry helped her gather her long hair, securing it for her.
He gazed at her face with great concentration, his smile faint as he said, âI do mind! However, I also hope that his fondness for you will truly be your lucky charm. Crystal, donât take it off?â
Crystal nodded very slowly.
As they left, he draped a thick fur coat over her. They walked through the underground garage, sheltered from the cold.
The theater in Barnwood was crowded with people.
Celebrities walked along the red carpet, and the place was so heated up it didnât appear like it was winter.
Crystal chose not to walk the red carpet.
She didnât want to catch a cold, so she went straight into the hall through a special entrance. Inside, there was plenty of socializing, but luckily, Henry was by her side, helping to deal with half of it!
Ingrid was stealing the show tonight.â
Before the premiere began, she gave a speech on the stage and then sat next to Crystal when she came down.
She was concerned about Alfred and asked in a low voice, âDid Mr. Lodge not come?â
Crystal quietly told her, âUncle Alfredâs busy with work.â
As for the specifics, Crystal didnât feel it was appropriate to say.
Ingrid was a bit disappointed. Even though she had been married before, Alfred still gave her the most vivid memories in her life.
Thus, at such an important time, she had hoped Alfred would be here to witness it.
Crystal understood her feelings and couldnât really blame her.
Ingrid was a decent person, and she had never wanted to cause Melora any problems.
Crystal comforted her in a soft voice, âThe premiere for this film is going really well! Itâs going to be a big, step forward for you in the film industry... If the box office surpasses one billion, itâs a straight-up ascent.â
Ingrid was deeply moved upon hearing this.
She knew this film had a two hundred million budget, which for Crystal was just a way to pass the time. However, for Ingrid, a forty-two-year-old opera performer, it was crucial.
Her career was rejuvenated.
Ingrid had also heard professional analyses saying that this film would surpass one and a half billion at the box office.
She felt much better now.
On the other side, Henry held his wifeâs hand and chuckled. âYouâre really good at cheering people up, Mrs. Miller.â
Crystalâs face turned slightly pink, and she whispered, âI remember that I cheered you up last night, too!â
Henry gave a slight smile.
His dignified and refined demeanor was enough to make any womanâs heart race Nevertheless, everyone at Barnwood knew that his heart belonged only to Crystal. Even with his wife being pregnant, he never messed around outside, and he was very much a family man.
Between them, there was no scandal or drama.
Just then, the host cued Crystal.
It turned out that a few supporting actors had been talking about Crystal, expressing their gratitude.
The host wanted to create some excitement in the atmosphere, so he took a few steps forward and said. with a smile, âNow, letâs invite the beautiful Miss Winters to come on stage and say a few words of encouragement to these lovely young actors.â
Crystal couldnât refuse.
Besides, she wasnât an awkward person. Therefore, she went on stage confidently.
She took the microphone and turned to look at the young actors.
There were both actors and actresses, and Sylvester stood closest to her.
Though Crystal was the producer, she didnât put on any airs. She spoke very gently to them. âI hope that youâll work even harder after this film brings you into the public eye. The world is vast, and you have to rely on yourselves to make your way.â
Applause broke out from the audience, and the young actors also clapped enthusiastically. They were all excited.
From now on, they would be known in the entertainment industry!
The host said a few more words and was about to ask Crystal to step down when an unexpected incident occurred...
A large crystal chandelier above them began to sway, and a huge piece fell from it, narrowly missing Crystal. Its sharp edge happened to graze the locket lying on Crystalâs chest, making a shrill sound before it finally hit the floor...
Shards scattered all over the floor.
Instantly, there was chaos in the audience.
At this moment, the main body of the chandelier, weighing over a hundred pounds, began to sway dangerously. Finally, the cord holding it snapped, and it plummeted straight down.
Crystal had no chance to avoid it....
At that critical moment, Sylvester quickly pushed Crystal aside, but he was grazed by the falling glass. His forehead bled at once.
With a loud crash, the larger part of the chandelier hurtled toward him.
If it hit him, heâd have no chance of survival.
A hand shot out, shielding Sylvesterâs head, It was Henry.
His arm acted as a buffer, and most of the chandelier hit his arm before finally landing on the floor with a deafening crash.
Shards flew in all directions.
People close by were more or less injured by the broken pieces.
Crystalâs head was grazed by one of the shards. Her vision went black, and her body slumped to the floor.
âCrystal!â
Henryâs voice was hoarse, filled with anguish..
He held Crystal, both of them covered in blood...
âCall the ambulance!â He didnât even have time to tend to his own arm, which was also injured.
Every minute waiting for the ambulance felt like an eternity for Henry. With Crystal pregnant, he couldnât bear the thought of anything happening to either of them.
There was also Sylvester, who was injured too.
If it werenât for Sylvester giving Crystal that push, she might have...
Outside, the snow started to fall gently.
When they arrived at the hospital, Henryâs face was as white as a sheet from his excessive bleeding. His parents and Melora rushed over and immediately asked, âHowâs Crystal?â
Henryâs arm was hastily bandaged, and he hadnât even had time to change his clothes.
He pulled out a cigarette, took a drag, and exhaled.
âTheyâre treating her inside! That kid from the Sloan family is also inside... He might be disfigured now.â
As he spoke, Henry felt terrible..
In his palm was the shattered locket.
Now he understood what George Minsky meant. The good luck charm that Robert had asked for to protect Crystal wasnât just this trinket, but also Sylvester...
The real good luck charm was Sylvester....
He wanted the doctors to repair Sylvesterâs face at any cost.
Whatever the cost, it was worth it!
David had to be strong for the situation. Seeing his sonâs vulnerable and anguished look, he patted him. âCrystal will be fine! You and your mom stay here and wait for her to come out. Melora will take care of the kids, and Iâll go to the police station to see if there are any leads regarding the incident.â