The York residence.

After Serenity called her sister, she assisted Sonny in measuring the dumplings. Once Sonny finished eating and took his temperature, she said to Zachary, “It’s thirty-seven point seven degrees. Why don’t you give him another warm bath?”

Zachary poured Sonny a cup of warm water, encouraged him to drink, and said, “Sonny is full now, so let him rest for a bit before we help him take a warm bath. It will take time to lower his fever, but the doctor has prescribed medication for home treatment.”

At that moment, Zachary’s cell phone rang.

Serenity remarked, “Sonny’s fever is subsiding, so you should focus on your work while I keep an eye on him at home.”

Zachary didn’t answer the call immediately; instead, he absorbed Serenity’s words before picking up the phone. It was Mr. Dawson calling.

Zachary said, “Mr. Dawson.”

While he had a dislike for Analia, Zachary remained polite to Mr. Dawson. Ultimately, the two parties were seeking cooperation, and Zachary was willing to forgo a significant opportunity rather than work with Analia or the Dawsons.

Mr. Dawson greeted him warmly on the phone, saying, “Mr. York, let’s have lunch together. It’s on me.”

Before Zachary could respond, Mr. Dawson continued, “I’ve booked a private room for us at your Wilspoon Hotel. We can discuss the project we talked about last night after lunch; there are no issues, and the contract can be signed.”

Analia had boldly grabbed Zachary’s hand the previous night, which led to a lengthy reprimand from Mr. Dawson. He still felt guilty about bringing his daughter to discuss business with Zachary, as it violated his principles.

Zachary’s indifference was a testament to his magnanimity, which Mr. Dawson noted seemed to have increased significantly since Zachary’s marriage.

Marriage had transformed Zachary through love. However, Mr. Dawson held himself responsible for his daughter’s involvement. He was deeply devoted to her but had his limits; he would not allow her to interfere in other people’s marriages, even at the cost of his own life. As a result, Mr. Dawson chose to collaborate with York Corporation and disregarded other companies, viewing this partnership as an apology to Zachary. Moving forward, he resolved not to take his daughter to York Corporation and would prevent her from seeing Zachary, fearing that she might become more entangled.

Mr. Dawson understood his daughter well. Analia lacked Elisa’s bravery and could easily let go. If Analia became emotionally involved, she would realize the futility of the situation yet still be drawn to it like a moth to a flame, potentially leading to her own harm.

“I want to take my wife with me; is that alright?” Mr. Dawson no longer brought his daughter along, but Zachary expressed a desire to take Serenity. Serenity interjected, “Sonny’s fever hasn’t fully subsided yet, so I need to care for him at home. You can go by yourself, husband.”

Zachary gazed at her, and Serenity understood his unspoken concern. She reassured him, “I trust you completely; you don’t need my protection, and I know you won’t betray me.” It was time for Serenity to marry him, and she firmly believed that Zachary would remain faithful. No matter how attractive other women might be, he preferred the beauty of home.

Zachary glanced at Sonny again, ultimately deciding against taking his beloved wife with him. Sonny was still too small and uncomfortable, making it impractical to introduce him to clients. Additionally, Mr. Dawson was a heavy smoker, and Zachary wanted to protect Sonny from secondhand smoke.

He replied to Mr. Dawson, “Okay, see you later, Mr. Dawson. Remember, it’s just the two of us.” Mr. Dawson responded directly, “Okay, see you later.”

Once Mr. Dawson hung up the phone, Zachary turned to his beloved wife and asked again, “Seren, are you really not coming with me? Aren’t you worried that someone might steal your husband away?”

“It’s pointless to worry,” she replied. “Even if I were afraid, I would protect you day and night. They say true love cannot be taken away. I believe our love is real. No one can separate us.”

Zachary patted Sonny’s head and said somewhat bitterly, “You turned me down because of Sonny. You seem to value other people’s men more than me.” Serenity found it hard to express her emotions.

“Here we go again! I haven’t felt jealous in a long time. I miss that sour taste of vinegar. Don’t you?” she joked.