Love Once, Addicted For A Lifetime!

"The flight number 2024T03N01 has landed, passengers please check your belongings before leaving!"

At the onset of summer, as directed by the chairman of the Parks corporation, Clara Lawson returned to Harborview at his request, to help him sign a contract with the McDaniel corporation, and while at it: "help" him manage the Harborview branch, ending the favor with the provision of a powerful black card.

Honestly, she wasn't short on money, but when money comes knocking at your door, why not take it?

The silhouette of a woman in an extremely elegant outfit, beside her a boy about four or five years old, stepping out of the airport, Clara Lawson said:

"Six years, finally back home."

But the boy next to her looked at her, tilted his head and said:

"Mami, isn't it true that uncle Parks didn't allow mom to come back? Clearly, mom was avoiding debts, that's why mom didn't dare to return."

Clara was speechless, okay, she really didn't know what debt she owed this kid in a past life, but since he could speak, every word was a jab at her sore spots. Then when it came time to be scolded, he would play the victim, lamenting that his mom wasn't like other moms, always just scolding him.

But think about it, with a mouth like that, how could she not scold?

"Weston, do you believe mom would kick you back to Victor Parks?"

"Mami won't kick me out, because mom knows well that if I stay with uncle Parks, he would call to bother mom eighty times a day, disrupting the time mom searches for a dad for me."

"You! Consider your words sharp. Wait a bit, mom will kick you to aunt Kimberly's class, let's see how you'll survive there."

Kimberly Moore is her close friend, currently running a childcare and teaching class, it's because of her that Clara had the confidence to bring Weston Lawson into the world.

[...]

Recalling six years ago, she was just a bit too frivolous, looking for someone to confide in at a bar after a heartbreak, her senior crush married the girl she absolutely detested, drowning her sorrows in alcohol, who would have thought... That kind of confiding led to her getting pregnant a few months later!

Clara herself was an orphan, having to fight for food to grow up from a young age, she didn't want her child to live in poverty either, moreover, at that time Clara was only twenty years old, she wasn't ready to be a mother.

But Kimberly Moore held her hand tightly, saying:

"Clara, how about I take you to Ashwood? There's my cousin there, his name is Victor Parks, a director of the Parks corporation, though the company isn't big, it'll still provide for you. Moreover, Clara, you're smart, I'm sure you'll live well in Ashwood."

"But this child..."

"Clara, anyway, it's your child, just yours. Besides, I've heard men in Ashwood are very open-minded, might as well find a father for the baby..."

Pausing a bit, Kimberly then said:

"Let me tell you a secret, my cousin Victor is still single, and quite handsome too."

Just like that, Clara set off for Ashwood as planned, became acquainted with Kimberly, met and received help from Victor Parks, and eventually, her life became more comfortable. When the baby was born, they also had more conveniences.

However, to this day, Clara still doesn't know... who the man was that she had spent the night with, what he looked like, whether he was handsome or not. But seeing how handsome Weston is, she guessed the biological father couldn't be bad... Pausing a bit, she remembered a detail, it seemed there was a large tattoo of a dragon on the left side of that man's waist.

But she couldn't just naturally take someone's shirt off and check... Well, she decided to let it be, for now, she had to go find Kimberly first!

[...]

Arriving at Kimberly's house, she saw her sending off the last of her students to their parents. Thinking everyone had left, she ran up and hugged her, but unexpectedly, a little boy became frightened by her action and darted into a corner, trembling.

Kimberly looked at her with disdain, saying:

"Clara, do you know how hard it was for me to bring him out? Now because of you, he's gone back into his old hiding spot, you're really something!"

"What's wrong with the boy?"

"He's traumatized. His parents died in a car accident last month, he was in the car but luckily survived. Since then, he hasn't spoken a word, just scared and trembling like that."

"Is he from a wealthy family?"

Looking at how the boy was dressed, all in high-end clothing, with an eye for quality like hers, Clara dared to stake her reputation on it... The boy was definitely a rich kid!

Obviously, Kimberly also nodded and sighed, saying:

"He was originally a rich young master, but who would have thought after his parents passed away without leaving a will, the assets were split into many parts. In the end, the biological son only received a little. After that, the boy's uncle took him in, changing his surname from Payne to McDaniel. The boy's name is Stephen McDaniel."

Clara, seeing the trembling boy, also intended to step forward to show some concern, after all, it was because of her that he was so frightened. But unexpectedly, her clever son had already moved faster, went inside, and directly gave the boy a candy, saying:

"Do you want some candy? Don't be scared, my mom might seem fierce but actually... she's really nice, don't worry, with Weston here, my mom won't harm anyone!"

Kimberly had to suppress her laughter, while Clara twitched the corner of her mouth, looking at the son she had given birth to with such effort, describing his mother as if she was some kind of demon or monster causing chaos, and he was the exorcist to vanquish them.

Good son! Good son!

"Right, Kimberly, I'm entrusting Weston to you these days, I have to make a trip to the company, this return involves dealing with many pending matters of the company. So, I'll probably stay at the company for these days, Weston will be a bother to you."

"No worries, just leave Weston to me. Moreover, my mom likes Weston a lot, the kid will probably be spoiled rotten at home."

After "handing over" her son, Clara also left, regardless of how bewildered her son might look.

As soon as she left, Stephen's youngest uncle also arrived to pick up the boy. Normally, Kimberly found this man unremarkable. But why does she feel something off when he is near Weston?

"Teacher Moore, I apologize for being late, I had an unexpected matter today."

"The parents of Stephen don't have to feel guilty, this is our responsibility as teachers. I also hope Stephen will recover soon."

This man is Stephen's biological uncle, a successful businessman, unmarried and childless, considered a Golden Man that everyone desires - Raymond McDaniel!

Suddenly, at that moment, Weston ran up to him, tugging on his shirt, making Raymond McDaniel look down. A very active little boy, with agile eyes and a very cute face... But what's important is, why does he look so familiar?

"Uncle, do you have a wife yet?"

Kimberly supported her forehead with her hand, here it comes again. Normally, this kid likes to badmouth Clara, but he loves his mother a lot, and whenever he finds a suitable match, he immediately wants to set his mother up.

Raymond just looked at Weston and laughed, saying:

"Not yet."

"So, would you like to date my mommy? Although she is a bit fierce, a bit hot-tempered, a bit childish... But my mom is very beautiful, as beautiful as an angel. Think about it."

Kimberly knew Raymond was not the type to like beautiful women; he was also famously known as a cold, celibate god. If she lets Weston keep on babbling, they might just get eliminated right there.

Immediately, Kimberly pulled Weston back, even lifting the kid up, saying:

"Weston, if you keep trying to set up your mother, you're going to get beaten."

Raymond looked at Kimberly, then back at Weston, saying:

"Is he the son of Teacher Moore?"

"No, no, Weston is the child of a friend. She's a single mother, but this little guy is very active, afraid to bother her while she works so she left him with me for a few days."

Raymond just nodded, then he didn't forget to leave a contact number before leaving, and didn't forget to pat Weston on the head, saying:

"Then you must give your mom my contact number, remember?"

"Yes, goodbye handsome uncle, goodbye friend Stephen."

After that, Raymond also put Stephen in the car, but surprisingly this time Stephen waved at Weston, even murmuring softly:

"Goodbye... Weston..."

Kimberly and Weston heard it, Raymond heard it too, he was a bit surprised but then still got into the car.

It seems this little one trusts Weston a lot, Raymond also plans to learn more about the boy.

Although she had just arrived in Harborview not long ago, the news about the new General Director of the Parks corporation branch in Harborview was already known internally.

Everyone knew about Clara, at the headquarters in Ashwood everyone knew she was a rose full of thorns, despite being a single mother no one dared to look down on her. Quick-witted and with sharp reasoning, pointing out the core of the issue, everything a leader needs... Clara has it all.

Therefore, her assumption of the position at Harborview met with no opposition; in fact, the staff here even revered her, affectionately calling her "Clara."

"Clara, this time the collaboration with McDaniel Corporation isn't a major project, but we still need to compete fiercely to make a new breakthrough."

"Mandy, bring me all the documents of this project. Also, bring the company reports of the past few years."

"Clara, would you like some coffee?"

"Just a pot of tea for me."

After saying this, Clara immediately went to her office. For Mandy Phillips, it was the first time he saw a CEO who preferred tea over coffee... But, after all, it was a matter of personal preference, and he shouldn't inquire too much into this private matter.

Sitting in her office, Clara researched the McDaniel Corporation. She heard that the current owner of the McDaniel Corporation is a young man who wouldn't show up unless it was for an important project.

Given the significance of this project... It seems he won't be attending the meeting, which means she won't have to exert too much effort this time.

"Clara, the McDaniel Corporation has scheduled a meeting with us tomorrow to discuss the project. What do you think?"

"Tell them tomorrow afternoon, at Crimson Cove, I'll host them for a meal."

"Understood."

Crimson Cove is a renowned restaurant in Harborview. Some say that if you haven't tried Crimson Cove, you haven't truly experienced Harborview!

Apart from the cuisine at Crimson Cove, Harborview is famous for many other things, such as the busiest bar ever, Aphrodite Bar.

Suddenly thinking of Aphrodite made Clara shiver; wasn't this the place filled with embarrassing memories that needed to be buried immediately? Why bring it up and make her shiver?

[...]

That evening, Clara stayed at the company. Fortunately, before transferring, she had Victor refurbish her office and add a bedroom, allowing her to comfortably stay and work all day.

Just as she finished her last task, her phone lit up. It was a message from her beloved son.

[Weston]: Mommy, I met a handsome guy, and Aunt Kimberly says he's really nice too. If you like fresh meat, contact him right away.

The message was accompanied by a photo with a contact number.

Clara's face darkened, and she immediately replied.

[Clara]: Weston, who taught you the phrase "fresh meat"? Moreover, I don't need a boyfriend, thanks!

[Weston]: It doesn't matter who taught me. What matters is I want a dad! Mommy, I want a dad!

If it were any other child, Clara would have been heartbroken to hear such words, the longing behind them.

However, with little Weston, she found him quite deserving of a scolding.

Recalling a few months back, when he had become sensible enough to stubbornly demand a father. To indulge her son, Clara even tried dating a few people, including the man Weston introduced. But who would have thought... Afterward, he stood in front of her, pretending to stroke his chin, and said:

"Sorry, but this was a technical mistake. Mommy, don't date him anymore. I don't like him being 'pressured'."

Once again, the boy laughed and said:

"My dear mom, actually, I don't need a dad who's big and strong like that, I prefer someone more ordinary."

So what happened in the end? For nearly a year, he didn't like anyone at all, yet every day he was all talk about finding a dad, with what, faith?

[Clara]: Weston, wait until mom's done with work, and your butt will surely bloom!

[Weston]: Then I'll just stay with grandma, I won't go back to mom!

[Clara]: Fine, be my guest! Let's see who can put up with you besides me!

[Weston]: You'll regret this!

That night, as Clara was about to climb into her comfy bed to watch a movie and relax, she suddenly received a text from an unknown number.

[XXX]: Hello, are you Ms. Lawson?

Clara was stunned for a moment, then she decided!

No more caring.

In these times, there are fewer businesses and more multi-level marketing, she couldn't believe her new phone number was already known to multi-levels marketing. Indeed, it would be better to choose the option to block strangers from now on.

Clara had decided not to care, but the "multi-levels marketing" continued to send another message.

[XXX]: Hello, I was referred to you by Weston. Although I haven't seen your photo, according to Weston, you are very beautiful and talented, and financially independent... If you don't mind, can we meet? I am at the Aphrodite bar, if you come, please call me.

Reading this message, the corners of Clara's mouth twitched continuously, oh her son! Indeed, her beloved son is different, not only has he set her up on a blind date, now he's practically selling her like vegetables in the market. Not only that, but he also let someone know her name and phone number...

This son is more than a handful, truly beyond belief! Absolutely driving her insane.

[Clara]: Sorry, I am currently very busy, it's inconvenient for me to go out. Thank you, sir, for contacting, but I hope you don't listen to children.

[XXX]: Ms. Lawson, please don't misunderstand, I just wanted to thank you. My child got to play with Weston for a bit but has already become more courageous. The kid's parents passed away early, creating a psychological shadow, normally very reluctant to interact with strangers, but today he took the initiative to say goodbye to Weston.

[XXX]: I just want to thank Ms. Lawson, for raising Weston so well. Sincerely thank you.

Clara felt a bit familiar after reading the message, if it's about a child with deceased parents, isn't that Stephen? She heard from Kimberly, she had just left for less than five minutes when the child's parents came to pick him up... Not even five minutes had passed and her naughty boy had already won over that kid?

Not only that but he also won over the kid's parents... This son of hers... Beyond saving!

[Clara]: Sir, no need to be so formal, they are just kids, they just need to have fun.

[XXX]: Don't call me sir anymore, my last name is McDaniel, first name Raymond, pleased to meet you.

She found the name familiar... Raymond... Raymond... Wait? Isn't he the current owner of McDaniel Corporation? Her upcoming partner is him... Moreover, Raymond is considered one of the most elusive gentlemen in Harborview, but looking from top to bottom... He doesn't seem to speak less, does he? He doesn't seem that bad...

Could the news have gotten it wrong?

[Clara]: My surname is Lawson, my name is Clara, pleased to meet you, Raymond.

[...]

On the other side, Raymond was reviewing a contract and texting, but upon seeing the name "Clara." he was startled, his eyebrows knitting together. This reaction made his friend next to him, Nestor Rice, puzzled, and even his close assistant, Maurice Peters, baffled.

"Chairman McDaniel, is there something wrong?"

"I've found that daring girl from back then."

"Back then? You mean six years ago, the girl who threw two hundred USD at you after spending the night with you?"

As Maurice finished speaking, he received a loving look from Raymond, while Nestor beside him laughed so hard he could barely breathe. He patted Raymond on the shoulder, saying:

"So, our Chairman McDaniel is only worth two hundred USD? Looks like the skills are lacking, need me to teach you a course? Don't worry, it's a super special price."

"Get lost!"

Even though Nestor was scolded, he was quite satisfied, ready to leave but he waited to finish his laugh first.

After Nestor was forcefully kicked out by Maurice, Maurice also closed the door, leaving Chairman McDaniel alone in the room to think.

He clenched his phone tightly, his face slightly unhappy, but then he gritted his teeth and said:

"Clara, let's see how you run away this time. Two hundred USD... Ha, truly knows how to play!"

[...]

On her side, she also sneezed continuously, rubbing her nose, and exclaimed loudly:

"Who is cursing me behind my back? If I find out, I will turn that person into a chicken dish!"

The next morning, Clara was ready to dive into the battle with the pile of reports Mandy had given her the day before.

But she hadn't been reviewing them for half an hour before her stomach started rebelling, it growled like it had never growled before, quickly extinguishing her fiery will. Then, someone knocked on the door and came in.

Mandy, seeing her boss lying flat on the desk, laughed, then brought food over to her, saying:

"Clara, I've prepared breakfast for you, eat something before you work."

"Mandy, you're like my father and mother, I owe you."

Mandy could only shake his head. Even though he had known Clara for three, four years, and he knew that their big boss really liked her, he still didn't understand why the two weren't together?

To clarify, their big boss is Victor, from the Parks Corporation, whether it's in Harborview or Ashwood, it's known that Victor has feelings for Clara, and she knows it too. But after being together for six years, Victor was even by her side when she gave birth to Weston, going through many life-and-death situations... Could it be that Clara doesn't feel even a bit shaken?