Chapter 316
Bang!
A massive firework exploded, lighting up half the night sky.
It also lit up her face.
The fireworks were beautiful.
But she was even more dazzling.
At that moment, Caitlin turned to watch the display. “Wow, that’s gorgeous p>
She clutched Gordon’s hand, giddy as a child. “Gordon, look! Isn’t it amazing p>
“Mm-hmm.” Gordon’s gaze lingered on her, the deep blue of his eyes reflecting only her. A faint, adoring smile played on his lips. “I’m watching p>
Soon enough, the fireworks Caitlin and Gordon had set off became the highlight of the whole show.
Someone captured the moment on video and posted it online.
Holy smokes, is that a four-foot shell?
I just looked it up-that firework costs six figures! Only in the Capital would you find people this loaded.
I need to know-which VIP set off that monster p>
I’m imagining a whole ‘billionaire sweeps his sweetheart off her feet with fireworks’ romance right now p>
I need to find myself a CEO to light up four-foot shells with me!
The Somerset family.
Harlan sat on his bed, frowning at the Heartsteady Elixir his mother brought him. “Mom, I don’t want to take this today p>
“No,” Yara replied sternly, her face set. “You have to take it if you want to get better p>
Harlan’s brow furrowed deeper. “But it makes me feel sick. Mom, can I please skip it this once p>
Every time he swallowed that little pill, he felt awful. He truly didn’t want to take it anymore.
“Don’t lie to me!” Yara’s expression grew harsher. “This Heartsteady Elixir is for your heart-of course it won’t feel pleasant! I know you’re just trying to get out of taking your medicine. Harlan, don’t think I’ll let it slide just because it’s the holidays p>
Harlan’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Mom, I’m not lying p>
He really wasn’t.
Why wouldn’t she believe him?
He felt helpless.
“I’m counting to three,” Yara warned, her brow knitted tight. “Three… two Seeing his mother on the verge of losing her temper, Harlan had no choice but to snatch the Heartsteady Elixir off the table and swallow it in one gulp.
Once she saw her son had taken the pill, Yara’s expression softened a little. “Are you going to keep lying to me p>
“Mom, I wasn’t—” Catching the threatening look in Yara’s eyes, Harlan quickly changed his tune. “No, I won’t lie anymore. I promise, never again p>
Yara’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. “Good. That’s my boy. Never lie, do you understand p>
Harlan nodded.
The sound of fireworks drifted in from outside, and Harlan worked up his courage. “Mom, since it’s New Year’s, can I go outside and light some fireworks, too p>
“No!” Yara shot him down at once. “It’s freezing out there. What if you catch a cold p>
“I’ll bundle up. I won’t get cold, I promise p>
“No!” Yara’s voice was firm. “I said no, and that’s final! If you have free time, spend it reading. Just look at your math test-only four points shy of perfect, and you couldn’t even manage that! If you put half as much effort into your studies as you do into playing, you’d have aced it p>
Yara loved her son fiercely. That’s why she was so desperate for him to succeed, to grow into someone exceptional-someone who could one day take over the Somerset Group.
Harlan lowered his head, not daring to argue any further.
“Tonight, I want you to go over those math problems again,” Yara continued. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you to church p>
“Okay.” Harlan’s response was listless. Then he reached for Yara’s hand. “Mom, will you stay with me tonight p>
He couldn’t say why, but tonight, more than ever, he just wanted his mother to stay by his side.
His attempt at affection only made Yara bristle. “Harlan, what have I told you? You’re a young man, not some little girl-no whining! A real man is independent. Don’t act like a mama’s boy, or how will you ever take charge of the Somerset Group p>
The cold, unyielding look on his mother’s face filled Harlan with disappointment. “I understand. I won’t do it again p>
The next morning.
New Year’s Monday.
Yara and her husband came downstairs for breakfast. As soon as they reached the dining room, Yara glanced at the housekeeper. “Why isn’t Harlan up yet p>
Usually by this time, their son would be at the table, reading while he waited for them.
Before anyone could answer, Mae hurried down the stairs, her face ashen. “Sir, ma’am, something’s wrong! I went to wake Master Harlan, but no matter how hard I knocked, he won’t open the door p>