Phoenix Tree Leaves Blanket the Southern Hills

For their son's seventh birthday, the family of three embarked on a rare trip. Chloe Sterling had booked a cruise in advance, but upon pushing open the suite door, she saw Julian Thorne's secretary lying on the bed with her legs spread, still clutching a wet fountain pen in her hand and deliriously calling out, "Julian!" Driven mad with anger, Chloe Sterling raised her hand and slapped her. The secretary, in tears, pushed past Julian Thorne, who had come over at the sound, and ran out. Chloe Sterling furiously waited for Julian Thorne's explanation, but he remained silent, grabbing their son, Leo Thorne, and leaving.