Siren smiled lightly as she watched Aiden happily skipping steps, standing beside her bike, waiting for her. Meanwhile, Raven’s eyes were fixed on his wife’s choice of clothing. She was wearing a gray knitted turtleneck top with golden button details paired with black jeans. Raven looked at the scorching sun and then at her outfit, unable to suppress a chuckle.

“Don’t you feel stuffy?” he teased, earning a fierce glare from her.

Siren didn’t answer and strolled toward her bike. She lifted Aiden and placed him in front before taking her seat. She secured her helmet and ignited the bike, its vibration sounding through the yard and catching the attention of the workers at the mansion. 

No matter how many times they saw this scene, they were still mesmerized by their new madam’s biking skills. Siren drove her bike at high speed toward the Imperial Academy.

Raven leaned against the door, watching the departing bike. After a few minutes, he sighed, entered his car, and the chauffeur drove him to the Altron Group, where a mountain of work awaited him after his short absence.

At the Imperial Academy entrance, Siren carried Aiden’s backpack and lifted him off the bike, setting him gently on the ground. She squatted down to his height, smoothing the creases on his uniform. As it was a school for prestigious families, several women were there to drop off their children. They all looked at Siren with curiosity.

By this time, the entire city was aware of Siren, who had successfully climbed to the position of the madam of the Grey family. Their grand wedding event and photos had been the talk of the city from yesterday until now. Even though the parents here were from wealthy families, some didn’t have the privilege to attend the Grey family’s event.

This was a golden opportunity for them to get a glance at the new bride and possibly build connections, they thought. For this reason, many wives and elders from prominent families accompanied their children or grandchildren to school today. They had heard that the young master was always accompanied by his new stepmother.

Aiden looked up at his mother as she adjusted his tie. He had always felt envious of the kids who were dropped off by their parents, wishing for the same experience. Though his father dropped him off once a week, there was still a void in his heart. He longed to be accompanied by his mother, to hug and kiss her cheeks before waving goodbye. That had always seemed like a distant dream, but now, here he was.

His mother had driven him to school on a cool bike, adjusted his clothes and tie, and even patted his head. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in his eyes, clouding his forest green gaze.

Siren frowned when she saw the tears in his eyes. She wiped them away and asked, "Do you feel unwell somewhere?"

Aiden shook his head and pouted, "I am so happy," he said between smiles and tears.

Siren didn't fully understand his feelings, but she didn't like seeing tears in his eyes. She lifted him in her arms and walked towards the school gate. Once she set him down, Aiden adjusted his backpack and gazed at his mother.

Seeing the small figure looking up at her with expectation, Siren's heart softened. The corners of her lips trembled as she bent down to peck his forehead. Aiden's eyes widened, and he blushed shyly before turning around and running towards the academy.

"Bye mommy!" Aiden shouted.

Siren chuckled at his reaction. Once she ensured he got inside the school safely, she started her bike, but before she could leave, she was approached by a group of ladies. She turned off her bike and looked at them.

"Mrs. Grey," one of the women in the group greeted her with a wide smile on her face.

Siren nodded at her without any words. The woman's smile faltered, but she managed to school her expression and smiled at her again.

"I am Annie’s mother," she said as she introduced herself.

Siren looked at the woman and said, "Sorry, I don’t know who she is."

The woman looked embarrassed, and the other women who had accompanied her chuckled silently. She glared at them and then turned back to Siren, forcing a stiff smile. "Annie is studying in the same class as Aiden. They are friends. Didn't Aiden tell you about her?" she questioned.

"No," Siren stated bluntly.

The woman was speechless.

Without further words, Siren started her bike and left the place. Lydia gritted her teeth and looked at the way Siren left. "What if she became a member of Grey? She cannot be rude to others. After all, she is no one compared to them. Hmph!"

The women accompanying her all nodded their heads in agreement. Lydia was Annie’s mother, the girl who had approached Aiden with the lunch box. Lydia had been trying hard to make connections with the Grey family through her daughter. One couldn’t imagine the benefits obtained from such a connection, but it was not as easy as she thought.

Last time, her daughter had come home crying because Aiden had called her a pig!

Once Siren reached the shed, Alex came running out from inside and inspected her up and down. She looked at him confused and asked, “What happened?”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “That bastard didn’t hurt you yesterday, right?” he questioned anxiously.

“Who?” she asked him as she entered the shed.

“Of course, your husband! Men are beasts, Grace. They look like gentlemen on the outside, but they are not. Why don’t you come to my condo with little Aiden and spend the week away from your husband?” Alex told her seriously as he trailed behind her.

Siren stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. “Dexy, I heard you left early this morning from Alfred. Where did you go?”

She walked to him step by step. Alex gulped and took a step back, away from his daughter’s suspicious eyes. He turned his head to the side and cleared his throat. “I went to meet a client,” he stammered.

Siren took another step forward, causing Alex to bump into the wall behind him, looking like a rat trapped in a corner. “So early in the morning? And who might be the client in such urgent need?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Alex coughed awkwardly and scratched his neck. “SuddenlyicravedfrogfriesandwenttoPaopao’s restaurant,” he replied in one breath and slipped away from his daughter.

Siren watched his retreating figure and scoffed, “Gentleman, my ass.”

Far from Worcester, the scorching sun blazed high in the sky, casting its warmth over a sparsely populated beach where people strolled and chatted along the sandy shore. A man reclined on a beach lounger, wearing only beach shorts and a hat that shielded his face. He had his hands folded behind his head, basking in the sun. His well-defined chest muscles and abs were on full display, causing nearby women to swoon.

Suddenly, his phone rang, with "Playboy" by Trey Songz playing in the background. The man sighed, removed the hat from his face, and stood up to reach for his phone. The women around couldn’t help but drool. 

His tousled, chestnut-brown hair framed a face that was the perfect blend of rugged and refined. His chiseled jawline and high cheekbones gave him an almost statuesque appearance, softened by a playful smirk that seemed to be a permanent fixture on his lips. His lean yet athletic frame exuded effortless charm.

His hazel eyes, gleaming with a mischievous glint, winked at them, eliciting squeals and giggles from the women nearby.

He put the phone to his ear, his baritone voice resonating, “Whatsapp?”

“Carlos is dead,” the person on the other end stated in a monotone.

“So what? You calling me to bring him a wreath for his funeral?” he asked, irritated that his peaceful moment was being disturbed.

“There was a spade card on his body,” the other person added, stopping his sarcastic comments.

The man clicked his tongue and replied, “I’ll be back”

“Make it quick, Ryder” 

And the call ended.