I was thrilled when my best friend agreed to have her daughter, who's been living abroad for twenty years, come and assist me. I was sure that once Bodhi met her, he would change his mind about things.

After finishing work late tonight, just as I was about to apply some night cream after my shower, the butler announced Bodhi's return.

“Mom, have you been in touch with Charlee lately?” Bodhi’s face was tense, his voice tightly controlled.

I had tried to keep my communications with Charlee under the radar. The fact that Bodhi found out so quickly meant she must have told him on purpose.

This realization made my heart sink, and I quietly admitted to it.

Bodhi sneered, “Don’t worry, Charlee isn’t with me for my money.”

I sighed, “Is that how you speak to your mother? Where are your manners, Bodhi?”

Irritated, Bodhi turned and sank into the couch. I didn’t want Charlee to drive a wedge between us, so I softened my tone:

“I haven’t been hard on her; I simply want this situation to be handled cleanly. You and Charlee aren't a good match.”

Bodhi’s response was dissatisfied, “Why not?”

I gestured at him, “Look at you, you're over six feet tall, and Charlee's barely reaching five feet. It's like you're escorting a child.”

“Mom, that's superficial. Didn’t you promise to respect my choices?”

“I don't want to interfere, but ever since you’ve been with Charlee, your focus and behavior have slipped. You’re at risk of losing your motivation and opportunities for growth.”

Bodhi stared wistfully at the floor, “I feel so at ease with Charlee. She shares funny stories from her childhood, like fishing in the stream, catching bugs, and sneaking apples from the orchard…”

“I’ve never had experiences like that, and I really long for that kind of life, rather than the constant pressure of taking over the company.”

This is just unbelievable!

“A girl who's trying to better herself is dragging my carefully nurtured son down.”

I took a deep breath, “Bodhi, you're the future of Crawford Group. What you’re doing now is preparation for your future…”

Bodhi interrupted, raising his voice, “Crawford! Crawford, is that all you care about? Don’t my feelings matter at all?”

“Alright, alright!” I pressed a hand to my throbbing temples, “Let’s not discuss this anymore. Tomorrow, your cousin is coming back from abroad. I need you to pick her up.”

Bodhi sprang up from the couch, looking at me incredulously:

“Mom, your attempts to split us are relentless! Are you trying to set me up with someone else now?”

I frowned, “Bodhi, don't be so dramatic! She's coming for research…”

Bodhi cut me off again, “I’m not picking anyone up. And stop interfering in my relationship with Charlee.”

Exasperated, I reminded him, “Don’t forget, you're a Crawford, and I’m your mother. Until you’re fully independent, I have the responsibility to guide you.”

“I can change my name! I'm an adult now; I don't need your guidance.”

With that, Bodhi stormed out.

“You…”

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and fainted.

I opened my eyes again and found myself lying in bed.

Stefan, the butler, looked at me with concern. "Ma'am, I'm glad to see you're awake. The doctor stopped by and mentioned it was just a stress-related incident, thankfully nothing too serious."

Outside the window, the sun shone brightly.

I quickly asked, "Who went to pick up Selah?"

"I've arranged for Zane, the driver, to get Miss Olson."

"And Bodhi?"

"He went back to school! He spoke to the doctor, and once he knew you were alright, he decided to stay there."

I knew Stefan was trying to reassure me. It worked; my heart felt much calmer.

I pushed myself up, preparing to get out of bed, when a light, pleasant scent drifted in from the doorway.

"Godmother!"

With a cheerful voice, a figure breezed in.

Standing tall at over five-foot-nine, she was stylishly dressed without overdoing it. Her hair was tied up high, shiny and black, her smile warm and dignified, embodying confidence and grace.

Despite being in college, Selah was studying both management and psychology and excelling in both, according to her mother, my dear friend Alexandria.

Ah, my dream daughter-in-law!

"Godmother, are you alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine, I'm fine! Come here, let me take a good look at you. It's been so many years."

I held Selah’s hand; it was soft and fragrant, hard to let go.

Eighteen years later, for the first time, I regretted not choosing X.

"When I was on my way over, my mom mentioned Bodhi's situation, which just so happens to align with my research topic. Don't worry, I'll help you... er, solve the problem."

Meeting Selah's bright eyes, I couldn't help but be curious. "Selah, what exactly is your research topic?"

She gave a mischievous smile. "That's a secret! I've already set up the action plan on the plane; all you need to do is cooperate with me."

I nodded, somewhat puzzled.

"Alright!" Selah released my hand, her smile unwavering, "No time to waste; I'm going to get everything ready now. Just wait to see the results!"

With that, Selah walked away, her hair swinging.

Oh! This child is even cleverer than her mother.