Chapter 324: A Love For A Lifetime

At the Foster Mansion, Julian and Leanne were still trying to wrap their heads around the sudden reversal of public opinion on the internet.

It was a pleasant surprise, one neither of them had anticipated.

On the balcony of their master bedroom, the couple sat side by side on a cushioned lounge chair, their fingers intertwined. The cool morning December breeze brushed against their faces as they watched the comments on the tablet resting on Julian’s lap.

Only hours ago, netizens had been tearing Isobel apart, hurling insults at her and questioning her character. Now, those same people were singing her praises, showering her with admiration and sympathy.

Leanne couldn’t help shaking her head in amusement.

"Darling, people on the internet really are fickle-minded, aren’t they?" she remarked, leaning her head against her husband’s shoulder. "One moment, they’re ready to tear someone apart. The next, they’re treating her like a national treasure."

Julian chuckled, his thumb absently stroking the back of her hand.

"What can I say? Our daughter has a way of turning a crisis into a blessing." Pride crept into his voice as he glanced at the screen again.

"That’s my girl. She doesn’t even have to defend herself. The truth comes out, and suddenly, everyone is singing her praises."

Leanne lifted her head to look at him, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.

"There you go again, taking all the credit for yourself."

"Of course!" Julian replied without the slightest hesitation. "Who else could have fathered such an outstanding daughter?"

Leanne burst into laughter, the sound warm and familiar. After more than thirty years together, she had long grown accustomed to her husband’s shameless boasting whenever Morgan and Judy accomplished something remarkable.

And now, Isobel.

Yet, even after all these years, his pride in their family never failed to warm her heart.

She reached up and gently straightened the collar of his shirt, a small, affectionate gesture she had performed countless times throughout their marriage.

"Yes, yes. You’re the greatest father in the world," she humored him. "And though I did not raise Isobel, I suppose I should take some credit for raising our two wonderful children."

Julian turned to her, feigning astonishment.

"Some credit? My darling, you deserve at least half of it."

"Only half?" she challenged, arching an eyebrow.

He laughed and drew her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Fine. Sixty percent. Happy now?"

"Much better."

They exchanged a knowing smile, their laughter gradually fading into a comfortable silence.

More than three decades had passed since they first fell in love, yet Julian still held her hand as naturally as he had when they were young. The years had brought them wealth, responsibilities, family warmth, and countless challenges, but they had never allowed the demands of life to diminish the affection between them.

Julian still looked at her as though she were the woman who had stolen his heart all those years ago. And Leanne still found herself smiling at his ridiculous antics, even when she pretended to be exasperated.

She rested her head against his shoulder once more, her fingers slipping between his.

"At least Isobel can finally breathe easy," she murmured, her tone softening. "She’s been through enough. I’m glad people are beginning to see her for who she really is."

Julian’s expression grew serious for a moment.

"So am I. Whatever happens from now on, no one will be allowed to bully my daughter without facing the consequences."

Leanne squeezed his hand gently.

"And she won’t have to face anything alone. She has a family now."

Julian looked down at their joined hands before turning to kiss her temple.

"She has the best mother in the world."

Leanne smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"And you have the most devoted wife."

"That, my darling, is the greatest blessing of my life."

She laughed softly and nestled closer to him as a pair of love birds chirped in the corner.

For all the years they had spent together, Julian had accumulated more wealth and power than most men could dream of. But on a quiet day like this, with his beloved wife sitting beside him against his side, and their children finally finding their place in the world, he knew that his greatest fortune could not be measured in money.

It was the woman beside him.

And after more than thirty years of marriage, he would still choose her over everything else.

...

At Aioryx Tower, Morgan Foster was in an unusually good mood.

The usually cold-faced CEO sat behind his desk, grinning from ear to ear as the marketing and sales directors presented their latest reports. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished tabletop, and for once, he didn’t look as though he was about to freeze the entire room with a single glare.

Two hours ago, however, the atmosphere in his office had been cold enough to make his executives hold their breath.

Morgan was furious over the vicious attacks against Isobel. He had nearly instructed his legal team to file charges against the people who had slandered her online.

Anyone who dared to drag his sister through the mud would have to answer for it.

Fortunately, he had decided to wait.

And that decision had paid off spectacularly.

Public opinion had shifted in just a matter of hours, and he hadn’t even done anything yet.

What had begun as a scandal had turned into a publicity windfall, and the internet was now buzzing about something far more important than Kristoff’s private affairs that dragged Isobel’s name.

Project Lexan.

Aioryx’s latest innovation.

For the past six months, the AI-powered robotic baby companion had remained in beta testing. Morgan deliberately refused to rush its commercial launch, despite mounting pressure from the marketing team.

The technology was promising, but its purpose went beyond impressive demonstrations and attractive sales figures.

It was designed to protect human lives.

One mistake could mean the difference between a successful rescue and a tragedy. Morgan would rather endure months of criticism for moving too slowly than risk releasing a product that had not been thoroughly tested.

Alexander had become its first real success story.

The robotic puppy’s timely help had helped save the baby’s life, demonstrating the practical value of the technology in a way no laboratory simulation ever could.

Morgan was still trying to crack his brain how he could convince Kristoff to agree to authorize the release of the relevant data gathered by robot while it was monitoring Alexander.

The information could provide compelling evidence of the product’s capabilities, but Morgan understood the need to respect the child’s privacy and obtain the necessary consent.

Who would have thought that Kristoff himself had released the crucial video clip that showed the power of an AI assistant.

The video clip circulating online had captured the robotic toy’s remarkable response with undeniable clarity. Its precision, speed, and ability to detect a life-threatening emergency had turned an ordinary robotic puppy into the center of a global conversation about AI-assisted safety.

And the best part?

Aioryx hadn’t spent a fortune producing the publicity.

The internet had done the work for them.