NOVEL NEXT Chapter 834 Teacher
Older children peeked curiously into bassinets, their wide eyes and gentle fingers exploring the tiny faces of their new siblings.
The family's dining hall, already lively, now rang with twice the chatter and clinking of cutlery, the warmth of love spilling into every corner.
The mansion itself seemed to have changed. It no longer felt like a grand structure of marble and gold, but a living, breathing home.
There were moments when the hallways echoed with baby cries in different pitches, only to be quickly soothed by soft shushing and kisses.
Other times, the house was filled with laughter—the unrestrained, bubbling kind that only children could bring.
Ross would often stand in the middle of it all, watching, a rare and unguarded smile playing on his lips, feeling the quiet certainty that this—more than power, wealth, or fame—was his greatest treasure.
And so, as the year marched on, the family continued to grow not just in number but in love.
Each day was a celebration, each night a reminder of the bonds they shared.
The Oakley household was a kingdom, not ruled by fear or duty, but by joy, connection, and the simple, enduring happiness of being together.
The year 2042 had come and gone in the blink of an eye, marked by victories and growing responsibilities.
Now, January 2043 had settled in, bringing a crisp chill to the city skyline outside Ross's office.
At 38 years old, Ross Oakley was no stranger to success or controversy.
Surrounded by his ever-expanding family and a life many envied, he still faced challenges—some of which were creeping ever closer like shadows in the light.
Today's challenge sat across from him—a tall, striking journalist named Lois, known for her fearless style and piercing questions.
The interview was meant to be a routine exercise, a way to soften Ross's sometimes ruthless public image and endear him more to the masses.
But from the moment she opened her mouth, it was clear this would be anything but easy.
"Tell me, Mr. Oakley," Lois began, her voice cool and deliberate, "are you proud of what you've done with your life? You're nothing but a good-for-nothing playboy, flitting from woman to woman without any regard for their feelings or dignity. You have no intention of committing to a single person. You can't decide whom you love the most and so you marry them all instead. Honestly, society should be ashamed of idolizing someone like you."
The words hit like a sudden gust, catching Ross off guard.
He had braced for questions about his wealth, his career, even his family life—but not this blunt condemnation.
Yet, beneath the surface, a familiar fire ignited.
Ross met Lois's steady gaze with a slow, confident smile.
"Well, for starters," he replied smoothly, "I thought this was going to be a fun interview. I didn't expect it to turn into an interrogation." His voice was light but edged with amusement.
Behind the camera, the cameraman leaned in and whispered, "Hey Lois, maybe ease up a little?"
But Lois didn't flinch or look away.
Her eyes locked onto Ross's, silently demanding honesty and accountability.
Ross leaned back, steepling his fingers for a moment as he considered his response.
"Look, I get it. I'm not your typical guy. I don't live by the usual rules, and I don't pretend to be someone I'm not. Yes, I've been with many women, and yes, I have a large family. But I've never taken any of those relationships lightly."
He paused, letting the words hang in the air.
"These women are not trophies or conquests. They're my partners, my companions, the people I've chosen to share my life with. And if society can't understand that love and commitment don't have to fit into a narrow mold, well… that's their problem, not mine."
Lois's expression flickered for a moment—was it surprise, respect, or something else?—but she quickly masked it with her trademark professionalism.
"And what about the accusations that you don't care about their feelings? That you're selfish and reckless?"
Ross shrugged, his smile never fading.
"If I didn't care, I wouldn't be so present in their lives. I'm there for every important moment, every challenge, every victory. Maybe I don't fit the traditional image of a husband or a father, but I'm honest, loyal, and fiercely protective of my family. That's what matters."
He leaned forward now, voice lowering slightly. "I've built something real and meaningful, even if it looks unconventional to some. And I'm proud of it."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat. Lois looked down, scribbled something in her notebook, then looked back up with a softer expression.
"Fair enough, Mr. Oakley. But don't you ever worry that your lifestyle might not be sustainable? That eventually, this many relationships could lead to heartbreak or chaos?"
Ross chuckled, a deep, genuine sound.
"Life's never predictable, and I'm no stranger to risk. But I surround myself with people I trust and love. We're a team, a family. Yes, it's complicated, but it's also beautiful. And I wouldn't trade it for anything."
The camera kept rolling, capturing every word, every glance.
"I just think you're a terrible example for the younger generation," Lois said, her voice steady but laced with judgment.
She sat forward, her eyes burning with conviction.
"You have dozens of women practically begging for your attention, and I don't believe for a second that you can give any of them the time, respect, or care they deserve. It's greed, plain and simple, Mr. Oakley. No woman should ever be treated like a prize to be won or a possession to be shown off."
Ross regarded her calmly, his lips curling into a slow, confident smile.
"Alright then," he said smoothly, leaning back into his chair with an air of relaxed challenge.
"How about we put that to the test? There's a simple way to prove you're completely wrong."
Lois's brow furrowed, skepticism clear in her eyes. "And what would that be?"
Ross's gaze sharpened, a playful glint lighting his dark eyes.